Horner still not dismissing Red Bull leaving F1, if sport doesn't 'deliver'

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner says the 2021 regulations will likely determine the energy drink company's stance on its future in F1.

The long-awaited - and hopefully transformative - regulation platform that Formula 1 will usher in from 2021 is still in the process of being defined, with teams still in the unknown regarding many of its technical and commercial aspects.

Regarding the latter, F1 plans to implement a budget cap and a new financial structure for the sport that will ensure a more level playing field and a more equitable distribution of funds.

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But if Red Bull feels the sport's new regulations and financial paradigm fall short of expectations, the company's co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz could pull the plug and turn away from Grand Prix racing.

"Absolutely, and that's he's right," Horner told Motorsport.com.

"He's passionate about motorsport, he's passionate about F1, he's enthusiastic about the new engine partnership with Honda and the potential that brings, but of course F1 has to deliver for the Red Bull brand as well.

"It needs to be exciting, it needs to be cost effective, the racing's got to be great, and we need to be able to play on an equal and level playing field with OEM and manufacturer teams.

"I think like all of us he's waiting to see what is F1 post-2020."

In the interim however, Horner insisted that Mateschitz's motivation would not necessarily hinge on the success or failure of Red Bull's partnership with Honda.

"He's never lacked motivation," added Horner. "Through good days and bad days he's always been tremendously supportive, and invested probably more into F1 than any other entity.

"Two F1 teams, a grand prix, plus all the promotion that Red Bull does around the world supporting F1, it's enormous. He wouldn't do that if he didn't believe in the sport."

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