Ecclestone refuses the idea of a McLaren victory on appeal

Bernie Ecclestone does not believe that the 2007 championship results will be changed tomorrow at the FIA Court of Appeal hearing.

But the F1 boss warned that he would consider retiring if the verdict was in favor of McLaren Mercedes and if Lewis Hamilton reclaimed the title.

« I don’t think F1 fans would want a championship to be won because the fuel temperature, which in any case cannot be measured, is perhaps 5 degrees above, » said Ecclestone in the columns of The Times.

« If someone thinks this is the best thing for F1, then I must quickly consider retiring. »

The McLaren team filed an appeal following a decision by the race stewards in Brazil not to penalize the BMW Sauber and Williams teams for a fuel temperature that should not exceed a certain authorized level.

Hamilton finished seventh in the race and lost the title to Ferrari’s Kimi Räikkönen by one point. The disqualification of the involved drivers could therefore benefit Hamilton, who would have enough points to overtake Iceman in the final standings.

However, Ecclestone believes that nothing will change.

« In my opinion, they cannot change the race results, it is a violation of the regulations, » he added.

« The same weekend, McLaren used a set of tires that was not supposed to be used, which is also a violation. If something is announced in favor of the British team during this hearing, the Court of Appeal may then have to address and consider this act regarding these tires… » concluded Ecclestone.