Lewis Hamilton could be handed the 2021 Driver’s Championship if it is proven that Red Bull broke their budget rules last season. Max Verstappen ultimately defeated the seven-time F1 Champion to claim his first title, but it could be taken away as yet another controversy comes up.
According to German news outlet Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull might have broken the budget limits alongside Aston Martin by £4.5 million. Their budget for the season was set at £114 million, and could have been breached.
F1 could hand 2021 Championship to Lewis Hamilton if Red Bull found guilty
The FIA has refused to comment about the issue at the moment. In addition, Mercedes and Ferrari believe that the extra spending could have helped Red Bull get up to half a second extra on the track.
Based on the existing rules, the governing body could deduct constructors’ and drivers’ points. Or, they could also have them suspended.
A material breach of more than five percent could result in difficult sanctions. And rest assured, that the other teams will push to have the maximum penalty in order to prevent any other teams from doing the same.
The FIA will release their findings on Wednesday, and also, any sanctions or punishments for those found guilty.