Fresh start for Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is free to concentrate on retaining his world title after his McLaren team's promise of a fresh approach and new culture saw them escape from the lions' den with only a scratch.

Lewis Hamilton is free to concentrate on retaining his world title after his McLaren team's promise of a fresh approach and new culture saw them escape from the lions' den with only a scratch.

A three-race ban, suspended for a year, was the outcome of the extraordinary gathering of the FIA's World

Lewis Hamilton

Motor Sport Council and it was little wonder team principal Martin Whitmarsh hurried into the Paris showers looking like a man from death row who had been reprieved.

Max Mosley, president of ruling body the FIA, said: "They (McLaren) have demonstrated there is a complete culture change. That it's all different to what it was. In those circumstances, it looks better to put the whole thing behind us."

Denying McLaren got off lightly, Mosley added: "I don't think so - because, in the end, there were - decisions taken by people who are no longer involved.

"They did suffer because they lost all their points from Australia, so I think we're done and it's fair."

Whitmarsh has acted to build bridges with the FIA. "Martin Whitmarsh made a very good impression," said Mosley. "He is absolutely straightforward and wants to work with us."