Mattia Binotto admits that he’s “pessimistic” about the result of the Red Bull budget cap controversy.
The Ferrari team principal, like Mercedes and many other teams, has demanded serious punishments if it is determined that the Austrian-based team violated the 2021 budget cap.
However, this week, the FIA decided to postpone the issuance of all the teams’ “compliance certificates” to the Monday after the Japanese Grand Prix.
While not present in Japan, Binotto told Italian media: “If there is an ongoing discussion, we see that there are some unclear points,”
“In the end, I think that something will come out, but we will have to see what. Personally, I’m a bit pessimistic about the verdict of the federation.”
It’s true that many are demanding harsh punishments, such as complete disqualification from the 2021 standings and continued sanctions after that, but it’s also likely that the FIA may choose a more straightforward course of action.
The Italian added: “The FIA is contesting, the team is defending. The important thing is that if something has been granted to them that it is transparent so that everyone can understand the regulations well but also because it was a direct advantage.
“There is no need to change the regulations, even if it was the first year. They were clear from the beginning and were always discussed with constant exchanges with the FIA.
“Clarity and transparency will be important but it could all melt like snow in the sun,”
