Conclusions regarding the 2021 budget ceiling postponed until Monday

Have some teams exceeded the budget cap of 145 million dollars put in place in 2021 (140 in 2022, Editor's note)? Aston Martin et Red Bull, not to name them, are they part of the bad students, as the whispers audible from the paddock lead us to imagine? To get the answer to these questions, which we initially expected this Wednesday, we will have to wait five more days.

The FIA ​​has indeed explained that “the conclusions of the analysis of the 2021 financial submissions of the teams of Formula 1 and the subsequent publication of certificates of compliance with the financial regulation will not take place this Wednesday, October 5", ensuring that “The analysis of the financial submissions is a long and complex process which is ongoing and which will be concluded to allow the publication of the certificates on Monday October 10.”

Horner and Red Bull are not afraid

During the Singapore weekend, Ferrari et Mercedes did not skimp on accusatory communications against Red Bull, without however ever naming them, arguing that a possible overrun of the budget would be simply unacceptable and that this would give the Milton Keynes team an advantage on the track non-negligible. Mattia Binotto and Toto wolff also held meetings in the Singapore paddock. 

Despite the rumors and the identity of potential culprits, the FIA ​​still refuses to comment. “As previously stated, there has been significant and unsubstantiated speculation and conjecture on this matter, and the FIA ​​reiterates that until it is finalized no further information will be provided.”

When we know the context of the end of last season in Abu Dhabi and the small final difference in points between Max Verstappen et Lewis Hamilton, we tell ourselves that this is a story that could keep us in suspense until the end of the season... Christian Horner, author of a scathing response to his two counterparts, assured him of his complete confidence in to the fact that Red Bull is well within the limits of the cap. 

As a reminder, possible sanctions in the event of exceeding the ceiling remain unclear. The FIA ​​was careful not to define fixed penalties to prevent the wealthiest teams from finding it in their interest to assume the sanctions in order to continue spending more. So, depending on the degree of duplicity of the team concerned, the range can range from a simple reprimand to disqualification from the championship. See you Monday… at the earliest. 

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