According to the aforementioned publication, both Hamilton and McLaren's sporting director Dave Ryan refused to change their stories, although the radio conversation during the race showed otherwise.
“When asked very clearly, 'Did you consciously let him past, did you pull over to let him past', he [Hamilton] said, 'No'. The question was asked more than once. He was adamant that he hadn't slowed down and hadn't let Trulli past,” said FIA's race director Charlie Whiting, talking to Autosport.
According to the radio conversation made public by the FIA during the recent Malaysian weekend, Hamilton was clearly instructed by Ryan to let Trulli pass him. Nevertheless, despite being played the aforementioned piece of evidence during the hearing, both of them kept denying it. It was only after the second hearing – and the announcement of Hamilton's penalty – that the British driver finally admitted it.
Here's a piece of the radio conversation between McLaren and Hamilton during the incident:
Lewis Hamilton: The Toyota went off in a line at the second corner, ..., is this OK?
Team: Understood, Lewis. We’ll confirm and get back to you.
LH: He was off the track. He went wide.
Team: Lewis, you need to allow the Toyota through. Allow the Toyota through now.
LH: OK.
LH: He’s slowed right down in front of me.
Team: OK, Lewis. Stay ahead for the time being. Stay ahead. We will get back to you. We are talking to Charlie.
LH: I let him past already.
Team: OK, Lewis. That’s fine. That’s fine. Hold position. Hold position.
LH: Tell Charlie I already overtook him. I just let him past.
Google News