McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has once again voiced his long‑standing opposition to the practice of multi‑team ownership and closely linked alliances within Formula 1, a stance that has gained fresh relevance after reports that Mercedes is evaluating a minority investment in Alpine. Brown has built his reputation as a vocal critic of what he terms "A‑B teams" – situations where one outfit enjoys a privileged relationship with another, either through shared ownership, technical partnerships, or other forms of close cooperation that could tilt the competitive balance. The issue is not new to the sport. Red Bull has owned two separate entries since 2005, initially acquiring the struggling Minardi team and rebranding it as Scuderia Toro Rosso before later renaming it AlphaTauri.
Ferrari, meanwhile, maintains a long‑standing technical partnership with the American outfit Haas, providing engines and engineering support that effectively ties the two teams together. Most recently, Mercedes has been linked to a potential purchase of the 24 per cent share in Alpine currently held by Otro Capital, a U.S.
investment firm. While the Renault Group remains the majority shareholder of Alpine, the prospect of a German manufacturer taking a foothold adds another layer to the debate about cross‑team influence. Brown, whose McLaren cars run on Mercedes power units, stressed that his concerns are not aimed at any single party but apply universally. "I frown upon any arrangement that goes beyond a simple customer‑supplier relationship for power units," he told Sky Sports News.
"Whether it’s Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes, the principle remains the same – we must protect the sporting integrity of Formula 1." He recalled specific incidents that illustrate his point. At the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo, driving for Racing Bulls (the rebranded AlphaTauri), secured a point that indirectly helped Max Verstappen and Red Bull maintain their lead. Brown highlighted how the transfer of intellectual property and the rapid movement of staff between sister teams can give a competitive edge that is not reflected in the sport's cost‑cap regulations.
"When personnel jump from one team to another overnight, the receiving team gains knowledge without having to pay for it under the cap, effectively creating a hidden advantage," he explained. To make the issue relatable, Brown drew an analogy with football: "Imagine two Premier League clubs owned by the same conglomerate. If one club is relegated, the other can survive because it has the financial backing of the parent group.
That’s the risk we face in Formula 1 if we allow multi‑team ownership to proliferate." He argued that the only acceptable level of cooperation should be the provision of engines, and that all eleven teams should strive for maximum independence. Brown also referenced the ongoing discussions surrounding the Concorde Agreement, the contract that governs the sport's commercial and regulatory framework. He said he raised his concerns during the latest round of negotiations, noting that while the governing bodies are aware of the problem, more concrete actions are needed.
"We have seen incidents in the past, and we need to eliminate them rather than allow them to grow," he said. Despite his criticism, Brown acknowledged the positive contributions of Red Bull to Formula 1 over the past two decades. He recognised that the team's expansion into a second outfit helped preserve its competitiveness and brought additional investment into the sport. However, he warned that replicating this model could undermine the principle of fair competition.
"I’m glad to see that Racing Bulls and Red Bull no longer look like the same car," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of clear separation between sister teams. Brown mentioned that he has spoken directly with Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal, about these concerns. Mekies, who is the only current team principal overseeing two separate entries, has been described as open and transparent, willing to discuss potential issues.
Brown believes this dialogue is a sign that teams are aware of the controversy and are not eager to push the boundaries further. The conversation about ownership also involved other potential investors. A consortium that includes former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been reported as interested in Alpine’s minority share, adding another layer of complexity to the ownership landscape. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff clarified that Mercedes is not seeking to turn Alpine into a junior team but is simply assessing the strategic merits of a minority stake.
"We are looking at it from different angles and haven’t reached any conclusions yet," Wolff said, indicating that the decision is still under review. Brown concluded by urging the sport’s regulators to keep a close eye on any developments that could further entrench multi‑team relationships. He stressed that while historical arrangements may have been tolerated, the sport must evolve to ensure each team competes on a level playing field.
"If we allow more of the same, we risk eroding the very essence of Formula 1, which is about engineering excellence and driver skill, not corporate maneuvering," he warned. As the 2024 season progresses, fans can look forward to the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will feature the second Sprint weekend of the year. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW for those who prefer a contract‑free experience.
The ongoing debate over team ownership and alliances promises to remain a focal point of discussion among teams, officials, and supporters alike, as the sport seeks to balance commercial interests with the fundamental principle of fair competition.