Mercedes Power Unit
A conceptual look at what a Red Bull Racing–Mercedes power unit partnership might have been.
Red Bull Racing never used Mercedes power units in Formula One, but they did come close: a potential Mercedes engine supply agreement for the 2016 season was discussed but ultimately fell through. In reality, Red Bull Racing used Renault engines (2007–2018, rebadged as TAG Heuer from 2016–2018) and Honda engines from 2019 onward.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Engine Supplier
- Affiliation
- Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines
- First appears
- 2014 Season
- Status
- Active Partnership (Historical Context)
- Era defined
- V6 Turbo-Hybrid Revolution
Lore & Background
The Red Bull Racing RB16 and RB16B are Formula One racing cars designed and constructed by Red Bull Racing to compete during the 2020 and 2021 Formula One World Championships, respectively. They were powered by Honda's RA620H (2020) and RA621H (2021) power units, being the second and third Red Bull to use the Japanese manufacturer's engines. The 2021 car won the drivers' title with Max Verstappen, marking the team's first World Championship title in 8 years since Sebastian Vettel won the drivers' title and the team won the constructors' title in 2013. Notably, Red Bull's only brush with Mercedes power came from a failed 2016 supply deal.
Reader's Guide
The RB16 made its debut at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, while the RB16B made its debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. The drivers for 2020 were Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, with Sergio Pérez taking Albon's place for 2021. Albon became the team's test and reserve driver for the 2021 season. The RB16B became the first non-Mercedes car to win any championship since 2013.
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