text:
Webber's win leaves title race wide open
The Spanish Grand Prix was not as bad a race as many had feared, although it was certainly a bit of a comedown after the highs of Australia and China.
Nevertheless, Mark Webber's dominant victory has left this year's world championship battle as intriguingly poised as ever.
Webber's win was arguably the best of his three career victories so far. He was utterly comfortable in the lead throughout the race and had the measure of team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
But, while the Australian was undoubtedly driving only as fast as he needed to, it does nevertheless seem to be the case that the Red Bulls were nowhere near as dominant as they had been in qualifying.
It is no exaggeration to say that Red Bull's electrifying pace on Saturday had left their rivals reeling - after all, the last time one team had such a huge margin over their rivals at the start of the European season was Williams in 1996.
The common denominator between then and now is Red Bull's brilliant chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who was the man behind the 1996 Williams that took Damon Hill to the world title.
It seems likely that this year's Red Bull, the RB6, will go down in history as one of the greatest cars produced by one of the most brilliant designers in the history of Formula 1.
With undoubtedly the fastest car on the grid, therefore, Red Bull should really be running away with the championship, but they are third in both the drivers' (Vettel) and constructors' races because of their continuing fragility and inconsistency.
Be that as it may, it is hard to argue with five poles in five races, and on the assumption that Red Bull will get their act together sooner or later you would probably have to make them favourites to win the title.
My colleague Mark Hughes will go into more detail on this subject in his column on Tuesday.
Mark Webber led from green light to chequered flag in Barcelona. Photo: Getty
For our purposes here, though, it is worth pointing out that, despite Red Bull having an enormous advantage of 0.8 seconds a lap in qualifying, Webber's team-mate Vettel was behind Lewis Hamilton's McLaren when the German suffered his brake failure with 12 laps to go.
Vettel, who had lost four seconds to Webber in the first stint, had probably built up just enough of an advantage over Hamilton to make his stop without losing second place had his mechanics not had problems fitting his right front wheel, the one that later suffered the brake failure.
Nevertheless, it was striking that for all Red Bull's pace in qualifying, Vettel had managed to pull out only 2.5 seconds on Hamilton in those first 15 laps.
Given that the Circuit de Catalunya is the track where the fast-corner strengths of the Red Bull will probably be most apparent, that is encouraging for those who wish to see a close battle this season.
Hamilton was quite brilliant on Sunday, driving with stunning pace but also a maturity that he might not have displayed a couple of years ago.
It must have been tempting to take a dive down the inside of Webber at the first corner after making a good start. It was, after all, Hamilton's only chance of winning the race.
But, realising it was too risky, he pulled out of it, and he was on course to take a well deserved second place before his late-race puncture.
At first glance, that appears to have hit Hamilton's championship hopes badly. He is now 21 points off the lead, which is still held by his team-mate Jenson Button, who finished fifth after a frustrating race bottled up behind Michael Schumacher's Mercedes after a problem at his pit stop.
But a 21-point deficit is not as bad as it looks. Under F1's new points system, there are 25 points for a win, where there were only 10 previously. So that is really only like an eight-point gap in old money - the sort of margin that is easily recoverable in the remaining 14 races.
Button, his two brilliant wins combined with three other lacklustre results, now holds a three-point lead over Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who admitted he was lucky to finish second at his home race.
The Spaniard was as superb as ever, hanging on to the back of Vettel's Red Bull in a car that, following the upgrades introduced by Red Bull and McLaren in Spain, was only the third quickest on the grid.
Alonso was the pre-season favourite for the title and it's easy to see why.
Since his victory in the opening race in Bahrain, he has hardly had what you would call a smooth start to his Ferrari career.
He spun on the opening lap on Australia, has had two engine failures (one in a race), and has jumped a start, yet he is still right up there in the championship.
Ferrari are not too concerned about slipping to third in the competitive order in Spain. Alonso said he expected to struggle this weekend. The team know they are lacking downforce and have what Alonso calls an "aggressive development programme" aimed at getting them closer to the absolute pace.
What makes Alonso so formidable is his utter relentlessness, his ability generally to get the best possible out of any given situation, a quality he displayed again on Sunday.
Red Bull are in the exact opposite situation, which is why Vettel is 10 points off the lead and Webber a further seven behind him despite all those pole positions.
This must be frustrating for the drivers, and team boss Christian Horner, but it is an old F1 cliche that it is better to have a fast, fragile car than a slow, reliable one, as is the case with Mercedes.
For them, this weekend was a bit of a reality check. Nico Rosberg came to Spain second in the championship and he left it fifth.
He is one point ahead of Hamilton, but the difference between them is that while McLaren made a step forward in competitiveness compared to their rivals, Mercedes did not, despite bringing a massive upgrade to their car.
That meant the development, which did improve the car in absolute terms, achieved one of its desired effects - of making Michael Schumacher more comfortable in the car - but failed in the other.
For the first time all season, Schumacher was the more competitive of the two Mercedes drivers, but he finished the race more than a minute behind Webber, and more than 40 seconds adrift of Alonso.
These are not the sort of margins that are easy to close. So, while it is early days, the championship already looks a long shot, at best, for Mercedes.
For all the other top teams, however, things are still wide open.
Comments Post your comment
Comment number 1.At 19:39 9th May 2010, f12009 wrote:
Shame for Hamilton. But I still think he will come back strong. At the end of the day, I see this being a two-way fight between Alonso and Hamilton. Yes, the other drivers you mention will be there, or there abouts. But the Red bulls will take points off each other and have reliability issues. Button is a strange one, yes he has won two races, but I'm not entirely convinced by him yet. The Mercs are not in this contest, and neither is Massa if he cannot find form soon. The next few races will be interesting.
Comment number 2.At 19:46 9th May 2010, eziyos wrote:
I am gutted for Lewis.
Comment number 3.At 19:54 9th May 2010, Robert wrote:
What acruel thing to happen to Lewis H!,..JUST WHEN HE'S ADMINISTERING SOME MEDICINE in his championship and critcs who down play him for his driving?pheew
They always talked abou smooth driving style putting asomebody ahead of him BUT who really wakes up to watch tyre smoothness?
Lewis is just so unfortunate!-But let's not take anything away from Lewis Hamilton, who - despite FOUR stops last time out- drove like a dream to weave his way through the field into P2 only to be outdone by atyre explosion
Yes, the brilliant Button has stunned everyone who thought he would disappear up Hamilton's exhaust pipe at McLaren.
But his team-mate's determination to stick at it is threatening to make this one of the best seasons ever.
Many don't like Hamilton's bloodymindedness but we all know who we would like to watch in the heat of battle.
nOBODY GOES TO WATCH AN F1 race to see smooth driving and tyre looking after but rather-we ove to watch someone burning rubber-overtaking and with sheer utter brute intensity!
Would Button pit 4times and then end up 2 if the tables had been turned?- the truth is out
Comment number 4.At 19:54 9th May 2010, Matt Dalton wrote:
It looks like it will continue to be a disappointing comeback for Schumacher. I wonder whether he will want to continue next season if things don't improve markedly....
Comment number 5.At 19:59 9th May 2010, Forza_Ronan wrote:
Alonso has many of the same traits in Ferrari as Schumi had - ruthlessness (overtake on massa), ability to drive round limitations etc. It is clear that the red car isn't performing at quite the same level as the Red Bull over one lap and over the race distance. This isn't immediately obvious looking at Alonso's speed but is so apparent in Massa's pace this weekend.
Alonso is driving the red car at its limit, and is comfortable doing so. Massa is driving the car at his limit which is a different thing altogether. Alonso seemingly has a lot more confidence in the car (or is that confidence in his own ability?). Massa just doesn't seem to be that comfortable in the F10.
Comment number 6.At 21:29 9th May 2010, Splash_Of_Colour wrote:
I'm so sad for Lewis. He was absolutely fantastic today, and even made the fastest lap, and it was all for nothing. I'm happy that he seemed so positive after the race. The season still has a long way to go and I predict that it will be between Lewis and Alonso. Button, by contrast, was mediocre today...not at the races at all.
Comment number 7.At 22:16 9th May 2010, saudisafc wrote:
Couldn't be happier for Jenson Button. With Hamilton's retirement he got some of the luck he missed out on in all the lean years, and its consistent scoring that saw him to last season's title. Well done Webber today what a magnificent drive, but he is similar to the likes of Coulthard, Barrichello and Montoya that he can never do it consistently enough to win championships.
I think Alonso will reign in Monaco next week. Anyone agree?
Comment number 8.At 22:20 9th May 2010, jeremiah wrote:
Surely Lewis's luck HAS to change some time!
Comment number 9.At 22:28 9th May 2010, JohnnyBlaze wrote:
Shame for Hamilton today - for all the quality race day drives he has put in over the 5 races so far, and for the entertainment he has provided, I think he deserves to be on more points. However, on these performances I still think he will be challenging at the end of the season. And good to see his attitude in the post race interviews. Obviously he is much more media savvy than Button, who came up with umpteen excuses to explain his poor performance.
And speaking of Button, with this being the first straight dry race (since Bahrain), I think his lack of ability was very apparent. Schumacher showed him up today, whereas I think a Hamilton, Alonso or Vettel would have been able to ovetake fairly quickly in what was obviously a faster car. Button is a good driver but isnt up to the level of the best on the track.
Comment number 10.At 22:40 9th May 2010, Lord_Lancashire wrote:
Great drive for Mark Webber, fully deserved the victory.
I'm wondering, and I'm not sure if it has been clarified or not, whether Hamilton was too wreckless on the tyres yet again. It wouldn't be the first time we've seen one of his McLaren's front tyres go west... (that's a good pun, if you followed McLaren from 1997 till 2005)
McLaren handed Ferrari a nice bucket-load of points there, enhanced by Jenson Button's inability to pass Schumacher...something I feel a more aggressive racer would have achieved.
It was so frustrating to see, and it had NOTHING to do with the myth that it's impossible to overtake; (the myth that Button chose to shield himself with post-race), and the myth that the typically drab and inaccurate Jonathan Legard described in tedious detail yet again today.
