There was a lot of talk about the cost cap at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with rumors circulating that certain teams had exceeded the limits. However, the governing body strongly denied these claims.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had also stated his enthusiasm prior to the weekend to conclude the investigations as it was the most effective means to halt increasing speculation.
“I cannot reword”
I can rephrase the given text:
“However, I mention this solely to avoid any speculation or unfavorable comments that could potentially harm anyone.”
However, instead of choosing to hurry and potentially make errors, the FIA seems to be increasing its efforts to guarantee a comprehensive examination of the cost cap. This may result in additional time being taken to review each team’s submissions.
The FIA has released a statement indicating that the examination of 2022 submissions is ongoing and will be carried out according to the governing body’s preferred approach, even if it requires additional time.
They stated that the auditing fieldwork is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Following that, there will be a necessary timeframe for finalizing the review.
There is increasing speculation about possible violations of the cost cap in the F1 paddock.
Photo by: Red Bull Racing
“There is not, and has never been, a specific deadline for certification, and any suggestions of delays to this process or potential breaches are completely unfounded.
“The Cost Cap Administration will formally communicate its findings according to the procedure set out in the Financial Regulations. The timeframe is intentionally not fixed in order not to prejudice the robustness and the effectiveness of the review.”
During the continuous evaluation of submissions, it is acknowledged that numerous teams were recently asked to respond to new inquiries regarding their expenditure under the cost cap.
Instead of perceiving the FIA’s request for additional clarifications as a reason to worry, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff saw it as a positive sign. He believed that it demonstrated the FIA’s commitment to thoroughly investigating the matter.
Wolff explained that the return of numerous questions to multiple teams demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of the process.
“It is advantageous. Having competent auditors is valuable for F1 as they help prevent any accidental or deliberate violation of the cost cap, similar to technical and sporting regulations.”
When asked if there were any worries about Mercedes potentially violating any rules due to the additional inquiries, Wolff responded by stating that their audit had been completed a few months ago. He further added that they have not received any indications of failing to meet any requirements since then, to the best of their knowledge.
Domenicali stated that when it comes to the cost cap, he believes the FIA should prioritize sporting penalties over financial sanctions for teams that violate the cap.
He expressed a desire for the penalty to be fair in the event of a violation, stating that it was a request made with utmost clarity.
“There are three regulations to be respected: sporting, technical and financial. Any infractions must be punished with sporting measures. You can’t go in other directions.”
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