However, as it was issued retrospectively McLaren barrister Mark Philips QC had argued that no actual drive-through took place, so the appeal should be considered.

BBC: McLaren lose appeal over Hamilton

Massa was happy to finish sixth, ahead of Vettel and Button but behind Red Bull's Mark Webber, fourth-placed Sergio Perez of McLaren and third-placed Romain Grosjean of Lotus.

CNN: Rain ruins F1 qualifying in Melbourne

Red Bull's Mark Webber was asked after the sessions if he thought McLaren were as competitive as their practice performances suggested.

BBC: Hamilton top as McLaren set pace