I agree with Mercedes, the always team comes first, and finishing both cars as high as possible is the first priority. But they won't give Hamilton any serious reprimand, as they wouldn't have bothered hiring him if he wasn't like that. Was it an unsporting thing to do to a team-mate and disrespectful to the team. Yes. But was it the right thing to do? Yes Lauda said he wouldn't have done it to a team-mate, I don't know if he's speaking the truth or not, but ASC mentioned the traits of multiple WDC's, but other multiple WDC's were Jim Clark, Fangio, Farina, Graham hill, Jack Brabham, by all accounts gentlemen on and off the track.
While this is true and any team is going to want to do everything in their power to maximize their results, they already effectively had both titles sewn up at this point. So if there was ever a time for them to take the leash off, this was it.
It's not even about this race, it's about his tenure in general. They knew the beast that Lewis was when they courted him away from Macca, a ferocious winner, him against the world. Yet they have stipulated they control both drivers and wonder when he takes control himself why? It's ignorance of the highest level by the team. They have had plenty of chances to make examples of their drivers, but have chosen not to. If as a team you have a belief and culture in the way you race and subsequently get your drivers to sign up to it - then at least have the balls to do something about it. They could have suspended both of their drivers at varying times over the last 3 years and still won the race with the sister car and the WCC. They will never have that luxury again.
Could be a case of a wee comprimise with Merc, him not turning up at all makes them look weak, can't control their driver, etc.. Turn up, do a few laps, and then leave, that way they don't look weak(ish) and helpless and he looks to be a team player(ish), etc.. Just a thought?
If that was meant to be his final bit of work for the team this year, then the "space" and time away may help both parties.. If the cars are to be as close as some predict next year, then they'd be foolish to sanction Hamilton too hard, they'll need him as well as Rosberg to the take fight to the RBs and Ferrari's and who knows maybe McHonda will finally come good too, here's hoping! Tough position for Merc.. one of their own doing by trying to Micro Manage the last race when there was no need. Now, if they act or don't act against Hamilton, they'll be damned if they do and damned if they don't!
Gentlemen off the track, ruthless on it. It was a different age back then though, and to be fair I hadn't considered going back that far in history. Add Stewart and Fittipaldi to your list too for good measure.
Nevermind only just saw he pulled a sickie after just a few laps. In other news Andrew Benson is perfecting his chicken soup recipe in hopes of nursing the love of his life back to health.
Is it me or does he have a pain or illness at every test day, apart from that the Mercedes with those 2017 tyres looks lovely.
All the cars with 2017 tires look great.. With the shallower and wider rare wings and the wider bodies, they'll look even better.. Here's hoping there is no gap between the top teams next season and we can see a season where more than 2 teams win a GP!
Lewis Hamilton is facing a suspension or even the sack by Mercedes over his Duel in the Desert rebellion, according to Britain's national newspapers. But the prospect of Hamilton being hit with such a heavy punishment is unlikely even after his 'anarchy' in the season finale. Hamilton ignored a series of radio calls urging him to speed up during the season closer when he tried to back team-mate Nico Rosberg into rival cars in a desperate - but ultimately unsuccessful - bid to secure the world championship.
F1 drivers have done worse to win world championships. Mercedes need to take their head out of their arse.
They need to make a decision what they expect and then stick to it! Responding differently every time with varying amounts of disbelief and idol threats is not fair on the drivers or fans. I'd like to add that this would never have happened under the likes of Brawn, Dennis, Williams, Flávio etc. These lot are just Boardroom puppets who haven't got a clue in how to manage the emotional sporting side! They might aswell be accountants running the pit Wall!
It's all media hyperbole' over the post race interviews of Wolfe and Lauda. All they really said was they were disappointed in his attitude towards team orders and there would have to be a post race inquest, Wolfe pretty much said he would do the same in Hamilton's position, so his punishment will be little more than a slap on the wrist. Mercedes want the 1-2 for the prestige, it's all well and good saying 'but they are the WCC champions already' every 1-2 is precious, as Vettel said at the end of '13 "we've got to enjoy these moments". I'm no Hamilton fan, but I have no complaints over what he did, and stated before the race that was what he would do it, because without a shadow of a doubt, I would do exactly the same, even if the teams WCC was still in the balance. fixed