http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_4323750,00.html Monday 13th October 2008 Nick Heidfeld believes Lewis Hamilton's rash move on Kimi Raikkonen in Sunday's Japanese GP is proof that the McLaren driver hasn't learnt his lesson from last year. In 2007 Hamilton was on course to win the World title, holding an impressive 17-point advantage over Kimi Raikkonen with two races remaining. However, nerves and rash decisions cost the Brit his shot at the title, allowing Raikkonen to walk away with it by one point in the Brazilian GP. And this year Heidfeld fears Hamilton is repeating those same mistakes after an impetuous start in Japan on Sunday saw him handed a drive-through penalty for pushing Raikkonen off the track. "I thought Hamilton would have learnt his lesson from last year," crash.net quotes the 31-year-old BMW driver as having told Motorsports-Magazine. "He was told by his team in the last race to go steady. As far as I can see from the action replay, the scrap on the first corner wasn't necessary. Hamilton didn't need to do that." Ferrari, though, have also been making mistakes with Felipe Massa also penalised after he put Hamilton into spin. The Brazilian did manage to recover to seventh place, closing the gap to Hamilton to five points with 20 still to play for. Heidfeld summed it up best, saying: "McLaren and Ferrari have done themselves no favours."
Hah! Kubica, now Heidfeld. Alonso coming out in support of Massa. Louis may now be reaping what he's sewn...
I thought Hami was poised to take the championship this year. He severely choked last year and I have not been a fan of his as a result. I have slowly regained my confidence in him as the season has progressed this year, and then this stupid opening lap move at Fuji he tried again to throw away the WDC again. He may think that he is as good as Senna or Shumi, but he has to deliver multiple WDCs if he wants to be mentioned in the same breath with those two. So far, he is just a poser.
I agree with Heidfeld, that Hami seems to have nothing learned from last year: Not only did he choke in Fuji, he made a bunch of stupid mistakes this season: When he crashed into Alonso in Bahrain (?) and of course the dumbest of them all at the Canadian GP. While he is an exceptional talent, the diamond is still very rough around the edges. He hasn't learned yet how to throttle his own aggression. Might be an age thing or might be lack of racing in lower formulae.
His foolish failed attempt at the first corner at Fuji was partly youth, MOSTLY ego. Going around spouting off that he knows he's as good as Senna ever was in the face of his numerous idiotic mistakes only worsens his image. He should think more, talk less.
Actually he should have listened to my advice I gave him on this website before the race: Let Kimi pass. Settle for 2nd place and drive 8 points home. Massa was way back behind hard to pass people like Alonso and Kubica. He could have extended his advantage by 4 points. Instead it shrunk by 3. I'm sure RD must have given him similar advice. In fact I read in an interview before the race that Hami said himself victory isn't everything, but points are. He should listen to his own advice.
He won't listen. And I'm happy for that. And to think he could have won the WDC last year if he reduced speed and came in 4th instead of being Superman flying around at the front and then planting into the trap with worn tires. Massa and Hamilton are the new Coulthard.
LOL I think Massa and Hamilton are both faster than DC ever was. But you're right: With a more level headed approach, 2007 would have been his first championship. And I'm happy as well, that he didn't listen. It is however surprising, that he still doesn't. One pissed away title should have been punishment enough.
They are the new Coulthard not in lack of speed but in the uncanny ability to lose control of their neurons at the drop of a hat.
