F1 News: Red Bull Advisor Provides Update On AlphaTauri Sale Amid Poor Performance
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has denied rumours suggesting that the team is preparing to sell AlphaTauri following recent changes within the organisation and lacklustre performances by its drivers.
Since the passing of Red Bull's founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, there were internal discussions regarding the future of the sister team. However, Marko clarified that AlphaTauri will continue to be owned by Red Bull despite the less-than-ideal start to the season. He explained to RTL:
“We had internal considerations of what and how to do it.
“But we decided that AlphaTauri will remain owned by Red Bull.
“For Mr Mateschitz, it was always a very important part of the racing philosophy – because a lot of young people came to us via AlphaTauri."
Nonetheless, changes will be implemented to bring AlphaTauri closer to its sister team, Red Bull Racing, with the aim of reinvigorating the team's performance on the grid. Marko continued:
“It will be closer to Red Bull Racing.
“Two new managing directors are coming – Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, from Ferrari.
"We want to consistently see AlphaTauri as one of the leading midfield teams."
To address AlphaTauri's on-track results, one of the measures being taken is to reduce the geographical gap between the two teams. Currently, AlphaTauri is based in Faenza, Italy, while Red Bull Racing operates from the United Kingdom.
Marko revealed that two new managing directors, Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, formerly from Ferrari, will join the team. Their expertise and experience are expected to contribute to AlphaTauri's progress.
In terms of race performances, AlphaTauri has managed two points finishes so far this season. As the team aims to regain momentum, the changes in management and a closer alignment with Red Bull Racing are anticipated to contribute to AlphaTauri's growth and competitiveness in the midfield battle.