Bernie Ecclestone says that while Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz has become “frustrated” with F1 he doesn’t think the Austrian billionaire will ultimately quit the sport.
The future of Red Bull in F1 has been at the centre of speculation all season amid their former multiple world championship-winning team’s continued struggles with their Renault engine. Although Mateschitz, the company’s co-founder, is normally publicity-shy, the 71-year-old has twice in recent months publicly aired doubts about his two teams’ futures on the grid.
The latest intervention came on the eve of their home race at the Red Bull Ring last weekend when he suggested Renault’s continued underperformance was sapping their “will and motivation” to stay. Replaced by Mercedes as F1’s dominant force over the last 18 months, Red Bull are currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and yet to record a podium finish in 2015 – their worst run for seven years.
The uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s future comes at the same time as wider debate about the health of F1 and its spectacle. Ecclestone, though, reckons there is actually less chance of Mateschitz ending his long association with the sport while his main team are struggling.
“I don’t think so. I know Mr Mateschitz very well,” the F1 supremo said when asked if Red Bull would leave. “There would be more chance of him pulling out if he was winning than when he was losing.
“He’s a bit frustrated. He’s spent a lot of money, does a good job and has been fantastic for Formula 1. He’s been in Formula 1 longer than people realise and he’s always supported Formula 1.”
But put to him that Mateschitz was falling out of love with F1, Ecclestone replied: “Yeah, yeah, but it doesn’t mean that because he’s falling out of love that he wants a divorce. He just needs a new girlfriend.”
Under-fire engine suppliers Renault have thrown their own future into doubt in recent weeks, with the French firm making clear they are evaluating all options for the future – including re-establishing their own works team.
“Renault should know what they ought to do really,” Ecclestone added.
“The engine or power unit is such that it is so complicated that it’s difficult for them. It’s nothing to do with money. It’s to do with the people.”