Red Bull technical advisor Helmut Marko believes that it is natural for a number of changes to take place at the team following the demise of founder Dietrich Mateschitz.
Mateschitz passed away last month following a long illness. While the presence of Red Bull and AlphaTauri in F1 is not in doubt, Marko has suggested that”big changes” could seen be seen at Red Bull.
“Certainly a lot will change,” Marko said.
“It was de facto autocracy, but Red Bull Racing is the group’s strongest and most efficient marketing tool.
“We have worked very independently in the past. We were the only ones who didn’t have to follow certain company rules.
“This autonomy existed with the consent of Mateschitz, but it has already leaked out that the new management wants to continue Formula 1 activities. Like now, with a relatively strong independence.”
Antique facilities could see overhaul
Regarding how Red Bull would now go with respect to its investment in facilities, Marko suggested further changes.
As of now, the team uses the same wind tunnel that it did when it bought out Jaguar in 2004.
The facility has a history that dates back all the way to World War II.
Back then, it was mainly used for aircraft development and it is fair to say that it is a touch outdated compared to the facilities of some of the team’s rivals.
“The problem with our wind tunnel is that it is a post-war product that was set up by the Ministry of Defence, and cannot be demolished as it is a listed building,” said Marko.
“It is insanely long and not well insulated, and it takes a while to heat up. When it’s cold outside, it takes even longer.
“That’s why we’re building a new wind tunnel on our site, which is idiotic, because the development trend is moving towards CFD simulations. That’s another 50 million [Euros].
“The building is already there, and the [new] wind tunnel will go there, but it will probably take another two to three years before everything is ready.”