F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff: '15 guys and an empty building won't do it for Red Bull

A taunting Toto Wolff says Red Bull Powertrains will need more that "15 guys and an empty building" to produce a competitive Formula 1 engine by 2025.

Red Bull is in the process of setting its own engine department which will operate from a new building currently under construction on the F1's campus at Milton Keynes.

Initially, the new unit will take over Honda's engine program for a period of three years, but RBP also ambitions to build and develop its own power unit that will cater to F1's next generation engine regulations.

Red Bull has logically engaged in a hiring spree to populate its future engine department and has successfully convinced staff from Mercedes' HPP factory at Brixworth to switch camps.

For now, Wolff isn't losing sleep over Red Bull's endeavor as the Mercedes F1 boss is all too aware of the monumental task that awaits his team's main rival in the coming years. But the Austrian is nevertheless taking RBP's power unit plans very seriously.

©Mercedes

"We have about 900 people working in Brixworth," Wolff told Motorsport.com Italy. "They approached 100, and they got between 10 and 15, mainly manufacturing staff, no performance.

"And in that respect, if I were to build a new factory, I would also start [like that]. But between hiring two handful of people and having a full up and running competitive engine factory, there's quite a long way to go.

"I think Red Bull can do that, with the resource that is being put in, but Mercedes and the others have been in the sport for many decades, building the structure.

"So 15 guys and an empty building site construction is not going to be sufficient in order to be competitive in three years with a new power unit.

"Having said that, we're taking them very seriously because they are a great team and have the finances to do so. But if we know one thing in Formula 1, it is that it needs time. No money can accelerate the learning curve."

Last weekend in Barcelona, Wolff addressed the recent personnel defections from Brixworth while underscoring the overwhelming loyalty of Mercedes' staff.

"Internally it's quite good to see the really loyal ones, that have been approached, such an overwhelmingly larger number than the ones that were lured away," he said.

"Seeing that loyalty and integrity in a way has confirmed the values of this group.

"There were some really good people that were approached. Lottery number pay cheques. And they haven't even thought about it twice.

"They stayed because they like the environment and they like what we stand for.

"It's a good environment, and we have proven that it is a good environment to work and to prosper. And that is just something that makes me very proud for the organisation in Brixworth."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

7 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

8 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

12 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago