Rumour: Mercedes will break rules in case of lenient penalty Red Bull

Red Bull faces an exciting time. Following the FIA's ruling that the team exceeded the budget cap last year, Red Bull immediately announced that it did not agree with the ruling and would "consider all options available to the team." Although the FIA did not give details of the nature of the breach in their ruling, it was already made clear that it was a so-called 'minor breach,' meaning Red Bull would have been less than five per cent above the limit.

Even more important is the question: what punishment will Red Bull's face? A definitive answer is still some time away, but that does not stop Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff from already speculating a bit. According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the team might even consider deliberately breaking budget rules itself if Red Bull does not receive a severe punishment.

Mercedes would be willing to accept a fine

The Italian newspaper reports that Wolff would consider going over the budget ceiling with Mercedes as well to boost their performance more. If Red Bull is only fined - as rumours currently suggest - Wolff says that would be the sign that the consequences are too lenient. Mercedes could accept that fine if it means they can further invest enough in their car so they can fight for wins again next year. Implicit in this is a clear signal from Wolff to the FIA: the punishment for this offence must be severe, otherwise everyone will soon be doing it!