Chief of the Red Bull Team, Laurent Mekies made it clear once again that the team has no intention of violating Formula 1 regulations by owning two separate teams. Since acquiring the Minardi team in 2005, Red Bull has supported two entities. However, this relationship has faced opposition from rival teams in recent times. Despite the difficulties of the team based in Faenza last season, the team, now known as AlphaTauri, formed a stronger technical alliance with Red Bull and underwent a resurgence. AlphaTauri finished eighth in the championship and underwent a rebrand. The team will also move to a base in Milton Keynes, where Red Bull is headquartered.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, expressed his concerns about this agreement, arguing that it has become outdated due to the introduction of a budget cap, which ensures that teams have equal financial resources. However, Mekies believes that criticisms of this collaboration should be moderated. He points out that the RB car this season is not a replica of last year’s Red Bull car, contrary to expectations. Mekies emphasizes that a technical analysis of the car would reveal this fact. He also points out that in the history of Formula 1, it is not uncommon for teams to draw inspiration from each other. Mekies notes that there are no two identical cars in the paddock and, after observing all the cars in the pit lane, he states that the RB car looks the least like the RB19. He further assures that Red Bull has no interest in exploiting any grey areas in the rules and that they comply with regulations by sharing components allowed by the rules, just like many other teams in the pit lane.
In addition to numerous changes to the floor, AlphaTauri’s final effort for improvements last season saw their AT04 adopt the rear suspension of the RB19, Red Bull’s championship-winning car.
However, Mekies argues that this did not give them a significant advantage, as he points out that other teams halting their development also played a role in the sudden resurgence of the Italian team.
“It was not just because of the suspension. We noticed there was no miraculous improvement in terms of performance,” he stated.
“For a long time, the team was in tenth place in the championship and, in order to promote changes, the decision was made to implement a comprehensive development program that continued until the last race in Abu Dhabi.
“Almost half of the car was modified and the results were evident, as we were the only team with a development program ongoing at this stage.
“It was a risk that paid off, as the team moved up two positions in the constructors’ championship and there were also financial rewards beyond the sporting achievements.”
To support his argument, Mekies pointed out that other teams that buy non-listed components, such as gearboxes and suspensions, are not competitive at the front.
The former sporting director of Ferrari believes that F1 should be cautious in making reactive changes to counter the partnership between Red Bull and RB, as this could have negative consequences for other teams.
“We have not seen a Williams car on pole position or a Haas car on the podium, and this is because the shared components did not include parts that had a significant impact on performance. Instead, the focus was on components with a high development-cost ratio,” he explained.
“These regulations were also designed to promote a new business model, allowing Formula 1 teams to compete on the track without requiring substantial investments in certain components, such as transmissions.
“I would like to emphasize that, even during this financially favorable period for F1, our owners continue to allocate a budget every year, and I believe this is true for much of the grid.
“I do not think there is any justification for deciding to change this aspect of the regulations just to please a team. The danger is that we make the wrong decision for the sport as a whole.”
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Football star Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United! After 12 years playing for other clubs, the Portuguese ace returns to the club that made him famous. The news was announced today and is already causing a great stir among fans.
Ronaldo, 36, has signed a two-year contract with Manchester United. He was welcomed with a party by the fans, who packed the stadium to see him again wearing the red shirt. The player was emotional about his return and promised to give his best on the field.
This millionaire signing is a big blow for Manchester City, who were also interested in having Ronaldo’s services. However, the player chose to return to United, the club where he won several titles and became an idol.
Ronaldo’s arrival at Manchester United brings hope and excitement to the team and its fans. With his experience and skill, the Portuguese ace could be the missing piece for the club to start winning important titles again.
Now, all that’s left is to wait and see Cristiano Ronaldo in action again wearing the Manchester United jersey. Fans are eager to see the star on the field and believe he will be crucial to the team’s success. Will Ronaldo’s return bring more glory to the club? Only time will tell.
