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One small step for Hamilton
Monday 20 October 2008
Following the drama of recent races, the Chinese Grand Prix was a relative study in calm as Lewis Hamilton took a further small step towards the Drivers’ Championship.
There were no penalties, no collisions, no controversial detours as Hamilton simply led from start to finish. The refusal of Felipe Massa to lose touch with his British rival means the Formula 1 season will go down to the wire in Brazil, but the mathematics is once more looking good for Hamilton - he only needs to finish fifth at Sao Paulo and, regardless of what anybody else does, he will be champion.
It was a remarkable response to the criticism that has been hurled at the young driver over the past week. As if hoping to provoke the sort of collapse that cost him the championship last year, rivals and commentators took turns to blast Hamilton for his aggressiveness, his perceived arrogance and his lack of experience. To win poll position, set the fastest lap time and never trail throughout the race was a stunning riposte.
"Everything just went right this weekend," Hamilton admitted after the race. "I made one of my best ever starts and had perfect balance during the race. I owe so much of that to the guys in the team, both at the track and back home. They did an amazing job so big thanks to them.
"I've got a seven-point lead in the world championship, but that doesn't allow me to take anything for granted. It might be another step towards my dream but we've still got to stay calm and keep our heads. I just hope we can pull through."
Massa will have to hope to win in Brazil and then see how Hamilton fares, but he isn't ready to give up hope, especially after last season's finale.
"Losing two points does not mean that I have lost hope," said the Brazilian. "I will continue to fight right to the very end and I can't wait to race in Interlagos in front of my home crowd. I will try my luck there.
"It will be very difficult, but not impossible as we saw last year."
(Photo © BMW AG)
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