Red Bull’s violation of Formula 1’s budget cap was a hot topic last season. This caused much criticism.
The FIA has announced that Red Bull is spending more money than allowed in 2021 for the team of double world champion Max Verstappen.
It was advertised as less than 5% of the $145 million total cap. But financial details on the matter were not given.
It could be tens of thousands or $7.25 million. This is considered an important amount in terms of track performance.
An overspend of 5% is worth a tenth of a second, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, whose team’s record of eight consecutive team titles will be ended by Red Bull, told reporters this month.
“If you’re pushing the limit up, you’re fighting in a completely different league,” he said. FIFA and Indonesian football form task force after deadly stampede.
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The budget cap was introduced last year and the consequences will be dire if any violations are not dealt with transparently and decisively.
Wolff warned other teams also risk spending millions in the future, as the advantage of doing so – along with the secondary advantages for subsequent seasons – outweighs any penalties.
What penalties, if any, the FIA will impose is another question, and the process may take time if Red Bull, considering these to be within the cost cap, objects to the findings.
The FIA’s rules state that for a minor overspend, “The Cost Limit Trial Board may impose a financial penalty and/or any minor sports penalty”.
These include an outright reprimand, a deduction of points from both world championships – unlikely – lowering the cost cap, and limitations in aerodynamics and other tests. The FIA is under fire on other fronts as well, amid confusion over the score at last Sunday’s shortened Japanese Grand Prix and widespread driver anger over the deployment of a rescue tractor on the track as cars are flying in heavy spray. read more Last weekend in Singapore, it took hours for race winner Verstappen’s Mexican teammate Sergio Perez to become official.
There has been some friction between the FIA and commercial rights holders Liberty Media over a number of issues, including the announcement of the 2023 calendar and the number of sprint races to be held. Read more