FIA make offer to Red Bull after Formula 1 cost cap breach

The FIA has offered terms of an ‘accepted breach agreement’ to Red Bull following their breach of Formula 1’s cost cap, Sky Sports understands.

The development in the saga that has dominated the start of the United States GP weekend leaves Red Bull with a decision on whether to accept the offer and likely a lesser punishment, or go before an adjudication panel.

The details of the FIA’s offer to Red Bull, however, are still unclear.

Red Bull were last week the only team found guilty of exceeding the $145m spending limit from Max Verstappen’s maiden title victory last year – with a ‘minor’ breach meaning they had overspent by less than five per cent ($7.25m) – although have emphatically rejected claims from rival teams that they have purposely cheated.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Max Verstappen felt that other teams were ‘hypocritical’ amid allegations that Red Bull went over the cost cap

Their stance appeared to suggest an accepted breach agreement (ABA) with the FIA – where the team would accept wrongdoing and agree to any conditions and penalties that come with it – was unlikely.

An ABA, however, has the benefits of drawing a swift line under the cost cap scandal, and a less severe punishment.

It allows financial penalties and some ‘minor sporting penalties’ – but crucially not a points deduction or a reduction in the team’s future cost cap, more “damaging” punishments that have been called for by F1 drivers and teams.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sergio Perez said that Red Bull are focused on clinching the Constructors Championship and that the cost cap allegations against the team are ‘not a distraction’

If Red Bull reject the FIA’s offer, the case would be heard by the cost cap panel and the full range of penalties would be on the table.

Sky Sports understands there could be a swift resolution. Red Bull, meanwhile, are believed to be planning a press conference on Friday morning in Texas – late afternoon UK time – to discuss the matter.

The scale of Red Bull’s breach has not been revealed although Sky Sports understands the team, F1’s dominant force and the imminent constructors’ champions, are $4.5m under the $7.25m limit for a minor breach.

More to follow…