Official: FIA Launches Investigation Into Formula 1 Multi-Team Ownership Ethics

The landscape of Formula 1 could be on the verge of a significant structural shift. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has officially confirmed that motorsport's governing body is actively investigating the ongoing controversy surrounding multi-team ownership within the sport.

The Red Bull Precedent and Personnel Movement

For two decades, energy drinks giant Red Bull has operated two separate constructors on the F1 grid. However, the true 'independence' of their sister operation has long been a subject of intense scrutiny among paddock insiders, particularly regarding the fluid movement of personnel between the two camps.

This dynamic was thrust into the spotlight last season following the sacking of Christian Horner as Red Bull team principal. In a move that raised eyebrows across the sport, Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies was appointed as his replacement within a matter of days. As the FIA dual ownership review gathers momentum, these historical personnel shifts remain a central point of contention for the governing body.

Alpine's Stake and Mercedes' Interest

The debate over multi-team ownership has reignited recently, fueled by Mercedes' apparent interest in acquiring an available 24% stake in rival outfit Alpine. This lucrative share is currently held by a high-profile investment group led by Otro Capital.

The consortium, which boasts A-list Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, alongside NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and golf superstar Rory McIlroy, originally purchased the stake in 2023 for €200 million. Just three years later, it is understood that the valuation of those shares has skyrocketed to an estimated €800 million. Interestingly, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is also known to be interested in the Alpine shares, adding another layer of intrigue to the paddock rumors.

The Pushback: Zak Brown and Sporting Integrity

This potential cross-pollination of ownership has drawn fierce criticism from rival factions. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been the most vocal opponent, long raging against a system he believes fundamentally undermines the sport.

"Co-ownership in today's day and age is prohibited in almost all, if ⁠not all, major forms of sport," Brown recently declared. "It runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness. I've been vocal about it from day one."

The FIA's Stance

Addressing select media, Ben Sulayem made his personal opposition to the current multi-team ownership model abundantly clear, confirming that the FIA is now scrutinizing the ethics and integrity of the practice.

"I feel ownership of two teams, as long as it's for the right reason...And what is the right reason?" the FIA President questioned. "As long as you are not trying to take it because you don't want others to take it, or also get voting power when it comes to the regulations, then maybe it's okay."

Despite acknowledging potential caveats, Ben Sulayem remains skeptical of the broader implications for the championship.

"But then I do believe that owning two is not the right way. This is my personal point of view," he added. "We are looking into it because it's a complicated area. We have put our people to see if it is possible. Is it allowed? Is it the right thing?"

Ultimately, the governing body's primary concern lies in preserving the competitive ethos of Formula 1.

"There is something called a sporting side," Ben Sulayem concluded. "I am with what goes on here, but if we lose the sporting spirit, I believe that there will not be any more support for it. So to me, I'm not with it 100%."