Reflections on the Malaysian Grand Prix

Just got back from a 13-hour torture session on Malaysian Airlines(actually they were quite good with less of the ridiculous and endless announcements on the in-plane public address system that you get with other well-known carriers).

The flight was full of Formula One people trying to get home after a long and exhausting trip. Among those I spotted were Mark Webber, Patrick Head, Sam Michael, Bernie's "Man Friday" Pasquale Lattuneddu, loads of snappers, mechanics, physios, hacks and PRs

The best thing about the race, as far as I can see, is that it appears to set up another potentially exciting season with the initiative swinging between Ferrari and McLaren. I recognise it is still early days to say this and we will have to see how things pan out. For example Ron has said that it will not be until we get to the Circuit de Catalunya that McLaren's true competitive position will be known.

But the signs are that it could be another tight season when track configurations, conditions on the day and all sorts of other details will again play a critical role in the eventual outcome. No one wants to see one team or one driver run away with it and hopefully that will not happen.

Having said that, it looks to be "advantage Ferrari" as they head to Bahrain where the Italian team completed six days of testing in early February and where the new car was in superb form. You would have to think this gives them a jump on McLaren who were not at that test. We shall see.

A few pointers:
It is worth saying again: Heikki out-qualified Lewis who was struggling for grip in qualifying and was not happy with his performance afterwards. (It seemed amazing to me that Lewis did as well as he did in the race considered how rough he was on his front tyres).
Felipe is going to need all his reserves of mental strength(which are not as deep as some) to come back from this start to the season. I sensed the Italian media is beginning to turn against him. There were some very direct questions to him at Sepang and you get the impression the ground is falling away a little underneath him.
Williams: what a disaster. I heard that Nico blamed the new track surface in Malaysia for their loss of performance(sounded a bit like a railway company blaming the "wrong" kind of leaves on the track).

Jean Todt. The rumours that he might take over from Max Mosley seem incredible to me. With his record of bitter opposition to everything that McLaren stand for, how could he possibly be considered a candidate? (Some would say he would be ideal and no-change there then etc). It would be interesting to hear views on this.

Lewis - the man and Fernando. I see every now and again some horrible personal criticism of Lewis by people who have never met him and probably wouldn't have the nerve to say what they write here to his face anyway. (We publish this sort of rubbish on the basis of giving people the chance to express themselves in a free manner). All I can say is that, whatever you think of him as a driver, Lewis is a genuine, honest and impressive individual who has made mistakes but has been big enough to admit them. Just like him, Fernando is also an excellent guy, charming and modest. If I had to put my finger on the difference between them, it would not be their individual personalities so much as the quality of advice they have been getting from those around them. Lewis has been generally well-advised, Fernando not and, sadly, he has paid a high price for that.   

Comments

[javiervivaespania]

Excellent post, Ed!
I do not like people insulting Hamilton either. I have said things like he does not know how to drive without TC or that he was copying telemetric data from Fernando, but that was only for pulling people's leg. Insulting him is something really ugly that a Spanish gentleman like myself would never do.

[Anon1234]

Ed, should you not also condemn the attacks on Alonso?. He has also been the subject of "horrible criticism" on this blog.
It may have been your intention but it's not entirely clear from the text.

[Mi]

I also see every now and again some horrible personal criticism of Alonso. Maybe if you had mentioned the two drivers when you talked about the rubbish published, not only Lewis, the end of the post would work better ;)

[A Parker]

Ed, I just want to thank you for defending Lewis' personality. I've met him and his father, and I was overwhelmed by them both as were others with me who met them. As a huge fan of his, I get upset to see the inaccurate rubbish written about him and am genuinely confused as to this "arrogant" tag around him. Maybe people don't like to see him smile so much. As you've met Alonso, I cannot dispute your opinion of him. All I can remark on is his behaviour last year towards Lewis and his team, and he has got his just desserts this year. And thank for letting everyone express their opinions, as ridiculous as they often are, because so few forums/blogs do.

[Anthony]

I think than Alonso never had to go to Mclaren, Alonso has not been well-advised, never had to go to McLaren, english team with english driver. It means what in Bahrain (2007), Mclaren yet hadn´t explained what happened with the focus or why Alonso was penaltied in Hungary-2007 and Mclaren make anything?.
Why Mclaren recruit to Alonso, if he is:
Belgian grand prix
Hamilton livid as Alonso sends him off track

Alan Henry at Spa-Francorchamps
Monday September 17, 2007
The Guardian

Lewis Hamilton finished yesterday's Belgian grand prix in a furious fourth place, angered by his team-mate Fernando Alonso's antics at the first corner and accusing the Spaniard of sideswiping his McLaren-Mercedes off the track only seconds after they accelerated away from the starting grid.

