Mateschitz believes Mercedes out of reach again

Red Bull baron and F1 team owner Dietrich Mateschitz does not think his outfit can mount a serious world championship challenge in 2015.

The Austrian billionaire made an ultra-rare paddock visit this week at the opening test of the pre-season.

After Jerez, Mateschitz said: "Mercedes is again out of reach. I think if we are able to reduce the gap, that would be good."

Mateschitz also witnessed works partner Renault stumble at Jerez with a reliability problem for its uprated turbo V6, but noted: "If they manage to reduce the horse power deficit by 40 or 50, we will be in an area where, with a good car, we can put pressure on Mercedes."