Lewis Hamilton has responded to Ferrari and Fernando Alonso’s complaints regarding his own actions in Sunday’s European Grand Prix. The Italian squad has criticised both the McLaren driver and sporting governing body the FIA’s conduct although the 2008 Champion believes the situation is more ‘sour grapes.’
The matter stems back to Lap 10 of the race in Valencia, when Hamilton illegally overtook the Safety Car as it was deployed for Mark Webber’s shocking accident.
With those runners behind able to take advantage by diving into the pits – as did race leader Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton, ahead of the Safety car – both Ferraris were forced to complete an entire lap behind the Bernd Mayländer-driven vehicle before being passed by numerous rivals when they eventually came in a lap later.
Although Hamilton’s marginal Safety Car overtake resulted in a drive-through penalty later in the race, the fact that the Stevenage driver was then able to rejoin without losing track position has sparked fury at Ferrari. However, Hamilton believes the moment relates to a case of ‘sour grapes’ for Alonso.
“Yeah. I even saw him overtaken by a Sauber on the big screen - it's very unlike him to be overtaken by a Sauber, so he must have been completely in another world,” Hamilton is quoted as saying by the Press Association, referring to Kamui Kobayashi’s penultimate lap pass.
“But I don't understand why I affected his race so much. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and he must be disappointed with his own result, but I didn't do anything to him.”
Lewis went on to defend the stewards’ decision. “The FIA are doing an incredible job because they are allowing us to race this year,” he summed up.
Also on Tuesday: Hamilton should have been disqualified, says Briatore
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