Hamilton Returns to Lie-Gate Site in Australia

Lewis Hamilton insisted that his returning to “the scene of the crime” in Australia will hardly be an emotional one. Looking back at the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, when the lie-gate in which he was involved with Toyota's Jarno Trulli brought him some serious image damages, Hamilton insisted he has nothing but positive thoughts of the Melbourne race.

“I've always had great experiences here and I don't look at last year's experience as a bad one. I look at it as a stepping stone in my life and something I learned a whole lot from,” said Hamilton, who last year overtook Trulli under yellow flag in the final laps of the race.

While instructed from the pits to let Trulli pass him under safety car rules, Hamilton did not do that and lied to the Aussie stewards about the incident. Long story short, McLaren and Hamilton were brought to trial by the FIA – with the British team admitting to their wrongdoings – and handed them a 3-year suspended ban. As a result, McLaren's sporting director Dave Ryan was fired by the Woking based team.

At the time, it was believed the lie-gate was Max Mosley's way of getting back to Ron Dennis and McLaren Mercedes. As a matter of fact, before the FIA verdict came out, Dennis announced his departure from any position previously held within the Woking's F1 organization.

When talking about what happened last year, Hamilton believes it would be far more important to recall his racing performance rather than the scandal that affected his image.

“Last year, don't forget I had a great race. I came from dead last on the grid up into fourth place. So it was still a good experience,” said Hamilton.