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Red Bull team boss plays down talk of Aston Martin deal

Horner says report suggesting Mercedes engines will come as part of deal with Aston Martin is speculation

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner insists they remain committed to Renault, despite speculation they're in talks with Aston Martin about a supply of Mercedes engines as early as next season.

According to Autocar, the deal would see Aston Martin become brand and technical partners to the former world champions, replacing Renault and current brand partners Infiniti.

In return, Red Bull would be supplied with engines by Mercedes – five per cent owners of Aston Martin.

The deal would also alleviate some of the cost Mercedes have burdened producing what are considered to be their field-leading power units.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ ahead of the British GP, Horner said he wouldn't comment on rumour - although neither did he deny the story outright.

“There’s so many rumours flying around at the moment. You’ve got to go on what you know and we have a contract with Infiniti, and with Renault, until the end of 2016. Anything beyond that is just purely speculation," he said.

Red Bull’s current deal with engine providers Renault runs until the end of next season. However, an early divorce may suit both parties. Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz recently lambasted the French manufacturers for sapping “the will and motivation” to continue in the sport while Renault are believed to be considering launching a buy-out bid of the Lotus team.

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“It’s not something that we’re putting out that’s for sure. Our tactic is to go as quickly as we can with the Renault engine in the car that we can possibly achieve," Horner added.

“Renault are working hard in the background on making improvements on the engine and hopefully at the back end of this year. Renault and us desperately need that.”

Daniil Kvyat leads Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo during the Canadian GP
Image: Daniil Kvyat leads Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo during the Canadian GP

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