Red Bull also threatens to leave Formula 1?

Posted by Harvinder

May 11, 2009

After Toyota, now its Red Bull’s turn to threaten about leaving Formula 1 after this season, as the team also does not agree with the 2010 budget cap system. Apparently, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper on Monday, “If the proposed rules for 2010 stay unchanged, we will not take part in the 2010 championship.” He also added that “Teams of manufacturers will no longer take part. Of the teams now, only two or three will remain. “Under the rules as they are published, we cannot submit an entry.” Also take note that Red Bull also owns Toro Rosso, so if Red Bull decides to say “sayonara”, Toro Rosso will also tag along.

The budget cap system, which is not compulsory to all teams, but recommended to smaller teams may cause a “two-tier championship” – one with the budget cap (plus many other benefits like free testing) and one without (reduced benefits). This may look like the different categories in Le Mans, all participating in the same race.

Thus far, bigger teams like Ferrari, Toyota and now Red Bull are very much against the system as thus far both Toyota and Red Bull (both are having their best season so far) revealed that they may leave the sport. However, the new system is applauded by smaller teams like USGPE, Lola, Super Aguri and more, which prefer to spend less. FIA president Max Mosley also assured that the budget cap system is here to stay. Drama, drama, drama!