In light of the first elements implying that Red Bull and Aston Martin F1 have exceeded the budget cap, comments were made yesterday by Mercedes F1 and Ferrari this morning, explaining that exemplary sanctions were needed, and that the whole paddock knew that teams were out of bounds.
Christian Horner, the director of Red Bull, did not appreciate that these comments were made as if the elements of the financial results of his team were known to all, and did not rule out attacking them for defamation.
“We were a little taken back by the comments from two of our rival teams yesterday,” said Horner this morning at a press conference. « The balance sheet is between the team and the FIA and confidential. »
« I have no idea the outcome of our rivals’ balance sheets, or the accounting treatment etc, so I would be intrigued to know where their source of information for these fictitious claims comes from. »
« They are extremely defamatory and we are offended by them. We can only assume that it is no coincidence that this happened at the time Max [Verstappen] has his first chance to seal the world title. »
« And how the hell do they get this information? Where do they get this knowledge? The FIA even said they haven’t completed their process yet. So unless there’s a clear withdrawal of these statements, we’re going to take this incredibly seriously and look at our options. »
« Because it is absolutely unacceptable to make comments of the type that were made yesterday which are totally defamatory for the team, for the brands and even for Formula 1. And I would be intrigued to know from where comes their source of information. »
Warning against ‘underhanded tactics’
The Briton believes that rival Red Bull teams are just trying to draw attention to the Milton Keynes side to avoid their lack of performance being the main topic in the media.
“This is, of course, a process that this administration of the FIA has inherited and they are looking to do the best job possible. have no form of knowledge make statements about what one has submitted, about penalties. »
“It’s just irrelevant. Maybe when these accusations are made, the people in the glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones. I think it’s an underhanded tactic deployed to distract from ‘a lack of performance on the track this year. »
« And, of course, when references are made to last year, this year, next year, we’re going to take that very seriously. So that’s a matter that the FIA has to deal with, but also a matter that Red Bull must take into account in defining its position in relation to the comments that have been made. »
Horner ‘sure’ Red Bull is on budget
The FIA communicated yesterday explaining that it was still working with the teams on the financial statements, and it has yet to receive their explanations. Next week is when the releases will take place, but Horner isn’t worried about Re Bull.
« We submitted our balance sheet in March. We are absolutely 100% certain that we are below the ceiling with the figures that we have returned. This request must be signed by your auditors. »
« Then it goes through a process with the FIA, a bit like an audit, where questions and interpretations are raised and discussed. This process is ongoing with the FIA which obviously has not completed its process at this point. stage. »
« I think they made that clear in a statement they made last night. So we look forward to seeing the final outcome of this process which we hope is in the near future, but we remain absolutely confident that we have absolutely respected the ceiling. »
