Michael Schumacher brushed off criticism of his defensive driving against Lewis Hamilton in the Italian Grand Prix.
Schumacher said his driving was within the rules: “I felt I did exactly what I was supposed to do and as far as I understand there was no request for me to see the stewards so I guess everything is in order.”
During the race Hamilton repeatedly complained to his team that Schumacher was making move defensive moves than he was allowed to, saying “He’s moving all over the place” and asking “I thought he was only allowed to move once?” to which the team replied: “Understood, Lewis. The FIA are aware.”
Schumacher was reminded by Ross Brawn to ensure he left room for Hamilton at Ascari, where Hamilton eventually passed the Mercedes.
After the race, asked if Schumacher’s driving had been fair, Hamilton said “Yeah, that’s racing.”
Hamilton added: “It was a good race. I got some points and I finished, so I can’t really complain.”
He also explained how he ended up behind Schumacher following the safety car period: “At the restart Michael was on the outside of me and I was looking at him in my mirrors.
“And then before I knew it the guys had gone so I missed the opportunity to slipstream Sebastian [Vettel].
“I got caught napping but once we finally got pas t I was able to chase down and I had fun chasing Fernando [Alonso].”
He said his car’s straight-line speed made it hard to pass the Mercedes: “We just lost a little bit on the straights and that’s why I couldn’t pass Michael.”
2011 Italian Grand Prix
Image © Daimler
Valentino
11th September 2011, 15:56
I liked his drive today. He made me remember what racing was all about 10 years ago.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
11th September 2011, 18:57
Yeah, it was on the limit, but fair! Great race by both!
Deurmat
11th September 2011, 22:46
fair? lmao.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
11th September 2011, 23:51
we’ve seen worse from him, really.
David-A (@david-a)
12th September 2011, 1:13
Yes, fair.
TheBrav3
12th September 2011, 2:24
Nothing wrong with it that was the limit but not over.
redlight
12th September 2011, 3:11
Yes, on the limit as expected, but fair.
David A
11th September 2011, 15:59
I thought he’d be a sitting duck, but he proved that defensive driving is anything but dead. Well done Michael.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:16
Pretty easy when the car behind is on the limiter, it was Hamilton that was the sitting duck, Schumacher had the top speed
David A
11th September 2011, 16:23
It was kind of inevitable that the works Mercedes would be passed (it’s slower through the corners and Hamilton had DRS), so Lewis and his potentially win-challenging car was anything but a sitting duck.
bertie
11th September 2011, 16:30
Do you understand what the limiter is? His car was hitting top speed even before DRS was open.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:36
Thanks Bertie, this is basic stuff, surprised by some comments, and yes it was before DRS was even open.
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 16:45
Yes, I know what the limiter is. I also said that the Mclaren was the faster through the corners, which meant that Hamilton was able to claw back any disadvantage on the straights and stick near the Merc, which was also having problems with its rear tyres.
Schumacher was going to get passed at some point, and he defended brilliantly from Hamilton. Button demonstrated how inevitable a pass was.
Aussie Fan
12th September 2011, 6:45
but if the car behind comes out of a corner faster (as the Mclaren does) & is in the DRS zone it can still pass the car in front using DRS before it hits the limiter as the reduced drag will make the car accelerate quicker up to the point where it hits the limiter….. i.e the 1st DRS zone (where hamilton eventiually passed), Hamilton wasn’t on the limiter but he had DRS available to use, so it was his poorly timed attempts that allowed MS to defend for so long.
It works both ways, again, look how long it took JB to get past when he had the chance.. Hamilton just had poor timing on his pass attempts, & wasn’t using the strengths of his car to his advantage best for a while.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:32
Doesn’t matter, DRS has little impact if you’ve already topped out / hit the limiter as was clearly shown.
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 17:13
He still had a car that could have got by way before he actually did. Either poor attacking or good defending.
F1fanNL (@)
11th September 2011, 17:16
You always gain speed because of the reduction in drag. The DRS is said to be the equivalent of about 100 horsepower. No matter how you set up your ratio’s that’ll always give you a descent boost. 100 hp gain at the same rpm is a lot.
