McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has criticized Formula 1's 'A team and B team' model, saying it risks compromising the sport's integrity. He pointed to recent staff moves between Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls as examples of potential unfair advantages. Brown called for greater independence among the 11 teams to maintain fan trust.
Zak Brown voiced concerns shortly after Red Bull announced the hire of Racing Bulls deputy technical director Andrea Landi as its head of performance. Landi starts at Red Bull's Milton Keynes base on July 1. In contrast, McLaren's pursuit of Red Bull's head of racing Gianpiero Lambiase faces a delay until possibly 2028 due to gardening leave rules. Brown emphasized that such quick transitions between closely linked teams create unfair financial and sporting edges, often without compensation under the cost cap. He cited instances like Ferrari and Haas exchanging staff rapidly, noting that intellectual property resides 'in your head.'
