The Concord Agreement in Formula 1 has been a widely discussed topic. We have covered it through several dedicated articles, reflecting on the concerns that various team members have about it. The idea of only focusing on one’s own business in the top category of motorsport doesn’t exist. When we hear phrases like “we only think about ourselves, we are exclusively focused on our work,” we know well that it is pure “dialectical politics.”
In reality, it is the exact opposite. We are talking about a real obsession with spying on those who share the pit lane and paddock with you. A full-fledged sport, with a “big top” and “behind the scenes.” A big, happy family on the outside, gripped by creeping thoughts about alleged actions, technical or not, capable of providing benefits that can make a difference. One of these concerns collaborations between different teams that, as we know, share parts of the cars and, consequently, various very interesting pieces of information.
To give an example, we can discuss the Ferrari-Haas partnership. The US-based team has been in F1 for a long time, using methods thought up with their feet under the table. To be clearer: the Kannapolis team buys and assembles. In doing so, it has set up a close partnership with the Prancing Horse, on which several more or less credible doubts have been raised in the past and still today.
The dispute arises from the fact that the US team adopts the technical properties of the red team on an aero-mechanical level, buying a large part of the components such as transmission, engines, and suspension schemes from the team located in Maranello. Hence the interest of the FIA, according to which there could be an exchange of internal information, and, moreover, Haas could work for Ferrari.
F1, 2024 Concord Agreement: ensuring equal opportunities in the future
Continuing with speculations, we come to Red Bull, which has cooperated with the former Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri, since its inception, even owning it. This is a very complex issue in this case, where the variables to consider are multiple. Controversies have always been part of this picture, but lately, given the overwhelming success of the Austrian team, controversies seem to be increasing. Zak Brown, McLaren’s boss, mentions them. The American knows his business. A man of sports and business all around.
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The fifty-two-year-old CEO takes stock of the situation because through the renegotiation of the Concord Agreement, there will be an opportunity to strengthen equity within F1. On the other hand, the top category of motorsport is certainly not perfect, and for this reason, according to the Los Angeles native, the negotiation should prioritize various factors that currently have a significant impact on the impartiality of the various competitors.
Brown’s reasoning is sound. His fears are many. For example, he claims that from 2024 onwards, considering the spending cap imposed by the International Federation, the potential smoky scenario may increase its cloud. He doesn’t point the finger at Red Bull, but the clear allusion is present. For this reason, he loudly calls for some changes that can ensure future integrity because, except for power units, everything else should be built in-house.
Finally, embracing the American philosophy, Zak aims for fairness and equal conditions to not compromise the true spirit of the category. This is because partial information sharing, strategic alliances, and shared ownership models can only undermine the trust of supporters. January is approaching, and something will happen in addressing the Concord Agreement. It remains to be seen how the FIA will handle a delicate and potentially divisive situation.”
Source: Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica
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