All I would say, is "get a grip". I use that phrase often on this forum, in reply to those moaners who complain of a lack of action - you can tell they are blinded by Legard's anti-constructive drivvle. Button had ample opportunity to pass Schumacher, but he repeatedly chose the outside line over and over again, giving the somewhat faded-rose far too much respect.
The contingent of moaners I have just described also take a fancy in blasting the new circuits. However, if there's one circuit that is the total pits, it's this one...I've never liked it, it's dull and has only been saved in recent years by Alonso's army of rowdy followers. I never understood why they scrapped the A1 Ring, Imola and Indianapolis, instead of getting rid of this one.
Comment number 11.At 22:53 9th May 2010, The United Way wrote:
I will give you a clue.
That is Ecclestone's bottom line.
Nice to see Schumacher doing better; if this was a chance to see true pace, then getting fourth in a car where he 'should' have got P7/8 is a top performance. The car, and he, will only improve.
Comment number 12.At 22:54 9th May 2010, Croftalicious wrote:
Does anyone else think that there could be people at Ferrari who are checking to make sure that they still have Kimi Rainkonnen's mobile number? People have talked about Schumi failing to deliver this season so far, but he has came out, admitted mistakes and where he is struggling, and promised to work harder. result: much better performance in Spain in a modified car, he's a man of his word then.
Massa though...yes he came second in the first GP, but was comfortably out raced by Alonso and Vettel till his car got a problem. Australia, he was obviously slowing Alonso down, can you blame Alonso for taking any oppurtunity to pass him, whether in the pits or on the track in later races? I was horrified to watch Massa's accident last year, and as happy as any to see him up and back to racing. This year though, he is shockingly reminiscent of the way Raikonnen was at the beginning of last season; unremarkable, absent, and much slower than his teammate. After Massa's accident last year Kimi stepped up and has a far better second half of the season, im hoping Felipe steps up too, because he's a fantastic advertisement for what racers are and should be: desperate to race. but at the moment, of all the cars and all the drivers on the grid, he's the biggest disappointment for me. I hope to be proved wrong. and soon!
Comment number 13.At 22:55 9th May 2010, Lord_Lancashire wrote:
Aye, unfortunately true. Just as anti-climatic and unconstructive as having Legard in the commentary box...
Comment number 14.At 22:59 9th May 2010, Carlonso wrote:
Oh my..Ferrari in Blue and Alonso steering with one hand while the other tries to block a rush of air at more than 170mph.
What next? Juggling spark plugs whilst on an overtaking manoeuvre methinks...quite simply because Alonso can do anything.
Good blog - because although Alonso has had mixed fortunes he's right up there in the points, while the Red Bulls should be light years ahead.
It's only a matter of time that Ferrari will address the ridiculous blocking holes with hands design - and both Vettel and Webber will rue all the missed opportunities of not having amassed the extra points their cars deserve at this stage of the season to win both the drivers and constructors championship.
Comment number 15.At 23:26 9th May 2010, CNW0429 wrote:
Not a great race but the odd bit of action so that it wasn't quite as dull as Bahrain. "Standard Barcelona Grand Prix" probably sums it up nicely.
Hamilton was incredibly unfortunate today- a bit of Hungary '97 Damon Hill moment. I don't think he had pushed his tyres too hard, I think debris or something else caused the failure. Once in front of Vettel he had no dirty air or aggressive racing to do really. I bet Jenson probably wore his more fighting Schumacher for those few laps and sitting in his dirty air., and he made the end ok.
I know some people have said Jenson should have been more agressive with Michael. Once he didn't make it through at the first attempt I don't see how he could have been. Schumacher moved well across to cover the inside every time; there probably was a car's width there if JB had wanted to go for it, but it would have been marginal. Schumacher's not one of his rivals at the top, so it wasn't worth the risk for 2 extra points. As we've seen from Rosberg and Hamilton a non-score can cost you very dearly with this new points system, so I don't blame Jenson too much for being boring/sensible (depends if you're an LH or JB as to which word you choose).
Barcelona, Silverstone and Istanbul to an extent are Red Bull's dream circuits with their fast corners. I think they're advantage was amplified this weekend and won't be quite so big at every race. Barcelona is a car-testing track where the driver has less input to outright pace. Monaco is the exact opposite. The tighter corners at Monte Carlo will be less to Red Bull's liking, and will help McLaren be closer. I also think McLaren's drivers will be supreme round Monaco, both have good records there. Webber has gone well ther ein the past for Williams but Vetterl didn't look so clever there last year.
Finally, I think Ferrari and Mercedes have dropped back big style this weekend. Alonso is flattering the car, and even with that in mind he needed some serious luck to get onto the podium today. Massa struggled today, that was a silly error when he damaged his wing. Schumacher seemed to enjoy his new Mercedes more but it's natural pace still means he's always on the defensive and never able to attack. Rosberg just had a bad day all round- I don't see that been the norm for the rest of the year.
Comment number 16.At 23:35 9th May 2010, boils wrote:
Lap one: They all get away well, and Seb Vettel tries his best to get past team-mate Mark Webber, but the Aussie defends his position well in the first corner. Lewis Hamilton still third, and Fernando Alonso fourth. It's Red Bull's race to lose now.
last line says it all.
Comment number 17.At 00:47 10th May 2010, Ginger wrote:
Monaco will suit the RB6 in the way that today's circuit did, also the Red Bull was poor at last years race and that may have a bearing given that the cars are similar.
Shame for Lewis, not sure if he was unlucky or maybe he was pushing too hard on old tyres. Those lost points could prove crucial later on.
Looking forward to next week, Lewis for the win.
Comment number 18.At 01:00 10th May 2010, nibs wrote:
Andrew what do I hear Lewis wrecked his tyres again? For the umptieth time? That he can't do an one-stopper for dear life? That like at Monza one lap from the tablecloth he threw away a strong and comfortable position with a class act car? Not so brilliant and top draw driving then eh?
And wait til it gets hotter that'll be fun. Or will Bridge change the compounds again to one click harder like at 08 so that they can specifically outlast Lewis?
Fancy writing a blog about that? Or your mate Hughes who's pretending to be knowledgeable? There's plenty of meat in it I tell you.
And what did Whitmarsh say about Lewis's weakness and their inability to control the situation? That they SPECULATE it MIGHT have been some sort of debris? Can't go wrong with some nasty piece of debris can you? It tarnishes noone's reputation. Debris which suddenly deflated the tyre coincidentally in the very corner with the biggest loading in motorsport. But let's take his word for it and give him the benefit shall we, after all McLaren are renowned for their honesty, straight talk and integrity.
Comment number 19.At 01:04 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
7. At 10:16pm on 09 May 2010, saudisafc wrote:
Couldn't be happier for Jenson Button. With Hamilton's retirement he got some of the luck he missed out on in all the lean years, and its consistent scoring that saw him to last season's title. Well done Webber today what a magnificent drive, but he is similar to the likes of Coulthard, Barrichello and Montoya that he can never do it consistently enough to win championships.
I think Alonso will reign in Monaco next week. Anyone agree?
I absolutely 100% disagree with you. To be honest your comment make no sense. Firstly how can you make reference to 'With Hamilton's retirement he got some of the luck he missed out on in all the lean years', ?????? You are indicating that because of hamilton he has lost out in the past years, how can this be as hamilton hasn t been around for this long.? No offence but thats in my opinion very ignorant as it draws a negative conotation over hamilton.... correct me if i am wrong and elaborate on what you meant
SECONDLY: Alonso will not win Monaco for the simple reason that Ferrari do not have the speed yet. If he had the car it would be interesting. But if it were down to raw race pace strategy etc it would be down to webber, Hamilton, vettel then Alonso ofc Hamilton being the man to beat and bet on!!!
Hamilton TOP MARKS to you today! pure genius and he is truely developing himself in all areas i.e. to express himself extremely well in situations like this,such as with the media, considering the pressure and EMOtions involved! I was emotionally hurt for him today but i truely believe he s going to be back stronger! Top Job Super Ham!!!
oh i almost forgot. Webber = Finally a win Lets see more from you as Vettel seems to be getting far to cocky!
Comment number 20.At 01:06 10th May 2010, smilingSpongeMuffin wrote:
I agree with your assessment Andrew. I thought it was an excellent race in Spain, considering it was always going to be procession. It is extremely difficult to overtake, and with 5 races in, scoring points is what counts. Like a street marathon race, you have to be in the pack in the closing stages to have a chance. Barging your way to the front at this early stage is only going to lead to trouble. Drivers know they need to choose their battles wisely.
It is no coincidence that Mark has won 2 out of the last 8 races, (as well as two second places) and Jenson is leading the championship, and they are both older guys who have learned their trade driving dogged cars, scrapping over one or two points, down in the middle of the field. The inexperienced commentators will claim that they were not doing anything in those older days, but if you do not have the car, what can you do? Well, what you can do is learn your craft, and there is no better place to do that than in the middle order dog fights. Racing does rely on experience, it just does. You can not get around it. Look at Alonso. He has had 3 years of heartache, but he did not let those years go to waste. He is a better driver than when he won his last WDC. He has learned to nurse his car, read the race, understand it is about finishing, and about controlling YOURSELF as much as it is about controlling a car. His car was fairly poor during this time, but he always managed to get it home most days. There is something to learn in every race, regardless of the outcome. Indeed, he was in 4th today, and as always, you just sit tight, and something will happen. He took second.
All men over 30 KNOW that learning to take control of the testosterone pumping around their veins takes time. It is what it is to be young. In your 30's, the testosterone is still there, it is just under more control. At 40, it starts to dwindle dramatically.
Which brings me onto Hamilton and Vettel. They are blisteringly fast. But they are young. It is hard to control testosterone at that age, and they always seem to be harder on the car, and always seem to have mechanical problems more than most. Experience at race craft, and controlling yourself, deep down inside, is vital to winning F1 races. Especially when we have such an open field, more so than most years, with more drivers able to steal points off each other. With Webber, Button, Schumacher and Alonso in the mix, it will be harder to power your way to a win on aggression alone.
