Edward Gorman, Motor Racing Correspondent, in Fuji, Japan
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Lewis Hamilton is one victory away from motor racing immortality after producing an immaculate display in appalling conditions to win the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday as Fernando Alonso, his bitter rival and nearest challenger, crashed out.
Hamilton flies to Shanghai this morning knowing that winning next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, the penultimate race of his first season in Formula One, will make him the first rookie champion and the youngest in the sport’s history.
Only seven months ago, when the 22-year-old from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, began his career with a podium place at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, taking the title seemed an impossible dream, but Hamilton has shown ability and maturity beyond even his imaginings and these qualities were the hallmarks of an outstanding performance in Fuji’s rain and fog as he drove to his fourth - and best – win of the campaign.
The McLaren Mercedes driver survived two spells behind the safety car and a spin when he was hit by Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber to take the chequered flag ahead of Heikki Kovalainen, a fellow rookie, in a Renault, with Kimi Raikkonen, of Ferrari, third.
While Hamilton produced the goods from pole position, the race turned into a nightmare for Alonso, his team-mate and more experienced championship rival, who started in second place but destroyed his car on lap 42 after aquaplaning into a wall.
The result leaves Alonso, who went into the race two points behind Hamilton and with all the momentum after getting the better of the Briton for three races in a row, 12 points adrift. The Spaniard admitted he “needs a miracle” in China – and then in the final race, in Brazil – if he is to fulfil his dream of a third consecutive driver’s title.
Hamilton, however, could savour an excellent weekend’s work at the track where James Hunt won his World Championship 31 years ago in similar conditions. “It was the longest race of my life, it seemed to go on and on and on,” Hamilton said. “I am thrilled to take it and it’s great for the team.”
The Briton also talked of the inspiration of greats such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, multiple world champions and members of an exalted class whom many judges believe Hamilton will join. “Obviously, driving in the wet and leading, and doing the last lap and thinking of the races Senna and Prost were in, makes me feel I am on my way to achieving something similar to them,” Hamilton said.
Although he had nervy moments, Hamilton loved the challenge of conditions that resulted in seven rivals failing to finish. “Even aquaplaning you are still in control,” he said. “I was almost rallying it down the straight, it was just cool and good fun.
“I couldn’t imagine having four wins in my first year,” Hamilton, who has 12 podium finishes in 15 races, added. “After the first pole and after the first win, I was, like, ‘get out of here’. But now it’s just way, way, way beyond anything I imagined.”
One step from glory
1 Lewis Hamilton (GB) 107pts 2 Fernando Alonso (Sp) 95 3 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) 90
Next race Shanghai, China Sunday, ITV 1, 7am
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I think that next year, LH and FA will race in different teams, and then we would see who the better driver is. I feel a sense of outrage at the nationalistic outrages committed by both British and Spanish GP in this and other forums - why don't you grow up, this isn't a playground.
For all those who say LH has an unfair advantage because he is getting his car set-up's from FA - if both drivers have the same set-up, surely the driver with more talent would win?
At the end of the day, this season has been bogged down with controversial acts of espionage, decisions and accusations of cheating - my hope is next season will be remembered for Driver skill, and Teams technical excellence, as this season should have been.
Tony, Watford, UK
To score points in every grand prix but one in your first year is fantastic, to hold yourself together when your team is accused of spying is difficult. To be modest when you are leading the world champioship as a rookie is virtue, all this at such a tender age. Lets wish him the best and hope that whatever the outcome everyone finishes the race safely.
John, Lichfield,
Hopefully not - yes I'm British and I don't like Hamilton - it's like Schumacher all over again - one rule for him and another for everyone else! (He rams Massa on to the grass and then complains when Alonso does it to him the next race. He also gets put back on the track when he slides off into a gravel trap with at least 5 other drivers who don't) Go for it Alonso and Kimi - you're the best and you play fair and square!
Debbie, Chesterfield, UK
Come on Alonso and Kimi! Yes I'm British and support the best two drivers in the world! If he wins he can thank Alonso and Ferrari. I also wish he'd take that helmet off, no one should wear a yellow helmet apart from the late great Ayrton Senna da Silva (a true legend in every sense).
Debbie, Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Even if this year is invalid he'll win it again,
and again. Even if Mclaren are cheats you
can't deny Hamilton is the real thing.
He's no Button.
