Red Bull and AlphaTauri’s relationship has been branded as “strange” by Fred Vasseur. Still, the Ferrari team principal trusts they will be monitored correctly.
Ferrari’s team principal trusts that the FIA will monitor the relationship between Red Bull and AlphaTauri, which is being strengthened for the 2024 season.
Across the paddock, concerns are already emerging regarding the nature of this inter-team alliance.
AlphaTauri has spent most of its F1 history in the midfield. Although they have a handful of stand-out victories and podiums, they are among the more humble outfits on the grid.
Generally speaking, this has been suitable for Red Bull. The Austrian team has traditionally used AlphaTauri as a testing ground for young talent.
Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are among those who competed with the Faenza-based outfit before going to Red Bull.
However, the last few years have been something of a barren spell. Alex Albon was the last Red Bull junior to enter the main team from AlphaTauri, which was halfway through the 2019 season.
That makes it almost half a decade since the junior team supplied Red Bull with a driver.
Red Bull evolves its relationship with AlphaTauri
To make matters worse, AlphaTauri were relatively uncompetitive when last year began. This meant that points were few and far between, making it difficult to assess Yuki Tsunoda’s (and later Daniel Ricciardo’s) progression.
This prompted a reset at Red Bull, with the reigning Champions enforcing a series of changes to their second team. Primarily, these consist of closer technical collaboration across the two teams in an effort to raise performance.
Last year’s Singapore GP was the first consequence of this new approach, with the AT04 receiving Red Bull-inspired updates.
Although these were undoubtedly positive in terms of performance, they have drawn some hostility from rivals. McLaren’s Zak Brown is a notable example, having expressed concerns in the last few weeks.
Now Fred Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, has given his perspective:
“I think we have to control what teams to with their junior teams, although junior team might not be the right word,” he it quoted as saying.
“There was Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri, Minardi. Who knows what it will be called next.
“What they are doing together is a strange situation – with two teams belonging to the same company.
“The FIA has managed to deal with it so far – and I am sure it will be managed in the future too.”
When the 2024 season begins, this topic will almost certainly become a key talking point. This is especially true if AlphaTauri (who will compete under a new name) take a step forward in competitiveness.
Midfield teams such as Williams and Sauber could be directly impacted by their ascent.
Moreover, the next Concorde Agreements will soon be negotiated. This will see team principals voicing their concerns to the FIA ahead of 2026.
This will only raise the scrutiny on this issue across the F1 grid.
