- 05 Dec 11, 15:11#285567
Not really the kind of commitment you want to hear from the current title holders.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko says the energy drink company's commitment to Formula One will last only as long as they are winning.
Red Bull entered Formula One in 2005 when they bought the Jaguar Racing team for a reported $1 and the promise to invest $400 million in the team over three years.
And although for the first four years the team struggled to get the results they wanted, in 2009 - the year Sebastian Vettel joined from Toro Rosso - Red Bull had a sudden upsurge in form.
The German claimed the team's first pole position at the Chinese GP and followed that up 24 hours later with their first race victory. It was also their first 1-2 result as Mark Webber bought his car home in second place.
That race weekend signalled Red Bull's arrival with the duo claiming another five race victories, helping the team to second in the Constructors' Championship.
One year later that Red Bull tasted the ultimate success as Vettel secured the Drivers' title and the team the Constructors'. And then they repeated it in 2011 in emphatic style.
But despite their success, there remain questions about Red Bull's committed to Formula One as the team is not a historic outfit but rather a drinks company competing at the top level of motorsport.
And according to Marko there will always be questions for that very reason.
"There have been comments from Dietrich Mateschitz that should the framework requirements not apply, then there could be second thoughts," he told the official F1 website.
"Formula One is a marketing tool for Red Bull, which means that we permanently evaluate our input and the output of our commitment. This equation has to be positive.
"If long-term success is there, then there is definitely no question at all. And if you look at the reality of the situation, we have long-term contracts with our engine supplier, with our sponsors and our staff."
He added: "It's true that we are not a car manufacturer - and never intended to be - but we wanted to be successful in the sport. That we are leading the likes of McLaren and Ferrari definitely makes us proud.
"We are always focusing on who is the best, who needs to be beaten, and then we go out and try it. That has always been Red Bull's philosophy. I cannot fully understand why others have difficulties with this view.
"What is really funny in is that over the last few decades McLaren and Ferrari have been arch rivals, but since our arrival - and success - they have moved much closer together."
Red Bull, though, won't be leaving any time soon as they have their title double to defend in 2012.
"We want to defend both titles. But we are also aware that it will become even more difficult," said Marko.
"The main ingredients have been in place for a long time so why should 2012 be any different? You need a fast car, you need consistency and you need two drivers who can deliver."
Not really the kind of commitment you want to hear from the current title holders.
Folk cant really moan at Lewis now for calling Red Bull just a drinks company - it seems the boss thinks exactly the same. Bit disappointing that they arent really committed to the long haul...but at least its honest.
to the company Red Bull,
to the racing team Red Bull.
