The governing body of Formula 1 is reportedly preparing to examine the issue of multi-team ownership within the sport, with increased attention placed on structures involving major stakeholders Mercedes and Red Bull. The discussion has gained momentum following a series of public comments and strategic developments across the paddock that have raised questions about competitive fairness and regulatory transparency.
One of the key moments that reignited the debate was the departure of Christian Horner from his role in mid-2025, an event that highlighted the close operational relationship between Red Bull Racing and its sister outfit Racing Bulls. The swift internal restructuring, which saw Laurent Mekies positioned to step into a leadership role within the wider organisation, once again drew attention to the fact that both teams ultimately operate under the same corporate umbrella, despite competing on track.
The topic gained further traction when Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was linked with a potential minority investment in Alpine, reportedly exploring a 24% stake in the French manufacturer. This development triggered renewed scrutiny across the paddock regarding whether team stakeholders could indirectly influence competitive dynamics or regulatory discussions within Formula 1.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has been one of the most vocal critics of such arrangements. He has previously stated that multi-team ownership structures are banned in most major global sports due to concerns over integrity, and he has consistently warned that Formula 1 must protect the independence of its competitors to maintain credibility. According to his position, any overlap in ownership or influence risks undermining the sporting fairness that underpins the championship.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addresses growing concerns
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the issue during a media interaction in Miami, where he suggested that the intention behind acquiring shares in any Formula 1 team must be carefully examined. He noted that such investments should not be used to gain competitive advantages or to influence governance decisions within the sport. If such behaviour were to occur, he indicated that it would raise serious questions about regulatory compliance and sporting integrity.
Ben Sulayem also expressed personal reservations about the concept of a single entity owning multiple Formula 1 teams. He explained that the FIA is currently reviewing the structure in detail, with experts tasked to assess whether existing ownership models fully comply with the spirit and regulations of the sport. He added that the matter is complex and requires careful evaluation rather than immediate conclusions.
While no formal accusations have been made at this stage, it is understood that if irregularities or conflicts of interest are identified, the FIA could initiate a formal investigation, with particular attention expected to focus on the operational relationships involving Mercedes and Red Bull structures.
Sporting integrity remains central to FIA concerns
In his closing remarks, Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised the importance of maintaining Formula 1’s sporting identity, stating that the championship depends heavily on the perception of fairness and independence among its competitors. He suggested that if the sport were to lose this core principle, broader support and credibility could be negatively affected.
Although he acknowledged the commercial and structural complexity of modern Formula 1, he also made it clear that the FIA would not ignore potential risks to the integrity of the championship. As the sport continues to evolve with increasing financial and corporate involvement, governance structures are likely to remain under close scrutiny in the coming seasons.
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