Hamilton hits out at McLaren
Discussion
Former F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton lost his cool with his McLaren-Mercedes team after a misguided tyre strategy ruined what he described as 'one of the drives of my life' in the Australian Grand Prix around Melbourne's Albert Park today
http://www.crash.net/f1/news/158168/1/hamilton_hit...
http://www.crash.net/f1/news/158168/1/hamilton_hit...
He did seem very critical both during the race (pit radio) and in an interview afterwards. I know he was upset but surely these things are best done behind closed doors. It reflects badly on the man more than the team, and besides isn't he part of the team that made the bad call.
Not the greatest of moves by Lewis in my book.
Not the greatest of moves by Lewis in my book.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82515
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 29th March 09:16
Wanta996Gotta said:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82515
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
If your tyres were fine, Lewis, why didn't you over rule the team and stay out on them?Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 29th March 09:16
Teppic said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82515
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
If your tyres were fine, Lewis, why didn't you over rule the team and stay out on them?Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 29th March 09:16
A final bit of petulant immaturity from a man who had a problem all weekend.
Soovy said:
I'm afraid he's starting to come across as a bit of a prick these days.
Button has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
I would be more shocked if he didnt have a go at his team as it was a strange call. He was comfortably 3rd on a podium but the team bring him as they think that Ferrari and Renault are going to bring there drivers in but they dont as there tyres are fine as were Lewis's???. This means he has to make up 30 seconds then overtake the two drivers he was ahead of in the first place?? And on top of all this getting taken out by Mark Webber If any of you honestly think that you would feel ok after this then you must be one cool customer. I know with the way you get wound up over trivial Porsche warranty questions Soov that you would not be too pleased yourself so get off your high horse Button has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
P.S. Would have loved to have heard Chumpmacher, sorry Schumacher and Brawns discussions over the radio as he spent half the race trying to get passed Alguiserri and getting done by a Campos. Nothing wrong with his car apparrantly as he set 4th fastest lap with Rosberg posting 2nd fastest lap.
Soovy said:
I'm afraid he's starting to come across as a bit of a prick these days.
Button has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
I normally give drivers the benefit of the doubt. I don't mind Lewis, there's a lot of haters out there for some reason, but I'm not really bothered about him or whether he wins or losesButton has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
But I was shocked by his attitude after the race. It was like a different driver.
He's normally so Early 2000's-Schumacher-eque in that his line is always about the team and "we win together, we lose together"
Even last year when he had a s
t car, he never lose his rag with the team at the circuit.But yesterday he was so petulant and stroppy. It was like watching Kevin the teenager.
The team needs to be pushed and mistakes accounted for but, scarily, he reminded me of Alonso in 2007 when he felt that he was being secretly stitched up.....
Wanta996Gotta said:
Soovy said:
I'm afraid he's starting to come across as a bit of a prick these days.
Button has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
I would be more shocked if he didnt have a go at his team as it was a strange call. He was comfortably 3rd on a podium but the team bring him as they think that Ferrari and Renault are going to bring there drivers in but they dont as there tyres are fine as were Lewis's???. This means he has to make up 30 seconds then overtake the two drivers he was ahead of in the first place?? And on top of all this getting taken out by Mark Webber If any of you honestly think that you would feel ok after this then you must be one cool customer. I know with the way you get wound up over trivial Porsche warranty questions Soov that you would not be too pleased yourself so get off your high horse Button has pushed his nose out of joint by winning and he doesn't like it.
He needs to start behaving like a Champion rather than a whining brat.
P.S. Would have loved to have heard Chumpmacher, sorry Schumacher and Brawns discussions over the radio as he spent half the race trying to get passed Alguiserri and getting done by a Campos. Nothing wrong with his car apparrantly as he set 4th fastest lap with Rosberg posting 2nd fastest lap.
Not on the radio during the race (at the same time informing your opponents that your tyres are "shot") and not to the press after the race.
Teppic said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82515
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
If your tyres were fine, Lewis, why didn't you over rule the team and stay out on them?Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 29th March 09:16
Button could pit himself because he knew that his inters were not working and that the dry line was appearing fast. Hamilton wouldn't reject a call to come in. For all he knew his team could see Ferrari getting ready for a pit stop.
Lewis was out of line and its very similar to Rubens last year at a few races, but with lewis been young its analysed so much more. He shouldn't of said it but he wasnt going to be in a good mood and probably mis placed his anger slightly and should be more miffed off with webber. but he is young and he will learn Jenson won due to maturity and experience (+a little luck) which lewis is learning very quickly.
Munter said:
Teppic said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82515
Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
If your tyres were fine, Lewis, why didn't you over rule the team and stay out on them?Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren threw away a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix by making him come in for his second set of tyres.
The former world champion was left deeply disappointed about the strategy decision to make him have a second pitstop for dry tyres - while cars that eventually finished ahead of him stayed on their original sets.
