McLaren appeals Hamilton’s sanction

McLaren has decided to appeal the 25-second penalty given to Lewis Hamilton, which resulted in him being demoted from first to third place at the Belgian Grand Prix. The FIA confirmed it this evening.

Hamilton cut a chicane during his clash with Räikkönen, and according to the track stewards, he did not leave enough distance between himself and the Finn. He therefore gained an advantage.

This appeal means that the result of the Belgian Grand Prix will be decided at a hearing of the FIA’s international court of appeal.

Ferrari did not hide its criticism regarding Lewis Hamilton’s approach. Ferrari’s team principal, Stefano Domenicali, expressed his opinion on the matter: « Personally, I think his maneuver was a bit extreme. In racing, it’s normal to attack but the problem comes from the advantage gained by making this maneuver, which is the key point here. I think this is what needs to be considered, » he explained.

However, Domenicali did not wish to comment on the decision to impose a 25-second penalty.

As I told your Italian colleagues, we do not comment on decisions. The only thing I would say is that we were summoned by the race stewards, and we gave our position on the matter, and that was all.

« We will not make any further comments. »

Ferrari insisted that it did not lodge an official protest with the race officials regarding Hamilton’s behavior.