Christian Horner believes a new engine deal with Renault is now a formality following the relationship between the engine supplier and Red Bull Racing growing in the early stages of the 2016 season.
Last year, the two parties were divided as the results were not coming and the Renault power unit was deemed to be both uncompetitive and unreliable, but the progress made with the power unit has impressed the Red Bull boss and team.
Horner also revealed that despite the contract between Renault and Red Bull looking set to be extended, the engine will continue to be branded as a ‘Tag-Heuer’, a decision that all parties are happy with.
“The relationship between ourselves and Renault has grown, and it would be a formality for the relationship to be extended in the very near future,” said Horner to Autosport.
“I think it works very well the way it is, so I don’t see any reason why we would want to change. Renault has its identity through their team, and they are happy for TAG to have the identity on the power unit.
“It also works well for TAG, it works well for Red Bull. Everybody is happy.
“The first thing we have to do, though, is finalise our agreement on the power unit for future years, and then, of course, at that point we will sit down with the guys from TAG. But we have a multiple-year agreement with TAG.”
Max Verstappen – Credit: Octane Photographic Ltd
