At the scheduled extra ordinary meeting of the Motor Sport Council held in Paris on 29 April 2009, Team Principle of McLaren Mercedes Benz team addressed all the members himself.
The controversial conversation on which the decision had to be taken was “Lewis, you need to allow the Toyota through. Allow the Toyota through now.” To this effect, the Toyota of Jarno Trulli had to pass Lewis during the safety car period when it is not allowed to Overtake a car. Trulli was disqualified in the event, however reinstated with honor.
The sport’s governing body found the team guilty for the breach of Article 151(c) ISC for a consecutive five times the team lied on.
The result was reinstated when Lewis Hamilton and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – Benz was disqualified from the Australian Grand Prix, 2009. Also, the team was handed the penalty of suspension from three races of the F1 World Championship for 2009.
However, the governing body showed lighter part of their hearts by showing solidarity after being impressed in the way the Team honestly co-operated in the investigations and a from how the Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh addressed the meet.
The team now stands too bear the penalty in the following two cases.
- Further facts, if may emerge, that are relevant to the breach by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team.
- Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team breaches again, the Article 151(c).
Vodafone has the right to appeal, but if they do, it will do more damage than good for the team. And the team is not expected to do that as well.
