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Amid rumours of Mercedes acquiring shares in Alpine, Zak Brown has criticised F1 teams forming partnerships, suggesting that it creates an uneven playing field.
A little over a month ago, it was revealed that Mercedes had bid to acquire a minority stake in Alpine, thus rivalling Christian Horner’s long-standing takeover attempt.
Mercedes’ interest in Alpine raised questions about conflict of interest, given that it could give the former power over a second team in Formula 1.
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Renault will hand Toto Wolff the keys to Alpine for the right price. But Mercedes’ bid is far from the only option on the table for them.
Wolff is adamant Alpine won’t become Mercedes’ junior team if their bid is successful. But McLaren CEO Zak Brown is still concerned about the optics and practicality of such a move.
READ MORE: Otmar Szafnauer considering teaming up with F2 team to rival Christian Horner’s Alpine bid
Zak Brown calls for ‘independent’ F1 teams amid Mercedes’ interest in acquiring Alpine
In a press conference attended by The Athletic, McLaren CEO Zak Brown spoke about the negative impact of F1 teams forming partnerships and acquisition agreements among themselves.
Comparing it to other sports, Brown noted that team partnerships can create a massive conflict of interest, one that could easily turn fans away from the sport.
“In today’s day and age, that’s (not) permitted in almost all, if not all, major forms of sport. I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness.
“In my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible, because I think it has a high risk and we have seen it compromise the integrity of the sport. That will be what turns fans off quicker than anything else.
“It applies to anybody and everybody, A/B teams, co-ownership. So regardless of who it is, I frown upon it. I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport. It’s not personal or towards any one team or individual.”
READ MORE: Alpine staff have been disappointed by their lack of ‘grade A treatment’ from Mercedes engineers
Flavio Briatore confirms Mercedes’ interest in buying a stake in Alpine
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Mercedes’ interest in Alpine could jeopardise relationship with McLaren
Given Brown and other McLaren officials’ outspoken remarks on Mercedes’ interest in Alpine, there has to be concern over the future of McLaren’s relationship with Mercedes.
Mercedes currently serve as the power unit supplier for McLaren, a service they also provide to Alpine and Williams.
With Mercedes potentially acquiring a minority stake in Alpine, McLaren’s partnership with Mercedes could come under serious threat, given that Mercedes would prioritise themselves and their partner team over their customer teams.
There are reports that the FIA could block Wolff and Mercedes in their attempt to secure a percentage share in Alpine.
As things stand, there is no word on the likelihood of Mercedes successfully acquiring a minority stake in Alpine.
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