Renault
Renault definitely have the most to lose by leaving, as they rely on their RenaultSport department of the company to produce cars like the Megane R26. The Megane is widely regarded as the best hot-hatchback on sale right now, but the F1 team were a contributing factor to it's success as they formed the basis if the marketing for the car.
Should Renault leave, they will have no basis for their hot cars, and lose a large amount of their income. Renault would save the amount they would lose and more by leaving the sport, but would their reputation ever fully recover?
Red Bull/Toro Rosso
I see very little chance of Red Bull leaving F1, yes they are a huge brand without F1, but they have for of the hottest drivers on the grid right now, so they stand to lose far too much from leaving us. Not a hope in hell of Red Bull leaving.
BMW-Sauber
BMW are such a gigantic company even without F1 that they would save money by leaving the sport, but they are determined to win at least one championship, so until that is done at the very least, I do not see them leaving.
Mario Theissen has said before that the BMW board will class their involvement in F1 as a failure without the ultimate prize. Not going anywhere, for now at least.
Toyota
Probably going to leave in 2010, if they do not win this season. They have to be frustrated that they have not won a race since their debut in 2002, and the company can save money without the expenditure of F1.
I see them leaving in 2010, no doubt, but only if they do not win this season.
So there we have it, I believe that Renault and Toyota will be leaving our sport, leaving two empty spaces on the grid, so who could fill them?
My next article will look at who could be the new kids on the grid next year, teams and drivers, see you there!
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