Talks between Red Bull and the FIA were put on hold following Dietrich Mateschitz’s death but team expected to resume before this weekend’s Mexico City GP; Horner promises “transparency” wants cost cap scandal is concluded
By Matt Morlidge
Last Updated: 26/10/22 6:12am
Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists his team want “closure” as soon as possible following their Formula 1 cost cap breach and has vowed full transparency once there is a resolution with the FIA, with talks set to resume before this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
The newly-crowned constructors’ champions had been in discussions with the FIA in the lead-up to the United States GP after being accused of a ‘minor’ breach of 2021’s $145m spending limit, although talks were put on hold following the death of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz on Saturday.
Red Bull said the deadline for an ‘accepted breach agreement’ [ABA] with the FIA had therefore been extended, and that they expect talks to pick back up before the Mexico City GP.
An ABA would see the team accept wrongdoing – despite their insistence they have followed the rules and that their initial submission was below the cap – although would likely lead to a lesser penalty.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Christian Horner claims that for Red Bull to be accused of fraudulent activity is ‘shocking’ as he responds to Zak Brown’s letter
An announcement was expected at the United States GP before talks were suspended, and so there could feasibly be developments early on in the Mexico weekend – which Horner and the team would welcome.
“I’m certainly hopeful that there can be closure on this in the very near future,” the Red Bull team principal told Sky Sports F1 before the news of Mateschitz’s passing on Saturday.
The full range of punishments would not be on the table if Red Bull agree to an ABA, with rumours swirling in Austin that the FIA had offered Red Bull a fine and a reduction in aerodynamic testing for next year.
If Red Bull do not accept that, more severe penalties such as points deductions are possible, if unlikely, while it could also significantly extend the process and clarity on Max Verstappen’s 2021 title-winning campaign.
“The next process is it goes to the cost cap administration panel and then beyond that there’s the International Court of Appeal,” said Horner. “So, it could draw it out for another six, nine months, which is not our intention.
“We want closure on 2021. I think that we’ve had some healthy and productive discussions with the FIA, and I’m hopeful of being able to reach a conclusion in the near future.”