Ferrari has come out with a scathing attack against the FIA for letting go of McLaren without so much of a rap on the wrist. In a statement issued after the hearing that found McLaren guilty, but still saw no punishment being meted out, the Maranello-based team said:

Ferrari notes that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been found guilty by the FIA World Council. It therefore finds it incomprehensible that violating the fundamental principle of sporting honesty does not have, as a logical and inevitable consequence, the application of a sanction. Today's decision legitimises dishonest behaviour in Formula 1 and sets a very serious precedent.

Ferrari feels this is highly prejudicial to the credibility of the sport. It will continue with the legal action already under way within the Italian criminal justice system and in the civil court in England.

Ferrari may not be entirely wrong in being severely critical of the FIA’s decision. After all, if a team is found guilty, the next logical step is punishment. This is professional sport and not some household rift where the feuding parties can shake hands and make up! Whether this was done with the intent of not upsetting the applecart for 2007 or to retain some of the sport’s dignity is unclear. Perhaps the FIA felt that by punishing McLaren it would be acknowledging the team’s role as opposed to an individual’s role in the espionage saga. Whatever the reason, there was bit of cheer around the McLaren camp.

Ron Dennis and both his drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton came out in support of the team. Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO, McLaren said, “There is no doubt that the past 24 days have been challenging and the tremendous support we have received from our sponsor partners and the public has been much appreciated. Moving forward McLaren wants to re-affirm our long-standing commitment to honesty and integrity and re-state that we believe we have acted correctly throughout. Now, we have Formula 1 World Championships to win. As a result we intend to move on, so as to maintain the focus and commitment required to do exactly that.”

Fernando Alonso, who has been said to be unhappy at McLaren seemed a little noncommittal about the issue, but nonetheless said it was a good decision of everyone. In fact, it sounded more like he was keen to get the season done with! “Having only been part of McLaren for a few months I know how important today’s decision will be for everybody. I am looking forward to an exciting second half of the season and to continue our battle for both World Championships,” said the reigning champ.

One of the people for whom this would have been a tough time is rookie Lewis Hamilton. The world championship leader and a find of Ron Dennis said, “Whilst it’s only my first season in Formula 1 with the team, I already know and appreciate the commitment and dedication of the people there. As a result I am pleased with today’s decision and can’t wait for the rest of the season.” Indeed, Lewis!

On the whole, Ferrari’s words may feel strong but they are also fair. If McLaren is guilty, why weren’t they punished? And token punishment like docking five points would not have helped. Nigel Stepney and Mike Coughlan are still fighting to resist a ban and their punishments should mirror how all guilty parties are treated.