For the first time since McLaren became embroiled in the lastest scandal to hit Formula 1, FIA race director Charlie Whiting has gone on the record to Adam Cooper to explain his version of the events that took place at the end of the Australian Grand Prix

From its humble beginnings the Lewis Hamilton affair exploded over the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, and the full extent of the fallout has yet to be determined. Absolutely anything might happen when the World Motor Sport Council meets on April 29, and given the recent history of McLaren and its dealings with the FIA, a severe punishment could result.

It's certainly gone way beyond what I envisaged when I inadvertently kick started the thing in Melbourne on Sunday evening. Having heard Lewis explain quite clearly outside parc ferme that he had been asked to let Jarno Trulli past, I couldn't understand why the Italian had been so severely punished. And I felt it appropriate to ask the FIA's top people how such a curious decision could have been arrived at.

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