The one topic never discussed inside Red Bull during its time in F1

It has been a point of strength of Red Bull during its time in Formula 1 that it has always stood on its own two feet financially.

Whilst it has naturally attracted an array of sponsors and partners over the years, in particular as it has embraced success, it has never once had to go cap in hand asking for investment from outside companies.

You look at its rivals, even a third of Mercedes is owned by billionaire Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe; McLaren has long been aided by Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, and was even forced to accept a $185 million cash injection from MSP Sports Capital in late 2020.

Elsewhere, Williams is under the ownership of private investment firm Dorilton Capital, whilst at Aston Martin, owner Lawrence Stroll is supported by a consortium.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is proud of the fact the team has never required outside financial assistance, despite the influx of institutional investment, nor does he see the need for that to change given the positivity surrounding F1 at present.

"Regarding Red Bull's position on outside investment, it's never been discussed since Red Bull joined Formula 1," said Horner, speaking to select media, including RacingNews365.

"I think the commitment to Formula 1 has never been stronger, particularly with the engine project, and all that Red Bull puts in globally into Formula 1 with the grand prix and the amount of promotion it commits to the sport."

It's down to F1 to deliver - Horner

It is well documented that since the arrival of Liberty Media as owners eight years ago, taking over from Bernie Ecclestone's 40-year stewardship, the sport has grown from strength to strength.

Every team is now valued at a minimum of $1 billion; countries are falling over themselves in a bid to join the calendar, and F1 is attracting a constant stream of lucrative sponsors, such as a partnership with LVMH that started this year, valued at $1 billion over the 10 years of its contract.

Behind the scenes at Liberty Media, Greg Maffei stepped down as CEO at the end of the year. He has been replaced by chairman John Malone on an interim basis.

In addition, Chase Carey, the former CEO of F1, has returned to the executive committee of the Liberty board to support current F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Horner does not feel the changes will rock the boat in any way. Instead, it is in the hands of F1 to produce the goods that will allow Liberty Media to continue on the right path.

"As far as Liberty is concerned, obviously, they're going through an evolution," remarked Horner.

"Greg Maffei did a great job during his tenure, changes have been made, and it's great to see Chase Carey coming back, albeit in a more remote role than he was previously.

"When you look at the strength of the sport, the demand that there is for Formula 1, the countries that are pushing for Formula 1 races, the investment that's being made in the sport, deals like the LVMH deal, interest in the sport has never been stronger, and it's down to the sport to continue to deliver on track."