The FIA on Monday vowed to investigate McLaren’s alleged use of illegal team orders during the Monaco grand prix.
A statement said the governing body would look into the Mercedes-powered team’s “possible breach of the International Sporting Code”, following widespread condemnation of Ron Dennis’ admission that Lewis Hamilton was ordered to settle for second behind his teammate Fernando Alonso on Sunday.
F1’s governing body added: “The relevant evidence is under review and a further announcement will be made in due course.”
Dennis, though, was unapologetic, openly admitting that he “instructed” his drivers to hold their order after the pit stops.
But he argued: “Team strategy is what you bring to bear to win a grand prix. Team orders is what you bring to bear to manipulate a grand prix.
“And we do not and have not manipulated (the) grand prix.”