As part of the agreement, Infiniti will have a high-profile branding presence on the Red Bull car, their drivers’ clothing and related team uniforms and equipment. Red Bull will continue to use Renault engines for the next two seasons, during which time Infiniti will work with Renault to forge a future technical collaboration with the team.
“Red Bull has always taken a different approach, so when the Infiniti executives outlined their innovative plan to us we were very open to working with them,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was instrumental in pulling the agreement together. “Coming off the back of our 2010 drivers’ and constructors’ world championships, we feel even more excited to be starting the 2011 season with a new and committed partner like Infiniti.”
Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Infiniti commented: “Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range. Given these twin ambitions, it is clear that Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti’s ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault.”
Bernard Rey, President of Renault Sport F1 further endorsed the new deal: “While Renault is rightfully very proud of our achievements within Formula One, we know the future is about collaboration. To have a talented and committed Alliance partner like Infiniti is very welcome as we set out on the current and future challenges in Formula One. So it is with great pleasure that I would like to welcome Andy Palmer and his entire team in our Formula One adventure, and I look forward to starting the 2011 season together as Alliance partners.”
Red Bull have used Renault power since 2007. Also running the same engines this season are the Renault team (now owned by Genii Capital) and Lotus.
