Lewis Hamilton’s dream of winning back-to-back Canadian Grands Prix turned
sour at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve yesterday when the British driver
crashed his car in the pitlane. The mistake by Hamilton, who smashed into
the rear of the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen, his World Championship rival,
cost him more than a possible race win in Canada, with the stewards imposing
a ten-place grid penalty on him for the French Grand Prix in two weeks’
time.
The pitlane calamity led to a rare fit of temper from the “Iceman”, who
branded an apologetic Hamilton as “stupid”. “If I go at 300kph and lose
control and hit somebody, it is natural,” the Finn said in reference to his
own high-speed smash into the back of the car of Adrian Sutil, the Force
India driver, at Monte Carlo two weeks ago. “But if there is a pitlane speed
limit and two cars are stopped and you hit them, it is stupid. I saw the red
light and chose to stop. Unfortunately, someone saw a red light and chose
not to.”
Thus after 70 laps, it was not Hamilton, the pole-sitter, who took the
chequered flag but his friend and long-time rival, Robert Kubica, of BMW
Sauber, who celebrated, in almost matter-of-fact fashion, his maiden
grand-prix win and the first for the German team.
The result catapulted Kubica, who survived an horrendous crash in this race
last year, into the lead in the drivers’ championship. “It’s fantastic for
me, the team, my country and my fans,” the Pole said. “We have reached our
goal of winning a grand prix this season. We have done it and I’m leading
the championship, so I hope the team will give me 100 per cent support to
defend it until the last race.”
Completing the podium were Kubica’s German teammate, Nick Heidfeld, and David
Coulthard, the veteran Scotsman in the Red Bull, who took advantage of the
mishaps experienced by others and a one-stop fuel strategy to secure third.
Hamilton looked to have everything in place for a second win in Montreal to
follow his debut victory at this level 12 months ago. The 23-year-old Briton
had driven imperiously on Saturday to put his McLaren Mercedes on pole for
the second year in a row and he got away cleanly at the start of the race,
with Kubica in second place blocking the way through for Raikkonen, who
started third.
It all went according to plan as Hamilton built a six-second cushion over
Kubica in the early laps. But then came the almost inevitable safety car
interruption on a track where the proximity of the walls on either side of
the racing line makes almost every incident potentially dangerous.
On this occasion, it was Sutil whose car gave up the ghost, forcing the race
director, Charlie Whiting, to intervene. The safety car emerged on lap 17,
just the wrong time for Hamilton and the leading six drivers, who were
running low on fuel towards the end of their first stint.
After two laps behind the Mercedes saloon, Hamilton led all six of the leaders
into the pits and then the drama began. The first to get away from his box
was Kubica, with Raikkonen emerging inside him as the cars ran side by side
towards the pitlane exit.
The Pole in the BMW and the Finn in the Ferrari noticed that the pitlane exit
light was still flashing red, but Hamilton did not see it in time. The
Briton tried to brake, but it was too late and Hamilton’s car careered into
the back of the Ferrari with enough speed to disable Raikkonen’s car and
write off the front of Hamilton’s machine in a shower of carbon-fibre.
Hamilton was then hit from behind by Nico Rosberg, in the Williams, who was
also penalised ten places for France.
Raikkonen wagged an admonishing finger at Hamilton as the drivers trudged back
to their respective garages. “The team was on the radio warning me, but it
was too late,” Hamilton said. “I saw the red light and stopped, but, by the
time I stopped, it was too late. I saw the two guys in front of me duelling
together and wanted to keep out of that. It wasn’t a racing incident as
such, just unfortunate. It’s a lot different to putting the car into the
wall and being angry with yourself. It’s a shame I ruined Kimi’s race, but
that sort of thing happens. Until then I was so quick I was just breezing
it.”
Kubica, meanwhile, joked that he was lucky Hamilton hit Raikkonen and not him.
“I have to thank him [Hamilton] that he chose Kimi and not me,” he said.
The Pole has managed to take the lead in the title race while driving the
fifth-best car behind the McLarens and the Ferraris, an excellent testament
to the raw ability of a driver whom Hamilton has always said is among the
very best in Formula One.
Fernando Alonso drove a terrific race for Renault from fourth on the grid. The
Spaniard managed to wring every ounce of speed out of an uncompetitive car
and he was harrying Heidfeld to try to take an unlikely second place when he
spun the car and his race ended.
Lewis Hamilton: My Story Buy
the book
The whole world is astonished with him. His talent is superb. The car is in his hands even in the crashes. But we search for mistakes to criticise, but only him, that has just arrived in the Circus. It is not fair, and does not matter. The Crown is near.
REGINALDO AQUINO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL
Is very easy Tetsuya, nobody believes in Hamilton's legality because of his unfair play last year. Everyone thinks that he is a spoiled child who can do everything he wants in any moment, like he hit him aware of it. KR doesn't trust him. I don't think so, I think he hit KR like he could hit Kubika.
Laura, Burgos, Spain
On a technical point - Hamilton's car was fuelled more heavily than was Raikkonen's and Kubica's. His brakes were cold. Formula 1 cars stop like elephants on rollerblades in such conditions. Nico Rosberg also crashed - the procedure should be investigated.
Desmond, Mitcham, England
Three days after the incident, Kimi still can't believe what happened. Indeed if you think about, for ANY driver it's a bit difficult to believe when someone says they didn't see a red light and two stationary cars in front of you. But with F1 drivers it's even worse than unbelievable......
Tetsuya, Tokyo, Japan
yes and were all the great drivers of yesteryear driving average cars ?
jamie noose, norfolk,
Di , Asturias - I’m sorry if some of the Spanish feel offended but compared to the nasty comments made about LH and the English in this website alone not to mention the Spanish (those are truly mean and extremely racist) where people actually use the forums for name calling. So I hope you excuse me if I think your opinion is at best hypocritical.
And no I’m not a LH fan or FA for that matter nor am I English.
MC, London, UK
Di, you are right. Hammilton & Alonso have a lot of money, i enjoy with th show, but no one of them are friends of mine.
But some people try to justify things as they were gods.
What a shame. If u don't respect a red light in your neighbourhood, and traffic police are watching u, they fine u.
Ruben, Barcelona,
I just want to complain because many people here insult Spanish. The fact that many of us have a different point of view from your does not mean that we are petty, for instance. I'm not an Alonso's suppoter in fact I can't stand him but comment like this make me hate Hamilton.
Di, Asturias, SPAIN
Yeah, he helped... by choosing Kimi's bum. But seriously, nobody helped Robert in this race but his team, which did a perfect job. Note also that Nick's strategy change was also a perfect move. BMW's bolids are still weaker than McLarens and Ferraris, but team and drivers are making less mistakes.
Michal, Poznan, Poland
Hamilton just cannot stand it when someone passes him, even in the pits. He is not patient enough but wants immediately to catch the other guys. Inexperience is speaking. He was also causing problems behind the SC last year and the other drivers told him off quite harshly at the drivers meeting.
Mack Herrala, London, England
to those asking why the pit lane was closed, it was to allow the safety car and the procession to pass, and allow those who pit to join at the back, not in the middle of the line. it will turn green when the last car behind the SC has passed.
Glad to see Kubica getting his first GP win.
M Mustafa, London,
Yeah, yeah, now everybody is complaining about safety car rule. But in Monaco, when safety car gave Hamilton a victory... Hmmm... I even heard that Hamilton didn't make any mistake in Monaco...
But maybe I was watching different F1 race...
Robert - congratulations! Thanks for great evening! :)
Magda, Warsaw, Poland
Does anyone understand the regulations as to why their was (or can be) a stop light at the exit to the pits, or why the pits are closed for refueling during a safety car period?
Arnold
USA
Arnold Thornton, Roseville, USA
Great to see the pro-McLaren bias is alive and well.
Matthew, High Wycombe, UK
Hamilton was punished for causing an avoidable accident.
The accident would have been avoidable if Raikkonen had been where he should have been: BEHIND the leader (Kubica) at the end of the pitlane.
Was he planning on racing Kubica out of the pits with a safety Car out?
Tut tut.
James G, Stourbridge., UK
Yeah right. Second in the Chapionship in his 1st year, and currently second this year. Very average.
Graham Harris, London, UK
Hopefully this will make everyone realise that no matter how good you are, you can still make a dumb mistake. You can't afford to get a big head and bad attitude in this sport, and a bit of reality hit both Kimi and Lewis over the past 2 GPs. Plus, it makes the title battle so much more interesting!
Claire, Oxford, GB
Kimi hits a force India car in Monaco depriving them of their best finish - no penalty. Lewis hits Kimi - 10 place penalty. So the Ferrari bias and McLaren bashing continues.
F.I.A. Ferrari International Assistence
Pete, St Albans, England
LH might be one of the best driver on the track in F1 (I need to see him driving a less competitive car to crown him the best or just an average driver). But he is by far the worst driver on the pit line. His pit-lane entrances and exits are among the most embarasing in F1 history.
FrankTony, New York, USA
He made a mistake which was stupid his own fault and im sure he realises that. People saying his is an average racer? You haven't been watching F1 the last 2 season then? I'm sure a young brit rookie came in and enarly won the championship on his first season out? Yeah that's distinctly average...
Rob Smith, Yorkshire, UK
"The young Briton's mishap" what loose reporting, it wasn't a inferred slight mishap it was out and out dangerous driving, he ignored a red light and crashed into a stationary car. Brit or no Brit lets call a spade a spade, driving without due consideration for others is beyond understatements.
Anthony J, Alton, England
Hamilton is a superb driver, he's not the only one but but he is up there whether you like it or not. I was in Spain and the media there only said bad things about Alonso, Yeah right! And whats with the spoilt Brit thing? Why is he more spoilt than any of the others? Nice to see Racism is dead!!!!!
Rak, London, UK
Ed! You mention Alonso's "terrific drive" (which was ended by a driver error, second in a row for him) but you never once mention Felipe Massa's name in your article! To me it looks you are focusing so much on Hamilton and his nemesis Alonso, that you ignore other terrific drives because of that.
Galko S., Encs, Hungary
What about that fact that Hamburger was lined up to impact Kubica but he swerved to hit Raikkonen instead. I think he is one of the worst sportsmen ever to desert this country to live in a tax haven. Why not report what actually happened instead on only praising Hamburger? Breezing it indeed!!
tom read, colchester,
Was Kubica the favourite? No! Until yesterday he'd not posted a fastest lap, let alone finished first. Hamilton's foolishness changed how the race ended: simple as that.
As for the British being ignorant or "sore losers", most F1 engineering and almost all teams come from the UK. So we always win!
Phil, London,
LH and Nico have been found guilty of the same, why is it all about LH? Kimi ended Sutil's race, Alonso couldn't finish a race for the umpteenth time, does this make them useless sportsmen? Shumi had worse episodes yet?
Comments from Spain show how petty pple are over there. Get over last yr pple!
Don A., Manchester, UK
Probably not the best article to advertise Lewis' book under!
Reena, Manchester, UK
well done robert! Would love his next team to be mcclaren driving alongside Lewis.
Why do the spanish people who have written on this page feel they have to put down LH? You should be concerned with fernando and the super fast renaults!!
g singh, london, england
To Peter:you must be kidding!Who else but Hamilton was free last year from any penalty?come on.I know you´re English but you have to be realistic!!!hahahaha...english humour must be,hahahaha
carlos, helsinki, finland
These race managers are ruining motor racing with their obsession to bring out safety car when all commentators agreed that sutils parked car was in no dangerous situation. The fire was out and why if the safety car was brought out for that wasn't it brought out for the other car later in the rac
nigel, Harlow,
Hahahahahha, Hamiltonto, the next Ayrton Senna? Oh pleeeease. Are u drunk? Do u really think that LH is a better driver than Kimi, Schummmi or fangio too?
