The Formula 1 paddock has been abuzz with discussions about the dynamics between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, the two teams owned by the Red Bull organization. This debate was recently reignited when Mercedes’ Toto Wolff expressed interest in acquiring shares in Alpine, raising concerns about common ownership structures in the sport.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown took the lead in voicing these concerns, writing to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about the potential for unsporting cooperation. Brown pointed to incidents like Daniel Ricciardo’s fastest lap in the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, where the Australian, driving for Racing Bulls, pitted late to steal the fastest-lap point from Lando Norris. Earlier this year in Miami, Racing Bulls instructed Liam Lawson to let Max Verstappen pass, sparking further debate.
Red Bull’s Defense of Independent Racing
Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, defended the organization’s approach, stating that the two teams operate independently on track. He emphasized the strict regulations regarding personnel transfers and gardening leave periods, asserting that Red Bull adheres to and even exceeds these requirements.
Mekies invited scrutiny of the on-track battles between the two teams, claiming that the season’s races would provide ample evidence of their competitive nature. He acknowledged that their car was not initially competitive but suggested that this would change as the season progressed.
On-Track Battles: Evidence of Competition
To test Mekies’ claims, let’s examine some of the notable on-track battles between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls drivers.
Australia: Lindblad’s Aggressive Defense
In Australia, Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls put up a fierce defense against Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen. Lindblad’s aggressive driving, including blocking maneuvers and tire management, showed no signs of cooperation. When Verstappen caught up to Lindblad, the rookie was instructed to focus on his own race, further dispelling notions of team play.
China: Lawson’s Tight Battles
In China, Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls engaged in intense battles with Verstappen and Hadjar. Lawson’s defensive driving, including running alongside Verstappen through tight corners, demonstrated a clear lack of teamwork. Hadjar also faced stiff resistance from Lindblad, who made the Red Bull driver work hard for every position.
Japan: Heated Rivalry
The Japanese Grand Prix provided some of the most heated moments between the sister teams. Lindblad and Hadjar engaged in aggressive battles, with Hadjar even reporting Lindblad’s defensive maneuvers to race control. The incident resulted in a black-and-white warning flag for Lindblad, highlighting the intensity of their rivalry.
Miami: Controversial Team Order
The Miami Grand Prix saw a controversial moment when Lawson was instructed to let Verstappen pass. Lawson initially protested, citing Verstappen’s mistake, but ultimately complied. The incident sparked debate about potential team orders, although Lawson later clarified that it was a mistake in judgment by the team.
The Bigger Picture: Personnel and Intellectual Property
While the on-track battles provide some insight into the relationship between the two teams, the bigger concerns lie in personnel movements and intellectual property transfers. Mekies himself moved between Racing Bulls and Red Bull without a gardening leave, raising questions about the potential for shared resources and knowledge.
As the season progresses and the championship heats up, rivals will be watching closely to see if the dynamics between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls change. For now, the evidence suggests that the two teams are fiercely competitive on track, but the underlying concerns about common ownership remain.
