Hamilton Snr: Do you want people to race or not?

Monday 8th September 2008

A livid Anthony Hamilton has hit out at F1 politics after his son Lewis was robbed of the victory in Sunday's Belgian GP.

Following his victory at Spa on Sunday Hamilton was informed by the race stewards that he had been handed a 25second penalty for cutting a chicane to gain an advantage over Kimi Raikkonen three laps from the end.

The penalty saw Hamilton dropped from first to third, thereby handing the race win to his title rival Felipe Massa.

The decision has angered many in McLaren, who are set to appeal, not least Hamilton's father Anthony.

"They can't take it away from Lewis," he told The Times. "They can take it away from Formula One, but they can't take it away from us because we won the race.

"Politics is one thing; we've been bitten twice - or on a few occasions - by decisions by the stewards but, in this case, I thought what Lewis did was correct.

"He was in front when he went into the corner, he played safe, didn't crash into Kimi, everybody came out safe. He gave up the position, and then he came back and overtook him.

"Do you want people to race or do you want people to just follow each other - this is Formula One isn't it?

"The thing is Lewis is a racing driver. You can go out and trundle around and just bring some points home - that's one thing. We want to win the championship and that's a slight difference.

"Lewis didn't do anything risky or anything dangerous. He thought, 'I could have him,' and he went for the move and it worked extremely well."

Your Comments

supernicenina

"We are witnessing the demise of F1. The power within the sport lies with the teams and sponsors, not the FIA, not the stewards, not the drivers. The teams may have big budgets but you do have to question if a cottage industry has outgrown its brain. Witness the appointment of Montesemola by the teams to look after ALL their best interests�doh! Last week is was McLaren next week it could be ANOther. Unless the teams get smart and get together none of them will morally and fairly succeed�in the manor they should desire. Do any really want to win a championship by anything less than car, driver and team skill? To survive F1 needs to get professional and start behaving impartially at all times. Why did the stewards not retrospectively go over video footage and dock every car that left the track 25 seconds? What happens on Sunday when a car leaves the track, as one or more surely will? Dare they penalise McLaren but not ANOther team if anything happens in the remaining 2008 races. The crass management at Spa, and before, now means that the season and the sport are compromised. I believe fatally. So get together teams and encourage the FIA and Co. to re-organise themselves in the interests of everyone�s future. It may be McLaren�s and Hamilton�s problem at the moment�it could be your turn next. Get smart guys and sort it..! "

sandip

"Shut up you fool. Has this guy got any clue about racing? In front of Kimmy? Sorry old but you really need to test your eyes. As far as I can see Kimmy had the racing line and was in front. Looser jump the turn and gained a advantage. You sad sorry loosers... the both of you!"

Matthew

"I am shocked by this decision! Spa was a great race, one we have not seen for a long time - this is racing at its best. I can only say that if the FIA uphold this decision of shame I will be the first to boycot this becoming ridiculous "sport" and take up trainspotting instead (It's far more exciting)."

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