Disaster for Lewis; big results for Kimi and Fernando

It all went badly wrong for Lewis as the championship leader finds himself marooned on worn-out "inters" with his right-rear delaminating on a gloomy wet-dry afternoon outside Shanghai.

Going into the pits, Lewis slid off into the gravel at the end of lap 31 and his race was over - his first retirement of the season. A disaster for Lewis but a boon for Fernando and Kimi, with the latter driving to his fifth race win of the season and Fernando driving consistently to finish second with Felipe third.

So the title race goes to Brazil with Lewis on 107 points, Fernando now just four points behind on 103 and looking more and more threatening and Kimi on 100 after his fifth race win of the season. All three can win, the drama is going to last right to the end where Lewis will have to take on Interlagos for the first time under big pressure.

Lewis has apparently already left the track. He was quoted on ITV as saying: "The tyres were finished and these things happen. I'm sorry for the team, but I can still do it, don't worry."

The race saw excellent performances from Jenson(5th) and Sebastian Vettel(4th). The questions for Lewis's side of the garage are, why did the team not bring him in earlier when he was so obviously struggling and/or how much responsibility must Lewis take for wearing his tyres out? Was he more the architect of this calamity than the team?

Comments

[Chris]

Hugely disappointing for Lewis, but should make for an electric race in Brazil!

[Jerry]

Bad tyre call from McLaren and Hamilton not careful enough entering the pits. Great race from Vettel and Button. Can't wait for Brazil, hopefully it's going to be a great race

[Aitor]

RD should had brought LH in earlier. I personally think that RD wanted to settle matters today and his doubts put LH off this last race.

Anyway the championship is almost in LH hands; RD only needs to keep his ambition down for change.

[Lolibus]

Alonso it is a figthing warrior. It is difficult, but he can do the "miracle". We still believe on him. Go ALONSO! make the miracle in brazil!!!. Good luck to Hamilton, a pretty good driver also.

[Txus G.R.]

Were was the wrecker today?

[Sam]

I hope Alonso need to learn from Lewis how to say thank you to his team even if he lost the competition as Lewis did after the disaster. For Alonso he believes he don't own anyone appreciation for his success. He said so even when he was in Renault and has demonstrated the same through this season.
LH dethrones an arrogant FA. The celebration prosponed till Brazil.

[JAA]

Hasn't anybody seen it?
There was a cow in the middle of the pit lane entrance....

Frustrating!!...

I can't understand what both Hamilton and the team did it....

They didn't think in the future and they were thinking in the today's celebration

[LWS]

What a mistake! They put Alonso's tyres to Lewis' car!

Lewis drove erratically on his way to boxes, didn't him?

Seriously now: Lewis (and/or the team) took an unnecessary risk. Let's see if this doesn't cost him a championship.

[Anthony]

Disaster? What disaster?

I call it poetic justice.

Not only did Hamilton kinda get the penalty he deserved after Japan, Vettel got a much deserved 4th place finish and STR's first points home, which he should have gotten back in Japan had it not been for Hamilton's safety car antics.

And this result would never have happened had the FIA not decided to reverse Vettel's original penalty in order to disguise the fact they were trying to favor Hamilton by not penalizing him.

I honestly though Hamilton was going to get away with it, but now, who knows?

It ain't over 'till it's over!

[Fernando]

We will be lucky to watch the Brazilian GP. Three drivers with options for the title.

Lewis had the title in his hands and now Fernando & Kimi are still alive. Obviously he took too many risks. It's good to be as competitive as he is, but some times is better to use the maths.

[Txus G.R.]

Sorry for you Ed,you must be sad right now and maybe it's not the right moment for jokes...But you know...We,the "fanatics",are this way.

[Rmarco]

Notice Hamilton smoothness when driving... sorry I had to say it :P.
May the best one win and please for once give Alonso the right pressure tyres in Q3 all year he seems to be getting wicked Tyres on Q3...
And yes I do believe the former Formula 1 Champion when he say it.

[Roger]

What a masterful piece of driving by Hamilton. Excellent how he kept safe his tyres. While the pack was struggling with intermediate turned to slicks he was flying on the track because of his ability to maintain his tyres fresh and safe (soft driving as Peter Windsor's says). In fact, he was the only driver that didn't suffer any tyre problem at all. Incredible.

WOW. How can we describe his mastering entering the pits? Just what no one have ever seen in Formula 1 history. You know, he was feeling that it was perfect moment for a tyre change (not earlier nor after) and he just entered the pits like a lightning. Masterful. Please, send the video to whining Alonso and slow turtle Raikkonen and make them take lessons once and again and again. Hamilton isn't going to live forever to teach them how it must be done. The best I've ever seen. From there the race was over, nothing to do for his persecutors. The end.

Regards
Roger "Perfect parking in gravel" Carballo

[Joseote]

I can't believe what happened. But at last now you should know that bad luck sometimes exist and is not an Alonso's invention.

Until now Lewis had get through despite of his (few) mistakes and accidents. Today he had made one that cost him several points just because he got trapped in the gravel. Has he not been trapped, he would have continued and probably World Champion by now. That's how I define the infamous "bad luck" that according to anti-Alonso fanatics did not exists until now.

By the way, now the championship is again open, I expect a harder than ever "lets-hang-Alonso campaing" to be restarted by the British Media, soon.

[Lewis]

mmmmmmmmm fear .......can u smell it?
don't worry........."daddy Ronny" will manage it....

let's see what will happen to Alonso next Q3 (of course after copying its set up on golden boy......

[Oliver]

Why did the team not bring him in earlier when he was so obviously struggling? Because they were waiting. They had to know if it was going to start rainig before bringing him in. But his tyres were too much degraded (as usual...) and he he could do nothing. Let's see if he can stand the pressure. I would like to see Anthony Hamilton telling his son off.