Ruben, Barcelona,
Great Job by Kubica!!! Terrible job by the F1A. If the pit lane exit is closed, what possible reason is there to open the entrance and say you can now pit for fuel?? How many different races are they going to affect like this?? Of course, any ruling body that will keep Max Mosely as president...
Slym , Hickory, USA
No surprise: in younger categories, Kubica used to beat Hamilton time after time...
mercurio, Madrid, Spain
Kubica, meanwhile, joked that he was lucky Hamilton hit Raikkonen and not him. “I have to thank him [Hamilton] that he chose Kimi and not me,” he said.
- That´s exactly what my eyes saw...
Pasi Mikkonen, Nokia, Finland
The crazy Safety Car rules must be urgently reviewed.
The pits were open for all 6 top contenders to come in and refuel / retrye but closed to Exit. We see race after race that capability of car and driver are compromised and the safety car robs the hard earned advantage from top contenders.
Roger Bath, George, South Africa
the best race of the year by far.
the incident in the pitch lane was bizarre.
kimi pointing the red lights to hamilton was funny.
ferrari once more messed up felipe´s race, who did the best overtaking of the year in the hairpin over barrichello and Glock, I think, at the same time.
thumbsup 4 kubica
frank, Sao Paulo, Brasil
Hamilton has been rightly punished for yet another stupid mistake in the pit lane. Last year it cost him the drivers championship and may well do so again this year. He seems to think the pit lane is part of the race track. Two cars stopped and a red light but Lewis doesn't even wonder why.
Gen, London, UK
Just think about this - Lewis was pulling ahead of Kubica and Raikonnen at half a second a lap, pre saftey car. The fact that they were in front of him after the pit stop was no big deal he would have passed them within a couple of laps.
Shane Mountford, Arbroath, Scotland
Afdter the most ridiculuous mishap in GP of China last year I picked up Hamilton as a loser... now, I know it for sure !
These days Kubica is the most constant and gifted driver
Tomas, Köln, Germany
Actually, as measured by standard deviation of race results, the most consistent pilot is by far Kubica (no surprise), followed by Massa and Hamilton, tied in second, and Raikkonen in third.
Jorge G L, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Crazy rules yet again - These drivers are there to race not to queue at a red light getting into Sainsburys - I blame the organisers - It appears that Montreal is not up to being a world class track and should be dropped from the calender.
D.Smith, Cannes, France
I am beginning to have some sympathy for the Spanish fans. As I understand it, Kubica won, and was already ahead of Hamilton at the time of the pit lane collision.
Slightly Brit-centric reportage?
Kiwi Expat, London, Middlesex
How can people even compare a racing incident with a pitlane shunt? Kimi lost control in damp conditions with cold tyres, did an amazing job to hang onto the car and collected Sutil. Hamilton backended Kimi, when this happens on the road who's at fault?
Paul, Sunderland,
Alex, Sydnet, the Hamilton incident has absolutely nothing to do with what happened to Raikkonen in Monaco. I'd call that sore loosing!
Alexis, Madrid,
All you armchair experts need to lighten up. Mistakes are a part of life and F1 is obviously no exception. I do feel bad for Raikonnen and he was entitled to throw a wobbly. Hamilton will learn and do better in future.
Geoff Suter, Shaftesbury, UK
I was very disappointed with his short interview after the race, he sounded too cocky and almost indignant. I hope this puts him back on the track of hard work and concentration in a job where he is paid millions a year.
Alistair Kipling, Birmingham,
Come on kids, this is a British-based website, if you want to abuse and bitch like children, do it amongst yourselves on Le Monde or whichever other dross you read.
Accidents happen, end of.
Will Teasdale, Manchester, England
Like father,like son, it seems. It was not only stupid, but shows Hamilton's capabilities.
I believe that we have two types of Grand Prix drivers: racing drivers and Formula One drivers, F1 driver being the best in the world. Hamilton is a just a racing driver not a F1 driver.
P.Robinson, Northants, England
Didnt Kimi run into the back of a car in the Monaco GP just a few weeks ago?, and not one that had to stop dead at a red light either!, why werent points taken away from him for THAT little accident? seems like theres a `take points away' rule reserved for just for when Mclaren/LH make a mistake!
peter, Grays, Essex.
