{"id":1899646,"date":"2026-04-23T08:30:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1899646"},"modified":"2026-04-23T08:30:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:30:54","slug":"mclaren-ceo-zak-brown-takes-aim-at-mercedes-alpine-links-in-fresh-a-b-team-warning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1899646","title":{"rendered":"McLaren CEO Zak Brown takes aim at Mercedes-Alpine links in fresh A\/B team warning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>McLaren CEO Zak Brown takes aim at Mercedes-Alpine links in fresh A\/B team warning<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Zak Brown has once again outlined his concerns about increasing ties between F1 teams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-23T09:30:54+01:00\">23 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Brown has continually raised concerns about A\/B teams in F1<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren CEO Zak Brown has warned it would be \u201ca mistake\u201d to allow increasing ties and ownership links between Formula 1 teams.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year it emerged that Mercedes is among the parties interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine\u2019s F1 team. The Silver Arrows already supplies Alpine with engines as of this year and such a move would further strengthen ties between the two teams.<\/p>\n<p>This is something that concerns Brown, who has long voiced his opposition to co-ownership and A\/B team set-ups. He previously expressed concerns about the nature of the relationship between Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n<p>Brown insisted his opinion on the matter \u201chasn\u2019t changed at all\u201d and believes the model is something F1 \u201cneed[s] to get away from as much as possible as quickly as possible\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In today&#8217;s day and age if that&#8217;s permitted, I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness,&#8221; Brown told media including <em>Crash.net<\/em> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;And what would turn fans off is if they don&#8217;t feel like there&#8217;s 11 independent racing teams. I&#8217;ve been vocal about it from day one. We&#8217;ve seen it play out on track in a sporting way, with Daniel Ricciardo taking the fastest lap point away from us to help the other team [at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix].<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen IP violations on the Aston Martin\/Racing Point brake ducts. We&#8217;ve seen employees move overnight, where we either have to wait and sometimes make financial deals, which then impacts us in the cost cap.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8acbd19229863dfec2b472e3454df5c6cc4949b18eabce0de323157c4e64fd21\">  Lambiase to be at McLaren &#8220;for a long time&#8221; as new role explained   The first driver verdict on F1\u2019s attempts to fix 2026 rule problems <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;So when you see other teams that move from one to the other and then also without financial compensation, that&#8217;s an unfair financial advantage. That&#8217;s an unfair sporting advantage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen Ferrari and Haas move people back and forth, and we know with IP there&#8217;s a lot in your head with that.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mercedes is interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-c6aba64a177d42ef090e6c6d4571b9111c2db552980233cbcf2511a584434ed9\">  McLaren tease \u201centirely new MCL40\u201d car for North American F1 races   Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Brown used a football analogy to underline his concerns, arguing: &#8220;can you imagine a Premier League game where you&#8217;ve got two teams owned by the same group &#8211; one&#8217;s going to get relegated if they lose, and the other can afford to lose?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what we run the risk of. So I think having engine power units as suppliers is as far as it should go and then in my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible because I think it has a high risk, and we have seen it, compromise the integrity of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked if his view also applied to Mercedes amid its interest in Alpine\u2019s 24 per cent shareholding, Brown replied: \u201dIt applies to anybody and everybody. So A\/B teams, co-ownership, regardless of who it is, I frown upon it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s healthy for the sport. But it&#8217;s not personal or towards any one team or individual.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Alpine<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Gianpiero Lambiase to be at McLaren &#8220;for a long time&#8221; as new F1 role explained<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1393607_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-33653cf87dc9de01f17b875c38eb5377de3bee2fc4e2096e10670783ad066726\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-60178214277e10119c94872b562c20c46aedb2ffddb643ea7acb1860d5a0c0ee\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776856059\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mercedes is wary its rivals could be playing games \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776845100\"> 22\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris reveals chats with golf superstar helped him conquer F1 demons<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776767366\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268732121.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris triumphed to win his maiden world title last year\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776764807\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404049_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli and Russell have shared the early wins in 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris honoured with prestigious sports award on star-studded night<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776761805\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1402816_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris won his maiden F1 world title in 2025\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776759591\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403818_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt='The changes should promote \"flat-out\" driving ' loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Zak Brown has once again outlined his concerns about increasing ties between F1 teams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren CEO Zak Brown has warned it would be \u201ca mistake\u201d to allow increasing ties and ownership links between Formula 1 teams.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year it emerged that Mercedes is among the parties interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine\u2019s F1 team. The Silver Arrows already supplies Alpine with engines as of this year and such a move would further strengthen ties between the two teams.<\/p>\n<p>This is something that concerns Brown, who has long voiced his opposition to co-ownership and A\/B team set-ups. He previously expressed concerns about the nature of the relationship between Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n<p>Brown insisted his opinion on the matter \u201chasn\u2019t changed at all\u201d and believes the model is something F1 \u201cneed[s] to get away from as much as possible as quickly as possible\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In today&#8217;s day and age if that&#8217;s permitted, I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness,&#8221; Brown told media including <em>Crash.net<\/em> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;And what would turn fans off is if they don&#8217;t feel like there&#8217;s 11 independent racing teams. I&#8217;ve been vocal about it from day one. We&#8217;ve seen it play out on track in a sporting way, with Daniel Ricciardo taking the fastest lap point away from us to help the other team [at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix].