Lewis Hamilton is unlikely to be too perturbed if five judges on Tuesday rule against McLaren after Monday's appeal in Paris.

Hamilton emerged from the five-and-a-half-hour session looking cool and relaxed despite spending an hour answering questions as he attempted to defend his move at the recent Belgian Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old refused to be treated like "an idiot" as he put it as he faced cross-examination from Ferrari's QC, Nigel Tozzi, who last year took McLaren to the cleaners in the spy saga hearings.

Instead, Hamilton last night headed out to Singapore wiser for his experience, and whilst naturally hoping the verdict goes his way, it appears the judges' decision will have no affect on his focus and goal.

"It was long and intense," remarked Hamilton on his day in court.

"I said what was on my mind because in that position you can be talked down to. But by no means am I an idiot. I had a right to my opinion.

"But I am very, very proud of my team because I am amazed at how much work and attention to detail went into it.

"There were much better things I could have done with my day, like prepare for the next grand prix in Singapore, but it was a very important issue.

"I was unfortunately penalised, so it was good to come here and put our point of view, as well as listen to other people's opinions.

"But whatever happens I am not worried either way. I just hope the judges see the truth.

"I am a racing driver, driven by excellence. It's what I do. It's what I enjoy doing.

"I am now just going to focus on my next race and hopefully winning there.

"At the moment, as I see it, I am one point ahead and that's how I will go into it."

Hamilton could have a seven-point lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa going into this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix if the decision goes his way.

The judges will initially determine whether McLaren's appeal against a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty imposed by the race stewards is admissable.

The lawyers concerned, McLaren's Mark Phillips QC, Peter Harris for FIA, and Tozzi, debated that issue for two hours.

If they rule in favour of McLaren, Hamilton's manoeuvre on lap 42 of the 44-lap race when he cut a corner and gained an advantage on Kimi Raikkonen, will then be scrutinised.

Hamilton is adamant he legitimately handed any advantage back to the Finn prior to passing him again at the subsequent La Source hairpin.

"I believe I gave the advantage back. I honestly, hand on heart feel I did so," insisted Hamilton.

Race director Charlie Whiting gave McLaren and Hamilton the all clear a third of the way through the penultimate lap after twice being asked whether the advantage handed back was adequate.

Whiting, given a grilling by Phillips, took a more considered view on reflection.

"It became clear to me after seeing the incident in a more detailed way the whole advantage had not been given back," said Whiting.

The concensus is that the judges will rule the appeal inadmissable, so negating further debate on the incident that put Hamilton in the dock in the first place.