Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff were in disagreement over whether Mercedes should supply Red Bull with engines, with the triple F1 world champion reportedly in favour of the deal.
In the wake of Renault’s troubles in the latest turbo era, partner team Red Bull spent part of the 2015 season trying to secure another engine. The four-time world champions tested the waters with all three other manufacturers, starting with Mercedes.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explains that the deal fell through because of Wolff’s reluctance to equip a rival outfit.
“Niki Lauda tried his hardest to make it happen and unfortunately Toto was particularly unkeen to see Mercedes power in the back of a Red Bull car,” he said.
Mercedes’ eventual decision came as a surprise to Red Bull, especially after Wolff himself said in early summer 2015 that he was “leaving the door open” on the matter.
Ferrari and Honda’s similar refusals to provide Milton Keynes with engines meant Red Bull had no choice but to carry on using Renault power units in 2016, though these will bear the name of new sponsor TAG-Heuer.
It was rumoured that tensions were brewing between Lauda and Wolff at the end of last year, but the 25-time grand prix winner quickly dismissed them saying he intended to honour his contract through to 2017.
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