Monza 1-2 brings 'extra joy' for McLaren

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton dominated at Monza to bring a triumphant end to a weekend that has been overshadowed by the ongoing spy controversy surrounding McLaren.

And ahead of the FIA World Motor Sport Council hearing on Thursday, Whitmarsh was well aware of how important a morale boost the team's result in Italy was.

"Coming to Italy and getting a 1-2 is absolutely fantastic," he told ITV. "And after a busy weekend, there is extra joy for everyone in the team.

"Both drivers did a fantastic job. Fernando has been strong all weekend and always looked like he was going to win from the off. And Lewis, by his own extraordinary high standards, was struggling a little this weekend but was determined to score the points.

"At the second stop we stopped him a bit early as he had a vibration problem and perhaps we were a bit cautious. When we lost track position to Kimi we thought it was a bad call, but I think Lewis was so determined to hussle his way through there.

"I don't think any of us expected that, least of all Kimi. So to power through like that was fantastic. It was a great lift for both drivers who did a fantastic job.

"It is great for everyone at Woking and Brixworth. We are a bit embattled at the moment, but we are a strong team. We are coming together and everyone is committed to winning these world championships."

Whitmarsh said that Hamilton had been struggling to find a good set-up on his car all weekend, which was in contrast to Alonso's straightforward progress.

"He (Lewis) didn't quite have the balance from day one. Listening to the drivers as you do in the practice sessions, Fernando was just very, very confident. He had a car that was well balanced.

"Lewis was a bit more experimental which means you are not quite as happy, and he didn't quite get there. So in reality he was probably two or three tenths off Fernando at this circuit. I am sure he will be looking to change it around at the next circuit."