Herbert: "If someone has done the wrong thing, the FIA must come down hard"

The rumours that Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin have breached the 2021 budget cap rules is a story dominating the airwaves in Formula 1. A result was supposed to have been delivered between the Singapore Grand Prix and this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix but the FIA are now waiting until Monday. Sky pundit Johnny Herbert believes the FIA "must come down hard" on any breach. 

Punishment

Mohammed bin Sulayem became the new FIA president and therefore introduced some changes to the way Formula 1 is controlled and managed. Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports pundit Johnny Herbert insists the outcome of a potential budget cap breach is a big moment for the new reign. 

"It's a big test [for Mohammed]. Because it's something we find uncomfortable and the fans find it equally so. We have to get a situation where F1 doesn't damage itself," Herbert said during the Sky Sports broadcast for the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. 

Red Bull Racing have denied any knowledge of a breach. Christian Horner reported last weekend that he is confident everything is okay, and Max Verstappen doesn't seem concerned. The Dutchman won the 2021 World Championship in dramatic style at the final race of the season. 

Should punishment be required for Red Bull Racing, his title win could be in danger. But Herbert doesn't find it easy to rewind the championship result. "If someone has done the wrong thing, the FIA must come down hard on them. Maybe that's got to be constructors' championship points, but you can't go backwards. It's got to be done quickly," he added. 

Paul Di Resta also agrees with this point whilst questioning the length of time it is taking the FIA. "Is it good for Formula 1? No. Can you rewind the championship 10 months? I don't think that is the right thing to do. You have to go forward with a hard and fast rule. Why in this day and age can we not get to the answer quicker?"