I bet these are going to be the results at Interlagos:

1.- Fernando Alonso.
2.- Kimi Raikkonen.
3.- Lewis Hamilton.

Or even:

1.- Kimi Raikkonen.
2.- Fernando Alonso.
3.- Felipe Massa.
4.- Nick Heidfeld.
5.- Robert Kubica.
6.- Lewis Hamilton.

By the way, it's been a fantastic race. One of my favourites this season.

[ferinek]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES, God exists... that's justice for you!.
Where was daddy?

[Txus G.R.]

What a performance from Kimi & Fernando.I propose one swap trade between McLaren & Ferrari for the next season:Fernando for Felipe.It's a fair trade...The theatrical,spy,lier,bad person & blackmailer one for the brazilian.What you think?

That Ferari squad would be the strongest of the grid,what a team it would be...My favourite team with my favourite drivers that,by the way,are the best & most human from all(With their own mistakes & personalities,of course).The drunk & the theatrical in the "tricky" Ferrari team.What a dream for me it would be.

[Santiago]

Andrew Longmore in Shanghai

Typhoon Krosa and Fernando Alonso willing, Lewis Hamilton will crown an extraordinary and tumultuous season this morning by becoming the youngest world champion in the history of Formula One. He would also be the first rookie to take the title, which given the calibre of past champions speaks volumes for the precocious brilliance of the 22-year-old Briton.

Hamilton took another giant step towards fulfilling a dream that has barely lasted beyond boyhood with a stunning qualifying lap to seal pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix yesterday. Like another sporting prodigy, Tiger Woods, when he is ahead on the eve of the decisive day, Hamilton has a habit of staying ahead.

HOW CAN YOU SELL THE BEARSKIN BEFORE HUNTING IT?

WHAT THAT CRAP IS COMPARING LH TO TIGER WOODS. IS IT BECOUSE OF THEY LOOK SIMILAR?. BEWARE, APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEPTIVE.

[Alfredo Nieto]

The question now is if Hamilton will be able to put up with the pressure at Interlagos - new track, his advantage severely slashed and knowing that his mistake cost him the race in China.

One thing is certain: God loves a competition!

[MUSHOJITO]

Dont worry, LH's fans. In Brazil, the only thing over pressure will be the FA tyres in Q3.

[Justice]

And now what? Taxi Hamilton?
You will have to wait to celebrate.
Cheers from Spain.

[Chris G]

Unbelievable season this one, if it was a film you'd write it off as implausible. Half gutted that Lewis didn't pull it off and half thrilled that we have a three way fight for the title in the final race of the season. Any body remember the last time it was so close with three contenders? I'm also hoping that the (INSANE) decision to keep Lewis out on those four strips of canvas put paid to some of the anti-Alonso conspiracy theories which have been circulating. The decision went in Alonso's favour for sure, error of judgement by the team pure and simple, despite being one which could cost Lewis the WDC.
I will be holidaying in Spain in two weeks time, watching the race is going to be REALLY interesting over there

Can't wait!

[Allman]

Are you saying that it was McLaren's fault? Maybe should they be punished? Don't you think that it was Alonso's fault too? Lewis never makes mistakes.

Yep, definitely it was a conspiracy between Alonso (he did something with LH tires) and McLaren (they didn't told him to do the pit-stop before)to don't let God...sorry, LH finish this race. But don't worry you Superstar, the one that the world at his feet, even if no single F1 driver is with on his side (he said that when he went to the driver's briefing all the drivers had rifles ready to shoot him), will win the Championship. B. Ecclestone has already taken the decision:

"It is painfully obvious to me that the right guy to be world champion is Lewis," Ecclestone said. "In fact my main fear would be if he didn't win it."

So, don't worry Ed.

[Antonio Xixon but in UK]

Hey!!! Lewis is not infallible after all!!!. And, yes, I say Lewis, not the team. Now all the British press will be busy trying to blame the team, not him of not bringing him in before. True, he was loosing an awful amount of time per lap, but...he manages to bring back the car and runs wide in the pit's entrance...is that the team's fault?, he was in a position to win the championship being behind Alonso, which was more than possible, so why to enter in the pit's lane so fast?

I think that it is not the team to blame, but him. He knew how the car was behaving, so he should have acted accordingly. What a silly way of putting pressure to himself, although I still think he will win the championship. Fernando has demonstrated today a better approach to events. What a pity he didn't finished in Japan...we'll be talking a different matter today, won't we?

And, by the way, just a couple of remarks. Fernando said yesterday what he feels, which is better than being around pretending that everything is all right. That will ad up to the fact that everyone in the world is realizing that this inflated pressure by the British and pro Hamilton's media has no reason to be and is fading. This could not continue for ever. Even within the F1 driver's circle he (Lewis) is creating an awful number of "not friends", so...as Alonso said, is better not to say anything...

And, yes, I haven't seen Alonso's father giving any press conference or comments...as a mater of fact, I don't know how he even looks like. That's another point.

Well, all down to Brazil. Two weeks is too much time, sob!.

[Andras]

This is why one should never speak too soon. I felt uncomfortable when Lewis said he was going to ask McLaren let him keep the trophy. I've seen to many world cup and olympic finals in handball, waterpolo etc where Hungary lost in the final seconds from an impossible-to-lose lead, and believe me, Hamilton's gonna lose this too. Although I'm sure this huge slap in the face will help him become even stronger and dominate F1 in the oncoming years. I really wanted to see sport history in the making but maybe it's better this way.

