Do you think McLaren radioed Hamilton to let Vettel pass?

Question

I'm wondering where are the radio guys in this type of situation...

Answer 1

I don't think they did or he would have let him back passed. this is one of those incidents which people will never agree on. had he let vettel pass later on then it would not have counted and he still would have been penalised. he was a bit too much of an eager beaver I think

Answer 2

Yes and they are in the pit stop area watching him on a T.V.

Answer 3

Hamilton only has his arrogant self to blame. He knows the rules.

Answer 4

He should not have had to wait for the radio guys, he should have known better and given the place back to Vettel. It was a Toro Rosso anyway, he would have taken in back in the next corner.

If the drivers do this and they give back the place immediately, it usually is still investigated but does not result in a penalty.  I'm sure the stewards have some sort of sytem similar to the blue flags where the cars must overtake within three corners or something.

Answer 5

He should've known and so should the team. Overtaking a driver then cutting a chicane always makes the move null and void. The position should've been returned to Vettel ASAP, or else race control would still have to step in and impose a penalty.

I remember something similar happened to Alonso and Klien a few years ago in Japan. There was an uncertainty if Alonso should've returned the position to Klien. He did but was then told  it was Ok, so he overtook Klien again. Then later he was told to let Klien pass. It was confusing and left Alonso fuming

Answer 6

1. McLaren probably thought he hadn't done anything wrong, Hamilton probably thought the same. He WAS at fault, and he deserved to be punished, but it was one of those instances which wasn't as straightforward as it looked when you only watched it once.

2. He had to let Vettel back at the earliest safe opportunity...the next lap would be too late.

Answer 7

I won't say no or yes coz I may have to eat my words after the interviews.

I believe they felt it was not a clear decision and they could get away with it.

For Hamilton to have any chance of getting somewhere he had to move up the order fast and so they probably felt it's a risk they had to take.

Perhaps even thought they would be informed by the stewards and radio Hamilton to slow down and let Vettel past rather than receive a penalty.

EDIT: I believe it would be, he would have to let both Kovalainen and Vettel past and loose lots of time, he would not get a penalty after that.