F1: Red Bull has exceeded the authorized budget ceiling in 2021, a sanction is expected

After the congratulations, place to the reproaches.

The Red Bull Formula 1 team, constructor and driver world champion since this Sunday with Max Verstappen's second title in a row, exceeded the authorized budget ceiling during the 2021 season. That of the Dutchman's first title.

But no risk of returning one of the two titles won last season.

This offense represents a “minor violation” of the regulations (i.e. less than 5% of the ceiling, editor’s note), the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said on Monday in a press release.

“Oracle Red Bull Racing is considered to be in procedural and minor breach of the financial regulations (governing the championship)”, indicates the FIA, which has not announced sanctions but is in the process of determining the course of action to be taken.

The FIA ​​also announced that the Aston Martin team had committed a procedural violation of financial regulations.

Williams Racing, whose accounts were also being reviewed for a procedural violation, has finally complied with the settlement for the 2021 season.

Coming into effect last year, the cap was set at $145 million for this inaugural season before being lowered to $140 million for the current season.

Several types of expenses are excluded, including driver salaries and team marketing activities.

The FIA ​​establishes two types of offense in its statutes.

The minor one below 5% of the ceiling.

Or the important one beyond 5%.

Sanctions can therefore range from a simple reprimand or financial fine to exclusion from the championship, through withdrawal of points from the drivers' and/or constructors' championship.

The Austrian team will therefore participate well in the 2023 season where Max Verstappen will try to achieve the hat-trick.