Thread: Hamilton hoping for less politics in 2008

Originally Posted by raikk

ahh man this is what I hate about the offseason.. theres nothing to talk about but the obvious

OK!! so you can start something that would keep us here to discuss. Anything that is not contentious doesn't seem to attract any response - it seems the whole forum has hibernated.

Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

Martin Whitmarsh - 06/12/07

Later in the article Autosport quote Whitmarsh as saying "Let's be frank, he is already" [a leader].

Not quite an announcement as such, just a recognition that by his performances last year, his talent, and his long-term relationship with McLaren Hamilton is now in a position to be the figurehead that the likes of Prost and Senna were before him at the team.

However, as Alonso found, if your McLaren team-mate proves as quick if not quicker than you then they will be given every opportunity to show their ability. Kovalianen and Hamilton will make a great team, and a far less political team, and that can only be good for McLaren.

So you do really think that Kovalainen is going to be allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms??? That is funny, cause at the end of last seasson I could not see that (two drivers riding the same car). So I do not expect that for 2008.

Hamilton is the team leader and Kova will play the lapdog roll weather he likes it or not. THee fact is while last year I did not see an statement from Fernando claiming he was the team leader, this year i have seen a copule already stating Hamilton is.

Originally Posted by samuratt

So you do really think that Kovalainen is going to be allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms???

It think McLaren will give them both an equal opportunity to perform to their best.

Originally Posted by samuratt

THee fact is while last year I did not see an statement from Fernando claiming he was the team leader

I don't think Fernando ever felt he needed to point that out. As 2xWDC he simply expected it to be the case, rather like Piquet at Williams.

Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

I don't think Fernando ever felt he needed to point that out. As 2xWDC he simply expected it to be the case, rather like Piquet at Williams.

Come to think of it - I don't remember Ron Dennis ever pointing it out either. But then, my memory needs defragging.
But I doubt very much that Jr expects to be team leader at Renault this year.
Hey!! I thought Jr is driving at Renault

Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

Hey!! I thought Jr is driving at Renault

86/87 - Mansell & Piquet. Piquet (Nelson Sr) was the WDC, and Nige the up and coming Brit......

Funny how no-one saw NM/NP that as a problem, but with Lewis and FA at McLaren it is all a big hoo ha.

Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

Then it was his father who complained to the FIA in Hungary.

Proof of that, please?

Originally Posted by Valve Bounce

Let's start again. Why don't the two of you read the lead post and the link before you reply?

If you have already, then why not engage your brain to your PC before you reply?

Right back at ya.

Originally Posted by samuratt

So you do really think that Kovalainen is going to be allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms??? That is funny, cause at the end of last seasson I could not see that (two drivers riding the same car). .

How was alonso not allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms?

Originally Posted by tamburello

Just out of interest, when Hakkinen & Coulthard were partnered at Mclaren, and indeed when Kimi & JPM were there, did any of the Mclaren head-honchos or the drivers announce that one was 'Team Leader'?

It's my guess that by announcing that Hamilton is de-facto 'Team Leader' Mclaren are making a clear statement that it is Hamilton and Hamilton alone who will be racing for the championship should the 2008 Mclaren be capable.

After fecking up in 2007 in such a big way, even I can't really blame them.....although neither am I surprised by the less-than-straight way in which they have announced it.

Oh, and have Ferrari said who their 'Team Leader' is?

I don't see any team that would state a team leader is the only in contention for the championship. I think it's simply more of stating that the person is question has proven abilities and the team expects more of them, in race results, car development, etc.

Hamilton choked at the end of last years season. I would seriously doubt that they will put all work into him if in fact his new team mate performs well.

Originally Posted by Garry Walker

How was alonso not allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms?

Weeeellll duhhhh...and Wilko as in Wilko wonders why i repeat myself.....

Originally Posted by Garry Walker

How was alonso not allowed to race Hamilton on equal terms?

If you remember the last three races of 2007, Fernando was constantly half a second a lap slower than Hamilton. Do you think there such a difference between the drivers??? Fernando claimed that tyres preassures were not correct. And if you remember Brasil, Fernando was on a car that was almost 1sec per lap slower than Hamilton's. I have no proof to offer you, what it was clear (at least to me) that Fernando was not allowed (by McLaren) to prevent Hamilton from being WDC.

The truth is out there you just have to believe!

Originally Posted by markabilly

and Wilko as in Wilko

10/10 Good work.

Originally Posted by samuratt

And if you remember Brasil, Fernando was on a car that was almost 1sec per lap slower than Hamilton's.

I doubt that it was the car he drove slowly without rhyme.

If Hamilton wants less politics this year then maybe he should cause less politics.