From GMM
The out-of-control 'lie-gate' scandal is the result of unprofessional stewarding in formula one, according to regular FIA critic Sir Jackie Stewart. And the effects of the scandal could lead Mercedes-Benz to leave the sport.
The Scot, seemingly perpetually locked in a war of words with FIA president Max Mosley, said the entire affair could have been avoided if the governing body's officials on duty in Melbourne were better organised.
Stewart, a former triple world champion and ex-team owner, said McLaren rightly radioed race control during the Melbourne race for quick clarification about whether Lewis Hamilton should or should not give the place back to Jarno Trulli.
"But he (Charlie Whiting) was apparently unavailable, trying to sort out the Sebastien Vettel problem," the 69-year-old, referring to the German's crash with Robert Kubica, told the Scottish newspaper the Herald.
Stewart added: "It seems strange that only one person has the authority to deal with these inquiries which could be result-changing in a multi-million pound sport.
"As it is, we now have a potentially serious state of affairs for McLaren."
He believes McLaren will be harshly penalised, now that the affair has spiralled into formal admissions and sackings by team figures, and incontestable fraud to be assessed by the World Motor Sport Council later this month.
Also in the German press, experts and pundits fear the outcome of the FIA meeting on April 29.
Sporting sanctions may spark the already struggling Mercedes' withdrawal from the sport, while financial penalties would be disastrous amid the backdrop of the global recession.
Mercedes' racing boss Norbert Haug told the Cologne newspaper Express: "This situation is absolutely not positive for Mercedes.
"I report directly to Daimler chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche. If the situation should become intolerable, we will get together in Stuttgart and make a decision."
photo:McLaren
The out-of-control 'lie-gate' scandal is the result of unprofessional stewarding in formula one, according to regular FIA critic Sir Jackie Stewart. And the effects of the scandal could lead Mercedes-Benz to leave the sport.
The Scot, seemingly perpetually locked in a war of words with FIA president Max Mosley, said the entire affair could have been avoided if the governing body's officials on duty in Melbourne were better organised.
Stewart, a former triple world champion and ex-team owner, said McLaren rightly radioed race control during the Melbourne race for quick clarification about whether Lewis Hamilton should or should not give the place back to Jarno Trulli.
"But he (Charlie Whiting) was apparently unavailable, trying to sort out the Sebastien Vettel problem," the 69-year-old, referring to the German's crash with Robert Kubica, told the Scottish newspaper the Herald.
Stewart added: "It seems strange that only one person has the authority to deal with these inquiries which could be result-changing in a multi-million pound sport.
"As it is, we now have a potentially serious state of affairs for McLaren."
He believes McLaren will be harshly penalised, now that the affair has spiralled into formal admissions and sackings by team figures, and incontestable fraud to be assessed by the World Motor Sport Council later this month.
Also in the German press, experts and pundits fear the outcome of the FIA meeting on April 29.
Sporting sanctions may spark the already struggling Mercedes' withdrawal from the sport, while financial penalties would be disastrous amid the backdrop of the global recession.
Mercedes' racing boss Norbert Haug told the Cologne newspaper Express: "This situation is absolutely not positive for Mercedes.
"I report directly to Daimler chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche. If the situation should become intolerable, we will get together in Stuttgart and make a decision."
photo:McLaren