Max Verstappen and Red Bull have been warned that a harsh punishment lies in store after they were found guilty of breaching the 2021 budget cap.
Last Monday, the FIA confirmed that Christian Horner's team had exceeded their spending limit, with their transgression considered ‘minor’ as they went over the £114 million cap by less than 5%. They reportedly spent around £15.8 million as Verstappen edged out Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic title race.
The FIA have the option of imposing a variety of punishments, ranging from a warning to outright disqualification. A financial penalty and points deductions for drivers Verstappen and Sergio Perez are also potential options.
The latter could have a devastating impact, with the Dutch driver having finished eight points clear of Hamilton after his controversial win at the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If the authorities decide that removing points is justified, the Mercedes man will almost certainly be elevated to an eight-time world champion.
And now former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has made a chilling prediction about Red Bull's fate. In an interview with German Publication Blick, the 91-year-old was asked if he thought the team would indeed be stripped of points from 2021.
"Things will get worse" he replied, although declined to expand on his comment. But Ecclestone's comment serves as a clear warning to Horner and co that they should brace themselves for the worst.
It is also unclear as to whether any sanctions will apply to the current campaign. Ferrari CEO Mattia Binotto has argued that overspending last year would have helped Red Bull ready themselves for the current campaign, which has been signified by an overhaul in rules.
Prior to Verstappen sealing his second straight title in Japan last week, Horner insisted his team were not guilty of the allegations and argued rivals were seeking to overshadow his dominance: "The amount of noise that's been around other topics, one can only think it's designed to be a bit of a distraction," he said. "We're very happy with where we are, with where our submission for the cap is and all focus is on this weekend."
Ecclestone of course, has his own impending issues, facing trial in October next year accused of failing to declare more than £400million in a trust in Singapore to the Government. The billionaire was charged with a single count of fraud by false representation between July 13, 2013 and October 5, 2016 following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into his finances.
