Confirmed: McLaren Out of 2007 Championship
McLaren have been excluded from the 2007 F1 Championship and have been fined $100 million USD. It is understood that drivers will retain their points accrued this season, but is unknown whether they may continue to accrue points for the season should they continue to drive for McLaren. Other measures include a ban on Constructor representatives from appearing during podium celebrations and a FIA audit on the design of their 2008 car, where any outside influences found would lead to further point deductions.
There will be considerable ramifications beyond these punishments. Constructors are awarded monies on a points basis at the end of each season, teams outside of the top ten will not be awarded such for two years.
The F1 community have reacted in shock to the announcement, and speaking with the BBC, Eddie Jordan said that the fine “doesn’t bear any logic whatsoever” and that there seemed to be “one rule for one, one for another”. Although we all have yet to understand the evidence in the case against the Woking based team.
Speaking on the news, Sir Jackie Stewart said that there must be an “awful lot more in there than we’re aware of”. He went on to say that he was in “complete shock” of a decision that would have certainly “negatively impacted the sport”. Asked why the punishment was so great, the Scot said “something very strange is going on” and that the evidence “does not constitute a penalty of this scale”.
There will be a press conference held by McLaren representatives Ron Dennis and Norbert Haug at 19:15 UK time. McLaren are likely to appeal, but at this time Ferrari have provisionally won the 2007 F1 Constructors’ Championship.
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JUSTANF1FAN | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
IF THIS IS TRUE, THEN WATCH TV RATINGS FALL, AND A DECLINE IN F1 FANS AROUND THE WORLD!!!
Lewisfan | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
This is rubbish how currupt is the FIA, Ferrari the $100 million well go half to Ferrari and half to the FIA. I am new to watching F1, I will be returning to Golf and tennis this is to much…….
F1FAN | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
I dont understand.. how can you say the team benefited unfairly and yet let the drivers keep the points?? It might not be the drivers fault, but they do reap the advantage when they are in a better car which is using information it shouldnt have. So isnt this unfair to other drivers?!!
MCL2k6 | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
As the 2nd oldest team after the maffioso, McLaren probably has the 2nd largest fan-base. This would definitely mean that TV ratings will fall down for the rest of the season, and Bernie will lose huge amounts of $$$
I’m still having faith that the upcoming McLaren appeal and subsequent evidence will clear up their reputation, and restore the current Constructors points standings. With Macca on top.
I also don’t think that Mercedes, with 40% of shareholding would allow something like this (using Ferrari data) to happen!!!
Mark | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
I suppose Ferrari have to win it somehow.
Its a farce, they should now say there cant be a Constructer championship this season.
McLaren should have left the FIA with the other team when they threatend to. Then Ferrari would only have the minnows to race against and by happy that they won everything.
I for one still wont Regconise Ferrari as winning this year