They first had to consider whether McLaren's appeal was admissible, as Formula One rules do not allow teams to appeal against drive-through penalties.

BBC: McLaren lose appeal over Hamilton

The seven-time world champion is barred from testing the 2009 Ferrari as part of the new Formula One rules for the season, but has had a run out at their Maranello center in the 2007 car.

CNN: Motorsport: Recovering Massa to return home

Formula One teams who break the rules are subjected to severe penalties as McLaren found to their cost in 2007.

CNN: FIA probes 'incidents' at F1 race last season

Bernie Ecclestone made Formula One what it is today, and he rules the sport through a mixture of fear, respect and acute business acumen.

BBC: BERNIE ECCLESTONE

These types of tactical decisions that test the spirit of the rules, the kind that raise uproar among Formula One aficionados, are nothing new.

WSJ: Alonso Happy to Spoil the Party

Though the tactic didn't sit well with fans or Formula One purists, Allen wrote, "It was an obvious option, it was within the rules, necessary for Alonso's title chances and it worked!"

WSJ: Alonso Happy to Spoil the Party