What hurt Hamilton rather than being in the limiter was that when he moved out of Schumacher’s slip stream his top speed went down by almost 10 kph.
He needed slipstream AND DRS to achieve the speeds Schumacher was doing.
mani
12th September 2011, 2:45
f1fan… sorry, but you need to pay attention in physics class… once you are on the limiter… the engine will not turn any more revs under power… and at the compression ratios they run… i doubt it would “coast” up on any more either… 100 horsepower is a lot at the same rpm… if you have the headroom to use it for rpm increase… duh…
Aussie Fan
12th September 2011, 6:49
wrong, it has massive impact on being able to accelerate to that top speed faster in the 1st place, & the only point that the Mclaren was hitting the limiter was on the front straight.
I remind you that the DRS was available on the back straight too (where the Macca’s WEREN’T hitting the limiter), this is where they both got past the Mercedes in the end, although Button made much less of a fuss about it than Hamilton did.
Vettel was short geared too, & look at how much more speed he carried off the corners, he simply drove past the Ferrari even though the Ferrari had a higher top speed with its DRS. So by your argument Vettel shouldn’t have been able to get past Alonso so easily, because Hamilton struggled to get past MS?
FAIL….
TED BELL
12th September 2011, 7:54
DRS is another dumb F1 idea.
Only because how it is allowed to be used. The regulations that determine how and when and where it is to be used need urgent changing.
The advantage and disadventage of how it works depending on whether you are chasing or being chased is retarded.
On Fridays most drivers use it like it really ought to be used, whenever and where ever. Race day is a joke based on how DRS is used.
Close racing penalizes the lead driver and gifts the follower an unfare advantage.
When the high number of passes per race are mentioned during the race broadcast I think F1 has lost a bit of its glory.
Allow the driver to decide when it is needed and where it might benefit.
Stefanauss (@stefanauss)
11th September 2011, 16:24
Yet you have to rely on your strengths, and MSC perfectly exploited the features of his car.
And Button overtook MSC on his 1st attempt, so your argument about top speed and limiters is very very weak. There was a lot Lewis could do, he simply did not manage doing it.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:34
Not at all, for a start they did not have the same top gear, Button had a higher top speed and he brilliantly mugged Schumacher because of the Hamilton fight, took an excellent opportunity, other wise it could of been the same for Button
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 16:48
Hamilton could have passed sooner if not for good defending. He had advantages at some points (corners, car that was easier on tyres). Schumacher was going to be passed sooner or later by the MP4-26.
Stefanauss (@stefanauss)
11th September 2011, 17:01
Hamilton passed Schumacher twice, one for each for DRS zone. How could such thing happen if his car was hitting the limiter?
Schumacher had the top speed, that’s very clear, but that hardly makes LH a sitting duck. That’s not Montecarlo.
BBT (@bbt)
11th September 2011, 19:24
“Hamilton could have passed sooner if not for good defending. He had advantages at some points (corners, car that was easier on tyres). Schumacher was going to be passed sooner or later by the MP4-26.”
Of course, I’m not saying otherwise, but DRS was not its normal advantage, defending was much easier than it would normally be because of the gear ratio problem. Hamilton was faster through the corners (can’t overtake) MSC was much faster 12kph+ down the straights. It made his job defending pretty easy.
BBT (@bbt)
11th September 2011, 19:31
“Hamilton passed Schumacher twice, one for each for DRS zone. ”
Yes and MSC took the place back because his higher top speed.
The second time was mainly due to a MSC mistake.
Hamilton was hitting the limiter (very early on the straights), fact.
When you hit top speed, you hit top speed irrespective of extra HP or reduced drag of the DRS, that just effects how quickly you get to top speed.
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 21:03
Trouble is, it definitely looked anything but easy, the Mclaren was the faster car around the track which allowed Hamilton to consistently apply pressure. I stick by the belief that it was very skillful driving for Schu to keep Hamilton behind.
HappyFeet (@)
11th September 2011, 21:15
Yes, It was pretty clear that he drives brilliantly. If Rosberg put in the situation then it was easier for Ham to do the job.
