McLaren Case: Testimony from One of the Marshals…
Surinder Thathi, one of the three race stewards who handed Lewis Hamilton a 25-second penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix, denied any conspiracy against McLaren. By this penalty, Hamilton was demoted from first to third place after the race because, according to the stewards, he gained an advantage by cutting a chicane in his battle, […]
Surinder Thathi, one of the three race stewards who handed Lewis Hamilton a 25-second penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix, denied any conspiracy against McLaren.
By this penalty, Hamilton was demoted from first to third place after the race because, according to the stewards, he gained an advantage by cutting a chicane in his battle, which will be remembered in the annals, with Kimi Räikkönen.
But this decision has sparked some controversy as fans and certain media outlets recognize a bias in the sport against the McLaren team and its drivers.
However, Thathi insists that the race delegates only issued this penalty because they believe there was a blatant violation of the rules.
« There is no conspiracy. Neither against McLaren, nor against anyone, » declared Thathi, who comes from Kenya.
We acted professionally and in accordance with FIA rules. Hamilton took a shortcut on the inside of a corner.
He added: « We had the choice between this 25-second penalty or 10 places back on the next starting grid. We opted for the first solution. »
« I know that now I am very unpopular in Great Britain but I am doing my job and I know that I have shown professionalism in this situation. »
