Formula 1 is a cutthroat business. Ever since the sport began, the ethos has been clear. If you can’t beat them on track, then beat them off of it. Mercedes arguably played a very crucial role in nailing Red Bull to the FIA’s cost-cap cross. That being said, the Bulls can’t be fooled twice.

Red Bull did in fact breach the cost cap. The FIA’s ruling is pretty clear about that. But in hindsight, it does seem a bit peculiar that Mercedes had the requisite information, which is confidential, by the way, on hand to start the rumor mill and the eventual investigation.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko thinks along the same lines. While speaking to RTL, he said, “It’s strange. A Mercedes employee switched to the FIA, processed these documents for the cost cap at Mercedes and was then responsible for checking at the FIA.” 

That being said, the Milton-Keynes-based outfit will ‘plaster’ the leak.

“We hire accountants to have the necessary security here.”

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Even though Marko firmly believes that the alleged leak was a ploy by the Silver Arrows to derail Red Bull’s championship success, Toto Wolff has come out with a strong jab against the current World Champions.

Toto Wolff accused Red Bull of diverting attention by accusing Mercedes of the FIA leak

The cost-cap saga has seemingly come to an end now. Red Bull have been handed a $7 million penalty and a 10% reduction in their wind tunnel testing. However, it still doesn’t answer Red Bull’s allegations about how the information was leaked. Back when this was all the rage, Toto Wolff had some strong words for their rival.

As per Motorsport-Total.com, he said, “The leak did not come from the FIA, but there are ten finance directors who sit together all year and find out who did what.”

“There was a violation, it doesn’t really matter how it came about. Violation is violation. Who talked about it? I think it was the finance directors. It is also a total sideshow. It is an attempt by Red Bull to divert attention.”

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Red Bull have since gone on to term the FIA’s penalty as draconian. But is the punishment doled out for their cost-cap transgressions really that severe?