F1
Published on July 22, 2026 at 01:45 PM by Oléna Champlain

F1 – 3 billion? Red Bull said no… Is Racing Bulls now worth more than an F1 team?

 Red Bull has reportedly rejected a $3 billion takeover bid for its sister team, Racing Bulls. Three billion dollars not enough?

In any other sport, a $3 billion offer would likely make the executives waver, but not in [the sport]. Red BullAccording to a revelation by The Times, a consortium backed by several Abu Dhabi investment funds and led by Dean Attew, former close advisor of Bernie Ecclestoneas well as the financier Andrew Herriotreportedly approached the Austrian group to acquire Racing BullsThe answer would have been simple: no.

 

Red Bull said no: when 3 billion dollars is no longer enough

At first glance, the decision may seem surprising. After all, Racing Bulls is "only" the second team of RedBull. But that's precisely where the subtlety lies.

Racing Bulls is not for sale… because it's worth far more than its price

Red Bull doesn't just own an extra stable. It controls a unique strategic tool in Formula 1. Racing Bulls allows young pilots to be trained, accelerating their learning before a possible move to Red Bull Racing and, within certain regulatory limits, to share skills and know-how between the two structures.

This dual presence on the grid is regularly criticized. The boss of McLaren, Zak Brownhas never hidden his opposition to the model Red Bullbelieving that he "presents a high risk to sporting integrity" from the Formula 1.

In this context, selling Racing Bulls This might amount to losing an advantage that money could no longer buy back.

A value that has become almost impossible to quantify.

For years, certain teams of Formula 1 were simply struggling to survive financially. Today, a structure stemming from the former Minardi attracts investors willing to spend $3 billion.

The explosion in F1's global popularity, the budget cap, new commercial agreements, and the scarcity of grid slots have completely changed the rules of the game. With only eleven teams competing, each team has become an extremely coveted asset. In other words, it's no longer just a team you're buying: it's a ticket into one of the most profitable sporting championships on the planet.

The real message sent by Red Bull

By refusing this proposal, Red Bull This may send a much stronger message than a simple business refusal. The group claims that Racing Bulls is fully part of its long-term strategy. The Italian team is no longer just a breeding ground for young talent; it now constitutes an essential link in the project Red Bullboth from a sporting and technical perspective. This choice comes as the dual ownership model continues to fuel debate within the paddock and even within the governing bodies of the FIA.

A refusal… while waiting for an even crazier offer?

One question remains that no one really dares to ask. Red Bull Did she refuse because Racing Bulls is truly priceless… or because 3 billion dollars no longer represents the true value of a team Formula 1 ?

In a league where valuations skyrocket season after season, it would not be surprising if new investors quickly returned with an even more spectacular offer.

After all, in Formula 1Records are no longer just being broken on the track. They are also being broken in boardrooms.