A couple of emerging reports today have alleged that both Red Bull and Aston Martin have breached Formula 1′s budget cap rules.
Reports on Friday at the Singapore Grand Prix from Auto Motor und Sport in Germany and Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy claim that both teams have gone over the budget cap that was in place for the 2021 season, which stood at $145m.
The budget cap was introduced by the sport in a bid to make the playing field a little more even across the grid, limiting the richer teams to what they could spend over a season, and therefore allowing the other teams in the paddock a chance to try and gain ground.
However, it’s being claimed that both Red Bull and Aston Martin have gone over the limit that was in place for 2021, though nothing is yet official or confirmed in that regard.
Aston Martin had this to say on the matter: “We have submitted our 2021 reporting, we are in discussion with the FIA, and we are awaiting certification.”
Whilst, as per the BBC’s Andrew Benson, Red Bull have labelled the reports as ‘just speculation’ at the moment.
Meanwhile, an FIA spokesperson released the following statement:
“The FIA is currently finalising the assessment of the 2021 financial data submitted by all Formula 1 teams. Alleged breaches of the Financial Regulations, if any, will be dealt with according to the formal process set out in the regulations.”
A decision may be made next week ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix over any breaches and what penalties might be enforced in such cases. (GMS)