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NUERBURG, GERMANY – Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff talks in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Eifel Grand Prix at Nuerburgring in Nuerburg, Germany. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
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NUERBURG, GERMANY – Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff talks in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Eifel Grand Prix at Nuerburgring in Nuerburg, Germany. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
The news of Red Bull seeking to put a full stop on engine development from 2022 has been swarming around the paddock for weeks. Mercedes’ CEO and team principal, Toto Wolff, believes otherwise as Ferrari and Renault have opposed Red Bull’s idea.
The fact that two out of the three engine manufacturers are now against Red Bull’s proposal will only push F1 to hamper their bid. Toto, too, pointed out the same.
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“I think two of the power unit manufacturers no agreeing means it can’t come into force [and] can’t be implemented,” Toto said.
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Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, Portugal – Red Bull’s Alexander Albon in action during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Jorge Guerrero
“Renault and Ferrari have been very direct with their positions. So, unfortunately, I don’t see [a freeze] happening.”
Since two manufacturers have already shown their opposition, Mercedes will most likely prefer to stand down and consider themselves as mere spectators in this matter.
Red Bull have quite a lot of bullets to dodge now and could be looking at some stressful weeks ahead. Overall, they will hope that F1 gives them a green flag in this matter, and keep their hopes of fighting for the championship alive from the 2022 season.
Red Bull hoping the F1 sees the “broader picture“
Although the proposal can be seen as advantageous for Red Bull on one side, there is another side to this case. Considering that FIA and F1 have devoted their future to cost-cutting, Red Bull’s proposal could be viewed as a positive impact on the sport’s future.
“The job of the regulator and the commercial rights owner has to look at the broader picture of what is right for F1,” said the Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner.
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – APRIL 26: The Team Principals Press Conference with Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner, Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, and Renault Sport F1 Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The proposal was earlier raised during the F1 commission meeting, held in Portugal following the Portuguese Grand Prix. Red Bull would have predicted such a response from their rivals.
They will also be aware of the fact that Renault and Ferrari will continue to oppose the idea. More or less, Red Bull won’t be worried about that, as all they need now is a simple nod from the owners.
Considering that teaming up with Renault could be their only other option, Red Bull would be wishing the matter doesn’t travel to that extent.
