Mattia Binotto says he is pessimistic regarding the outcome of the saga around Red Bull’s budget cap in 2021.
Like Mercedes and many other teams, the Ferrari team boss has demanded stiff penalties if the Austrian team is found to have breached the spending limit last year.
However, the FIA this week postponed the publication of certificates of conformity for all teams until Monday, following the Japanese GP.
“If there is an ongoing discussion, we see that there are points that are unclear,” says Binotto from Maranello.
“In the end, I think something will come out, but we’ll have to see what. Personally, I’m a bit pessimistic regarding the federation’s verdict.”
Indeed, while many are calling for draconian penalties like total disqualification from the 2021 standings and penalties beyond that, it’s also possible the FIA will find a softer path.
“The FIA disputes figures, the team defends them,” suppose Binotto.
“The important thing is that if something was granted to them that it was transparent, so that everyone might clearly understand the regulations but also because it was a direct advantage.
“There is no need to change the regulations, even though it was the first year. They were clear from the start and have always been discussed with constant exchanges with the FIA. Clarity and transparency will be important but everything might melt like snow in the sun.”
