Fresh concerns over Formula 1’s multi-team ownership structure have emerged after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the governing body is reviewing the issue following growing debate around the relationship between Red Bull GmbH and its sister outfit Racing Bulls.
The topic has become increasingly controversial throughout recent seasons, with several figures inside the paddock questioning whether teams operating under the same ownership structure could gain advantages that independent outfits do not possess. While no official wrongdoing has been alleged, discussions surrounding competitive fairness have intensified, particularly as the sport enters a new era of tighter regulations and financial controls.
Red Bull first entered Formula 1 in 2005 after purchasing the Jaguar team. Only a year later, the company expanded its presence on the grid by acquiring the Faenza-based Minardi operation, which was rebranded as Toro Rosso ahead of the 2006 campaign. Over the years, the team evolved through multiple identities, including AlphaTauri and VCARB, before officially becoming Racing Bulls for the 2025 season.
The secondary team has long served as a development platform for Red Bull’s young driver programme. Several future stars of Formula 1 began their careers there before earning promotions to the senior Red Bull outfit. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was among the earliest success stories, while reigning champion Max Verstappen also followed the same pathway. Other notable graduates include Daniel Ricciardo and rising talent Isack Hadjar.
Despite the success of the structure, critics argue that having two teams under one corporate umbrella raises concerns about collaboration, strategic alignment and the sharing of technical influence. Rival teams have reportedly pushed for greater clarity regarding how closely affiliated organisations should be allowed to operate within Formula 1’s competitive framework.
Ben Sulayem’s latest comments suggest the FIA is now taking those concerns seriously. Although he stopped short of announcing immediate regulatory changes, the FIA president acknowledged that the matter is under active consideration as Formula 1 continues to grow globally and commercially.
The investigation could eventually lead to stricter governance rules surrounding ownership links between teams, especially as the FIA aims to preserve fairness and transparency across the grid. For Red Bull and Racing Bulls, the spotlight is now firmly on how Formula 1’s authorities choose to handle one of the sport’s most sensitive modern issues.