Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did Richard ally with Philip II Augustus against Henry II?

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King Henry II and St. Thomas Becket — Henry II Henry II (left) disputing with Thomas Becket (center), miniature from a 14th-century manuscript; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Claudius D.ii).

Richard I allied with Philip II Augustus against his father, Henry II, primarily because Philip skillfully exploited the existing estrangement between the father and son.12

The alliance was driven by mutual political interests:
* Exploitation of Conflict: Philip II sought to weaken the Angevin empire, which he viewed as a constant menace to the French royal domain. By encouraging Richard’s rebellion against Henry II, Philip effectively destabilized the English king’s power.12
* Political Gain: Richard, seeking to assert his own position, voluntarily did homage to Philip at Bonmoulins in November 1188. This alliance pressured Henry II into making territorial concessions, such as the cession of Issoudun and Graçay, and renouncing claims to suzerainty over Auvergne under the Treaty of Azay-le-Rideau in 1189.1

Ultimately, this alliance was a strategic maneuver for both men: Richard used it to challenge his father's authority, while Philip used it to undermine the English king's influence in France.12