George Russell had to swallow Max Verstappen’s harsh words after he crashed into the Dutchman at the Azerbaijan GP sprint race. The Briton has now been forced to swallow his own words and pride Mercedes has been alleged of the same crimes that Max Verstappen and Co. committed last year. What were these crimes? Why was George Russell forced to swallow his pride? 

Red Bull breached the Cost Cap last year and rightfully had to pay a $7 Million fine and got a 10% reduction in wind tunnel testing time. However, the Milton Keynes-based team still came out on top this year. Amid the allegations of breaching the cost cap again this year, George Russell suggested that this shouldn’t be happening again and if it’s a “repeat offender”, in this case, Red Bull, then the punishment should be even harsher as it happened two years in a row. 

However, as per FormulaPassion.it, FIA has been conducting additional cost cap investigations for the 2022 season in which 3 teams are suspected to be under suspicion. Aston Martin and Alpine are suspected to be 2 of the 3 teams. The 3rd team is between Red Bull and Mercedes with the Anglo-Saxon media suggesting that Mercedes is more likely of the two teams to be under suspicion.

Read More: FIA’s $135,000,000 Obstacle Stands in the Way of Alpine as Sacking of CEO Laurent Rossi Gets Followed Up With Another Revolutionary Decision

Looks like George Russell’s comments about Red Bull breaching the cost cap again will come back to bite the Silver Arrows in the back. However, what will be the punishment for the teams now that the 2022 season has already passed? Will the penalty for last season’s sins be applied to the current year?

Variety of Penalties depending on the Severity of the Offense

Red Bull was punished with a $7 Million fine and aerodynamic restrictions last year for going 1.6% over the cost cap, which was set at $141.2 Million. Aston Martin had a minor procedural breach last year and was only fined. With FIA coming out on the verdict soon, many questions about what the penalties would be have been coming up. 

As per FormulaPassion.it, it is suggested that $7.06 Million is the threshold limit. Anything below this limit would be considered a minor breach whereas anything above this limit will be a serious offense and would have greater implications and a severe penalty. Also, it is worth knowing that any points penalties will affect the 2022 championship result and not the current season.

What do you think? Will any team be found guilty and if yes, then which one?

WATCH THIS STORY | Christian Horner Unhappy with 2022 Budget Cap, Calls for Urgent Attention