[Antonio montana]

Where is hamilton's father now?????hahahahahahahaha.
Alonso is the best
Viva alonso y viva spain

[Me]

I'm very happy... this is justice

[Txus G.R.]

The big mistake for Lewis was the fight that he try to hold with Kimi & Jarno.There was no reason to do that,even more in changing weather condition and with dose burned tyres.
Ron must had to call him by the radio and told him to think a little bit and let them go (Who cares who wins this race).Use your head Lewis...Always (Think twice before speaking to the media,etc...).But he is too young and a not very smart one...Also he is a loudmouth & a arrogant/proudy one.But he's got time by his side to perform as human been...I hope.Too much to learn from Fernando.(Too late for you Ed)
It looks like Mansell's end in the '86 season...

In any case there's still Brazil and anything could happen.I bet for Kimi,Fernando & Lewis at the end.I don't know what Bernie & FIA would think about that...Probably they wont let it happen.

[Ade]

A shame for Lewis, he was doing a good job on knackered rubber (and, on his last lap, no rubber at all)... but a big error by McLaren (they've admitted, publically on TV, that they should have brought him in "at least" one lap earlier) - me, I'd have said (& did say, although I cannot prove it) that he should have come in as soon as Kimi went past him.

Also, an error by Lewis coming into the pit lane too quickly - which he also put his hand up to on live TV - so fair play to them all. Live & learn....

Brilliant drive by Kimi though, especially on similarly tired tyres (sorry), and Alonso kept his head well for an excellent 2nd place.

[Jose_Manuel]

Well, what a exciting race we have just seen and what a thrilling one we will.

To my mind, Lewis big mistake today was not what we've all watched but his willing to win the race.
He wanted to prove the audience he is the best McLaren's pilot, and prove Fernando that his late claims were totally unfair and wrong.

A more conservative behavior would have mean already the Championship. I am sure Lewis will not commit a similar mistake in his future carrier.

Now the threat is not only Fernando but Kimi. What a terrific nightmare for Ron if Kimi wins, no constructor, no pilot championship.
Ferrari is a more cohesion team and Felipe will accept his supporting role, letting Kimi pass and stopping McLaren's cars. This is, of course, a remote possibility that requires BMW to perform his best race of the year. What a dream for Ferrari's tifossi.

The most credible ending is Lewis winning the Championship, but everything is now possible.

"The show must go on" and I won’t miss it.

Regards

[Peter Friedrich]

I honestly couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Hamilton sliding into the gravel.

In hindsight McLaren's decision not to bring Hamilton in two or three laps earlier was a bad mistake. After all, he didn't have to win, just to get a few points.

Apparently they based their decision on the fact that all the drivers around Hamilton (Alonso, Raikkonen and Massa) were also on intermediate tires and experiencing no problems.

Well, good for us. The last time three drivers were competing for the world championship until the very last race was in 1986 (Mansell, Prost and Piquet) ...

And congrats to Vettel - no mistake whatsoever this time. Great race in an inferior car.

[James Alcock]

Surely both Lewis and the team share equal responsibilty for the decision not to come in two laps earlier - someone should have made the call- he did'nt need to win!
Alonso fans must must be cracking open the Cava as we speak.
Chin up Lewis, victory after Brazil will be all the sweeter.

[IDR]

Big mistake of McLaren.

I find acceptable that a young Rookie try to win the race to take the WDC without any doubt after a flying lap having the pole.

But someone in McLaren should do some maths and tell LH that was not necessary to win the race.

Anyhow, 4 points having a very good car and winner mood, is too much for Kimi or Alonso.

If you see the face of Fernando during the press conference after the race, he just give up this season.

Don't worry all L Hamilton fans, one Miracle was practically impossible, but two in a row is too much. (Even for God).

[MANOLO : PUCELA : SPAIN]

HiSTORY REPEATS AGAIN:

1994 Sainz(twice WC) / McRae in Subaru-Prodrive
2007 Alonso (two Wc) / Hamilton in McLaren (2008 Prodrive?)

Sadly we all now the problems Sainz found at the end of that year (1994) at English Rally RAC, how Britons (the audience of that rally) put trunks in the track just for let Collin win (ONLY) one race. Because of that Carlos lost his third WC. BUT IN 1995 IT WAS WORST, I won't write all the history, but again, we all know how cheat was Collin in the Catalan Rally RAC, and then in the next/last race, at English Rally RAC, how the English team gave Sainz a worst car than Collin had.

I've got not doubts this 2007WC goes to LH as Eclestone sed yesterday (this is a Briton guy) as the team wants (english team) as R.Denis wants (I think this guy is english too) as Max Mosley the same as maFiA, english men.

Sainz lost a couple of WC because of racing in an english team with an English driver and English cheats. Please Fernando LEAVE NOW, THE HISTORY REPEATS.

Let's put a brace face:

MP4/22 - £1m
F1 driver's contract - £1-£25m
Broken tyres - £10000
Watching Ron Dennis, Anthony's, Lewis' Bernies and the english journalist's faces when Hamilton "parked" the car - PRICELESS

There are things that money can't buy!!

Come on Kimi!
I predict Alonso and Lewis crashing in Brazil into each other!

Justice being made? You never know, you really never know.

[Ross]

I support Alonso, but I wouldn't care if Kimi finally wins the F1. What I don't agree with Alonso is when he said that if Hamilton wins he would deserve it, I wouldn't agree at all with that!

[Porl]

If the positions had been reversed today and it was Alonso going for the Championship win, he would have been happy to play it safe and coast to a 3rd place. That's why he is a double champion. Hamilton showed a lack of maturity today in trying to race when he didn't have to.

