Yesterday, McLaren were handed a three race ban for misleading stewards at the Australian Grand Prix – significantly however, the ban is suspended. What this means in real terms is that, short of further evidence emerging or further breaches of the rules, McLaren should be fine to appear on the grid for the next three races.
What’s your verdict on the whole affair? Given that there were five charges to answer, some have said that McLaren actually get off really rather lightly indeed. For me, I think that this seems like a fair judgement. If a ‘sea change’ has occurred at McLaren, then they should be given the chance to race. I’m sure that Hamilton has learnt his lesson and will never mislead stewards in future, regardless of team orders.
There’s also an old adage that seems to be appropriate here – “there’s no such thing as bad publicity”. If you believe that does ring true, then there are fewer teams that seem to attract the limelight in the way that McLaren does. A loss of them on the grid would be great indeed.
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