Therein lies the problem for the drivers, you're right. They got the royal pardon from the FIA, so they wouldn't loose any existing points, but if the team is thrown out of F1 they won't get any new ones. KIMI WDC 2007!!!!
The German article that carries the story actually touches a bit on this subject: Did Alonso spill the beans to get McLaren into ill repute and therefore get ouf the contract so he can drive for Renault? They don't think so. They also mention, that the question of the whistle blower might be looked at differently in a civil court of law, which might become the deciding instance for his driver's contract. Just when I thought the season turned boring...
I like the sound of that. I just think they should really threat us to a great fight between Felipe and Kimi
Obviously we don't know everything yet but that's why I asked the question. Will RD fire FA since he is looking for a way out of his contract especially if it turned out that Renault was the other team that notified the FIA of the new evidence.
What a mess. This is not good for F1 and auto racing. Looks like Ferrari will have the advantage in 2008 as their biggest rival will either be banned or the team broken up too badly to really compete. No wonder Dennis the Menace is talking about retirement. (PNH does not condone or endorse breaking the law or cheating in F1)
I don't understand how anyone can consider letting FA and LH continue to fight for the title this year if M-M is indeed found to be quilty. Drivers are part of the team, they win and lose with the team, unless they were winning races on a bicycle, roller blades or walking across the finish line, they too benefitted from the Ferrari IP. Plus, if this Coughlan-De La Rosa-Alonso (Maybe Hamilton) link proven to be true, their points should be stripped as well, based on unsportman-like conduct and questionable ethics, based on the same reason that FIA DQ'ed Schumacher's 1997 season from the record.
McLaren-Mercedes already has that part covered, they will be racing in 2008, with Prodrive Who knows, FA and LH may become Prodrive pilots next year.
As I see it unfolding right now, no more McLaren next year. Lewis and Alonso are free to go and go to Ferrari and Renault. Ferrari keeps Kimi and has Lewis. Renault has Alonso and ?. Should be very interesting how this unfolds. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT PRODRIVE NEXT YEAR???
..... <the best drivers IN THE WORLD have gathered here today, at the racing capital of the WORLD(Indy)....... Alonso's Toyota comes in the last corner..., oh NOOOO Juan Pablo Montoya is pushing him into the wall.., what a disaster!!! half the field has crashed!!! and this makes Jack Villeneuve the first man to cross the finish line....... Oh what a race!!!!> LMAO in 08
Someone will step up and challenge Ferrari, especially the Bridgestone advantage will no longer be there. The someone is probably going to be from: McLaren-Mercedes under the colors of Prodrive, BMW-Sauber, Renault and maybe Toyota and Honda also.
I think the McCheater team will be nailed for this year but as for next.....dont be too sure...yet. As for Ferrari...I can see Massa with Hamilton being the stronger pair. Kimi I dont think cares that much.
Hmm, good point. Richards wasn't coming up with the money since his main sponsor jumped ship, but now Mercedes might just be his one and only sponsor. I don't see Alonso stay on however, he will be at Renault. And if Todt is fast enough we might see Hami in the 2nd Ferrari. Alongside Kimi.
I hope you lose Andreas sorry but F1 needs teams like Mclaren.. It would have been a boring season without them.
Kind of makes you wonder about Dennis the Menace and Mercedes when they kept talking about how much integrity they have. What are they saying now? Anything?
Maybe we are going to see a mercedes prepared by McLaren in Nascar in 08 with their old boy JPM behind the wheel with Alonshole in the Toyota.
F1 needs two teams challenging each other for the title. F1 doesn't need cheaters. Hopefully next year we can see a great battle between Ferrari and Renault.
The quoted article states that the FIA guaranteed the drivers that they won't be punished in exchange for their statements... this might become critical
A slap on the wrist. Probably would have cost McCheaters more than $50k to do the crash test. Another guilty verdict with no real punishment. Sept 13th could be another joke. Ferrari to attend hearing nest week. http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/6074/617/
Yes, ruining a carbon fibre monocoque is definitely more than 50k. Regarding September 13 I think things will be different: The FIA heard the outcry of unjustice after its original verdict and hence started the interrogation of the drivers. I think they are keen to reestablish F1's reputation. I think they want to see heads roll this time.
I guess two wrongs can make a right. IMO, the immunity should apply toward if they will or will not be allowed to participate in F1 next season instead.