Red Bull's Mateschitz has lost interest in Formula 1, Lauda feels

Niki Lauda feels Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has lost interest in Formula 1, and would not be surprised if he withdrew his teams

Red Bull and Toro Rosso are currently without a power-unit supplier for 2016 as they have decided to terminate their contracts with Renault at the end of this F1 season.

Mercedes has already decided it will not step into the breach, leaving Ferrari as the only realistic hope for the two teams to continue.

It is understood Ferrari has offered Red Bull this season's engine to place in next year's car, which has been rejected as the latter is seeking parity and competitiveness.

The ball is now in the court of Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne who, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, has proclaimed himself if Red Bull has the same engine.

Mercedes non-executive chairman Lauda, however, feels fellow Austrian Mateschitz will not be too concerned if he lets his teams fold.

"My feeling is Mateschitz at the moment is not pushing hard himself," said Lauda.

"He lets Helmut [Marko, advisor] and Christian [Horner, team principal] work on it [a deal], but he is not the leader like he was in the past. In the past he did everything himself."

Suggested to Lauda that Mateschitz had lost interest, he replied: "It looks like it to me, yes, because I have known him a long time and normally he is the master of all this, but he never gets involved at the moment."

As to whether Mateschitz would pull Red Bull out F1, Lauda added: "It's hard for me to say, but the way Didi is acting at the moment he could consider it, he could.

"To end up in that situation, that there is only one engine available, is tough."

Lauda is adamant Mercedes will not reverse its earlier decision by coming to Red Bull's aid.

"No, there was a long discussion we had internally," said Lauda.

"We don't have to go around and beg people to use the engine, it is the other way around. But we were never approached, so therefore we never thought about it."

Lauda claims it is Mateschitz's aversion to Mercedes that prevented a formal approach from being made.

"If I am not approached, what should I do? Throw the engine at him [Mateschitz] and give it as a gift?" queried Lauda.

"It doesn't work like this. There is a reason for it and I know the reason - he doesn't like Mercedes.

"I know him very well. Ferrari is his option now and it's up to him if he wants to take it or not."

shares
comments

Renault signs letter of intent to take over Lotus F1 team for 2016

Nico Rosberg was down on power for Japanese GP F1 start

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jonathan Noble

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinuackas

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Matt Kew

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Subscribe