No Penalty for McLaren
By Syco
April 29 2009
McLaren were let off their rule break today, however McLaren are in a position where they cannot afford to have any more lying going on about incidents. The FIA heard Martin Whitmarsh's version of what happened during the 'liegate' scandal. Whitmarsh went alone to the FIA hearing in Paris today and was honest about what happened with the situation.
This honesty has helped McLaren not receive a penalty and McLaren should praise their new team principle, who took over from Ron Dennis at the beginning on the season.
The FIA will watch McLaren closely throughout the season and I am sure McLaren will know this and play it safe with the FIA. The council have praised Whitmarsh for his honesty.
The FIA have released this statement:
Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate
If new evidence of the case is presented within the next 12 months, McLaren could see themselves with a a three race ban. So fingers crossed no new evidence is presented and that Whitmarsh has said everything he knows about the scandal that has been ongoing since the start of the season when Lewis Hamilton allowed Juano Trulli to regain his position after he slid off the track under safety car conditions.
The FIA will be releasing the full report shortly.
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Everybody deserves a second chance and I hope now he can guide Mclaren to a victorious path.
Mclaren forever
All in all, unlike Melbourne (where they got themselves into a lot of trouble for nothing but one point), I think Mclaren now played their cards very well, especially with MW's letter of apology, and 'asking for mercy'.
Also, the fact that Mercedes voiced their uncertainty about F1 future yet again, as well as Lewis making public that he has considered leaving f1, all had an impact on the judges' decision in my opinion. It indirectly put pressure, pressure which made judges think twice before harshly penalising Mclaren.