Hamilton. - I thought he was very unlucky. It was one of the best races I have seen him run for a long time. It is great to see him overtake, it just is, but, for those who understand F1, it is also great to watch a driver learn to control himself, and accept that second best is sometimes the first best option. He should not have been in second, but he was. He split the super fast Red Bulls and controlled it well. He was going to pick up 18 points in a race he was not expected to. I feel sorry for him. Maybe nursing those tires a bit more is what counts. He'll get there, I am sure. His attitude is growing towards maturity every race, and he is a credit to his team. Maybe the puncture was created by his style of driving, maybe it wasn't. We'll never know. But most of all, a puncture that catastrophic at speed down a straight could have easily ended his career, if not his life. I am happy it happened where it did, and that he is fit and well at the end of it. Losing points is nothing compared to the alternative. Regardless of your opinion, he is there to race the next race, and nothing counts more than that. Every cloud........
Schumacher - a mobile chicane. If it wasn't for a surreal 3.8 second pit stop, he would have been 5th, clearly. It looked as if he was driving away while the tire was still being put on. Not as exciting as an overtake, but just as effective. Button gave it a go, but in Spain's tough to pass track, he decided to back off after a few laps, keep his tires clean, and take the points. It worked, as he still leads the championship. He would have only flat spotted his rubber, or had his wing taken off by Schumacher in the effort. That was certain. That would have involved another pit stop on either scenario. The risk was clearly not worth it. I am disappointed that Rosberg has to drive Schumacher's car. My respect for this comeback is diminishing race by race. Poor Nico, who was second, would almost certainly have wanted his own car. It is credit to him, and the maturity he seems to display for his youth, that he shuts up and keeps the PR guys happy. But he must feel a little let down here.
Massa - this will be Kubica's drive next year. Massa is very fast, but not too hot in race conditions. If I had nearly lost my life from absolutely nothing, then I would be mentally imbalanced to not lose a few tenths of a second on each lap thereafter. He is only human, like all of them. He has only ever won from pole anyway. It is ironic it will be a Pole that takes his drive. It could be a straight swap with Renault. His experience still commands a strong price tag, in a team that will need it.
Bernie - For me, the new rules are starting to come alive, and I think the refueling ban is just excellent. I have perused other forums, and the consensus is that F1 is boring. It is a wonder why they watch at all, but they still do. F1 is as strong as ever, and the BBC forum is leading the way. Bernie never gets praise when it comes good, but he is slated when we get it wrong. Again, he is an old man, but he has more experience in F1 than anyone else has ever had. He is maybe a bit left of center, but hey, if I am as lucid as him at his age, I will be a lot more than grateful.
Monaco - Who will win? Who will light up the track? Well, after 5 races, especially Spain, we already know who that is going to be. The stars of the show are going to Virgin, Hispania and Lotus. Who cares about the leaders, after 20 laps, I want the cameras focused on these guys. With their slower speeds, and poor handling, the outcome of the race is surely going to be influenced by what these "go carts" get up to, and they can only turn a predictable outcome into a nail biting lottery. Monaco is as unforgiving as it gets, and I am sure we will see sparks fly around these sluggish and timid back markers. Let's hope everyone stays safe. I think I'll take my yacht there this year. Hopefully my girls will go shopping. Who said getting older was always going to be downhill? Bring it on.
Comment number 21.At 01:25 10th May 2010, Carlonso wrote:
Ref 19
Hamilton top marks?
His driving style is a liabililty. He should have come second yet ended up nowhere.Vettel had a disastrous race yet managed to limp the car home in third.
Nil points for Hamilton today. Unforgivable to put a perfectly run car into the wall. Can't wait for McLaren to find what debris caused the incident. Maybe its in the shape of Lord Lucan....
Comment number 22.At 01:26 10th May 2010, closey wrote:
Good to see Webber won, it'd be good if he won the Championship, we haven't had an Aussie win it in a while.
Comment number 23.At 07:53 10th May 2010, Paul Lucas wrote:
I had a group of casual observers over to watch, all Australian like I, and they all left at two thirds distance. This season isn't interesting me much either.
All I want to see is:
1) the best racing drivers going flat out (not conserving tyres).
2) cars with visual appeal (shorter more detailed noses, lower and wider rear wings).
Comment number 24.At 08:06 10th May 2010, Jason Richards wrote:
Yes. Why are the cars so damn bad to look at? We tried them out last year but the racing wasn't improved. Revert!!!
Comment number 25.At 08:28 10th May 2010, dazza041 wrote:
Was it just me or did Vettel move more than once during the run down to the first corner. Hypocrisy maybe?
Comment number 26.At 09:08 10th May 2010, CNW0429 wrote:
"25. At 08:28am on 10 May 2010, dazza041 wrote:
Was it just me or did Vettel move more than once during the run down to the first corner. Hypocrisy maybe?"
I think pretty much anything goes on the run to turn 1, except for rear ending someone or doing an 'Alguersuari' and chopping across somebody's nose cone. I think it would be impossible to enforce the one move rule on the run to turn 1.
Comment number 27.At 09:44 10th May 2010, flyingbanana wrote:
If only the $$$$ weren't quite so crucial, there's obviously a lot of debt to be serviced (like rather a lot of football teams), so every penny counts for Bernie & co!
It would be good to have some more circuits that produce great races...
In... A1 Ring, Imola, the old Hockenheim, Brands Hatch (I know, I'm dreaming!), Clermont Ferrand
Out...Hungaroring, Barcelona, the new Bahrain layout (let's go back to the old layout)
Comment number 28.At 09:51 10th May 2010, lucabiason wrote:
As a TV license payer may I have my saying: please please please replace Legard...please!!!!!
Can we start a petition?
Comment number 29.At 10:07 10th May 2010, dom taylor f1 wrote:
@28 lucabiason:
I completely agree. Every aspect of the BBC coverage is excellent apart from legard. He is a nice guy, but not a great commentator.
I am intrigued by Massa- he is well off the pace this year. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if we see either Kubica or Bianchi in his seat next year: a shame seeing as he came so close in 2008.
Comment number 30.At 10:18 10th May 2010, Peter wrote:
@ lucabiason
As a licence payer, I would say KEEP Jonathan Legard in the commentary box. Can we start a petition?
Comment number 31.At 10:25 10th May 2010, lucabiason wrote:
@ dom taylor F1
Indeed! There's that great chap on Radio 5 (forgot his name...monday morning blues I assume) who is much more on the ball and does not try to be sensationalistic at all times. Plus he seems to know what he is talking about.
@ Peter
We must agree to disagree on this one! :)
What about a referendum then, in line with the times? ;)
Comment number 32.At 10:34 10th May 2010, Ryushinku wrote:
Good to see Webber winning again.
Hamilton very right, and mature, to take positives. Unfortunate here but he knows he has top pace.
Good to see ol' Schumi getting fourth and fending off Button lap after lap, not because it was Button but as a little flashback to old days. Jenson seemed positively annoyed afterwards that Michael didn't let him past and genuflect on the way.
Comment number 33.At 10:36 10th May 2010, me wrote:
"He turned in and if I didn't back out then we would have crashed, so he didn't give me a lot of room there. There you go, with his experience you would have thought he would know." Yes Jenson, he does indeed know, and he also knows he is under no duty to help you pass him! If he can convince you it's too dangerous to try, that's your problem. Most stupid comment I've ever seen Jenson make actually.
'Every aspect of the BBC coverage is excellent apart from Legard. He is a nice guy, but not a great commentator.' Spot on.
He isn't awful - though he was to begin with - but he is irritating. He adds little or nothing to our understanding of the event, and tends to get a phrase in his head and keep repeating it. It used to be 'So-and-so is on a charge' all through practice - what did he expect them to be doing?! Now it's 'But what about so-and-so'.... plus some others. He just gets annoying after a while. Let Martin commentate - he can't really claim to be the 'guest driver' anymore..and DC take that role. Come to that let DC do the gridwalk - not only does he know the current drivers better, but Martin is getting too fat to get through the gaps!:-)
Comment number 34.At 10:51 10th May 2010, lglethal wrote:
@25 Dazza041
The rule is that your allowed to move once to block. There is no rule about how many times you move to try and overtake.
As Vettel only ever had his eyes on getting past Webber, i dont really see how you could possibly think hes breaking the above rule!
Comment number 35.At 10:52 10th May 2010, ODF wrote:
It's quite obvious that Hamilton's puncture was not due to tyre degradation. There was no serious drop off in performance, and McLaren are monitoring the tyres throughout the race. If the tyres were critical because Hamilton was too hard on them, wouldn't the team tell him to slow down? McLaren are very cautious about tyre wear these days, and would likely have pitted Hamilton to be on the safe side, thereby securing a fourth place. Instead Hamilton set the fastest lap of the race - hardly possible if your tyres on worn to the point of bursting. Clearly it was an unexpected sudden failure most likely caused by something like a rim failure. On this occasion it was not Hamilton's fault and he drove an excellent race.
Comment number 36.At 10:55 10th May 2010, Suntjorge wrote:
I disagree with the comments on Button .. if he'd have been more aggresive, he'd have taken them both out, at no stage was he close enough to dive up the inside and make it stick ... its the same problem Hamilton had when he got tucked up behind the Force India ... you may have a slightly quicker car but the aero makes passing impossible.
Button has once again picked up points and as he proved last year, thats how you win championships, when things go against you .. do the best you can.
Shame for Hamilton, his luck will turn soon.
Massa seems to be doing his best to lose his seat, perhaps all the talk of Kubica is getting to him, perhaps he's just not into risking his life in a car anymore ?
Same old story for Red Bull as far as Vettel is concerned .. I suppose thats the trade off between a car so fast it embarrasses the other teams, but it's clearly on the cutting edge as far as the components are concerned.
Pleased for Webber though, makes up for leaving the door open for Vettel !
Comment number 37.At 11:20 10th May 2010, BennyHillario wrote:
That was an exceedingly boring race.
I love F1 but that was a shocker.
And, agreed, @28 - Legard is tedious and simply doesn't know enough about the sport.
His severe bias against Schumacher is also starting to grate.
Comment number 38.At 11:25 10th May 2010, 4125nick wrote:
Can someone explain to me why the fastest lap of the race (hamilton i believe) was 5 seconds slower than pole-and if this is true and hamilton and button are in similarly paced cars why was button stuck behind schumacher for 50 laps?
