Hamilton started the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from 18th place on the grid. Hamilton finished the race in third place after Jarno Trulli was penalized. Trulli had passed Hamilton while behind the safety-car. There was a post-race stewards' hearing. Hamilton and McLaren told the stewards they did not let Trulli pass. The McLaren radio communication proved that was a lie. Hamilton was disqualified from the race for providing "misleading evidence" during the stewards' hearing. He later apologized in private to FIA race director Charlie Whiting for lying.