Red Bull has confirmed to run the the upgraded Renault engine in Daniel Ricciardo’s car at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix. There may be far deeper underlying implications of this than simply providing Red Bull with a stronger power unit for the remainder of the season.
Clearly in introducing the new engine this year, Renault are preparing for 2016: this would benefit the soon to be announced Renault 2016 works team. Presumably, however, there is no benefit to Red Bull if they are changing suppliers next year, to the contrary Red Bull would ultimately be assisting a future competitor. Further to Red Bull’s detriment, Daniel Ricciardo is set to suffer a 10 place grid penalty in Sao Paulo as a consequence of the engine change.
This begs the question: why are Red Bull accepting the new power unit? Have they have come to an agreement with Renault for 2016?
We don’t have long to wait, as Dietrich Mateschitz’s deadline to Red Bull draws ever closer.
Amir Hussain
