Mercedes hopes FIA denial will end Red Bull efforts to 'tarnish' Hamilton

The Mercedes team hopes the FIA's rejection of Red Bull's request to increase the penalty handed to Lewis Hamilton in the British Grand Prix will end the "concerted effort" by the team's top brass to "tarnish" the seven-time world champion's name and reputation.

On Thursday afternoon at the Hungaroring, the FIA rejected Red Bull's request to review Hamilton's sanction at Silverstone, a decision that means that the 10-second penalty handed to the Mercedes driver for causing a collision with rival Max Verstappen now stands firm.

In the aftermath of the incident between the two title contenders, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko attacked Hamilton and Mercedes, calling out the Briton for his move on Verstappen at Copse corner on the opening lap of the race, labeling Hamilton's driving as "dangerous" and "desperate".

• Read also: FIA rejects Red Bull request to review Hamilton penalty

On Thursday evening, Mercedes issued a statement in which it welcomed the outcome of the official review by the FIA.

"The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team welcomes the decision of the stewards to reject Red Bull Racing’s right of review," said Mercedes.

"In addition to bringing this incident to a close, we hope that this decision will mark the end of a concerted attempt by the senior management of Red Bull Racing to tarnish the good name and sporting integrity of Lewis Hamilton, including in the documents submitted for their unsuccessful right of review.

"We now look forward to going racing this weekend and to continuing our hard-fought competition for the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship."

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