Aston Martin extends deal with Red Bull

Aston Martin has extended its partnership with Red Bull into 2017, sparking off speculations that there will be a follow-up to the AM-RB 001 hypercar.

The extended deal was signed at the recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; as part of the partnership, Red Bull F1 cars will continue to bear the Aston Martin logo.

Andy Palmer, CEO, Aston Martin commented: “By bringing together the talents of Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin, AM-RB 001 is destined to become the defining hypercar of this decade and a hugely desirable investment for collectors and enthusiasts. Our relationship with Red Bull Racing has done for Aston Martin exactly what we expected it to do. It is helping us to continue to build our brand across the globe. Partnerships like this are good for business both in terms of technical innovation and brand awareness, so we are delighted to continue into 2017.”

Accompanying the announcement of the continued co-operation between the two brands was the announcement that all 150 roadgoing AM-RB 001 examples have been sold; the juxtaposition of the two statements could suggest that a follow-up project is on its way.

Now all 150 examples of the car have found buyers, Aston Martin plans to begin production of the first prototype with the aim of having it up and running in 2017. Customer deliveries will commence in 2019.

The partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing was announced in Melbourne, Australia on the eve of the 2016 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Aston Martin wings have adorned the two Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars throughout the thrilling 2016 season, which culminated with the team securing second place in the constructor’s championship.

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing said: “We first conceived our Innovation Partnership with Aston Martin in the realisation that it could be truly pioneering. In blending our distinct but unique skills under a shared creative vision, we have already seen tangible development to both of our brand and businesses. The extraordinary success of the AM RB-001 is testament to the expert and collaborative spirit in which it was forged, and extending our relationship with Aston Martin through 2017 was a simple and pleasing decision.”

Talking to Autocar UK about the future potential of the Aston Martin and Red Bull tie-up, Palmer said there could well be a “002, a 003 or a 007 even”. Palmer’s choice of examples for the forthcoming follow-up models is certainly interesting, with the 007 model tying in with Aston Martin’s long-running involvement with the James Bond films.

However, an Aston Martin spokesperson said that Palmer’s comments as “more tongue-in-cheek” than plans, and that the two companies are focusing upon the 001 model before planning any future models.

- With inputs from Jimi Beckwith, Autocar UK