F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali Reveals ‘Sporting Sanctions’ After Recent Budget Cap Breach, Fans Point the Finger at Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin Again
Over the years, Formula 1 has made numerous rule changes in hopes of bringing the relatively separate field together for more exciting racing. One such change came in 2021 through the concept of “budget cap”. Unsurprisingly, leading championship contenders, including Red Bull, voiced their dissatisfaction with the well thought-out rule, while cheers echoed through the midfield.
Amidst the conflicting emotions, there was genuine fear among the championship contenders, who were mostly used to spending large sums of money on development. In 2022, careful investigations revealed that Red Bull had exceeded its budget cap by nearly $2.2 million for the 2021 F1 season.
BREAKING: Red Bull has been fined $7 million and a 10% cut in allowable aerodynamic research for exceeding budget limits.
The FIA said Red Bull overspent 2021 by $2.2 million. pic.twitter.com/MOYxq6EpTr
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) October 28, 2022
The FIA subsequently imposed a hefty fine of $7 million. In addition, Red Bull also saw a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time for the 2023 season. Since then, each team’s budgets have been constantly monitored. While Red Bull believes there were almost six teams that fell short of the budget cap in 2022, the FIA has yet to confirm.
Amid such wild controversy over budget cap violations, another rumor has appeared out of nowhere to suggest it’s not six [as Red Bull claimed] But three teams went over budget last year.
F1 fans decipher possible culprits among Red Bull and Aston Martin
When the shocking news broke, numerous Twitter users cast their suspicions on three major teams; Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes. One fan wrote: “Red Bull cheats again. I am not suprised.” Another fan added two more names to the list alongside Red Bull. The user claimed: “Probably Aston and RB again. And then I would guess Mercedes.”
Red Bull cheats again. I am not suprised
— 🦌 (@TroIledByAkumpo) July 18, 2023
probably Aston and RB again. And then I would guess Mercedes
— Mikapfanni.f1 (@MikaPfanni) July 18, 2023
It would be hilarious if RB breached it again
– Joey F1 (@joeydiab) July 18, 2023
Williams, Anton Martin and McLaren
— Sejehenrik🇩🇰 (@sejehenrik) July 18, 2023
It would be interesting if it was RB, Merc and Ferrari, but I think AM is more likely to be one of them, so AM RB and Merc or Ferrari the other
— Ricky Cuthbertson (@RickySolo24) July 18, 2023
The mistrust of the fans towards Aston Martin, Red Bull and Mercedes is quite justified. The Lawrence Stroll-owned racing team in particular has embraced one of the biggest developments ahead of the 2023 season, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Aston Martin were to spend a few bucks more to launch the powerful challenger.
But no matter who the breaches of the rules are, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has not heard of it. The Italian manager demanded strict measures from the FIA. “I would like the penalty in the event of an infringement to be sporting, that’s something we clearly demanded‘ he said, according to Motorsport.
“There are three regulations to be observed: sporting, technical and financial, and violations must be punished with sporting measures. You cannot go in any other direction.”
Overall, an FIA announcement should arrive by the end of July, which will possibly make the rule violations known. So, despite numerous suspicions, who could the actual trio be? Will Red Bull Racing face the wrath of the FIA for the second year in a row?