Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko admitted that he is concerned about reigning champion Max Verstappen clinching his third Formula One Drivers' champion in a row in the Qatar Grand Prix.
The 80-year-old executive spoke to Austrian TV station ORF, saying that his worry is not about the victory but the potential impact on Red Bull's celebration expenses.
"It will be expensive; alcohol prices are incredibly high," Marko quipped.
The controversial advisor added that the high cost of alcohol in Qatar, due to being a conservative country, could potentially impact the team's budget cap.
Meanwhile, Verstappen responded to Marko's concerns in a stoic manner.
"I think that's the last thing we have to worry about," the 25-year-old said.
Red Bull was previously fined $7 million for breaching the $145 million cost cap by 1.6 percent, or about $2 million, during the 2021 season.
The reigning Constructors' champion attributed the excess cost to food catering for the whole team.
How could Max Verstappen clinch the world title in Qatar?
The Dutchman only needs three more points to secure the 2023 Formula One Drivers' Championship, and he could be crowned as early as the Sprint Race on Saturday, October 7, at the Losail International Circuit.
Verstappen only needs a sixth place finish at the very minimum, regardless of where second place and teammate Sergio Perez finishes to become a three-time F1 champion, with the main Qatar Grand Prix race still set for Sunday.
Related Article: Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner Admits Downside of Team's Highly Successful Season
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