Mercedes F1 team to be kicked out of 2013 championship?

Rumours are spreading fast that the Mercedes Petronas team could be kicked out of the 2013 Formula One world championship.

Hours after teammate Nico Rosberg stormed to the biggest win in their history yet, the car giant was branded “underhanded” by Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Mercedes had to deny claims their Monaco result was built on a secret three-day Pirelli tire test ahead of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

A protest from Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull Racing regarding the controversial Mercedes Pirelli test was heard by the FIA stewards after the Monaco GP, but as expected, no immediate action has resulted, and instead a report will now be considered by the FIA.

In a note issued to the media Sunday night the FIA has in effect hinted that Mercedes could face serious sanctions (including being kicked out of this year's world championship) as a result of the controversial secret Pirelli test.