CGX car nut:
thuggy:

I five second penalty (the minimum) would put Max behind Bottas and in 3rd.  So yes, would and will affect the outcome and the title battle.

Solid application of hindsight. 

Not sure what your point is.  Mercedes is very aware of this fact and why they are actively pursuing recourse… it’s a very live issue.   At best, they can close the points gap even further, at worst they are hoping to give Max a millisecond of hesitation at one of next races.