Formula 1: McLaren fined $100 million

Matt · 09-13-2007, 01:50 PM

After a hearing today in Paris, the McLaren Formula 1 team have been fined $100 million (49.2 million pounds), and have had all constructors points deducted this season, and next season. However, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will be allowed to continue in their respective positions and fight for the championship. Even in Formula 1 terms, this fine is huge.

They have been found guilty of cheating, by apparently obtaining design information on the Ferraris. The whole thing developed after the Nigel Stepney scandal (who was a Ferrari engineer), when he was supposed to have sabotaged the Ferrari cars, then was accused of giving design information to McLaren.

Although as far as I know and can remember, this is the first time Mclaren have been in the headlines like this, it isn't the first time with Ferrari. The problem is, is that Formula 1 is too secretive, so it's hard for anyone outside of the sport to know exactly what is going on sometimes.

A similar power struggle happened in the 1970's, with Ferrari again being involved, although no-one was officially charged with cheating, or fraud. It almost tore the sport apart. This, however, could spell disaster for the sport.

09-13-2007, 01:50 PM	#1
Matt Random Punk Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wakefield/ Coventry/ Oktoberfest Posts: 16	Formula 1: McLaren fined $100 million After a hearing today in Paris, the McLaren Formula 1 team have been fined $100 million (49.2 million pounds), and have had all constructors points deducted this season, and next season. However, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will be allowed to continue in their respective positions and fight for the championship. Even in Formula 1 terms, this fine is huge. They have been found guilty of cheating, by apparently obtaining design information on the Ferraris. The whole thing developed after the Nigel Stepney scandal (who was a Ferrari engineer), when he was supposed to have sabotaged the Ferrari cars, then was accused of giving design information to McLaren. Although as far as I know and can remember, this is the first time Mclaren have been in the headlines like this, it isn't the first time with Ferrari. The problem is, is that Formula 1 is too secretive, so it's hard for anyone outside of the sport to know exactly what is going on sometimes. A similar power struggle happened in the 1970's, with Ferrari again being involved, although no-one was officially charged with cheating, or fraud. It almost tore the sport apart. This, however, could spell disaster for the sport. __________________ Oooooh, Mr Chips, what the devil are you doing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izet8zN1vmE