In a move that signifies the strengthening of ties between Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri, Christian Horner, the team principal at Red Bull, has disclosed his pivotal role in the selection of new leadership for AlphaTauri.
This strategic step aims to bolster the collaborative efforts between the two Formula 1 teams, with Horner emphasising the potential for an increasingly close relationship within the bounds of F1 regulations.
The affiliation between Red Bull and AlphaTauri dates back to 2006 when Red Bull’s acquisition of the latter cemented their partnership. However, their recent performance trajectories have diverged significantly.
While Red Bull Racing has demonstrated dominance by winning every race in the current season and the majority in 2022, AlphaTauri found itself struggling last year, finishing second from the bottom.
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Currently, AlphaTauri languishes at the bottom of the constructors’ championship with a mere three points from 14 races.
Despite AlphaTauri’s challenges, Red Bull has affirmed its commitment to the sister team, opting not to put it up for sale.
Behind the scenes, substantial changes are taking shape, including the introduction of a new management team headed by Chief Executive Peter Bayer and incoming Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who will transition from Ferrari.
In a recent conversation with Planet F1, Christian Horner, who already shoulders the role of Red Bull’s team principal, divulged his pivotal involvement in handpicking the fresh management team for AlphaTauri.
He expressed confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, “We will have a closer working relationship.
“I was asked to identify a couple of candidates to get involved and create a new management team at AlphaTauri.
“The two guys that I felt were right for the role were Peter and Laurent, I think they’ll make a strong team.”
Horner also underscored the likelihood of enhanced collaboration between the two teams within the confines of F1 regulations.
“I think that the relationship, within the realms of what we’re able to do within the regulations, will become closer.
“There are aspects of the car that AlphaTauri haven’t taken advantage of under what’s permitted under the supply rules previously.
“So I can only see the relationship between the two teams becoming ever closer,” he remarked.
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As part of this evolution, another notable change will be the abandonment of the AlphaTauri name in Formula 1 after the conclusion of the current season.
While the replacement branding remains undisclosed, reports suggest that a deal with Hugo Boss is nearing finalisation.
The fashion label is poised to become the name sponsor of the team, marking a shift from its previous partnership with Aston Martin as the Silverstone team’s official fashion partner.