Autosport wrote:
Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder of Red Bull, has today confirmed the sale of Infiniti Red Bull Racing to Audi AG, with Audi WEC driver André Lotterer already signed to drive for the team next year.
There has been much recent speculation over Red Bull's future commitment to Formula One, with the team directing much criticism to their engine suppliers Renault, as well as the current engine regulations introduced in 2014, both seen as the reasons for their recent slump in performance. Mateschitz had previously dismissed rumours of selling the multiple championship-winning team to the German manufacturer, but now marks the end of an era for the Milton Keynes team, as they pass on to a new owner.
Mateschitz said "It is with great regret that we must bring an end to the Red Bull Racing programme, but I can no longer justify the cost of having a Formula One team that does not win races, let alone a championship, under the current regulations. If we cannot win, why bother?"
It has also been confirmed that Christian Horner, who has been Red Bull's team principal since the team began competing in 2005, will resign from his position when Audi takes over at the end of the year. It has not been confirmed yet who will take his place, though the two strongest candidates that have been named are former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali and Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Sport.
Dr. Ullrich said "It has long been a temptation for Audi to compete in Formula One. After seeing the success that Mercedes has achieved, we have decided to give serious consideration into entering the series. For the past few months we have weighed up the advantages and disadvantages and have come to the conclusion that it is worth competing to promote our brand".
Commenting on whether or not he would be taking on the role of team principal he said "I do not know yet whether I want to take this position or not. We already have someone in the company with previous experience as team principal of a championship-winning Formula One team in Stefano [Domenicali], but it is a decision that has yet to be made".
Horner said "It is an awful shame to think that this means the end of Red Bull and my time in charge of the team, but our engine supplier has made great errors that won't be easily fixed in the short term and the costs arising from the current engine regulations go completely against what the sport is trying to achieve. There's no more justification for Red Bull's continuing presence on the grid. If we're not winning it's bad publicity".
Audi have already revealed some of their plans for next year. The team will be renamed Audi Sport F1 Team, it will continue to be based in Milton Keynes and they have already announced the surprise signing of three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer, who also raced for Caterham in last year's Belgian Grand Prix, as their first driver.
Lotterer said "It is an exciting prospect to compete in Formula One with Audi. I've always felt that Audi and F1 were a perfect combination. I know I've said before that I did not particularly enjoy F1 when I drove the Caterham at Spa, but it was more a reaction to the team not offering me the practice time I felt I deserved at Monza, and the negative atmosphere that surrounded the team. I'm sure if Caterham was not in the amount of trouble it was already in at that stage I would have enjoyed it more. Now that I am in a more positive state of mind I can honestly say that it was a wonderful experience to drive in Formula One and I look forward to doing it again next year.
Speculation remains on who the other Audi driver will be, as well as what will become of Red Bull's second team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, as there are continuing rumours that Renault are considering purchasing the Faenza outfit.
