Red Bull have until the 22nd November to reach a solution to their worsening engine crisis, according to Autosport.
The team are without a 2016 power unit supplier after growing frustration at Renault’s lack of progress led to the team cancelling their contract with the French manufacturer – slating them in the press and burning their bridges before a replacement was found.
It is this engine crisis that has led to Red Bull’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, giving Team Principal Christian Horner and Motorsport Advisor Dr Helmut Marko a three-week extension to find a competitive solution to the problem before he pulls the plug on the team.
The initial plan was to have a confirmed 2016 power unit deal in place by the end of October, but that deadline passed at the Mexican Grand Prix with no announcement made.
Ferrari are only willing to supply the four-time constructors’ champions with 2015 specification engines, whilst Mercedes are not thought to be in the running at all. Honda are interested in expanding to another team but McLaren CEO Ron Dennis is believed to have exercised the team’s veto on possible Honda customer deals.
Mateschitz told Autosport “I extend the deadline for three more weeks.”
“The situation is clear, we won’t get any of the existing powertrains because all teams fear that we would be faster than their own works outfits.”
“As we know you can’t buy courage or sporting spirit.”
The future of Red Bull’s junior team also remains unclear. Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost is believed to be close to agreeing a deal to use 2015 Ferrari engines next year, whilst Mateschitz has not given a definitive answer on the future of the B-team.
It would be a great shame for Formula One to lose four cars from the grid, as well as Red Bull’s fantastic young driver programme that has seen Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo go on to win multiple Grands Prix.
