Doubts surrounding Horner ruling: 'We have to wait and see'

Hans-Joachim Stuck finds it difficult to estimate what effects Red Bull Racing's punishment will have on next season. Although the former Formula 1 driver expects it to bring disadvantages for the team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, he finds a prediction impossible to make.

Last weekend, the FIA came out with the punishment imposed on the Austrian squad for exceeding its budget ceiling. Where it will receive a fine of seven million euros, it will also have less time in the wind tunnel.

Team boss Christian Horner dropped in the media that the second part of the penalty in particular could have a big impact. The Briton stated that it will potentially lose half a second per lap compared to the competition. Stuck thinks the effects will not be seen until 2024.

"I am convinced that Red Bull is already so far ahead in planning that it will only have an effect the following year," Stuck stated in conversation with ServusTV. "Then they will definitely be in good shape. I think it is excessive to turn the penalty into a number now: we have to wait and see."

Criticism of FIA regulations

Stuck is additionally critical of the FIA. According to him, the organisation's regulations are often not clear, making it easier for teams to break the rules. Instead, according to Stuck, it should be about the excellent results of Verstappen, who became world champion this season with flying colours.