Comment number 39.At 11:50 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
33. At 10:36am on 10 May 2010, telnolies wrote:
"He turned in and if I didn't back out then we would have crashed, so he didn't give me a lot of room there. There you go, with his experience you would have thought he would know." Yes Jenson, he does indeed know, and he also knows he is under no duty to help you pass him! If he can convince you it's too dangerous to try, that's your problem. Most stupid comment I've ever seen Jenson make actually.
Lol!! I totally agree with you. This is what I have said even last season when he was driving his last championship, if it goes bad he finds every excuse in the text book (Buton). I mean his reply '......so he didn't give me a lot of room there. There you go, with his experience you would have thought he would know.".... says alot. He s not much f a racing driver, a racing driver is not just meant to sit in the car and drive from start to finish. He must battle t out, take him by surprise. Hek I prefer hamilton not finishing and going down with pride, because he will be remembered for a brilliant drive and fantastic moves. .......Oh another thing, remember before the race Button said he was hoping for a dry to see the true pace of the car so he can see it s true position in the field, i rather think it hasn t shown the weaknesses of the car but rather the weaknesses of Button. Anyone agree or disagree with me?
Comment number 40.At 11:51 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
Shocking luck for Lewis. Nice to see him handle it so gracefully though. Highlight was the Beeb interviewer (was it Jake I can't remember) trying to put the tyre failure down to tyre wear and then try and put words into the Whitmarsh's mouth. If it was then he had no loss of control prior to the blowout to suggest that.
Hopefully this puts the whole tyre wear argument to bed once and for all although I somehow doubt it. It occured to me I never remembered this ever being such a talking point even when Schumacher was ripping them to shreds and winning. His style was every bit as agressive (more so even).
Agree with comments about Legard - he offers little. The only pundit I really listen to is Brundle.
Comment number 41.At 11:57 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
#39 Mark Adler - have to agree there. I'm loving the prospect of Schumacher's return to the sharp end. I just knew Button wasn't getting past Schumacher but I was dismayed he didn't even try to get past him. I'd much rather see him crawling all over his gearbox and letting him earn the position even if he risked both of them going out. After all the fans aren't here to see cars driving fast they want to see racing. Otherwise they'd go to a drag race.
Comment number 42.At 11:59 10th May 2010, Mild Mannered Orc wrote:
I'll make no apologies for nailing my colours to the mast, I'm a big Hammy fan. There are two reasons this season is living up to expectations: The first, we all knew (and hoped) was having so many top drivers in competitive cars. The second is Lewis Hamilton. Remove his contribution to the 'show' so far this season and you probably wouldn't be left with much. Yes, I AM biased, but Button is really starting to annoy me. Can't help thinking he's getting points for just turning up. Genius? Not really. Yes I'm jealous, would love to have been blessed with even a fraction of his ability, but he's relly not THAT good. Two race wins? Only came in early for one tyre change cuz Lewis had just gone past him and only stayed out the next time the weather changed to avoid getting stuck in a pit-lane queue. Button is lucky and that's that. He spent the whole of yesterdays race following an old man in a diesel and then complained about Schumacher 'weaving'. I saw the German defending his line, not weaving, and let's not forget this is the same Schumacher that Lewis overtook TWICE in one race. I'm a Hamilton fan because he makes the sport worth watching, even if he's not perfect. Look at the post race interviews: If I were Lewis, I would have been spitting feathers and swearing like a trooper after blowing a tyre so close to the finish but no, he was STILL upbeat. Compare his attitude to Mr Buttons and... ...well... ...there it is.
Webber: had a stallion under him at the weekend and made full use of it.
Alonso: still has 'it' but was fortunate to inherit two places.
Vettel: brought his sick car home in fine style. Quality.
Schumacher: in fourth. Better, but good enough? Not yet.
Button: arrives at circuit and is awarded points (I don't like him)
I'm very very gutted for Lewis, his contribution to this season simply has to bear fruit eventually. As for his attitude, spot on.
As someone has already said in this thread, I don't watch F1 to see lap after lap of exciting tyre-preservation.
One final point, I think the non-refuelling rule is also bearing fruit. You get longer 'duels' on the track and things are allowed to develop for longer without being broken up by pit stops. One of the BBC 1 commentators yesterday (I forget which) made mention that you don't get a second 'reset' in the race without that second stop. I don't care, I like to see situations develop to their natural conclusion without interruption.
Still don't like Button though...
Comment number 43.At 12:02 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
On one other point, Algesuari looks like a really exciting prospect. Hopefully one of the top teams snap him up at the end of the season if his form contunues. His start was the highlight of the actual race for me.
Comment number 44.At 12:06 10th May 2010, Livingupnorthnow wrote:
Unfortunately, this was another example of what we can expect for dry races this year. Apart from some action at the back of the grid, yet again there was NO overtaking on the track. The only "overtaking" took place due to pit stop problems or car problems, so we will have more races like this where qualifying position is paramount, as, other than failures or pit stop problems, that will be the order of the race and the finish of the race.
Last year we had the red button so we could listen to intelligent commentating from Davidson et al, so now we do not and have to endure Legard's repetitive comments (is everybody on a charge?)which is a real shame. Last year there was many, many posts about his commentating and if they failed to move anything then we are probably stuck with him. It's a shame as I believe he is the worst motor sport commentator I have ever heard during my spells on three continents.
Comment number 45.At 12:16 10th May 2010, findegorgorito wrote:
Hamilton had done the fastest lap a little before the puncture, considering the advantage that RB had over the rest, he must have taken too much of a risk by forcing the car beyond its limits, the tyre that blew away his brilliant race happened to be the one that suffers the most while breaking, no coincidence. There's a level of risk involve and sometimes it goes well, some times it doesn't. Button take no risks and luck has been on his side, but no risk in the long run means no gold... Hamilton will be at the top fighting it along with Alonso, Vettel and Webber!
Comment number 46.At 12:41 10th May 2010, 30_Gilles27 wrote:
There's been alot made of Hamilton keeping up with the Red Bulls but very little mentioned about Vettel driving the last eight laps of the race with essentially no brakes. I find that staggering and demonstrates what a fantastic driver he is. Also no mention of Vettel's problem in the pit which helped in Hamilton passing him, though this may have been cancelled out with the problem McLaren were having with the wheel gun and the nut that scuppered Button's race.
While on the subject of Button, a bit of respect toward himself and Schumacher would be nice to see. That was some top defensive driving, true that Button wasn't being highly aggressive but Schumacher frequently had him covered off before Button could get into position. If it had been Hamilton in that position, I'm fairly sure there would've been an almighty crash into to turn 1 at some point, Schumacher isn't a guy who just pulls over because the guy behind has tried an aggressive move. Schumacher would've had Hamilton on the grass in China if it hadn't been for the McLaren straight line speed.
Comment number 47.At 12:44 10th May 2010, f1fantic wrote:
The Spanish GP was all right, Monaco should be good, if it rains.
Would people be interested in getting 'The Chain' to the UK Top40 Charts? Hamilton was quite unlucky, a puncture. Please note he crashed out in the last two laps in Italy 2009 and now Spain 2010. Italy 2009 was because he was pushing the limits out of the car.
Good drive by Webber to take his third career victory in F1. Germany 2009 Brazil 2009 (Please note his victory in Brazil was overshadowed by a certain Jenson Button winning the world title).
Do you think Hispania will get slower or faster?
Comment number 48.At 12:49 10th May 2010, zrtf90 wrote:
@38: Qualifying is on mimimal fuel with tyres at optimum level. In the race, when the fuel is reduced sufficiently, the tyres are at or close to the end of their useful life.
The aero effect of modern F1 cars means that cars slower by more than two seconds a lap can prevent a faster car from passing.
While much of the race may have been boring to watch, the effect on the championship, as places changed, was very exciting. The top of the table is much closer now with seven or eight drivers within one clean win of the top and nine within two clean wins, and with one race less to go. I don't remember it being more exciting than this after five races. Whilst the top drivers are slowly emerging, there's still plenty of room for Lady Luck to play a strong hand. Formula 1 has seldom been about the best driver but rather the best combination of driver, car and luck.
The Button/Schumacher battle was exciting while it lasted but the aero effect won out. It was hard on JB but Schumacher was masterful here and lesser drivers would have succumbed.
The season, for me, is living up to its hype and I look forward to the rest of it.
I might also add my disapproval of aerodynamics, mandatory pit-stops, and Jonathon Legard for reducing (the otherwise excellent BBC coverage of) the F1 spectacle.
Comment number 49.At 12:56 10th May 2010, Mild Mannered Orc wrote:
That's a good point. Lewis had upped his pace in the hope that Webbers brakes were fading like Vettels.
I have a question, and I'm hoping there's a STATS genius out there with the answers.
If we take the following to be true: Hamilton has outqualified Button in 4 out of the 5 races so far. Neither has been on the front row. Button has won 2 races, Hamilton none. (I'm prepared to be corrected if any of the above are wrong)
With the above facts in mind, how much ON TRACK overtaking has Button done this year?
Yes, it's a loaded question and yes, Buttons wins are statiscal facts for all to see.
I for one have lost count of the number of overtaking moves Hamilton has made and I can't think of any for the other bloke.
That's why F1 IS worth watching...
Comment number 50.At 13:02 10th May 2010, Swerve1 wrote:
Barcelona is, like Hungary, one of the European races i usually struggle to stay awake through. This one was pretty dull but still interesting, but in the context of other Barcelona GP's that is a compliment.
Great to see Schuey giving a masterclass in defence and scrape a decent result from a slow car in front of people who should have beaten hin in superior equipment. Very entertaining. Buttons excuses afterwards were laughable as other posters have put on this column.
As usual, Hamilton (who i'm not a massive fan of) is making the races entertaining. Just like Schumacher in the late 90's, he has an 'all out attack mentality' that is fantastic to watch. I'd rather see someone take the life out of their tyres to gain a couple of places and then hope they can hold on till the end of the GP, than plod around, moaning that they can't pass all afternoon. Maybe not the best tactic to win a race, but you've got to get yourself into that position in the first place, so well done Lewis. Also, a good attitude displayed in the interviews after the race.