Julian, London,
It´s a shame the way maclaren has been treating alonso this current season.Time will clarify who of the two maclaren drivers of this year is trully the best.
davicin, la bañeza, spain
The Japanese and Canadian GP will be definitive moments in both their careers.
To the Alonso fans you got your rain and the better man won.
Donald , Bay Area , USA
I did'nt post my comment yesterday because I was waiting for the Spanish to say Hamilton stole Alonso's car and set up.
When in this day and age you get people supporting Alonso's childish behaviour to be given preferential treatment at the expense of someone elses talent and hardwork then you have to understand all the discrimination we currently face due to age, sex, whatever. Hamilton won fair and square. I dont know how to say that in Spanish.
Mike leeman, London, England
Peter, the Alonso apologists are too busy licking their wounds. Jaime I think you missed the word "not" in your sentence....
Mike, Malaysia,
I agree with Jacques, Alonso has the enemy in his own team, terrible mistake from him to go with an English team!
Mayte, Paris,
The win by LH at Fuji was simply amazing.You see,LH is going to win this year's championship,as well as the next 9...just like his podium finishes.
If you doudt me,please put your money where your mouth is.$5000.
Sunyaski, Nairobi, Kenya
To say Lewis is a sportman its like to say Bush is a humanitarian person , but anyway , no driver could posibly win when the team is racing for its against him. Alonso had to fight in many fronts ,
no chance for him . I wanna congrat Mclaren fans for the
championship and as a renault fan myself i hope Alonso is coming back home next season.
Jacques , Montreal, Canada
Alonzo showed his true colors in Hungary! Lewis showed his in Japan! I will name next born Lewis Hamilton... whether its a boy or girl.
Patrick Pierre, Jamaica, USA NY
yay!!! lewis hamilton rocks. He's one of the best drivers ever...he's hardworking and nice fellow. I'd love to see him win and he has got BOTH LUCK AND TALENT...that's why he's leading the championship right now. God Bless Him and hope he will be the first rookie to win the championship....
go on hamilton..
Sophia, Ashford, UK
Lewis is a terrible driver with a lot of luck,but he´ll fall sooner or later.On the other hand,Alonso has already showed his value winning the last two World Championship.Alonso only
needs a supported team to be at the top again.
Nuria, Vitoria, Spain
I live in Spain and it is amazing how racist and unsportmanlike many Spaniards are getting to anything related to Hamilton. If one can read Spanish and see what is being said in Marca (leading daily sports newspaper) Online Comments, one wonders what would happen to people of color in Spain if and when LH wins next week in Shanghai. And it appears that for many Spaniards F1 never existed before their Demi-God National Hero Lord Alonso twice became world champion. It is pathetic to read and hear comments that are not only anti-Hamilton-anti-Blacks but also now ant-anything British or English.... The media is always out there trying to mislead their Sports followers and conceal anything wrong done by Alonso and make Ron Dennis, LH and everybody else the culprit of Alonso´s misfortunes.... I guess, what the Spaniards want is to just let Alonso race for himself and by himself and then crown himself Champion. That will make them all feel good.
Niccolas, Badajoz, Spain
Just in regards to naming him Sports Personality of the Year. I dont think he should win it. Not taking anything away from him. In fact if the competition was called British Sports Person of the Year he would win hands down. But the word is personality and as with most excellent sportsmen and women they do tend to lack in the personality department.
Ben Clyde, Dublin, Ireland
The water, the IAF and McClaren gives Hamilton the championship. I hope to see Fernando in Ferrari as soon as possible.
Javier, Madrid, Spain
Would like to see a random weather dice added to the F1 circus. Roll the dice and add water to the track if wet, ice if cold and normal for sun.
Gt race, brilliant driving by Lewis, and good to see Alonso getting as many points as he deserves.
(such a shame when Fernando came out from his pit stop behind so many cars).
Stevenage 10 Real Madrid 0
Austen Dack, Ely, England
Hamilton did his talking on the track, as ever. A very exciting race that really split the men from the boys! I felt very sorry for Webber, but an exciting race nonetheless!
Of course, there are still some rather odd comments coming from Spain... like 'YUPPIE, everything you are now thank to Alonso'...? Not quite sure what that is meant to refer to, Alonso presumably threw his car, selflessly, into the wall to assist Hamilton to the title or something...?
Anyway, fantastic achievement. Well done young man. Outstanding!
Mark, Birmingham, UK
YUPPIE, everything you are now thank to Alonso
LOL!!
