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If there were any remaining uncertainties about the true motivation behind modern sports, Formula One put them to rest on Wednesday with undeniable force. We are now entering a world where there exists a team in F1 called Visa Cash App RB, a name that brings feelings of despair and is arguably the worst in the history of the sport.

The team was formerly known as Minardi, founded by Giancarlo Minardi in Faenza, Italy. In 2005, Red Bull acquired the team, which then raced as Toro Rosso. In 2020, the team was renamed AlphaTauri to promote the brand’s clothing line. These names were more relatable and indicative of a racing team, unlike the current name, which simply reflects the corporate sponsor that has made a multi-million dollar deal with Red Bull for both of their teams.

What should they be called? The RB in the title, the sole indication that it stands for something beyond a means of exchanging money, stands for Racing Bulls. Unfortunately, it remains abbreviated; it is assumed that this is to avoid distracting from the undeniable appeal and liveliness of Visa Cash App.

The team has been calling themselves Vcarb internally, which is not much better and will surely anger the financial department at Visa. The reaction from those outside the team has been mocking. A different suggestion that has been circulating is Cash Cows.

The team previously known as F1 deserves better. It has become increasingly common for sponsors to be closely associated with teams, and this is especially true in modern times. For example, the team known as Mercedes is officially named Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1, while Aston Martin is known as Aston Martin Aramco F1. However, the recent name change takes this trend to a new level. The new name is simply a corporate title, completely removing any connection or identity with the team as a racing entity. Commentators may struggle with this change and may also consider the impact on the drivers. Both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are known for their entertaining personalities on the grid, but having to refer to their team by its new name may take away from their on-track commentary.

Where will the fans go? Those who look up to the drivers will now have to support Visa Cash App RB instead of Lotus, Ferrari, Tyrell, Brabham, McLaren, Mercedes, or even Red Bull. Don’t even think about the merchandise that may be available.

How did F1 management allow this to occur without finding a solution that would satisfy all parties involved? The sport is eager to appeal to a younger demographic, striving for accessibility while maintaining a level of glamour and aspiration. It’s hard to imagine anything more unappealing to potential new fans than a corporate name that lacks both emotion and intellect, resembling the mundane task of online banking. This is coming from Red Bull, a brand known for its rebellious and imaginative approach in F1, yet now constrained by their own actions.

Underneath the disdain and ridicule, there are deeper concerns being raised. These include the Visa Cash App RB team’s close ties with Red Bull’s main team. Members of the design team are relocating from Faenza to Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. The RB team, which was previously autonomous, has announced that their new team principal, Laurent Mekies, plans to take advantage of regulations by purchasing pre-made parts from Red Bull.

Red Bull’s motorsport adviser, Helmut Marko, stated that they will closely monitor Red Bull Racing within the boundaries of the regulations. The idea of a Red Bull B-team being formed to mimic Red Bull’s design has caused concern among competitors. During the unveiling of McLaren’s new livery, chief executive Zak Brown avoided addressing the issue directly but expressed his disappointment and frustration. He believes this raises fairness concerns for the sport and its fans, as it is not allowed in other major sports. Brown hopes the industry will address this issue before it becomes imbalanced like Formula One once was, with different sets of rules being followed.

This issue will, doubtless, rumble on as the season progresses and will be of great concern to team principals in the paddock. Outside it, perhaps, everyone will quietly revert to calling the team Minardi. There’s no money in it but it does come entirely free of any involuntary gnashing of the teeth.

Source: theguardian.com