Well, well, well, the FIA have opened the door to help the fizzy drinks company.
The FIA have ruled customer power units must be of the same specification as that of the works team in 2016.
Paddock rumour in Russia suggested Ferrari were willing to provide Toro Rosso with a 2015 specification unit next year, as the Red Bull-backed teams struggle to find an engine supply for 2016.
However, the newly-published FIA F1 Sporting Regulations stipulate that all engines must be the same specification as the unit homologated on February 28 next year.
Only power units which are identical to the power unit that has been homologated by the FIA in accordance with Appendix 4 of these regulations may be used at an Event during the 2016-2020 Championship seasons,' reads article 23.5 of the 2016 sporting regulations.
No mention is made of in-season development being permitted as was the case with a token system in 2015, but Appendix 4 does permit reliability and cost-cutting updates.
'A manufacturer may apply to the FIA during the course of the homologation period to carry out modifications to their homologated power unit for the sole purposes of reliability, safety, cost-saving,' it reads.
The Sporting Regulations seemingly rule out any chance of Red Bull settling for an older-specification engine to remain on the grid in 2016 and could therefore have serious ramifications for the future of the former world champions in F1.
Adrian Newey claimed the FIA had the power to balance the performance of power units and it appears there may be some scope for this in Appendix 4.
'Any manufacturer intending to homologate a new power unit during the 2016-2020 period must provide the FIA with full details of the power unit on or before 28 February of the year of homologation,' it reads.
'The FIA must be satisfied, at its absolute discretion, that such a power unit could fairly and equitably be allowed to compete with other homologated power units.'
Link: http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10028097/fia-rule-customer-power-units-to-be-same-specification-works-team
Customer PUs must be the same with Works PU
posted on 14/10/15
but neither Merc or Ferrari are going to want to give RedBull their own top engine....
Newey said it's because they're scared
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/34513738
posted on 14/10/15
This is nothing new: Manor had to be given special exemption to use old engines this year and was only granted because of their money issues. It just shows that Red Bull's grumblings in the press of wanting equal engines was just hot air.
posted on 14/10/15
if they get a decent engine, what will Horner find to moan about next?
posted on 14/10/15
Horner will probably moan about the straights on track
posted on 14/10/15
You just have to love the fizzy drinks company. So much arrogance. Joke of an organisation
posted on 14/10/15
I'd really love them to just feck off.....or stay with Renault will enjoy seeing them "racing" the Manors
posted on 14/10/15
I personally would like to see them gone, hopefully Ricciardo and Verstappen get snapped up by Haas and Renault. Sainz can get a development role as well.
posted on 14/10/15
I'd like Ricci in Kimi's seat
posted on 14/10/15
Seb would not like him in it