Formula 1: Mateschitz Bullish About Red Bull's Aims

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has set high targets for the 2010 World Formula One Championship by declaring his team must fight for the championship this season, and believes Red Bull Racing now belongs at the top

With less than two weeks until Bahrain, Mateschitz fired an ultimatum to his team and a message to the Formula 1 paddock.

Red Bull were runners-up in both constructors’ and drivers’ championships in 2009 despite a mid-season fight with strong-starting British squad Brawn GP.

The energy drink giant's owner hopes the momentum is with them this season after admitting only title honours will suffice.

"We have realistic expectations that of course progressed each year," said Mateschitz.

"Last year we wanted to finish among the top three teams, which we achieved." the 65-year-old told Austrian newspaper the Salzburger Nachrichten .

The billionaire also went on to say that he felt his driver, Sebastian Vettel, was robbed of the title due to the early-season double diffuser row.

"At the start of last season, we were the only team without a double diffuser that could match Brawn's pace," he said. "If you consider we had to rebuild the car, Vettel had to accept the penalty after Melbourne, he could have been champion already last year."

Mateschitz is also happy with the driver pairing of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel and he feels both drivers are title-ready, which could only have a positive effect on the team.

"As Sebastian, he can too. Two drivers of equal strength are no problem but a huge advantage because they push their respective limits.

“Sebastian had more wins and poles last year than Mark but on fastest laps they were equal. Vettel of course is an exceptional personality that might come out maybe in some decades.

"By his pressure Mark could push his limits remarkably. The fact that Vettel is a product of our young driver scheme is an additional satisfaction for us."

However, the Austrian went on to comment about the long-term future of Red Bull's engine supplier, suggesting he doubts that Renault has a long-term commitment to the sport.

“I doubt it, because I suspect Renault does not intend to be in Formula 1 for so long,” he continued. “That Renault does not have a long-term connection is for us a little bit of an uncertainty.”