Skip to main content
The Circuit
  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print

McLaren appeal gives Hamilton hope

  • Story Highlights
  • McLaren lodge appeal with FIA over result of season-ending Brazilian GP
  • They argue Williams and BMW should be penalised for fuel irregularities
  • Lewis Hamilton could be promoted to world champ if McLaren case succeeds
  • Next Article in World Sport »
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

LONDON, England -- Lewis Hamilton is back in the Formula One title frame after his McLaren team lodged a formal appeal against the result of the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

art.raikkonen.gi.jpg

Raikkonen celebrates with Ferrari team principal Jean Todt after winning the Brazilian race and the world title.

Motor sport's governing body, the FIA, issued a statement confirming that the British-based outfit have disputed the decision of the stewards not to penalise rivals BMW Sauber and Williams for fuel irregularities at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"The FIA has been informed by the Secretariat of the International Court of Appeal that they have received a Notification of Appeal from the UK National Sporting Authority (RAC MSA) on behalf of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes," read the Web site statement.

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes appeal is against the decision of the Stewards of the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, made at 21.35 hrs on October 21st 2007 (document number 41), that it was inappropriate to impose a penalty on cars 9, 10, 16 and 17."

Hamilton lost the world title by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen after coming seventh at Interlagos where he had a bad start and then endured gear box problems that at one point saw him slip to the back of the field.

Rookie Hamilton finished behind the Williams of Nico Rosberg and the BMWs of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld -- fourth, fifth and sixth respectively -- whose cars were later found to be in breach of technical regulations regarding fuel temperatures.

It was decided there was "sufficient doubt" not to impose a penalty, but McLaren are confident they have the evidence to prove the stewards missed crucial information.

The appeal is likely to be heard next month and if McLaren are right, the FIA will have to decide whether or not to change the Brazil placings -- and hand Hamilton the crown.

Hamilton has said regarding the title: "I want to do it on the track and in style by winning the race, or battling it out for the lead fair and square.

"So being promoted after some people have been thrown out is not the way I want to do it. If I became world champion that way, it would feel weird.

"I'm only 22 and there are going to be plenty of more opportunities for me to be the world champion."

Meanwhile, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has showered praise on Fernando Alonso but criticized his McLaren team mate Hamilton.

"Alonso is world class in every sense, an extraordinary driver," said Montezemolo and then added that Hamilton had not always "behaved exemplarily".

Montezemolo also said of Alonso: "I have appreciated very much his sportsmanship. He lost the championship by one point and I believe it wasn't his fault."

Hamilton led the championship standings going into Sunday's final race where defending world champion Alonso finished third and also came third in the overall world standings

"I must say that in the course of the season Hamilton has not always behaved exemplarily," said the Ferrari chief.

He said that youth and nervousness had contributed to Hamilton's difficulties.

Alonso's former boss at Renault, Flavio Briatore, believed that McLaren should have omitted Alonso from the final races of the season, because of the tension between him and Hamilton.

The presence of both drivers in races contributed towards McLaren's failure to have a title-winner, he believed.

There has been much speculation about Alonso's future at McLaren, where his contract runs through to next year with an option for another year.

"The issue of the drivers is an issue we have continuously told you we will address at the end of the season, and it will be addressed over the course of the next two weeks," McLaren chief Ron Dennis told reporters.

"I can tell you we have given it thought, but not thought we can share with you. We feel we have a pretty clear understanding of the future, but it is nothing that we have discussed in detail." E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print