Red Bull to 'sort out issues' and remain in F1 - Horner

The advent in 2014 of the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid power unit reined in the energy of the Red Bull, impeding a highly successful run which had previously resulted in four championship winning titles.

As the team endures a second difficult season in which its performance level has vanished altogether, pundits have expressed various conjectures about its future in F1, fueled mainly by recent comments from team owner Dietrich Mateschitz who said last week that he was losing his 'will and motivation' to stay in Grand Prix racing.

Even Christian Horner was targeted by rumors alleging that his own future with the Milton Keynes outfit may be in peril. But Red Bull Racing's team principal dispelled the tales, and insisted that neither his own nor the team's prospects in Formula 1 should be questioned.

"The situation is quite clear," Horner answered in a Q&A published on the team's website.

"Dietrich Mateschitz made some comments over the weekend and it's exactly how he feels. He is frustrated and he is frustrated with the show. He is a fan as well and as a fan he has put a huge amount of investment into the sport over the last few years and he wants to see the sport go back to its glory days and see it have the same appeal and attraction that F1 has previously enjoyed."

"We're working hard to try and help change things and from a team point of view, we want to be in a position where we can be competitive. At the moment we're in a difficult position and hopefully we can turn that around. The intention is to be here and to sort out the issues in the sport and our own competitiveness."

On the subject of his own future with the team, Horner offered even more clarity.

"Unfortunately in Formula 1 there are always rumours, and this is total rubbish. I'm fully committed to Red Bull and I love what I do. We're working hard and my focus is trying to get the Team back to where we were 18 months ago, that is where my focus is."

Click here for pictures from the final day of in-season testing in Austria

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

1 hour ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

16 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

17 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

19 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

20 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

22 hours ago