The cost cap is an interesting thing introduced in F1 to level the playing field. But along with the new rules come new controversies. In 2022, Red Bull breached the cost cap and the FIA penalized them for it. But their rivals weren’t happy because the punishment was a mere $7 million and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel time. And Red Bull has been suspected to breach it again this year. Lewis Hamilton bashed the FIA for it saying that the punishment was too small and this time, they should be stricter. This ask of his has not gone down well with Christian Horner who has openly insulted him and Mercedes.

Hamilton said that the Milton-Keynes outfit deserves more than just a “slap on the wrist”. And this was seconded by his teammate, George Russell who said that the punishment for consecutive breaches should be heftier. Horner believes all this is being demanded because Mercedes is no longer dominating the grid. It is that lack of competitiveness that is translating into complaining.

Horner told Sky Sports, as quoted by F1maximaal, “Believe me, the blow we’ve taken from the lack of wind tunnel time compared to our competitors is a huge compromise. If wind tunnels don’t count, why don’t we get rid of them? It’s always easy to criticize when you’re not performing well. It’s one of the things in F1 that will always happen.”

Read More: After Lewis Hamilton’s “Worst” Criticism, Toto Wolff & Co. Raise His Spirits by Revealing the Masterplan for Hungarian GP

While all these off-track shenanigans go on between Horner and Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has outpaced Red Bull in Hungary.

Lewis Hamilton Tops the Time Charts in FP3 in Hungary Leaving Both Red Bulls In the Dust

The 7-time World Champion has put in the quickest lap in FP3 with a time of 1:17.811. And rounding up the top 3 are the two RB19s of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez respectively. The Briton was 2 and a half tenths quicker than Verstappen in P2. And you know he’s put in a good lap because his past nemesis Rosberg has praised him on live commentary.

“I think that was quite a phenomenal lap from Lewis,” said Nico Rosberg on commentary. “I think he’s in the zone at one of his favorite tracks here. This could be quite an exciting qualifying coming up.”

Judging by this performance, the fight for Pole might just have intensified. Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin – 5 teams might be fighting Pole at the Hungaroring. Though Verstappen would be expected to secure Pole, Hamilton is going to put up a tough fight at the track where he has won 8 times.

WATCH THIS STORY | George Russell Demands FIA Take Harsher Action Against Verstappen!