A Gomez, London,
I think this race and Monaco have proved that Lewis Hamilton is something special in a formula one car no matter who you support. He'll win the championship because he is too good and too professional not to get 9 points from the last two races - miracles aside of course.
Douglas, London, UK
It would be good to see Hamilton racing for a Spanish team....without the support of anybody else (apart of Daddy).
We ll see next year when Hamilton does not have Alonso doing all the dirty work for him on Friday and Saturday...and engineers replicating the info acchieved by Alonso.
But remember last year's championship....who won it in similar circumstances??
Dave, Leeds,
paul - you may well be right about the spanish not hating kimi if he were ahead of alonso. still, we'll probably get a chance to see over the next couple of weeks, won't we?
jem, london, uk
I think finally Lewis won me over this weekend, as the commentators said, he deserves the championship for yesterday's brilliant performance alone.
Up until the last couple of weeks I really didn't care who won, but after reading hundreds of comments from extremely rude,bias, bitter and twisted Spaniards I really do hope that Alonzo fails to catch Hamilton, I'd rather see Kimi win than Lewis's so called 'team' mate.
Am I going about leaving nasty comments on Spanish web-sites today? No, because us Brits are a bit more sporting than that.
I have been so appalled by the comments that I took great pleasure in cancelling my trip to Spain in two weeks, I'd rather spend my cash elsewhere.
Jon, London,
If Ecclestone and FIA want to be another World Champion in the Circus, they could given a title and not to do that theatre.
Next year who will set the car to Hamilton?. Good bye to 0.6 seconds and again to finish 5th or 6th.
ramon, madrid, Spain
No suprise at the complete lack of Spainards crowing Alonzo's greatness after this amazing win from Lewis,
how quite they are today
Lewis Hamilton was simply in a class of his own giving a master 's lesson to his pupil Alonzo and the rest of the drivers.
JohnR, Basingstoke,
well done lewis you are a truly nice person and a great driver
goodluck for the nexed 2 races
sam morrison, glasgow, scotland
thank god for lewis hes just so nice and a great driver
no more to be said
sam morrison, glasgow, scotland
Thank God that we had the LH and FA story, otherwise the F1 championship would have been extremely boring! Congratulations to LH and good luck for FA in the next two races
Juan, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
If Alonso goes away from Mclaren, his destiny seems to be Ferrari and maybe an exchange shall happen.
I donât think that LH canât be considered a surprise; he was carefully manufactured to become a champion. And the results he achieved until now are marvellous.
Andre Araujo de Oliveira, Vitoria, Brazil / ES
It's a great boost for Britain having such a brilliant young driver in Lewis Hamilton yet his fantastic achievements are being diluted by his negative comments regarding Alonso. Rivalry by definition is not conducive to great friendship but I recall Alonso's humilty & class in the face of some pretty unsavoury tactics by Michael Schumacher when he was the young pretender to the champions throne. I'd never heard a bad word spoken of Alonso prior to this season & therefore I'm not conviced he is the only villain some individuals(including Lewis) would have us believe. Believing his champion status would afford him more respect is not entirely unreasonable. Many of us would struggle to accept a "new kid" usurping our "authority" at work. Egos are fragile & Alonso's has been challenged far earlier than anyone could have expected by Hamiltons brilliance on the track. Forget the mud-slinging Lewis. Let your racing do the talking & everyones respect (Spaniards included) will be total.
Jim McNabb, Edinburgh,
1. It would be better if those posting could write comprehensible English so that we could fully understand what they want to say.
2. As a Spaniard, I am able to comment on the biased nature of the anti-Hamilton comments - shame on you nationalistic people who comment not on the facts but from the prejudiced rubbish written by many of our so-called sports journalists.
3. In many sports, followers simply enjoy great performances by individuals for what they are - high human achievements - irrespective of the nationality of the athlete. Here is an outstanding performer, certainly with the advantage of a winning car (as have Alonso, Raikkonen and Massa) and who seems to be a step above all of his peers in both racing ability and mental attitude.
We should all enjoy watching history being made, for this excellent young man may turn out to be the best racer ever.
And by the way, only a fool or an Italian or Spaniard could believe that Ron Dennis and Mclaren really did anything wrong.
Roberto Medeiros, Madrid, Spain
Just a quick contrast to all the usual Latin accusations of unfairness and British bias in the media and in F1, and all the insinuations that LH has had his success handed to him on a plate by Ron, Alonso, Ecclestone, etc.
