Here's the little mans view.
Bernie: McLaren could be hit hard
Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has waded into the McLaren team-order controversy by claiming that the team could face some of the most draconian penalties the sport has seen if found guilty of breaching the sporting regulations.
The FIA launched an investigation into McLaren's 1-2 finish in Monaco after team principal Ron Dennis publicly stated that he had instructed his drivers to control their pace early in the race, prompting suggestions in the British media that Lewis Hamilton was prevented from challenging Fernando Alonso for victory.
And Ecclestone has warned that McLaren might face a ban or even exclusion from the championship if the FIA can prove it has breached article 151c of the sporting code.
"I don't know what the team orders are or were," he told the Daily Mail newspaper.
"One thing is for sure: If there were team orders which relate to the position of the two drivers ? if somebody is told to move over or hold their position ? it is against all the sporting regulations we have.
"If there were orders, they would be getting off lightly if they get the same sort of fine as Ferrari [whose drivers were jointly fined $US1 m for fixing the 2002 Austrian GP result].
?They could be excluded from the championship or they could have points deducted.
"A fine for McLaren, with its money, would not have the same effect as docking points."
Ecclestone added that the severity of any punishment would have to be measured against other penalties meted out by the FIA.
He used as an example the Turkish Grand Prix organisers? $US5m fine for compromising F1?s political neutrality with its controversial podium ceremony after last year?s race at Istanbul.
"This would be breaking the regulations," he said. "It's more serious and that should be reflected."
Ecclestone also hinted that any exclusion may be levied at the team only, adding that the drivers should not be punished ? leading to speculation that should McLaren be found guilty it would be docked constructors' championship points or excluded from competing in it.
"If there were instructions, it wouldn't be the drivers' fault," he said.
"If I'm driving for you and you tell me to stay where I am and not overtake the guy in front, what can I do?
"It would be those who give the orders who should receive the punishment."
McLaren issued a statement on Tuesday saying that it was confident it has not breached the regulations.
"McLaren are completely comfortable with the FIA's investigation into our race strategy and that all decisions taken both before and during the race were completely in compliance with the international sporting code," it read.
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