Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has been branded a “sore loser” amid a row with Red Bull over cost cap breach allegations.
The criticism of Wolff comes from ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who believes that Wolff still hasn’t moved on from last year’s dramatic World Championship conclusion in Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull was named in a report as one of two F1 teams that have breached 2021’s $145 million budget cap.
Wolff stated that illegal spending would be a “heavyweight” matter, but Red Bull has asserted that it was compliant with the financial regulations.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner even threatened that it could take legal action over the comments, believing them to be defamatory.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher hit out at Wolff for his comments regarding Red Bull, suggesting the dramatic 2021 season finale in which Max Verstappen won the title is still weighing on his mind.
“No matter what comes out: for me, Toto Wolff, with his harsh criticism, is rather the sore loser who has not yet digested the fact that he lost the 2021 World Championship,” Schumacher said.
“I think that’s a shame. What is clear, however, is that the cost cap must be adhered to. If that wasn’t the case, then of course there must be a penalty.”
The FIA can hand out a range of penalties for a budget cap breach, spanning from a fine to exclusion from the championship.
Ferrari has warned that the findings of the 2021 accounts is a “vital test” for the budget cap system, with the FIA set to announce the results this week.
“The basic structure has definitely been shaken,” Schumacher said.
“The FIA has to investigate itself, because it must not and cannot happen that something slips out.
“What is happening here is only damaging Formula 1 and only the world governing body itself can be to blame.
“The FIA must be investigated here and possibly punished.”
For how long will Mercedes top brass allow Toto Wolff to run around and make these wild accusations against Red Bull? It is harming the Mercedes brand and Wolff as poor losers.
If Mercedes are anything like the McLaren top brass who for some reason has allowed Zak Brown to financially destroy the entire McLaren organization (quite literally), then I apparently forever. Unfortunately, Wolff is about to sign Lulu to another 5 year contract, taking him to 2028 which will probably earn him bonus points within Mercedes…
Have you forgotten moaning little Horner and his little shouts about “how Mercedes are winning everything and F1 should clip their wings and bring everyone back on the same level blah blah blah rubbish over the years. Knowing full well as the littoe hobbit stated that “Red Bull will try anything to hamper Mercedes new developments”.
Normally the Horner play was… any innovation Mercedes brought would be banned the following season.
2022 Horner the Vinegar soaked Midge
is winning and now… not complaining about having the fastest car and the level playing field isn’t an issue now. Red Bull & Hobbit Horner are darkside of F1 .
The Maxipad fans like Todd can enjoy the Red used maxipads to sniff , to get their pheromonal highs of the Masi induced one world champ of 2021. Congrats on the 2022 championship too 🥱 .
I find it a little hilarious
A has been driver who got his ride on his brothers name criticizes Wolf and you guys jump right on the hypocritical wagon
Redbull whine all last year about Mercedes’ and there rear wing
Cried about Hamilton taking Max out of a race and that’s okay but anyone says anything about rebdull and you guys jump on the whining train
Go change your diapers and grow up
Hey Ralph move on you weren’t that good
Superb 👏 & Nicely framed