Hamilton has revealed that the decision to stop again was not his, and not even suggested by him, as he felt his rubber was in good shape while he set about challenging Robert Kubica for second place.
My tyres were fine," he said. "I started off on a good set, got a good start, was up to a pretty good position, up to third, happy with everything and I was pulled in - I don't know why I was pulled in.
"That is what lost us at least a one-two today. I think the tyres would have been pretty good. I may have struggled towards the end, but that is how the other guys did - and it was almost impossible to overtake a Ferrari anyway."
Hamilton is keen to not dwell too much on the events in Australia, however - with the next race in Malaysia taking place this week.
"We go forward to KL and hopefully we will get a good one," he said. "We look forward to the next race and hopefully we will have a better one - although I know our qualifying pace is not as fast as the others."
Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Monday 29th March 09:16
Button could pit himself because he knew that his inters were not working and that the dry line was appearing fast. Hamilton wouldn't reject a call to come in. For all he knew his team could see Ferrari getting ready for a pit stop.
patmahe said:
He did seem very critical both during the race (pit radio) and in an interview afterwards. I know he was upset but surely these things are best done behind closed doors. It reflects badly on the man more than the team, and besides isn't he part of the team that made the bad call.
Not the greatest of moves by Lewis in my book.
Are we really suggesting this sort of thing should go on behind closed doors? All the evidence seems to be that it was a bad call. The team alreadyknow this. He hasn't 'hit-out' he's pointed out. And good for him.Not the greatest of moves by Lewis in my book.
I don't want to see automatoms. He must have been tremendously frustrated during the race. There's someting odd about what radio transmissions are put out over the air. We have no idea what was said before the call. Did he argue? Was he ordered? Did they say that the tyres would definiately not last?
My suspicion is that he was called in because McLaren thought the two Ferraris would come in for tyres. They were wrong. It cost LH places and probably a podium. And it would have put cars between him and Webber - now that's always good strategy.
And are we really suggesting he should say something like: It was a good race for McLaren. I'd like to thank my sponsors.
Now, call me Mr Selective Memory here, but didnt Lewis lose a World Championship because they risked the tyres?
As it happens, Im not entirely sure Lewis *would* have found a way round RK. Massa couldnt, Alonso couldnt find a way past Massa and Lewis couldnt find a way past Alonso even with a semi-suicide move. Now the Fezzas, esp in Alonsos' hands) were arguably the quickest things out there, aside of Lewis and Webber flinging in red-mist laps, so I have half a mind that he may have just fnished 3rd.
When you started 11th, that isnt a band return. Even on his 2 stop, he should probably have finished 5th which again still isnt a bad return from a lousy qualy. As it is Webber put him down to just 6th.
Lewis can take either positives or negatives away from this race and I fear he is only taking the negatives. He started 11th, finished 6th, picked up places and pts, no Vet points, Button and RK took the pts away from Alonso and Massa. Instead he can only see him losing the points from 2nd down to 6th.
I am reminded of Alonso's first championship year, where I think he battled through to a 3rd place in the first race of the season after a lousy weekend. He had obviously expected to do better, but circumstances meant he could just do 3rd and in the post-race interview he simply said "this was about damaage limitation, so Im happy." Lewis needs to tap into that attitude, Sunday was a damage limitation race, he should be relatively happy.
Hamilton is an honest-to-Gods born racer though, but a boy who knows nothing of life outside his previously centred bubble. On a track he has the nails, but he lacks that in life so far.
Needs a mentor? Manager? Confidant? He could do a whole lot worse than pick up the phone to the Rat.
As it happens, Im not entirely sure Lewis *would* have found a way round RK. Massa couldnt, Alonso couldnt find a way past Massa and Lewis couldnt find a way past Alonso even with a semi-suicide move. Now the Fezzas, esp in Alonsos' hands) were arguably the quickest things out there, aside of Lewis and Webber flinging in red-mist laps, so I have half a mind that he may have just fnished 3rd.
When you started 11th, that isnt a band return. Even on his 2 stop, he should probably have finished 5th which again still isnt a bad return from a lousy qualy. As it is Webber put him down to just 6th.
Lewis can take either positives or negatives away from this race and I fear he is only taking the negatives. He started 11th, finished 6th, picked up places and pts, no Vet points, Button and RK took the pts away from Alonso and Massa. Instead he can only see him losing the points from 2nd down to 6th.
I am reminded of Alonso's first championship year, where I think he battled through to a 3rd place in the first race of the season after a lousy weekend. He had obviously expected to do better, but circumstances meant he could just do 3rd and in the post-race interview he simply said "this was about damaage limitation, so Im happy." Lewis needs to tap into that attitude, Sunday was a damage limitation race, he should be relatively happy.
Hamilton is an honest-to-Gods born racer though, but a boy who knows nothing of life outside his previously centred bubble. On a track he has the nails, but he lacks that in life so far.
Needs a mentor? Manager? Confidant? He could do a whole lot worse than pick up the phone to the Rat.
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