The next round of penalties for violating Formula 1’s budget cap should be significantly more severe, according to Frederic Vasseur.
Vasseur’s perspective comes in the midst of rumours suggesting that prominent teams, including Red Bull and Aston Martin, might once again be facing sanctions from the FIA for exceeding spending limits.
“I’m not inclined to comment on matters I’m not well-versed in,” said Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Speaking generally, I can say that last year’s punishment didn’t carry enough weight.”
For a minor breach, Red Bull was fined $7 million and had their wind tunnel time further limited.
“If a similar situation were to arise,” Vasseur stated, “the consequences should be far more severe. Considering the direct link between technical advantages and sporting success, penalties should affect the sporting aspect rather than just being financial.”
Vasseur criticized Red Bull’s 10 percent reduction in wind tunnel time, saying it was “inadequate.”
“The major work had already been done. Resources that weren’t used for aerodynamics could be directed toward weight reduction and other areas,” Vasseur explained.
“If there’s another violation, a substantial penalty should be imposed—maybe a one-year disqualification in the 2024 season or something comparable.”
While acknowledging the challenges of complying with the budget cap, Vasseur emphasized, “We have effective systems to monitor our expenses, and in cases of uncertainty, teams can consult the FIA.”
Vasseur also disputed Red Bull’s 5 percent overspend being deemed minor, pointing out that a substantial portion of the annual expenses, around $125 million, remains relatively fixed.
“Collectively, within Formula 1, we need to address this issue,” Vasseur asserted. “We can’t brush it aside, as there’s a significant difference between unintentional errors and deliberate choices.
“It’s akin to distinguishing between making a mistake while filing taxes and intentionally establishing a company in a tax haven to evade taxes. We need to take a firm stance, as the credibility of the cost cap’s future is at stake.
“If it ends with a mere slap on the wrist, teams might adopt the same strategy—allocating funds to cover the fine and nothing more. Major manufacturers can certainly afford that.”
