Formula 1 fans face a further delay on finding out the punishment Red Bull will receive for breaking cost cap rules during the 2021 season.
The FIA have been in discussions with the team this weekend, after accusing them of going over budget last year. That "minor" overspend has been denied by Red Bull, who believe they have complied with the rules and have attributed the confusion to a difference of opinion over what exactly is and isn't included within the cap.
Team principal Christian Horner said as much when he confronted the issue in a press conference on Saturday. "Of course, we'll have a varying interpretation to them from different accounting specialists," he said. "We're now in a voluntary process with the FIA, going through that process with them. I hope we'll be able to conclude that in the future."
Auto Motor und Sport, the outlet which first reported that Red Bull had apparently gone over budget, have now said that the two sides have reached an agreement in private. "As can now be heard, the cost cap administrators of the FIA and Red Bull have agreed on a penalty behind the scenes," they reported."
But out of respect for Dietrich Mateschitz, whose death was announced late on Saturday, that will now be delayed. "It was supposed to be communicated in Austin during the weekend but out of respect they will now wait a few days," the report added.
Red Bull founder and owner Mateschitz died, aged 78, after a long battle with illness. A tribute to a giant in motorsport advertising will be held shortly before the start of the United States Grand Prix later today.
Red Bull confirmed themselves that the team owner's death would delay all negotiations regarding the cost cap. "Following the passing of Mr Mateschitz, all conversations with the FIA around Cost Cap and next steps are on hold until further notice," a statement read. "The deadline for agreement has been extended and we expect talks to pick back up middle of the week."
It means fans will have to wait a little longer before finding out how the FIA punishes Red Bull for their overspend. Presuming the team commits to an accepted breach agreement, the financial and punitive details will be made public.
Among the most severe of the sanctions available to the FIA is docking the team and potentially its drivers points, which could see Max Verstappen stripped of his 2021 title. But that is considered to be extremely unlikely, with the more expected outcome a significant fine and sporting penalties for the future, such as reduced wind tunnel time and a lower cost cap for the 2023 season.