[Marc Sales]

Divine justice. I'll be very happy if Lewis Hamilton struggles in Brazil, no matter who wins the title instead of him, Kimi or Fernando.

Hamilton's bahaviour this year has been awful. A selfish newcomer who really thinks the world spins around him. Ecclestone, Mosley and Ron Dennis's fault.

[Ignacio]

Well, I am spanish, a big Alonso supporter, but although the situation is better than it was, four points are still huge difference. So to all British supporters, you still have 80% probabilities of winning the title. And for everybody, I am thinking sadly about Hungary and how McLaren did not make allegations to Alonso punishment.

Regards.

[blackleg]

To Andrew Longmore, suspected journalist.

No way LH is like Tiger Woods. The easy is to arrive , the difficulty is to stay at the top.

Tell me how many competitors you all know have stay at the Nº1 for more than 5 years, beginnig by TW...

time runs...tic,tac,tic,tac.

[blackleg]

DONT YOU ALL FORGET.

THE HELL WILL BE FROZEN BEFORE LH RISES TO THE LEVEL OF TIGER WOODS.

He is the Nº1 of the ever bests.

[Flying Dutchman]

Despite the odd things happening to him during qualification a great result for magic Alonso. Let’s say thanks to his more gentle driving style thereby smartly saving his tyres! The look on on Dennis’ face was priceless. Where is Hamilton’s dad when he loses by the way. Great coverage as well not showing Alonso or Kimi the last 20 laps or so.

[blackleg]

Hey JAA, what that hell was the cow doing there?, was it slowing down too much in raining conditions?.

No doubts, she/it will be penalized ten post in the grid next race, as this it not allowed anymore.

[Angel]

Hello Ed,
Once again we have seen the difference between a excellent driver and a champion.
Hamilton just needed to finish the race. A clever pilot would have placed his car behind Alonso and became the youngest F1 champion.
It is clear that Hamilton is not mature enough to take intelligent decissions in a race and launch his team to glory. What an opportunity he let slip through his fingers.

Anyhow he has got still the highest probability to win the championship.

The problem for McLaren now is that Hamilton has forced to Dennis to give to FA the same weapons in Brasil, because Kimmi is still alive (3 points behind Alonso).
Just imagine that LH can not support the pressure and does not finish the race. McLaren could loose everything this season if Fernando does not keep the F1 crown.

Lewis (again) has given a great head ache to Dennis. In Spain we say "Do not put all the eggs in the same basket".
Dennis has had the team absolutely out of control since Hungary.

All F1 enthusiast (also Ecclestone) will enjoy Brasil in a couple of weeks.
BR/Angel

[XESC]

Great result for the sport, I think next GP will be a fantastic one.
Three pilots with posibilties...two teams strugling for final victory...don´t move or you gonne lose it.
Don´t worry about politics, just enjoy F1.
Congratulations Ed this is a great FI Blog, could I say it´s the best.
Regards from Spain.

[XESC]

At the Catholic spain we believe in miracles, today it´s the prove.

[MAXIMVS]

well, well, probability taking its toll?

FA implicitly referred to it when he recently said: "well one never knows, Hamilton has not abandoned a race this season yet".

In Shanghai, FA knew from the start what to do with his tyres. Again, he adapts to any given set of circumstances and extracts the best possible outcome.

Changing conditions therefore favor FA very much.

Actually, if it weren't for Massa today, who badly slowed FA down for the first 18 laps or so... who knows.

LH showed tones of unexperience, if you ask me.

As for Fuji, FA could not prevent SV crashing into the right side of his car -that's more of a 'disaster' to me, naturally.

I do not take prob laws all that seriously anyway, for I believe anything is possible, and more so when it comes to FA!!!

[Ernesto]

CURSED
For forty years to date, no pilot who had won the F-3000 (current GP2) and jumped to the F1 could have been world champion. And Hamilton conquered the GP2 last year.

[Joaquin Carrasco]

Do you imagine Bernie Eccleston driving a crane and putting to Hamilton in the track????

Sorry Fernando, but seeing Ron with the hands in the face I felt a big happiness, now Raikkonen wins and the whole happiness.

[BTG]

Wow!, FIA is going to punish the crane´s driver because he din´t help LH this time, ..ummm. Also they are thinking to sanction FA because he is too near him in the classification...and LH could be a bit nervous..

P.D: I think LH will win the WC, but to win a WC you must suffer a bit, even when everybody help you.

[Peter Friedrich]

It's really hard to understand why McLaren gambled so much on Hamilton *winning* this race while he didn't have to.

Just imagine Hamilton and Alonso in the first row of the grid in Brazil.

Everyone knows there is not much love lost between them. None of them would back off.

So in the end this bad move might lose McLaren even the driver's championship.

[ELCROWLEY]

Does Ham know how to take care of his tyres on a race? Does Ham how to enter on pits correctly? Does Ham know to be behind a SC? Does Ham know how to do a good set up?

Response is NOOOOOO.

What a joke if he wins the WDC.

[blackleg]

Very easy to say now, big mistake on McLaren. But what would you say if LH had changed two or three laps earlier to dry tyres, like Massa, and started raining wich was the expected, putting him in a big problem and what it is worse dangering his race slipping off the track?. He was in the same strategy than FA and KR, but he failed to keep his tyres up, and dont forget that FA and KR went in later than LH with better tyres after all.

The main mistake was to get into the pits that fast with slicks.
Shame on him, not on the team.

[Luis]

Can anyone imagine the Football Association saying "It is painfully obvious to me that the right TEAM to be PREMIERSHIP champion is LIVERPOOL,". "In fact my main fear would be if THEY didn't win it." and then the ref´s helping them to do so.

