F1 News: Christian Horner Defends Red Bull VCARB Relationship - "Should Be Applauded"
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has recently come forward to support the collaboration between Red Bull and VCARB, suggesting that their efforts deserve recognition rather than criticism. This statement is a direct response to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who has proposed a reevaluation of the rules governing team collaborations in the sport.
Key Takeaways:
- Horner challenges the negative perception of Red Bull's management of two F1 teams, advocating for appreciation of their contribution.
- Zak Brown of McLaren urges for a review of F1's team cooperation rules to prevent potential biases and maintain fairness under the budget cap regulations.
- Horner highlights Red Bull's unwavering support for its teams, especially during the 2008 economic downturn and the COVID-19 crisis.
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Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner has voiced a robust defence of the synergy between Red Bull and its sister team, VCARB. His remarks come against the backdrop of a push by McLaren's Zak Brown for stricter governance on team collaborations to ensure a level playing field, particularly in light of the new budget cap regulations.
Contrary to Brown's viewpoint, Horner sees no issue with the current setup, arguing that Red Bull's investment in the sport, particularly during challenging times, should be lauded. Horner commented to the media, as quoted by Autosport:
“I don't understand the fuss about it. I don't understand the noise that's being created about it.
"And I think Red Bull should actually be applauded for the support and the commitment and the jobs that they've provided through the good times, and particularly the bad times. So for me, it really is a non-issue.”
Delving deeper, Horner cited the substantial contributions made by Red Bull to Formula 1, including their rescue and nurturing of the team formerly known as Minardi, now Visa Cash App RB. He emphasised Red Bull's pivotal role in sustaining the sport through the recent pandemic by facilitating the restart of the racing season.
Addressing the autonomy of the two teams under Red Bull's umbrella, Horner pointed out their distinct operational bases in Italy and the UK, and their varied staff dynamics, with a notable flow of personnel to other teams, including Ferrari. This, he argued, underscores the independence and unique identities of the teams, despite shared ownership. He added:
“Red Bull remained resolute, and they continued to support both teams through that difficult period.
“The regulations then evolved, obviously, and the Faenza-based team had to become their own manufacturer. And so further investment was made in the infrastructure in Faenza.
“We then had COVID, where Red Bull once again stepped up and stuck by both teams in its entirety. In fact, Red Bull were responsible for getting F1 going again after COVID with two races [in Austria] that were introduced, to get the sport going again following the pandemic.”
Horner continued:
“So the commitment that Red Bull has made to F1, the commitment that Red Bull has made to these two teams, is outstanding and should be applauded. [We should] be grateful for it rather than derided and try to compromise.
“The two teams are totally separate. One is based in Italy. One is based in the UK, the one that is based in Italy has a far larger turnover of staff that end up in Maranello than end up in Milton Keynes. They have different personalities, they have different characters, and they comply continually with the regulations.
“Indeed, the relationship is far less tight than some of the teams that enjoy very tight relationships with their engine manufacturers."
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Horner concluded by framing the scrutiny faced by Red Bull as a testament to its competitive success and strategic investments in both teams. He stressed the racing ethos that drives both entities, dismissing any insinuation of collusion or prearranged outcomes between them.
“I would take it as a compliment if I was Laurent [Mekies, team principal], that this issue is being raised now because, with a change of stewardship, the team has the opportunity to get its act together.
“They've got two quality drivers, they're introducing quality people into that team, and we expect them to be a competitor, not just of the rest of the field, but indeed, of Red Bull Racing.“We're a team of racers. And there are no preset rules and there are no agreements between the teams.”