To paraphrase Fernando Alonso, winning the constructor’s championship isn’t anywhere near as big a deal as winning the drivers’ championship.
And that’s why, despite the unprecedented £50m fine (minus financial losses), and the forfeiture of the constructors’ championship, McLaren’s FIA-imposed fine doesn’t really hit the Woking team where it hurts.
Why? Because fans don’t remember a constructors’ championship, they remember the winning driver’s pole positions, race victories and champagne celebrations. Make no mistake, a McLaren driver will still claim this year’s F1 crown even after the FIA has concluded the team benefited from key evidence relating to both Ferrari strategy and car design. According to the FIA, McLaren has gained a competitive advantage through cheating and so shouldn’t be allowed to clinch motorsport’s biggest prize without impediment.
Yes, the fine is huge, but Ron Dennis’s personal wealth totals in excess of £90m. That’s why Murray Walker’s claim that £50m (minus financial losses) could topple McLaren doesn’t wash with me.
So why did the FIA sanctions fall short? Politics, of course. Hamilton’s emergence more than doubled attendance at Silverstone this year (with a similar effect on UK TV figures), while Alonso has rejuvenated Spanish interest – just a few years back WRC hogged the Spanish limelight (take a bow King Carlos) while F1 wasn’t even on TV. Banning these drivers from the podium would be commercial suicide for F1.
Deep down I want Lewis Hamilton to win, but morally, after all the evidence that’s been presented, it’s wrong that neither driver is facing any sanctions whatsoever. Dock their points, I say, level the playing field and let’s have an explosive final few races.
Do you think the FIA’s punishment fits McLaren’s crime? Click ‘Add comment’ below to have your say…