Dietrich Mateschitz says his Red Bull team will only remain in Formula One if they are able to stay competitive.
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Mateschitz increased the pressure on Renault, saying Red Bull and Toro Rosso will pull out of the sport if the French engine supplier could not produce a competitive power unit.
“We’ll only stay in Formula 1 if we have a competitive team, and we need a competitive power unit for that,” Mateschitz was quoted by the Austria Press Agency (via Speedcafe.com).
“If we don’t have one, we can race with the best car and the best drivers and still have no chance of competing for victory.
“Of course Renault can also weigh its options, including a pull-out.
“As a manufacturer, it’s your task to deliver a competitive power unit.
“If you can do that, it’s great. If, for whatever reason, you can’t do that, you should pull out.
“Then the consequences for us would be clear, too.”
Mateschitz’s comments echoed those of Red Bull motorsport adviser Dr Helmut Marko, who said the company would quit all F1 operations if it made no financial sense to stay in the category.
Red Bull won four world championships between 2010 and 2013 with Renault power, however Renault’s V6 turbo hybrid engine is said to be around 100bhp down on rivals Mercedes.
The Red Bull duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat have struggled in 2015, with Ricciardo’s sixth-place finish in Melbourne being the team’s best result in the opening two races.
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