Hi F1 Fans, Sorry for the noob question, but am I right in assuming the Tag Heuer engine is 100% Renault with a Tag Heuer sticker just slapped on it? I had seen this ad implying Tag would do "some work" to it, but I quite frankly don't know if this is just marketing malarky. Thanks in advance. Image Unavailable, Please Login
My take on the deal is that Tag and Red Bull will pursue "independent" development of the PU since it's "their" engine. That, or just "marketing malarky".
I assume it's pretty much just badge engineering. Maybe they can engineer a way to keep Christian Horner from being a pillock most of the time.....
really appreciate the comments...I"m hoping it's not just complete badge engineering - I don't know maybe something over at the watch factory would be ideal for some part of engine development. here's to a great 2016 F1 season. Cheers
Perhaps we will have "some" information at the Renault press conference in the coming days, when they should explain their 2016 plans, although Carlos Ghosn does not like to make mention of Red Bull these days... Rgds
It's pure marketing. The FIA sporting regs explains it in more detail. Ferrari used to go by the name of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (this got them around the smoking advertising bans for a few years). Other Ferrari engine re-brands include Sauber Patronas and Prost Acer. The only thing Tag Heuer will be providing besides money is free watches I'm sure the drivers will be happy they are upgrading from Casio
TAG Heuer may be the new name for the power unit on the Red Bull next year, but I bet that if it doesn't perform as expected, Mateschitz, Marko and Horner will still direct their criticisms towards Renault.
Ouch!.... Truer words never spoken though!..... [Except, wasn't it "Scuderia Marlboro Ferrari"? I may be wrong.... ] Cheers, Ian
To be honest, I have your same questions. Red Bull obviously had something they wanted that Renault compromised for the other teams. Perhaps this arrangement will allow Red Bull to have different parts in the hybrid packaging, but still the Renault engine block.
Tag doesn't know even how to engineer their own products (e.g. they use a Seiko movement as if it was theirs), imagine anything related to a F1 engine...
That was what I was wondering too. Red Bull themselves might be developing the hybrid systems while buy in the Renault engine block - all funded by TAG Heuer. All the best, Andrew.
Possible I guess. But IMO, unlikely. I've no up to date info, but suspect these things are very 'integrated'. They may go down a development path with what I'd call 'third party' KERS stuff, but very doubtful I feel. They've just got to hope Renault get their act together..... Cheers, Ian
