Hamilton: Appeal is 'cruel'

Lewis Hamilton has joined McLaren-Mercedes team-mate and rival Fernando Alonso in saying that his winning the world championship on appeal would not be good for Formula One.

McLaren have announced their intention to appeal the decision taken by race stewards following Sunday's climactic Brazilian Grand Prix not to disqualify drivers from the BMW Sauber and Williams teams for fuel irregularites.

Williams driver Nico Rosberg finished fourth ahead of BMW Sauber team-mates Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld - with Hamilton coming home seventh after earlier suffering gearbox problems.

Their disqualification could yet promote Hamilton to fourth place, giving him enough points to overhaul Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen - who was crowned world champion after winning the race - in the drivers' standings.

Alonso has already said that he would feel "embarrassed" for Formula One should the title battle be settled in the FIA's Court of Appeal.

Unease

And Hamilton has admitted that he shares the Spaniard's unease with regard to the situation, saying that it would be "a bit cruel" to deny Raikkonen the championship in such a manner.

"For me I want to do it on the track and in style by winning the race, or after battling it out for the lead - fair and square," Hamilton said.

"So being promoted after some people have been thrown out is not the way I want to do it. If I became world champion that way, it would feel weird.

"After Kimi did such a fantastic job, winning the last two races, to have it taken away from you, it's a bit cruel and probably not good for the sport."

Hamilton also insisted that time was on his side, adding: "What happened is tough on everyone, but there's always another year.

"I'm only 22, and there are going to be plenty more opportunities for me to be the world champion, and I have no doubt that we can do that in the future."

Doubt

Race stewards decided there was "sufficient doubt" in measuring the fuel temperature - which was purported to be cooler than the rules allow when added to each of the three cars.

However, McLaren say they have evidence that proves the stewards missed crucial information that could yet change the outcome.

The team have until Sunday to announce whether they will make good their intention to appeal; if so, the Court of Appeal will likely sit next month.