Red Bull Racing confirms Aston Martin title sponsorship for 2018

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Luxury car maker Aston Martin will see its visibility increase next season in F1 as it becomes the title sponsor of Red Bull Racing.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit will officially compete under the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing banner in 2018, as the two companies strengthen ties which have already yielded the development of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar.

The increased collaboration and technical partnership will also lead to a new Advanced Performance Centre being established at Red Bull Racing’s campus later this year.

The new centre will house Aston Martin’s design and engineering personnel responsible for future sports cars from the two companies, and will allow a closer working relationship between the two leading brands in their respective fields which will see the adoption of both F1 and road car technology.

"Our innovation partnership with Aston Martin has been a pioneering project from day one," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"Having conceived and created the remarkably successful Aston Martin Valkyrie together in 2016, we extended our relationship this year and are now delighted to further strengthen the Partnership and see the team competing as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in 2018."

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Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer underlined the benefits the legendary British company has enjoyed while working with Red Bull Racing, and admitted to taking a keen interest in F1's future engine.

Palmer insisted however that Aston Martin would only be interested in the sport's 2021 engine platform if technology and costs were reined in.

"Title partnership is the next logical step for our 'innovation partnership' with Red Bull Racing," said Palmer.

"We are enjoying the global brand awareness that a revitalised Formula 1 provides.

"The power unit discussions are of interest to us but only if the circumstances are right.

"We are not about to enter an engine war with no restrictions in cost or dynamometer hours but we believe that if the FIA can create the right environment we would be interested in getting involved."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.