Formula One: Lewis Hamilton lost his championship lead because of some distractions – Nigel Mansell
Former world champion, Nigel Mansell believes that Lewis Hamilton could have easily kept his lead in the drivers’ standings this year if he stayed away from certain distractions.
According to a magazine, Lewis admitted that family illness and falling out with his father and ex-manager Anthony affected his performance at the Korean Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s started in a strong position in the beginning of the season but faced a major set-back near the Italian, Singapore and Japanese Grand Prix, where some minor mistakes and bad luck cost him the title lead. However, Mansell believes that his accidents
were a sign that he has been distracted since the past couple of races.
“A few misjudgements have crept in this year and I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's better than that. So there are obviously a few things going on inside his head where he's not in sync with himself,” he told the Sun.
He thinks that whether a driver has mirrors or not, the driver is aware of where he is on the track exactly. But Mansell believes that Hamilton is mature enough as a driver and will hopefully not repeat those mistakes.
Mansell added that he still thinks that Mark Webber is this season’s title favourite, despite the fact that he lost his lead to Fernando Alonso at the Korean Grand Prix.
“I still think the title's there for Mark Webber to lose now and I don't think he will. There has been stuff going on within the team all year but he has demonstrated he is strong of character and strong of mind,” he said.
He believes that Mark is a class act as he showed that he can come back from any situation. Mark was brave enough to survive the accident at Valencia and he won’t be taking any more risks. Mansell commended him because he has been very professional by finishing
second and taking points race after race.
Mansell thinks that Alonso is also a brilliant driver as well but for him, Ferrari lost its focus after publically demonstrating that their drivers basically do not get along so well.
Jean Alesi, the Former Ferrari driver thought that Red Bull made a big mistake by not establishing a hierarchy between its drivers some time ago.
“They needed to take advantage of the fact they had the best car. It's doubtful they will have the same advantage next year, so you have to say they have mismanaged this season. I think they've missed a great opportunity,” the Frenchman told a
media agency.
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