<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen IP violations on the Aston Martin\/Racing Point brake ducts. We&#8217;ve seen employees move overnight, where we either have to wait and sometimes make financial deals, which then impacts us in the cost cap.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8acbd19229863dfec2b472e3454df5c6cc4949b18eabce0de323157c4e64fd21\">  Lambiase to be at McLaren &#8220;for a long time&#8221; as new role explained   The first driver verdict on F1\u2019s attempts to fix 2026 rule problems <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;So when you see other teams that move from one to the other and then also without financial compensation, that&#8217;s an unfair financial advantage. That&#8217;s an unfair sporting advantage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen Ferrari and Haas move people back and forth, and we know with IP there&#8217;s a lot in your head with that.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mercedes is interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-c6aba64a177d42ef090e6c6d4571b9111c2db552980233cbcf2511a584434ed9\">  McLaren tease \u201centirely new MCL40\u201d car for North American F1 races   Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Brown used a football analogy to underline his concerns, arguing: &#8220;can you imagine a Premier League game where you&#8217;ve got two teams owned by the same group &#8211; one&#8217;s going to get relegated if they lose, and the other can afford to lose?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what we run the risk of. So I think having engine power units as suppliers is as far as it should go and then in my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible because I think it has a high risk, and we have seen it, compromise the integrity of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked if his view also applied to Mercedes amid its interest in Alpine\u2019s 24 per cent shareholding, Brown replied: \u201dIt applies to anybody and everybody. So A\/B teams, co-ownership, regardless of who it is, I frown upon it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s healthy for the sport. But it&#8217;s not personal or towards any one team or individual.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren CEO Zak Brown has warned it would be \u201ca mistake\u201d to allow increasing ties and ownership links between Formula 1 teams.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year it emerged that Mercedes is among the parties interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine\u2019s F1 team. The Silver Arrows already supplies Alpine with engines as of this year and such a move would further strengthen ties between the two teams.<\/p>\n<p>This is something that concerns Brown, who has long voiced his opposition to co-ownership and A\/B team set-ups. He previously expressed concerns about the nature of the relationship between Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n<p>Brown insisted his opinion on the matter \u201chasn\u2019t changed at all\u201d and believes the model is something F1 \u201cneed[s] to get away from as much as possible as quickly as possible\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In today&#8217;s day and age if that&#8217;s permitted, I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness,&#8221; Brown told media including <em>Crash.net<\/em> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;And what would turn fans off is if they don&#8217;t feel like there&#8217;s 11 independent racing teams. I&#8217;ve been vocal about it from day one. We&#8217;ve seen it play out on track in a sporting way, with Daniel Ricciardo taking the fastest lap point away from us to help the other team [at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix].<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen IP violations on the Aston Martin\/Racing Point brake ducts. We&#8217;ve seen employees move overnight, where we either have to wait and sometimes make financial deals, which then impacts us in the cost cap.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8acbd19229863dfec2b472e3454df5c6cc4949b18eabce0de323157c4e64fd21\">  Lambiase to be at McLaren &#8220;for a long time&#8221; as new role explained   The first driver verdict on F1\u2019s attempts to fix 2026 rule problems <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;So when you see other teams that move from one to the other and then also without financial compensation, that&#8217;s an unfair financial advantage. That&#8217;s an unfair sporting advantage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ve seen Ferrari and Haas move people back and forth, and we know with IP there&#8217;s a lot in your head with that.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403940_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mercedes is interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-c6aba64a177d42ef090e6c6d4571b9111c2db552980233cbcf2511a584434ed9\">  McLaren tease \u201centirely new MCL40\u201d car for North American F1 races   Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217; <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Brown used a football analogy to underline his concerns, arguing: &#8220;can you imagine a Premier League game where you&#8217;ve got two teams owned by the same group &#8211; one&#8217;s going to get relegated if they lose, and the other can afford to lose?<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what we run the risk of. So I think having engine power units as suppliers is as far as it should go and then in my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible because I think it has a high risk, and we have seen it, compromise the integrity of the sport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Asked if his view also applied to Mercedes amid its interest in Alpine\u2019s 24 per cent shareholding, Brown replied: \u201dIt applies to anybody and everybody. So A\/B teams, co-ownership, regardless of who it is, I frown upon it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s healthy for the sport. But it&#8217;s not personal or towards any one team or individual.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093300\/1\/mclaren-ceo-zak-brown-takes-aim-mercedes-alpine-links-fresh-ab-team-warning&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396704_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] McLaren CEO Zak Brown takes aim at Mercedes-Alpine links in fresh A\/B team warning Zak Brown has once again outlined his concerns about increasing ties between F1 teams. Lewis Larkam 23 Apr 2026 Share Brown has continually raised concerns about A\/B teams in F1 Add as a preferred source McLaren CEO Zak [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1899646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1899646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1899646"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1899646\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1899646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1899646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1899646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}