Red Bull team principal Christian Horner thinks Formula One’s engine situation could quickly become unhealthy if only a couple of suppliers dominate the sport.

Mercedes has been the clear benchmark since the new generation of 1.6L V6 turbocharged power units was introduced in 2014, while Ferrari has been making real in-roads this season.

Red Bull and Toro Rosso have a contract with Renault for next year, but owner Dietrich Mateschitz confirmed last Friday that the partnership will finish at the end of 2015 following two difficult campaigns with the French constructor.

This means the energy drinks giant is looking for a new partner, with Mercedes and Ferrari – which already power most of the grid – the only viable options given Honda’s current woes at McLaren.

“I think it is important for Formula 1 to have competitive engine manufacturers because what we are rapidly descending upon is two dominant engine suppliers and that ultimately isn’t healthy for Formula 1,” said Horner, whose team won four consecutive double championships using Renault power in 2010-2013.

“With the V8 you had three or four competitive engines that were capable of winning. Now you have only got two engines that are capable of winning races on merit and that is not particularly healthy.”

With Renault set to focus solely on its factory programme after buying out Lotus, Manor poised to switch to Mercedes power, and Haas entering F1 with a strong technical partnership with Ferrari, here is how the 2016 engine market shapes up:

Mercedes – Mercedes
Ferrari – Ferrari
Williams – Mercedes
Red Bull – Ferrari or Mercedes
Force India – Mercedes
Lotus – Renault
Toro Rosso – Ferrari or Mercedes
Sauber – Ferrari
McLaren – Honda
Manor – Mercedes
Haas – Ferrari

Singapore Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

20 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago