Zak Brown takes aim at ‘A/B teams’ in F1 in formal letter to FIA

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has intensified the debate over Formula 1’s ownership structure after reportedly sending a six-page letter to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem calling for rules that would prevent any future common ownership of multiple teams in the championship.

The issue has resurfaced amid speculation that Mercedes could acquire the 24 percent stake in the Alpine team currently held by Otro Capital.

While no deal has been confirmed, the possibility has reignited concerns over so-called “A/B team” relationships in Formula 1.

Brown warns against ‘A/B teams’

The McLaren chief recently made clear that his objections are not aimed solely at Mercedes or Alpine, but at the wider principle of shared ownership in the sport.

“It applies to anybody and everybody… A/B teams, co-ownership… regardless of who it is, I frown upon it. I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport.

“I think A/B teams, we need to get away from as much as possible, as quickly as possible.”

Speaking at the McLaren Technology Centre, Brown pointed to areas where teams under the same ownership umbrella could gain advantages unavailable to independent rivals.

He highlighted the absence of gardening leave restrictions between linked teams such as Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, as well as concerns surrounding resource sharing and influence over sporting matters.

Brown also referenced fears of indirect on-track cooperation, including the controversy surrounding Daniel Ricciardo setting the fastest lap at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix to deprive Lando Norris of an extra championship point.

FIA faces growing pressure

Formula 1 has long tolerated Red Bull’s satellite team model, originally established more than two decades ago under the Scuderia Toro Rosso banner. But Brown argues the sport should stop similar arrangements from spreading further.

Ben Sulayem acknowledged during the Miami Grand Prix weekend that the FIA may need to address an area not currently covered by specific regulations.

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The debate mirrors rules already enforced in major American sports leagues and top European football competitions, where ownership stakes in multiple competing teams are generally prohibited to protect competitive integrity.

With Formula 1’s commercial growth accelerating, pressure is mounting on the FIA to decide whether multi-team ownership remains compatible with the sport’s future.

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