Red Bull driver Max Verstappen lashes out at rivals after Formula 1 budget cap breach claims
- Nick Krige
- 2 October 2022
Red Bull's Max Verstappen was not happy to hear accusations from rival teams that they exceeded the cost cap during the 2021 season.
Controversy surrounding the 2021 Formula 1 season seems to never end.
While the way the season was decided with Verstappen seemingly being handed the Driver's Championship on a silver platter has been well documented and discussed, there are now rumours circulating that two teams may have breached the agreed budget cap.
It is believed the FIA are preparing to officially announce that two of the 10 teams went above the $145-million cap.
Obviously, speculation has gone into overdrive with many believing Red Bull is one of the culprits.
Mercedes and Ferrari have both called for heavy sanctions to be imposed on the teams caught breaking the cap but Verstappen hit back strongly, suggesting they should keep their "mouths shut" about the issue.
"I know where it [the speculation] comes from, so for me it's OK," Verstappen said. "With what I hear from the team, yes [I'm confident].
"Of course, then other teams start to talk about it while they have no information, and I find that a bit silly. Just keep your mouths shut."
If found guilty, there is an outside chance that Verstappen could be stripped of his maiden Formula 1 Driver's Championship title.
If this happens, Hamilton would be given the award and bring him level with Michael Schumacher as an eight-time Formula 1 champion.
Starting P3 tomorrow, a lot we can do from the second row. Car felt great out there for most of it and it feels like there’s a real chance at a win tomorrow. Thanks always @MercedesAMGF1, heads down, see you tomorrow 🇸🇬 LFG!!! pic.twitter.com/SJHJMDkQ0e
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 1, 2022
"I've not really given it much attention to be honest," he said.
"It's all whispers at the moment and I don't know enough about it to be able to make a sensible comment. I'm not thinking particularly anything.
"I'm proud of my team for the diligence they've done to run to the rules and I honestly have full confidence in Mohammed [Ben Sulayem], in the way that he has conducted himself to this point, in terms of being strict and being clear with the rules.
"Rules are rules and for those sorts of things, which can lead to real alterations in terms of car performance and those sorts of things, we definitely have to take it seriously.
"But as I said, I don't know if it's true or not. So we'll see."
