The F1 budget cap drama that started last week with rumors of Red Bull breaching the cap in 2021 reached a new height when the FIA delayed its judgment in an announcement. It already disgruntled fans, when NASCAR hit one of their teams with a swift penalty for modification of parts.
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This brought out an outpouring of reactions from fans who slammed the FIA for their inaction.
Fans pit FIA’s mis-governance against NASCAR’s swiftness
After last Sunday’s Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 4 team was hit with a penalty for modifying a single-sourced supplied part on the Next Gen car.
This meant a 100-point penalty both for the driver and for Stewart-Haas Racing in their Cup Series point standings. In addition, Kevin Harvick’s crew chief Rodney Childers was fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four Cup Series events.
Fans reacted to the prompt and bold action from NASCAR on Twitter by calling out the FIA for its indolence.
Take notes @fia , it’s not hard to follow your own rules
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
NASCAR showing the @fia the meaning of the word governance.
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
That’s how you do it @fia
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
While everyone debated the usefulness of the decision to penalize SHR, they also agreed that at least NASCAR had taken some action instead of merely stalling like the FIA.
@fia @Ben_Sulayem THIS is how a sporting body demonstrates INTEGRITY and keeps & gains fans!Their decision might not have been popular but NASCAR is showing they have the cojones to do what’s right! Fail to follow NASCAR’s example & you’ll continue to be weak & a laughing stock!
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
NASCAR has the guts to be a more serious sport than F1 Interesting #F1xed
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
Maybe Nascar should be in charge of F1 also? Take note @F1 @fia
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
Fans accused FIA of being biased towards Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
NASCAR can do it but a multi billion sport as F1 can't sanction cheaters, be transparent and fair simply because the only black driver in the F1 history is breaking records. The only thing F1 improved is corruption and incompetence which is the reason of downgrading the category.
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
Thieving @fia take notes! #CostcappenScandal
NEWS: NASCAR issues a deduction of 100 owner points and 100 driver points to the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team for modifying a single source supplied part. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.
READ MORE: What Would Happen to Red Bull and Max Verstappen if Found Guilty of Alleged Budget Cap Fraud?
Are the fans right in calling out the FIA’s seeming lack of governance? Or, are the two motorsports so different that we cannot compare the nuances and administrations?
Red Bull remains confident in the face of FIA delay
The FIA delayed its decision to announce its judgment on the matter of 2021 cost cap verdicts in a statement a few days ago. The statement read that they will not release the certificates this Wednesday as previously claimed:
“The analysis of financial submissions is a long and complex process that is ongoing and will be concluded to enable the release of the certificates on Monday, 10 October.”
Despite the numerous allegations against them, the Red Bull team principal remains confident about their position.
“So we wait with interest to see what happens on Monday.” said Christian Horner, “But again, we feel that we’ve absolutely complied with the cost cap, with the regulations, happy with our submission, and are waiting to hear what the feedback is.”
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 4, 2022 Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner in the pit lane during the race Pool via REUTERS/Christian Bruna
By a twist of fate, the decision will be public after the Japanese Grand Prix. That could very well be a race where Max Verstappen is crowned World Champion.
“It’s a big weekend for Max,” said Horner. “It’s a possibility rather than a probability, but it’s another match point effectively for him. So that’s what we’re focused on.”
WATCH THIS STORY: Understanding the Drama Behind Ferrari & Mercedes’ Budget Cap Battle Against Red Bull
It is a big weekend indeed, and F1 fans, unhappy or not, wait excitedly for the long-awaited Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit.