The Infiniti Red Bull Racing team has announced they will race with Tag-Heuer-branded Renault power units in Formula 1 in 2016.
The announcement comes at the end of a disappointing season for the Red Bull team, who had looked on course for a messy divorce from Renault as a result, but recent talks have brought the two together again for next season, albeit with recently acquired sponsor Tag-Heuer taking over the naming rights; the 2016 entry for the team will be the Red Bull Racing-Tag Heuer RB12.
The continuation of the partnership insures a tenth consecutive season of with Renault, and marks the return to the sport of the Tag-Heuer name, bringing back memories of the luxury watchmakers having naming rights with the McLaren team between 1983 and 1987 while the team ran with Porsche engines.
“TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and this unique collaboration is further evidence of that,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.
“TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us. Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1.
“We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007. Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season.”
