Was order to unlap legally within the regulations?

[squibby]

No, they drop the appeal because the FIA appealed to them to drop the appeal because they think it would be very damaging in a manner that would take years to recover from.

The problem is the damage is done. And Mercedes has not come out of this unscathed either. Because what we the fans see is the team did not stand by their champion. In my eyes, they are shameless cowards.

There is nothing to sit down to analyse. One individual failed at his duty and brought the formula and the FIA into disrepute. Mercedes has come out of this as losers. And that is an impression that is very hard to undo. Three pointed losers!

They have their 8th constructor's title, why should they care about Hamilton's.

Is that a bit Harsh? I can imagine a court will prove that they 'were robbed', but I believe the method of compensation for this is ambiguous. Taking the title off Max for mistakes by the FIA is not a just resolution imo. Exonerating Mercedes opinion of how the race ended, and compensating Mercedes from the FIA's pocket - now that's a just solution in my opinion. The way I see it, the process of exonerating them has already commenced by announcing the 'probe' investigation. I would say there is no doubt that some kind of concession or otherwise has or will be negotiated behind closed doors for compensation. That's how it works in F1 now. Like when Ferrari were allegedly caught cheating with their power units a couple seasons ago.

But anyway, each to their own opinion!

I don't think there is any prize money in the drivers championship? the prize money is in the constructors title? not sure if winning a race gets a bonus or anything. Haven't read that anywhere. So anyway, If Hamilton prefers not to pursue it in court, than Mercedes could just leave it if no prize money at stake - they have the constructors championship.