sport news Lewis Hamilton says Formula One's integrity is at stake over Red Bull overspend trends now
Lewis Hamilton claims the integrity of Formula One will be lost if the FIA fail to punish any breaches of the sport's cost-cap.
The issue of spending regulations - set at £114million for 2021 and applies to car developments and performance ability - has been the talk of the paddock since reports in Italy last week alleged Red Bull may have overspent, something they strongly denied.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed that Max Verstappen's maiden championship is not at risk of being stripped but, nonetheless, there is a great level of interest in the final spending figures, particularly over in the Mercedes garage.
Lewis Hamilton believes the integrity of Formula One as a sport is at risk if Red Bull overspent on their cars last year and aren't punished for exceeding the £114million cap
Max Verstappen won't be stripped of his 2021 title with Red Bull committing a minor breach
An announcement on the accounts was due on Wednesday but has been delayed until Monday by the FIA and Hamilton is adamant that any breach over £114m cannot go unpunished if the sport is to continue to be viewed as open, honest and trustworthy.
'I think it's imperative, honestly, just for transparency,' Hamilton said.
'I think we need to continue to have transparency for the fans, for the integrity of the sport.
'Obviously there's lots of conversations that are going on in the background. No one truly knows. There's different numbers and different things being said here and there, so I was expecting those results - like you - to come out yesterday.
'I would like to think that if it's been delayed it's because it's been taken very seriously and I trust that Mohammed (bin Sulayem) is taking it seriously and will do what is right for the sport, I hope.
Lewis Hamilton (front) was controversially pipped to the title last season by Verstappen
Red Bull chief Christian Horner has denied the spending cap accusations
