LEWIS HAMILTON blaming his team manager for being booted out of the Aussie GP follows another shambolic week for Formula One.

In Melbourne confused fans saw Toyota's Jarno Trulli sensationally stripped of his third place podium spot - then reinstated - after furious officials believed McLaren and Hamilton had LIED about an overtaking manoeuvre in last week's race.

The 24-year-old Brit has now claimed he was instructed to hold back crucial information to race officials by McLaren's long-serving sporting director Dave Ryan - which has resulted in the Woking employee being kicked out of the Malaysian paddock and suspended until further notice.

Despite Hamilton maintaining he has not lied FIA chiefs have insisted their decision to disqualify Hamilton is because the driver and team deliberately misled race stewards over an incident during a safety car period in Melbourne.

When he broke his silence on the affair Hamilton said: "Straight after (the race) we were requested by the stewards, and while waiting for the stewards I was instructed and misled by my team manager to withhold information, and that is what I did.

"I sincerely apologise to the stewards for wasting their time and for making them look silly. I am very, very sorry for the situation.

"I went into the meeting. I just wanted to tell the story and say what happened. I was misled and that is the way it went."

The grovelling driver added: "I would like to say a big sorry to all my fans who have believed in me, who have supported me for years, who I showed who I am for the past three years, and it is who I am. I am not a liar. I am not a dishonest person. I am a team player.

"Every time I have been informed to do something I have done it. This time I realise it was a huge mistake and I am learning from it. It has taken a huge toll on me.

"I am here to apologise to everyone and I assure you it won't happen again.

Misled

"This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, to put their hand up and to step back and to realise that they're in the wrong, but the fact is I was in the wrong and I felt that I owed it to my fans and I owed it to my people to let them know.

"I was misled - it's easy to be misled sometimes - but that was the situation and that's why I'm here.

"I didn't have time to think about what I was going to do. I went in and I did it and felt awkward and very uncomfortable and I think that the stewards could see that.

"I've never felt so bad. Try to put yourself in my position. As I've said, I'm not a liar and I've not gone through life being a liar or dishonest. So for people to say that and for the world to think that way, what can I say?"

The FIA have also hinted that further action may still be taken against the current world champ - which could include suspension or disqualification from the championship.

Hamilton is also feeling the backlash from his McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh after admitting his star employee could have been telling fibs: "I think that Lewis was not entirely truthful."

Former team owner and BBC F1 commentator Eddie Jordan said the incident was hugely damaging: "This is a very bad and dark day for Lewis Hamilton and McLaren if it can be proved they were unsporting in this matter.

"Last season Hamilton lost a lot of support from his competitors and this was a surprise to most. This on top of that will be a big blow to him. It is hugely damaging from a sporting point of view"

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PLATO'S BACK

JASON PLATO made a welcome return to the BTCC season opener at Brands Hatch after signing a last-minute race-by-race deal.

The 41-year-old, who was left without a drive when SEAT quit the series last year, secured his surprise entry with the RML squad who have agreed to race the veteran on a unique round-by-round contract.

Plato said: "This was too good an opportunity to miss. The BTCC has played such an important role in my life, so being at Brands Hatch is hugely important to me personally.

"At the moment, we don't know how long we'll be around. We're trying tremendously hard behind the scenes to put together a full programme for 2009.

"Right now, I'm just very excited to be teaming back up with some good friends and respected colleagues at RML.

"We are so going into this as the underdogs, without a shadow of a doubt. But I've got great confidence in RML's ability to engineer a racing car and I've got to draw upon all my experience because I'm probably going to be a bit rusty.

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DAN DARES TO DREAM

JUST eight months after passing his test speedy teenager Dan Brown will be competing in the UK's Avon Tyres GT championship.

While most young boys are considering career options and saving pennies for their first motor 17-year-old Brown will spend his Easter weekend racing a powerful 560bhp Mosler Sportscar.

Multi-skilled Brown, who is also swotting for his A-levels, will partner 24-year-old Stuart Hall when the championship kicks off at Oulton Park next weekend.

"I am really exited to start the championship and can't wait to jump in the car. It looks set to be a great season," Brown said.

"I am sure it is going to be tough, but Stuart and I are focused on taking the title for Rollcentre Racing and Momo and I think we will be in with a good chance."

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