Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff defends his company’s decision not to supply Red Bull, suggesting that the constructor’s years of toil should not benefit a rival outfit.
The four-time world champions are set to ditch their Renault power units after the two partners decided to end their association one year ahead of schedule. Thus, Red Bull approached Mercedes with a view towards securing the dominant PU106B engine for 2016, but was met with a refusal.
“We decided with our board that we as an engine supplier, and as a team, have worked hard and long to achieve the success we have today, after taking the decision to enter the sport again as a works team in 2010,” Wolff told the official Formula One website.
“Therefore we decided two weeks ago against exploring an engine supply to Red Bull. We wish to continue with our model to support independent, privateer racing teams, and to respect the relationships we already have in place with our customers, alongside our primary focus on the Mercedes works team.”
Although Wolff had previously said he was “leaving the door open” to provide Red Bull with engines, the Mercedes motorsport boss insists the manufacturer made the right call.
“I have never hidden my opinion. But we take decisions collectively and objectively, evaluating all the pros and cons, and not as individuals.
“It is the opinion of somebody who is responsible for the Mercedes motorsport program, responsible for 1,200 employees and who also has the responsibility to represent the Mercedes-Benz brand in the right way in Formula One, and to make sure it is represented in the right way by others, too. Full stop!”
Mercedes’ refusal leaves Red Bull with Ferrari as their sole viable option for power units in 2016. However, the energy drinks giant will only accept a deal if they are guaranteed engine parity with Maranello, according to an editorial published on Red Bull motorsports platform Speedweek.
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