Formula One
British racing prodigy, Lewis Hamilton refuses to criticize Michael Schumacher even though the German legend held up the driver at the Italian Grand Prix. Many analysts have lambasted against Schumacher for his behavior in front of the McLaren driver.
After taking lead the Mercedes driver, Schumacher swerved his car twice in front of Hamilton in attempts to defend his 3rd spot in the race. Reports have confirmed that Mercedes boss, Ross Brawn reminded Schumacher on the team radio that a driver is only allowed to make a move once.
Hamilton refrained from putting any blame on Schumacher. When media questioned him about his stance on the German’s actions he simply said, “That's racing.” Clearly Hamilton is choosing to be the pacifist by avoiding a war with the seven-time world champion, although the Brit was caught communicating to his team after Schumacher’s move saying, “I thought you were only allowed one move.”
Earlier in the same race Hamilton was forced onto grass when he attempted to overtake Schumacher. In the process he lost 4th position to his team-mate Jenson Button. Hamilton stood clear from analyzing other racers too, preferring to reflect on his own performance.
Hamilton said, “It was a good race. I got some points and I finished, so I can't complain. I was watching Michael [Schumacher] in my mirrors [at the restart after the safety car] and I missed an opportunity to slipstream Sebastian Vettel. But once I got past [Schumacher] I had fun chasing [Fernando] Alonso.”
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh was unimpressed by Schumacher’s tactics. In a post race interview Schumacher told media that he did exactly what was required of him. Brawn on the other hand confirmed FIA’s involvement in the saga. He said that they had decided to intervene as soon as Schumacher took the first turn.
As Hamilton cruised past Schumacher on lap 28, he was only up to 4th spot as Button had already acquired the 3rd place thanks to a clever move. Button commented, “It was tricky to catch [Hamilton and Schumacher] but when I did all hell broke loose really. There were cars everywhere. It was a lot of fun. I think Lewis went for a gap with Michael that wasn't there on the exit of Turn 2 and I got the run on him and then set about getting past Michael.”
Later Button whizzed past Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso into the 2nd spot as Hamilton set his chase about the Spaniard. Alonso managed to keep his lead till the end of the race where he joined winner Sebastien Vettel and runners up Button on the podium.
