Berger denies Mateschitz's retreat from F1

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He may not be happy with the performance of his F1 teams, but Red Bull's Dietrich Mateschitz isn't distancing himself from the sport contends close friend Gerhard Berger.

Rumors are gathering pace in the F1 paddock that the billionaire and founder of the energy drink company is gradually preparing his retreat from F1 as a team owner.

Frustrated with the sport's current state of affairs and where it has left his teams, Mateschitz could be contemplating a sale of both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, but Berger believes patience should prevail.

"That he is tired of Formula 1, I think is wrong," Berger told the Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"Of course, he isn't happy with the current situation of his team," the F1 legend added, saying the reason is linked to the 'power unit' era.

"But Red Bull is still a super strong team, and even in this difficult time hardly anyone has left, especially Newey at the top.

"Not having an engine that can bring title chances is of course frustrating in the long term," Berger added.

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But the former Ferrari and McLaren driver doesn't think Mateschitz will quit.

"Red Bull has always had patience, and now is when it's needed. It cannot always go well.

"It's a difficult time now, but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Honda coming to Toro Rosso is the start."

Honda's disastrous spell with McLaren in the past three years doesn't appear to worry Berger who firmly believes the Japanese manufacturer will eventually get its act together.

"I believe in Honda, who have a sporting culture in the company, the resources and now a team with the Red Bull mentality.

"I could imagine Honda returning to its original form and building top engines," he added.

Another option for Red Bull is a closer relationship with team sponsor Aston Martin, but Berger thinks that's more of a long game.

"We have to wait for the new engine regulations," he said. "Until then nobody will burn their fingers on today's extremely difficult engines.

"Does Aston Martin Martin have the resources and the possibilities to do it? I don't know but I doubt it," Berger added.

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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.