But noone says anything when "It is painfully obvious to me that the right guy to be world champion is Lewis," Ecclestone said. "In fact my main fear would be if he didn't win it."... And helping him through the competition..

F1 is not a sport, and the winner this year may be not the best one, Shameful !!!!

[Legis]

To everybody: What happened today was completly logical:
Lewis is a rookie, maybe the best (just maybe: look at Vettel, over a much worse car), but is not so cool to calculate, as Fernando (and sorry for compare them) was these last two years,, when he knew when was better take some points that win. Today LH had the victory on his hands, and he and just he, lost it.
In Japan, FA (and sorry again, I don´t want a nationalism war), did a mistake, because he had to take a big risk if he wanted to be on the fight. But today LH was running just against him, and he lose.
And it is true that Alonso is near to leave the fight, but because he has to fight against LH, against his team (why never the McLaren team has an error on LH´s car as happens with FA´s in Japan -tyres pressure- and Hungary -tyres again-) and against FIA.
Anyway: it could be that FA rather prefers die killing. If something happens in Brazil and nor LH neither FA finish the race, then Kimmi and FERRARI will win both titles. And Ferrari is even more "smart" than LH and Ron are...
But FA is not the gret champion some people say. To be great you must be able to transmit not only your team, but to all the paddock taht you are a leader, as Senna, Scumi, Prost, Lauda, Fittipaldi etc did. To be great is not the same to be the first.
At last: remember how many points have been discounted to FA by FIA, and ask yourself if a LH victory is right or just a marketing maneuver.
LH is very, very good, but uptoday is not a champion. (And look at Vettel as rookie and Kimmi as champ, please, there are more live in F1 that LH and FA)

[Legis]

Sorry, but why when something bad happens to LH everybody blames McLaren and RD? Maybe is he not independent enough to take their own decissions?
And plase Ed, tell your collaborator Andrew Longmore tha the WDC and the races are not won till thet finish... After reading him is very difficult do not admit how much biased is the English media...

[F355]

Alonso has had one hell of a year and despite all odds has managed to hold it.

With so much determination and passion, I am sure even God will smile on him.

[Jarros]

Hi guys,

Anybody can me help with is?

I've listed herebelow, result of 4 drivers during last weekend Practices and Qualy at Shangai.

Practice I Practice II Practice III Qualify

Raikkonen 1:37.024 1:36.607 1:36.100 1:36.044

Alonso 1:37.108 1:36.613 1:36.126 1:36.576

Massa 1:37.128 1:36.630 1:36.405 1:36.221

Hamilton 1:37.210 1:36.876 1:36.227 1:35.908

Apparently, all of them show significative improvement Practice over Practice until Qualy session comes, then all of a sudden, Alonso smashed all his nice progression so far, and goes down as far as .456 versus Practice III.

No mistakes whatsoever are observed during his final flylap at Qualy.

Do you have a feasible reason to explain it?.

Please, refrain from kidding, I would appreciate to have plausible .
reasons.

Thanks in advance

Jarros

[Pedro (Valladolid)]

Two good drivers (Hamilton and Alonso) and a good team (McLaren's mechanics and engineers) with a bad, ineffective and silly chief (Ron Dennis. He's guilty, Ron wants a revenge, wished to humiliate Alonso. He forced Lewis to risk too much, and, again, Alonso has won to Ron.

Even in McLaren's team someone is with Alonso not only Fabrizio.

Don't worry, Hamilton will be the Champion this year, if Ron Dennis calms its anxiety of revenge.

Or, ...next race Ron Dennis and Ecclestone will put the (bad) tyres to Lewis's car again. ;P

[Justice]

Relax! Next week, Ron, Ecclestone and the FIA will meet to see what to do with Alonso´s car in Brazil. After all, Lewis only need good friends, ins´t it true? We have seen them during this championship. Meanwhile keep learning from Alonso...

[Santiago]

RON HAS SAID

"The problem was rain, and his tyres were in the worst condition. We weren't at all fazed about Kimi; we didn't care about Kimi; we weren't racing Kimi; he was racing Fernando.

"Kimi winning and Lewis coming second was adequate - but it just didn't work out that way."

CRISTAL CLEAR FOR BRAZIL.

[Cervantes]

FA is a world champion (twice) but is not a leader. He is not able to transmit his energy to his team.
LH is neither a world champion neither a leader, he is just a very good vasall of RD, the Lord of McLaren´s team.
FA was used to be the "primus inter pares" in Renault and based his favoured position on his results, but Renault is not McLaren, even with two WMC, Renault is at least one or two steps below the great teams, Ferrari (the greatest) and McLaren, and all the arrogance that FA showed the last year was futil in a team that is great by its own and doesn´t need a star to be great, just a good vasall beyond the Lord, as LH is: kind, correct and always under RD wings..
Because this situation FA became confused, he was the number one. Moreover, he owns the Grial, the Number One over his car, everybody must be respectful with him, so it became a matter of honour.
I don´t know if the people that read this blog has readed "El Quijote", but I hope you did. With his honour stained he began to make "quijotadas" as did in Hungary...as Don Quijote he just won nothing.
So if FA is confused and LH is not the champion the best positioned to be WDC is Kimmi. FA can sacrife himself in name to the justice making Kimmi WDC. What an irony¡¡¡¡

[jordi]

Roger "Perfect parking in gravel" Carballo, You made me laugh, funniest post,

My theory is that Hamilton was unluky to fall into the bunker, but the rules are clear :The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not upwards. A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches the bunker.
(there is no mention about rabbits or cows).

Sorry guys
see you in Brazil

[niñato]

THE NUMBER ONE IS ALONSO!!!

[Gary]

Bad luck Lewis, some inexperience there really and not the best of decisions by the team today. Oh well there is another race to go and it is still in your hands.

