Red Bull and Aston Martin could exceed the famous budget cap and risk sanctions
As the financial data for the 2021 season of the teams is about to be revealed, doubts are growing regarding the possible violation of the limit by Red Bull and Aston Martin. If this is proven to be true, it is possible that both teams may face sanctions.
Since 2020, the FIA has decided to implement a budget cap for teams. In 2021, it was set at $145 million, which is equivalent to €130 million. The cap will decrease by $5 million in 2025.
The initial spending reports should be revealed next week. Several German and Italian media outlets then reported Red Bull and Aston Martin’s budget overruns.
According to the regulations, an amount under 5 million dollars would be considered a minor offense and no sanction would be imposed. However, if it exceeds 5 million, penalties could be imposed, although they are not currently defined by the regulation.
What sanctions in case of excessive exceeding?
Indeed, if the FIA has indeed set the limits not to be exceeded and increased them in response to the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not yet established the penalties that teams may face. A financial penalty would be counterproductive, considering that the goal is to reduce budgets to give smaller teams a chance.
If no sanction is given, Red Bull or Aston Martin’s competitors could request penalties in terms of points, either on the constructors’ championship or directly on the drivers. Mercedes and Ferrari would be in favor of this type of penalty, which could potentially alter the outcome of the 2021 driver’s title.
