BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – FEBRUARY 21: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner observes in the Paddock during the first day of F1 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 21, 2024, in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202402210899 // Editorial use only //
Brown has urged the FIA to reconsider the regulations that allowed what he referred to as a collaboration between an A team and a B team.
In the previous season, Red Bull, the reigning champions, won 21 out of 22 races. By strengthening their partnership with VCRRB, their former junior team known as Toro Rosso, which finished eighth in the 2023 F1 standings as AlphaTauri, the sister team could become significantly more competitive.
During an FIA press conference at the F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday, Brown expressed his lack of knowledge about any other sport that allows co-ownership of two competing teams.
In the same press conference, Horner, who is currently facing allegations from a female staff member regarding his conduct, which he denies, reminded reporters that Red Bull also owns two football clubs in the Champions League.
RB Salzburg from Austria and RB Leipzig from Germany reached the group stage of this year’s prestigious European club competition, with the latter reaching the round of 16.
Horner also recalled how the late Red Bull founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, saved Minardi from bankruptcy in 2005 by renaming it Toro Rosso, and how Red Bull remained in the sport and supported it during the COVID pandemic when other manufacturers withdrew.
Instead of facing criticism, Horner believes that Red Bull should be praised for their commitment.
“The two [F1] teams are completely separate. One is based in Italy, while the other is based in the UK. The team in Italy has a significantly larger number of team members who end up in Maranello compared to those who end up in Milton Keynes,” he explained, referencing Ferrari and Red Bull.
Horner stated that the relationship between the Red Bull teams is not as close as that of some other teams and their engine manufacturers.
“We hope they are a competitor, not only against the rest of the field, but also against Red Bull Racing,” he added. “There are no pre-established rules or agreements between the teams. I don’t understand the controversy surrounding this… to me, it’s really a non-issue,” Horner insisted.
Brown, also present at the FIA press conference, mentioned that while Red Bull is “playing by the rules,” the sport is evolving with the implementation of a budget cap. He believes that the goal should be to have 10 independent teams.
“If the goal of the cap is to ensure fair competition… then the current rules are not the same for everyone. We need to address this, and the FIA needs to address this in the regulations,” Brown added. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
According to the source grandprix247.com
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton achieved a spectacular victory at the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday. Hamilton, from the Mercedes team, showcased his exceptional skill by overtaking his opponents and securing the first position on the podium.
The race was thrilling from the start, with several overtakes and moments of tension. Hamilton started in pole position and maintained the lead throughout the race, even under pressure from other talented drivers.
With this victory, Hamilton strengthens his position in the Formula 1 World Championship, showing that he is one of the best drivers of the present time. His driving ability and impeccable strategy set him apart from the other competitors.
In addition, Hamilton is also known for his activism off the track. He is an advocate for social causes and has used his platform to speak about important issues such as racial equality. His influence extends beyond the sport, inspiring people around the world.
Formula 1 fans are eager to see what Hamilton will do in the upcoming races. With his impressive performance at the Monaco Grand Prix, he will certainly continue to surprise everyone with his skill and determination.
The next race of the Formula 1 World Championship will be held next weekend, and fans can’t wait to see more action on the tracks. It will be interesting to see if Hamilton can maintain his winning pace and get closer to the world title.
Don’t miss updates on Formula 1 and other sports news. Stay tuned for more exciting information about the world of motorsport.
