There is less and less left until the start of the season, but even though the single-seaters have not yet taken to the track, there is a great deal of attention on some of them. In particular this time we talk about VCARB 01, the first single-seater of the Racing Bulls team, heir Alpha Tauri. Precisely this single-seater would be one of the special ones observed. The reason is linked to the ever-increasing proximity of team of Faenza with the parent company, namely Red Bull. The idea that there could be exchanges of information as well as materials between the two teams worries the competition quite a bit. In fact, think of finding 4 Red Bulls on the track instead of 2. The situation changes especially for the teams trying to occupy the top area of the standings. AlphaTauri wasn't capable of fighting for something that big. But who knows what the VCARB 01 will be able to do? For this reason, the CEO of Racing Bulls, Peter Bayer, finds himself at the center of a controversy regarding the similarities with Red Bull. A controversy that started from a protest by McLaren CEO, Zak Brown.
FIA keeps tabs on Bayer and Racing Bulls
The presentation of Racing Bulls' new single-seater, the VCARB-01, sparked clear comparisons with Red Bull's design philosophy. However, Bayer was keen to point out that nothing was done without the knowledge of the FIA. The Federation, says Bayer, has in fact carefully examined the vehicle, recognizing it as a "different concept". And above all, in full compliance with the regulations.
The concerns raised by Brown concern the possible violation of Formula 1 rules on sharing information between different manufacturers. In this case between Red Bull and Racing Bulls. On the contrary Peter Bayer, in his defense, argues that such concerns about the similarities between Racing Bulls and Red Bull are related to the perceived threat from Brown rather than irregularities in the team's modus operandi.
"Formula 1 is a battle of resources and today also of efficiency. I believe that the teams further back in the standings need some support, because adding the points of the last four does not add up to those of the sixth in the standings. This help is mainly through financial means, pieces of product supply to effectively remain competitive. The financial reality is a fact today, and it's not like all 10 teams are making money. We must be careful not to overreact to the paranoia of certain people“, commented Bayer a RacingNews365.
Bayer: “We are fair opponents”
Brown's statements about the synergy between Red Bull and Visa Cash App RB further escalated tensions. Bayer has vigorously rejected the accusations, arguing that Formula 1 is fundamentally a struggle for resources and that less competitive teams need financial support and supply of products to maintain their competitiveness. Bayer also guaranteed that the team does not need these tricks to establish itself in Formula 1.
"One of the first things you learn in Formula 1 is that the easiest way to become unpopular is to be successful. As long as you're last, people don't even notice you're there. As soon as you grow up, they throw everything they can at you. I come from the FIA and I know how high the scrutiny is on all teams, especially if they already have close ties. We want to be fierce but fair competitors".
Source statements: FormulaPassion
