The Racing Bulls will not play a role in the title fight between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, as CEO Peter Bayer made it clear in a “Sky” interview.
The background: As a sister team to Red Bull, Racing Bulls could be willing to consciously exert influence on Verstappen’s behalf in the World Championship fight if the racing situation allows it.
Bayer clearly rejects this idea. When asked how closely the Racing Bulls are working with their “big brother” Red Bull at the finale in Abu Dhabi, he answers dryly: “Not at all. To be honest – we have our own worries. Aston Martin is twelve points behind us.”
Ralf Schumacher couldn’t help but grin and asked: “Try again.” But Bayer sticks to its line: “Not at all.” However, Schumacher puts it into perspective: “But no one would intentionally drive into another’s car. No one would do that. No one wants to intervene in the World Cup fight – imagine that! You need that like a hole in the head if you drive into the World Cup leader.”
Bayer is reminiscent of the Latifi example – and clearly differentiates itself
Bayer added, with a view to previous controversies such as the Latifi accident in 2021: “I think of the Latifi. This is always an issue, even years later. We are all athletes, competitors, racers. Everyone wants the best for themselves and their team.”
Of course they are following Max Verstappen’s fight for the title, Bayer admits: “Of course we are happy for Max and keeping our fingers crossed for him.” But: “We definitely won’t work together or do anything in that direction.”
The focus is solely on sixth place
For Racing Bulls it’s all about their own goals. The team is currently in sixth place in the constructors’ championship – twelve points ahead of Aston Martin. Nothing is possible moving forward, fifth place is already mathematically gone.
“The only thing that matters to us is that we take home sixth place,” says Bayer.
“This is extremely important from a sporting, financial and motivational point of view. Everything else doesn’t matter to us.” This makes it clear: Even if Verstappen is only twelve points behind Norris – there will be no support from Racing Bulls. Abu Dhabi is decided for Red Bull and McLaren without any outside influences.