Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz could pull his company out of Formula 1 unless he can persuade Audi to join the sport, according to former Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo.
Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, di Montezemolo also feels Ferrari have been lucky to be as strong as they are with other teams having a disappointing start to the 2015 season.
“I honestly think they [Ferrari] have been a bit lucky: This year, apart from Mercedes, they have no other rivals,” said di Montezemolo to La Repubblica.
“Williams has not improved and Red Bull has imploded – I know that Mateschitz is thinking of selling – ‘I either convince Audi to enter or I’m leaving,’ a mutual friend has told me – and McLaren is in crisis…
“In short, Ferrari starts every race with a podium in its pocket. But luck is useless if you don’t take advantage of it.”
There have been rumours for many years about the Volkswagen group, and in particular Audi, joining the Formula 1 fray, and these have been heightened in recent weeks following the departure of Ferdinand Piech, a long time opposition to the move.
