Red Bull Racing entered Formula 1 in 2005 after acquiring the Ford F1 team and rebranding it as Red Bull Racing. Just a year later, the Austrian company purchased Minardi and transformed it into Toro Rosso (now known as AlphaTauri). This move raised eyebrows among rival teams, who expressed concerns about competition fairness and potential conflicts of interest.
In a recent meeting of the F1 commission, Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the issue of Red Bull owning two teams. However, he firmly stated that the energy-drinks giant could continue this arrangement based on its significant contributions to the sport. Red Bull’s acquisition of the cash-strapped Minardi team in 2006 saved hundreds of jobs and demonstrated their commitment to Formula 1.
Stefano Domenicali about Red Bull owning 2 teams in F1:
"We talked about the fact that the Red Bull brand now owns two teams – but they can simply continue in this way based on what they have meant to the sport throughout history."
[https://t.co/raV9E3t9Iu] pic.twitter.com/h0QppqIviS
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 15, 2024
Domenicali emphasized that Red Bull’s long-standing involvement in the sport justified their dual team ownership. He stated, “The Red Bull brand now owns two teams, but they can just continue this way based on what they have meant for the sport throughout history”.
McLaren’s Concerns Against Red Bull Racing’s Dual Ownership
Not everyone shares Domenicali’s view. McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed reservations about Red Bull’s ownership structure, fearing that it could impact competition dynamics. Brown argued that having two teams under the same umbrella might lead to preferential treatment or strategic advantages. However, Domenicali’s stance remains clear: Red Bull’s historical contributions outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Stefano Domenicali’s affirmation of Red Bull Racing’s dual team ownership underscores the brand’s historical significance in Formula 1. While debates continue, the sport looks toward a future where noise, performance, and sustainability intersect. Whether Red Bull’s ownership model remains sustainable or evolves, it will undoubtedly shape the F1 landscape for years to come.
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