Hamilton calls for tough penalties 'to protect F1's integrity'
The HinduLewis Hamilton has joined fellow drivers and teams in calling for a strict penalty for breaches of Formula One's cost cap and warned that a "slap on the wrist" would not protect the sport's integrity. Asked about Red Bull's infringement of the $145 million budget limit last year, as found and reported by the International Motoring Federation, the seven-time champion said late Thursday he backed the FIA and hoped the right decisions would be made. Hamilton was thwarted in his bid to land a record eight drivers' title when Max Verstappen of Red Bull passed him in controversial circumstances on the last lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton said he hoped for the "right" outcome as the FIA consider their position and what punishment to hand out to Red Bull.