The FIA has confirmed that it is investigating the controversy involving ownership of multiple teams in Formula 1. The topic returned to the spotlight after new questions about sporting influence, political power, and possible conflicts of interest within the grid.
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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the body is assessing the ethical and sporting impacts of this model. The discussion gained momentum recently due to Mercedes’ interest in acquiring a stake in Alpine, as well as frequent criticisms involving the relationship between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.
Red Bull has maintained two teams in Formula 1 for more than two decades, but the independence between both has always been a subject of debate in the paddock. The movement of professionals between the teams drew attention again last year, when Laurent Mekies took over Red Bull just days after Christian Horner left the team’s leadership.
The topic gained renewed attention after information emerged that Mercedes was interested in a 24% stake in Alpine. The stake belongs to a group of investors led by Otro Capital, which acquired the shares in 2023 for 200 million euros and today would have a stake valued at about 800 million euros.
Among the investors in the group are well-known names such as Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Patrick Mahomes, and Rory McIlroy. Besides Mercedes, Christian Horner also appears linked to the interest in the available stake of the French team.
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Zak Brown is one of the most outspoken critics of this type of structure within Formula 1. The McLaren CEO recently reiterated that the model poses risks to sporting integrity and is not accepted in most major sports categories worldwide: “Co-ownership is currently prohibited in practically all major sports. There is a very high risk of compromising integrity and sporting fairness. I have been against it from day one,” he said.
Ben Sulayem made it clear that he also has many reservations about the subject, although he recognizes the complexity of the issue: “Owning two teams depends on the right reason. But what would be the right reason?” questioned the official.
The FIA president stated that the body has already started internal analyses to understand if this model should continue to be allowed in Formula 1: “We are studying this because it is a complicated area. There is the sporting side, and if we lose the sporting spirit, I believe there will be no more support for it. Personally, I do not support it 100%,” he added.
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