“Although the breach of F1’s cost cap is ‘minor’, it could still be up to £6.5m”
MARK HUGHES
Red Bull’s breaching of Formula 1’s cost cap in 2021 – as recently confirmed by the FIA – puts everyone in a tricky position. Although the breach is classified as a ‘minor’ one (meaning it is over by less than 5% of the cap) that could still be an overspend of up to £6.5m. Other teams have been quick to point out just how much lap time they could find if they had that much extra to spend. It’s an extra 70 aerodynamicists, or an extra two or three in-season aero upgrades.
They point out too how an overspend in one season can bring an advantage also into the following season, as more resource could have been allocated to the design and conception of the new car which even can be argued as beneficial into the following season (2023) too, as you would be starting from a higher level as a result of the ’21 overspend.