Red Bull Racing’s relationship with its power unit supplier, Honda, has once again come under scrutiny, with fresh calls for the FIA to investigate the ownership and structure of the team’s VCARB (Virtual Car Assembly and Racing Block) technology.

The focus on Red Bull’s technical arrangements has raised concerns within the Formula 1 paddock, as critics question whether these arrangements fall within the bounds of FIA regulations.

At the heart of the issue is Red Bull’s arrangement with Honda, which supplies the team with power units. After Honda’s departure from F1 as a full-time manufacturer in 2021, Red Bull opted to take over Honda’s power unit program and set up its own powertrain division, known as Red Bull Powertrains.

This move raised eyebrows as it allowed Red Bull to retain Honda’s significant technological expertise, especially in hybrid systems and energy recovery technologies, while also managing its own future engine program.

However, recent revelations about the VCARB—an integral part of Red Bull’s car development that encompasses various areas of the car’s powertrain and aerodynamics—have sparked concerns.

Critics argue that the technology, originally developed by Honda, might still be under Honda’s intellectual property ownership, meaning Red Bull may not fully control the IP as it claims.

The question then arises: does Red Bull have the necessary independence to design and manufacture its own engines without infringing on regulations designed to prevent “customer teams” from receiving unfair advantages?

The FIA’s technical regulations prohibit teams from simply buying entire powertrains from other manufacturers. While Red Bull is legally allowed to use Honda’s technology, the level of integration and collaboration between Red Bull and Honda’s engineering departments has caused some to question whether the partnership falls under the FIA’s “Customer Engine” rules.

A formal investigation into Red Bull’s VCARB ownership and the use of Honda’s technology could follow, with the FIA likely to examine whether the arrangement complies with existing regulations.

There is also the potential for rival teams to formally request clarification on these points, which could further intensify the scrutiny.

For now, Red Bull has denied any wrongdoing and continues to insist that it has full control over its powertrain program. However, with more questions being raised, the FIA may be forced to delve deeper into the matter to ensure fair play within Formula 1’s technical framework.