Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian driver for RB VCARB 01, participated in the Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, which took place on 29.02.2024 in Sakhir, Bahrain, during the Testing Day. Formula 1 team leaders are seeking clarification from the FIA regarding the strengthened partnership between Red Bull and their sister team RB. AlphaTauri, a team that had a difficult start to the 2023 season, received confirmation from Red Bull that they would have a closer technical relationship with the main team. AlphaTauri’s performance improved after incorporating components from Red Bull, moving from 10th to 8th place in the constructors’ championship. McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed concerns about the alliance between the two Red Bull teams, especially regarding Formula 1 regulations, rather than suspicions of cheating. Brown emphasized that the sport has evolved in the era of budget limits and that the rules should be the same for all teams. He mentioned cases where the Red Bull team principal made decisions for the AlphaTauri team, and the CEO emphasized the importance of using Red Bull’s suspension. Brown believes that these actions compromise the independence of the teams. Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, also questioned the effectiveness of current regulations in protecting all teams from potential loopholes that Red Bull may exploit. He acknowledged the contributions that Red Bull has made to the sport but emphasized the need for robust regulations and good governance. Wolff rejected comparisons between the Red Bull alliance and that of Haas and Ferrari, stating that there are more concerns when teams share the same location and management. He highlighted the importance of fair decision-making processes and good governance in Formula 1. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur suggested that collaborations between teams, even if they are not owned by the same company, should be allowed within the regulations. He acknowledged the need for balance and fairness in decision-making processes.
