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
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