Red Bull F1 has disputed the 2021 cost cap regulations as declared by the FIA on Monday. The team has been trending on social media since then and has denied overspending in any way, claiming that the team and the FIA interpret the regulations differently.
The 2021 season was the first time that the cost cap was implemented and seven of the 10 constructors were clear of any breaches. Meanwhile, Red Bull has committed a Procedural Breach and a Minor Financial Overspend (less than 5% of the cost cap).
However, even before Red Bull’s cost cap breach’s official confirmation, several team principals had already demanded stern action against any non-compliant team. In fact, it is very likely that the Austrian team will face strict punishment from the FIA as an example for the coming years.
Red Bull’s overspending could have awarded them a pace advantage, and it is probable that their advantage from the 2021 season translated to 2022. Hence, the FIA can punish the team in one of these six ways, keeping the 2021 and future seasons in mind.
#1 A fine can be awarded to Red Bull
Fine implementation is a very common punishment in the motorsporting world. Overall, this could be one of the most probable punishments that the team could face. Many, however, would expect the FIA to implement a heavier penalty that seriously constricts the outfit and saves the cost cap from becoming a mockery.
The @fia penalized Mercedes €25k for making a mistake when filling out a form, but we’re supposed to overlook Red Bull miscalculating their “catering” budget by up to 5% as a “minor” breach in the rules that doesn’t deserve serious punishment
#f1 #CostCapScandalThe @fia penalized Mercedes €25k for making a mistake when filling out a form, but we’re supposed to overlook Red Bull miscalculating their “catering” budget by up to 5% as a “minor” breach in the rules that doesn’t deserve serious punishment
#f1 #CostCapScandal
#2 A public reprimand is reported to be a big possibility in punishments
Red Bull could potentially face a public reprimand and possibly even a fine together. It is reported that this punishment is a likely possibility that the FIA could choose to implement on the team.
However, it is still not exactly severe in nature, allowing the teams to think they can get away with a breach in the future in exchange for car performance.
Now we know why Red Bull was able to bring upgrade after upgrade to every single race last year while Mercedes had to bank on that 1 upgrade package introduced in Silvo. Lewis would still have won the 2021 WDC title if the FIA hadn’t robbed him from it. He’s truly the best ever.
Now we know why Red Bull was able to bring upgrade after upgrade to every single race last year while Mercedes had to bank on that 1 upgrade package introduced in Silvo. Lewis would still have won the 2021 WDC title if the FIA hadn’t robbed him from it. He’s truly the best ever.
#3 A deduction of constructors’ or drivers’ points from 2021
Red Bull were second in the constructors’ championship last season. A deduction of points from there would not necessarily make a huge difference while punishing the team. However, while there’s a slim chance that Max Verstappen will be stripped of his maiden title, it’s still possible that the FIA chooses to deduct the driver’s points.
Nonetheless, a points deduction from this year will not put them in danger of losing anything.
#4 A punishment where the team will be forced to miss practice sessions
Red Bull could be forced to miss practice sessions next season. As we all know, practice sessions are an incredibly important part of a Grand Prix weekend, which allows teams to collect data on how the car is performing on track.
Current conditions ahead of our first practice session of the weekend
FP1 gets underway in 30 minutes…
#JapaneseGP #F1
Current conditions ahead of our first practice session of the weekend
FP1 gets underway in 30 minutes… #JapaneseGP #F1 https://t.co/FwbkBtIkhr
If the Austrian team’s sessions are minimized or completely removed, they will be in a lot of danger of not being able to assess the car’s performance on race day. This punishment will surely be detrimental to the team’s success.
#5 A reduction in team’s own cost cap for 2023
The cost cap has been implemented to minimize the gap between competitors. However, while others will be able to spend the money, Red Bull might face difficulties because of a possible additional spending limit forced on them.
the real reason red bull went over the cost cap
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Edited by Nicolaas Ackermann