Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner Says Owner ‘Disillusioned’ With Formula 1

Dietrich Mateschitz tells Bernie Ecclestone he's ready to pull the plug on F1

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said Friday that Owner Dietrich Mateschitz has become "disillusioned" with F1, but insisted that "he was fighting to prevent the team from leaving the sport," according to the AFP.

The Austrian energy drinks giant "threatened to quit F1 if it cannot secure guarantees of a competitive engine next year after its impending split from Renault, with Ferrari considered the best, and perhaps, only option."

Horner "pulled no punches about Red Bull's possible exit." He said, "Dietrich Mateschitz doesn't talk very often, but when he does, you have to sit up and take notice. He is disillusioned with F1 at the moment and has been consistent in that statement. It is my job to try to find a solution."

A formal announcement of Red Bull's split with engine suppliers Renault "could be made soon, but Horner said talks with the French carmaker were continuing."

Horner: "There are some positive discussions going on behind the scenes with Renault. Red Bull's position and Renault's position are fairly clear with what we want to achieve. Hopefully, that should be concluded in the coming days."

They "have made a commitment" to F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone to race until '20, but Horner "blamed a diminished return on investment since those glory days for Red Bull's change of heart."

He said, "As Bernie Ecclestone often says, circumstances change." AFP http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/sports/article/red-bull-owner-disillusioned-with-f1-says-horner