Red Bull has decided to retain its satellite team, Racing Bulls, despite a $2 billion offer.
The Red Bull team received several buyout offers exceeding $2 billion. Yet, even with this colossal sum, they refuse to sell. This choice speaks volumes about the Austrian giant’s strategy, at the dawn of a new technical era for F1.
Why does Red Bull refuse $2 billion for Racing Bulls?
For several months, Racing Bulls has attracted the attention of numerous international investors. According to British journalist Joe Saward, the team received a first offer of $2 billion this past summer. Then came a second, revised offer of $2.3 billion, which was also rejected. Red Bull has thus held firm, convinced that the team’s value could rise even further in the future.
A team more strategic than it seems
Based in Faenza, Racing Bulls was already acquired in 2006, back when it was known as Toro Rosso. This $2 billion team plays a crucial role in training young drivers for the Red Bull Junior Team. Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo all honed their skills here before shining in the main Red Bull team.
By keeping Racing Bulls, Red Bull retains a valuable tool. This team serves as a talent laboratory and also as a technical testing ground. In short, it’s an essential asset to maintain the edge over Mercedes and Ferrari.
$2 billion, a record valuation for Red Bull Racing’s sister team
Red Bull’s refusal is also explained by the current F1 context. Since Liberty Media’s arrival in 2017, team values have soared dramatically. Williams, for example, went from $132 million to nearly $1 billion in five years. Racing Bulls could therefore be worth even more when the 2026 regulations come into effect.
Racing Bulls, a bet on the future of F1
Turning down such a sum is also a sign of confidence in the sport’s future. In 2025, Racing Bulls enjoyed one of its best seasons since 2008. The team actually returned to the podium thanks to French rising star Isack Hadjar. These performances strengthen the team’s sporting credibility and justify Red Bull’s strategy to decline the $2 billion offer.
A team on the rise that Red Bull keeps despite $2 billion
Racing Bulls finished the season in the top 6 of the Constructors’ Championship, matching its best historical ranking. Hadjar, a true rising star, could even join Red Bull Racing next year. The Italian team also boasts a pipeline of promising young talents, like Arvid Lindblad. And this proves that it is much more than a junior paddock team.
A solid and profitable business model
Unlike other F1 teams, Racing Bulls remains financially stable. Thanks to technical and logistical support from Red Bull Technology, it manages to combine performance and profitability. Especially today, when every grid spot is worth gold. Red Bull thus prefers to bet on continuity rather than cash in a $2 billion check immediately.