Hakkinen fully understands Red Bull quit threat

Mika Hakkinen says he can understand why Red Bull is threatening to quit formula one over its engine situation. The energy drink company, with two teams on the grid, is in the throes of divorce from its current partner Renault after two sub-standard years in the new 'power unit' era.

Mercedes, however, is refusing to leap to the rescue, and McLaren's Ron Dennis is reportedly blocking a customer Honda deal. Ferrari, meanwhile, is "blocking us", Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko told the German newspaper Bild, referring to the fact that the Italian outfit appears only to be offering a supply of 2015-spec V6s. He said that with Sauber and Haas to have the fully up-to-date 2016 unit, Ferrari's offer is "ridiculous".

Red Bull therefore appears out of options, raising the likelihood that Dietrich Mateschitz - who according to team boss Christian Horner is generally "disillusioned" with F1 at present - will simply pull the plug on the sport. Some in the paddock believe Red Bull brought the situation on itself by complaining so loudly about Renault.

But former double world champion Hakkinen said in his latest interview with Hermes that he can fully understand Red Bull's quit threats over the issue. "I understand Red Bull perfectly," said the famous Finn.

"It cannot be forgotten that they very recently won four world championships in a row, so of course they don't want to set lower goals. Red Bull is not interested in just being there. They want to at least be able to have a realistic chance to fight for the championship," Hakkinen added. (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar