03/04/2009
NEWS STORY
Although there could yet be further repercussions for both McLaren and Lewis Hamilton, the FIA admits to recognizing the difficulty of the English driver's predicament.
As the fall-out from last week's Australian Grand Prix continues, with widespread speculation as to how Hamilton and his team might yet be punished, the FIA has offered the 2008 champion a glimpse of hope.
We recognise Lewis's efforts to set the record straight today," said an FIA spokesman this afternoon, according to Reuters. "It would appear that he was put in an impossible position.
"We are now awaiting reports from the FIA observer and stewards before consideration can be given to further investigation of his team's conduct," he added.
However, before anyone gets carried away, believing that the matter might now fade into the background, the spokesman added: "We cannot rule out the matter being referred to the World Motor Sport Council at this stage."
Should the matter be referred to the WMSC, the Woking team could face a significant fine, exclusion from a race or two, or, in as worst case scenario, exclusion from the 2009 championship.