Lewis Hamilton claims F1 teams will deliberately breach the cost cap due to the feeble fines

Red Bull were penalised for breaching the cost cap in 2021, but it remained ineffective in 2023.

Lewis Hamilton claims F1 teams will deliberately breach the cost cap due to the feeble fines

Lewis Hamilton looking at Red Bull (Credits: Fomula1 news.co.uk)

The issue of teams breaching the cost cap in Formula 1 has come under scrutiny. FIA has found three teams guilty of breaching the 2022 cost cap. Lewis Hamilton expresses his worry about teams taking the cost cap lightly, as they may feel that the punishments are not severe enough to deter them from overspending.

Red Bull was one of the teams adjudged to have over the spending cap in the 2021 season. The team was given monetary penalties and a 10% decrease in wind tunnel testing time. They erroneously recorded expenses, resulting in a £1,864,000 overspend. The FIA and Red Bull negotiated a deal, but some say the penalty lacked teeth. Aston Martin was likewise punished so insignificantly for a procedural violation, fuelling the controversy about the harshness of the penalties. 

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The penalty did little to dampen Red Bull’s performance, and they emerged stronger than ever. Bearing this in mind, speaking with Sky Sports at the media pen ahead of the Hungarian GP, Hamilton remarked, “There wasn’t really a big punishment last time, so there’s no real [fear].” He emphasized, “There’ll be people that probably go for it again and know they’re not just going to get slapped on the wrist.”

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Discover: Ferrari and Mercedes cry foul over cost cap impeding them from challenging Red Bull

Lewis Hamilton hopes to capitalize on the Hungaroring characteristics that suit them well

Lewis Hamilton on the Hungarian GP podium
Lewis Hamilton on the Hungarian GP podium (Credits: Autosport)

McLaren showcased its prowess at the British GP with Lando Norris securing a stunning home podium, holding off Lewis Hamilton. While Mercedes displayed strength in slow-speed corners, McLaren excelled in high-speed ones. As the Hungarian GP approaches, Mercedes hopes to leverage Hungaroring’s layout, which suits its powers, to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.

Hamilton remains optimistic about their chances, saying, “Definitely hopeful. I think the McLaren was much quicker than the high speed, but we were quicker in the low speed.” The Mercedes driver added, “This is mostly low-speed and medium-speed, so hopefully we will be at least closer to the group.” The team’s continuous efforts to improve performance make them eager to perform well in Hungary.

Reflecting on their past success, Mercedes is keen to replicate a double podium finish. Their strong showing in the previous race gives them confidence heading into the upcoming event. The team is focused on capitalizing on its strengths and putting up a fierce challenge to its competitors. The FIA is currently making strides in figuring out the cost cap breachers.

The revelation that three teams breached the cost cap in 2022 has sparked curiosity about their identities and the penalties they will face. Red Bull’s past violation and subsequent fine underscore the need for stronger deterrents. Despite the penalty, Red Bull continued to excel on the track, winning every race of the season. Hamilton’s concerns echo the sentiment shared by many within the sport, questioning the effectiveness of the penalties in deterring teams from violating the cost cap.

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