By Joe Murphy
Red Bull have been found guilty of what the FIA describe as a “minor” cost cap infringement. This comes direct from Formula 1 themselves leaving them a decision to make in terms of a suitable punishment.
Many feel a fine will be the most likely outcome but there are others that feel a points deduction is far more suitable. It is true, a points deduction IS a possible outcome of this case. The FIA have the right to inflict this on the constructor should they choose to do so.
One huge reason why they may want to stay away from such a call is the implications it will have on the 2021 season outcome, with the destination of the Driver’s Title potentially swinging the way of Lewis Hamilton, should the points removed be a large enough amount.
It will be interesting to see how the story develops but one thing is for sure, the FIA probably can’t win either way. They have to be careful not to re-write the history books but also don’t want to set a lenient trend for this kind of infringement going forward. Otherwise next time, teams may try to take advantage where they think they can.
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