Customer cars could lead to legal action
A number of Formula One teams are looking into the possibility of legal action against Red Bull if the company goes ahead with plans to have its two teams run with identical chassis from next year, high level sources have told autosport.com
Tensions have been increasing behind the scenes amid mounting suggestions that Red Bull will have both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso race with almost identical Adrian Newey-designed cars from 2007. One will be powered by Ferrari engines and the other by Renault.
With Super Aguri having already been forced to abandon their plans to run customer versions of this year's Honda Racing car, and teams like Williams and Spyker MF1 facing the prospect of Toro Rosso moving up the grid dramatically, it is understood that legal advice has been sought.
It is believed that Williams, Spyker MF1 and Super Aguri have all discussed the situation and are keeping a close eye on Red Bull's plans for next year. McLaren have also been consulted but have so far been reluctant to get involved in the situation.
Team boss Frank Williams has made it clear that he is far from happy with the situation - and thinks customer car rules should be strictly limited to year-old cars.
"The same car with a different badge is out of order and not within the regulations," he told autosport.com. "That is not a legally driven statement, but a personal opinion after having read the regulations with regards to customer cars.
"I suppose what really matters is that if it is a rule, then please observe it. If not, then be ready to take the consequences."
When asked whether legal action, or a protest if Red Bull go ahead with the plans, is possible, Williams said: "I can't comment on that. But I think it is quite wrong.
"There are several teams who don't agree to it, some who don't care and some who want it."
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism
F1-like calendar, F1-like performance? How Formula E is "growing up" in its big brother's orbit
FIA announces Rally2 car upgrade kit to increase competition for WRC 2027
Brands Hatch to make Formula E debut on expanded Gen4 calendar
Waberski and Martin enjoy British GT's Spa day
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments