Formula 1: Horner defends himself: Red Bull within the cost limit

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.

Formula 1: Horner defends himself: Red Bull within the cost limit

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.

"We are absolutely convinced that we have met the cost limit," said the Briton at the Singapore Grand Prix. There were media reports on Friday that Red Bull around world champion Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin racing team exceeded the prescribed budget in 2021.

Red Bull is even said to be significantly higher. The motorsport world association Fia made it clear that a 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 really spent more than $148.6 million in 2021.

Competition calls for tough action by the Fia

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 would like to know where the information comes from. It's defamatory," said the 48-year-old, noticeably angry.

Above all, the point in time at which this topic was discussed bothered the team boss. Verstappen can become world champion for the second time on Sunday (2 p.m. / Sky) in Singapore. "It is not by chance that this is happening here, where Max has his first chance at the world championship. I would really like to know where this information comes from," Horner repeated in a press conference: "The Fia itself has not even completed its process. "

Red Bull reserves the right to take action against the comments. "We want those statements retracted. 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 to demand punishments for us," said Horner. "For example, I don't know in detail what is happening with our competition."

The aim of the cost cap is to create the same conditions for all teams. Excesses of up to five million dollars are considered "minor rule 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 catalog of penalties.

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