Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali has dismissed as “ridiculous” rumors that the team have long benefited from favorable decision-making by Formula One’s governing body.
The Italian brushed aside the suggestions when questioned by reporters on the sidelines of the Singapore Grand Prix.
“I think it is ridiculous to say that, it is not true,” he was quoted as saying by the Straits Times.
“There are the same conditions and same treatment for everyone. We have always said that we respect the authority, the FIA, even if we don’t agree with their decisions, that’s life,” he said.
McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton’s failed appeal this week against his demotion to third place at the Belgium Grand Prix that handed Ferrari’s Felipe Massa victory had the conspiracy theorists at work again.
The decision slashed the Briton’s lead in the world championship over Massa to one point with four races left.
Domenicali said the appeal verdict would not affect Ferrari’s preparations for tomorrow’s race, the first ever at night.
“It doesn’t change the Singapore race at all because we still need to win or be very competitive,” Domenicali said.
“With regards to the decision, Ferrari never give any opinion. That’s our way of thinking and our way of doing things.”
Massa told autosport.com he felt the decision was fair.
“I think it was, in a way, looking at the rules, that the appeal was going to be very difficult for them. But you never know until we have the results. I think the result was pretty fair,” he said. “But I am not thinking about that, I am thinking about this race. It is much more important than the media political pushing, so we need to think about the race which is our main job.”
Hamilton was deducted 25 seconds for cutting a chicane.
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