McLaren: Montoya Penalty Too Harsh

The Colombian driver was black-flagged after he left the pitlane under a red light as the field was passing behind the Safety Car. Montoya was leading the race before coming into the pits, but it was teammate Kimi Raikkonen who took victory in the end.

Whitmarsh admitted McLaren were expecting their driver would get a drive-through penalty at worst.

"You never know what to expect but I think for the offence that was committed the penalty is very severe and I would not imagine anyone would want to compound this penalty with anything further," said Whitmarsh.

"He was in a strong position to win this race, he had the pace and that is why for Juan and the team it is very frustrating but at the end of the day we won a race and we are delighted with that."

The penatly not only hit Montoya's chances of a good result in Montreal, but will also hinder the Colombian at the United States Grand Prix next weekend, when he will be among the first drivers to come out on track in qualifying.

"The reality is the stewards made a decision, it seems pretty harsh not only because it impacts today but because it impacts qualifying at Indy," Whitmarsh added.

"We expected a drive-through penalty and we were ready for that but to be excluded was a reasonably tough sentence, but we have to live with it and get on with it."