Lauda describes McLaren appeal plan as abstruse

Lauda, speaking to Germany's Frankfurter Rundschau daily in a report made available ahead of Thursday's publication, called the McLaren appeal "abstruse" and warned that the team could been seen as sour losers.

 "This is a catastrophe at the end of a chaotic year," Lauda said.

 Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen upset Hamilton and McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso last Sunday when he claimed the world title with a victory in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

 But race stewards then investigated fuel temperature irregularities of the Williams and BMW teams. There was no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing and both teams were not punished.

 Had the drivers been disqualified, Hamilton would have won the title because he would have moved from seventh to fourth place in the race result.

 McLaren said they will appeal the stewards' verdict.