LEWIS HAMILTON has declared that the integrity of Formula One will be RUINED if the FIA fail to punish teams who breached financial budget caps.
Reports have been circulating since last week suggesting Red Bull and Aston Martin went over the allowed cost caps for the development of their cars last season.
The financial audit for the team's 2021 accounts were expected to be made public on Wednesday, but the FIA has since delayed this until October 10 – after the Japanese Grand Prix.
And if found guilty then Hamilton believes any transgression must be punished if the sport's integrity is to remain intact.
Hamilton said: "I think it's imperative, honestly, just for transparency. I think we need to continue to have transparency for the fans, for the integrity of the sport.
"Obviously there's lots of conversations that are going on in the background. No one truly knows.
READ MORE IN F1
Hamilton wears T-shirt with own name on and flowery coat ahead of Japanese GP
PartyCasino offer: How to claim an incredible 120 FREE SPINS on Starburst
"There's different numbers and different things being said here and there, so I was expecting those results – like you – to come out yesterday.
"I would like to think that if it's been delayed it's because it's been taken very seriously and I trust that Mohammed (bin Sulayem) is taking it seriously and will do what is right for the sport, I hope.
"I think it would be bad for the sport if action wasn't taken if there was a breach."
The budget cap – a new introduction to the sport aimed at making F1 more financially sustainable and levelling the playing field – allowed teams to spend up to £114million in developing their cars.
Most read in Motorsport
Watch F1 stars Gasly and Tsuonda butcher Adele song in hilarious karaoke session
Hamilton 'happier than ever’ despite being on course for WORST F1 season ever
Latest TV info and racing schedule for Japanese GP on Suzuka Circuit
F1 legend Sir Frank Williams left £14million in his will to his three children
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
Of course, Hamilton likely has an implied bias given the controversial circumstances he lost the 2021 title to Reb Bull's Max Verstappen under.
If Red Bull's alleged breach is found to be five per cent or more of the cap, this will constitute a "material (major) overspend breach" which could see them be punished in a number of ways.
These include sanctions as little as financial penalties or limits on aerodynamic testing, all the way up to the deduction of points from teams and drivers and suspension or exclusion from the championship.
Hamilton, who was spotted wearing a T-shirt with his own name paired with a floral coat, added: "It'll put in question our values, the integrity of the sport.
"I remember last year as a driver, you were always asking for updates, updates, updates on things, whether it's fuel, whatever it is.
"And I remember in Silverstone when we got our last update and I remember that was almost three tenths, and I'm pretty certain it cost less than a million.
"But I remember after that needing more updates – but then seeing trucks of updates continuing to arrive on the other car, thinking 'jeez, it's going to be hard to beat them in the championship if they keep bringing updates."
Read More on The Sun
M&S shoppers new ‘absolutely magical must have’ Christmas item that costs £9
I’m A Celeb bosses sign first ever Love Island contestant for next series
F1 has gone through scandals before, such as 2007's Spygate and 2008's Crashgate.
And recently as 2020 controversy loomed as the FIA refused to publish details of a "settlement" they reached with Ferrari over the operation of the team's power unit.
Formula One 2022
Everything you need to know about F1 this season
F1 2022 calendar: Race schedule, tracks and results
F1 driver line-up 2023: Who is confirmed so far?
What is DRS?
How does F1 point scoring work?
Who is McLaren's 2023 driver Oscar Piastri?
What is the halo and how does it work?
How does the F1 safety car work?
Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet?
Who has Lewis Hamilton dated?
F1 driver salaries: Who tops the list?
Who is Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend Charlotte Sine?
Who is George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt?
Why do F1 drivers zig-zag on track?
Source: Read Full Article
