F1, high tension over budget cap: Lewis Hamilton-Sergio Perez back-and-forth

Venom and accusations between Mercedes and Red Bull drivers ahead of Austin Grand Prix

The budget cap case has rekindled the never-really-dormant controversy between Mercedes and Red Bulls after last season’s tensions.

In a press conference, Lewis Hamilton wished for exemplary punishments against the Austrian team: “I think Formula 1 has to do something for the future, otherwise, if the rules are so soft, all the teams will go over the spending limits. They’re all going to spend millions more if they know they’re only going to get a slap on the wrist: they might as well not even have the budget cap. When it comes to integrity, it’s about figuring out how to get through these hurdles while maintaining the core values. And being true to the values upheld by sports regulations. We have to maintain these values, because I think the fans are in confusion.”

Responding indirectly to the seven-time world champion was Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, who defended the team to the hilt: “We believe we are in compliance and we think everything will work out for the best. Obviously, I will leave it to my team to sort it out together with the FIA, but at the end of the day, there are always teams that want to take away your results, especially when you are winning and others are losing.”