Formula 1 fans of the UK have been delighted to learn that Lewis Hamilton will be racing at this years British Grand Prix after Mercedes escaped the “Tyregate” scandal with a little more than a slap on the wrist.
Many commentators had expected the 7½-hour hearing in Paris to banish the Mercedes team from this Sunday’s Grand Prix at Silverstone however they will be participating the in race after all. This is despite the fact that they were found guilty of breaking F1’s stringent rules. The guilty verdict was in relation to the use of the teams 2013 car for in season testing, which took place in Barcelona after the Spanish Grand Prix in May. This could have resulted in the team facing a hefty fine, points deduction, race ban, or even exclusion from the Formula 1 championship.
The report from the hearing concluded: “Mercedes did obtain some material advantage (even if only by way of confirmation of what had not gone wrong) as a result of the testing, which, at least potentially, gave it an unfair sporting advantage.”
Mercedes punishment for the “illegal” testing is that they must miss a three-day young driver test scheduled for Silverstone next month. This was in fact a punishment that Mercedes had suggested themselves.
This result has angered many teams in the F1 championship who believe that Mercedes has been let of lightly for the offence. In fact Ferrari has gone record to say that they got off “scot free” and have criticised the FIA’s International Tribunal for their ruling. The verdict also angered the Red Bull Racing team, the team’s principle Christian Horner, said: “The tribunal had all the facts presented to them in a fair manner and made their decision. We raised the protest as we wanted clarity on whether you are allowed to test in-season with a current car, as we believe this was a breach of the regulations.”
Hamilton last won the prestigious Silverstone circuit five years is hoping to relive his last victory at the race despite the bad press and ruling against his team. So far lewis have has made a solid start to the season but is yet to win a race while flying the Mercedes flag. He said “I’ve been aiming to repeat it every year since and I’d love to win my second race at Silverstone. We have a good car this year so I hope we can do it and it would be great to make the team proud at my home race.”
Lewis currently lies forth in the drivers championship with 77 and has gone on record saying that he still had hopes of securing the title despite not leading the season from the offset.
Hamilton’s season thus far has had its ups and downs. He crashed in pre season testing and also crashed out of second practice ahead of the season-opening 2013 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. With a number of crashes under his belt and a love of exotic cars we doubt he will qualify for Cheap motor insurance from Express Insurance.
The Silverstone circuit has also been the spot light this week after the venue reported less than strong ticket sales. The blame has been pinned on the ticket prices which start at a whopping £145 each. The pricing has angered many F1 fans with many boycotting the race and choosing the sofa over the prestigious grandstands.
Image via http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
[ad]
