Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne says that the Scuderia would be willing to supply rivals Red Bull with power units, if the four time double world champions decide to drop the struggling Renault units at the end of next season.
Marchionne told Autosport “I think they (Red Bull) have done a lot for the sport, they’ve had the world championship for a number of years.”
“I think they will find their way again and if we can help them get there, we’d be more than glad to do it.”
“It’s in our DNA, we’ve done it before. I think we can provide engines to any of the teams that want to race.”
Ferrari currently supply long term customers Sauber with engines that are one stage out of development to the main team, whilst Manor receive 2014 specification power units. Marchionne, however, is not fazed by the idea of supplying a championship rival with equal engines.
“As long as we keep control over the aerodynamic work on the car, I think there’s enough distinguishing traits between us and the competition.”
Vettel won the Malaysian Grand Prix
Red Bull have used Renault engines since 2007, with sister team Toro Rosso switching from Ferrari to join them at the beginning of the V6 hybrid era last year.
With hindsight, that perhaps was not the best decision. Renault have struggled to master the complex systems of the power units. Despite pre and in season development of the units, the French manufacturer appears to have gone backwards this year – in both performance and reliability stakes.
Ferrari won the Malaysian Grand Prix thanks to Sebastian Vettel, with the German also bringing home many podiums. Red Bull are yet to step on the podium at all this season – Daniil Kvyat’s fourth place at Monaco their best result of the season.
Both Red Bulls had 10 place engine penalties at their home race – the Austrian Grand Prix – and with 11 races to go, things don’t look sunny for the Renault powered boys.
Images courtesy of Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari
