After a two-year covid-induced hiatus, the circus is heading to Singapore with plenty of heat. The heat, however, is coming from the paddocks in relation to some rule violations. According to reports, Red Bull is in hot water because they allegedly overspent in its championship-winning 2021 season.

As reported by Auto, Motor und Sport, the championship favorites spent considerably more than the $145 million limit. This is a concerning accusation as Red Bull won the driver’s championship last season. The FIA will release a statement on the same next week. However, the report ahead of the Singapore GP has angered Red Bull’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko.

Speaking to Sky Germany, the Austrian expressed his displeasure with the report and called it defamation. “It’s an ongoing process. There are ongoing discussions where certain points are being clarified. But we’re not too worried at the moment,” explained Marko. (Translated by Google)

“I just find it amazing that something like this gets public. It’s bad for our reputation. I cannot comment on the procedure at all. From our point of view, however, we have not exceeded the cost limit,” reassured Marko.

The report suggests overspending up to $5 million is considered a minor infraction. However, Red Bull’s woes might be bigger in case they have spent more than 5% of the limit, which is somewhere around $7.25 Million.

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Red Bull’s overspending trouble could follow them in the current season as well. Why you may ask? Well, the development of RB18 started in 2021. The penalties for the same are still unclear due to the rule’s relatively recent introduction.

Despite all claims, Dr. Marko is fairly confident in their dealings.

Red Bull advisor confident against the overspending claim

The Austrian is confident the team has not overspent and gives reasons behind the confusion and the claim.

He explained, “Points are listed that don’t even belong in the budget. Different accountants from the FIA ​​sit down with our accountants and then they discuss all kinds of things.”

“We have different companies: Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Red Bull Technology, Red Bull Powertrains. You have to be very clear in that distinction,” he added.

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All the cards will be on the table soon as soon as FIA releases their final statement in about a week’s time.