Red Bull Racing will run Tag Heuer-branded Renault power units in 2016, the Milton Keynes based team confirmed on Friday.
The outfit had been seeking a new engine partner since terminating its deal with Renault a season early, however with all three alternative manufacturers refusing a deal, Red Bull was forced to turn back to long-term partner Renault.
Whilst the engines will be supplied by the French manufacturer, as part of the revised deal they were given the right to rebrand them, though the contract is for a single season only.
Snapping up McLaren sponsor Tag Heuer offered Red Bull an opportunity to use the Swiss watch maker’s name, bringing back TAG branded engines for the first time since 1987 when the McLaren MP4/3 ran a TAG branded Porsche unit.
Their 2016 car will be renamed the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.
Speaking about the deal, team principal Christian Horner said: “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.
“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.”
Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and president of the LVMH Watch Division, added: “Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer’s DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy.
“It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative.
“Our motto #DontCrackUnderPressure will be the guiding principle behind all our actions with the support of the Red Bull Racing team and its highly contagious enthusiasm.”
