Hamilton absence could delay Sutil trial outcome
Global Motorsport Media (GMM) press release
Jan.26 (GMM) A Munich criminal court has excused Lewis Hamilton after he declined to appear as a witness next week in the assault trial of his friend Adrian Sutil.
It emerged this week that, despite being asked to attend on the opening day on Monday, the McLaren driver's lawyer told the judge he will be engaged in Britain as the Woking based team prepares to launch its 2012 car.
"Through his lawyer, Mr Hamilton has given a sufficient reason to the judge," a court spokeswoman is quoted by the Kolner Express newspaper.
"The judge has excused him for Monday."
Also through a spokeswoman, McLaren said the 27-year-old is due at the team's headquarters on Monday and Tuesday - the days of the Sutil trial - for photos and filming ahead of the MP4-27 reveal the following day.
"On Monday, the other four witnesses will be heard," the court spokeswoman revealed.
It is believed former Virgin driver Jerome d'Ambrosio is one of these witnesses.
"After the two days of the hearing the judge will consider whether and when Mr Hamilton must appear at a second appointment. The process can be interrupted for ten days," she said.
Ten days after 31 January, McLaren will be in the midst of its crucial winter test programme for its 2012 car.
The court spokeswoman said it will not be acceptable for Hamilton to submit a written statement.
Share Or Save This Story
"It's a business" – Lando Norris explains why drivers don't have more say in F1's rules
Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto share “wholesome” moment after Miami GP contact: “Good sportsmanship”
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
Toto Wolff keeps Mercedes grounded ahead of crucial Canadian GP upgrades
Will Mercedes or McLaren land the next blow at F1's Canadian GP?
'Antonelli and Sinner, Sinner and Antonelli' - Italy should handle its latest sporting hero with care
The first-time winners of NASCAR's grueling Coke 600 and who might be next
Why the BMW M3 Touring was even faster than its sister M4 GT3
Why quirky Montreal will remain F1's true North American gem
Question of the week: Is more overtaking in F1 always better?
Why quirky Montreal will remain F1's true North American gem
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 1960s
The F1 power unit formula solution that could suit all parties
How F1's ADUO system works
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments