Whitmarsh: “We apologized”

At the end of the Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton had declared to the Panel of Stewards that he had not received an order from his team to let Jarno Trulli pass while the drivers were lined up behind a safety car. This testimony led to the disqualification of Jarno Trulli, guilty of overtaking under a yellow flag.

But other evidence contradicted the pilot's version McLaren and led to the hearing of Martin Whitmarsh, director of the McLaren team, today before the World Council.

The proactive approach of the Briton, who admitted the guilt of his team for the five acts with which he was accused, his apologies and the demonstration of the change of mentality carried out at McLaren convinced the members of the World Council which therefore only inflicted a suspended penalty.

“I hope that this decision draws a line under this matter and that we will be able to concentrate on the race,” commented Whitmarsh this afternoon in Paris. “We made a mistake and we apologized to the FIA ​​and the public. »

Since the Australian Grand Prix, the McLaren team has parted ways with sporting director Dave Ryan and Ron Dennis, who has given way to Martin Whitmarsh.