"I wouldn't say it was fair. It was hard," the British rookie said of Alonso's move. "The guy on the outside doesn't always have the corner; I don't know whether I was ahead, but there was enough room for us all to get round fair and square.

Sorry if my english isn´t good.

[Oliver]

Mr. Gorman, you "publish that sort of rubbish on the basis of giving people the chance to express themselves in a free manner". But sometimes that rubbish is too much. Some people go too far when they insult Lewis as a person. Their attitude toward him is intolerable. I'm not asking for censorship laws, but you should stop this before it's too late.

Of course, Fernando's been the subjetc of that kind of personal attacks too many times. Their rivalry is the excuse for that offences, and those hooligans shouldn't be allowed to write that rubbish because it grows worse race by race.

Javiervivaespania, there's a latin aphorism that goes as follows: "excusatio non petita, accusatio manifesta". Look for its meaning, if you don't know it.

[IDR]

AMEN!

Said this, that is basically for almost everything you have written in this thread (Felipe Massa, I couldn’t agree more),

I sincerely think that the problem between F Alonso / L Hamilton followers (the angry ones) is not a problem of knowing the drivers.

Every of us have our own opinion about the drivers, and I guess that in the most of the cases that opinion is based on what we see at the TV or in the newspapers, but nothing is wrong with this.

Of course Ed that if we had the opportunity to meet all the drivers face to face, we will know the “why” of everything and we recognize for sure the admiration that, at the end, all of us feel for every of them.

They are exceptional people, ALL OF THEM, and we would feel very proud if we could share with them their views, feelings and dreams. But at the end, we are just simply spectators, poor mortals that will never have the privilege to know deeply those people.

I like F Alonso, and my reasons are NOT OBJECTIVE. I don’t like L Hamilton and my reasons are NOT OBJECTIVE either. It is just how I have taken the things I saw referred to them, in the press and at the TV.

Then our opinions are not so important because always are biased, but seems to me that some people here don’t take this into account.

The problem is about respect, and respect not only for the drivers, but for other’s opinions, knowing that the other’s ones are just based on the same subjective basis than ours.

In the most of the cases, that battle starts when somebody here make a comment of one driver that other participants doesn’t like to read, and start to make personal attacks to a general group of people (Britons, Spaniards… are good examples), and then start to appear a lot of comments answering this one and more and more and more…

Last year, I got ill reading many insults regarding all Spanish community, and I answered them in (almost) all occasions.

This year, I have decided not to answering them because is a loosen battle, and, as generally speaking, my comments were not so polite, that was feeding more and more the situation instead of stop it.

I have learnt to see here the common spirit:

All of us love this blog and F1, and those common things (IMHO) are much more stronger that the only one that separate us, that is our preference for L Hamilton or F Alonso.

The only effort we have to do is just to keep for ourselves direct insults as spoil brat, loser, betrayer, etc. (Sorry for remember only the ones directed to F Alonso) and, of course, stop insulting or comment in a disdainful way a whole community.

I understand that CHIUNDA will be happy when F Alonso does bad and that he will be quite happy when L Hamilton is performing wonderfully. Nothing to blame, is just like has to be, and make this blog much more exciting to follow.

One day he will have the opportunity to come here and says: We are the best! And other day we will have the opportunity to write that F Alonso is just the best driver… ever!

Or come here and said, ok… L Hamilton is not as better as you were telling here! Or vice versa.

Nothing to blame, that’s the fans here greeting as in the rests of sports (Sorry D, I think this is a sport, high-tech, but a sport at the end)

Then, Ed, should be great if every of us could meet those incredible guys, but should be much greater if we just could keep our manners just at the same level than in real life.

I’m pretty sure that the most of us are well mannered people with a “not too bad” social status.

Sorry for my poor English and my long post.

[D]

^

I agree wholeheartedly with Ed that Fernando is an extremely fine racing driver who has been very badly advised and managed.

(As was, in another context, Jenson Button, a few years ago).

I don't, though, agree that everyone necessarily wants to see a close fight to the finish of the Championships.

