Zak Brown Urges FIA to Ban F1 Team Alliances

Zak Brown has sent a strongly worded letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the growing issue of multi-team ownership in Formula 1.

The McLaren CEO is calling for tighter regulations to restrict alliances between teams, which he believes threaten the integrity of modern Formula 1 competition.

Brown has long been one of the most vocal critics of the dual-team ownership model currently operated by Red Bull Racing through Racing Bulls.

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In the letter obtained by RacingNews365, Brown highlighted several incidents which he believes demonstrate how the relationship between the two organisations can influence sporting fairness.

One example referenced was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo was brought into the pits on the final lap to attempt the fastest lap and remove the bonus point from Lando Norris.

The move was viewed as indirectly helping the championship campaign of Max Verstappen by preventing Norris from collecting an additional crucial point.

Brown also pointed to the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, where Racing Bulls instructed Liam Lawson to hand a position back to Verstappen following a first-lap incident.

Beyond racing matters, Brown additionally criticised the immediate transfer of Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season without any gardening leave.

He contrasted the situation with McLaren’s recruitment of Rob Marshall from Red Bull, which required heavy compensation and a nine-month non-compete period.

Brown also referenced Red Bull’s signing of Andrea Landi from Racing Bulls, arguing it further reinforces concerns that internal firewalls between the teams are not functioning like those between genuinely independent competitors.

The McLaren CEO additionally raised concerns over possible technical advantages linked to dual ownership structures, including software development and wind tunnel operations.

FIA president Ben Sulayem previously admitted that Formula 1’s governing body has already started examining the issue of multi-team ownership.

“Personally, I believe owning two teams is not the right way. We are studying whether it is possible, whether it is allowed, and whether it is the right thing,” Ben Sulayem said in Miami.

Brown also confirmed in his letter that he remains open to further discussions with the FIA regarding the future of Formula 1 ownership regulations.