Red Bull looks to be moving on in formula one without a title sponsor. Last month, following the marketing split from Renault and the rebranding of Red Bull's engines for 2016 as Tag-Heuer, the team admitted it will no longer be backed by Infiniti.
It is the luxury road car division of Nissan, which is owned by Renault. "They became the title sponsor of the team in 2013 when Infiniti enjoyed greater visibility than any other manufacturer in the sport," boss Christian Horner said recently. "We wish them all the best with their plans for the future."
So on Monday, Red Bull Racing revealed its new logo for 2016, confirming not only the departure of Infiniti but that a replacement title sponsor has apparently not been signed. The logo reads simply: "Red Bull Racing formula one team".
Horner has said 2016 will be a year of transition for Red Bull as it prepares for the radical new engine and chassis rules of 2017 and beyond. But Mercedes' Nico Rosberg says the former quadruple world champions should never be ruled out.
"You always have to reckon with Red Bull," he told Germany's motorsport-magazin.com. "They are a very strong team. Up to one and a half years ago, they were absolutely dominant, simply unbeatable. They could always make a comeback, so we have to keep an eye on them," Rosberg added. (GMM)
Local time
Local time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Isnt it a bit rude to not consider TAG their title sponsor? The engine they'll be using is a Renault engine fueled by TAG's money, so I'd definitely think of them as a sponsor/title sponsor if I were in Red Bull's shoes.
khasmir
Posts: 893
Indeed, weird TAG is not mentioned at all since the PU is branded TAG. But maybe that is just not part of the deal since they could have branded the PU as anything expect Renault. It might just as well have been Red Bull powered by gerbils with wings ;)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
That could be, and in any case they'll likely sport TAG logos on their car, but it would've been a good way to thank TAG by naming them TAG-Red Bull. After all, had it not been for TAG buying Renault engines RB would've had to race with Renault branded ones (awkward since they wanted to split from them) or worse, leave the sport altogether with no engine in sight.
Pompey
Posts: 84
Surely the Red Bull logo alone is the main sponsor?