If one team, car and driver, turn on a sustained performance of excellence and soar above everyone else, that will be a joy to watch and there will be plenty of interest to study further down the field.

But, of course, Michael Schumacher is gone...

[Pinaster]

Nice try, Gorman. But I dont buy it.
Subjectivity is something you cant put aside in journalism, even when the journalist tries hard to do his best describing the facts. And nobody expects aseptic subjectiveness, simply it doesnt work.
So I appreciate your try on impartiality, even with the natural bias. You like Lewis, you cant help it, theres nothing wrong with that.
But if you want to sound really unpartial, you have to take it seriously. Ive read comments here on LH and FA quite similar: cry baby, selfish, bad team mate, whiner, cheater, etc.
I havent read any serious "horrible criticism" towards Hamilton. Not saying that you are wrong, most of this "critics" will never have the guts to say to the face what they wrote.
But nobody dared to write that LH is a blackmailer, or a dishonest employee. That is really horrible, nasty, unfair, and despicable. And FA has received this nice praises in this blog. Some of this contributions were signed by some Ed Gorman, remember it?
As a said, nice try, but to make it completely honest, you have missed something: a look at yourself.
Cheers, saludos.

[IDR]

BTW, ED I forgot to tell you that if you want to know what is Jean Tod thinking you can read this:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66029

[Pinaster]

A Parker, you should read what you write.
Someone who says that "hates" someone that doesnt even know... well what can I say?

[Pinaster]

Cant find those gems about hate to FH and spaniards that I attributed to A Parker. Probably I was wrong, and Parker didnt write those things. If thats the case, sorry about that, Parker. But if you didnt write that literally, have a look at this:
“He is a fair decent man, unlike Alonso”
“so he could win not just on his own ability (like Alonso).”
“If you want evidence of a bad personality, look to Alonso.”
“Lewis wouldn't behave like a spoilt idiot like Alonso”
“at the end of last year, I thought Alonso was a sore loser, a sulker, spiteful and not worthy of being called a champion”
“I concluded that Alonso is a deeply unpleasant man and I hope the worst for him in all future F1 endeavours” (including fatal accident? this comment is mine)
“Poor loser? Same as the Spanish contingent?”...
Its nearly impossible to find a Parkers contribution without an insult to Alonso. Even when Alonso has nothing to do with the matter of the issue.
Parker, will you try some Almax, pal? All that torrent of insults only show lack of arguments and excess of insolence.
Cheers.

[jordi]

Well, Some people are better judging character than others, is not necessary to met personally Lewis to have an idea of who he is...Someone who is not moving to Switzerland for tax reasons...someone who calls himself a team player and loyal to Mclaren but disobeyed team orders at the Hungaroring GP, contradicted almost everything his boss had been saying and complained to the stewards about his team mate pit lane blocking (I forgot...of course, he apologised after!!)...Someone that said, ”Fernando and I are friends” and then said “I learned from Fernando how not to behave as a driver” I have a good idea of who Lewis is as a person, I will never insult him, but Ed, meeting someone in person doesn’t make you better judging characters.

[Nick]

A rumour of Jean Todt taking over from Max Mosley has got to be too awful to consider. The man who, in the USA in 2005 in the interest of gaining an 18 point advantage over any team that might actually challenge Ferrari made a joke of the sport and a mockery of the fans. For that decision alone he would be unsuitable but for years his "win at all costs" attitude has taken the glamour away from Ferrari and that is not an achievement to be proud of.

[Felipe]

I'm so bored of people complaining about how cruel people are towards Hamilton. Boo hoo!!!

I don't think anyone as been overly nasty towards him, or at least as equally nasty as people are towards Alonso. I assume that's why you mentioned him at the end... but you still manage to put him down. I think Alonso's problem at McLaren was not being English in an English team, in which a young very talented Englishman took precedence and totally ruined his chance at writing history. And you might think he's suffering, when all reports just explain how happy he is right now... though we will see how long that lasts...

[Anon (original)]

Happy to see that the new Anon has become Anon1234. That works just fine, and thank you for that.

I personally believe that Lewis is in a ring of bad people. I don't trust Ron Dennis, and his father doesn't inspire too much confidence in me. Of course, I am just speculating.

As for Alonso, I think that he didn't have much of a choice considering how McClaren treated him last season.

[Anon (original)]

Todt replacing Mosley? Give him two years of retirement, and than he will be fine. He just needs to cool down from his role as th anti-McClaren (and wasn't he just amazing at that?) and be able to clear his judgment. Heck, he might not even need two yers.

