British manufacturer Aston Martin will become Red Bull Racing’s title sponsor from the start of the 2018 season.
The duo have been in partnership since 2016, which has led to the creation of the Valkyrie hypercar, using F1 technology and power systems, and could mean the manufacturer building the team’s engines from 2021.
The forging of closer links will also see the creation of the Advanced Performance Centre, which will be a design centre for future sports cars and will create 110 jobs.
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and CEO, said: “Title partnership is the next logical step for our Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing. We are enjoying the global brand awareness that a revitalised Formula One provides.”
Formula One cars have been powered by a petrol-hybrid powertrain since 2014 but have received criticism for being too complex and too expensive. The FIA is discussing whether to simplify and reduce the cost of engines when a change is due in 2021.
On this point, Palmer added: “The power unit discussions are of interest to us but only if the circumstances are right. We are not about to enter an engine war with no restrictions in cost or dynamometer hours, but we believe that if the FIA can create the right environment we would be interested in getting involved.”
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said: “Our Innovation Partnership with Aston Martin has been a pioneering project from day one. Having conceived and created the remarkably successful Valkyrie together in 2016, we extended our relationship this year and are now delighted to further strengthen the partnership and see the team competing as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in 2018.
“In addition, more than 100 Aston Martin staff will service the new Advanced Performance Centre on our campus here in Milton Keynes and it will allow us to collaborate further with Aston Martin on special, equally innovative, new projects.”
