McLaren team principal Zak Brown wrote to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem urging a rule change to ban single-company ownership of multiple Formula 1 teams.
The proposal targets the structural integrity of the sport's competition. Brown said that allowing one entity to own several teams could undermine the competitive nature of the grid and should be prohibited in the medium to long term.
In a letter spanning six pages [1], Brown cited current and potential ownership structures as primary concerns. He specifically pointed to Red Bull's ownership of two teams and a potential move by Mercedes to acquire a 24% stake [2] in Alpine.
The request for a rule change seeks to prevent the proliferation of such ownership models. Brown said that the current environment could lead to a lack of genuine competition if a few large entities control multiple entries on the grid.
Reaction to the letter has been divided among analysts. Some reports suggest the letter outlines legitimate concerns regarding the sport's governance, while other commentary said the message should be immediately tossed aside.
The FIA has not yet issued a formal response to the request. The outcome of this proposal could determine whether the sport moves toward a more restrictive ownership model, or continues to allow strategic investments across different teams.
“Zak Brown wrote to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem urging a rule change to ban single-company ownership of multiple Formula 1 teams.”
This move represents a strategic attempt by McLaren to influence the regulatory framework of Formula 1 ownership. If the FIA adopts these rules, it would block the expansion of 'B-teams' or corporate conglomerates from exerting undue influence over the grid, potentially protecting independent teams from being squeezed out by entities with multiple stakes.
