Ted Kravitz, the well-known Sky Sports F1 pundit, has shed light on the implications of Red Bull’s punishment for breaching the cost cap rules in the 2021 Formula 1 season.
He explained that the penalty, which includes a £6 million fine and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel testing time, will be unlikely to slow the team’s success.
Red Bull reached an agreement with the FIA over a “minor” breach of regulations, leading to the imposed penalties.
Christian Horner, the team principal, expressed his discontent with the punishment, deeming the reduction in wind tunnel testing time as “draconian.”
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Horner emphasised the significance of this penalty, equating it to a potential loss of a quarter to half a second per lap, and highlighting the added challenge of a 5% incremental handicap compared to rival teams.
However, despite the penalties, Red Bull has continued their dominance in the 2022 season, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez securing victories in every race thus far.
Kravitz clarified that the reduction in aerodynamic testing time will primarily affect Red Bull’s performance in the upcoming season, rather than the current championship battle.
Kravitz shared his insights during a discussion on Sky Sports, revealing that the similarities between Red Bull’s RB19 and RB18 cars stem from the team’s focus on refining the floor design.
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He also mentioned a conversation with Pierre Wache, the technical director, who confirmed that the impact of the aerodynamic testing reduction will be felt at the end of the ongoing season and extend to next year’s RB20.
Highlighting the team’s compliance with the cost cap and the development of their impressive car, Kravitz underlined that the penalty will eventually affect Red Bull’s performance.
However, he emphasised that the repercussions will not manifest before they secure this year’s World Championship, which, in his opinion, they rightfully deserve due to their exceptional car performance and Verstappen’s superb driving skills.