Marko says company's involvement in F1 being constantly evaluated
Last Updated: December 2, 2011 12:20pm
Helmut Marko (L): Admits that Red Bull could have second thoughts about F1 in the future
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko admits the company could reconsider its involvement in Formula One, but only if the current run of success dries up.
Red Bull made their debut in the sport in 2005 after buying the Jaguar Racing team for a reported $1 and, after heavy investment, managed to progress to the front of the grid.
Sebastian Vettel took the team's first drivers' title in 2010 before repeating the feat a year later in much more dominant style. Red Bull have also won the constructors' crown in each of the last two seasons.
But questions over their long-term commitment to F1 refuse to go away due to the fact they are backed by a drinks company rather than a car manufacturer or historic racing outfit like most of their rivals.
Marko concedes that Red Bull are constantly evaluating their participation but says that there is no chance of them quitting while they are ahead.
Second thoughts
"There have been comments from (Red Bull owner) Dietrich Mateschitz that should the framework requirements not apply, then there could be second thoughts," he told the official F1 website.
"Formula One is a marketing tool for Red Bull, which means that we permanently evaluate our input and the output of our commitment. This equation has to be positive.
"If long-term success is there, then there is definitely no question at all. And if you look at the reality of the situation, we have long-term contracts with our engine supplier, with our sponsors and our staff."
He added: "It's true that we are not a car manufacturer - and never intended to be - but we wanted to be successful in the sport. That we are leading the likes of McLaren and Ferrari definitely makes us proud.
"We are always focusing on who is the best, who needs to be beaten, and then we go out and try it. That has always been Red Bull's philosophy. I cannot fully understand why others have difficulties with this view.
"What is really funny in is that over the last few decades McLaren and Ferrari have been arch rivals, but since our arrival - and success - they have moved much closer together."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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