Christian Horner clarifies his comments about ‘rivals contacting sponsors’ to bad-mouth Red Bull during cost cap saga

The Red Bull cost cap penalty saga was likely the biggest controversy and storyline from 2022. Though the breach was deemed ‘minor’, it still caused a significant row – many hoped that Red Bull would have been disqualified (from the 2021 championship). It’s possible that the fact it was so controversial was related to the season finale of the 2021 season. In any case, Christian Horner’s team received a $7 million fine and had their wind tunnel time for 2023 reduced by 10 percent.

But perhaps the most damaging aspect of the penalty was the reputational damage. As soon as it came out that Red Bull were in ‘breach’ of the financial regulations, they began to receive considerable backlash. There were calls for a severe penalty, not counting out disqualification, from fans and other figures in the paddock. Their breach, without an accounting error, was only about 0.38 percent over the cost cap. But, of course, it was a breach nonetheless.

Horner was not happy with the treatment his team received for the cost cap violation, and even called the penalty ‘draconian’. It must be said, for a ‘minor’ violation, it was a significant penalty. However, that was to be expected – as the cost cap will only be taken seriously if there were to be serious consequences when it’s broken. Later, he said that the penalty ‘tainted’ Red Bull, and was used by their rivals.

In particular, he described an instance to iNews: “We had one of them contacting our sponsors and partners. Making suggestions that we would be bringing their brands into disrepute. That was just underhand.” This could be interpreted as the ‘rival’ trying to steal Red Bull’s sponsors, or at least, make sure that the team loses them. But it is not about stealing sponsors, and speaking to Sky Sports, the Briton clarified his comments.

Read More: Christian Horner rules out Red Bull superiority in the future amidst F1’s ‘cultural change’

Christian Horner’s comment wasn’t about “stealing sponsors”

Christian Horner said: “It wasn’t about stealing sponsors. I think what you’re referring to was a reference that several of our sponsors were contacted by one of our rival teams saying that we were perhaps bringing them into disrepute. So that was I think the comment that you were referring to.” He did not specify what sponsors were contacted, or what the aim of the rivals could have been. It could even be interpreted as attempting to jeopardize Red Bull’s financial stability.

When asked about what team exactly it was that contacted Red Bull’s sponsors, rather expectantly, Horner did not answer. He said: “I’ll let your imagination run away with you.” Now, of course, it’s past them. Their focus will be on the 2023 season, which right now, is looking pretty good for them. They’ve won all of the first three races, and look to be in a strong position as the European leg of the season will begin.

And considering just how dominant the RB-19 has been, despite some ‘minor’ hiccups, Red Bull are clear favorites for the title, once again. Right now, their closest rivals are all (more) closer to each other than to Red Bull. So, they have a fairly comfortable cushion, and may just bring home another ‘easy’ or early title.

In case you missed it:

• “It’s appealing,” Christian Horner gives thumbs up for the Formula Equal project
• “Not taking anything for granted,” Christian Horner is cautious about ‘big updates’ from Ferrari and Mercedes 

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