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Former team principal Günther Steiner has expressed his astonishment over the fact that Red Bull and Visa RB continue to share the same ownership. Both teams are under the umbrella of Red Bull GmbH, a situation that sparked debate once again during the Singapore race weekend. Daniel Ricciardo, the driver for Visa RB, snatched the fastest lap away from McLaren, the chief rival of sister team Red Bull. “It’s a strange move,” Steiner remarked.
Ownership Structure Raises Controversial Questions
In a recent episode of the Red Flags podcast, Günther Steiner shared his thoughts: “In my view, claiming the fastest lap felt somewhat unusual.” He emphasized that this issue is increasingly significant. “In a sport like Formula 1, no single owner should have control over two teams. It invariably raises questions about whether team orders are being communicated.” Steiner’s perspective underscores the ethical complexities involved in team ownership within this highly competitive sport.
Long-Term Implications of Dual Ownership
Steiner acknowledges the substantial contributions Red Bull has made to Formula 1 but expresses concerns regarding the long-term implications of such ownership structures. “We must respect what Red Bull has accomplished,” he noted, reminiscing about the days when Mr. Mateschitz (founder Dietrich Mateschitz) purchased the Minardi team. This team eventually became known as Toro Rosso, and is now Visa RB. Steiner recalled, “That team, as well as F1 in general, was struggling back then. If Red Bull hadn’t intervened, Minardi would likely have ceased to exist.” However, as the sport has expanded over the years, Steiner believes it is critical to address ownership regulations. “Measures should be introduced to prevent owners from having multiple teams, considering the current dynamics of the sport.”
Proactive Measures for Future Stability
Steiner argues that Formula 1 must proactively address these ownership issues to prevent similar situations from arising in the future. “No drastic measures are necessary,” he added. “We must not overlook the scale of investment that Red Bull has made in the sport. It’s not appropriate to dictate how they manage their teams. Nonetheless, it’s essential to engage in discussions about how to prevent these occurrences.” This reflects a pressing dilemma facing many stakeholders within Formula 1 today, where the balance of competition and ownership continues to be scrutinized.
Examining the Impact of Team Affiliations
Ultimately, Steiner concluded, “The crux of the problem lies in the fact that Visa RB and Red Bull share the same owner.” He posed a hypothetical situation: “If Sauber had secured the fastest lap, we wouldn’t have heard a peep. The core issue remains that both teams are under the same corporate umbrella,” he stated, highlighting a fundamental conflict of interest. Steiner’s remarks shed light on the ongoing discussions regarding fairness and transparency in Formula 1, pointing to the need for regulatory frameworks that safeguard the integrity of the sport.
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