Mateschitz can understand Verstappen anger

Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz admits that he understands the anger that is being shown by Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has been left deeply unhappy at Red Bull this season after retiring from four of the last six races.

Many expected Red Bull to leap out of the gates fastest this season and produce a car fast enough to topple Mercedes, who has dominated the sport since 2014. However, Red Bull has produced a car inferior to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari this year.

When asked if he understands the anger expressed by the 19-year-old, Mateschitz said: "Of course. Almost everything that can happen to him has happened to him this season. Max is unique and a strong personality. He is courageous, charismatic and despite his young age very disciplined, purposeful and determined. His overtaking is incredible and yet he's always in control. That is pure class.

"Do you know what my ultimate dream is in Formula 1? That Max is the youngest world champion in history with Red Bull. We have two more years to achieve that goal," Mateschitz added.

Mateschitz says it is crucial for the sport that independent suppliers are able to join F1 in the future. And if Red Bull is not happy with the post-2020 engine rules, Mateschitz says he could quit.

"Yes! But this is not just for Red Bull, but for the future of formula one," he said. "You only get exciting races if there is competition. Just two drivers from one team fighting for victory is lethal to the sport, but only two teams competing is not much better."

Fergal Walsh