Formula One news

Hamilton was out a lap too long - Whitmarsh

McLaren F1 boss Martin Whitmarsh admitted his team left Hamilton out on track a lap too long and that pushed his tyres past their limit. The British driver slid off the track as he made his way into the pits and couldn't recover.

"With hindsight we left him out at least a lap too long," said Whitmarsh in Shanghai. "The weather was very changeable at that time and we were trying to make sure we didn't take any risks and cover Kimi, but in the end it was a lap too late. The weather forecasts were changing from one lap to another and we wanted to make the right call on tyres.

"For Lewis it was a very disappointing day and Fernando is back in the fight. Fernando did a good job today in the conditions and it was disappointing for Lewis, but we're first and second in the drivers' championship still."

more news

• 13 Oct.
  • Alonso willing to help Massa
  • Brawn: China won't be any different
  • Hamilton blames Massa for crash
  • Kubica not giving up on championship
  • Alonso confident for last two races
• 12 Oct.
  • A point and a crash for Red Bull
  • Ferrari salvages eight crucial points
  • Kubica takes BMW's eleventh podium of season
  • McLaren reels from major blow
  • Second win crowns major Renault pay day
  • Bourdais penalty hands Massa extra point
  • No joy for Williams in Japan
  • Four home points for Toyota
  • Pointless day for Honda
  • Mixed feelings for Force India
  • Hamilton admits mistake, vows to stay aggressive
  • Delighted Alonso celebrates victory
  • Untouchable Alonso storms to second victory
  • Photos: Sunday at Fuji
• 11 Oct.
  • Honda to announce 2009 driver line-up after the season
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope

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