F1 News: Red Bull Cost Cap Penalty Brought Into Question - "Not A Penalty At All"

Red Bull's cost cap penalty is questioned by Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has highlighted the minimal impact that the cost cap breach penalty was on Red Bull. 

It was revealed last year that Red Bull had exceeded the cost cap during the 2021 season and so they were handed a $7 million fine and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time for the 2023 season. However, with the Austrian team dominating the season so far, winning every race, and next years car already in the works, it seems that the penalty has not impacted them much at all. 

Speaking during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has commented on what is going on behind the scenes. He explained:

"It's about finding that balance.

"Obviously, because we have a lot less wind tunnel time we have to start thinking a lot about next year.

"We're spinning a couple of plates at the moment but, with the regulations being stable, whatever we learn this year we carry into next year as well.

"Of course, there are things that we'll keep bringing to this year's car, but a lot of the focus now back in the factory is already on next year."

During Ted's Notebook, Kravitz touched on the point, commenting:

"They've already got the advantage with this year's car.

"We're not even halfway through the season and already they can have the capacity and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing time – even considering the penalty for the accepted breach agreement on the cost cap – to concentrate on next year's car.

"So it's a virtuous circle, having such a good car this year. It might end up that the cost cap breach and the penalty of ten per cent less wind tunnel time that Red Bull had might end up not being a penalty at all. If they can start now on next year's car, then it's not a penalty at all, is it?"