Hamilton set to escape punishment in Liargate scandal

London, Apr 26 (ANI): Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is set to get off scot free this week over his role in Liargate scandal.

Britain's world champion is likely to escape a personal punishment, even though Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists Hamilton's McLaren team should have the book thrown at them.

McLaren have to answer five charges that they lied to race stewards at the Australian Grand Prix when they face the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday.

But team chief Martin Whitmarsh has thrown himself at the mercy of chiefs by making an unreserved apology after Hamilton was told to tell fibs to try to get an extra point.

Whitmarsh has also been in talks with FIA representative Alan Donnelly in Bahrain, News of the World reported.

They claim the actions taken since the lie was exposed - including the sacking of sporting director Dave Ryan and Ron Dennis' resignation - should soften any punishment.

McLaren, who were fined 50 million pounds and kicked out of the constructors' championship 18 months ago for spying on Ferrari, hope they escape with another fine.

The WMSC could also dock points or ban them for two races. But a highly-placed pit-lane source said: "It is all up to McLaren now.

If they go into the meeting contrite and hold their hands up then they could get off." (ANI)