Other contenders? Seriously, I would want Michael Schumacher. A real driver, he knows what's needed to make races exciting. He also is good at engineering, so he would be good at that. He's also pretty bright from what I hear. And I hear he's pretty hardcore in his thoughts on how to race. In other ords, he wont acrifce entertainment for safety, which I believe we have done too much now.

Did anyone realize that Malaysia was te best finish for the Finnish pilots ever, but also that it was the best finish for a Polsh driver? (I almost wrote "best Finnish for a Polish driver, haha). I think I'm right, right?

[CHIUNDA]

Ed, a French chap called Jean posts on this blog - claims he is an F1 correspondent and that he has met Lewis regularly in the paddock and he doesn't think Lewis is such a nice guy. I am waiting to see his reaction to your post.

I wonder why some require that you defend Alonso just because you defended Lewis - i believe no journalistic code requires you to and if that was enforced objectively you then have to defend the rest of the grid.

Overall, i hated Malaysia - once again McLaren showed that they have not ironed out their inability to perform when under pressure. Lewis did what he could to salvage the weekend, and after Massa going out of the race they could have hassled for 2nd and 3rd or at least 2nd and 4th and that would have been up to 4 more points.

[Cap]

Apparently Hitler was very charming in person. We can only judge people by their actions; especially when they are under pressure.

Heikki had a heavier car than Lewis when he outqualified the latter - no mention of that in the media. A journalist in a press conference asked the insulting question to Heikki: 'Are you excited to beat Lewis'. I think he will beat Lewis this season actually - why not?

Kimi is growing into the super driver he could never be at McLaren. He destroyed Massa.

[Juan]

Once again british press acting as the victim after having started the fire.

Ed, tell me why every pilot just run out (better scape) of that team called Maclaren?

Why every pilot who has been in Mclaren can not just stand Ron Dennis an co.?

Why is not Lewis in the pilot association (I dont know the exact name of it), where e.g. security problems among others are discussed between the pilots?

I say it once again. HAMILTON is a good driver but he is NOT A CHAMPION.

He will never win a single championship because he has not the matter to achieve it. That´s it.

"We were racing Fernando not Kimi". A single sentence which defines the Mclaren spirit, the Hamilton circle and which DESTROY YOUR CURRENT POST.

A. PARKER: If you dont have any argument please stop commenting in every single comment how bad our englsich is. By the way, you have to improve yours strongly, too.

Thanks.

[CHIUNDA]

Lewis compared to Hitler now - wow, that is a first.

[Eamon]

If Australia was a freak and the real representation of the championship was Malaysia as we have all been told, then this year is going to be fantastic. What I feel will characterise it is the emergence of the "second" string of teams - the BMWs, Toyotas and, to a lesser extent, the Williams and Renaults - as genuine podium and even race win contenders. On any given sunday, any one of those teams or drivers could have the car to take points off of the McLarens or Ferraris.

I'd go as far to say that BMW could make the jump to challenging in the constructors, they have the one-lap pace to qualify well and just a tiny improvement could see consistent challenges for race wins. The only snag to this theory is that Hamilton and Raikkonen are such good drivers that I don't think Kubica and Heidfeld could compete with them if BMW got up there, the only other drivers in the field that could compete on ability, I think, are Alonso and Button (people are going to disagree with that).

All-in-all a mouth-watering start to the season (and the blog)...

[B Cave]

Juan, I can see what A Parker means. Hilarious. How old are you?

Anyway, here's a great video of the man - what a star and doesn't seem too arrogant here, but no doubt his "haters" will interpret it differently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MX5JoGoQu0

[B Cave]

Pinaster

I agree with A Parker over all the comments. Shall I take a sedative now?

[Txus G.R.]

Ed,is this defense on Lewis (The man) the way you,and "The Times", have to apologize on him because of the wrong poll "Lewis vs Tiger"?
It sounds to me a bit like that but probably I'm wrong...Or is it a tactic to fire-up the blog?

But in any case it's hilarious that after all the s*** that Lewis & Ron in comunion with almost all the British press,you & "The Times" included, & a lot of the bloggers around here,have thrown over Fernando,and Spain,now you call our opinions rubbish?...Seems to me that you have been this time very rude with your audience...As Lewis & Ron had been with Fernando.

On Lewis the driver:

I think everyone that follows this sport/bussines have a huge respect on the men (Lewis included) that drive this 800bhp machines and the way they risk their life at 300km/h.

