Hamilton urges FIA to punish budget cap breaches as he outlines Mercedes commitment

By Sports Desk October 06, 2022

Lewis Hamilton has urged the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to take action against any team in the event of the budget cap being breached.

Formula One's governing body was due to issue their publication on the 2021 budget cap on Wednesday before announcing a delay, with the outcome now to be shared on October 10.

Widespread reports have suggested that there are two teams guilty of exceeding the cap last season, with speculation mounting one of them is Red Bull, and Mercedes star Hamilton wants the FIA to take firm action against any guilty parties.

"I like to think that if it's being delayed, it's because it's being taken very seriously. It would be bad for the sport if action wasn't taken if there was a breach," he told reporters.

"It is imperative, for transparency, [that punishments are handed out]. We need to continue to have transparency for the fans and the integrity of the sport.

"I know there are a lot of conversations in the background. No one truly knows. There are different numbers and things being said here and there."

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    Newey, who announced he would leave Red Bull in May, has put pen to paper on a reported £30million deal, signing on as Managing Technical Director and shareholder.

    The 65-year-old has designed cars that have won 25 drivers' and constructors' championships for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

    Newey was responsible for producing the most dominant car ever seen in the competition, with Red Bull winning 21 of the 22 races during the 2023 season.

    Newey will stay with the reigning constructors' champions for the first quarter of 2025 though, officially joining Aston Martin on March 1 next year. 

    “I can tell you Adrian is a bargain,” Stroll said. “I’ve been in business for 40 years now and I’ve never been more certain.”

    After challenging to break into the traditional top four last season, Aston Martin have struggled to find consistent performances on the track this term. 

    They finished on 280 points and ended up fifth in the constructors' standings last year, just 22 points behind Mercedes. 

    While they are again in that position this season, they have managed just 74 points from the first 16 races, with their highest finish coming at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Fernando Alonso finished in fifth back in March.

    Newey's arrival at Aston Martin is the latest in a string of big-name technical appointments, with Mercedes power unit chief Andy Cowell and Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile also joining the team. 

    And Stroll believes that Newey, along with the other additions, can help Aston Martin challenge once again at the top end of the grid. 

    “Adrian is key, key, key, and the biggest part of the puzzle, certainly from a technical point of view, from a technical leadership point of view,” said Stroll.

    “He will be leading the team and I think that will have a trickle-down effect through the whole organisation.”

  • Aston Martin 'the team of the future' after Newey arrival, says Alonso Aston Martin 'the team of the future' after Newey arrival, says Alonso

    Fernando Alonso believes the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey means Aston Martin are "the team of the future" in Formula One.

    On Tuesday, Aston Martin confirmed Newey had signed on as managing technical director and also become a team shareholder, with his annual salary reported to be £30million.

    Newey's departure from Red Bull was confirmed in May after his relationship with team principal Christian Horner came under strain, though he will stay with the constructors' champions through the first quarter of 2025 to work on their RB17 car.

    Newey has designed 14 championship-winning cars throughout stints with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, and Alonso believes his arrival bodes well for Aston Martin's future. 

    "We've been racing against each other for many years," Alonso said as Newey was unveiled at Aston Martin's headquarters on Tuesday.

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    Aston Martin have announced that legendary designer Adrian Newey will join their team from March 2025.

    Newey has signed on as Managing Technical Director and is a shareholder in the team, in a deal worth up to £30million.

    The 65-year-old's exit from Red Bull was confirmed in May after an apparent breakdown in his relationship with team principal Christian Horner.

    Newey will stay with the reigning constructors' champions for the first quarter of 2025 though, to see out his work on the RB17, the company's first hypercar.

    "I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team," Newey said.

    "I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that [team owner] Lawrence [Stroll] brings to everything he is involved with.

    "Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport.

    "His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.

    "Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, they have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team, and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal."

    The move will see Newey working with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, the team owner's son.

    Newey has designed 14 championship-winning Formula 1 cars across stints with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

    Aston Martin will be hoping he can do so again for the 2026 season, which will see the introduction of new regulations.

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