Formula One news

Hamilton almost didn't race, confirms Whitmarsh

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has revealed that he put reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa on notice to be ready to step in for Lewis Hamilton on Saturday at the European Grand Prix, after the championship leader woke up with neck spasms.

"At 8am on Saturday, I received a phone call from the team's doctor, Aki Hintsa, telling me that Lewis was in some difficulties - he'd woken up with a severe migraine and with his neck in spasm," Whitmarsh said. "Aki treated Lewis but, when he arrived at the circuit on Saturday morning, he could barely move his neck at all, so things looked very severe. As a precaution, we readied Pedro to take over - but, despite delaying his start to Saturday practice, Lewis was able to continue with his full race programme. His physical problems are unlikely to disturb his fitness programme and we expect him to make a full recovery for both the Monza test and next week's Belgian GP."

"Lewis felt a lot better on Sunday but was still slightly sore and tender," he added. "We are delighted he was able to sustain the performance of a full race in hot conditions. We did not have the package to beat Felipe Massa but we feel we did a first-rate job and secured a very useful haul of world championship points."

more news

• 05 Jul.
  • Barrichello aiming to win again
  • Hamilton unable to drive Senna's McLaren
  • Updated double diffuser for BMW
• 04 Jul.
  • Problem analysis a strong point, says Brawn
  • Kovalainen hails 'great' circuit
  • Home Grand Prix looms for Heidfeld
• 03 Jul.
  • Campos driver announcement expected in August
  • World's fastest rollercoaster at Nürburgring
  • Mixed Nürburgring memories for Hamilton
  • Piquet doubtful of Renault recovery
  • Senna Jr. to drive Uncle's McLaren
  • Plans progressing for Bulgarian Grand Prix
  • Goodwood hosts Festival of Speed
  • Dallara ready for Campos mission
• 02 Jul.
  • Special Heidfeld helmet design revealed
  • Williams and Force India outside FOTA discussions
  • Hockenheim in revival talks with Ecclestone
  • Heidfeld interested in several teams
  • Fry keen to see Barrichello on top
  • 'Only a mad Max would advise Todt'
  • F1 returning to streets of Moscow
• 01 Jul.
  • Alguersuari hoping for Toro Rosso drive
  • Glock remaining bright over chances
  • Ferrari clear Alonso talk as speculation
  • Bird to drive '96 Williams at Goodwood
  • Williams to celebrate 40 years at Goodwood
  • Alguersuari replaces Hartley as Red Bull reserve
  • George resigns as Indy chairman
  • Bridgestone changes allocation format
  • Nakajima 'better' than last year
  • Bourdais 'thinks before he drives'
• 30 Jun.
  • GPUpdate TV: Dixon leads Ganassi 1-2 at Richmond
  • New components for Brawn in Germany
  • 'Alonso-Ferrari announcement possible at Monza'
  • Drive Abu Dhabi online
  • Newey tours F2 paddock
  • GP3 car makes track debut
  • No team orders at Red Bull
  • Theissen looking for greater aero cuts
  • FOTA targets return to North America

Homepage