Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Did the VW diesel scandal kill an F1 deal with Red Bull?

Stephen Edelstein
By

Red Bull Racing at 2014 Singapore GP
Image used with permission by copyright holder
As the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal continues to unfold, its sheer scope begs the question of just how far-reaching an impact it will have. A new report claims it could even affect the seemingly far-off world of Formula One.

Volkswagen doesn’t have any involvement in F1, but that might have been about to change. The company was reportedly negotiating a deal to supply engines to former champion Red Bull Racing, but that deal has likely been derailed by the emissions scandal, according to Motorsport.com.

Recommended Videos

It’s not a secret that Red Bull is unhappy with its current Renault powertrains, which team principals blame for its current lack of success. Red Bull was previously rumored to be courting Volkswagen property Audi as an engine supplier, but Audi denied any plans to enter F1. While Volkswagen has no real F1 experience, Red Bull apparently thinks the company could be a valuable partner.

Related

The alleged deal would have had Volkswagen enter F1 as a supplier of “power units” (as the combined gasoline and electric hybrid powertrains are called), and acquire Red Bull Racing from its namesake energy-drink company. Red Bull would then transition to a more traditional sponsorship role.

It’s unclear what would have happened to Red Bull Racing’s sister team, Toro Rosso, under this arrangement, or whether Volkswagen would use the team to promote itself or one of its many other brands.

That’s all immaterial now, because Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says the deal “seemed to go up in smoke” after the revelation that VW installed software on diesel cars that allowed them to cheat U.S. emissions tests. The deal may not be off, but given the scope of the scandal, it’s probably fair to say that F1 isn’t a high priority right now for the VW brass.

This makes sense for Volkswagen, but it must be quite frustrating for Red Bull, which is desperate to get back into contention. The team won four championships using Renault engines, but when the current hybrid units were introduced for the 2014 season, it began falling off pace. The Renault power unit hasn’t been able to match the performance or reliability of the dominant Mercedes-Benz and more-competitive Ferrari units.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more