McLaren thrown out of Constructor’s Championship
September 14th 2007 09:59
McLaren stripped of points
However, while the team lost their bid for the constructor’s crown, championship-leading drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando received immunity for handing over evidence, and are allowed to continue contesting the driver’s title.
The landmark decision was reached after hours of deliberation behind closed doors at the FIA’s Paris headquarters, where the WMSC members heard from several members of McLaren and Ferrari.
The colossal dossier of evidence, the details of which have not been revealed, was enough to convince the 26 WMSC members to punish the Woking based squad.
However, predictably, team boss Ron Dennis was unhappy with the verdict.
“Having been at the hearing today I do not accept that we deserved to be penalised in this way,” the McLaren boss said in a statement.
“Today's evidence given to the FIA by our drivers, engineers and staff clearly demonstrated that we did not use any leaked information to gain a competitive advantage," he said.
Ferrari happy with verdict
"In light of new evidence, facts and behaviour of an extremely serious nature and grossly prejudicial to the interest of the sport have been further demonstrated,” read a Ferrari statement.
"Ferrari is satisfied that the truth has now emerged."
Earlier, suspended McLaren designer, Mike Coughlan fessed up to receiving the 780-page bundle of Ferrari technical information from disgruntled ex-Ferrari man, Nigel Stepney in April.
Although he denied examining the documents in detail, he did admit to showing McLaren CEO, Martin Whitmarsh and engineering director, Paddy Lowe several Ferrari design secrets received from Stepney in mid-March.
Coughlan apologised to both Ferrari for his actions, which he claimed were a mixture of poor judgement and passion for race car engineering.
However, the man responsible for McLaren being thrown out of the championship categorically denied using the documents for competitive gain.
"I can honestly say that McLaren received no benefit whatsoever in relation to their car or any aspect of its performance and that no use of any of the material has been made in relation to the car," the Brit told Autosport.
Several former F1 luminaries have slammed the decision to hand down such a monstrous fine.
Legendary drivers Sir Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart, as well as former team owner, Eddie Jordan were united in chorus against the charge.
"I'm absolutely staggered - this is terrible” Moss told BBC 5 Radio.
"The whole of motor racing has been shaken and the only thing they (the WMSC) have done right is to allow the drivers to keep points…McLaren are banned fair enough, but I can’t believe a fine like that,” said the 78 year old.
Triple world champion Jackie Stewart also questioned the "McLaren are not a poor company - but you have to ask where the money goes," said the Scot.
"Does it go to the governing body? Have they just gained by a 100 million dollars - or does it go to charity?”
Eddie Jordan meanwhile called it “baffling”.
Lewis and Fernando still in title fight
Mercedes motorsport boss, Norbert Haug was shocked by the decision, but vowed to carry on fighting on the racetrack.
The German also hinted at an appeal as he departed the meeting.
"We will now fight with all our resolve in order to give a proper response on the circuit, as we last did in Monza, and to get justice before the court," he said.
Finally, the FIA added: "The WMSC will receive a full technical report on the 2008 McLaren car and will take a decision at its December 2007 meeting as to what sanction, if any, will be imposed on the team for the 2008 season."
Meanwhile, as the hearing was underway, Fernando Alonso was taking questions for Thursday’s press conference, but refused to comment as to why he was not present in Paris, when teammates Lewis Hamilton and Pedro de la Rosa were.
The Spaniard said he was focusing on the task at hand.
At least somebody is reminding us that there is a Grand Prix weekend underway.
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