Below is a post from a Mexican fan on the BBC news website.
"You British people have Hamilton among you & just can't believe how badly criticize him.
One can be fan of a driver or team & of course would like them to beat the opponents but what anybody just can't deny is the astonishing arriving of this rookie. Just one fact. Being a rookie & beat one of the greatest drivers the one that won against the legend Schumacher the 2 times world champion Alonso & with the same tools!!!!. Come one!! this is marvelous & must be recognized without doubt. I'm a big fan of Alonso from Mexico & just can't take why you all are not proud of this sensational rookie."
Couldn't have said it better myself. Britain has a champion to be proud of - what's so wrong with that?
TG, Christchurch, New Zealand
Hello,I try to reply Jordi from Bournmouth.
1.Monaco.It was the British press that kicked up an almighty stink over Lewis being balked by Alonso.Silly,yes,but it would have been th same in reverse.(Hamilton holding up Alonso.)
2.I don't think either driver has to apologise for the Hungary 'event'.they were both staking a claim and like two competitive individuals,they were both 'in the right',so to speak.Why the FIA got involved is anybody's guess.
3.Hamilton swearing at his team.we will never know the truth about this unril McLaren stop being silly like other teams and open up radio contact with their drivers.
4.I didn't hear that Hamilton complained to the FIA that he was held up in the pits by Alonso.I think the FIA have,like most things this season ,been too pro-active.It was a team problem(not an issue,for sure) as I'm sure any right minded individual will agree.
5.Well,as for Lewis not co-operating by holding back e-mails,he had none or would have been punished.Ta-Ra.
Moog, Melton, England
Jeremy from Fartham.
You arrogant fool.If you for one moment think you can do better,why,why are you not an ex-F1 driver of many years experience or a journalist who has seen more than you will ever forget about F1,contracted to commentate on the increasingly complex and , I hate to admit it dull , races that we watch these days.I get very annoyed by armchair commentators who know better.At the the time,I often think I am superior to the commentator with my 'superior' knowledge of F1.Just remember,you are not being listened to by millions of people when you 'enjoy' your race.Keep it up James,Martin and all the motorsprt commentators.
Moog, Melton, England
If Alonso it´s not the best driver ¿Why ron denis pay him 20 million euros per year???? Perhaps he need Alonso to put his car in the way of winners and for help Hamilton to be the F1 Champion this year. Thats it´s a fact. And the litle mistakes in the Alonsos car this year it´s another fact. If Hamilton win, as it is dacided in the maclarens ofices, well down. Congratulations. But will be 2-1 to Alonso. Next year will see what hapend. Another question: If macclaren have to pay 70 million euros by spying and 20 millions to Alonso next year, how much will pay to Hamilton??? Have they money for all???
vicente, Madrid,
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS, LEWIS. You are probably one of the best world drivers, just like Heidfeld, Vettel Kovalainen and other guys. But these guys don`t have the rocket-car you`ve got and also they don`t have a twice world champion as team mate to set the car up. It`s great to see the gentleman you`ve got inside. We`seen it in Monaco with your comments against team mate and the whole team. We`ve seen it in Hungary, with your lovely father, getting the team and Alonso punished. (That saction caused Dennis and Alonso`s row, explained with a lot of detail in spanish newspapers, when Alonso answered back to Dennis about MC Laren`s honesty and Dennis just got scared and called Mosley, not real threat but onlyt real Dennis guilt), And now, when Mr. Lewis is not champion yet, we can hear him he wants his team mate kicked out. We like the strength he saw just one month ago and his greatness as a person right now. CONGRATULATIONS, LEWIS.
Santi Andia, bilbao, spain
L hamilton is the 1st black man who is goin to make history in formula 1 and he is going to be the next tiger wood .. we all black ppl waitin for..lolz viva L H
african man, Esbjerg, Danmark
Congratulations to LH for the season although I prefer Alonso&Kimi .Any of you know where to read M.Schumacher opinion about the season?.I cannot find any comments from him (at leastin English, French or Spanish written webpages.Any help would be appreciated.
Cristina, Oviedo, Spain
Oh dear I see a few sour grapes from some of our Spanish friends.Thats a shame. Alonso was out driven, simple as that, and under pressure made too many mistakes. Hamilton will become one of the all time greats,given competitive equipment, he is that good.
