The Fight Over Multi‑Team Ownership in Formula 1

Another key part of his argument is that the financial conditions that once justified multi‑team ownership have changed. With the introduction of F1’s cost cap and stronger commercial revenues across the grid, he argues that teams no longer need such arrangements to survive.

The Ownership Models Under Scrutiny

The most prominent example in Formula 1 is the Red Bull structure. Red Bull GmbH owns both the championship‑winning Red Bull Racing team and Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), creating the clearest example of a single company controlling two entries on the grid.

While that structure has existed for many years, Brown argues it should not become a model that spreads across the sport.

Recent speculation has added urgency to the debate: Mercedes has been linked with the possibility of buying a minority stake in Renault‑owned Alpine. Even a partial investment could create new cross‑team relationships between competitors.

Brown says his criticism is not aimed at any one team but applies broadly to any scenario where a single organization could influence multiple competitors in the championship.

Sporting Incidents and Operational Concerns

Brown has also cited examples he believes illustrate the risks of close team relationships. These include race situations involving Red Bull‑linked teams that affected rivals during the championship battle.

Beyond race tactics, he has raised concerns about operational overlap such as shared wind tunnels, software tools, or rapid movement of staff between affiliated teams. Those kinds of connections, he argues, could allow technical knowledge or strategic insights to flow between supposedly independent competitors.

How FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Responded

The FIA has acknowledged the controversy and confirmed it is actively reviewing the issue. The discussion intensified after the Mercedes–Alpine investment rumors surfaced earlier in 2026.

Ben Sulayem has publicly said that, in his personal view, owning more than one team is probably “not the right way,” but he also described the subject as complex and said the FIA must study it carefully before acting.

The governing body has reportedly assigned personnel to examine the ethical and sporting implications of multi‑team ownership, including whether such arrangements could compromise competitive fairness.

At the same time, Ben Sulayem has suggested that minority investments might still be acceptable under certain circumstances, indicating the FIA is weighing different regulatory approaches rather than immediately imposing a blanket ban.

Why the Debate Could Lead to New Rules

Several developments make this issue feel closer to a regulatory turning point:

First, Brown’s campaign has moved from public criticism to formal governance pressure, including a detailed letter directly to the FIA leadership.

Second, the FIA itself has confirmed it is examining the rules around team ownership and alliances rather than dismissing the concerns outright.

Third, the possibility of new ownership links—such as a Mercedes stake in Alpine—has expanded the debate beyond the long‑standing Red Bull structure and raised fears that multi‑team models could spread across the grid.

Taken together, these factors mean the discussion is no longer theoretical. The FIA is now studying whether Formula 1 should tighten restrictions on team relationships to preserve competitive independence.

If regulators decide changes are necessary, the sport could see new rules defining how much ownership, investment, or operational cooperation between teams is allowed in the future.