McLaren's appeal against Lewis Hamilton's drive-through penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix has been rejected.



Hamilton strongly pressed his case at Monday's appeal to the FIA in Paris as he aimed to overturn a 25-second penalty for cutting a chicane at Spa.

The 23-year-old was demoted into third, with Felipe Massa handed the victory.

If successful, Hamilton would have seen his lead increase to seven points over Ferrari's Massa, but the five judges upheld the stewards' ruling.

"Article 152 of the International Sporting Code states that drive-through penalties are 'not susceptible to appeal'," the FIA said in a statement.

"Having heard the explanations of the parties, the court has concluded that the appeal is inadmissible."

Hamilton's loss of four points, therefore, stands and he leads the drivers' standings by one point from Massa with four races remaining in the F1 season.

"It was long and intense," said Hamilton on emerging from Monday's proceedings.

"I said what was on my mind because in that position you can be talked down to," he added, having earlier rounded on Ferrari counsel Nigel Tozzi QC during cross-examination.

Hamilton asserted his case powerfully in front of Tozzi, at one point stating: "Are you a racing driver? No!

"I have been a racing driver since I was eight years old and I know pretty much every single manoeuvre in the book, and that's why I'm the best at my job.

"We are talking about a skilled driver under intense pressure making a split-second decision which no-one, not unless they are in Formula One, can comprehend."

Tozzi told Hamilton to "stop personalising" the issue as he was under instruction from Ferrari, who "know as much about Formula One as you do".

Hamilton responded: "With respect, I doubt it."

The Englishman later admitted there were "much better things" he could have done with his Monday, ahead of F1's first ever night race in Singapore.

"But today was a very important issue," he added.

"I was unfortunately penalised, so it was good to come here and put our point of view, as well as listen to other people's opinions.

"But whatever happens I am not worried either way. I just hope the judges see the truth.

"I am a racing driver, driven by excellence. It's what I do. It's what I enjoy doing.

"I am now just going to focus on my next race and hopefully winning there. At the moment, as I see it, I am one point ahead and that's how I will go into it."

The appeal court judges were faced with two decisions.

They first had to consider whether the appeal is admissible, as Formula One rules do not allow teams to appeal against drive-through penalties.

The penalty given to Hamilton was technically a drive-through penalty.

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