Conrad, Huddersfield, England
Hi everybody. I think we should congratulate LH-certainly he made great driving in his rookie year. But all the rubbish on FA, that was NOT needed! I hate when people hate each other....which is happening often in this 2007 F1 mess. But I guess this is what Ecclestone wants, isn't it?
Have I read properly that LH does not want FA next year in "his" team? asking for a number 1 position? wasn't that what RD always complained about the whole year as an unacceptable FA request? (if that is true, of course).
Anyway, will you English and us Spaniards appreciate the qualities of FA and LH at once, please?
JH
Juan, Barcelona, Spain
Thanks to Fernando and Lewis for giving us probably the best F1 year in decades. Two superb pilots.
For next year I wish two things: Fernando please leave McLaren and let Lewis set up the car, and secondly Anthony Hamilton go on with your pathetic behaviour.
Inigo Cortes, San Sebastian,
"Take care with all your minds..."
Could LH be a world champion driving a Renault?
Will LH win a new world championship if Alonso drives a FIA-rrari? (sorry I don´t like dictators)
Time will talk...
Mané, Mugardos, Galiza
Formula 1, what a joke! whats more a very expensive joke.
marcus saw, koeln, germany
Hate is a serious and very strong word to use against someone; especially someone who has done notthing to anyone. LH is simply a fantastic, well disciplined, and skilled driver. He deserves to win the championship as he has been the most consistent driver on the circuit with 12 of 15 podium finishes. It's ridiculous to player hate because of nationality, race, or natural ability. Get over it people, LH is a winner! The very best of fortunes in the last two races LH>
DEF: Bahamas
DEF, NP, Bahamas
Re: J Oxenholme :
I feel it is important to not use 'racism' in this context. Nobody is pretending that Hamilton is/isn't a great driver because his race is better than Alonso's (no pun intended...)
Jingoism, now - maybe even a touch of xenophobism. Neither of those not particularily nice traits are even in the same league as racism!
Using a word incorrectly devalues it and neuters the meaning. There is enough blood, sweat and tears in the fight against racism to not wish to dumb the word down.
D Macdonald, Sceaux, France
the bottom line is whether you critics have the balls to admit it or not, with those conditions in fuji hamilton displayed nothing less then pure skill and talent. just goes to show that with all the hoo haa in the air about the ferrari documents, the drivers are still doing what they do best.....apart from alonzo of course! it takes a lot of hard work to MAINTAIN a record like hamiltion's, all drivers have the odd lucky win, but 12 podium finishes in 15, thats something else.
Gurj Singh, Birmingham, UK
The championship si done. Congratulations Lewis and let take it to the next year.
BAKKALI Mohammed Nidar, tangier, Morocco
Congratulations Lewis fantastic year great pilot. Alonso, you always will be the better, You have had everything in against the team, the press, the ¿¿car??,Alonso go out of there They always are going to benefit to hamilton before that to you.
Javier Rubio, Madrid, Epaña
Do not sing a victory´s song yet. Lewis will crash out in one of the next two races. Statistics .
willy, barcelona, spain
One thing Lewis didn't learn from the Spaniard this season: his many mistakes .
A Walton, Leicester, England
Hamilton has shown he is a cool customer whatever the conditions. He has been tested in all kinds of situations this year where you would expect a rookie to come undone due to lack of experience. But he has a racing pedigree which I'm sure even Schumacher would be envious of. Even if he doesn't win the championship this year, which I think he will, he has demonstrated enough to show that he is now the yardstick by which modern professional drivers will be measured. He has the potential to be in that elite class of athletes such as Jordan, Federer, Woods, Pele and Ali - Go Lewis!
Tijani Dania, Thamesmead, London, United Kingdom
I do deeply resent / regret the racist comments (from Brits and Spaniards) which seem to pepper these discussions. One is entitled to like / dislike any drivers - but let us not pretend one person is indicative of a race. Moreover, I would argue that liking / disliking is not the point in any case. Many top racing drivers may be dislikeable by non-racers because of their single-minded determination - which can meaning stamping on others.
As regards Alonso's crash. It was a shame and I am only glad he was not injured. Anyone can crash - Hamilton has and will again. Never to crash would imply not trying.
I hope I say this from a balanced perspective - I do want Hamilton to win. Yes, as a British representative that would be good but also simply because of his excellent skills and the entertainment he has provided.
