McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown slams ‘unhealthy’ Red Bull setup

A Formula 1 team boss has raised serious concerns surrounding the relationship between two rival teams that could impact the sport.

McLaren boss Zak Brown has delivered a not-so-subtle shot at Formula 1 rivals Red Bull and AlphaTauri.

The alliance between the two teams has continually raised questions among fellow teams on the grid with Brown questioning the integrity of the relationship in an open letter.

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While rules and regulation are in place, the ties between the two teams was strengthened in 2023 which ruffled feathers of its rivals.

As questions were raised over any potential rule breaks, Red Bull boss Christian Horner rubbished the suggestions.

Brown however isn’t convinced and says the relationship between the two teams raises serious concerns ahead of the 2024 season.

In an open letter to McLaren fans, Brown reflected on the season that was and looked ahead to the next year where he delivered the shot at Red Bull.

“Most other major sports prohibit the ownership of two teams within the same league because of the obvious potential damage that it does to competition,” Brown wrote.

Brown has taken aim at Red Bull once again. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

“It’s an unhealthy situation because it impacts decisions made both on and off the track.

“Whether it’s a case of having access to more data, sharing components/personnel, or even having influence over a strategic vote, it’s not in the spirit of the regulations.

“It’s important to stand up for independence, competition and fairness, and I’d like to see changes in the regulations to ensure that in future, they stop influence spreading from one team to another through strategic alliances and especially through ownership. Formula 1 should be true to its brand, and every team – except power units – should be totally independent of each other.

“I believe Formula 1 fans universally believe in fairness in competition and a level playing field, and would reject any actions that compromise the true spirit of competition within Formula 1.

“Part sharing of information, shared ownership models, and strategic alliances within the sporting fabric of Formula 1 will only serve to undermine the fans’ belief in fair and fierce competition.”

Zak Brown in his open letter: "Most other major sports prohibit the ownership of two teams within the same league because of the obvious potential damage that it does to competition.

"It’s an unhealthy situation because it impacts decisions made both on and off the track." https://t.co/KXWzaPD7Sy

— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) December 21, 2023

While Brown might have issues with rival teams, it’s inside his own garage where trouble could be set to arise.

Formula One icon Martin Brundle believes Lando Norris would have been “mortally wounded” by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri getting a race win before him.

Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship and with seven podiums, while Piastri was ninth overall with two podium finishes and a victory in the sprint race in Qatar.

Norris has now had five seasons in F1 and while the 24-year-old has shown excellent consistency, he will be desperate to get the monkey off his back and claim a maiden Grand Prix win next season.

The Brit was on his way to a maiden win in Russia in 2021 before rain started falling and he chose to stay out on track instead of changing tyres, cruelling his hopes of victory.

Norris has now tied Nick Heidfield for the most podium finishes (13) without a race win and could hold that record outright if Max Verstappen’s dominance continues next year.

Lando and Oscar could be on an ugly collision course. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Speaking on Sky Sports’ end-of-season review, Brundle praised Norris for an excellent second half of the season but pointed out the awkward reality that his younger teammate won a race before him.

“Oscar Piastri has really sharpened Lando Norris up,” Brundle declared.

“Now he has to get on with it a little bit because Piastri has turned up, as a rookie, delivering the high speeds through the really challenging corners, delivering some amazing results.

“Made some rookie errors as well, but I think that’s really driven both drivers on and probably just what Lando needed because I think in the second half of the season, Lando Norris has been outstanding.”

“Let’s remember that Oscar Piastri won the sprint race in Qatar in great style with Max (Verstappen) trying to catch him,” Brundle added.

“Their (McLaren’s) new wind tunnel I don’t think will really pay a lot of dividends until 2025, but if they put everything else together well … and remember even a couple of years back there was a sequence of three races were Lando could have won all three of them.

“So it’s within touching distance and he must be mortally wounded that actually it was Piastri who saw the chequered flag first.”

Originally published as McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown slams ‘unhealthy’ Red Bull setup