McLaren Fine May Not Reach $100 Million

McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who lead the points standings — will be allowed to keep their points and remain eligible for the drivers’ title.

Photo courtesy: FIA

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium - McLaren Mercedes, the leading team in the Formula One championship, was fined $100 million Thursday and excluded from the constructor’s title in connection with the spying scandal that has plagued the sport all season.

A report by Reuters from Formula Money, which monitors the sport's financial health, said on Friday a sum of $31 million could be closer to the mark.

“The WMSC has stripped Vodafone McLaren Mercedes of all constructor points in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship and the team can score no points for the remainder of the season.

“Furthermore, the team will pay a fine equal to $100M, less the FOM income lost as a result of the points deduction.

“However, due to the exceptional circumstances in which the FIA gave the team’s drivers an immunity in return for providing evidence, there is no penalty in regard to drivers’ points.

“The WMSC will receive a full technical report on the 2008 McLaren car and will take a decision at its December 2007 meeting as to what sanction, if any, will be imposed on the team for the 2008 season.”

Points gained by other teams so far this season will not be affected.

No McLaren representative will be allowed on the podium should a McLaren driver win in any of the remaining races of the 2007 season.

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