via Getty
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – APRIL 26: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on April 26, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
via Getty
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – APRIL 26: Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the Team Principals Press Conference during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on April 26, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Mercedes and Red Bull have been entangled in the struggle for F1 supremacy for a while now. However, it seems that Red Bull has carved an unfair advantage that, according to Toto Wolff, will have a cascading effect.
The FIA introduced the cost cap regulations in 2021 in hopes that it would lead to closer competition. Nevertheless, Red Bull has allegedly cheated the system. According to Toto Wolff, he expects the FIA to take a very dim view of Red Bull’s financial transgressions.
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While speaking to Sky, Wolff said, “The decisive thing is: If you were over it in 2021, then of course you were over it in 2022 and have an advantage for 2023. And then something was homologated that will be used in the coming year.”
“It’s a cascade that really happens every three World Cups ratings.” (translated via Google).
It is not uncommon in F1 for teams to play the political game. Hence, it should not come as a surprise if Mercedes try to shed more and more light on the matter. However, on the flip side, Christian Horner claims that the team is completely unaware of any such breach.
Amid accusations, Red Bull boss Christian Horner denies being “aware” of any cost cap breach
Toto Wolff went on to offense ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. As soon as the news broke out, the Austrian demanded an investigation and strict consequences.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 3, 2022 Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner before qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
However, the alleged culprits, Red Bull, have categorically denied knowing anything about this supposed breach. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said, “We are certainly not aware of any (breaches).”
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He then went on to explain the whole process. “The accounts were all submitted way back in March, so it’s been a long process with the FIA going through, and we are in that process as we speak.”
He also maintained that Red Bull had not crossed the cost cap limit imposed by the FIA. “Certainly our submission was below the cap and it’s down to the FIA to follow their process, which they are currently doing.”
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Watch This Story: Red Bull and McLaren Quarrel Over 2022 F1 Cars
If the Milton-Keynes outfit is found to be in breach of the cost cap regulations in 2021, should that have an effect on the 2021 WDC results?