Full marks as usual to Brundle for reminding JL that there were occasionally things happening on screen that warrented comment and pulling him out of another conversational cul-de-sac.
Comment number 51.At 13:17 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
42. At 11:59am on 10 May 2010, Mild Mannered Orc wrote: (please refer my response to this comment)
I am also a huge amilton fan for the same reasons as you and more. I am of mixed origin and hamiton is a role model because of his ethnicity. So this for me adds a different layer to why he is my biggest F1 driver. He s good and a good role model for so many young people as well as people of different ethnicity. I am half african and my dad is Swiss. So for me he is a big inspiration as I can imagine for many others.
Comment number 52.At 13:18 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
i meant to correct the typo error in the first sentence = Hamilton*
Comment number 53.At 13:41 10th May 2010, hadanoeuf wrote:
The Spanish Grands Prix sadly lived up to my expectation - that is, a boring procession with cars unable to overtake and the only drama whether a pitstop is faster or slower than your rivals or whether a car gets a "deflation". Would anyone want to watch football if the game was so uneventful that only a red card or an injury made the outcome uncertain???!! As a lifelong F1 fan I despair as each season becomes more sterile. I remember, with rose-coloured glasses, the days of Senna, Prost & Mansell. Turbo-chargers with variable boost, and race-limited fuel produced a recipe for tactical racing and often high drama towards the end of a race. Today, aerodynamics kill overtaking and cars are able to run at full speed for 100% of the race. In my admittedly simple world, there is a blindingly obvious solution (if your listening, Mr Ecclestone):
1. Severely curb aerodynamics, ie.less downforce, greater importance on driver control.
2. Limit fuel to the point where a car cannot run at 100% power output for the entire race.
3. Remove tyre restrictions.
4. Allow greater design flexibility with engines.
The consequnce of the above would re-introduce overtaking and put drivers back in control of the car. The limit on race fuel would lead to tactical racing, judging when to pit & change tyres, when to back-off & cruise and when to Chaaarrrggge! Car manufacturers would love the opportunity to develop and showcase new technology that produces power and fuel-efficiency.
How many times in years gone by did we hear Murray Walker shout "and here comes Mansell, 8 laps to go, light on fuel with a new set of rubber -he's really flying now". Alain Prost didn't earn the nickname "the professor" by charging flat-out all race!
We all readily accept the visual spectacle of the London Marathon and the Olympic 1500 metres; both examples of tactical running, pace-setting, jockeying for position and with a final breath-taking sprint to the finish.....so how about it for Formula 1 !!
I'd love to see Schumacher, Hamilton, Button, Alonso, Vettel, Webber et al, in cars that allowed them to really RACE!!!
Comment number 54.At 14:02 10th May 2010, smilingSpongeMuffin wrote:
He has done enough overtaking to be leading the championship.
Do you score points for overtaking? NO.
How many people did Hamilton overtake today? One, and thanks ONLY to a poorly placed back marker. Spain is Spain. None of the top drivers were able to overtake due to the circuit. So nice try to knock Button, but it is a fail.
He was smart to back of Michael, as he would have just blown his position, or needed another pit stop to replace a wing or a flat spot. Instead he took 10 points. I am pretty sure he is happy, as if he had taken Michael, then what? Was he going to catch Alonso and take him? NO. He made the right choice.
When you are in the lead, who is there left to overtake? How many people did Webber overtake yesterday? Maybe we should disqualify him?
If you don't like it, switch over to the football.
Comment number 55.At 14:03 10th May 2010, Carl wrote:
That was indeed a great day for Alonso,the spanish fans who are
horrendously erratic and uncultivated,and ofcourse,the Hamilton-Haters.
The so called F1 pundits who erroneously see Alonso has the best driver
also had a good day.
A good question for this pseudo pundits-The first person that you as
formula one driver must have done and dusted is your team mate.Even
a fool knows that.Did Alonso as a two time world champion have a rookie
done and dusted?You guys must be pathetically insane.
That being said,for whatever reason,Button was behind Schumacher for
more than half of the race.Now he whines about that,what a mediocre.
He´s world champion and no one can take that away from him.But this
champion isn´t half as good as his team mate,yet he leads the
championship.Respect!The gods must be crazy!
Lewis Hamilton with just a championship title(for now)to his name,
is the greatest and most exciting racer of all time.You can compare
Schumacher,Senna and perhaps Fangio to him.I dare say that as a racer
and not a driver,and that I say without the risk of being immodest.
The hamilton-bashing should stop.Those drivers and not racers,who
whine about his driving style should look for another job.They are
just jealous.I stand to be corrected,did any rookie start his F1 career
at Mclaren or Ferrari?Having this F-word coming from my lips is a
condescension.I despice this team with a passion.
He who laughs last laughs best.This is Lewis´s championship.
Comment number 56.At 14:07 10th May 2010, BennyHillario wrote:
@51 and moderators.
So does this mean I can say Jenson is my role-model because he is white?
A person is a role-model because they are someone to look up to-their colour shouldn't come in to it.
Comment number 57.At 14:14 10th May 2010, Mild Mannered Orc wrote:
Hadanoeuf, let's just take the wings off and bring back fat tyres!
I'm not the FIAs biggest supporter but I can appreciate the difficult juggling act they have to perform. F1 is meant to be the pinnacle of motorsport so yes, ideas like the ones above are probably too neanderthal to contemplate.
The FIA has to manage the promotion of technology whilst also providing a 'show' and I bet that's practically impossible. We know the technology exists to make cars run round circuits remotely without the need for driver input but who wants to watch that?
Williams came closest back in, when was it? '93? with a car in which Mansell only had to check the oil now and then.
I just think sometimes they should leave the rules alone for long enough to allow the designers to work a little magic. Who knows, given enough time, time which is not taken up with reacting to constant rule changes, Adrian Newey might design a wing which works in the 'sterile' air from the car in front. (Ok, that's a bad analogy, Adrian's the Red Bull designer so there ISN'T a car in front at the moment but you get the idea)
You're also right, Hadanoeuf, that F1 is as much about 'clever' racing as it is about going hell-for-leather but as a spectator, I know which I'd rather watch. Mr Button can have his two race wins so far this season. I still say they came about more by luck than judgement but that's me. I want to see these guys wheel to wheel and maybe leaving the rules alone for a while we might just get that, or you remove downforce altogether and that's too primitive for the top rung of the motorsport ladder.
Comment number 58.At 14:16 10th May 2010, Tim wrote:
#49, you're quite right, Hamilton has done much more overtaking, but largely because he's been behind a lot of slow cars! It's pretty difficult to pass when you're leading a race, although I'm surprised you missed Button's move on Rosberg for the lead in China! On the other hand, Hamilton's had more than his fair share of bad luck. It's far from clear who will win the battle at McLaren this year, and I'm not brave enough to call it. I do think this season will be Button's only shot, though. The technical and sporting regulations really favour his style this year.
As for the championship, it's Vettel's to lose if the Red Bull can just be a fraction more reliable.
Comment number 59.At 14:23 10th May 2010, themadhammer wrote:
Hamilton as certainly unlucky in yesterday's race. The luckiest driver on the track was Alonso - Vettel's problems gifted him 3rd place, and then Lewis' puncture gifted him 2nd. I couldn't say who'll win the title just yet, but I imagine it will be a close run thing.
Comment number 60.At 14:29 10th May 2010, Mild Mannered Orc wrote:
SmilingSpongeMuffin: I did watch the football too, but after 5-0 even THAT got a bit dull!
As for "Do you score points for overtaking? No" I never suggested that you should. Just makes for a more interesting watch when there is some, you know?
"He was smart to back of Michael, as he would have just blown his position, or needed another pit stop to replace a wing or a flat spot. Instead he took 10 points. I am pretty sure he is happy, as if he had taken Michael, then what? Was he going to catch Alonso and take him? NO. He made the right choice."
Well, if you're pretty sure he was happy, I must have imagined all that post-race whingeing then.
Seriously though, you're probaby right, JB's decision to back off (give up?) might have been tactically correct but you've missed my point completely. If a guy comes round to wallpaper my sitting room, I want him to be neat and tidy. When I'm in front of my TV on a sunday watching F1, I want to see guys racing, not decorating.
"When you are in the lead, who is there left to overtake? How many people did Webber overtake yesterday? Maybe we should disqualify him?"
No, I made the point that neither Hamilton or Button had started a race from the front row and so there would need to have been some overtaking somewhere. Webber started from the front so obviously... ...oh,, never mind...
Comment number 61.At 14:50 10th May 2010, NimBees wrote:
I was expecting, in keeping with your previous blob, some comment like, "Brilliant Jenson Button, with uncanny ability in anticipating the inevitable brake and rim failures of the leaders(alla rain in China and Melbourne)outwits his peers once again by conserving his tyres in not overtaking a slower car in front and once again demonstrates that,"it's not just about speed" - reason enough for a WDC in 2010."
Mind you if he had passed Macca we would have been informed,
"Brilliant Jenson Button performs a masterful overtaking manoeuvre on Macca- easily matching the 32 overtakes of his team mate- and earns enough points to keep him in front of the pack."
Macca is hard to pass, bad luck Jenson, on another occasion you could have done it. Keep chin up!
Very bad luck Hamilton, surely fortune will favour you this year - sooner hopefully, rather than later.
As for this blog, I've come to believe it's more the Button's Broadcasting Corporation.
Comment number 62.At 15:41 10th May 2010, Anthony wrote:
"Would Button pit 4times and then end up 2 if the tables had been turned?- the truth is out"
I thought it was obvious and we had put this one to bed after China - Hamilton was only second because the safety car allowed him to close up to Button and eradicated the 40 second gap between them created by Hamilton's two extra pit stops.
Comment number 63.At 15:52 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
56. At 2:07pm on 10 May 2010, BennyHillario wrote:
@51 and moderators.
So does this mean I can say Jenson is my role-model because he is white?
A person is a role-model because they are someone to look up to-their colour shouldn't come in to it.
