Red Bull has disregarded the cost ceiling for the Formula 1 season. That is certain, but not much more: is there a penalty? What could that look like? Did World Champion Max Verstappen's team really cheat? The unanswered questions burden the Grand Prix of the USA unmistakably.
The anger of the spectators hit Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez with full force. The Red Bull duo was received at a fan event by the Austin audience with loud boos and "cheat" chants. Before the news of the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz reached the paddock, the budget affair and its consequences had determined Formula 1 - and caused outrage among team boss Christian Horner.
"Hugely disappointing" and "absolutely shocking" are the allegations of cheating by some rivals against the Red Bull team, Horner had complained. The Brit spoke angrily about the public pillory, but worried about employees whose children were being bullied on playgrounds because of "fabricated" allegations: "That's not okay!"
In Austin/Texas, where 400,000 fans and Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt gave the glossy product Formula 1 the right backdrop for long stretches at the US Grand Prix, the ongoing internal tensions weighed on events in the paddock. The budget dispute after Red Bull exceeded the financial limit in 2021 threatens to cause lasting damage - not only in the public image.
For example, the relationship between Horner and McLaren team boss Zak Brown is likely to be strained over the long term. The American had demanded tough sanctions against Red Bull in a letter, also speaking of fraud. "It is absolutely shocking to make such allegations without any facts and knowledge of the details," Horner said, speaking of damage to the Red Bull brand, partners, drivers and staff.
However, the world champion team is relatively alone. "I almost had to shed a tear when I heard that," commented Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff Horner's comments on Sky: "The fact is that nine out of ten teams stayed below the cost cap." According to Wolff, Horner argues with reverse psychology. The boos against the drivers are to be condemned, however: "That's not possible at all!"
Red Bull, the racing team of the now two-time world champion Max Verstappen, is guilty of a "minor" violation of the cost ceiling ($ 150 million) and a procedural error in 2021. The world automotive association FIA has not yet announced any details about Red Bull's misconduct or any penalties.
The eyes are therefore on the FIA around its President Mohammed bin Sulayem, who not only held talks with Horner in Austin, but also exchanged views with other responsible parties such as Wolff. The verdict is explosive. If the FIA takes full action - in extreme cases, Verstappen could lose World Championship points and thus the title of the previous season - this should plunge Formula 1 into a deep crisis. If the FIA leaves it with a mild punishment, it creates a dangerous precedent.
Red Bull's rivals are hoping for a clear signal. "I think it's about the integrity of the sport," said record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who lost the 2021 World Cup eight points behind in a highly controversial season finale to Verstappen.
There is agreement across team boundaries that a quick decision must be made. If no agreement can be reached, in the worst case the issue could end up before the FIA Court of Appeal. "This could drag on for another six to nine months, which is not our intention," Horner said.
(This article was first published on Sunday, October 23, 2022.)
