It’s hard to fathom that the team that won four consecutive Formula One world titles between 2010 and 2013 and claimed three race wins in 2014 is mired in the midfield and considering withdrawing in 2015.
Red Bull Racing suffered the indignity of both its cars being sent to the back of the grid with engine penalties at its own Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.
Daniel Ricciardo could only manage 10th place with teammate Daniil Kvyat in 12th, both lapped by the dominant Mercedes-Benz team.
In the midst of a crisis in its relationship with engine partner Renault, Red Bull has been dropping some big hints that it could end its tenure in Formula One unless and alternative engine is sourced.
“Besides taking our time and money they [Renault] have destroyed our enjoyment and motivation,” said Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz.
“No driver and no chassis in this world can compensate for this horsepower deficit. How many more things have to happen before we lose all enjoyment?”
Red Bull entered Formula One after purchasing Jaguar Racing (formerly Stewart Racing) in 2005, emerging as a real threat once gun designer Adrian Newey and up-and-coming protégé Sebastian Vettel joined the team.
After dominating for a four-year period once the Newey and Vettel dream team hit its stride, it seems like sour grapes to threaten to withdraw when hitting an inevitable lean patch.
But, unlike most other Formula One teams who exist solely to race, grand prix racing is one part of a wider marketing strategy for Red Bull. If there’s no traction to be gained from racing in Formula One, or negative publicity from poor results and a very public spat with its engine partner, then what’s the point for a company driven by selling energy drinks?
Red Bull’s place in Formula One is, therefore, unique. And there was always a danger that its time in the sport could be limited based on the huge expenditure to go racing and diminishing returns on traction when results went bad.
Formula One is one big part of Red Bull’s very aggressive marketing strategy. And just think how much more advertising in various different fields Red Bull could pursue by reallocating its Formula One budget.
Even within motorsport, there is so much more for Red Bull to achieve in other categories. The company was once linked with purchasing the World Rally Championship and could do more in other categories such as MotoGP, the World Endurance Championship and more.
The potential departure of Red Bull would have a huge impact on Formula One at a time the series can ill afford such a loss. Red Bull not only funds two teams but its junior driver investment program has helped a number of drivers into the premier category.
Formula One organisers can’t rewrite the rulebook to suit Red Bull. Some are screaming for engine concessions to help Renault and Honda get up to speed with pacesetters Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari, though this should be to the benefit of a number of teams, not just Red Bull.
But there will be increased concerns among the Formula One community over the future of Red Bull. And one wonders if these very public threats are a way to accelerate an engine deal with a new supplier, be it Ferrari, Audi or whoever else.
Formula One bosses know very well there are few, if any, companies around the world willing to invest so heavily in all forms of motorsport. Losing Red Bull could be as damaging to Formula One as the loss of tobacco sponsorship given the size and scope of its investment.
woodart
Guest
its a simple matter of dollars(or euros) spent for benefits earned. red bull have probably got as much benefit as they can in f1 with 4 chamionships, so for less bucks they can get more benefit (i.e.) publicity sponsoring rock concerts, going americas cup yachting(yawn)and redbull x games. as the article points out ,they are not a motorsports company, they are a drinks company.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Well as I emphasise in this piece in my latest work, going to Ferrari power isn't going to put Red Bull back in a position to win championships. http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/06/24/red-bull-and-ferrari-will-not-work-for-red-bull-at-least/
Kaks
Roar Guru
Agree, Steven. Another two major issues i believe that are plaguing 'F1' are; 1) The tires (obviously) which dont allow drivers to race at the cars full potential. However it is not Pirellis fault, they were asked to provide a quick wearing tyre and i believe F1 needs to bite the bullet and realise that it was a terrible idea and go back to either having two manufacturers for tires or provide more durable tires.. 2) The incredible amount of rules and regulations which are stifling genuine ingenuity with motor mechanics. One of the best parts about F1 was the fact that one team may come up with that new bit of technology that blasts everyone out of the water, like the year Brawn had the double diffuser and blew everyone away.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Good article Tristan and you are spot on in your analogy of what is happening in F1 and what part Red Bull plays in it. F1 has been hijacked and destroyed by Mercedes completely. The FIA going to ‘Hybrid’ in F1 was a very suitable thing for Mercedes, as they had at least 5 years advantage over the rest of the field. By Mercedes getting the FIA to change the F1 rules to ‘Hybrid’ would have been the same as if the FIA would have changed the F1 rules to Wankel rotary technology and Mazda would be a main player in F1. If we look at F1 2015 its being dominated by the Mercedes Hybrid engines and Ferrari are just keeping up with it and the Renault engine running a bad last. This is what is ruining F1 especially when there are no other teams that can acquire the Mercedes engine (especially red Bull) and if Renault pulls out then there will only be 2 engine suppliers to F1 which is ridiculous and it will destroy F1 as we have known it. There are allot of fans deserting with F1 racing in Australia and abroad. It’s very sad for the fans all over the world and especially fans like myself who grew up with Brabham, Stewart, Clark in the 60’s and watching them race at the Australian Grand Prix at Warwick Farm (yes Warick Farm if you may ask) in my early teens and having such pedigree of racing under our belts. The disastrous events that have plagued F1 in the last decade have culminated with the disaster and the none competiveness that we have today. The complete and utter Mercedes dominance will be the final nail in F1 coffin, I’m afraid to say.
Steve
Guest
It wont change things to much at all if it were to happen. Such an engine supply deal with Ferrari simply means mid table obscurity for Red Bull. There is no way on earth the works Ferrari team would allow Red Bull the same engine package, it would simply be in the same way they supplied Sauber with an inferior package. If Red Bull want to remain in F1 they simply need to find their own engine supplier and a supplier willing to give them a competitive package to win races and championships again.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Indeed. Which would change things significantly...
Wilson
Roar Guru
There are report that Redbull is looking at going to a Ferrari power for the 2016 Formula One season
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Renault really have done a job with their engine troubles. It's unbelievable how far behind they are and that there's just no possibility of recourse this season.