Still no team orders at Red Bull in 2011

The big boss of the energy drink, Dietrich Mateschitz, reiterated once again in an interview with the English magazine Autosport: our two drivers will be free to engage in battle. The Austrian expects Vettel and Webber to fight together for the world title. A situation that should stir up recent memories.

Step back

Back in 2010, the season during which the RB6 was clearly head and shoulders above the other cars. This allowed both Red Bull drivers to fight at the front, together. The parent company always categorically refused to take sides between the two. This carte blanche, which is quite rare in Formula 1 today, nevertheless sparked tensions between Vettel and Webber throughout the championship. Such as the collision between the two drivers at the Turkish Grand Prix or the accusations of favoritism towards Vettel at the Silverstone Grand Prix, for example. Nevertheless, the team leaders in Milton Keynes managed to handle this rivalry and clinch both world titles at the very last Grand Prix, in Abu Dhabi, in 2010.

A renewed strategy

It is therefore logical that the Red Bull policy, successful given the results of the previous year, is not changed.

«Sebastian is very motivated, and Mark too », declares Mateschitz. «They will not give each other presents. That’s why I expect a situation similar to last year’s. They will be free to race. We are not changing our strategy. »

Moreover, Mateschitz is keen to put an end to the speculation of the Australian driver’s departure at the end of 2011 and consequently to the rumors of favoritism surrounding the youngest world champion in F1 history, Sebastian Vettel. He believes that Webber has everything needed to pose a serious threat and that the rumors of his departure are unfounded. “Why should he leave? He has a body of steel, and he is mentally in perfect condition,” he says. “If he doesn’t continue with us, we will offer him a contract elsewhere. He is a top driver, on the same level as Sebastian. They are both exceptional.”

The Red Bull RB7: A Weapon Still as Lethal?

The RB7 still seems to be the car to beat, despite slower times during the initial tests. And Mateschitz believes that the battle for the title is wide open. He admits that it might be more difficult to retain the title. For the first time, we are the hunted and no longer the hunters, it’s a new experience. Reaching the top is easier than staying there in Formula One. I don’t want to make any predictions for 2011 just yet because it’s too early. Every team will bring improvements by Bahrain.