Christian Horner SLAMS rival F1 teams for criticizing the severity of Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach punishment

Horner believes the rivals are accusing them because they can’t stand Red Bull’s domination.

Christian Horner SLAMS rival F1 teams for criticizing the severity of Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach punishment

Christian Horner (Credits: The Independent)

Red Bull was found guilty of breaching the cost cap with a “minor overspend” in the 2021 season of $500,000. Amongst many others, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton stated his discontent with the punishment, saying that it wasn’t big enough to stop other teams from overspending. In an interview with Sky Sports, Christian Horner replied to these claims.

Red Bull has a ten percent reduction in their wind tunnel this season, in addition to the seven million dollar fine as their punishment. Christian Horner said the reduction in wind tunnels had cost Red Bull dearly and should be counted as a valid punishment.

“The hit that we have taken with the lack of the wind tunnel is a massive compromise. If wind tunnels don’t count, why not just get rid of them? It’s always easy to throw shade when you are not performing. It’s one of things in F1 that is always going to happen,” Horner told Sky Sports.

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Despite the ten percent reduction in their wind tunnel and seven million dollar penalty, Red Bull’s dominance has been unparalleled this season. Their star driver Max Verstappen stands at the top with 255 points, followed by his teammate, Sergio Perez, in 2nd place with 156 points.

In case you missed it: Lando Norris gives a candid verdict on McLaren’s chances of securing a podium finish in the Hungarian GP

Red Bull comfortable with the cost cap for the 2022 season

Christian Horner
Christian Horner (Credits: Formulapedia)

Red Bull’s cost cap breach for 2021 and the penalty they were given for it both have been controversial for the team. Red Bull principal Christian Horner was asked about their current status on the 2022 cost cap after he criticized rivals for comments regarding the fine’s severity.

Horner mentions that their upgrades were relatively less as compared to their competitors. He also noted that they had less crash damage in 2022, with just two incidents the whole season. He says they are constantly working with the FIA and have complete faith in them.

“We had a very good car last year. We did little development compared to our competitors. More importantly we had very little crash damage. We weren’t burning through parts as our competitors were,” Horner said.

With the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull will surely aim to break McLaren’s 1988 record of winning 11 consecutive races. Max Verstappen will also be aiming to break Michael Schumacher’s record of six consecutive victories by trying to add a seventh to his name in Hungary.

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