Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli would have to reconsider its future in the sport if Red Bull goes ahead with its threat to quit, removing both its teams from the grid in 2016.
Both are without engines after falling out with current supplier Renault and are therefore seeking a supply of Ferrari engines, but will only accept equal footing with the Ferrari works team.
When asked if losing two high-profile teams would have an impact on Pirelli’s future, motorsport director Paul Hembery told Autosport: “It would make us think very heavily, yes.
“To lose two high quality, well-funded, professional teams – and I can’t imagine there would be immediate replacements, even though we have Haas entering next year – then you are going to be worried.
“I know people say teams come and go, but we are talking about a very serious investment made over a significant number of years by Red Bull, and from our point of view, it would weaken the sport dramatically.
“For us, they are two very important teams.”
Hembery described their potential loss as a “disaster” for the sport.
“We admire what they’ve done for the sport in terms of driver development. They’re also a team that goes outside of the Formula 1 circus to promote the sport.
“So from our point of view, as a sponsor, any risk of losing both those teams would be a significant disaster for Formula 1.”
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