Hamilton's title appeal is destined for failure, says Hill

Damon Hill has written off Lewis Hamilton's chances of becoming Formula One world champion today as a dramatic 2007 season finally draws to a conclusion in the London offices of one of the world's largest law firms, Sidley Austin.

It is there a four-man Court of Appeal panel will assess McLaren's complaint that BMW Sauber and Williams used illegal "cool fuel" during the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix on 21 October.

If found guilty, the team's drivers could have their race results expunged, which could lead to Hamilton being handed the title won by Kimi Raikkonen.

The 1996 world champion Hill feels the result will be allowed to stand. "I think it's very, very unlikely that Lewis will be champion. We know who the 2007 world champion is. But I think it's worth a shot, having a go, at least just to establish a principle."

McLaren say they are mystified by the stewards' ruling and puzzled as to why the regulations in place were not upheld. It comes at the end of a year when McLaren were punished on several occasions for irregularities, notably in the "Spygate" saga that resulted in the team being fined £50m and stripped of all constructors' points.

Max Mosley, the president of the sport's ruling FIA, has said it is "very unlikely" Hamilton will be made champion, while Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has joked he will resign if such a scenario unfolds.