As F1 heads to a new rules era from 2026, one idea that some outfits want is to clamp down on the kind of partnerships that exist between Red Bull/RB and Ferrari/Haas.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown in particular has been extremely vocal on the point, as he suggests F1’s regulations are “no longer fit for purpose” in allowing teams to work together, especially with common ownership.
While it is understood that the future definition of a constructor is being evaluated as part of the 2026 discussions, RB team chiefs have warned about potential dangers.
They think that, despite a cost cap being in place, there remains a big divide between the top teams and those further down the order – which would only be exaggerated if everyone was forced to design and build all car parts themselves.
RB CEO Peter Bayer says that benefits his squad gets from its alliance with Red Bull are important to helping it fight in the midfield.
“There is certainly an advantage, which we believe is very important,” he said. “If you're looking at the grid today, in last year's world championship ranking, you add the points of the bottom four, they have less points than P6. If you add P6, less points altogether than P5.
“So I think Formula 1 as a sport needs to really consider what it wants. I think the fans and we all want to have close racing between 10 teams, not only two or three teams.
“To achieve that, I think you have to respect the financial reality, which today is still a fact that none of the teams are making money. And the further down the pecking order, the less money you make.”
Source: Autosport