Of course that Lewis is a very talented driver,as I've said plenty of times before.But also he made a great first season with one of the best cars of the grid (Lucky him) and it's normal,and I think not unffair,to doubt of his true talent or ask to ourselves,what could he be capable of with a lower budget machine?,etc...We'll never know.

In my opinion he is not the supreme master that the British media have been saying,or selling,all around.

On Lewis the man:

I think Lewis gathers now what he,and his media friends,had seeded in the past season.Nor more,nor less.

That's the price he pays for been "well-advised".Nor more,nor less.

I can't buy your opinion Ed,when you write:"Lewis is a genuine, honest and impressive individual who has made mistakes but has been big enough to admit them."

If there is something Lewis lacs of are exactly this definitions or terms you've used:

-Genuine:
1.Actually possessing the alleged or apparent attribute or character:genuine leather.
2.Not spurious or counterfeit;authentic.See Synonyms at authentic.
3.a.Honestly felt or experienced:genuine devotion.
b.Actual;real:a genuine dilemma.
4.Free from hypocrisy or dishonesty;sincere.
5.Being of pure or original stock:a genuine Hawaiian.

He is anything you want Ed,but certainly not genuine or authentic.

-Honest:
1.Marked by or displaying integrity;upright:an honest lawyer.
2.Not deceptive or fraudulent;genuine:honest weight.
3.Equitable;fair:honest wages for an honest day's work.
4.a.Characterized by truth;not false:honest reporting.
b.Sincere;frank:an honest critique.
5.a.Of good repute;respectable.
b.Without affectation;plain:honest folk.
6.Virtuous;chaste.

How can you say he is honest when almost everything he says is monitored by his press chief or his team in order to save the company's image.Not false?Equitable?Sincere?...You must be joking Ed."Corporate" would be in my opinion a better definition.

-Impressive:
1.Making a strong or vivid impression;striking or remarkable:an impressive ceremony.

He really impressed me by the way he handled the media the past season and still does nowadays as we can read today.He could also make a brilliant career in politics...Maybe instead of Jean Todt we could put Lewis in charge in a few years...Thinking in a new poll Ed?

I can tell you Ed,that I have the nerve,or the guts,to say what I write here to his face if I had the chance.

Regards,have a nice day & excuse me for my English.

[IDR]

Chiunda,

I didn't see here people asking Ed for defending F Alonso.

I've seen people asking him to comment that in this blog there is not only rubbish against L Hamilton, but also against F Alonso, and should have been very much objective to comment both cases, not only one.

But just only if what Ed is looking for is to stop this never-ending story. (I think that's the case)

[C. Class]

Nothing wrong with a British journalist writing for a British newspaper liking a British driver driving for a British team. The blog is first rate, even for a non-Lewis fan like myself. That said, I wouldn't worry about any driver being a nice guy or not. At the end of the day, they are all extreme egoists in regard to their sport.

Felipe is a more than decent driver but I think he destroyed his standing at Ferrari for pulling back for Kimi at the end of last year's season. If he doesn't do something really good, really fast, he'll lose his drive to Fernando.

I've been curious about this for a long time. What class do the F1 people fly on longhaul flights? Does a Patrick Head or Marc Webber fly coach, business or first?

[Javierg]

Hi,
Cap, comparing Hamilton to Hitler is very inopportune (being generous)

Ed, I have read LH quotes in british press that I can´t like:
"I learnt how not to behave from him (about Alonso"

I did not like his attitude at Hungary last year. Alonso has been bashed at no limit but everybody went saying that poor Lewis, he only comitted a tiny error (gossip).
Man, Hamilton was at least as dirty as Alonso. Alonso answer a dirty trick with another but Lewis threw the first blood.

I would not call this honest.

Regarding insults, they are unacceptable, whoever is the victim and no matter who does it.

Finally, I agree on Jean TOdt. I would like seeing him at FIA.

Chiunda, I think you don't like Lewis, I think you're in love with him. Go and ask him for a date next time you meet him. If he can't, you could also date his father...

If you want my personal view on this post, I must tell you I partly agree with Ed: no insults should be accepted, regardless your opinion about each driver. However, I disagree with Ed's assertion that Fernando hasn't been well advised (I think his carreer is brilliant, though this year he's in a second row - or even third row - team. I share his and his manager's opinion on this: you don't have to put up with anything just for being in a good team. Pride, respect and fairness are more important issues).

