Over the years, Formula 1 has made numerous rule changes in the hopes of bringing the relatively separated pack together for more enthralling races. One such change arrived in 2021 through the concept of ‘budget cap’. Unsurprisingly, the leading championship contenders, including Red Bull expressed their dissatisfaction with the well-thought rule while cheers were echoing in the mid-field.
Amidst the contrasting emotions, there was genuine fear engulfing the championship contenders who were majorly accustomed to spending hefty sums of money on development. In 2022, vigilant investigations revealed that Red Bull had exceeded their budget cap limit by almost $2.2 million over the 2021 F1 season.
BREAKING: Red Bull have been given a $7m fine and a 10% reduction in permitted aerodynamic research for breaking the budget cap.
The FIA said that Red Bull had overspent by $2.2m in 2021. pic.twitter.com/MOYxq6EpTr
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) October 28, 2022
Subsequently, the FIA imposed a massive fine worth $7 million. Furthermore, Red Bull also endured a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time for the 2023 season. Since then, there has been constant surveillance of each team’s budgets. While Red Bull reckoned there were close to six teams that failed to adhere to the budget cap limit in 2022, an acknowledgment from the FIA is still pending.
Amidst such wild controversy over budget cap violations, another rumor has bloomed out of nowhere suggesting that not six [as Red Bull claimed] but three teams had breached the budget cap limit last year.
F1 Fans decode possible culprits amidst likes of Red Bull & Aston Martin
As the shocking piece of news broke out, numerous Twitter users placed their suspicions on three major teams; Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Mercedes. One fan wrote, “Red Bull cheating again I’m not surprised.” Another fan added two additional names to the list along with Red Bull. The user claimed, “Probably Aston and RB again. And then I would guess Mercedes.”
Red Bull cheating again I’m not surprised
— 🦌 (@TroIledByAkumpo) July 18, 2023
probably Aston and RB again. And then I would guess Mercedes
— Mikapfanni.f1 (@MikaPfanni) July 18, 2023
would be hilarious if RB breached it again
— Joey F1 (@joeydiab) July 18, 2023
Williams, Anton Martin and mclaren
— Sejehenrik🇩🇰 (@sejehenrik) July 18, 2023
Be interesting if it’s RB, Merc and Ferrari but I think AM are more likely to be one of them so AM RB and Merc or Ferrari the other
— Ricky Cuthbertson (@RickySolo24) July 18, 2023
The fans’ suspicion over Aston Martin, Red Bull, and Mercedes is certainly justifiable. The Lawrence Stroll-owned racing outfit, in particular, embraced one of the biggest developments ahead of the 2023 season and hence wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Aston Martin spent an extra few bucks to bring out the powerful challenger.
But, regardless of whoever the rule-breakers are, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is not having any of it. The Italian manager demanded stringent action from the FIA. “I would like the penalty to be sporting in the event of an infringement, it is something we asked for very clearly,” he said according to Motorsport.
“There are three regulations to be respected, sporting, technical, and financial, and any infractions must be punished with sporting measures. You can’t go in any other direction.”
Overall, an FIA announcement is likely to arrive by the end of July, which will perhaps publicize the rule-breachers. Hence, amidst numerous suspicions, who could the actual trio be? Will Red Bull Racing face the wrath of the FIA for a second consecutive season?