Hamilton set to escape punishment in Liargate scandal
April 26th, 2009 - 4:33 pm ICT by ANILondon, Apr 26 (ANI): Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is set to get off scot free this week over his role in Liargate scandal.
Britain’s world champion is likely to escape a personal punishment, even though Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists Hamilton’s McLaren team should have the book thrown at them.
McLaren have to answer five charges that they lied to race stewards at the Australian Grand Prix when they face the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday.
But team chief Martin Whitmarsh has thrown himself at the mercy of chiefs by making an unreserved apology after Hamilton was told to tell fibs to try to get an extra point.
Whitmarsh has also been in talks with FIA representative Alan Donnelly in Bahrain, News of the World reported.
They claim the actions taken since the lie was exposed - including the sacking of sporting director Dave Ryan and Ron Dennis’ resignation - should soften any punishment.
McLaren, who were fined 50 million pounds and kicked out of the constructors’ championship 18 months ago for spying on Ferrari, hope they escape with another fine.
The WMSC could also dock points or ban them for two races. But a highly-placed pit-lane source said: “It is all up to McLaren now. If they go into the meeting contrite and hold their hands up then they could get off.” (ANI)
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- Hamilton, Button can see off Red Bull challenge at Brit Grand Prix - Jul 01, 2010
- MCLaren fined for lying - Apr 08, 2009
- Hamilton ready to quit McLaren if team is banned from racing - Apr 12, 2009
- Button warns McLaren rivals of backlash after mixed 2010-11 start - Apr 15, 2010
- Hamilton eyes victories in Abu Dhabi, Brazil - Nov 06, 2011
- Ferrari's Alonso wins Italian GP - Sep 13, 2010
- Red Bull dismisses speculation of Hamilton link-up - Apr 05, 2011
- Vettel tops Webber as Red Bull rules European GP qualifying - Jun 26, 2010
- Button set to play second fiddle to title hopeful Hamilton at McLaren - Oct 26, 2010
- McLaren suspends its Sports Director over Hamilton lie row - Apr 03, 2009
- Team bosses ask Hamilton and Massa to end feud - Oct 31, 2011
- Massa tops practice two of Indian GP, Sutil 7th - Oct 28, 2011
- Hamilton reassures his commitment to McLaren team - Mar 25, 2011
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