From the beginning, the entire grid has been conflicted with how Red Bull and its sister team AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso) have been run. They identify as two separate entities with completely different environments with the sister team getting complete autonomy in decision-making, branding, and how the team is run. The team’s base of operations was also separate from Red Bull. However, after AlphaTauri‘s recent run of poor form, Red Bull is bringing the team closer and we will perhaps see Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo race closer to each other despite being in separate teams.
According to various news outlets, including FormulaRacers, Red Bull has welcomed its sister team with open arms into its Milton Keynes facility. AlphaTauri is strengthening its partnership with RBR further with the Italian team moving its aerodynamic operation to Milton Keynes.
🚨 | AlphaTauri plans to move its England-based aero department to Milton Keynes.
They continue to tighten relations with Red Bull:https://t.co/9YvzwpaPDn
— formularacers (@formularacers_) January 9, 2024
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This comes as huge news for both teams as AlphaTauri will not just be able to use superior technology and even borrow some expert opinion but also will get their hands on the wind tunnel, whenever it is ready. For Red Bull, it will potentially bring in additional data from the AlphaTauri challenger. This is what the CEO of the Italian team hinted at as well in his statement about this merger.
“The advantage of obviously being closer to Red Bull Racing and their campus is that it will be easier for us when it’s about wind tunnel work, about simulator work,” CEO Peter Bayer explained. “So that will make life easier for all the engineers.”
Read More: With Liam Lawson Ready to Race, Should Red Bull Look Past Sergio Perez & Daniel Ricciardo for 2025?
This scenario was already a topic of contention for many team bosses, now the fans are involved in the debate as well. The fans are calling out the Austrian team for trying to gain more advantage with the help of its sister team.
Fans call out Max Verstappen and Co. for bringing its sister team closer
The advantages run on both sides. Hypothetically speaking, Red Bull can test parts on the AlphaTauri challenger in the coming season, get the data, and evaluate the performance before slapping the changes on their car. For AlphaTauri, it’s the superior Red Bull tech and engineers helping the team out.
The fans are calling Max Verstappen and Co. cheaters after this recent development while some are predicting the two teams will be 1-2 in the championship from next season onwards.
Cheaters.
— Alo'o (@AloYaGniZock) January 9, 2024
Cheatbull at it again are we surprised
— ice slice🏳️🌈🇱🇨🇬🇧🇺🇦🇷🇺 (@YB_merceds) January 9, 2024
2026: Alpha Tauri fighting for P2 in championship
— AIOnWheels (@AIOnWheelss) January 9, 2024
WATCH THIS STORY: 2 Months After Accusing Red Bull of Typical Routine, Former F1 Champ Exposes RB Taskmaster Amid Nyck De Vries-Daniel Ricciardo Drama
Won’t be surprised if AT becomes a consistent top 5 finisher this year
— 🏎 Formula 1 Daily (@Formula1_Daily) January 9, 2024
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AlphaTauri is Red Bull in disguise. Lol
— Kevin O.O. (@heiskevinoo) January 9, 2024
Top 4 positions locked in for years baby!
— $avage Bicep$ (@SavageBiceps) January 9, 2024
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We are not sure how the other teams will react to this news and what the reception will be like but we can expect some sort of backlash. If not from everyone, at least from some rivals on the grid.