McLaren reserve and test driver Gary Paffett wants an in form Lewis Hamilton for 2012 – Formula 1 news
McLaren reserve and test driver Gary Paffett believes that the team needs Lewis Hamilton back to his best for the 2012 season.
“Lewis wasn't himself on track or off track,” Paffett told The Sun. “He had various problems with his personal life or whatever. Hopefully he has had a chill-out over the winter. We're all hoping he has gone away and sorted himself out a bit and will come
back to his best - because at his best Lewis is as good as or better than anyone. And he can definitely fight for the championship.”
“He wants to be back winning races. We didn't see the Lewis we all love last year and we need him back. I think F1 needs that, too,” he added.
Hamilton endured one of the worst seasons of his career. The Brit had issues both on and off the track the burden of which was evident during races. The run-ins he had with Ferrari driver Felipe Massa did not help him either. He received penalties from the
stewards and had multiple crashes with Massa during the season.
The drivers’ association and former drivers alike criticised the Brit’s on-track behaviour. The 2011 season was also the first instance where his teammate had outscored him in the season. Hamilton scored 227 points, 3 Grands Prix wins and six podium finishes
in the season. He finished fifth in the drivers’ championship. Whereas his teammate Jenson Button had an impressive season scoring 270 points with 3 Grand Prix wins and 12 podium finishes. Button came in second place in the drivers’ championship.
Giving due credit to Hamilton the Brit finished the season much better than he started it. The win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix lifted immense pressure of the former champion. It is being speculated that Hamilton will come back strongly in the upcoming 2012
season.
The battle between the two teammates and fellow countrymen is also being followed closely as Button is working hard to be recognised as the number one driver for McLaren. Hamilton is a fierce competitor and is bound to make a strong comeback.
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