FIA delays budget cap audit results to Monday

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The FIA has stated that it will release the results of its budget cap certification process for Formula 1's teams on October 10, or next Monday.

The governing body was expected to unveil the results of its long-awaited audit on Wednesday, but due to the complexity of its financial analysis, the release will take place on Monday.

The intrigue surrounding F1's budget cap went into overdrive last weekend in Singapore where it was alleged that Red Bull has significantly outspent its $145 million budget while Aston Martin was suspected of a minor breach of the sport's financial regulations.

Both teams strongly pushed back on the allegations, insisting their accounts were in compliance with the FIA's requirements.

A statement released on Wednesday 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, 5 October.

"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, 10 October. 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."

The FIA also had a few words for those disseminating unsubstantiated claims or speculation on potential budget cap transgressions by specific teams.

Read also: Ferrari expecting 'maximum penalties' for budget cap breaches

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last weekend that it was an "open secret" that one team had significantly outspent its mandatory budget.

But the FI made clear that it had not give any team or party a heads up on the results of its audit.

"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," it stated.

"The FIA also reiterates that any suggestion that FIA personnel have disclosed sensitive information is equally baseless."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.