The Race can reveal that rules tweaks aimed at segregating A-teams and B-teams and limiting the advantages of such models are being finalised by the FIA and F1 for 2026
Although the Red Bull situation is obvious because it is openly on the table, there are also teams linked via other ways. Parts manufacturers, engine manufacturers, sponsors, etc can be included. But also you can think of Toto Wolff as co-owner of Mercedes AMG and manager of Esteban Ocon. And then, what if a driver halfway through the season signs for a different team for the next season?
Alpine will be a full Mercedes B team next season after Toto was pissed at Williams for taking in Red Bull driver Albon (remember that he had the bulls on the helmet in his first season and later Monsoon Valley, another Yoovidhya business) and then when Williams took Colapinto instead of a Mercedes reserve.
Although the Red Bull situation is obvious because it is openly on the table, there are also teams linked via other ways. Parts manufacturers, engine manufacturers, sponsors, etc can be included. But also you can think of Toto Wolff as co-owner of Mercedes AMG and manager of Esteban Ocon. And then, what if a driver halfway through the season signs for a different team for the next season?
Alpine will be a full Mercedes B team next season after Toto was pissed at Williams for taking in Red Bull driver Albon (remember that he had the bulls on the helmet in his first season and later Monsoon Valley, another Yoovidhya business) and then when Williams took Colapinto instead of a Mercedes reserve.