Well, it was fun while it lasted…which, as it turns out, was not very long. Audi/VW officially rejected a possible entry into Formula One with an announcement that not only do they not intend to pursue Formula One racing at this time but with chief executive Rupert Stadler also adding a zinger, saying “Formula One needs to solve its problems on its own.” [German-to-English translation: We’re not giving Bernie Ecclestone any of our money]. Although previously, Stadler had publicly stated that Audi/VW were “keeping their options open” there had been speculation that the manufacturer might either buy Red Bull’s entry outright or supplant Renault as Red Bull’s engine supplier. But it now appears that this will not be the case and F1 will not see an Audi/VW entry as long as Ecclestone is still in charge [which appears to be a more general, unspoken company-wide stance now].
The 2015 Formula One season continues with the Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco at 5 a.m. [PDT] on NBCSN on May 24, 2015.