I also disagree with Ed's assertion that Lewis has been well-advised. If so, why is he so hated? Would he have many proposals to join other teams if he decided on leaving McLaren?

[JoseBelgica]

Ed,
Some simple questions:
1) Whenever LH has a bad performance, why do you always open Pandora's box and start the typical confrontation between nationalities?

2) Why do you think Fernando Alonso has been listening the wrong people/wrong advices ? And who has been giving those bad advises? Two times CHAMPION following bad advices ?weird. Perhaps he will end up his career driving for Ferrari. But remember he is TWO TIMES champion and could have been THREE (LH behavior at Hungary)

3) Why don't you talk about F1 instead of talking about LH all the time. More than a F1 Blog this is starting to look like a L.Hamilton Fan Blog.

4) Heikki kovalainen? Does it ring a bell ? He has outperformed LH. And I do think this is a candidate for the Title.

[Pinaster]

B Cave, Almax is not a sedative, its just an antacid. After too many beers, or too much fish and chips, some people tend to produce too much acid in their stomach, causing them bad temper, irritability, and bad manners.
I thought that maybe thats the reason why A Parker behaved himself in such a bad taste and unacceptable way.
Maybe you have the same problem, or maybe not. Maybe, you are nothing more than a bad mannered bragging, that needs to hide his own pettiness with insults and big words. Maybe you are only "badly advised", as Gorman says. Maybe... who cares?

[CHIUNDA]

IDR

You said "I understand that CHIUNDA will be happy when F Alonso does bad and that he will be quite happy when L Hamilton is performing wonderfully." Where did you get this - my posts on today don't even mention Alonso. Nonetheless, i notice you were already on my case even before i made my first post :-)). Nice touch - though generally i like reading your posts - you support/defend your guy and let others support/defend theirs - which is okay really.

Every once in a while the hormones get the better of us and we unleash some really nasty judgments, but hey we are just human. That is the way it should be, healthy friendly competition - which was totally lacking in McLaren in 2007 but seems to have made a comeback between Lewis and Heikki.

[Kathryn S]

I am relatively new to serious F1 fandom, but it has “played in the background” for me for many years. The first year I followed F1 closely was 2006, and having been well aware of Michael Schumacher’s antics, I happily cheered on Fernando Alonso. When 2007 started I did not have a real favorite, but having enjoyed Alonso’s enthusiasm the previous years I supported him in the early races. Lewis Hamilton’s performance as a rookie was very impressive and it looked like it was going to be a real race for the championship…and I was quite happy to see him do well. However, his attitude, demeanor and statements after the Monaco race completely turned me off to him. His statements of team, his constant use of “we” in speaking of his achievements were, to me, all laid out as a façade—his response after the race, again, to me, put that all out as carefully constructed media speak with his intentions exposed as me winning not team winning.

I am still befuddled by the free pass Lewis Hamilton got and continues to get on his actions at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He freely admitted that he knew the evening before qualifying that he was to let Fernando through ahead of him in Q3…and claims the team did not give him a good explanation…he was asked what his response was and he said he asked again why…said the explanation still wasn’t good, but that he agreed to let Fernando through if needed in Q3…in other words (and this is the crux of the matter, to me) he gave his word. Please do not believe me on this exchange—it is included in the year in review DVD and the interview is with Peter Windsor…I do not own a copy, so I am describing the exchange from memory…if I have erred in any factual matter of the exchange, I will gladly stand corrected, but I believe I have captured the interview’s key points…including the fact that Lewis follows this with the statement that when it came time he decided that he had to do what he thought best, which was to not let Fernando through. Now, I cannot know how the concept of the extra fuel burning lap was explained to him—maybe a poor job of it was done, but I think it is a bit of a stretch to believe, after the apparent mastery, by Lewis, of many other far more complex strategies, that he didn’t understand the extra fuel burning lap. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that perhaps he really didn’t understand why…regardless, he gave his word that he would let Fernando through. Now he’s always indicated he supports the driver equality philosophy at McLaren, and certainly the idea of alternating best fuel strategy with his “equal” teammate would be a concept he understood, so why did he act in way counter to this, or was this his way of asserting himself as the number one driver for the team (my interpretation)? Endless words have been written about what came next, but I do not understand how this fundamentally alters how Lewis’s behavior should be interpreted. He gave his word and broke it for what can only be described as self-serving reasons. Please, please, please do not bring up Fernando’s response, this post is not about his character—it is not relevant at all in understanding what Lewis did—it came afterward and cannot be used to interpret what came before…and my feelings about Lewis are based on those actions. I do not hate him, do not wish him ill, and with the exception of a snarky comment about him “pulling an Alonso” have not spoken against him on this blog, but I do not see him as the paragon of virtue with the sterling character that others describe.

