“We won’t last two seasons”- Helmut Marko on Red Bull’s financial struggle posing a threat for them to lose spot in F1 amidst the status quo.
The coronavirus pandemic broke the back of various sports economies and it also severely affected Formula 1 teams, with many exploring new streams of revenue.
Amidst all of this Red Bull seems to be in major trouble while handling finances and keeping their operations in the sport alive. Speaking on it, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has claimed that his team won’t even remain for two seasons if things remain like this.
“The fact that we have been able to organise the world championship this year is very positive”, he says in conversation with the Spanish site Soymotor.com.
“But it is frustrating from an emotional point of view to see the empty paddock and the hidden faces behind the masks. That can’t work in the long run. If it continues like this now, we won’t last two seasons”.
This concern is also maybe arising as Red Bull has to manufacture its own power unit by the start of 2022 and while pursuing for it, they are demanding FIA to decree engine freeze now to make things financially viable for them.
A huge setback for F1 if Red Bull exits
Though seems unlikely to happen, Red Bull’s exit from F1 will be a huge financial setback for the sport. Firstly, the economic value it brings to the sport can only be matched by Ferrari and Mercedes.
On the other hand, it owns two teams in the paddock, if they make an exit, it will reduce four cars from the grid, hence making it difficult for F1 to find suitors immediately.
That is why even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff urged publicly to preserve Red Bull’s interest for the sake of the betterment of the sport.
