One of the most talked about topics in F1 is the introduction and regulation of the cost cap.
Every law has its loophole.
After the fine on Red Bull for extra expenses incurred in 2021, in 2022 the FIA has focused its concentration on ways in which teams can try to circumvent the rules, without neglecting to control expenses outside the F1 Area.
Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO – speaking to motorsport.com – focused on the need for teams to receive, not just monetary, but sporting repercussions should they find themselves in breach of the rules.
“I would like the penalty to be sporting in case of infringement, it is something we asked for very clearly.
“There are three regulations to be respected: sporting, technical and financial. Any infractions must be punished with sporting measures. You can’t go in other directions.”
The key to a clearer and more direct relationship, free of speculation, between the FIA and the teams is, for Domenicali, to reduce the timeframe for the publication of investigations.
“Control is in the hands of the FIA. Personally what I have asked is to anticipate as soon as possible the publication of the investigations made by the staff of the FIA.
“But I say this only because, in this way, it does not give rise to speculation and comments that are not good for anyone.”
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
In the specific case of Red Bull, the team faced a fine of 7 million and a reduction of 10% wind tunnel development time. A result described by Horner as unfair and largely pushed by the team’s rivals, but quite different from what the rest of the paddock expected.
Vasseur, Ferrari’s Team Principal, commented on the situation at the time by saying earlier in the season:
“I think it was not a penalty. It was very low. If you consider that basically, we will improve a bit less than one second over the season in terms of aero, you get the penalty of 10% of this, it’s one tenth.”
After the stormy Red Bull case, there is rumours now of three teams that might have exceeded the budget cap in 2022 and whose names might be known by the end of July.
