The evidence is there: the FIA has officially confirmed a budget overrun by Red Bull in 2021, described as minor (less than 5% over the budget). However, while the confirmation has been provided by the FIA, no information has been given regarding the amount or the sanctions. Currently, discussions are taking place between the FIA and Red Bull to understand what happened and determine the most appropriate sanctions.
Pending the FIA’s decision on a potential sanction, several team directors have been appalled by Red Bull’s budget overrun and are demanding both explanations and heavy penalties.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, expressed his surprise at these reactions and lamented a public trial against Red Bull. “I was actually very surprised by the reactions of certain teams. It feels like a public trial, and I am truly astonished by the leaks of information that were given to the media before the official publication by the FIA,” explained Horner.
« For three weeks now, in Singapore, information has been constantly leaking. It has a very important impact on our team, our brand, and all our sponsors, especially when unfair accusations are made.
Christian Horner refers to the fact that, according to several people in the paddock, Red Bull would have “deliberately” exceeded the 2021 budget in an attempt to win both the driver and constructor titles.
(English translation):
« You have an advantage on the track if you spend more than what the budget limit allows you to. So, it is necessary to manage this matter properly, otherwise the teams will go beyond and no one will respect this budget limit anymore and they will gain a technical advantage. » explains McLaren’s director, Zak Brown.
« It has to be more than just financial because many teams already have a significant financial advantage. A fine is not enough, as it is not deterrent enough. It is said that there will be a sporting penalty if the offense is proven. » he explained on Canal+ microphone.
Frédéric Vasseur, the director of Alfa Romeo, is also of the same opinion: « The penalty that the FIA will give is crucial in the trust that the teams will place in this budget limit.
« It can’t be a financial penalty in exchange for a technical advantage gained, so it must be a sporting penalty, not just financial.
»
Discussions are underway with the FIA to understand the origin of the overrun. Some unofficial information suggests that certain expenses, such as Adrian Newey’s salary as the design director, were not accounted for by the Red Bull team in their 2021 budget because they consider him to be an external service provider rather than an employee. The FIA, on the other hand, would have included this expenditure.
