Binotto on Red Bull punishment: 'Prevent ability to develop the car'

Following the weekend at Suzuka, where Max Verstappen managed to take his second world title, the FIA announced that Red Bull Racing had exceeded the budget cap in 2021. It is not yet known what penalty the team will receive for the breach, but according to Mattia Binotto, Red Bull's development capacity will have to be prevented.

Red Bull announced it was "surprised and disappointed" by the news, as the team itself believes it has stayed under the budget cap in 2021. The nine other teams did stick to the rules, although Aston Martin has been charged with a procedural violation. However, the penalty for such an offence is a lot lighter.

Binotto is quoted by Eurosport. The Ferrari team boss does not think taking away a championship is a realistic penalty: "Regardless of the team and the situation that needs to be analysed, I think it is difficult to reverse the result of a world championship after the battle on the track and all the ceremonies and celebrations that have also been held."

Binotto on possible penalty Red Bull

Red Bull finished second in the constructors' championship in 2021, but managed to win the drivers' championship with Verstappen. The regulations name the removal of championship points as one of the penalties for exceeding the budget cap.

Binotto believes that Red Bull will have to be punished heavily though, as the team may have had an advantage by spending more money than others. This performance advantage may also persist in the coming years. "In my opinion, there will have to be a punishment that prevents the ability to develop the car. Otherwise, the advantage will remain also in the coming years and we will race without the same resources."