Red Bull set to be stripped of huge advantage over F1 rivals with FIA planning major rule change
Red Bull are set to lose a significant advantage over their Formula 1 rivals with reports suggesting that the FIA are planning to introduce a major rule change.
Earlier this month came the shock news that Christian Horner had been sacked as Red Bull team principal.
The 51-year-old led the team from 2005 and oversaw six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships.
But Red Bull have struggled this season, with Max Verstappen unable to keep pace with the McLarens, while the second Red Bull seat has continued to cause problems.
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That prompted Red Bull executives to make a change, who immediately replaced Horner with Laurent Mekies from Racing Bulls.
The move raised eyebrows within the F1 paddock as typically senior figures have to take a period of gardening leave of between six months and a year.
However, as Red Bull and the Racing Bulls are under the same common ownership, they were able to make the change without delay.
What is the F1 rule change?
According to Planet F1, the FIA are now planning to introduce regulations designed to manage how staff move between teams.
Under section F of the new regulations for next year, there will be a period of mandatory gardening leave.
The move is designed to address the competitive edge which Red Bull receive from a shared ownership model.
While several teams on the grid share components, none of them have the same ownership structure.
McLaren and Williams use the Mercedes power unit, while Ferrari also provide the engine for Haas and Sauber.
How close are Red Bull and Racing Bull?
Although they are owned by the same group, senior figures have previously denied claims of their connection.
At the start of 2024, Horner said: "The two teams are totally separate.
"One is based in Italy and one is based in the UK. The one that is based in Italy has a far larger turnover of staff that end up in Maranello than end up in Milton Keynes.
"They have different personalities, they have different character, and they comply continually with the regulations.
"Indeed, the relationship is far less tight than some of the teams that enjoy very tight relationships with their engine manufacturer."
It is not just staff who have moved between the teams.
Liam Lawson briefly replaced Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull seat this season, before he was dropped after just two races.
He was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who had been driving for Racing Bull, but the Japanese driver has also struggled to make an impact.
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, FIA, Christian Horner, Max Verstappen
James Taylor