The team, which is on course to win both titles in 2022 after Verstappen secured his second drivers’ crown on Sunday in Japan, also breached procedures and risks a fine and to unspecified “minor sporting sanctions”.
The FIA said Aston Martin, owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is believed to have committed a procedural breach.
The FIA is currently determining the appropriate course of action to take under the financial regulations.
“The FIA is currently determining the appropriate course of action to take under the financial regulations in respect of Aston Martin and Red Bull,” the statement said.
Violations can carry a series of sanctions that range from public reprimands and fines to championship point deduction and even the exclusion of the same in the case of a significant excess of expense.
Red Bull has noted the results “with surprise and disappointment”. He said his 2021 proposal was below the cost limit and he would consider all options while going through the FIA process.
“We have to carefully review the FIA’s conclusions as we continue to believe that the relevant costs are below the 2021 cost cap amount“, he added.
The FIA said a procedural breach or minor overspend, involving less than 5% of the cost limit, could be resolved by a settlement.
The rule was introduced last year to curb spending sprees and level the playing field, and the cap was lowered from $145 million to $140 million this year. The next season will be 135 million dollars.
Williams complied with the regulations, except for a previously reported procedural violation that was settled in May of this year with a $25,000 fine.