Formula 1 bosses don’t really understand what impact it would have on the sport if Red Bull and sister team Toro Rosso were to quit, according to Helmut Marko.
Marko and team owner Dietrich Mateschitz have reiterated their threat to quit the sport should they be unable to secure a supply of Ferrari engines which are identical to those used by the works team.
Speaking to the official Formula 1 website, Marko made it clear that they have two options on the table, Ferrari or bust.
“If we don’t have an engine that allows us to compete at the very front we will prefer to stop,” he said.
When asked if the F1 community were aware of their stance and the possible loss of two teams, he said: “It is known – but I think not everybody recognises what impact it would have.”
Marko also made it clear that if Ferrari were to agree to a supply deal, Red Bull would only accept it if they received equal engines.
“If it were a few horsepower less we would not be concerned. But in the end you can check that very easily with the GPS data and other parameters to see what you really get,” he explained.
“The truth is that the engine – the hardware – is not the real issue. That is the software and the same fuel.
“If we don’t have a competitive engine there is no future in F1 for Red Bull Racing. The curtain may go down after Abu Dhabi.
“That is Mr Mateschitz’s opinion. He knows that it costs the same amount of money to race at the front or, like we are now doing, in the ‘premium midfield’ – and he is not willing to do that for another season.”
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