Alfa Romeo verdict on McLaren A and B team concerns

Bottas, Alfa Romeo, Bahrain, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images

Bahrain Grand Prix

Alfa Romeo verdict on McLaren A and B team concerns

Alfa Romeo take parts from Ferrari

Ewan Gale

Friday 25 March 2022 10:30

Alfa Romeo team principal Fred Vasseur has insisted the outfit is conforming to the FIA's rules regarding supplied parts.

McLaren counterpart Andreas Seidl remarked ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix that there could be a need for tougher measures on so-called A and B teams in F1.

Alfa Romeo takes parts from Ferrari, as does AlphaTauri from Red Bull amongst others, whereas McLaren has an independent presence in the sport.

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Insisting his team remains within the regulatory boundaries, Vasseur said: "You have a regulation, the regulation is monitored by the FIA and so far, the FIA has nothing to do on this.

"The rule is clear and we have to just follow the rule. On our side, we are working with Ferrari and we have the gearbox and the engine. This is it. I am okay."

Alpine confident of rules respect

Alpine sits in a different position as the only Renault-based runner, meaning there is no immediate chance of a link up even if it sought affiliation.

"Clearly no A-B team game for us," explained Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi.

"We are looking at what is happening out there but so far the rules are being respected as far as I can tell, so it is good.

"In the interests of sport, I think what Andreas was talking about is we want to avoid too many pairings.

"At the end of the day, you want to have 10 teams racing, not like five duos so I guess that is what Andreas was pointing out."