Mateschitz expects Red Bull in front on Sunday
Sebastian Vettel is the reigning champion in the new pace-setting RB7, and Austrian billionaire Mateschitz told Austrian news agency APA he expects more of the same success.
"If we are not on pole position, at least we will be on the front row," he said.
He is critical of the switch from Bridgestone to Pirelli, explaining that the change is "less a revolution and more a disaster".
On Mark Webber, Mateschitz said the Australian is in charge of his destiny, but warned that Red Bull is likely to choose from its own pool of young talent if the 34-year-old moves on.
"Should we need to, we have enough talent in our Red Bull junior drivers to fill our cockpits.
"But I estimate Mark Webber to be one of the very best and strongest in the field today," he added.
Mateschitz also said he is planning for Red Bull to be a long-term presence in F1.