Last month, FIA found Red Bull guilty of breaching the cost cap of 2021. The ruling body delivered the sanctions following the report, which Red Bull accepted. While some felt the Milton-Keynes-based team got away with a slap on the wrist, team principal Christian Horner found them too harsh. Max Verstappen, however, feels the sanctions will act as a motivating factor for the team.

FIA found Red Bull to have spent $2.2 million above and beyond the permissible limit. Resultantly, they were handed a $7 million fine and had their wind tunnel time reduced by 10 percent. Christian Horner termed the wind tunnel penalty “draconian” and felt it could significantly hamper the team’s progress for the next year.

Speaking on the issue, GP Fans quoted Max Verstappen saying, “It will affect us but how much? I don’t know yet.”

“But I’m confident that the team and the people we have can use that as extra motivation to try and do even better,” the Dutchman continued.

“I know, of course, they always give their best. But we have a very competitive car, we have a lot of great ideas, I think already for next year as well with the car and hopefully it’s going to be enough.”

Read More: Charles Leclerc Reveals the Key Difference Between Battling Against Lewis Hamilton And Max Verstappen

The current season has gone phenomenally well for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. First time after the 2013 season, the team has finally pulled off a double championship feat. Verstappen went one step ahead and smashed Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel’s joint record of 13 wins in a season. He currently has 14 wins under his belt and may well finish with 16 as the season ends.

Max Verstappen and Co. earn Lewis Hamilton’s praise

After almost a decade-long dominance in F1, Mercedes finally had a humbling experience this season. Not only have they not posed any threat to Red Bull, but they are also currently sitting in 3rd in the constructors’ standings behind Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton acknowledging Max Verstappen’s wonderful performances this season lauded him and his team for the effort.

Speaking with Sky F1, the 7-time world champion said, “I can’t say that I’ve had time to study every aspect of what Max has done this year, but I think he’s done an amazing job.” 

Hamilton continued, “He’s done everything that he had to do. The team provided him with an amazing car and he’s delivered pretty much every weekend.”

Watch This Story: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton

Will the next season be a difficult one for Red Bull? Or will the adversity bring the best out of the team?