Formula One’s rulers are under pressure to crown Lewis Hamilton world champion if Red Bull are found guilty of breaking the spending cap during Max Verstappen’s controversial 2021 title-winning year. In a twist that reopens the most contentious decider in the sport’s history, reports have surfaced in Italy and Germany claiming to show Red Bull exceeded last year’s £114million limit. Team principal Christian Horner denied the accusations on Friday, but Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff called on the FIA to enforce their rules, which permit teams and drivers to be docked points. With Verstappen triumphing on the last lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi to pip Hamilton by eight points, the FIA’s adjudication could not be more sensitive.

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