In a lighter moment from the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix press conference, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal Christian Horner likened the intense scrutiny his team faced over financial regulations to experiencing a “full colonoscopy.” It’s always refreshing when the serious world of Formula 1 gets a dose of medical humor, isn’t it?

Horner was reflecting on a turbulent year for the team, which faced a breach of the sport’s cost cap regulations. Filip Cleeren from Motorsport.com posed the question on everyone’s lips: Just how much did last year’s ‘draconian punishment’ affect the Bulls?

Horner was quick to quip but also to clarify. While the sanctions did indeed curtail Red Bull‘s development potential for this year, the team’s robust car design from the season’s start enabled them to shift their focus and resources early towards their 2024 challenger.

But while Horner didn’t gloss over the complexities of the cost cap, he also seemed to appreciate the efforts by the FIA. “I think the process of the cost cap is evolving. It’s a very complex set of regulations that have evolved and the degree of scrutiny this year was phenomenal,” he explained. He touched upon the challenges the regulations posed, considering the diversity in team structures: “Of course, every company is structured in a slightly different way as well which adds to the complexity, whether you’ve got subsidiary accounts or what your reporting group is for example.” 

“Certainly, you’ve not seen the full impact yet because it obviously has compromised the amount of development that we’ve been able to do this year. Thankfully, we came out with a very strong car at the beginning of the year and we’ve been able to apply most of that development time, from quite early in the season, to next year’s car. So that’s been important.”

Despite the hurdles, Horner concluded with a nod to the FIA, saying, “I think the FIA have actually done a pretty decent job from what we’ve seen over the last 12 months.” While the Red Bull team may have felt the pinch, their resilience, and Horner’s candid approach make it clear – they’re in the race for the long haul, medical analogies and all.

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Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s long-serving advisor, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his candid, “call a spade a ‘spade’” remarks, the former F1 driver has had his fair share of squabbles, including a recent misstep concerning Sergio Perez. Some even whispered of tensions in the Bull-shed between him and Christian Horner. But, according to Nico Rosberg, Marko’s the unsung hero behind the Red Bull curtain.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes set their sights: Horner, are you watching?

And in swerves Lewis Hamilton with a heavy dose of not-so-fast! Despite a series of recent setbacks, Mercedes‘ main man believes the tides might be turning. And if there’s anyone Christian Horner and his Red Bull squad should be keeping a close eye on, it’s Hamilton and the Silver Arrows.

Chatting with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton shared a teaser of what’s to come: “I think we were close here [in Mexico] last year, so hopefully we’ll be a little bit closer maybe this weekend.” Oh, Horner, did you catch that? But Hamilton’s optimism doesn’t just hover around Mexico. The champ is equally bullish about Brazil, reminiscing, “Brazil was a great circuit for us last year.” Hint, hint: two potential curveballs coming Red Bull’s way!

While Hamilton is a tad reserved about Abu Dhabi, the message is crystal clear. Mercedes is back in the mix, and they’re not here to play second fiddle.

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With the 2023 season racing towards its climax, one thing’s for sure: Horner and his Red Bull team might just find themselves checking their rear-view mirrors more than they’d like. Christian, you’ve been warned – Hamilton and Mercedes are revving up, and they’re coming for you! 🏁🚗💨