McLaren lose 2007 points, fined $100m

McLaren-Mercedes have lost their constructors' championship points for the 2007 season and will pay a record fine of $100 million USD, the FIA World Motor Sport Council decided today

McLaren have not commented on the decision and said they will hold a press conference later this evening.

After a day-long hearing at the Paris headquarters of the governing body, the WMSC has decided to penalise the Woking-based outfit for breach of the sporting regulation due to their part in the spying affair against Ferrari.

The council ruled that McLaren will be excluded from the 2007 constructors' championship points standing, but the drivers retain their points scored so far and will not be affected in the drivers' championship.

Furthermore, McLaren have been awarded a fine of $100 million USD - by far the largest fine ever imposed in motor racing.

Additionally, the WMSC said they will analyse the McLaren-Mercedes car entered to the 2008 world championship later this year to decide what sanctions, if any, should be applied on the team in next year's championship.

Asked if justice had been done, the president of the FIA Max Mosley said "Yes".

The full statement by the FIA

An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on 13 September, 2007. The following decision was taken:

"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."

The full reasons for this decision will be issued on 14th September 2007.

* 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.