Team boss Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing is hoping to resolve the issue over the budget cap overrun in the US this weekend. The FIA announced two weeks ago that Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s team had spent more money than it allowed last season. Red Bull has received a settlement proposal and the parties are now negotiating it.
“Hopefully we can sort it out this weekend,” Horner said at the press conference ahead of the third free practice session. “If that does not work, the next step is for the committee to look into the case. Then another ICS session will follow. So it may take another six to nine months, but that is not our intention. Talks with the FIA are healthy and productive.” Horner met FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem in Austin, Texas, on Friday to discuss the matter.
Horner declined to reveal the settlement proposal Red Bull received, but promised full transparency once an agreement was reached. According to the FIA, Red Bull spent a little more money on car development last season than the maximum allowed of $145 million. Racing stable Verstappen, the driver who recently expanded his world title, claims he has stayed within the limit.
Teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren have called on the FIA in recent weeks for tough penalties if the budget cap is exceeded. McLaren boss Zak Brown even sent a letter to the FIA with this appeal. Horner spoke of this as a disgrace on Saturday while Brown sat next to him.
“It is very disappointing when another team accuses you of cheating and fraud without knowing the facts, it is shocking,” Horner said. “Children of our team members are being bullied in stadiums as a result of fake accusations by other teams. Since the race in Singapore we have been in open court. Everyone says we have gone too far. But the numbers in the media are miles away from reality.”
