Red Bull to use ‘sandwiches’ as excuse to keep Hamilton from title

Lando Norris loves the Hamilton and Verstappen drama

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Red Bull have reportedly argued that their rumoured cost cap breach was due to non-sporting expenses – including the cost of canteen food like sandwiches. Max Verstappen’s title win last season could be at risk should the FIA find the team guilty. The most severe penalties include points deductions and disqualification, unlikely eventualities that would hand the 2021 championship to Lewis Hamilton.

Much of the talk in the paddock over the last two race weekends has surrounded allegations that Christian Horner’s team breached the sport’s stringent rules regarding team spending. The cap was set to £114million last year and Red Bull, along with Aston Martin, are believed to be the two teams to have exceeded that figure. 

The FIA was supposed to end speculation over the breaches earlier this week by announcing the findings of their investigation into spending. However, the announcement was delayed with a decision now set to be made on Monday. 

Now, The Sun have reported that Red Bull are set to argue that their extra spending was due to non-racing expenses like canteen food at the factory, as well as the costs of sick pay and the wages for staff on gardening leave. 

The argument is unlikely to be well received by Mercedes, who will say the costs should have be factored in to their original outgoings allowing the drinks manufacturer to regulate their development spending accordingly. 

The paper also believes that any breach from Red Bull will be considered to be ‘minor’ (falling below £2m) and hence will likely receive a less severe punishment. They will have the right to appeal if they disagree with the punishment handed down, although interestingly other teams will not, meaning Toto Wolff will not have the opportunity to fight Hamilton’s corner should the FIA stop short of a points penalty. 

The issue has made Verstappen’s title win in 2021 even more controversial following the explosive season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman infamously passed the seven-time world champion on the final lap of the last race of the season after the safety car procedure was incorrectly applied by FIA race director Michael Masi. 

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An off-track battle ensued with Mercedes seeking to overturn the Championship, feeling Hamilton had been robbed. The title was not secure in Verstappen’s hands until 2022 with the Silver Arrows finally backing down after agreeing to a package that included the removal of Masi as race director. 

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