Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater offers fresh insight and analysis into F1’s cost cap saga ahead of what will surely be an exciting weekend in Texas
Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater offers fresh insight and analysis into F1’s cost cap saga ahead of what will surely be an exciting weekend in Texas
The FIA has offered the terms of an “agreed separation agreement” to Red Bull for breaching Formula 1’s cost cap, Sky Sports understand.
The evolution of the saga that dominated the start of the US Grand Prix weekend leaves it up to Red Bull whether to accept the offer and perhaps a lesser penalty, or go before the jury.
However, details of the FIA’s bid for Red Bull are not yet clear.
Red Bull’s team last week was the only team convicted of exceeding the $145 million spending limit to win Max Verstappen’s first title last year – with a ‘minor’ offense meaning they crossed less than five per cent ($7.25 million) – even though they They flatly rejected allegations from rival teams that they deliberately cheated.
Max Verstappen felt other teams were “hypocritical” amid allegations that Red Bull had exceeded the cost cap
Their position seems to suggest that an agreed-upon agreement (ABA) with the FIA - where the team accepts wrongdoing and agrees to any terms and penalties that come with it – is unlikely.
However, ABA has the advantages of drawing a fast streak under the cost cap scandal and a less severe penalty.
It allows for financial penalties and some ‘sports minor penalties’ – but more importantly not a points deduction or future cost cap reduction for the team, and more ‘harmful’ penalties demanded by drivers and racing teams.
Sergio Perez says Red Bull is focused on winning the constructors’ championship and allegations against the team are “not a distraction”
If Red Bull rejects the FIA’s offer, the matter will be heard by the cost cap committee and the full scope of penalties will be on the table.
Sky Sports Understands that there may be a quick fix. Meanwhile, Red Bull plans to hold a press conference on Friday morning in Texas – late afternoon UK time – to discuss the matter.
The extent of Red Bull’s penetration has not been revealed Sky Sports He realizes that the team, the dominant force in Formula 1 and the imminent constructors’ champions, is $4.5 million under the $7.25 million limit for a minor breach.
More soon…
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