Hakkinen made to wait on Austrian result

Hakkinen won the race at the A1-Ring at a canter, but post-race scrutineering revealed that an official paper seal was missing from an electronic box on the Finn's MP4-15. The seal was thought to have fallen off due to vibration in the car, but as a precaution the results were declared provisional until the FIA, the sport's governing body, had checked that the box - essentially the car's electronic 'brain' - had not been tampered with.

The box was checked by the FIA in the presence of McLaren personnel and a verdict was expected yesterday (Wednesday). But the outcome is now delayed until the three stewards of the Austrian Grand Prix reconvene in London next Tuesday afternoon to consider the FIA's findings and to hear evidence from the team. McLaren, however, remains confident of a favourable outcome.

"The software has already been downloaded after the event and the team believes the FIA has found no problems," said a team statement earlier in the week. "A routine inspection will confirm that the box has not been modified in any way and, following the completion of the FIA inspection, the team is confident Mika's victory will be officially confirmed."

Should they be found at fault by the stewards - and the lack of a seal is a breach of the rules in itself - the worst case scenario is that McLaren and Hakkinen will lose the 10 constructors' and drivers' points from the Austrian race, although fines and suspended punishments are options. One theory is that the team may forfeit its constructors' points, with Hakkinen keeping his drivers' points, but recent FIA policy has been to punish teams and drivers as a single entity over technical matters.

If the decision does go against McLaren and Hakkinen, they have the right to go to the FIA's International Court of Appeal.