McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has written to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to warn against the spread of common ownership in Formula 1 teams. Brown fears that alliances like a potential Mercedes stake in Alpine could compromise fairness. He cited issues such as shared resources and lack of restrictions on staff movement.
Brown sent a six-page letter detailing his position after reports emerged that Mercedes might buy a 24 percent stake in Alpine from investment fund Otro Capital. He argued that while the Red Bull and Racing Bulls arrangement has been tolerated, the model should not expand further. Brown pointed to examples including the absence of gardening leave between sister teams and possible on-track assistance, such as Daniel Ricciardo's fastest lap at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
