Formula One news

Ecclestone: Dennis handed Raikkonen the championship

Bernie Ecclestone has hit out at the McLaren Formula 1 team for giving away the Formula One World Championship with a silly strategy error in the final round of the 2007 F1 season. Ecclestone couldn't believe it when he saw McLaren bring in Hamilton in the early stages of the race for an extra pitstop. He believes that mistake caused Hamilton to miss the title.

"Ron gave Raikkonen the championship," Ecclestone told The Mirror. "If he hadn't called Hamilton in for that silly low fuel and soft tyres stint he could have won the championship. He made no time on the road and lost 25 seconds making the stop. If he had only lost 15 seconds he would have been fourth.

"I feel sorry for Lewis after his performances this year as a rookie. Raikkonen is champion. I just hope he starts talking more."

more news

• 14 Oct.
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could become night race
  • Haug: Di Resta won't race in F1 next year
  • BMW to support Kubica in his championship battle
  • Bridgestone to bring its hardest compounds to China
  • Glock ready to bounce back
  • Trulli hopes Chinese luck will change
• 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

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