Formula 1 world champion Red Bull faces a penalty for violating the budget limit. The FIA intends to announce the penalty in a timely manner. At the edge of the US Grand Prix in Austin, however, rumors were already circulating in the paddock that the racing team would probably get away with a black eye.
While the competition recently demanded harsh penalties against Red Bull, the FIA seems to be treating the new constructors’ world champion with kid gloves. As “Sky Sports” reported, the world association will refrain from a severe punishment if the racing team pleads guilty and admits to having broken the rules.
In this case, according to “Sky” in the paddock in Austin, the harshest penalties were not even on the table. The FIA have therefore offered Red Bull to get away with a fine and a restriction of the aerodynamic tests in the coming season if the Austrians admit their wrongdoing.
Should Red Bull plead not guilty, however, the team of world champion Max Verstappen face more severe penalties. In this case, according to “Sky Sports”, a subsequent deduction of points would even be possible.
A scenario that both Red Bull and the FIA want to prevent, because this could suddenly shake the Dutchman’s world title from last year. Then not only the racing team, but also the world association and ultimately the entire Formula 1 would be in a bad light.
In recent weeks, those responsible for Red Bull have repeatedly asserted that they had done nothing wrong. In the end, the prospect of a mild sentence could persuade Christian Horner and Co. to admit a breach of the rule. Finally, in Austin, the team boss emphasized that he wanted to get the matter over with as quickly as possible.
A “confession” would be by far the quickest way.