Lewis Hamilton: Red Bull's threat to quit Formula 1 'really odd'

Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat will be driving for Red Bull at his home Grand Prix in Russia this weekend

Lewis Hamilton has told Red Bull to "keep pushing" and not "give up" after they threatened to quit Formula 1.

The team, who won four consecutive drivers' and constructors' titles doubles from 2010 to 2013, are close to splitting with engine partner Renault.

Red Bull have said they will quit F1 at the end of the season if they cannot secure a competitive power unit.

Mercedes' Hamilton said their threats were "really odd", adding: "I have not seen that with any other team."

He added: "Growing up watching F1, when Ferrari lost the championship after having success, I don't remember hearing them complaining the next year. You have to keep pushing forward and there is no reason for them to give up."

Red Bull, who have not won a race this season, are hoping to use Ferrari engines next year but have been offered the 2015 specification rather then the 2016 upgrade, which they have described as an "insult".

The future of their sister team Toro Rosso is also in doubt.

World champion Hamilton is leading this year's title battle by 48 points from team-mate Nico Rosberg, while Mercedes have 506 points in the constructors' championship compared to Red Bull's 139.

"It seems really odd for me, having witnessed Red Bull's success, and then the moment that they don't have success, it is like they have been upset about it," Hamilton said.

"They have great drivers, great pedigree, they have had incredible success, and they still have a pretty awesome car.

Sebastian Vettel, pictured (right) with consultant Helmut Marko, won four successive drivers' titles at Red Bull from 2010 to 2013

"All those people who have a job, you're saying you are going to get rid of all those people through something that is not the biggest thing? They can still have success. They just have to work hard at it."

Asked about the team's future at the pre-Russian Grand Prix news conference on Thursday, Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz said: "We just need to wait, be patient and trust Red Bull will take the right decision. They will do the best for the brand, both teams."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said Red Bull pulling out of F1 would be a "big loss".

"But we have seen teams coming and going," he said. "I think F1 can survive [their departure] but it is not ideal."