Zak Brown should complain to the FIA about what Red Bull and Racing Bulls have just done

Follow us on Google Discover

Zak Brown has previously raised concerns about the relationship between Red Bull and Racing Bulls. Both teams are owned by the Austrian energy drinks company.

Red Bull driver programme graduates tend to start their careers at Racing Bulls and audition for a seat with the six-time F1 champions. Last year, Laurent Mekies left the Faenza-based team to replace Christian Horner.

While the two teams used to race with different engines, they were both powered by Honda from 2019 to 2025. Racing Bulls have now become the inaugural ‘customers’ of Red Bull Powertrains.

The trifecta is no more – when will Red Bull next win a title?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Brown says Racing Bulls are the Red Bull ‘B team’, a structure that ‘compromises the integrity’ of F1.

Red Bull and Racing Bulls have just exchanged 40 staff members

The FIA regulations stipulate that Red Bull and Racing Bulls must function as independent teams. But recent behind-the-scenes moves paint a picture of one larger organisation.

According to Motorsport Italy, there is an ongoing ‘transfer of personnel’ between the two teams ahead of the 2026 season. 40 staff have already moved in one direction or the other.

What are your thoughts on Red Bull’s relationship with Racing Bulls?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

‘Senior marketing’ employees have been involved, which is unlikely to concern rivals like Brown. But ‘engineering figures’ are swapping places too, which could offer a sporting benefit.

Up to this point, the FIA have found Red Bull and Racing Bulls to be compliant with the rules, and it’s worth noting that there’s no explicit ban on this large-scale exchange of staff. But perhaps Brown should complain to the governing body and ask for such a provision to be included.

Red Bull could have made an enormous profit by selling Racing Bulls

Red Bull clearly have an advantage over their competitors with seemingly unrestricted access to a talent pool at another team.

It was reported last year that Red Bull rejected a giant £1.7bn offer to sell Racing Bulls, which highlights the perceived value of the relationship.

Red Bull paid just £26m to buy the Minardi team in 2005. This was one of the best business decisions the organisation made.

Ferrari had the chance to purchase Minardi but they refused. The Scuderia have an extensive technical partnership with Haas and will also supply engines to newcomers Cadillac in 2026.