Kubica is cool, indeed.
Since last year, he makes everyone surprizing at him.
jovian, Beijing, China
I'm so over hearing about Mclaren this, Hamilton that. Mclaren have a world champion driver in 07 but tax him by pushing a quick but error prone rookie ahead of him, result-Mclaren lose the unlooseable championship in 07. BMW are the real deal. what a championship,BMW v Ferrari. Avanti le Rosse !
Ottavio, Melbourne, Australia
I'm very happy that Kubica won in Canada. He won not only with Hamilton but also with his fellow-member from BMW. Have you notice that his car wasn't the fastest? It does mean he is greater driver than everyone else because he has more skills and talent rather than just fast car. Well done Robert
Simon, Krakow, Poland
The power of marketing is just awesome, isn't it?!
After failing in two GPs because of pressing the wrong button and the most unforced crashes (including safety car incident), it's still "a mishap" and "a calamity". Is any other driver so clueless about preserving his tyres?
The guy's hopeless.
Tetsuya, Tokyo, Japan
Your perception of Beckham and Hamilton has been drawn by the media. By any objective measure both are average.
giuseppe moschella, london, UK
What a daft thing to say, have you not been aware of Beckhams obviopus talents for the past 12 years, and clearly Hamilton has the talents to win at this level. He is just a clearly prone to a couple of silly mistakes off the actually race track, concentration has droppped twice in the pit lane!!
Jim, Westbury, Wilts
jajajajajajaja poor little spoilt british kid. he could not stand to leave the pits after kimi.
curro, madrid,
A mistake made by a F1 rookie who has every other driver wary and on their collective toes. Since Hamilton joined the F1 scene he has catapulted the sport once again into the limelight and his mistakes have even improved the interest and competition in F1. He has my total support!
Peter, Chag., Trinidad
F1 is not for spoiled kids that can't drive. Too much hype in the Uk for someone that shows again and again he is quite an average inexperienced driver.
koldo, GALWAY, ireland.
Hamilton & Hamilton. Car Crashers. Switzerland-Uk.
Tato Dulanci, Vitoria, Spain
David, St Albans, UK,
I don't know what racing you have been watching this year Massa was finding it hard to finish a race at the beginning of the season and its only the last couple he has done respectable in, if he was more consistent he wouldn't need Hamilton and Raikkonen to be out of the race
Paul, H/West, UK
Obviously LH is to blame for the crash but... if the pitlane was open to enter, why was it closed to exit? Very often F1 seems too stupid. I think the safety car related rules put unjustice and unjustified luck into F1.
Agustin, Oropesa, Spain
The British media are sometimes too supportive of Hamilton - it looked to me that he chose to rear-end the Ferrari
in preference to the BMW car, when he veered from one side of the pit lane to the other. Maybe Hamilton has a ruthless streak hidden under the gloss that is portrayed. Pint anyone ?
john, watford, england
Another mistake for Lewis. He's a quality driver, but he's under too much pressure. in the last few weeks, I've heard ITV call his racing "Senna-esque" several times. Hey, the kids good, but he's no Senna, and never will be until he can get through a few seasons and collect a few WDC's.
kozeyekan, highbury,
Hamilton's fumbling interview with ITV said it all. He should be embarrassed.
What this race did show is that there is better talent than Hamilton out there but they didn't have the luxury on being dropped into a championship winning car from day one.
giuseppe moschella, london, UK
Am starting to think that like Beckham, Hamilton is more about a marketing opportunity than the sporting genius that the media are painting him as.
giuseppe moschella, london, UK
Grea drive Robert ?
Lewis should have all his points taken away
Bradley, Johannesburg,
What a prize berk.
David, St Albans, UK
Don't dismiss Felipe Massa as a contender for the championship. He might have finished in the lead today, but for a blunder in the Ferrari boxes (failing to refuel his car), but still maanged to clinch valuable points. He's been more consistent than Raikkonen and Hamilton.