Please read my previous articles and my response in article 51. You clearly haven t understood what I have said. I said this is for me personally definately a reason why he adds more of passion for me to support him. It s a FACT, he is black and I said that i am half African and my dad is Swis (white), I was refering to his ethnicity playing a factor to being a role model. It s a fact because he is the only black driver and this has nothing to do with racism. I grew up in Africa and it is good to see some ethnic people being successful... Please read my articles before carefully. Yes Button is white as you say, i didn t call hamilton black i said he was of ethnic background. I would rather refer to Button as British or European. And do not try and twist what i said
Comment number 64.At 15:57 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
In that article i refer to his ethnicity to make it clear to you. This should prove to you that affluent sports people do more than just what they are meant to do. They offer inspiration to others. I had now in my article 63 have to refer to colour because you referred to it. I want to just make this very clear to you. I am no racisit as my mom is African and my dad Swiss and have been educated otherwise
Comment number 65.At 16:32 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
"56. At 2:07pm on 10 May 2010, BennyHillario wrote:
@51 and moderators.
So does this mean I can say Jenson is my role-model because he is white?
Well that whittles the list down by one...
Comment number 66.At 17:00 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
"I just think sometimes they should leave the rules alone for long enough to allow the designers to work a little magic. Who knows, given enough time, time which is not taken up with reacting to constant rule changes, Adrian Newey might design a wing which works in the 'sterile' air from the car in front. (Ok, that's a bad analogy, Adrian's the Red Bull designer so there ISN'T a car in front at the moment but you get the idea)
#57 I think the problem with that approach means that you are then left over time with those cars whose designers have the fattest budgets with the fastest cars. You also get potentially unsafe designs as new designs get developed beyond safety limits and where existing rules don't apply. While this means that rules will have to continually be adapted to address safety concerns I do agree they should minimise them where they don't impact safety or overtly impact on the turbulence behind the car.
Great comments at #60 btw!
Comment number 67.At 17:34 10th May 2010, Mike wrote:
Was Carlonso @21 watching the race. Why is it that the Alonso fans are so blinkered about Hamilton, I suggest he watches the highlights closely and he will see the tyre go at 120 mph or so. Overall boring race but for me the season is developing into an Alonso Hamilton fight. Both have been driving well all season so far and although Vettel is close behind the best drives have come from Hamilton and Alonso. Button has performed well with the tactics and is the dude of the bunch but eventually the talent of the other two will shine through providing the genius of Adrian Newey doesn't give Vettel the edge when the reliability gets better.
Comment number 68.At 17:48 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
agree great comment by 60. And also agree with 66 regarding rule changes. It s quiet unsustainable to keep changing rules imagine the money needed to keep pushing parts out of the factory. Yet alone Force India was doing great at times last year I thought, and they had a really nice car which could have done well if the rule changes weren t so radically changed. Change is good though but all depends i guess
Comment number 69.At 17:54 10th May 2010, SupaSix-1 wrote:
The tone on your posts are starting to become a bit predictable in its content. Usually its always nicey nicey about jenson, bash poke & dig when it comes to Lewis & just plain bash when it comes to schumacher. It seems like Johnathan Ledgard & yourself seem to share the same feelings.
On your comment on Lewis:
"Hamilton was quite brilliant on Sunday, driving with stunning pace but also a maturity that he might not have displayed a couple of years ago".
-Although the first main points credit his performance & rightly so - you just HAD to end it with a dig: "...a maturity he might not have displayed a couple of years ago".
-Do you honestly need reminding that a couple of years ago Lewis was only in his 2nd F1 season? As someone whos apparently been in motorsport for 16 years...I find it dumbfounded how you can have a dig at a rookie young drivers' maturity in only his 2nd season. Its not just in sport, but in life/career.....maturity grows the longer you are involved as this is how anyone & everyone gains experience through their lives - surely you dont need this fact to be pointed out?? Im sure in your life you have started off less mature at the begining of your career/life but matured more by gaining experience as the time goes by? Anyway in F1 all drivers start off 'less mature'. Its seems as if despite the great performance you have to finish it off with a dig.
During the post race coverage...emphasis was made towards Lewis that "He should talk / give interviews on the grid pre-race.
-I cant help feeling that this is one of the issues you media people may hold against Lewis & is a bone of contention for you all. We all know that it is not unusual for most F1 drivers & other sportsmen to be slightly superstitious & some follow unusual routines before a race/event - inc some drivers who choose not to conduct pre-race interviews on the grid is not something unusual.
Also in your post race blog you kept conveniently quiet about Jenson's disapointing performance (the rest of the beeb F1 team - apart from Ledgard...also aknowledged post race). Most importantly Jenson's unreasonable & childish dig at Schumacher was also not mentioned. The way in which Schumacher overtook Jenson & easily kept the McLaren at bay for 50 laps - which was one of the main talking points of the race did not get mentioned at all.
The beeb coverage this weekend (mainly from Ledgard, constantly) seem to consist of continual bash against Merc accussing them of favouritising Schumacher & totally ignoring Nico. After a while it become very uncomfortable & obvious of his mindset with the continual reminder & accusation from Johnathan that Merc has put Schumacher first & cast aside Rosberg - Despite even Rosberg admitting that this new car is better & is benefiting both drivers & they BOTH are happy with the new platform (despite the lack of pace) - The grilling of Nick Fry by the beeb gang (mostly jake) became quite uncomfortable to watch due to more repetition of same point of favouritism being the top topic. We all know that in all F1 teams.....each team quietly tends to slightly favour one driver more than the other - you must know that? But you all seem to focus all on Merc & schumi & conveniently dismiss the others when the others are blatantly doing the same. Its blatantly obvious that the 'so called schumi favouritism' accusations probably stem from the resentment he constantly got from most in his previous F1 career. Anyway...is it really such a scandal that a team would employ an experienced driver, especially when that driver is the most sucessful driver in all time & then treat him exactly the same as the other driver who has not won a championship let alone won a race? I dont think anyone would want to employ Michael only to then keep him as an equal. You'd employ michael due to his experience & achievements.
Well, I think you (Beeb f1 team - except martin, Lee, Ted. EJ seems to have come down a peg or 2) are getting very petty, biased, bitter & unrealistic...or its probably more to do with you people trying to stir up dramas like in a typical lynch mob mentality....quite pathetic really dont you think?
Its also blantatly obvious that the beeb F1 Teams favourite driver is Jenson. Maybe renaming the team to 'BBC Jenson F1 Team' would be more appropriate. Its starting to get very nausiating now.
Keep Martin Brundle, Ted & Lee. Bring in Mark Blundell, replace the rest... pls start with Ledgard....hes a disgrace.
BTW...I am not another lemming on here who will suck up to you in these blogs. I am a die hard F1 fan who's followed F1 all my life. I am not here to hate, but to give constructive critism & debate about the way in which my favourite sport is now being unfairly covered. We all have now seen the rise in complaints of the biased coverage every weekend & the failure to address this by the beeb only confirms the arrogance & ignorance. I hope you all as a team can address asap it in order to nip it in the bud.
Comment number 70.At 18:18 10th May 2010, SupaSix-1 wrote:
Why are you saying its a puncture when there has been no confirmation of it yet
(McLaren statement at the moment - 18:15 Mon 10th May):
"We'll now gather up the parts, take them back to the McLaren Technology Centre, and then analyse them meticulously – so, until we've done that, we won't really be able to make any definitive statements about what we think it was that caused the problem at the left-front corner of his car.
- do you know something we dont or is it yet another tactic to discredit Lewis? Also it clearly looked like a FAILURE not a puncture. By stating 'puncture' it seems like a picture is trying to be painted that Lewis may have overworked his tyres.....is that yet another subtle & cheap tactic by the Beeb to suggest the blame lies at Lewis?
Also noticed the Jenson post race statement on McLaren site has left out the critism of Schumacher....obviously McLaren didnt agree (like most) with Jenson's pathetic finger pointing.
Comment number 71.At 18:56 10th May 2010, mclarenteam wrote:
Lewis Drove a fantastic race but gutted for a TYRE FAILURE NOT PUNCTURE,at first martin brundle thought it was a puncture and that when i saw i thought that to but when you look at it again its quite similar to Germany 07` and spain 08`for Heikki.
Also Jake humprey said "lewis crashed out on the last lap but he didn`t he had a TYRE FAILURE WHICH MADE HIM CRASH!
get it right please but really looking forward to monaco hopefully with a mclaren 1-2 with lewis winning
Comment number 72.At 19:43 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
Supasix - I blame Des Lynham - they're forever relentlessly pursuing the human angle often at the expense of the nuances of the actual sport they are broadcasting. They occasionally defer to the technical aspect of the sport but they then dumb its relevance down by repeatedly using it with relation to their wider human aspect of it. Its a bit patronising and ends up being a bit dull resulting in fanboy allegiances - so you get people whining dully on about tyre wear, smooth driving styles, etc. And theres always a villain and a hero. I don't know how Brundle copes. You end up an unwilling passenger to the main presenter/producer's own viewpoint.
Maybe I've got a fading memory but it seemed back in the 80s far more was left to the viewer to make their own mind up as to the human aspect. Anyone really interested in the sport got a copy of Motorsport. Maybe its just too much padded out coverage without much additional depth that I'm bothered about. Not sure.
It makes me miss Murray Walker and James Hunt - not so much for the quality of Murray Walker's commentary but more for the quality of James Hunt's putdowns!
Comment number 73.At 19:44 10th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
"They" being TV!
Comment number 74.At 22:22 10th May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Post 69 Supasix
I disagree with you on your view of Lewis Hamilton,I think his attitude is disgraceful.I don't know if your aware of this but the reason Anthony Hamilton isn't attending races is because he's upset with lewis over him sacking him as his manager.The reason for this is shocking and has nothing to do with F1,the reason Lewis says is ''to promote the Lewis Hamilton brand globally''. Clearly 15million a year isn't enough for him!?!?!?!?!? Without his Dads hard-work and guidance he would NOT be in F1.Can you believe he sacked his own Dad for more money?I can't.He's missed him this year. He clearly has a massive talent but is the dedication there...I don't think so.He went to america to meet celebrities between races at the start of the season returning the day before practice and when he talked about thoughts of quitting after the lying scandal after the Australian gp last year that sickened me that that even crossed his mind. When people try to compare him to Senna it sickens me...Senna was dedicated.Lewis is one of the fastest drivers in F1 and I love his driving style,he has to overcome fame and then I will be a fan.
