F1 News: Ferrari's Fred Vasseur Backs Controversial Red Bull - VCARB Alliance
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur displayed his support for the alliance between Red Bull and its junior team Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) in Formula 1. The relations between two teams sharing the same owner have been the subject of controversy in the sport lately after McLaren CEO Zak Brown questioned the close relations over information and parts sharing.
Key Takeaways:
- Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed support for the alliance between Red Bull and its junior team Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) in Formula 1.
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown raised concerns about the close relations between the two teams sharing the same owner, citing potential advantages in Formula 1.
- VCARB team principal, CEO, and Red Bull Team Principal defended the relationship, asserting that all exchanges adhere to the rules, while Vasseur emphasized the longstanding support Red Bull has provided to VCARB since it acquired the Minardi team in 2005.
Brown raised the point that with a common owner between the two teams, Red Bull can take undue advantage of situations in Formula 1. Despite the presence of stringent checks on the communication and exchange of technology between the two teams, he has called for an FIA intervention into the matter.
VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies, CEO Peter Bayer, and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner have all defended the relationship in the lead-up to the 2024 season, stating that all exchanges are being done within the rules. However, Brown continues to question the close relationship and calls for an intervention from the governing body.
When Vasseur was asked about his views on the close relationship between the two teams, he told the media:
"I think there are two points: The first one is the ownership of the team and the second is the technical regulations.
"You could imagine a collaboration even if you are not owned by the same company, this is possible.
"There is a clear cut in the regulation and it is up to the FIA to decide if it is black or white. For me, this is clear and so far, it has always been respected."
Horner had defended the dual ownership by referencing multi-ownership models seen in football. Using the same example, Vasseur added:
"The ownership, for sure you can imagine the extreme situation of football and the Champions League, for example.
"But we also have to keep in mind that was three or four years ago, we were very happy that Red Bull was there to finance a team when we were struggling."
Through his comments, Vasseur highlighted the origin of VCARB, which came about when Red Bull bought the Minardi team at the end of the 2005 F1 season, and it has since then, been offering support to the team.