By Phil Huff
December 9 2002

It appears that the partnership between Sauber Petronas and long-term sponsor Red Bull is coming to an end. Sources indicate that, although Red Bull wish to retain a significant profile in Formula One, the low-key approach taken by Sauber is not going to be enough. The recent signing of Active O2, an indirect competitor to Red Bull, would appear to show that is the case.

The situation between Red Bull and Sauber remains amicable. Indeed, it's rumoured that Red Bull actively assisted in gaining the new Active O2 sponsorship in order to lessen the blow to their friends at Sauber.

A new home for Red Bull looks likely at sponsor-hungry Jordan-Ford. The distinctive style in which Jordan present themselves will assist Red Bull in developing their profile, while Arrows' demise has freed significant funds to invest elsewhere. Unconfirmed rumours that Jordan's energy drink, EJ-10, is being withdrawn makes such a move look more likely.

The same sources indicate that ex-Sauber racer Felipe Massa has managed to get up to US$5 million of backing from Red Bull perhaps easing his way into Takuma Sato's seat at Jordan.

Of course, Red Bull have withdrawn from Sauber before. In 2001 the company withdrew their support when the Chairman of the Austrian based Energy Drink manufacturer, Dietrich Mateschitz, became annoyed when the team choose young Finn Kimi Raikkonen over Enrique Bernoldi, a driver he backed. However, by January 2002 Red Bull had a change of heart, renewing the deal for a further year.