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Red Bull's Mateschitz sees Renault unit as 'below average engine'

The prospect of Red Bull ditching Renault in favour of Honda power next season is one that obviously enthralls the energy drink company's billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

On the back of an apparent power unit failure that put Daniel Ricciardo out of Sunday's German Grand Prix, after the Red Bull driver had endured several engine component changes the day before, Mateschitz praised the team's decision to sign up with Honda for the next few seasons, and took a dig at current engine partner Renault.

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"In the last few years, we have been among the top three teams, but we were managing to do so with a below average engine," Mateschitz told Welt am Sonntag.

The 74-year-old business magnate and owner of Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso lamented the fact that in the past few years, the Milton Keynes-based outfit had no other choice put to contend with a supply of engines from the French manufacturer.

"Both Ferrari and Mercedes were at risk of Red Bull being faster than their factory teams, so they would not give us an engine," said the Austrian.

Mateschitz is confident in the future however, believing a productive relationship awaits Red Bull and Honda.

"The solution to our problem is a partner that has all the prerequisites for developing a top engine that fits perfectly with Red Bull and vice versa," he added.

"The goal can only be a joint journey to the very top."

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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.