[CHIUNDA]

Now i need to date Lewis as though he is gay - man, some of you guys are weird. You talk about an F1 driver and before you know it he has been likened to Hitler, been made gay and been made your lover :-))

[javiervivaespania]

Oliver, I bet I understand latin much better than you.
I was not excusing myself but congratulating Ed for his post. If you read my post in the "Kimi is back..." entry you will read how I said that I would be happy to meet and greet any F1 driver, "starting from Hamilton". I have never insulted anyone in this blog. Just the opposite, I have been attacked too often, especially by people like you, who think they are better or more educated. I remember one post that Andy G wrote insulting me and using swearing words beyond the limit, so Ed had to remove it. In that way Hamilton and myself are very similar, we get unfair and disgraceful criticism in this blog.
My posts are just funny for some people, I know, but full of sincerity and love for F1 and especially for Magic Alonso (a Spanish musician called Melendi wrote a sonf with this title in 2005, "Magic Alonso"), who is definitively the best driver ever and one of the most remarkable sportmen of all times.

[Melanie]

This season seems like it is going to be very interesting, BMW is right there in the mix. It is interesting that they have been the most consistent performers during the two grandprixs, and they had better pace then Maclaren in Malaysia. They could easily pip Maclaren or Ferrari in the WCC standings.

At the moment Ferrari's campaign is suffering the most, it is difficult when only one driver is stacking up the points.

I feel a bit sorry for Felipe and hope he does better in the next grandprix, but it is obvious that he not at the same level as Kimi. It might be better if they made him the number two driver. So that he can concentrate on getting points and not trying to beat Kimi.

[D]

^

Can we stop bringing the Mosley family hero into this?

Let's return to our host's topic of conversation and cease throwing Ed's wine at fellow guests.

^
K >

I'm sorry you've taken to emulating Mari's paragraph construction!

So far, I've tried to steer clear of the Alonso v Hamilton "debate", having no particular affinity with either camp and being no admirer of the manner (nor the inordinate verbosity) in which it is being endlessly argued.

I wrote last year that I thought it would have been better for all concerned if McLaren had launched Fernando into the 2007 season with Pedro de la Rosa as his team-mate initially and then eased Lewis Hamilton into the second car sometime mid-season. That way, everybody would have been pulling in the same direction. McLaren's.

But that would not have endowed Mike Coughlan with any integrity nor his wife with any intelligence.

What's done is what was done.

In the ensuing debate that refuses to die, I would say this.

Firstly, I'm surprised that neither side, in criticism of the other's hero, has yet advanced the aphorism, "When you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."

Secondly, I would have a lot more respect for Lewis Hamilton if he had adopted the attitude that he would like to repay Ron Dennis and McLaren for all their kindness and considerable support for him over the previous decade by spending his first season - as a very young man with many more seasons ahead of him - assisting the current and double world champion to bring McLaren the Constructors Championship after six lean years.

But he didn't. He repaid Ron by wrecking the team (which had given him so much) in pursuit of his own selfish ambition and not giving a toss.

And if some would comment that Senna did the same to Prost when he went to McLaren, I would answer that McLaren had not been picking up Senna's bills for the previous ten years and assisting him towards success.

Sir Stirling Moss has been prominent among those who admire Lewis' driving ability but Sir Stirling himself (who was not short of ambition) would never have dreamt of doing to Fangio what Lewis did to Alonso. (Ironically, at Mercedes-Benz.)

[xuaneitor]

I have been an avid reader of this blog since it started, and I must confess that the greatest laughs invariably come at the expense of the rabid commenters. There is a time-honored British-Spanish rivalry that comes back to life every time.
I am a Spaniard, and supporting Alonso comes naturally to me, although I haven't met him nor think I ever will. However, I do know that the impression one gets of anyone through the press is always (ALWAYS) wrong.
I don't believe any of them to be the character they play, or are believed to play.
I understand that Hamilton is a star in the make, not only for the British, but for just about anyone. And I bet he will play the role of a star for all of us to see, and be whoever he really is when he can. SO any moral judgments are a waste of time.
So please Alonso and Hamilton lovers or haters, be as well-behaved as you can, don't spoil the fun of reading well-informed, thoughtful opinions with your useless comments and try to enjoy the sport.