Apropos Button - put him in a McClaren or Ferrari and I think he would start winning races, too. As, indeed, will Alonso when he is happier.
J Oxenholme, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
Lewis, as a beginner, is showing a clean pair of heels to the experienced drivers, and is beating the world champion, who has equally good machinery. To race away like this, is just down to talent - amazing, unbelievable talent. He has rekindled my interest in F1, and I look forward to the thrills he will provide in years to come.
(Think of Kimi Raikkonen though - solid & fantastic performances all year, and coming 3rd in Japan was amazing).
That race in Japan was an all-time classic, and I can't wait to see if Lewis enters the record books next week, or the following week.
Go Lewis - you're the best!
Bryan, London,
Any McLaren victory is valid...End of.
Marlboro Man, LINCOLN, England
We British have a global reputation for upholding fair play and decency. So, well done Lewis. We are all proud of you and we wish the best of luck to Fernando Alonso during the final two races. May the best driver win.
Marello, Coventry, England
I think that the strong feelings amongst english and spanish fans (and others nationalities) are worth a study. Personally I dont think is all about nacionality, it seems to me that there is something more deep and personal about it. So I propose to everyone to write 10 reasons why you dislike Hamilton or Alonso.
1- Hamilton complained in Monaco because Alonso didn't let him pass ( why should he??).
2- Hamilton didn't follow the teams rules in Q3 in Hungury. (he had to apologise, not good enough for someone calling himself loyal)
3- Hamilton swore to Dennis in Q3 in Hungary. Anyone talking like that to a father like figure has no respect from me.
4- Hamilton complained to FIA in Hungary because Alonso spent too much time in the pits. Alonso was penalised. (crying again)
5- Hamilton did not give any information to FIA about the Spy scandal. (Loyal or a liar?).
6- Can hamilton go racing without daddy, for once? (is he over 18 years old yet?)
Sorry no more room for my comments
jordi, bournemouth, uk
Its not over til its over ( and the big lady gets up to sing?)..I just hope LH keeps his composure and focus ..with all the hype going on its very easy to be complacent and even smug... Why if you think of previous battles he could be sideswiped by anyone and Kimi or Alonso could snatch it from under his nose .Two poles are needed and no mistakes . Nothing but impeccable will do . Being a Legend is way better than being a 'Nearly' Driver.
Chris, Portland , Maine , USA
Well done yet again, Lewis. This is one of the many performances this year that proves, beyond doubt, you will be one of the all-time greats. To have driven like this in your 3rd or 4th season would have been impressive enough, but to perform like this in your 1st is incredible, best car or not. And to all the whinging "yes, but" Alonso fans, only one Mclaren driver has made rookie-like mistakes several times this year - and it ain't Lewis.
Dom Waters, Newbury, Berkshire
Congratulations to LH for winning Japan GP you deserved it, no doubts !! But remember that there are still two races. Do you remember what happened to Schumacher last year after Alonso went out in Monza ?? Do not sell bear's skin until you have hunted it down !!
One question for the future, if Alonso goes away from Mclaren, who is going to set up your car ? ;-)
joseph, Brussels, Belgium
"davewall, MADRID, Spain"
Well I hate Alonso, but he is a great driver, being from Great Britain, we have the ability to be objective. Alonso, made the mistake that nothing to do with Lewis. There are many new drivers Lewis included who is as good as Alonso if not better Nico, Lewis, Massa,Vettel Sebastian,Heikki Kovalainen, Nico Rosberg. I alway believe Kimi Räikkönen, was a more exciting and talented driver then Alonso any day. Let no forget he was blackmailing his own boss, and that nothing to do with Lewis.
Lewis Fan, Kent, England
Reading the spainish newspaper where if you are not spainish you CANNOT POST ANY opinions. I am happy to see you can express any opinion on a decent British newspaper.
F1 is a sport, the German didn't hate Alonso, when he beat Michael. The newspapers in spain are filled with mistruths and lies about Lewis. If Kimi Räikkönen, was beating Alonso most spainish wouldn't have a problem with it. Lewis is a better driver then Alonso like many of the new rookies.
Paul, London, England
Jeremy in Farnham time to wake up and realise a few facts.
A F1 race is controlled by the race director. He is responsible for the safety car. Asking for the cars to slow down is very well but asking them to do so is extremely difficult. Do you necessarily see F1 cars slowing down with waved yellows? Indy with the dodgy Michelin tyres springs to mind as well.
