Christian Horner and Toto Wolff go head-to-head as Abu Dhabi rivalry ‘breaks up again’

Mark Weber competition between This is Wolf and Christian Horner With regard to potential violations Formula 1budget cap.

This Mercedes and Red Bull In the 2021 season, team leaders have frequently clashed in the bitterly contested title race between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Red Bull’s Verstappen eventually won the drivers’ championship in controversial circumstances, with the feud between Wolff and Horner culminating during the race. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix follows the controversial intervention of former race director Michael Masi.

Relations between the duo and the two teams have been more friendly this season, with Verstappen taking the crown for the second time in a row and Mercedes largely uncompetitive, But rumours that Red Bull could breach its 2021 budget cap have added to tensions.

Wolff hinted ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that Red Bull was known to be under investigation for breaches, leading Horner to threaten legal action after what he called “completely unfounded allegations”.

The FIA ​​will announce on Wednesday 5 October which teams have received certificates of compliance The 2021 budget is capped at $145m (£114m), with major breaches likely to result in sanctions that could affect last season’s outcome.

Former Red Bull driver Webber believes Wolff and Horner’s comments show the wounds of last year’s title race haven’t healed.

“Well, is Abu Dhabi coming back?” Webb said on Channel 4.

“We knew what the risks were last year, didn’t we? And fine margins [by which] That champion wins and loses.

“So, yes, the opposition teams are getting on board and there’s a red-hot crack and there could be something here. FIA, it’s up to them now to back Christian’s comments because he said they were looking for the wrong guy. “

F1 financial regulations define a material breach as 5% over the cap.

The cap was introduced ahead of the 2021 season to improve the fairness and competitiveness of the sport.

For major infractions, penalties within the rules may include disqualification of teams or drivers from the entire championship, while minor infractions (within 5% of the cap) may result in demerit points or suspension for a limited number of events.

“It’s pure speculation at the moment,” Weber explained. “Last year how certain teams reined in their budget cap at 21 years and this was the first season they had to stick to $145 million, which was obviously a jog for most teams.

“Obviously it’s a very tight budget, so everyone is trying to stick to that number. Obviously, if you go past, there’s a competitive advantage and that seems to be an issue for both teams, especially Red Bull.

“Mr Horner is not happy, it’s a big, big topic because it has implications for last year, this year and maybe 23 years because cars are designed to stop where you spend your money.”