Former world champions threatening to withdraw from F1 if no competitive engine supply can be found; "The curtain may go down after Abu Dhabi," says Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko
Friday 9 October 2015 11:14, UK
As Red Bull make another threat to quit F1, Daniel Ricciardo says they're right to demand equality as part of any engine deal with Ferrari.
Ricciardo was speaking on Wednesday as Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko re-iterated their threat to withdraw from F1 at the end of the season if no competitive engine is available.
The Australian insisted to Sky Sports News HQ that he wasn't worried about the situation, even though Marko has said that "the curtain may go down after Abu Dhabi" - just five races after this weekend's Japanese GP.
"It's still early to get concerned or worried. I think if this stuff's still going on in two months' time then it's like 'ok guys what are we doing?'" Ricciardo said.
"I think [Red Bull owner] Dietrich [Mateschitz] is right in terms of that's what we want. We want to have equality and if we do go down that road then it's okay."
It's not the first time the outspoken Marko has made the threat; speaking to Sky Sports News HQ in Singapore last week, for example, he more or less said the same thing.
"If we don't have an engine that allows us to compete at the very front we will prefer to stop," he told the official Formula 1 website.
Red Bull are set to part ways with Renault at the end of the season after their run of poor performances since F1 switched to a hybrid formula at the start of 2014.
They are now talking to Ferrari after Mercedes turned down a request to supply them with engines.
However, an article on Red Bull's Speedweek website that quoted Mateschitz also stated that they would only consider a deal with them if they were guaranteed exactly the same performance as the works Ferrari team.
"If it were a few horsepower less we would not be concerned. But in the end you can check that very easily with the GPS data and other parameters to see what you really get," Marko explained.
"The truth is that the engine - the hardware - is not the real issue. That is the software and the same fuel."
With Toro Rosso also in line to withdraw - potentially wiping out one-fifth of the current grid - Marko said that "not everybody recognises what impact [any withdrawal] would have".
He added: "The curtain may go down after Abu Dhabi. That is Mr Mateschitz's opinion.
"He knows that it costs the same amount of money to race at the front or, like we are now doing, in the 'premium midfield' - and he is not willing to do that for another season."
Marko also said suggestions that Red Bull will join forces with VW/Audi in the longer term are "crystal ball reading".
The German giant has long been linked to Red Bull, although the latter has constantly dismissed the speculation as wide of the mark.
Yet even if VW have considered an entry, their involvement in the developing emissions scandal appears to make it less likely, with chief executive Martin Winterkorn resigning on Wednesday.
"I don't think that they have a ready engine concept in their drawers," Marko added. "Yes, the rumours are there - and, of course, it would be great if another engine manufacturer would join.
"But right now that is all crystal ball reading."
