Red Bull team boss reiterates: 'Verstappen won world title fairly'

Christian Horner gave more details at Red Bull Racing 's press conference ahead of the first free practice for the Mexican Grand Prix on why his team was finally found guilty of exceeding the budget cap after all. According to the team boss, Max Verstappen is the rightful 2021 world champion and Red Bull did not try to cheat.

Horner once again stressed that the money overspent last season did not go towards the development of the RB16B or RB18. "Not a penny was paid for the performance of the car. Max Verstappen won the championship fairly ... What we are talking about here had no effect whatsoever on the performance of his car last year."

The British chief is surprised that no other teams are in Red Bull's position. "I am astonished there are no other teams that have found themselves in this position. Good for them that 8 are fully compliant. There are lessons to be learnt. Did we see any on track performance? No, we didn't. Are there things we could've done better from an accounting perspective? Of course, lessons to be learnt not just on our side but on all sides," Horner told Sky Sports when asked during the press briefing.

Motivation high at Red Bull

They at Red Bull consider the fact that they will have less wind tunnel time next year "draconian". Horner speaks of an absolute handicap. Asked if he thinks the competition will be satisfied with the penalties determined by the FIA? "I am sure it would not be enough," he said.

Yet Horner continues to find the very high: "If you get 10% (aero testing reduced) for a 0.37% breach, what is 5% (breach) going to look like?”