Ryan suspended by McLaren

McLaren have suspended Dave Ryan from his position as sporting director following yesterday’s disqualification of Lewis Hamilton by race stewards from the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh has suspended Ryan with immediate effect.

Ryan was the team member who attended a stewards’ hearing – along with Hamilton - following Sunday’s race, and was subsequently found to have lied in a bid to see the reigning world champion claim third.

Whitmarsh, who only took on his new role from Ron Dennis just over a month ago, has been forced to take action after being left shamefaced by yesterday’s drama at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Whitmarsh said: “In my 20 odd years working for McLaren, I doubt if I’ve met a more dedicated individual than Davey.

“He’s been an integral part of McLaren since 1974 and has played a crucial role in the team’s many world championship successes since that time.

“However, his role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team, for which we apologise.

“Therefore, I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this.”