Hamilton, McLaren upset at race-wrecking penalty

MAGNY-COURS, France: Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren-Mercedes team reacted angrily Sunday to a controversial race-wrecking penalty imposed on the British driver during the French Grand Prix here.

The 23-year-old tyro had fought his way from 13th to tenth on the opening lap of the 70-lap race, but was later handed a "drive-through" penalty for his determined efforts.

He had already been penalized 10 places on the grid for failing to stop at a pit-lane red light in the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks earlier - so the drive-through made sure he had no chance of fighting for victory or even a podium finish.