McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reiterated concerns over team alliances in Formula 1, prompting a supportive response from Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.
Brown sent a letter to the FIA and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighting issues with dual ownership structures, including Red Bull Austria's control of both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. He called for stronger governance and sporting safeguards to maintain the championship's integrity among independent constructors.
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Red Bull and McLaren have signaled plans to appeal the FIA's reinstatement of Pierre Gasly's third-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The decision followed Alpine's successful right of review after Gasly received post-race penalties for alleged pitlane speeding.
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.
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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.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has expressed respect for Gianpiero Lambiase's decision to join McLaren as chief racing officer in 2028, calling it a rare chance after nearly a decade with the team. The move follows supportive comments from Max Verstappen and makes Lambiase the third key Red Bull staffer to depart for the reigning champions.
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Red Bull Racing plans to introduce its second major upgrade package of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Austrian Grand Prix. Team principal Laurent Mekies said the changes aim to continue closing the performance gap to Mercedes and Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton has secured a third season with Ferrari after meeting performance clauses in his January 2024 agreement. George Russell's partnership with Mercedes has also been extended through 2027 following the team's decision after the Spanish Grand Prix.
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Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt disclosed that Red Bull approached him after his departure from the team in 2008, but he declined the offer. Todt shared the story during an appearance on the High Performance podcast, explaining his desire to pursue philanthropy instead. He later served as FIA president from 2009 to 2021.