Acknowledgement of error or trial! Red Bull faces an important decision in the budget cap case

There was a long silence after the publication of the report on the budget ceilings. However, based on its contents, it is clear that the Red Bull Racing team broke this rule. However, it is still unclear what penalties await Red Bull.

The world of motorsport learned that the Austrian team was the only one that did not fit within the $145 million limit on Monday, October 10. The day after Max Verstappen became the definitive double world champion, the mood at Red Bull was not the cheeriest.

The team reportedly believed he was more than 4 million under the limit. After a thorough audit, the FIA found that the team had exceeded the cap by $1.8 million. This amount is believed to stem from paid staff leave, catering and taxes, which Red Bull did not include in its report.

Other stables are calling for stiff penalties. Zak Brown, the head of McLaren Racing, in a letter to FIA president Ben Sulayem, called Red Bull’s actions a fraud. He is calling for tough sporting sanctions and says financial penalties are not enough.

It wasn’t until Thursday evening that there was finally an update. The FIA offered Red Bull a “plea bargain”. If the team accepted it, it would have to accept whatever penalty the FIA came up with, with no right of appeal.

The severity of any penalty remains a mystery. Taking points away from Verstappen is not an option, a penalty for a team in the Constructors’ Cup is not so unrealistic. There is also talk of reduced time in the wind tunnel or lowering the budget ceiling for next season.

If Red Bull does not accept the deal and appeals, the case will move to the Budget Ceiling Review Committee. The Committee will then decide on the guilt and possible punishment without the FIA.

Christian Horner was due to comment on the situation at a press conference ahead of Friday’s first practice session for the US Grand Prix. But it was cancelled by Red Bull.

A resolution of the case could come in the near future. Horner met with Ben Sulay between the first and second free practice sessions and they had a long discussion. The outcome of their discussion will hopefully be made public soon.

Formula 1, RacingNews365