Lewis Hamilton has told Formula One's governing body FIA that Red Bull must not escape breaking the financial rules with only "a slap on the wrist".The build-up to this weekend's United States Grand Prix - the first race since Max Verstappen claimed his second World Championship in Japan a fortnight ago - has been dominated by what sanction Red Bull will be dealt for exceeding last year's £114million budget cap.Although the FIA is yet to release details by how much Red Bull overspent when they carried Verstappen to a deeply controversial championship win over Hamilton in 2021, it is understood the figure is £1.8m.The punishments available to the FIA range from a reprimand, to a fine, to a deduction of drivers' championship points.The use of the latter would have an impact on last season's result.
Hamilton was denied a record eighth world crown by Verstappen at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. However, is not expected that last year's championship will be reversed.But speaking in Austin, Hamilton, 37, said: "I do believe the sport has to do something about this because if the FIA are quite relaxed with these rules then all the teams will just go over [the budget] and spend millions more."Only getting a slap on the wrist is not great for the sport.
They might as well not have a cost cap in future."I do believe [FIA president] Mohammed [Ben Sulayem] and his team will make the right decisions.
I have to believe that. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt."I am just focused on doing the best job I can, and what they have done is done.