Lewis Hamilton has admitted he wants to win the Formula One world title on the track - not in the courts.
McLaren have served notice to the FIA of their intention to appeal the result of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.
Stewards initially discovered Williams driver Nico Rosberg and the BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were in breach of a technical regulation relating to fuel temperature irregularities.
However, following a three hour investigation, they were cleared as the stewards declared there was 'sufficient doubt', otherwise they could have been disqualified.
That could have resulted in Hamilton being promoted to fourth, and so winning the world title after agonisingly losing out to Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen by a point.
Despite team-mate Fernando Alonso's claim that Hamilton 'would be delighted' to win the title in such a fashion, the 22-year-old is adamant he would be far from happy.
'I don't believe it will happen,' said Hamilton. 'For me I want to do it on the track, and in style, by winning the race, or after battling it out for the lead.
'So being promoted after some people have been thrown out is not the way I want to do it. If I became world champion that way, it would feel weird.
'After Kimi did such a fantastic job, winning the last two races, to have it taken away from you, it's a bit cruel and probably not good for the sport.'
But in a season when McLaren have been hauled over the coals for so many infringements, in some people's eyes there would perhaps be a sense of retribution were they to win an appeal.
Hamilton concedes there is a point to the argument, adding: 'I don't know for what reasons they (the team) are pursuing it. I am sure they'll be good reasons.
'But as I've said, as a team we want to win it on the track, fair and square. It's just not the way to do it. The season is over and done with and we should move on.
'But if we were underweight, or our wing was incorrectly put together, then we would be thrown out. You have to stick to the rules, and if you have broken the rules then action should be taken. If they are wrong, they're wrong.'
