Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff is confident Formula One can survive the exit of Red Bull and Toro Rosso, but confesses losing both teams “would not be good” for the sport.
The energy drinks giant has become increasingly frustrated at the current power unit regulations, and repeatedly threatened to quit F1 if it fails to secure a competitive engine.
After ditching its supply from Renault one year ahead of schedule, Red Bull has been exploring different avenues to find a replacement for 2016. But Mercedes’ official rebuff and Ferrari’s reluctance to grant factory-level engine parity have left the four-time world champions and sister squad Toro Rosso in a “critical situation”.
“I think that in the current circumstances it is important to keep all teams, but we have seen teams coming and going,” Wolff told the Camp Beckenbauer global summit held at Kitzbühel, in Austria.
“I am not saying that Red Bull is not different to the others, it is a great brand. But a couple of years ago [in 2008-2009], within the space of 18 months, we had Toyota, Honda and BMW leaving the sport. They were three great constructors and F1 survived.
“So our emphasis at the moment must be on trying to keep them in the sport. If we cannot because it is taken out of our hands, then I think it is going to survive.
Despite Haas F1 Team entering the fray next year, the grid would shrink to a lowly 18 cars should Red Bull company owner Dietrich Mateschitz eventually decide to pull the plug on its two squads.
Wolff is well aware of the potential damage this could have on the sport’s image.
“Red Bull is a very hip brand and important for F1, and I hope they make it on to the grid. I hope they find an engine supplier.
“Negotiations are ongoing but not with us, so let's see how it pans out. Definitely losing Red Bull and Toro Rosso would not be good for F1.”
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