At least todays race answered one or two questions from qualification that i see our Spanish friends have quietly forgotten! How about the amount of fuel in the leaders cars? Lewis Hamilton was not really that much lighter on fuel than FA and both Ferraris, there is no way that .6secs difference between LH and FA was down to fuel load.

Lewis Hamilton showed he got pole position based purely on his skills as a driver. His performance in the race showed he is a much faster competitor than Alonso and a very very good driver. Yes he is young, yes he will make mistakes, but for a 22 year old rookie to be leading the pack and driving like he did is something very special.

There is no reason at all to suggest that LH cannot go on and win many world championships over the next 10 years. It is time for the Spanish fans to put down the blinkers that they must get free with the Spanish papers and at least admit on here that Lewis Hamilton could well be the fastest man in Formula 1. Alonso is an excellent driver there is no doubt but in Lewis Hamilton he has met his match.

No wonder Fernando Alonso is rattled by Lewis, no wonder he has resorted to wild claims, arrogance and threats of blackmail to try and get his way, He knew early on this season that he was in trouble, he could see this young kid was faster than him and was prepared to try anything to keep his dreams of winning the title alive. Lewis is still learning, today proves that, if Alonso had focussed more on his own races and kept his head down he probably would have been crowned champion today - but he couldn't and is lucky he still has a chance.

Roll on Brazil!!!

[IDR]

Renault team celebrate a lot Hamilton was out of the race.

Why?

Ed, have you some goosip from the paddock?

[LSG]

Last new: "FIA is going to put a penalty to the chinesee stewards, they werent strong enough to push LH's car..." ;-) Ed maybe you should have helped them.. GO ALONSO!!!

[Joseote]

I completely agree with Jose_Manuel, Hamilton have today assumed innecessary risks in order to win the race and demonstrate who is the leader. Big mistake, although he is still the favourite to win the championship.

And now lets return to the "equal treatment":

1) Alonso has a considerable heavier fuel load. China is quite a long circuit and he did two or three more laps than Hamilton. How much did this affect in qualifying? Is not this againts the "equal treatment"? Remeber Alonso saying yesterday that he did not made any error in Q3 and that he can't explain the 0.6 seconds unless there was a significant difference in the fuel load. Well, there was.

2) Ed, you seem to be very good in analysing Alonso's face and silences. Compare the faces Ron and the Team wore after Hamilton's dissaster with which they wore in Fuji after Alonso's crash.

Finally, now that we are talking about faces. What about the smugness on Ron face yesterday after qualifying? I would understand he was happy, but why, instead of wearing an oppenly happy face, his face was that of a person that is trying to restrain from laughing openly. Just curious.

And now, a tiny reflection for all that have been criticising Alonso for his complaint against the so called equal treatment. I do not know why the team didn't change Hamilton's tyres earlier, but I think it was not a right decission. If they didn't do because of the "equal treatment" policy, then for me it proves they are really mental about that. If each driver has a different style then equal strategy, equal fuel loads and consecutive pit stops may be not "equal treatment". I think that's what Alonso has been trying to say all the season. (And now, Andy G. tell me I have no Idea and that this blog should be sanitized ruling out comments like mine. Well, I have no idea, but facts are facts)

[mrcocodrile]

Quite fair the overall result of the two asian GP's, isn't it? One for each and both for Kimi.

Anyway, great season finale for a great season, having three contenders up to the last GP sums up quite well the spirit of this season.

After the disapointing behaviour of the whole McLaren bunch through the whole year, i'd be quite pleased with Kimi's victory... we'll see

And congratulations to Vettel, the brand new star of the grid. What a result with a shitty car, amazing what this kid can (and will) do!!

[LWS]

Jarros,

wrong temperature/humidity would be the answer according to Jacques Laffite.

With higher temperatures tyres lose grip. Temperature is kept with tyre warmers.

May be Alonso did a mistake selecting warmers or applying a wrong temperature, who knows...

[Verbal]

THE CHAMPIONSHIP LIVES, who will take out who in inter-lagos, only one man can benefit from such a result yet the others have nothing more to loose
Will the scuderia bring new parts for the last push,
Will Massa do better to help the iceman

[blackleg]

SANTIAGO

Kimi winning and Lewis coming second was adequate - but it just didn't work out that way."

I dont think Ron said that. He ment Alonso first and Lewis second was adequate. Dont you think so?

As one of the principals of McL, wants to take his both cars into another 1-2 outburst. Dont you think so?

[victor]

Poor Hamilton. Cry again, Hamilton, as you have done all the season. Fernando is the real winner.

[luigi]

the way hamilton drives himself out of the race is simply hilarius. it seems he´s parking his car! it´s so bizarre that the real question is...

yes, we saw Keanu Reeves there. did Neo anything with his mind to help Alonso against Matrix? who is the virtual champion of F1 and who is the real champion of mankind? please friends, let´s think about it

lol

[gm]

MANOLO : PUCELA : SPAIN

Colin mcrae (rip)was is from a proud SCOTTISH family,to call him a cheat after the events of 2 weeks ago I find in bad taste.
Where were these logs placed across the track I do not remember that ,and i went to many of the stages,in fact carlos sainz is hugeley popular amongst ENGLISH rally fans ....get a grip

[Paul]

I call it Instant Karma - divine vengeance - you get what you give

[Augusto Baena]

Can anyone comment this quote from Ron?

From autosport:

"Interestingly, Dennis said that the team's focus in making a decision about delaying Hamilton's change of tyres was not in what Ferrari were up to, but what Fernando Alonso was doing.

