Formula One: Martin Whitmarsh shields Lewis Hamilton’s error
McLaren’s team boss, Martin Whitmarsh defended Lewis Hamilton after his aggressive move on Felipe Massa costing him the race at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton had a great start as he progressed from fifth on the grid to the fourth and was challenging both of the Ferrari’s during the first lap. Lewis tried to make a move on both of the drivers near the second chicane of the track but ended locking up slightly after under braking. The former world champion hence was not able to control his car, as it was heavily fuelled with low down force and struck the rear tyre of Felipe Massa’s car causing the British to retire after a steering failure.
“Viewed in slow-motion and from the armchair, yes [he was overaggressive]. But viewed from the driving seat, Lewis Hamilton would not be the great racing driver that he is if he didn't go for it - and that's what he did,” ITV reported Whitmarsh as saying.
The team boss was quite sure that Lewis regrets his move on Felipe and so does the team. However, he believes that it is not as easy as it seems and this is what Lewis Hamilton is known for.
“He could have had a go later in the race - he had a fast racing car. But that is Lewis Hamilton, I don't want to change Lewis Hamilton, I think he's a pretty good product, a great human being and a great racing driver,” he added.
He stated that Hamilton’s move could have gone either way but unfortunately, it went against McLaren costing him the drivers’ championship lead. The British could have gotten away with it as it was just a light tap making it unfortunate for the team and Lewis. It was just a matter of millimetres and centimetres of track position. The cars travel at very high speeds causing high adrenaline making every small detail difficult for the drivers. This is how Formula 1 is and will always remain.
Lewis Hamilton was one of the most promising new comers in the Formula 1, as he took the podium in his first nine races consecutively. The British joined his home team McLaren to replace Kimi Raikkonen alongside Fernando Alonso. Lewis scored his first win at the Canadian Grand Prix and maintained his performance by scoring another a week late in the US Grand Prix. It seemed at a point that the 25 year old would do the impossible that is, win the championship in his debut season. However, second half of the season was not easy for him as both of the McLaren drivers struggled to perform after a series of accidents and clashes between the two teammates. Lewis was not able to win the title though as he retired at the final grand prix enabling Kimi Raikkonen to snatch the title away from the McLaren drivers.
Fernando Alonso had to leave the team and returned to Renault. He was replaced by Heikki Kovalainen and helped the 25-year-old win his first title after another final race decider in 2008. McLaren was not able to perform at its best the following year, as Brawn GP dominated the whole season. However, Hamilton is back on track with McLaren this team as he is one of the front running competitors for the drivers’ title. Lewis is currently in 2nd place 5 points behind the leader Mark Webber with 181 points. Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel follow him with 166,165 and 163 points respectively. With five races remaining, Lewis hopes to secure the title this year and believes that he has the better car but it will still be a challenge.
Martin Whitmarsh expects Lewis Hamilton to make a comeback at the Singapore Grand Prix and score some good points for the championship.
“The important thing is that tomorrow morning Lewis jumps out of bed, gets into training, and focuses on Singapore because he wants to do the job there - and he will, because I know Lewis,” he added.
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