Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne thinks Red Bull’s demands and attitude when looking to secure a power supply for 2016 were “offensive”.
In the wake of rising tensions with engine partner Renault, the energy drinks giant set about looking for its replacement and added that it would only stay in Formula One if given “a competitive engine”.
Ferrari initially said there were open to the idea of powering Red Bull for the first time since 2006, but the four-time world champions immediately insisted on being granted engine parity with Maranello’s works outfit.
Attending the Scuderia’s traditional Christmas media conference, Marchionne said he was clearly unimpressed with Red Bull’s demeanour.
“What I find offensive is that somebody considered normal and absolutely rightful to have a good engine,” the Ferrari president is quoted as saying by Autosport.
“Nobody has the right to get such an engine. Everything has to be defined, in proper times for these specific terms.”
Marchionne also hinted that he did not condone Red Bull’s public slating of its power unit partner.
“Renault didn't want to deliver an engine because there were issues in the past and because there were some claims about the requests.
“There were problems in finding the team spirit.
“What Renault did was decide to give Red Bull engines and give Red Bull the opportunity to be successful.
“It's also a matter of fairness, of giving credit where credit is due.
“I do not want to accuse anyone of anything. I don't want to defend [Renault CEO] Carlos [Ghosn] or accuse anyone of anything.
“Is a team strong in terms of chassis if it has no engine? It is not a complete team.
“A team is strong when it has strong drivers, strong chassis and a strong power unit.”
Besides Ferrari, Red Bull also approached Mercedes and Honda, but to no avail. The German behemoth did not want his years of toil to benefit a rival outfit, while McLaren boss Ron Dennis refused to see the Japanese manufacturer supply another team for the time being.
Red Bull eventually announced that it would keep using Renault power units in 2016, though these engines will be branded TAG Heuer.
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