After a day-long hearing in Paris, the World Motor Sport Council has issued a verdict on the latest spying saga that has affected the McLaren-Mercedes team in this season’s Formula One World Championship. The WMCS has decided to penalise the Woking-based outfit for breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code.
What this means is McLaren will lose all their championship points this season, effectively making Ferrari the constructors’ champions by default. In addition, the team received the biggest fine in motor racing history ($100 million / £50 million) for their possession of a 780-page dossier containing technical information on Ferrari.
However, the drivers’ championship will remain intact so the title race between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton continues in the remaining races.
Furthermore, the WMSC said they will analyse the McLaren-Mercedes car entered to the 2008 world championship later this year to decide what sanctions, if any, should be applied on the team in next year’s championship.
Asked if justice had been done, the president of the FIA Max Mosley said “Yes”. Even Ferrari were satisfied with the decision, but both parties believe it wasn’t harsh enough…
My personal opinion is that the FIA has created a bad image on Formula One that has overshadowed a fantastic season of racing. It is not surprising that the general public are more aware of the sport thanks to the achievements by British sensation Lewis Hamilton.
I hope McLaren can move on from this spying row and win the drivers’ title this year. The on-track battle between Alonso and Hamilton has been absolutely fascinating for Formula One fans and despite Ferrari winning the constructors’ title by default; I personally believe McLaren are the ‘true’ champions.
For the full transcript of the Council’s judgement, please click here.