Red Bull have an engine deal in place for next season’s Formula One championship after months of uncertainty, the team’s principal Christian Horner revealed yesterday.

“We’ve entered the World Championship, we’ve signed a contract for an engine, but I can’t tell you what it’ll be or called at the moment,” Christian Horner said at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The engine is almost sure to be a Renault one, although likely under another name and possibly with Red Bull’s own technical input.

Renault are Red Bull’s current partners but the relationship has strained to breaking point, despite four successive drivers’ and constructors’ titles together from 2010 to 2013, due to the V6 turbo hybrid unit’s lack of performance.

Renault are still mulling their future in the sport, and a possible takeover of the Lotus team, with a decision expected imminently.

Contract terms

However, Red Bull’s contract with them was not due to expire until the end of 2016 and is understood to remain in place despite discord between the two parties.

Mercedes have already refused to supply Red Bull, Ferrari are willing only to make available year-old units to sister team Toro Rosso and McLaren have a veto over Honda supplying anyone else next season. Apart from those three, Renault are the only remaining option.

Red Bull announced some weeks ago that they had entered next year’s championship and have recently been announcing a string of sponsorship renewals.

Luxury watch brand Tag Heuer has also said it is leaving McLaren for Red Bull.

“It’s an engine that will hopefully improve during the course of the year, so it’s going to be a tough start to the season for us but we’re confident we’ll make strides,” said Horner.

Red Bull have Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Russian Daniil Kvyat as their two drivers.