Mateschitz: both our drivers were approached by Mercedes

©WRI2

40

Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz said that Nico Rosberg's retirement encouraged Mercedes to initiate discussions with Red Bull over the availability of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

Rosberg's shock surprise departure from F1 after winning the world title left the German manufacturer with a seat to fill alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes was not keen on promoting protégé Pascal Wehrlein, so it examined other potential opportunities involving leading drivers on the grid.

Eventually, it settled for Valtteri Bottas following negotiations with Williams.

"It was discussed between Helmut Marko and Niki Lauda," Mateschitz told Speedweek,

"But not seriously as everyone knew that our drivers would not be available. No one came to me and asked for a release."

Bernie unsure Red Bull aero can close ‘huge’ Merc engine gap

The low-profile Austrian billionaire said he was perfectly happy with Red Bull's current line-up while keeping an eye on its junior bulls.

"Carlos Sainz has developed strongly, while with Daniil Kvyat, we are guilty of relying on him too much.

"Pierre Gasly will work as a junior substitute driver and work a lot in the simulator."

Mateschitz also expressed his satisfaction with the work and progress accomplished by Renault on its power unit front, and is confident the French manufacturer can help Red Bull bridge the gap with Mercedes.

"Renault brought new, ambitious and above all competent people on board for 2016, and there was much progress with (Mario) Illien," Mateschitz said.

"I expect for 2017 that we will get the power to get closer to Mercedes. We want to be absolutely competitive and to attack Mercedes with victories."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.