Details revealed behind latest F1 team name change

Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has explained the need for a clear identity as the reason why the F1 team has again changed its name for the new season.

Previously known as Toro Rosso and then AlphaTauri, the arrival of two major sponsors before last term in Visa and CashApp, allied to the chassis name of Racing Bulls, led to a convoluted moniker of Visa CashApp RB, shortened to VCARB, or even RB, as applied by RacingNews365.

Bayer recognises, however, that, for the fans in particular, there was a lack of individuality about the team, which had to change for this season.

"The RB thing was trying to simplify it, trying to be a bit more, I don't know, streamlined," said Bayer, speaking to RacingNews365.

"Like people said, it was a bit of a mouthful, but at the same time, we liked the logo, and we said, 'You know what. Let's go with it', because we were under quite some time pressure to get everything ready.

"We had to register with the FIA. We had to register the chassis name for the entry list.

"Honestly, there was not too much strategic thinking behind it. It was more of a practical exercise. Okay, we've got a team, we've got Visa, we've got CashApp, we've got Racing Bulls, let's find a way of moving forward.

"Now, what happened throughout the year is that we saw fans, team members, and other partners struggling with the RB.

"Because RB was the chassis name, people would hear on television, RB is doing this, RB is doing that. I guess, as a human being, it's difficult to connect to something if there's no meaning behind it.

"That, ultimately, was the sort of triggering element where we said, 'Okay, we've got to tell people what RB stands for, to go back to the beginning and confirm that Racing Bulls is what RB stands for."

Confusion with Red Bull

Bayer also confirmed there was a need to differentiate from Red Bull. Although the senior outfit has long had its own identity, on occasion, it has been referred to in the past as RB

"It does happen regularly," added Bayer. "It was all about finding an identity for us, the partners, the media, and the fans, first and foremost.

"Racing Bulls fits perfectly into the overall Red Bull philosophy. They have the Flying Bulls, the airplane collection, and now they've got the Racing Bulls.

"It was always clear this team needs to stand on its own two feet. We need to be successful on track, off track, and to be that, we need an identity."