The FIA must shortly issue certificates of compliance with the budget limit that teams had to meet last season, but some sources in the paddock suggest that, after having carried out the first study, it is likely that both Red Bull and Aston Martin have exceeded that ceiling that marks the regulation.
The financial regulations contain a list of possible sanctions, which are divided into “minor” and “serious”, and it is believed that in the case of Silverstone it is an operation of less than 5%, or what is the same, about 7 million dollars [7.17 million euros at the current exchange rate] compared to the maximum of 2021.
However, in the case of Red Bull, some suggest that it could be a non-compliance of more than 5%, which would lead to a much harsher penalty, and that is that within the international federation’s registry there is a risk of “exclusion from the championship”.
The situation is seen by many in the paddock as a major test for the governing body’s president, Mohammed ben Sulayem , and his team, as they may have overspent, not only for last season, but also for the development programme. of the new single-seaters of 2022.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff , who discussed the matter with his Ferrari counterpart Mattia Binotto on Friday at the Singapore Grand Prix, was adamant that the FIA must act harshly if a team is shown to have spent more from account.
“The cost limit may be the most important evolution of the regulations to keep the conditions equal,” acknowledged the Austrian. “And to allow teams that don’t have the full budget to catch up on the leaders’ spending.”
“Therefore it is of great importance to show that those rules are enforced,” he said in reference to his rival’s possible extra spending for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles last season.
“I have no reason to believe otherwise. The FIA, in particular Mohammed [ben Sulayem], has shown quite a robust stance in enforcing all kinds of regulations,” Wolff continued. “So I think if we’re talking about something big, he’s going to show the same integrity and leadership that he’s done before.”
Asked if a possible infringement by Red Bull compromised the world championship race last year, he said: “I have no information at the time if they were breaking the rule, or by how much.”
“Obviously breaking the rules in one season means you’re probably doing it in a second and potentially a third,” he explained. “And once that’s cleared up, I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of discussion about what effect that would have, but right now it’s too early to comment.”
UPDATE : The FIA has responded to speculation of cost cap breaches and states that no judgment will be made until it completes its assessments.
“The FIA is currently finalizing the evaluation of the 2021 financial data submitted by all Formula 1 teams. Alleged breaches of the Financial Regulations, if any, will be dealt with in accordance with the formal process set out in the regulations,” says a FIA statement.
“The FIA notes significant and unsubstantiated speculation and conjecture in relation to this matter, and reiterates that evaluation is ongoing and due process will be followed without regard to any external discussion.”
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
