McLaren escape gearbox probe with fine
It emerged at the scene of the Italian grand prix that the Mercedes-powered team used a new lightweight gearbox in Budapest last month without first having it crash-tested.
McLaren denied any wrongdoing in a statement, but the stewards found the Woking based team in breach of article 16.1.2 of the technical regulations and imposed a fine of (US) $50,000.
The team did not use the technology in Istanbul two weeks ago – where Ferrari secured a one-two – after learning that it should have been crash-tested, but this procedure has now taken place under FIA supervision and the gearbox is to be used legitimately at Monza.
McLaren's MP4-22 totally dominated the Monza test last week with the lightweight gearbox fitted, as it also did in Hungary on debut.
"The Stewards feel that disclosure should be made in circumstances such as this and accordingly censure McLaren," part of the stewards' decision reads.
The stewards said they did not condone McLaren's use of effectively "untested components" in Hungary, "but in the particular circumstances of this case no further sanction will be applied".