Christian Horner Defends Red Bull VCARB Relationship Amid Criticisms – “Should Be Applauded,” Says Team Principal

Christian Horner staunchly defends Red Bull’s collaboration with VCARB, asserting that the partnership merits appreciation rather than condemnation, amid criticisms from McLaren’s Zak Brown.

Key Takeaways:

• Horner challenges the negative perception of Red Bull’s management of two F1 teams, advocating for appreciation of their contribution.
• Zak Brown of McLaren urges for a review of F1’s team cooperation rules to prevent potential biases and maintain fairness under the budget cap regulations.
• Horner highlights Red Bull’s unwavering support for its teams, especially during the 2008 economic downturn and the COVID-19 crisis.

In the ongoing discourse surrounding the operations of Formula 1 teams, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has stepped forward to defend the collaboration between Red Bull and VCARB, countering criticisms raised by McLaren’s Zak Brown. Horner’s remarks, echoing a sentiment of appreciation for Red Bull’s contributions to the sport, come at a time when questions have been raised regarding the fairness and transparency of team collaborations in Formula 1.

In an interview with Autosport, Horner expressed his bafflement at the controversy surrounding the partnership between Red Bull and VCARB, emphasizing the positive impact of Red Bull’s support on both teams:

“I don’t understand the fuss about it. I don’t understand the noise that’s being created about it.

“And I think Red Bull should actually be applauded for the support and the commitment and the jobs that they’ve provided through the good times, and particularly the bad times. So for me, it really is a non-issue.”

Horner underlined the pivotal role played by Red Bull in sustaining the sport, particularly during challenging periods such as the 2008 economic downturn and the COVID-19 crisis. He emphasized the significant contributions made by Red Bull in rescuing and nurturing the team formerly known as Minardi, now Visa Cash App RB, and facilitating the restart of the racing season amidst the pandemic.

Addressing concerns about the autonomy of the two teams under Red Bull’s ownership, Horner highlighted their distinct operational bases and staffing dynamics, emphasizing their compliance with regulations and their unique identities. He refuted any insinuations of collusion or prearranged outcomes between the teams, stressing the competitive ethos that drives both entities.

In conclusion, Horner framed the scrutiny faced by Red Bull as a byproduct of its competitive success and strategic investments, expressing confidence in the capabilities of both teams to compete on equal footing within the sport:

“I would take it as a compliment if I was Laurent [Mekies, team principal], that this issue is being raised now because, with a change of stewardship, the team has the opportunity to get its act together.

“They’ve got two quality drivers, they’re introducing quality people into that team, and we expect them to be a competitor, not just of the rest of the field, but indeed, of Red Bull Racing.

“We’re a team of racers. And there are no preset rules and there are no agreements between the teams.”