Red Bull attitude makes it an unlikely partner for Mercedes - Wolff

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Toto Wolff believes Red Bull Racing's criticism of engine partner Renault is exactly why Mercedes would think twice before ever supplying the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Red Bull and Renault have seen their relationship challenged in the past few seasons, the pair even coming to blows in 2015 following a dismal period of under-performance and lack of reliability.

Both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko both singled out the French manufacture again this year, lamenting the relative power deficit which exists between its unit and Mercedes.

Horner: Engine reliability key for Red Bull in 2018

An unimpressed Wolff points to Red Bull's incessant potshots as a good reason not to supply the team, if the opportunity ever came about.

"It is exactly because they are saying it like this and undermining their current partner that they are not having one!" said the Mercedes boss in an interview with ESPN.

"In Formula 1, like everywhere else in life - be it your private life or business life - it's about compromise and acknowledging your partner's strengths and weaknesses and helping each other out.

"That is very much the culture we have at Mercedes and that has made us successful in the last few years.

"Respect is a super important part of our values and this is why we have chosen the partners we have."

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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.