Jorge G Larangeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Alex, Sydney, and whatsmore, yes it did excite at least this Spanish guy! What a shame Alonso could not finish his excellent race! Sore loosers you anglo saxons...
Alexis, Madrid,
The only difference between Kimi and Lewis at the Canadien GP was that Kimi still had somewhere to go at the red light, otherwise Kimi would have run into the back of the car stopped at the line, Funny how `some' seemed not to have noticed the car which ALSO ran into the back of LH.
peter, Grays, Essex.
Alex - re raikkonen - I think it would have been harsh to penalise him for what happened in Monte Carlo - damp track, cold tyres, cold brakes following SC - I dont see that meriting a punishment.
Tell you something - bet every driver sees the pit lane light for the rest of the season!
Paul, Belfast,
a true Brit!
Paul, Ramsgate, UK
The safety car rule is insane!
The drivers should be able to keep their position and time advantage they had before the safety care comes out.
What is the point of having a race when the leader is penalised for something that is nothing to do with him?
That track was a disgrace.
Chin up Lewis!!
James Currie, London, U.K
Hamilton has become more focused on his dumb speeches to the ITV than racing to his potential. If the media tells you are the greatest thing since sliced bread it doesn’t actually mean you are. Lewis needs to decide whether he wants to be a great racing driver or a cool dude up for an interview.
Ian B, Reading,
Give the guy a break - he saw the light too late. So Raikkonen is perfect is he?
Richard, Plymouth,
You have to wonder why Hamilton is going to get a 10 grid place penelty and Raikkonen did not in Monaco, the stewards need to be more consistent. This embarrassing mistake by Hamilton is going to get the Spainish excited
Alex, Sydney,
Could Hamilton "repeat his maiden victory"? Maybe he could, but what he could best was to repeat one of his "maiden" big mistakes!
Poor Raikkonen: he had the fastest lap and had just overtaken Hamilton, who would have had some difficulties to get back the first place, I guess.
Cheers
Pasquale Marzano, Naples, Italy
Hamilton's was the worst mistake I've ever seen in F1. I thought it was only middle aged ladies window shopping whilst driving down high streets who fail to notice red lights and so slam into the stationary car ahead.
Hamilton's quick, but is he the full deal?
Simon , London, UK
It is fantastic!
It looks like this year we have a four way battle for the drivers' title and a three way battle (Heikki! come on, your team needs your scores!) for the constructors'
As a ferrari fan i am obviously disappointed by Kimi's result yesterday, but i am very happy to see Robert 1st win
FURIO, Rome, italy
So why was the pit lane exit closed anyway?? Crazy given big queue of cars trying to do fast stops to gain track position! Kimi & Kubica must have jumped Hamilton in the pits - so they were all racing. Not surprising that cool tyres & brakes + sudden red light = crash. Safety? or bad race direction?
jim, glos, uk
Is Kimi able to speak or has he lost his voice? Did he say anything after the race? Was he angry? What will he do next? Did he feel he could win? What did he think of the BMW's win? Looking for answers, you won't find it here on Lewis Hamilton's fan page.
Glen, Johannesburg,
Congratulations to Robert and BMW, a well deserved win.
Disappointed for Lewis, however I feel it's mistakes like this that illustrate just how young he is. I think we forget with all the hype that this is only his second season.
Chris, Houston, USA
yeah we are pretty ignorant haha
anyway, course it helped him
hamilton was flying up until then and even if hamilton hadnt have won, raikonnen would have but the accident took him out as well
but good race anyway and congrats to him
Alex, Leeds,
Another thrilling race. The Lewis Hamilton performance pattern described by somebody on these pages was confirmed once again: Superb drive - loads of praise - lousy drive (or big mistake).
All in all, a great race for Kubica and BMW. I hope they remain in contention all season long.
Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain
"Hamilton's mistake gives Kubica victory"?! I have noticed already, that you English tend to be ignorant, but I wasn't expecting it can reach that level.
Kubica had been already in front of Hamilton, when he drove into Raikkonen's car, so i can't rally imagine, in what terms Hamilton helped Kubica
fabyo, london,