Formula 1
Red Bull Handed $7 Million Fine for Breaching Formula 1’s Cost Cap
by privatebet.com - 2022/10/29
Max Verstappen's World Championship title was overshadowed by Red Bull’s budget cap breach, but they’re finally ready to leave it all behind. Formula 1 will have to pay a $7 million fine for breaking the cap, in addition to dealing with a 10% aero research reduction. Earlier this month, it was reported that Red Bull was found guilty of exceeding Formula 1’s $145 million limit back in 2021. FIA described their offense as “minor” since they didn’t exceed the cap by more than 5% but still decided to look for an “appropriate action” against the Formula 1 team. Some consider the fine too soft, but not the Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. He described the punishment as “draconian”, saying that the 10% reduction in their ability to use wind tunnels and aerodynamic tools will have an impact on the development of their 2023 car. "That is an enormous amount. That represents between 0.25secs and 0.5secs of lap time… Why have we accepted it? We felt it was in everyone's interests to close the book. We accept the penalties - begrudgingly, but we accept them," said Horner. Horner also added that “not one penny” more was overspent on performance, and that this fine doesn’t tarnish Max Verstappen's 2021 title because he was a “hugely deserving champion”.