Mike Coughlan began his new role with Williams and publicly apologised for the first time over the role he played in the 'spygate' saga.
Former McLaren designer finally says sorry
Mike Coughlan returned to Formula One on Monday, and publicly apologised for the first time over the role he played in the infamous 'spygate' saga
Coughlan began his new role as chief engineer at Williams after four years away from the sport.
It was back in 2007, while working at McLaren as their chief designer, that Coughlan was found to be in possession of a dossier of technical secrets belonging to Ferrari. It resulted in McLaren being fined a sporting record of nearly £50million by the FIA, who also suspended Coughlan from motor sport for two years.
Now Coughlan wants to put the record straight after being given a chance to return by Williams, and he's started by finally saying sorry.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone who was affected by my conduct, and in particular the people at McLaren and Ferrari and the fans of those teams," he said.
"I sincerely regret my actions and I fully accepted the penalty given to me by the FIA.
"I can only hope I can earn back everyone's respect."
Life-changing
Coughlan says that period in 2007 was a "life-changing experience", one he is convinced has made him a better person.
"It made me reflect upon myself and my actions," he added.
"Leaving a team and a sport that I love, and then seeing the consequences of my actions on the team and its fans was devastating.
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"All I can do now is work hard and try to earn my place back in Formula One. This is what I am determined to do with Williams."
