Lewis' mea culpa!

Lewis Hamilton, the reigning World Champion, admitted yesterday that he lied to the stewards during the last Australian Grand Prix and explained that his role in trying to unfairly recover third place from Jarno Trulli was the most painful thing he 'he never had to do.

Published on 04/04/2009 à 07:44

⁰ View comments)

Speaking to the media at the Sepang circuit during a press conference organized at short notice, Hamilton emphasized: “This is definitely the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life and that is why I am here.

It is right as a human being to stand before you and tell you, with raised hands, what happened and how sorry I am. Sorry for my stable, for my family, for the damage caused? This is a very, very embarrassing situation. »

Hamilton?s act of contrition came after that of Martin Whitmarsh, the boss of McLaren team principal, who announced the suspension of David Ryan, the team's sporting director for having pushed Lewis to lie to the stewards.

The ploy resulted in a penalty of 25?? inflicted on Trulli? and the loss of 3rd place? for having overtaken under the yellow flags.

Hamilton?s mea culpa yesterday appeared to have satisfied the FIA although some doubts remained regarding the conduct of Martin Whitmarsh and other members of McLaren management in this matter.