McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reiterated his long-standing opposition to increasing ownership links between Formula 1 teams, warning that such alliances would compromise the sport’s integrity and fairness. Speaking at McLaren’s headquarters in Woking on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Brown emphasized that his views have not changed since he first raised concerns in 2024, calling deeper ties between squads “a mistake” for F1.
Brown specifically referenced ongoing discussions between Mercedes and Alpine regarding a potential minority stake purchase, noting that Mercedes is considering acquiring the 24% shareholding currently held by American investment group Otro Capital. While it has been clarified that such a deal would not make Alpine a Mercedes junior team, Brown argued that any novel alliance between two independent teams risks undermining the competitive balance that defines the sport.
“In today’s day and age, that’s (not) permitted in almost all, if not all, major forms of sport,” Brown said. “I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness. And what would turn fans off is if they don’t feel like there’s 11 independent racing teams.”
The McLaren CEO acknowledged the historical context of Red Bull’s ownership of both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls (formerly Scuderia AlphaTauri), which has existed since 2005. While he expressed appreciation for Red Bull’s contributions to the sport, Brown maintained that allowing similar arrangements to emerge today would be problematic, especially given recent discussions within the Concorde Agreement about potentially requiring Red Bull to divest one of its teams.
“There were discussions in the Concorde Agreement about should, over time, one of the [Red Bull] teams be divested,” Brown stated. “But I also have a huge appreciation for what they’ve done for the sport and how that was done a long time ago. So I think as long as it’s managed and watched [the Red Bull situation is OK]. But certainly adding to it [through a different alliance], I think would be a mistake for the sport.”
Brown warned that closer collaboration between teams could lead to scenarios where competitive fairness is eroded, citing historical examples from F1’s past when alliances between squads raised concerns about sporting integrity. He stressed that maintaining the perception of 11 truly independent entrants is essential for fan trust and the legitimacy of competition.
The executive’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny over team relationships in F1, particularly as the sport navigates evolving financial and technical regulations under the current Concorde Agreement. Brown positioned his stance as a defense of F1’s core principles, arguing that preventing further consolidation of influence among teams is critical to preserving the sport’s long-term health.
As of the latest verified reports, no formal agreement has been reached between Mercedes and Alpine regarding a stake transfer, and both organizations have declined to comment on the specifics of ongoing discussions. The situation remains under review by F1’s governing bodies, with any potential transaction subject to regulatory approval under the sport’s current ownership and governance rules.
For continued coverage of developments in Formula 1 team structures, regulatory updates, and expert analysis of their impact on competition, readers are encouraged to follow trusted motorsport journalism sources and official communications from the FIA and Formula One Management.
