Martin Brundle believes most teams are ‘gaming’ F1 budget cap amid Red Bull row
Martin Brundle suspects most teams have found loopholes in F1’s cost cap amid speculation Red Bull have fallen foul of the rules.
The drivers’ and constructors’ champions-elect are under the spotlight amid claims they have not complied with the sport’s financial restrictions, which were brought in last year to make F1 more sustainable. Punishment for any breaches range from a reprimand to exclusion from the last year’s championship, depending on the severity of any transgression of the rules.
Several teams, including Toto Wolff’s Mercedes, have been outspoken on the issue, although Red Bull have strenuously denied any wrongdoing, with team principal Christian Horner even threatening legal action following what he sees as “defamatory” comments from rivals.
READ MORE: Christian Horner says there is 'campaign to discredit Red Bull' and threatens legal action
Sky Sports pundit and former F1 driver Brundle says every team will have pushed the complex new rules to the limit.
“We heard from Toto Wolff, he thinks it’s a very serious issue, akin to cheating,” said Brundle ahead of qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.
“He was really strong about it, it appears to be pointed towards Red Bull and Aston Martin, from what we’re reading, but await for the certificates [from FIA] to come out on Wednesday.
“I went to see Christian Horner. He told me in great detail that they thought they were under the cost cap limit. There are so many things outside of that cost cap. It’s a hugely complex area to balance all the teams.
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“I would be absolutely sure that they’re all gaming the system to an extent. They’re all playing the game to make it work out where they can hide some costs.
“Christian is adamant that they thought they were under the limit. Depending on some interpretations, the FIA might think they’re a little bit over the limit.
“He doesn’t think it’s a serious issue, obviously some other team bosses do. I don’t think we can say any more than that. I can only take these people at face value."
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