Things are heading up within the paddock as we head to the Singapore GP and it has got nothing to do with the geographical location. As reported earlier, there is speculation that Red Bull racing overspent last season despite the cost cap in place. What does it mean for the 2021 championship fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen?
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Red Bull exceeded the cap by a considerable amount as per reports. The Milton Keynes-based outfit is under possible scrutiny from the FIA for not adhering to the cap in 2021.
Not just 2021, Mercedes and Ferrari believe Red Bull is overspending in the current campaign as well. An estimate suggests that every $5 million expenditure results in an additional half a second on the track. The overspending claim for 2021 means Red Bull gaining an advantage in Max Verstappen’s championship win over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 12. Race winner and 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing. Congratulated by runner-up in the race and championship Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP. During the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mario Renzi – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Ferrari’s concern lies in the current season, as the RB18 was under development in 2021. There is no definitive penalization system in place because of the rule’s relatively recent introduction.
The penalization for exceeding the cap might change the narrative of the previous and the current championship. But when is the decision coming in?
Lewis Hamilton fans rally over Red Bull’s potential overspending report
The FIA is set to announce their verdict as soon as next week. The announcement is delayed, but if there is a massive infringement on the cap, the punishment could be severe.
Regardless of the untimely announcement and lack of a definite answer, fans on Twitter are already giving out judgment.
streets are saying red bull cheated TWICE their way onto last year’s championship
happy birthday max verstappen your one and a half world championships are being questioned today
The fans are speaking out in volumes and making their voices heard on Twitter on the potential overspending report. This could potentially mean the 2021 championship changing hands.
The teams finding out Red Bull went over the budget cap #F1 #SingaporeGP
#AMuS Paddock rumors say that already in the first year (2021) of the budget cap, two teams exceeded the $147.4 million limit. One of them to a considerable extent. The rumour in the paddock is that the two teams are Red Bull and Aston Martin.
To be fair to Red Bull, staff costs are high at the moment. #F1
WATCH THIS STORY: Christian Horner Unhappy with 2022 Budget Cap, Calls for Urgent Attention
Verstappen and Red Bull trying to win a legal championship x.com/kurtisjbolton/…
Hamilton getting his 2021 title and Leclerc his 2022 title by default because Max and Red Bull are DQed from both championships
Red Bull exceeded their budget cap and still needed the help of Michael Masi to manipulate a race in order to beat Sir Lewis Hamilton. I know, who’s the real greatest of all time.
The FIA can choose to make an example of Red Bull to express their seriousness behind the budget cap. Whatever the case may be, all shall be revealed soon.