(Motorsport) The FIA has delayed the release of certificates of compliance until October 10th, after this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. This means that they will go public with information on which teams have broken last season's $145m limit on Monday with Red Bull Racing being touted as one of the teams that may have done so. Considering that Max Verstappen’s World Championship win was already a controversial one last season, the legitimacy of the Dutchman’s title win would be brought into more scrutiny, especially if Red Bull is found to have exceeded the limit by over 5%.
Verstappen could secure his second World Championship in Japan this weekend if he wins the race and sets the fastest lap. Hamilton, who was denied a record eighth World Championship last season after coming behind Verstappen in a winner takes all Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was left disillusioned by the race strategy with the FIA coming under heavy criticism for how they managed the end of the race. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff demanded the FIA take robust action against any team that has broken the rules while Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has insisted that his team have not broken any rules and has accused Wolff of "hugely defamatory, fictitious claims".
A statement released by the FIA said “The FIA informs that the conclusion of the analysis of the 2021 financial submissions of the Formula 1 teams and the subsequent release of certificates of compliance to the financial regulations will not take place on Wednesday, October 5. The analysis of financial submissions is a long and complex process that is ongoing and will be concluded to enable the release of the certificates on Monday, October 10.
“The financial regulations were agreed unanimously by all competitors, who have worked positively and collaboratively with the FIA cost cap administration throughout this first year under the financial regulations. As previously communicated, there has been significant and unsubstantiated speculation and conjecture in relation to this matter, and the FIA reiterates that until it is finalised, no further information will be provided. The FIA also reiterates that any suggestion that FIA personnel have disclosed sensitive information is equally baseless."
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