Stefano Domenicali ‘nervous’ as F1’s credibility is at stake with the 2022 cost cap report

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is tensed about the upcoming cost cap reports.

Stefano Domenicali ‘nervous’ as F1’s credibility is at stake with the 2022 cost cap report

Stefano Domenicali

Formula 1 introduced the F1 budget gap in 2021 to establish a fairer playing field. The cost cap allowed teams to be on equal terms, as all competitors could only spend the agreed limit every season. However, in 2022 Red Bull was found guilty of a minor breach. This created massive controversy around the team and the cap. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali believes the sport’s credibility is on the line for the latest budget cap reports.

Domenicali opened up about being stressed about the cost cap reports for the 2022 F1 season. Subsequently, the F1 CEO hoped that all teams were aware of the impact any breach would have. Stefano Domenicali said, “I’m more than nervous. I’m pretty sure that everyone understands now what the effect is if there is a breach. And I totally agree that the focus on this will actually be very big.”

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Domenicali admitted that the cost cap reports would prove if the teams respected the regulations. He explained, “I think that is a point of attention mainly for the credibility and to check if everyone is respecting that rule, but [it] has to be done earlier than later,”. Domenicali shed light on discussions between F1 and the FIA on the cost cap. He explained, “We are discussing and this is on the FIA’s side to make sure that the control and the certification will be done much earlier.”

The 57-year-old mentioned the need for proper mechanisms. In a bid to deal with any cost cap breach to ensure the credibility of the sport. Stefano Domenicali stated, “because the effect, if some teams will be over it, has to be done in a proper way in as short a time as possible to be more credible.”

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‘Six F1 teams potentially in breach of the cost cap,’ Christian Horner

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Horner’s team was fined over $7 million over a minor cost cap breach last season

Previously Red Bull team boss Christian Horner disclosed the possibility of over half of the grid breaching the cost cap. He said, “A danger for 2022 is that there could be six teams in breach of the cap.” Horner acknowledged the high energy prices being a concern for F1 teams, including Toto Wolff-led Mercedes. He continued, “Energy prices have been exponential, but thankfully we’ve been protected from that.”

However, Christian Horner spoke about multiple teams admitting a chance of violating the cost cap. He confessed, “But there is that chance that several teams, many of which have stated it during F1 commission meetings, will break the cap this year.” Hence, even the Red Bull Team Principal is aware of Stefano Domenicali’s concerns over the cost cap.

Thus, it seems that things are not going to be easy for Stefano Domenicali. The F1 CEO will be waiting eagerly for all the cost cap reports and hope that things do not go out of line. Teams have stated that breaches are possible due to rising energy costs and inflation. Subsequently, the responsibility will lie on the FIA and F1 to deal with this rather unique scenario.

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