Formula One news

Victorious Hamilton would have preferred easy ride

Lewis Hamilton was delighted to have won the German Grand Prix and taken a clear four point lead in the drivers' championship, but the McLaren driver said he would have liked it easier than it came when his team didn't pit him during the safety car period.

"First of all I didn't plan on it and I would have much preferred an easy, comfortable afternoon out front," Hamilton said. "It started off well, we had two very comfortable stints and the team opted for me to stay out thinking I could make the gap, but I needed 23 seconds and had seven laps so I don't know how that would have worked out."

On the decision not to bring him in during the safety car period Hamilton said, "There wasn't much discussion, they said the decision and I said, 'are you sure?' and they said 'yes' so that was it. We all have our decisions on thngs and I'm sure we'll learn from this and move on. We had the best car this weekend and we came out on top."

"I was pushing hard to build the gap and came out behind Heikki, a great team mate, and I have to say thank you to him who saw I was quicker and didn't put up a big fight," Hamilton added. "I knew I was a second a lap faster than Felipe and had a few laps to get past before my tyres started graining and I just had to get him on the brakes and he gave me room so it was good fun. Then I thought my work was done and they said I had to get past Nelson who put up a battle but it was fair."

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

Homepage