In addition, the British based squad has also been fined 100 million (US) dollars.
McLaren however escaped the worst case scenario. The team faced the risk of being excluded from the remaining races this season as well as the entirety of the 2008 season. Such was not the case. Although McLaren’s points have been debunked, their drivers were allowed to keep their championship points. This means that both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are still first and second respectively in the driver’s standings.
The ‘spygate’ controversy has tainted one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. The issue emerged early July when it was disclosed that Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney leaked a 780 page document containing confidential information about the F2007. The recipient was McLaren employee Mike Coughlan.
At the end of July, the FIA conducted its first hearing regarding the matter. They concluded that although McLaren was in breach of the sporting code, there was inconclusive evidence that McLaren had in fact used the information contained in the 780 document. Hence no penalty was given.
A warning however was given stating that if ever new evidence emerged, the matter will be reopened. And within the past month, Scuderia Ferrari did dig up fresh evidence. In addition, the FIA themselves uncovered new information regarding the whole affair ahead of the Italian GP. A full blown World Motor Sport Council therefore took place in what was supposed to be a Ferrari hearing.
The FIA has yet to publish the details of the ‘new evidence’. However, according to the British newspaper The Times, the evidence constituted phone and email messages involving Alonso, McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa, Mike Coughlan and Nigel Stepney.
There was considerable fear in the days leading up to the hearing. A heavy sanction such as McLaren’s disqualification this season as well as expulsion next season would be very damaging to the sport. Crowning the world champion ‘on the table’ was a notion deemed unpopular. One of the more vocal critics was three times champion Jackie Stewart who accused the FIA of ‘witch-hunting’ McLaren.
The conclusion of the council however seemed to be a compromise to satisfy the concerns involved with the issue. McLaren was sanctioned and fined for breaching the sporting code. At the same time, sparing the McLaren drivers from penalty would maintain the four-way battle between Hamilton, Alonso, Raikkonen, and Massa.
McLaren have maintained their plea of innocence throughout the case claiming that not one component in the document was used in the construction of the MP4-22 car.
