The FIA has investigated the use of money by the F1 teams and found violations of the rules by Red Bull and Aston Martin.
Red Bull team manager Christian Horner assured before the FIA investigation that the team did not break the rules during the last season. AOP/EPA
Max Verstappen’s the last few days have not been simpler. After Sunday’s Suzuka GP, the Dutchman was crowned a double world champion, when the final World Championship points of the race were finally tallied correctly.
In addition to that, the world championship won by the man last year has also been at stake. It is suspected that the Red Bull team exceeded last season’s spending limit, which, if true, would lead to significant sanctions.
Because Verstappen beat last year Lewis Hamilton with the victory of only one race, the driver’s camp has been afraid of a possible retrospective points penalty, which would take the World Championship title away from the British.
On Monday, the truth was revealed. The FIA released an official statement that Red Bull exceeded the spending cap, which last season was around $145 million. The violation is said to be mild, which means an excess of less than five percent.
The FIA is currently considering the appropriate sanction for Red Bull. The BBC reports that the sanction could be a loss of points, a reprimand, a competition ban, a restriction of test runs or even a reduction of the team’s spending ceiling even further.
Red Bull was also caught with incorrect expense reports. Aston Martin also fell into the same situation.
Red Bull released a statement after the FIA announcement. The team is disappointed with the result of the investigation. Red Bull plans to challenge it.
– We receive this information with surprise and disappointment. Our expenses in 2021 were below the line, so we must carefully check the FIA’s findings, the team’s press release answers.