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The wise men of the FIA have done it again. In wake of their participation in the lie-gate in Melbourne, McLaren Mercedes have been handed a suspended three race ban sentence.

While most F1 fans were either upset or jubilant about the FIA’s decision [depending on their loyalties] – most fans were also again – confused.

What is a suspended three race ban sentence? The ruling and its wording is as complex as an F1 car.

Well the truth is that –Mclaren were awarded a three race ban for lying to the Stewards and bringing the sport to disrepute. However, the ban was suspended because McLaren were honest and fair during their questioning!! The FIA does have a weird sense of pardoning or should I say punishing!

While most are getting into a debate of whether their punishment is enough or not –I am speculating the reason behind the punishment followed by the pardon.

Formula1 as a sport is in danger, although not in the short term. The costs are too high for privateer teams to afford and with the pull-out of Honda last year; F1 can’t afford loosing another ‘manufacturer’ team.

Mercedes’ corporate communications team went on the offensive over the last week by getting the top management to publicly speak about Mercedes withdrawing from Formula1 if the punishment of the lie-gate was too harsh. This after the team was found guilty of spying in 2007 and was fined a hundred million!

I am certain that when the wise men of the FIA sat down to decide on the fate of the lying McLaren team – sporting regulations was just one of the things on their mind.

 

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