As for Jenson, he's a likeable guy and that is why fans overlook the odd misplaced comment like the schumi dig.
Supasix, I too am a massive fan of F1 so I enjoyed reading your post and agree Leggard must go.His attempts at trying to sound exciting and fake having a broad knowledge of f1 isn't funny anymore.I especially find it funny the way at the end of the race or qualifying he is left to talk the driver over the line raising his voice saying usually ''He's done it!''.Get crofty in now and long term maybe give someone else a chance to tour the world
Also can BBC PLEASE MAKE A FULL RE-RUN OF THE RACE AVAILABLE ON RED-BUTTON,BUILD-UP AND FORUM INCLUDED.
Thank you,BBC
Comment number 75.At 22:55 10th May 2010, Andy wrote:
Hello F1 fans.. this is my first time commenting on this bloggs..
I only registered to raise my hat to (69)SupaSix-1.. you said it the way it is..also thanks for breaking it down..
Comment number 76.At 22:56 10th May 2010, SupaSix-1 wrote:
Hey Sam Collins,
Appreciate your comment & views.
Obviously I'll have to disagree with your comments towards Lewis LOL. But I too agree that it was a big shame for Lewis to release his father. However I am aware that we (as fans/public etc) do not know the full situation behind it. At the end of the day, to me its a personal issue for Lewis & his father. Im sure more than anything, Lewis appreciates & loves his father more than anyone can understand & despite them having a business relationship, they also have a personal one so due to that I feel its wrong for any of us to judge their relationship - just like if it was me & my father or you & your father etc. I just hope that the extra pressure from the media in constantly using this story does not put an extra strain on their relationship.
Even if Lewis wants to make his brand more global - I dont see anything wrong with that. Its totally natural that any brand would want maximum exposure in order to be successful - That is business! Im sure any driver or business has the same aspirations for their brands to be globally recognised....its the only way. At the end of the day Lewis has every right to hire or sack for whatever reason...but we as the public do not know the entire story so I choose to reserve my judgement on that one. One thing I know is that it mustve been a very difficult decision for them both, but done for the right reasons.
With regards to Lewis' attitude...I honestly think he has a good head on his shoulders & considering what the guy has had to endure...he should be really proud of himself. An example of his attitude was shown in his post race interview in Spain. I think we all expected him to be spitting blood, but his attitude was I have to say, quite inspirational for someone of his age.
I also think that he is not at all obsessed with the celebrity culture. He just so happens to have a celebrity girlfriend who lives in the US, theres nothing wrong with him going to see her & just happens to get snapped while there, as expected. I think we all know that it did not have any negative affect on his performances as he probably is the only driver who has entertained us in every race with stunning drives.
So Sam, I think on the Lewis issue we will hae to agree to disagree.
But we can definately high five each other on the Johnathan Ledgard issue cos that man is really starting to make my skin crawl & Im sure alot of people agree.
Anyway, all the best & Peace!
Comment number 77.At 23:05 10th May 2010, SupaSix-1 wrote:
To Andy (75)
Cheers mate.
Comment number 78.At 23:55 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
74. At 10:22pm on 10 May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Post 69 Supasix
I disagree with you on your view of Lewis Hamilton,I think his attitude is disgraceful.I don't know if your aware of this but the reason Anthony Hamilton isn't attending races is because he's upset with lewis over him sacking him as his manager.
To be honest it s good his father got him that far in his career. And it also is a family issue - so who really cares if he sacked his father?! It might be good as he needs to stand on his 2 feet in such a competitive environment and maybe he didn t feel free enough..I am pretty sure that money is not the problem either.. I am sure if that was the case it s just a matter of time between them, but this is so irrelevant in my opinion.
Btw Just caught up on your comments super six - really intriguing! Kinda of agree with most of it as most of the title posts are always having a negative twist somewhere. It kind of makes you think how can you reward someone by praising them and at the same time bringing them down.
Comment number 79.At 23:59 10th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
71. At 6:56pm on 10 May 2010, lewishamiltonforever wrote:
Lewis Drove a fantastic race but gutted for a TYRE FAILURE NOT PUNCTURE,at first martin brundle thought it was a puncture and that when i saw i thought that to but when you look at it again its quite similar to Germany 07` and spain 08`
Martin Whitmarsh specifically said in the post race commentary that he cannot confirm after it was studied so you cannot say it was a failure or puncture. He said you can speculate as much as you want but he couldn t confirm it (supersix touched on that too if u read his comment )
Comment number 80.At 08:48 11th May 2010, Lord_Lancashire wrote:
@53 ... ohhh, here we go again.
You certainly do have rose-tinted glasses. What you fantasizers must realise, is that the Spanish Grand Prix on this circuit is usually drab, and that the excitement of F1 in those days is no different to what it is now. People can remember a few classic races and somehow think that that was the score for every race. Well I can recall classics from very recent years, just as many as in days gone by. Stop kidding yourself, and others.
Comment number 81.At 09:04 11th May 2010, mclarenteam wrote:
jenson is ok but lewis is better
Comment number 82.At 09:59 11th May 2010, Andy wrote:
I concur 81..
Comment number 83.At 10:02 11th May 2010, RaikkonenNo1FlyingFinn wrote:
It was a dreadfully boring race Webber's best ever drive really dominant,Lewis also did an excellent job before the tyre failure,Vettel was ok but managed the problem well.I still think Vettel and Lewis are the men to beat,Button is too slow in the dry and Ferrari is also not quick enough at the moment to challenge
Comment number 84.At 10:36 11th May 2010, NimBees wrote:
the point of the my comment was that since this blog, IMHO, should be more correctly viewed as a Button's Broadcasting Corporation blog, evidence for which the glaring lack of comment on Button's,"bad day at the office", and further explains, as I intimated, that HAD he done a pass on MS (a VERY difficult thing to do), the opposite would have been the case - highlighted praise with trumpets added - as they were in China and Melbourne.
Besides all that what could be THE real story of the race is Hamilton's third of forth wheel/tyre failure. He commented (speculated?)that this type of failure is experienced once in a drivers career, yet he has had three/four. If his statistics are correct there appears to be a problem here which is worthy of detailed investigation. How many incidents like this has occurred in the past at almost identical times in the race in F1 history? Could those more knowledgeable than I suggest a reason for this?
I hasten to add I'm not publishing some conspiracy theory, just pointing up Hamilton's statement. Hamilton is noting the discrepancy of his "bad luck" against accurate? historical evidence.
Comment number 85.At 10:56 11th May 2010, CNW0429 wrote:
"70. At 6:18pm on 10 May 2010, SupaSix-1 wrote:
Why are you saying its a puncture when there has been no confirmation of it yet
(McLaren statement at the moment - 18:15 Mon 10th May):
"We'll now gather up the parts, take them back to the McLaren Technology Centre, and then analyse them meticulously – so, until we've done that, we won't really be able to make any definitive statements about what we think it was that caused the problem at the left-front corner of his car.
- do you know something we dont or is it yet another tactic to discredit Lewis? Also it clearly looked like a FAILURE not a puncture. By stating 'puncture' it seems like a picture is trying to be painted that Lewis may have overworked his tyres.....is that yet another subtle & cheap tactic by the Beeb to suggest the blame lies at Lewis?"
You make no sense at all here. If Andrew had described it as a 'failure' it would imply that the tyre has failed structurally, and that would place more blame on Lewis; A structural failure is generally caused by excessive wear and tear. Saying it was a 'puncture' implies that there is a rogue object involved, whether it's a piece of debris or otherwise. Personally I don't think it was much to do with Lewis.
Comment number 86.At 12:01 11th May 2010, EthanX wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Comment number 87.At 12:23 11th May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Super-six(post 76):
I just think we have to look at things at face-value regarding the Hamilton's relationship until Lewis releases a clear statement.While some may say its a personal decision and none of our business,it is our business if it is effecting his racing.IMO it would be good for him to have his father there to help make decisions and vent his frustration to instead of directly to his team and media(although Lewis has been very positive in most interviews).Anyway I am not having a dig at Lewis I just think he needs to improve mentally(dedication of the sport,decision-making etc).The raw-pace is definately there and I really hope he keeps up his aggressive driving style as it is exciting to watch but is it a winning driving style?.Just like to add Lewis does not come across to me as someone who is a fan of the sport.
Also supersix you say:
''I also think that he is not at all obsessed with the celebrity culture. He just so happens to have a celebrity girlfriend who lives in the US, theres nothing wrong with him going to see her & just happens to get snapped while there, as expected. I think we all know that it did not have any negative affect on his performances as he probably is the only driver who has entertained us in every race with stunning drives.''
There is a big difference between entertaining us and winning the championship.I'm sure Vettel could be just as entertaining if he had as poor performances in qualifying,as could Button if he made the wrong tyre decisions.Unfortunately I think his driving style is losing him championship points,which is sad because it is so attractive to watch.
I can see where your coming from on your criticism of the bbc but you have to agree there has been a massive improvement in the coverage since the switch from ITV.
I don't think they grilled Nick Fry too much on favourtism.What puzzles me though is the way a car can have such an effect on Schumis performances.Can't imagine other world champions like Alonso and Hamilton being so convincely beating in a car by their teamates.I know Schumacher is rusty and I have decided that I will ignore his ''2nd career'' if it is a failure because he dominated an era of f1 and it clearly wasn't because of the car.Schumacher highlight for me growing up was Hungary 1998.If you ever want to see an example of a driver finding the limit that ws it.
Which brings me on to a point I have made over and over again,bring back grass and gravel instead of colossal run-off areas.I miss tracks like the A1-ring in Austria,Hungaroring in Hungary,Nuburgring in Germany,San-Marino Italy,Magny cours France,Jerez spain....replaced with S**t tracks like Bahrain,Shanghai,Malaysia etc.Drivers should be punished for their mistakes.Anthony Davidson shares the exact same view.This iside of curbs launching argument is laughable.Motorsport is dangerous,if your scared don't do it.Coulthard was never going to win a championship because he wets himself everytime before he finds the limit.I critisied Martin Brundle last week and I take it back and would like to apologise.His love and knowledge of F1 is outstanding.As for Coulthard he has never stopped moaning about safety his whole life.Did you hear him whinig about the Hamilton-Vettel pit incident in China saying that they could of collided and somehow ended up in the garage killing someone!Thats what a pit-lane limiter is for David.