[Jean]

Chiunda, I think you don't like Lewis, I think you're in love with him. You should ask him for a date next time you meet him. If he can't, you could also date his father.

If you want to know my personal views about this post, I must say I partly agree with Ed: no insults should be allowed, regardless your opinions about any drivers. However I disagree with Ed when he asserts Alonso has not been well advised. I think his carreer is brilliant (though this year he's at a second row - even third row - team) and I share his and his manager's opinion: you don't have to put up with anything just for being at a good team (respect and fairness are more important issues).

I don't either agree with Ed when he says that Hamilton has been well advised. Well, I don't think so. If he had, he wouldn't be so distrusted. Do you think he would have many proposals from other teams, should he decide on leaving McLaren?

[Txus G.R.]

To "CAP":

A comparison between Lewis & Hitler is an absolute nonsense.I think is just much too much and crosses the line.

To "Kathryn S":

Great post...Never mind our good friend "D" in his new "crussade" against long paragraphs :)

I'm glad to see that you are not blind.

I have to say that I suscribe word by word to your post and that your interpretation is just perfect.

This is what Lewis said to the media after the Q3 at Hungaroring:

"I really don't understand why he was held back,so you should ask the team.I definitely will be asking them in the debrief."

Regards,congratulations for your new job playing the character of the "bad-at-the-end-good girl" in the next James Bond movie,written by "D" and directed by "IDR",& excuse me for my English.

[Cap]

To: Chiunda, JavierG, TXUS G.R.

I'm amused by your comments. I did not compare Lewis (or anyone else) to Hitler. My point is that one should judge people by their actions, not necessarily by how they try to present themselves. You only find out what people are really like when they are under pressure.

I wish I hadn't used the 'H' word actually. It seems to have distracted from my point, so I'll withdraw it. Apologies.

[Txus G.R.]

To "CAP":

Don't worry mate,no need to apologize.

I understood your point perfectly and I agree with your view,but I think that Adolf Hitler was not the best example.

Just my opinion.

Regards & excuse me for my English.

[ELCROWLEY]

Lewis H-O-N-E-S-T?????

I remember Ham saying last year that he is touched "by God." Also I remember what he said after Japan race. He said he felt like Senna when Senna did his more fabulous and known race with a rain.

Oh my god. You started from 1st position in Japan. Senna did overtake 5 drivers on a raining opening lap. And he did it starting from the midle of grid.

Ham, did you noticed that you started 1st and all drivers has spray water in front and you didn't? How many drivers did you overtake?

Also Ham said after last malaysian GP that he could have done 1st stop with a beer on his hand. That's the way Ham thanks to his team crew. And he said he could have finished in front of Kovalainen.
Yes, And Alonso could have won WDC if you didn't do the clown on Hungary last year.

Lewis honest... please let me have a heartattack at this moment.

[hydroacqua]

I still do not see in this blog anything more than people speaking about individuals instead of about F1. Ed, why do you pay so much attention to Fernando Alonso? Everybody can see that this season he is not the fastest (no matter if it is because of his car or himself). So why are you (Ed and all the others) speaking so much about him?. I'm a fan of Alonso and I hope he will improve the car and will be able to reach the podium in some race. But until then (he has been 9th) he is not the one we should focus on. Kimmi seems to be doing great! and most importantly, Ferrari seems to have found the way to renew the championship (no excuses about Ferrari tested in Malaysia before but McLaren don't). We will see.

[D]

^
IDR >

This is for you, my wise friend!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/motorsport.html?in_article_id=544669&in_page_id=1954&ito=1490

[Mark]

Re: J. Todt taking over for M. Mosley. I think that there should be a fixed number of years (say 3 years) between being a senior member of a team and becoming President of the FIA. Todt would certainly have to relinquish all of roles at Ferrari and could not have any financial ties, so any stock options must be put in trust or disposed of. Of course, the FIA is not a democracy and doesn't have the transparency of a corporation, so I would say that if Todt gets the job, a senior member of McLaren should be appointed to the board of directors.

To put it in perspective, try floating the idea of Ron Dennis being FIA President...it might go over well in the UK (and I would certainly support it) but I suspect it wouldn't get as warm a welcome in some other countries.