Apr.3 (GMM) Despite the denials of Thursday, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh on Friday admitted suspended sporting director Dave Ryan and Lewis Hamilton did lie to FIA stewards.
During a packed and dramatic FIA press conference at the Sepang circuit, he was asked if F1's reigning world champion told the truth relating to the Jarno Trulli safety car incident of a week ago."No. I think that Lewis was not entirely truthful, but we have spoken to Davey (Ryan). He was the senior member of the team and they went into the situation together."I had to take an incredibly difficult decision. I have personally known Davey for 20 years," Whitmarsh added.He explained that Ryan, who has been sent home despite his 35 years of service to the Woking based squad, decided to lie "in the heat of the moment" and possibly due to his "high" level of sensitivity after being involved in last year's controversial Spa-Francorchamps penalty."Lewis was led by that," Whitmarsh said, referring to Hamilton's decision to also lie. "The team and myself are not only deeply embarrassed but deeply regretful."Whitmarsh said a decision about Ryan's future, and indeed his own, will be taken after this weekend."I don't rule anything in or out," he insisted.
