Does the relationship between Red Bull and AlphaTauri pose a problem?
By moving its aerodynamics department to Milton Keynes, AlphaTauri has strengthened its infrastructure and workforce, while also geographically approaching Red Bull, based in the same city. This situation revives questions regarding the relationship between the two teams.
After finishing 2023 strong, climbing up to eighth place, AlphaTauri managed to improve its reputation after a challenging season. Facing significant financial difficulties, the Italian team is struggling to develop as desired, and the sporting results reflect this inability. Therefore, the relocation of the factory from the small Italian town of Faenza to Milton Keynes in England is expected to benefit AlphaTauri. However, this move signifies a closer relationship with Red Bull, the “parent” team, whose factory is also based in Milton Keynes. Although the sharing of confidential information is prohibited, this alliance raises questions.
Zak Brown denounces a conflict of interest.
The director of McLaren Racing gave his opinion on the matter on Instagram. « We have work to do in terms of regulations. I believe that the team A-B is a real problem for the future. I think co-ownership doesn’t really exist in other sports, and I think it creates a lot of conflicts of interest. »
If in practice, the cooperation between AlphaTauri and Red Bull cannot exceed the regulations of the International Automobile Federation, it is the fact that one team owns two that raises a question: « I think that every time you have an entity that owns two teams, or a relationship A and B, I think that it really starts to compromise the integrity of sporting fairness » explained Brown.
Supported by Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 world champion, who declared that he fully agrees with Zak Brown’s remarks.
James Allison believes that the regulation is quite clear.
In another garage, the one belonging to Mercedes, the position adopted is not quite the same as Zak Brown’s. Indeed, James Allison, the team’s technical director, speaks of a clear and strict regulation, preventing any form of cheating. According to him, there is no reason to have any suspicions.
« I know exactly what the rules are. The way this rule is written is very broad and powerful, and it practically forbids any communication, said Allison.
The 55-year-old Brit also discusses the nature of the relationship between these two teams, which cannot, under any circumstances, go beyond the legal framework of the regulations. « It can only be a strong business relationship. It cannot be a strong technical or sporting relationship, as the rules prohibit it. » There is nothing to worry about at the moment, according to the technical director of Mercedes.
With this enhanced cooperation, debates continue to be fueled by each other. On the other hand, close relationships between teams have existed in Formula 1 for a long time. Since Haas’ arrival in 2016, for example, the American team has consistently maintained its partnership with Ferrari, especially in relation to the Dallara chassis.
Meet on February 29th for the opening of the 2024 Formula 1 season in Bahrain, to see at what stage of its reconstruction AlphaTauri is.
