McLaren CEO Takes Firm Stance on Multi-Team Ownership
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has taken a strong position against the idea of Mercedes acquiring a stake in another Formula 1 team, warning that such arrangements should not be allowed to expand across the sport in the long term.
Key Points on F1 Multi-Team Ownership:
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown has formally warned the FIA about the risks of manufacturers controlling multiple F1 teams.
- Concerns are heightened by reports of Mercedes potentially acquiring a stake in Alpine F1.
- Brown highlights critical issues like shared personnel, potential on-track cooperation, and compromised regulatory discussions.
- The debate is urgent, pushing F1 to adopt clear rules, mirroring other major sports leagues.
Formal Complaint Sent to FIA Leadership
While structures like the Red Bull–Racing Bulls setup have been tolerated for years due to historical context, Brown believes this model is outdated and risks creating an uneven competitive landscape if replicated more widely. Brown has reportedly written a six-page letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, outlining his concerns over shared ownership between competing teams in Formula 1.
The issue has resurfaced amid reports that Mercedes is exploring a potential 24 percent minority stake in Alpine, currently held by investment fund Otro Capital. Brown’s letter reinforces a position he has raised publicly on multiple occasions, stressing the risks of strategic alliances between teams with common shareholders.
Concerns Over Competitive Integrity and “Gardening Leave”
During a press conference at the McLaren Technology Centre, Brown pointed to operational advantages that could arise under shared ownership structures, including the absence of gardening leave restrictions between linked teams.
He referenced long-standing arrangements such as Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, noting that while accepted, they originated in a very different era when Scuderia Toro Rosso was first formed more than 20 years ago. Formula 1 leadership has historically accepted this satellite model, but Brown argues it should not become a growing trend.
Potential Mercedes–Alpine Deal Raises Red Flags
The possible Mercedes investment in Alpine has intensified concerns about competitive balance, particularly around the influence one manufacturer could exert over two teams. Brown also raised broader issues, including sporting integrity during regulatory discussions, potential indirect on-track cooperation, and resource sharing between linked operations. He pointed to incidents such as Daniel Ricciardo’s fastest lap at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix as examples that fuel skepticism about competitive neutrality.
Wider Sporting Context and Call for Regulation
Brown’s warning extends beyond Formula 1, drawing comparisons with other major sports leagues where multi-team ownership is strictly prohibited to preserve fairness. He argued that without clear regulation, independent teams could find themselves at a structural disadvantage against organizations with strategic alliances. While the FIA has yet to introduce comprehensive rules on the matter, growing debate suggests the sport may soon need to address the issue to avoid future controversy formally.
