Until now, Max Verstappen is trying hard to grab the second F1 world title at the 2022 Japanese F1 race this weekend. However, there is a possibility that his 2021 world title will be revoked.
As quoted from GridOto.com, ahead of the 2022 Japanese F1 race, the FIA is investigating the finances of the Red Bull team.
Since F1 Singapore 2022 last week, the Red Bull team has come under heavy criticism from their rival teams.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff immediately condemned after allegations emerged that the Red Bull team had exceeded its budget limit.
The Red Bull team won the drivers' world championship in 2021 through Max Verstappen.
In 2021, the first version of the budget cap was launched which allowed teams to spend no more than 145 million United States dollars.
If converted at the current exchange rate, it is equivalent to more than IDR 2.2 trillion (1 US dollar = IDR 15,238.65 on Wednesday, October 5, 2022).
This budget will be phased out over the next few years.
But the three percent inflation provision was made in this year's budget. So, the budget limit was reportedly exceeded immediately in 2021.
Quoted gpblog.comToto Wolff called for decisive action and transparency from the FIA.
If you exceed the budget limit, Toto Wolff demands a high penalty.
Ferrari team deputy team principal & racing director Laurent Mekkies agreed with Wolff's statement.
In turn, the FIA reacted to the strong statements made by rival team Red Bull.
According to the FIA, at least until then, the claim was unfounded.
The FIA said it was investigating the matter without considering the allegations made.
Actually, the FIA conducts routine audits of all F1 team expenses and is not supposed to release its findings until today, Wednesday, October 5 at the earliest.
If the FIA does find Red Bull guilty of violating the 2021 budget limit, there is a high possibility that Verstappen could still lose his 2021 F1 world title.
It will be a very controversial decision, but if the FIA follows its own guidelines, the chances are high.
Max Verstappen could be penalized with a points deduction during the violation period.
As is known, Verstappen became the 2021 F1 world champion with only an eight-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton.
With a reduction of more than two percent of the total points he earned in 2021, Verstappen could lose the title.
Well, if the decision is made before the Japanese GP this weekend, will Verstappen be chasing his second world title or maybe just for his first F1 title at Suzuka later.
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