Christian Horner is not happy about Mercedes' accusations against Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes-based team boss denies that the RB18's floor was not developed in the spirit of the regulations. Mercedes, however, has a different opinion and seems quite sure.

Not long ago, it was reported that the FIA, during its investigation into the quiques, found that some F1 teams made the rear of the floorboard more flexible than intended by the regulations.

Why was this allowed? The rules ensured that the strength of the floorboard was tested, but this was not the case for the entire part. Some teams would have taken advantage of this.

The FIA has now tightened the rules and at Mercedes they seem convinced that Red Bull and Ferrari were affected. Since the Silverstone GP, the gap between Mercedes and the top two teams has narrowed considerably. This is partly due to a successful upgrade package, but according to George Russell and Toto Wolff, it is also due to stricter regulations.

The Mercedes team boss hinted, "Nobody had an idea until the FIA brought it up at the last Technical Advisory Committee. Which was a big surprise for all the teams, because what is in the regulations and what the intention of the regulations was, is very clear. There is no argument why it could deviate any more than what is in the regulations." So Red Bull would have found a loophole.

At Red Bull, however, they wash their hands of the matter. "Total, total garbage. The floorboard... I think we are confusing the issues here," Horner told Sky Sports.

The Austrians have no concerns about their floorboards. "I mean, I don't know. Maybe he's referring to... I don't know, cars that are around him at the moment. I have no idea, but absolutely no problems or concerns with our floorboards," the Red Bull boss assured.

Red Bull rejects Mercedes' suspicions: "Total garbage