Marko frustrated with lack of return on Toro Rosso investment

©WRI2

40

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko isn't happy with Toro Rosso, believing the Faenza-based outfit has failed to produce an adequate return on investment.

Red Bull acquired Toro Rosso at the end of 2005, after Paul Stoddart sold his remaining stake in Minardi.

The team has typically served as a training ground for Red Bull's young talents, and achieved it's single Grand Prix win with Sebastian Vettel in 2008 at Monza.

"We bought the team because the regulations allowed the use of much the same chassis as another team. Then it was changed," says Marko.

The plan thereafter to develop Toro Rosso into a traditional F1 team has not quite worked out.

"A great investment was made in Toro Rosso," Marko told Brazil's Globo, "but they cannot materialise that into points.

"The drivers and the team make mistakes, as well as technical failures. The car, the package would be good enough for fifth, but they cannot do it," he insisted.

Sainz delighted to see Key remain at Toro Rosso

Red Bull has contemplated the possibility of selling its junior squad, but that plan was put on hold after Formula 1's change of ownership last year.

"I don't think it is the best time now because Liberty is talking about distributing money better so the smaller teams get more," Marko adds.

"That could turn out to be a good deal. But it's also true that at the moment the cost to Red Bull is very high," he added.

A more pressing issue for Toro Rosso is its drivers, with Carlos Sainz coveted by Renault but under contract to Red Bull for 2018.

Marko admits to be open to a deal which would see the Spanish driver move to the French team, but only if it proves to be worth Red Bull's while.

"Yes, we have been approached by them," Marko confirmed.

"Carlos has a contract with us. We will need to find a solution that satisfies us, as we invested heavily in his development."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

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.