Red Bull ‘suspect three things caused’ Max Verstappen penalty row instead of Adrian Newey | F1 | Sport
Red Bull’s minor breach of the budget cap for the 2021 season has caused confusion in the Formula 1 paddock, with conflicting reports relating to the reasons for exceeding their allotted amount. Reports had suggested the salary of Adrian Newey, the team’s chief technical officer, had been a contributing factor to their overspend but the team believe a different area of their budget is responsible.
It was announced earlier in October by the FIA that Red Bull had incurred a “minor” breach of the £114million limit, which could include financial sanctions or even a potential deduction of points, which could prove crucial for Max Verstappen’s hopes of keeping hold of his 2021 title.
And while the two parties seek to find a resolution on the outcome of their punishment, the Constructors’ Championship leaders are becoming increasingly ‘irritated’ in their discussions with the governing body.
One of the topics that has caused disagreements is believed to be the role of Adrian Newey in Red Bull’s organisation. Newey is employed by the team as the man tasked with overseeing their car design and was credited with constructing the RB18, the team’s most successful car in their 17-season history.
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The team are still awaiting news on the outcome of their penalty after the Milton Keynes-based team said they were “surprised and disappointed” by the FIA’s verdict that they had breached the £114million budget cap by a reported £2m.
A Red Bull statement said: “Our 2021 submission was below the cost cap limit, so we need to carefully review the FIA’s findings as our belief remains that the relevant costs are under the 2021 cost cap amount.”
There is no timeline as to when the FIA will release details of Red Bull’s punishment, but it is understood team principal Christian Horner will seek further talks at the United States Grand Prix this weekend.
