RED BULL RACING is considering a switch to Mercedes-Benz engines for the 2010 season after Sebastian Vettel suffered a double engine failure at the European Grand Prix.

With new FIA regulations permitting engine suppliers to provide power plants for more than three teams, the opportunity has arisen for Red Bull to dump Renault as a partner and join forces with Mercedes.

Produced in Britain, Mercedes-Benz’s V8 engines have been the most reliable and powerful on the Formula 1 grid, helping to propel Brawn GP and McLaren to race victories while elevating Force India regularly into the top ten.

And with Red Bull keen to maintain its place at the front of the pack next season, team advisor Helmut Marko said the team will confirm its future engine partner by the end of the month.

“Regarding the preparation for next year’s car we have to sort this out by the end of August, thus within the next few days. This is the last issue to decide in a big strategy,” he said.

“We have had our drivers’ contracts extended. Moreover, all team personnel at the highest and next higher level are basically committed to us until 2012. That means we have continuity and stability within the team for the next few years.

“There are good arguments for extending the Renault contract and there are good ones for a switch to Mercedes.

“Of course there are facts that cannot be ignored, be it the four engine failures Sebastian had this year, with two occurring the last weekend. The six Mercedes drivers had none this year.”

Although there are concerns an increase in the production of Mercedes engines would lead to a downturn in quality, Marko believes the manufacturer is capable of servicing four teams.

“I am convinced they have the capacity to provide engines for four teams,” he said.