Formula One introduced its first-ever budget cap in the 2021 season. The budget ceiling decided for 2021 was $145 million. This cap was reduced to $140 for 2022. The budget cap was introduced to provide a more level playing field for teams with a smaller budget. However, if Formula One rumor mills are to be believed, there could be two teams that breached the 2021 budget cap, and one of those teams could be the World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) winner Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.

FIA is set to announce the results of financial audits of F1 teams for 2021 next week. And according to an ESPN report, Red Bull could be in trouble. The consequences of a budget breach could prove to be dire. According to FIA’s rule book, a budget breach of 5% or less could invite a “financial penalty” or a “minor sporting penalty”.

On the other hand, a budget breach of over 5% could invite a “material sporting penalty”.

According to a report from The Race, the two teams accused of breaching the budget ceiling could come under the 5% breach category. The resultant consequences of a less than 5% breach could mean a mere financial penalty to suspension from rounds of the championship.

In light of all this, while talking to Sky Germany, Helmut Marko said, “It is an ongoing process, ongoing discussions where certain points are clarified. We are not very worried at the moment.”

“It’s just surprising that this was made public.”

Read More: Reports: Ferrari and Mercedes On The Prowl as Red Bull Get Under the Microscope For Possible Budget Cap Violations

Max Verstappen had his fair share of controversy after his title win last year. The Dutch driver won the championship in the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. The race went right down to the wire when race director Michael Masi decided to continue the race for one last lap after a safety car.

If the FIA report happens to go against Red Bull, Max could lose his championship title.

FIA and current rivals Ferrari react to the Red Bull-Budget Cap controversy

The FIA report that is to be made public next week will not just have its impact on the 2021 season results, but on this season as well. Much of the car that was developed for this year had its expenditure done last year. This could mean an undue advantage for the 2022 season as well.

Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto had made his thoughts clear on the controversy in August. He said, “The financial regulations can make differences between teams in the way they are interpreting and somehow executing it.”

“And we know we need to have a very strong FIA to make sure they are properly focusing, otherwise the regulations will not be fair and equitable.”

WATCH THIS STORY: In Pictures: Max Verstappen Co Wrap Up Relaxing Summer Break With Fresh Motivations

The FIA has a lot of riding on its shoulders right now. Let us hope whatever follows comes after a fair investigation.