Kravitz countered Horner's words: 'Then it's not a penalty at all, is it?'
F1 News
As is well known, Red Bull has to deal with a penalty this year for exceeding its budget cap in 2021. As punishment, the Austrian racing formation has received a reduction in the amount of time allowed to be spent in the wind tunnel. Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz thinks it has not been a punishment at all for the team, he tells his own post-race Notebook show.
Red Bull has such a big lead over the other teams that the racing stable could possibly consider already focusing on developing next year's car. "Obviously, because we have a lot less wind tunnel time we have to start thinking a lot about next year," the Briton stated in conversation with Sky Sports. But Horner does add a caveat to that. "It's about finding that balance."
'Red Bull not really punished'
With the technical regulations remaining almost the same, the team can continue to build on this year's car. "We're spinning a couple of plates at the moment but, with the regulations being stable, whatever we learn this year we carry into next year as well." The team boss confirmed that Red Bull factories are already busy working on 2024.
Ted Kravitz therefore wonders aloud to what extent Red Bull has actually been punished. "If they can start now on next year's car, then it's not a penalty at all, is it?" he argues rhetorically. "It's a virtuous circle, having such a good car this year. It might end up that the cost cap breach and the penalty of ten per cent less wind tunnel time that Red Bull had might end up not being a penalty at all."