Formula One news

FIA gives reasons for McLaren disqualification

Governing body the FIA has explained the reasons for which it excluded World Champion Lewis Hamilton and his McLaren team from last weekend's Australian Grand Prix. Although Heikki Kovalainen retired from the race on lap one, both cars were declared as disqualified on grounds of the team providing race stewards with 'misleading information'.

The governing body stated that - during the original enquiry after the race - Hamilton and his team explained to the stewards that they had not deliberately let Trulli retake third position, after the Toyota had run across the grass during the safety car period. However, in an interview captured by America's SpeedTV just minutes before the World Champion attended race control, Hamilton explained that his team had given him the order to let the Toyota through.

The FIA stressed that the reason the team is now disqualified is that 'misleading information' was given, as the radio recordings from the race contain 'two explicit orders' asking the driver to yield the position.

The final decision was clear: 'The stewards - having learned about the radio exchanges and the media interview - felt strongly that they had been misled by the driver and his team manager, which led to Jarno Trulli being unfairly penalised and Lewis Hamilton gaining third place.'

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares

Homepage