Comment number 88.At 13:17 11th May 2010, mischievousCheesy101 wrote:
@ 10 & 80 Lord Lancashire
It is YOU who are looking at the sport with rose tinted glasses. The race was decided (like Monaco will be next week) by the qualifying results and who gets to the first corner in the lead. If Vettel's pit stop had taken the 'normal' amount of time and Hamilton doesn't crash the first 6 places on the grid would have been unchanged at the finish.
There was not a single on-track overtaking manoevre amongst the first 8 cars on the grid. The TV coverage was forced to show Rosberg chasing after Buemi for a few laps (and still missed the actual moment when he got past) for 15th place and Kubicka v Hulkenberg in the 'fight' for 10th place. You may consider this to be exciting but most people don't, the FIA have screwed it up big time this year with the refuelling ban, they obviously had no idea that modern Hard compound tyres can last 50 laps therefore there will only ever be one pitstop in the same three lap window at every race where it doesn't rain. No-one can get a pace advantage by running light on fuel, no-one will deliberately pit more than once..thats most of the race strategy thrown out of the window. In their desperate attempts to make the racing 'competitive' they have ensured that only the back markers on the grid are at such a performance disadvantage that they can be passed with ease.
The aerodynamic problem of 'dirty air' is compounded by most circuits having only one genuine overtaking point, unless drivers are prepared to chance their arms which seems to be less and less the case these days.
Yes this is moaning and whinging but the sport is going down the pan as entertainment and its only the fact that the Red Bulls have been unreliable that has prevented this years championship from becoming a procession...speaking of which, wake me up when the worlds most glamorous traffic jam in Monte Carlo is over.
Comment number 89.At 14:39 11th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
#87 Sam Collins - two points.
You have made an entire statement about his decision to sack his dad as manager/obsession with celebrity lifestyle based on a fact that Hamilton is underachieving when, but for some horrible bad luck, he would have been one point behind Button on the leaderboard. He has outperformed Button 4 times out of 5 in qualifying to boot (actually that does indicate underperforming in the race itself but I would that more down to bad luck).
"Unfortunately I think his driving style is losing him championship points,which is sad because it is so attractive to watch."
Was that ever said about Schumacher's similarly wearing driving style? In fact I clearly remember it referred to as a great defining factor of his talent - that he wrings the best out of the cars. He used to clip kerbs regularly trying to get the best out of the car. Why is it all of a sudden a negative thing because its Hamilton? This criticism could equally be laid at the feet of Vettel and even Alonso.
One final point - no I don't think Beeb is better than ITV and the one deciding factor is Leggard for me. I find him drab, repetitive and a little simple.
Comment number 90.At 18:39 11th May 2010, BigFletch wrote:
Andrew, Are we having a poll to chose classic Monaco GP footage this week?
Also, ever since the start of the season i've noticed an anti-Schumacher slant to the coverage on the BBC. Why is this? Like him or not, you can't ignore that he's the most successful driver ever & I think he deserves a bit more respect. I hope this bias is nothing to do with his nationality....
Comment number 91.At 22:34 11th May 2010, Andy wrote:
"Button Broadcasting Corporation..." absolutely brilliant @ 84.. I can't stop laughing.. Sometimes i feel the whole of the f1 team at the BBC are against LH.. the only person in my opinion not biased is Mr Jordan.. What your opinion on this F1 fans..
I just have to laugh again @ Button Broadcasting Corporation..LOL
Comment number 92.At 23:44 11th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
Andy I kind of have to agree with you on that that BBC F! seem to be JB pro, i only take this view and agree with you because of the way they Title the debates and from what they say on cometary.
Comment number 93.At 23:48 11th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
87. At 12:23pm on 11 May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Super-six(post 76):
I just think we have to look at things at face-value regarding the Hamilton's relationship until Lewis releases a clear statement.While some may say its a personal decision and none of our business,it is our business if it is effecting his racing.
No it is none of our or your business. Hence have you ever heard of the Term PUBLIC and PRIVATE. There is a clear distinction between them. If it is affecting his racing it still makes no difference and is NONE of your business. If you feel the need to tell the world of your private life then do so but do not make it seem like it is normal. I mean the best is to GOOGLE PUBLIC & PRIVATE.
Comment number 94.At 09:04 12th May 2010, Ashish Sharma wrote:
Andrew... Keenly waiting for Hughes' column. Can we have any update on when we can see it or the link to it...
Comment number 95.At 11:06 12th May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Mark Adler you are clearly biased in responses towards Hamilton. From reading your comments it is clear you are a fan of Hamilton and not F1. Proof:you wrote-''I am also a huge amilton fan for the same reasons as you and more. I am of mixed origin and hamiton is a role model because of his ethnicity. So this for me adds a different layer to why he is my biggest F1 driver. He s good and a good role model for so many young people as well as people of different ethnicity. I am half african and my dad is Swiss. So for me he is a big inspiration as I can imagine for many others.''Also you seem to enjoy criticism of Button:''
At 11:50am on 10 May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
33. At 10:36am on 10 May 2010, telnolies wrote:
"He turned in and if I didn't back out then we would have crashed, so he didn't give me a lot of room there. There you go, with his experience you would have thought he would know." Yes Jenson, he does indeed know, and he also knows he is under no duty to help you pass him! If he can convince you it's too dangerous to try, that's your problem. Most stupid comment I've ever seen Jenson make actually.
Lol!! I totally agree with you. This is what I have said even last season when he was driving his last championship, if it goes bad he finds every excuse in the text book (Buton). I mean his reply '......so he didn't give me a lot of room there. There you go, with his experience you would have thought he would know.".... says alot. He s not much f a racing driver, a racing driver is not just meant to sit in the car and drive from start to finish. He must battle t out, take him by surprise. Hek I prefer hamilton not finishing and going down with pride, because he will be remembered for a brilliant drive and fantastic moves. .......Oh another thing, remember before the race Button said he was hoping for a dry to see the true pace of the car so he can see it s true position in the field, i rather think it hasn t shown the weaknesses of the car but rather the weaknesses of Button. Anyone agree or disagree with me?
I would like to see Hamilton win the championship,I just think he needs to change his attitude a little
Comment number 96.At 11:42 12th May 2010, U14334741 wrote:
They need to bring back refueling. Spain was a pretty boring race, Hamiltons problems being the only real incident of note after the first few laps. Either that or water down the track every race, as the wet races are the only races with any action. I turned off before the end. Boring.
Comment number 97.At 12:47 12th May 2010, Andrew Benson wrote:
Hi all,
Thanks for your comments.
To deal with a couple of your remarks. Firstly, I used the word puncture in the blog simply as shorthand for a situation when a tyre falls apart. I spoke with Martin Whitmarsh after the race and was well aware of what he was saying about it probably being a wheel failure, caused by debris, that led to the deflation. Perhaps it was not the best choice of words, for which I apologise.
Now, to the accusations of bias (constantly) thrown at the BBC team.
These are groundless and false.
We have no pro-Button, anti-Schumacher bias. I did not fail to mention Button's performance, as some of you have suggested - I called it lacklustre. Martin Brundle went into more details in his post-race piece: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8673237.stm, as well as on the subject of the tactics Schumacher used to keep Button back.
As for Schumacher, all we have been doing all year is asking the legitimate questions of and surrounding him. If we didn't, you'd accuse us of being soft and not doing our jobs.
Comment number 98.At 14:32 12th May 2010, United Dreamer wrote:
Andrew the bias is more manifested by an absence of praise during the race when you get a performance worthy of note by Hamilton. It seems more a footnote rather than the main story emphasis Button might get. The silence from the race commentary when the camera focused on Hamilton in second place was hesitant and there were a few patches of silence when if Button was in that position it seems like there would be a flow of platitudes. Its just a perception. Obviously not mine alone.
Comment number 99.At 15:41 12th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
95. At 11:06am on 12 May 2010, Sam Collins wrote:
Ok Sam. Readin your reply you are clearly offended by the fact that I have suggested that you look up the meaning of Public and Private, from which your response was so diverted. In any case I love to debate about Formula 1 issues and this blog is a PERFECT platform to do it, for which I have to be grateful to the BBC. If you want to call me Hamilton bias you may, I have just said why he adds more of a layer to why he is my favorite driver. So YES i am a Super Hamilton Fan and I ll support him all the way, but I have also in this and other debates debated about lots of inter-related issues in F1. I mean I have strong opinions on so many issues, i.e. KERS - which was the best thing in F1 a sustainable power harvesting method to power boost cars. So do not say I am not a F1 fan and rather a Lewis Hamilton Fan. Just read my posts there is no need for you to copy and paste irrelevant texts. I have lived in the UK since 8 years and am moving to Switzerland in June, now in my Opinion the British can be so proud that you have such a great Driver in Lewis and another in Button although my favorite is Hamilton. And there is nothing wrong with having favorites. I still maintain for you to look up the differentiation between Public and Private which will not harm you!
Comment number 100.At 18:39 12th May 2010, Mark Adler wrote:
Right peace love & happiness, was great forum debate see you all @ next one!


text:
With a civic election this fall, and a provincial election in a couple of years some are thinking about getting into politics.
Be warned you'll need a thick skin and every word you say will be measured by the opposition.
If you hurt someone's feelings you may have to apologize at the least or lose the next election at the most.
Look what happened to Jim Prentice after he told us to "look in the mirror". Then we had Hillary Clinton and her "basket of deplorables".
Now we have this little skirmish over "sewer rats".
I don't know who Health Minister Sarah Hoffman was referring to when she said Wildrose was spending a lot of time with sewer rats.
I do not believe she was referring to all Albertans, but she'd rather just apologize and move on rather than name names.
I've always thought that name calling was the last refuge of those who have no argument. Were you taught growing up that, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me?"
That was before political correctness and some needed sensitivity training.
Still, I'm waiting to see the first "sewer rat" T-shirt.
Let me know what you think about all of this.

subset: commoncrawl


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