We have almost reached the end of this drama, of a trial of the Budget cap, more "popular" than judicial, since it did not arise from official positions or documents but from indiscretions. The FIA, initially silent, waiting to review all the documents has caused any doubts, publishing the official outcome of the checks on the Budget cap. Before discovering the sentence let's see what had happened. We also remember that the FIA has decided to publish the names of the "irregular" teams first and by how much. Still not expressing himself on the penalty.
Two weeks ago Red Bull jumped in the middle of a controversy relating to some rumors that would have accused it of having violated the Budget cap in 2021. Together with Aston Martin. The case exploded in race week a Singapore bringing consequences not so much on the track but more on the media level. FIA, Red Bull, have been overwhelmed by the rumors about one budget overrun of 7-10 million, a more than considerable figure, which would have had a considerable influence on development during the 2021 World Cup.
The Red Bull defense
Though initially the allegations were dealt with somewhat diplomatically by Christian Horner and company, hours passed the defense had to erect a real wall, specifying the incredibleness and absurdity of the increasingly insistent accusations"it's just unbelievable that something like this is being made public." Marko said "It's bad for work. I can not express any opinion. From our position, however, we have not exceeded the cost limit“. Further filling the cauldron were further exits rumors about a violation but procedural type o minor . A violation that would have allowed Red Bull to "get away with" a fine and firmly hold onto the world titles.
The postponement of October 5th
The wait for October 5, the date that the FIA itself had indicated to publish the first results of the investigation, did not bear fruit. The outcome of the affair was therefore postponed to 10 October immediately after the Suzuka GP. Weekend which, as expected, ended with the victory of the race and the World title di Max Verstappen, albeit in controversy. But now we are finally able to tell you what happened.
The FIA has gathered all the material needed to issue the official verdict on the matter, specifying which teams are officially under accusation. The FIA press release put the entire Federation site in crisis, which went down due to the heavy traffic of these hours. Everyone wanted an answer but here is the press release with the related decisions on the budget cap issue.
The press release FIA
Of the 10 teams that took part in the 2021 World Cup, two – Red Bull and Aston Martin – they really broke the financial regulation but in two different ways. Red Bull has exceeded the spending limit but remaining within 5% of the budget, while Aston Martin just a procedural violation. What could he risk then? Penalties range from a simple reprimand, through a fine, to the deduction of points in the drivers' or constructors' championship. Furthermore, among the punishments there could also be a reduction of the Budget cap, the suspension from one or more sessions (except the race) or limitations in the tests. Williams is also mentioned in the document as she too had already paid the fine for procedural violation.
“The FIA Cost Cap Administration – the International Federation communicated – has issued the certificate of conformity to seven of the ten teams. Aston Martin is deemed to be in procedural breach of the regulation financial. Red Bull Racing is deemed to be in breach of procedure and overspending. While Williams Racing complied with financial regulations in relation to the 2021 reporting period with the exception of one prior procedural violation (This violation was later remedied by Williams in a timely, cooperative and transparent manner).”
“The FIA also notes that with respect to this first year of application of the Financial Regulations, the intervention of the Cost Cap Administration has been limited to the review of the arguments presented by the Competitors, and that no full formal investigations have been launched. The Cost Cap Administration is currently determining the appropriate course of action to be taken under the Financial Regulations in relation to Aston Martin and Red Bull and further information will be communicated in accordance with the Regulations."
Red Bull defends itself
Red Bull, who says she is surprised and upset by the outcome of the investigations, has no intention of giving up and want to prove that this money – about two million – moreover, in reality they are not attributable to developments on single-seaters but to other items, i.e. catering and absences due to illness.
Source statements: Motorsport.com
