Zoom Stewart is a long-time critic of the FIA

The seemingly out-of-control 'lie-gate' scandal is the result of unprofessional stewarding in Formula One, according to regular FIA critic Sir Jackie Stewart.

The Scot, seemingly perpetually locked in a war of words with FIA President Max Mosley, said the entire affair could have been avoided if the governing body's officials on duty in Melbourne were better organised.

Stewart, a triple world champion and ex-team owner, said McLaren rightly radioed race control during the Melbourne race for quick clarification about whether Lewis Hamilton should or should not give the place back to Jarno Trulli.

"But he (Charlie Whiting) was apparently unavailable, trying to sort out the Sebastien Vettel problem," the 69-year-old, referring to the German's crash with Robert Kubica, told the Scottish newspaper the Herald.

"It seems strange that only one person has the authority to deal with these inquiries which could be result-changing in a multi-million pound sport,” Stewart continued.

"As it is, we now have a potentially serious state of affairs for McLaren."

He believes McLaren will be harshly penalised, now that the affair has spiralled into formal admissions and sackings by team figures, and incontestable fraud to be assessed by the World Motor Sport Council later this month.

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM