Formula One: Lewis Hamilton & Alonso play blame game following the penalty consequences at GP Valencia
Lewis Hamilton responded back at Alonso’s taunts: The rivalry between McLaren’s driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s star Fernando Alonso has picked up heat. Alonso accused Hamilton of influencing the race, as he surpassed the safety car during their European Grand Prix race at Valencia. According to Alonso, passing the safety car was against the rules and Hamilton crossed the rules and came second in the race, whereas he respected the rules and resulted at 9th in the race.
Hamilton later on responded to Alonso taunts and said that Alonso is mad because he was not able to secure position in the race. Hamilton said that Alonso reacted as if it was some sort of sour grapes for him. He also said that Alonso was not in his usual state in the race as he was crossed by Sauber which was an unusual act in the race.
Hamilton was given a penalty for crossing the safety car along with 10 other drivers. The penalty was a five seconds break. Still the number one in the standing came second in the race behind Sebastian Vettel. Alonso was behind on the track when the safety car entered in the race after Mark Webber met a serious accident. Hamilton crossed the safety car along with Red Bull’s driver Vettel, whereas Alonso was packed in between the cars and was not able to join the two drivers. Later when Hamilton was asked if he knew about crossing the safety car, the McLaren’s star driver said that he was not sure until he received a penalty at Lap 20. Hamilton said that even if he crossed the safety car it should not have affected Alonso chances in the race, as he was given a penalty for his deed.
Fernando Alonso, finished ninth in the race but was later moved to the 8th position, after the steward investigated and handed over the penalty to the drivers. The Spaniard was still not happy from the penalty and said that the steward wasted time in investigating and handed over the penalties 15 laps later at the 20th lap, when the race was nearly finished. Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s team boss and President Luca Di Montezemolo, later showed their frustration on Hamilton’s act and on steward’s decision in Sunday’s race at Valencia. Luca Di Montezemolo further commented that the Ferrari International Assistance (FIA) should look closely into the matter and should take additional action on it. Hamilton in response to Montezemolo said that the FIA is not the one to blame, as they are doing their best efforts in the race. Martin Whitmarsh McLarens team Principal also added that the incident which resulted in emergence of a safety car was very hard to evade.
Ferrari’s team comments were backed by other Formula 1 teams. Red Bulls squad Principal Christian Horner said that the rules of the safety car were not only applicable on Ferrari but were also same for McLaren’s driver. He further added that Hamilton should have respected the rules and his actions were act of naughtiness for which he received a penalty. Horner advised the FIA to better look in the safety car rules in the future and said that Hamilton didn’t manipulate the race. It is not likely that Alonso would be somehow punished for his comments against the FIA. The reason is that Alonso called upon the honour of race director Charlie Whiting and his stewards related to the safety car investigation.
Hamilton and Alonso had been rivals since 2007 season, when both the pair used to be team-mates at McLaren. Both the drivers have been in tight situation in the race and have never disappointed their team members before. Hamilton is leading the drivers standing with 127 points followed closely by team member Jenson Buttons with 121 points. Fernando Alonso shifted to number 5th spot after the race with 98 points. Alonso would be looking to take his revenge on Hamilton in their next Grand Prix race that will take place at Silverstone on 11th July.
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