"The problem was rain and his (Hamilton's) tyres were in the worst condition. But we weren't at all fazed about Kimi. We weren't racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando."
"

"We were racing Fernando" !?!?!!?!?

Please, can any of you comment on the degree of equality that sentence implies?

Regards

[Emilio, USA]

Something that caught my atention:
LH (and Ron)was mad at the stewards becuase they didn't push him to the track.
Such a trust on FIA, He knew that was banned after "HIS" crane incident, and he even stayed in the car waiting. He knew daddy, Mr.Ed and company, berni, etc would make the real miracle, another changes of the rules for next race.

[Paul]

My prediction for Brazil is that FA and LH are going to take each other out of the track at some point in the race if not at the start.

Kimi becomes DWC 2007 which is fair enough

[Carlos B., Madrid]

besides the race result, anyone watching the race will have noticed that Hamilton pitted in lap 14 and Alonso pitted in lap 17, meaning, Alonso's car was loaded with at least 3 more laps (could be even more, only Mclaren knows) worth of fuel.

that's about 10 kilos of extra fuel, which may explain about 3 or 4 tenths of the gap between Alonso and Hamilton in Q3.

i thought or maybe i dreamt Ron Dennis speaking several times of equality between both drivers?, in all the previous races, there was 1 lap of difference between pit-stops of LH and FA, where is the equality gone? what was the reason to overload Alonso's car?

cleary Mclaren wanted Alonso to get stuck behind the Ferrari's in the race, so Hamilton could walk away from Shanghai with the title on his hands, though i expected more subletly from Ron Dennis.

to our english brothers on this blog, don't you worry, the script is already written months ago, Hamilton will become world champion in Brazil, cranes are being nicely layed-out in Interlagos already, rules will be beatifully bent as much as required in order to accomodate any possible Hamilton misdemanour (please notice FIA latest rulings are saying: we let Hamilton get away, though next time anyone else doing the same will be punished, the crane, the SC...) , and Mclaren will make sure Alonso's car is loaded with enough fuel for two races. Charlie Whiting, Tony Scott, Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis and the rest of the establishment, all you need to do is to put an straight face and restrain from laughing while we get to the end of this farce.

Hamilton will win the title in the end, is a one man battle (Alonso) against his own team, against the FIA and against Bernie the boss.

[Oliver]

Well... What can we say... The son of Anthony Hamilton deserved to lose 10 points at Fuji so I don't care if he is punished by FIA or by Destiny.

Maybe he decided to stop his car in the gravel, who knows?

Vamos Nano!

Hi,

I just would like to know WHEN is going to be the FIA meeting to penalise Fernando Alonso. Lewis did not finish, Alonso was second, so... i´m definitely sure FIA will do something to fix this unexpected -and unwished- situation.

By the way, I don´t agree with Fernando. I like to hear that he will accept Lewis as a legitimate winner, but for me Lewis will be far away from that situation. The guy received plenty of favors this season, WE all know. In England, used to believe that you are the belly bottom of the world, no one will say it but you know it and I guess it must be hard to accept it. Guys, you know this is not sport, you know that your driver would not be a legitimate winner. But anyway... what can we expect from a drunken country full of hooligans who organise one day per year a day to hit and use violence against Spanish people? I don´t know what is more pathetic: your sense of superiority or your lack of respect.

I´m sorry Ed, you seem a good guy. I´m sure you are not the standard briton.

[IDR]

TO JARROS

I've seen F Alonso at the TV explaining quite clear:

Wrong tyre pressures (again)

Cristal Clear!!!!!!

[Peter Friedrich]

JOSEOTE. "If each driver has a different style then equal strategy, equal fuel loads and consecutive pit stops may be not "equal treatment". I think that's what Alonso has been trying to say all the season."

You may have a point there.

I'm German, but I grew up in Latin America and I've often watched some kind of cultural clash happen when Britons or Americans (and *especially* Germans) have to work together with people of Spanish origin. So this combination - McLaren, Mercedes and Alonso - may have been doomed right from the start. I guess there has been any amount of misunderstandings on both sides.

A real pity. The best car, the best engine, the best driver. Should have worked

Hamilton still has to show that he's not only a very fast pilot but also able to develop a car.

I think he can, but we'll have to wait and see till Alonso has left.

And I think he *will* leave McLaren. There seemed to be only one McLaren mechanic cheering him on the podium in Shanghai. And Norbert Haug from Mercedes didn't even care to mention his second place on German TV until he was deliberately asked for his opinion ...

[Emilio, USA]

Don't worry folks!!
I have the answer,

Quote from ITV James Allen Verdict:

"As for Lewis’s slide into the gravel trap, I think that what happened there was that he was tucked up behind another car’s rear wing on the approach to the pit lane entry"

It is not a Joke, I promise it is true, you can check it.

So, this british media is amazing I have to admitt it.
The question is: Who was that another driver?

Hey Ed, you and your colleagues have work to do. Let's find that driver, It is a pitty it is not FA.

Daddy is already talking to his FIA buddys to solve the problem

[Patricia]

I must recognize Hamilton is a very good driver, still, I think Alonso is more experienced and overall better. The FIA and McLaren have been too hard on him, it's obvious Hamilton has received better treatment: the incident with the truck and then what happened last week are evidence enough. On the other hand, Alonso has been santioned two times already, and it's not very clear that he deserved it... Besides, it seems there's something going on with his wheels' pressure, I don't know if intentionally or not, but well, that's suspicious.

Alonso and Kimi have it very tough at Brazil, I'd say the Championship is almost decided, but I still have hope. What else can I have? We are talking about someone that has beaten the red Kaiser himself with a Renault...Two times in a raw. I'd like to see Hamilton doing the same. I'd like to see the results Hamilton would bring us if he were to drive a, let's say, Toyota...I'm sure he would do well, but not soooo well. And, Alonso: please out of McLaren NOW

[DisasterArea]

@Censor"Ed"

I sent a message long time ago, but it seems it will not be published.