Yes aquaplaning is a result of going too fast but if you slow down and drive the way in which you recommend, somebody else is going to ram you! Vettel spring to mind?
As for the commentary, ITV do a great commentary which is broadcasted all over the world. It is far superior to German F1 coverage which has advert breaks of 7 minutes! Martin Brundle is so very knowledgable and I ask you to try commentating when things are crazy on track and you are staring at a small monitor and timing screens.
Enjoy the rest of the season and lets hope Lewis becomes World Champion! yes a McLaren one but so what! Stuff Mosley.
Mark - F1 Nut!, London, UK
My view od Lewis Hamilton is that while he may be a competent driver he has been helped by his team to the cost of the current world champion Fernado. It is my view that it was and is in Maclarens interest to have Hamilton beat Alonso .,and they did it by not supplying Alonso with equal equipment. After all Hamilton is under contract to Maclaren for it might seem forver and to have him win would increase the sponsorship to Maclaren at a low cost while Alonso brings huge amounts ofsponsorship as World Campion. It will be to the detriment of motor racing if Ron Dennis and his protogee win this drivers championship after all the are disqualified from the constructors section for cheating and so in effect the drivers championship has been demeaned , we will see what develops but motor racing is now a tainted sport.
irving, northwood, UK
McLaren, after many (too many) years not winning, were desperate for winning and fortunetly for them, they had a perfect chance to do so...with LH. I respect that. But anyone with just a bit of common sense may advertise that this British Team works for 1 man despite they have two (remember pole moment in Japan they all went insane and Alonso's crash, it looked like anything happened ). For a McLaren fan as I am (sorry were), its a shame how they have showed up a disgraceful image trough out this year allowing everything to their man in the same way as FIA. What a champion...or not.
omera, madrid,
19 laps with a safety car?? Do they have to bring a note from their Mum if it rains from now on then? Why don't they do like (the majority of) us when it rains & just slow down?
Aquaplaning is fundamentally driver error from going too fast. So for all the whinging about terrible conditions the likes of Button might do well to remember that it's not the fastest person for 1 lap who wins - it's the 1 who drives 70 odd laps in the smartest fashion.
Rain made the TV commentary absolutely hilarious & even more of a lottery than the usual ill informed jabberings of the ITV race commentators. Samantha Fox & Mick Fleetwood could do a better job than those two.....
Jeremy, Farnham,
Jaime, is it possible that you could lose well and accept that maybe LH is the better driver?
How did LH win GP2 last year without help from FA??
simon, Valencia,
Any Mclaren World drivers champion is invalid...End of.
Joe, Marshall, London
I hope that everyone can now see that Hamilton would be a worthy champion if that is to be. Good luck to him in the final two races of the season.
Ian Jones, Abu Dhabi, UAE
If only Alonso hadn't been surprised by the abilities (and results) of Hamilton, the Championship might still be a fight.
Steve, Valencia, Spain
Lewis should be crowned the BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR!! No one even comes close to rival him this year!
Elias, Stevenage, United Kingdom
Races are races, you cannot tell what's going to happen even in the next turn. That's another reason why races are so exiciting. I do not like LH at all, I'm even starting to feel some kind of hatred for him, but he's at the top of the list now and today he deserves so; but I dont' think he's a driver with a brilliant future ahead... in the seasons to come he will fade away and become another "Button" (my respect to Button, nice man, ordinary driver).
All said, this ain't over yet...
rgds,
davewall, MADRID, Spain
Good work fella! Go for it Lewis, show that sulky Spaniard the measure of a true sportsman.............make Britain 'Great' again.
Dave Webster, Damman, Saudi Arabia
this column is quiet today,no excuses,no accusations of unfair play,where are the Spaniard experts?Lewis, Im not a fan(yet) but go for it son,with driving like that you deserve the history making title,well done McClaren a superb performance.
Peter, Baguio, Philippines
Being a true mclaren fan for all my life, i was obviously expecting the gap left by mika hakkinen to be filled by kimi. but I have a strong opinion that the team never provided a good reliable car to him. Now all the disappointment for the past 8 years is going to evaporate when lewis wins the championship. it is truly going to be a great occasion for all motorsport fans around the world.
Anoop, Trivandrum, India
YUPPIE, everything you are now thank to Alonso
Jaime Narvaez, Alicante, Spain