Ex-F1 Engineer Reveals Volkswagen Conspiracy Behind Red Bull’s Renault Relationship

Formula One is known to lure big names to the grid. With auto-motor powerhouses like Aston Martin and Mercedes already on the grid, it looks like German manufacture Porsche was also interested in joining the sport back in 2016. Red Bull were excited about the prospect and were being tough with their then-engine supplier, Renault.

Ernest Knoors, a former Formula One engineer, talked about how the Milton-Keynes would benefit from working with them. Additionally, with the new engine regulations coming in 2026, the Volkswagen group, which owns Porsche, could get a good deal with Red Bull.

Red Bull would benefit from Volkswagen being on the F1 grid

The new power unit regulations, which would come in effect in 2026, would open the market to new teams joining the sport. Hence, Knoors feels that Red Bull who will take control of their own engines from 2021 onwards, would benefit from this deal.

As quoted by Formule1, he said, “One of the reasons they played so hard with Renault at the time is that they were convinced that Porsche was going to do Formula 1. However, the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal has put an end to it.” (Translated via Google Translate)

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Red Bull’s plans as Honda leaves the grid after 2021

The Japanese engine manufacture would part ways with the Raging Bulls at the end of the season. This cause major problems for Team Principal, Christian Horner. However, they did come up with a plan, and that was to start their own line of power units.

Speaking about this project, Horner said, “It needs to be a long-term view, because obviously investment into the facilities to gear up for this are quite significant. So you’ve got both the short-term scenario of the existing regulations and then of course whatever the new regulations are, we need to be in a position to obviously take that on as well.

“Strategically this is a big commitment by the group, it shows their commitment to F1 as well. To bring it on site, on campus here in Milton Keynes is an enormous undertaking and one which truly integrates the Power Unit into the chassis. I think that we have taken control our own destiny in that respect, integrating Power Unit with chassis,” he concluded.

With the Horner-led team taking charge of their own engines, what are your predictions for Red Bull for the coming years? Let us know in the comments below.

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