Aston Martin Red Bull Racing officially official for 2018 Formula 1

Last year, Aston Martin was apparently eyeing to make a return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing (RBR). After all the rumors and talks, the Gaydon-based automaker has confirmed the news. Beginning in 2018, Red Bull Racing will compete as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. With it, Aston Martin will act as the racing team's title and innovation partner for next season.

For the two companies, the partnership will be more than just a branding exercise as both Aston Martin and RBR will be working on several new projects. For starters, a new advanced performance center will rise at the team's campus in Milton Keynes. There, engineers from Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing will work on producing the Valkyrie's successors.

“Having conceived and created the remarkably successful Aston Martin Valkyrie together in 2016, we extended our relationship this year and are now delighted to further strengthen the partnership and see the team competing as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing from 2018,” said Christian Horner, team principal of RBR.

As far as power units are concerned, Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer stated that they are not yet in a position to provide engines for the racng team. However, should the FIA create the right environment to make one, they are interested in developing with RBR.

“Title partnership is the next logical step for our Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing. We are enjoying the global brand awareness that a revitalised Formula One provides. The power unit discussions (in Formula One) are of interest to us, but only if the circumstances are right. We are not about to enter an engine war with no restrictions in cost or dynamometer hours but we believe that if the FIA can create the right environment we would be interested in getting involved,” said Palmer.

Given that next year's race calender will be met with many changes, it will be quite curious as to what Aston Martin will offer during the 2018 season.