Originally posted by Gareth
I think sacking him could be a very bad move. If more than just Ryan was involved but McLaren go to the WMSC and claim only Ryan was involved, with Ryan not being at the WMSC hearing on account of no longer being a McLaren employee, the WMSC will (in the absence of other evidence) probably conclude on the basis that he was not involved. They then have the perfect opportunity, in contacting Ryan, to discover new evidence to allow them to re-open the hearing and throw the book at McLaren.
"Dear Mr Ryan
You'll note the latest decision by the WMSC regarding McLaren, which is predicated on the basis that you and you alone lied and procurred that Hamilton lie. The FIA is concerned by your conduct and is considering issuing a letter to competitors in FIA championships suggesting, as with Nigel Stepney, that they do appropriate due dilligence on you before employing you. The FIA does not wish to do this, however, without you being given an opportunity to provide your side of the story and therefore invites you to provide your version of events in writing to the FIA. The FIA is, in particular, interested in knowing whether you did act entirely alone or whether, prior to the hearing in Australia, you discussed what to say to the stewards with anyone else within the McLaren team.
Should you feel unable to respond to this letter on account of being bound by any contractual obligations of confidentiallity to the McLaren team (whether as part of your previous contract of employment, an exit agreement from McLaren or otherwise), then please let us know and we will write to McLaren and request a written undertaking from them to not enforce such obligations against you in respect of information provided by you to us. Failure to provide such an undertaking will constitute a breach by McLaren of article 151© of the International Sporting Code on the grounds that preventing the WMSC from uncovering the full truth of this matter, through the enforcement of contractual terms, is prejudicial to the interests of motorsport.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Spanish Inq .. err, sorry, the FIA."
Nice wording...
So, does anyone know, was he fired for "gross professional misconduct or similar" or has he exited under a compromise agreement?