Formula 1: Red Bull is said to have broken the cost cap – the team boss defends himself against allegations

Enlarge image

The team boss of the Red Bull Formula 1 team, Christian Horner

Photo:

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has defended himself against allegations that his Formula 1 racing team spent significantly more money than allowed in the previous season.

As the trade magazine "Auto, Motor und Sport" reported on Friday, this is the result of a cost cap review by the world motorsport association Fia.

According to the report, it is the team of world champion Max Verstappen and the Aston Martin racing team, for which Sebastian Vettel is still driving.

Red Bull is said to be well above the spending limit.

"We are absolutely convinced that we have met the cost limit," said Briton Horner at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Red Bull opponents Ferrari and Mercedes had already called for consistent action by the Fia on Friday in order to clarify the case transparently.

Meanwhile, Horner was annoyed by the rivals' comments, even if they did not name Red Bull.

'I'd like to know where the information is coming from.

That's defamatory," said the 48-year-old.

Fia: Test not yet completed

The world motorsport association Fia also made it clear that the final result of the cost cap review is not yet available.

Publication is not expected until next week.

Only then will it be clear whether a team spent more than $148.6 million in 2021.

Above all, the point in time at which this topic is discussed bothers Horner.

Verstappen can become world champion for the second time on Sunday (2 p.m. / Sky) in Singapore.

"It's no coincidence that this is where Max has his first shot at the World Championship," said Horner.

"Crossed the border"

Red Bull reserves the right to take action against the comments.

“We want those statements recanted.

It's not acceptable to say things like that," Horner said.

Even if Ferrari and Mercedes did not directly accuse Red Bull, it is clear who it is about.

"A line has been crossed in demanding punishment for us," Horner said.

The aim of the cost cap is to create the same conditions for all teams.

Violations of up to five million dollars are considered "minor violations" and could only be punished with a fine.

In the case of more serious offenses, harsher penalties up to a subsequent deduction of points are conceivable.

There is no clearly defined list of penalties.

see/dpa