Why?

Because I mentioned and Thanked English Media for its Pro-Hamilton-Fanatism and "its right-the-opposite" consequences ?

Because I explained to the user SAM that Alonso has nothing to learn from Hamilton (his "media-Thank-you-show") and that it is him (LH) who requires lessons in Style (at least waiting the Winner-Ceremony and then leave)?

Because I explained my wish-result for the next race (see end of this message)?

Because I've mentioned that it was Alonso who brought the Nr.1 to a place it should have never been and that it would only be fair if he would take it away anothertime when he leaves McLaren?

Why?

Anyway: You will have to check for yourself your understanding of free speech and opinion.

My wish for Brazil:
1. Alonso
2. Raikonnen
3. Hamilton

- Caipirinhas, 10 Euro
- Hotel-Room, 400 Euro
Ron Dennis and Familiy Hamiltons Face/Look after such a result, PRICELESS !!!

[Aquilino]

What happened in China could only be said to be an act of the so called "poetic justice", after being underestimated and and having everything against Fernando Alonso has shown one of the reasons why he was the youngest pilot to win an F1 championship.
On the other hand LH was a victim of his own acts.
And today the breakdown lorry could not take him back to the track, nor was anyone to blame.

Excellent race for Vettel. Although he was severely punished he was 4th and did a superb race.

LH could learn a lot from FA, KR, and SV.

VIVA ALONSO Y VIVA ESPAÑA

[ramplano]

Really disappointing! I expected LH to win the title and the race today but weather and strategy play a role in F1. He was flying and showing why he qualifies so ahead of Alonso until things went wrong and both Lewis and Mclaren misread the situation with the final mistake of entering the pit lane that way.

To me LH is the fastest driver these days and will win the title in dry conditions or fully wet ones. However if there are accidents or erratic wheater conditions in Brazil who knows what's going to happen?

Kimmi and Alonso will need another big problem for Lewis.
If LH wins the title he'll be a worthy champion if he doesn't, the other two just won't believe their luck!

[Pablo]

BE CAREFULL IDR

"Don't worry all L Hamilton fans, one Miracle was practically impossible, but two in a row is too much. (Even for God)."

Remember what they said about the Titanic.
"No, not even God could sink the Titanic"

[willy]

Dear GOD!!!...Thanks for your justice.
Now help us control Dennis, so that he will not give Hamilton the championship at the end, as it's definitely planned.

Ps: By the way,I heard that Dennis is preparing a car with two cockpits to acommodate Antony Hamilton (Lewis father) in the back seat

[willy]

Wasn't Ron Dennis almost crying whe he saw Lewis Perfectly parking his car in the gravel??...HOW PATETIC!!!!

[nacho val]

one question. why do english hate spanish people so much? Maybe because we are ancient enemies? Maybe because we beat you many times? maybe because you tried to conquer us three or fourth times but never could do it? (your armada was a disaster as well).
the entire world knows that english havent been fair historically (and things keep being the same), but you arent fair specially with spaniards. u really enjoy making us "bad things". i dont care anyway.

well, after these words, and focusing on f1 championship...next race will be incredible. anything can happen BUT if hamilton retires or cant win the gp and alonso, finally, can get the overall 1st position, it will be incredible.
It will be as if spanish football team win the world cup.

one opinion about LH: if a gp is full of problems LH is a very very normal driver. LH is very regular but only win if everything is perfect. alonso or even kimi are more talented but less regular. (alonso, this year. last year he was the same as hamilton in current season).

PD: sometimes i believe hamilton is a robot controlled by his father from boxes.

[yasser83]

Alonso is our miracle and we will support him until the end!! He has won both titles of clean form!! Hamilton doesn´t win not with traps!! FORCE ALONSO (I refer to Fernando because Hamilton still doesn´t have anything, though it seems that you have put as him in the sky it he had won more of 7 world championships). If Alonso goes away of Mclaren (we all hope that is soon) Your child will be lost!! Cry Ron cry and dismantle the party that we prepare it for alonso!!Hamilton needs a taxi!!

cheer up FERNANDO!!you must demostrate their who is the best!!

[Paul]

Equality, they say:

Interestingly, Dennis said that the team's focus in making a decision about delaying Hamilton's change of tyres was not in what Ferrari were up to, but what Fernando Alonso was doing.

"The problem was rain and his (Hamilton's) tyres were in the worst condition. But we weren't at all fazed about Kimi. We weren't racing Kimi, we were basically racing Fernando.

"Kimi winning and Lewis coming second was adequate. It just didn't quite work out that way."

Autosport, today.

[mark]

Pretty bad job for McL. Someone should have come down LH. What do we do now? KR is just there, and Ferrari became a real risk. I am sure FA won't stand the extra pressure, overall if we put it in his tires for Q3.

[Pau]

What about Hamilton's "sportmanship"? After Nurburgring he still wanted the stewards to push him back into the track. Clearly he thinks he something different than the rest of drivers. Good job Mr. Nice Guy Fake Face.

[Luis de Expaña]

Ji, ji at the end is gonna win kimi.

[mariusz]

Hi everybody,

I come from Poland and watch all F1 racings at German RTL with Niki Lauda as commentator and Norbert Haugh from Mercedes giving short summaries after every race.

I kept astonished after Shanghai race as he said "nothing has happend, we are still ahead of 7 points and in Brazil we will get it done"...nothing about the second driver with chances to win

Just my contribution to the discussion about equal treatment