Aussie Fan
12th September 2011, 6:51
Exactly, I agree completly Stefanauss.
Mgn
11th September 2011, 17:08
+1 David A
Lewis was 0.5-1 sec faster than Schumacher.
Glad Stewards didn’t “steal” that great battle and defense
John H
11th September 2011, 20:18
I’m pleased the stewards didn’t get involved, but if that was Hamilton weaving around in the braking zones do you really think NOTHING would have been done by the stewards?
Think about it.
Lee
11th September 2011, 21:14
I agree with you. Although I thought his squeezing Hamilton off the track was pretty bad, I was in two minds about the double defensive move. On one hand I thought he should be punished as other drivers have been (especially Hamilton) for exactly the same thing and the rule has been stressed so many times all the drivers should be abiding by it. However on the other hand I am not sure I even like the double defending rule as it seems to go against the whole point of racing. I just wish there was some consistency so from now on I expect all drivers to be let off with it.
Mgn
12th September 2011, 1:30
I don’t think Schumacher “weaving” around he didn’t do the superb weave like Hamilton did with Petrov last year, i paste Keith comment to here:
“A defending driver may move off-line once to defend his position and then move back to his original line on the way into a corner, but cannot push a rival on that line off the track
This is how the rule is enforced and we’ve seen it time and time again in F1 over recent years. You could probably find an example from every race this year of drivers doing it and not being penalised.”
They didn’t touch and there was no accident, Hamilton didn’t got punished at Spa for the crash with Kobayashi. Fair enough if you want to blame, blame the consistency but in this race i showed great battle with great push to the limit defend from Schumacher.
Aussie Fan
12th September 2011, 6:54
I never saw any eaving, more just people getting excited about the myth of the dirty Schumacher tactics… Suppose it is a UK forum so no big surprise, I couldn’t even believe the comments about the defending from DC 7 MB considering all the contact at the start between Vettel & hamilton = Vettel & alonso & then Hamilton & MS didn’t even touch cars, not ONCE.
HappyFeet (@)
12th September 2011, 7:22
No weaving at all!! Fantastic race to watch by both racer. But the old one teach him a lesson. :)
Lee
12th September 2011, 15:06
@Aussie Fan
No one has said he weaved. The argument is that he made two separate defending moves, that does not necessarily mean he weaved (which would be a continuous double move rather than one with a gap in the middle).
You are obviously allowed to get back on to the racing line, but this is only if you do not impede the overtaking driver.
So no you would not have seen a weave as there was not one……
However look for the double move instead.
ob1kenobi.23 (@ob1kenobi23)
12th September 2011, 4:05
There were 2 DRS zones. I think he was only on the limiter on the main straight.
Jenson did his pass in the other DRS zone although I think Ross said that Michael had exhausted his KERS defending against Lewis.
Since he had the superior package, maybe he should have tried an outside pass like Seb did on Fernando & not try to get up the inside.
Scary Terry (@hatebreeder)
12th September 2011, 8:25
and risk getting pushed into the gravel trap? naah i doubt lewis would do that. it was too big a risk to take.
Lesley
11th September 2011, 16:00
Schumacher avoids justice yet again! Has nothing changed since 2006? It seems NOT where Schumacher is concerned!! Why was it that the FIA chose to turn a blind eye to the shifting positions of Schumacher viz-a viz Lewis Hamilton’s passing manoeuvres in that no drive through penalty was given when Lewis had a drive through penalty when he behaved in a similar manner? Disgraceful! Thought F1 had changed since Schumacher retired!! I don’t think so!! Seems that anything/anyone to do with Ferrari can get away with every infringement of the rules!!!
Cristian (@cristian)
11th September 2011, 16:04
You are right, he shouldn’t have taken the race line for the turn, correct it would have been for him to drive straight, maintaining his line and out of the track ( and off Hamilton’s way).
Pawel Wroniecki (@pawelf1)
11th September 2011, 16:05
so, you like boring races?
Neusalz (@dpod)
11th September 2011, 16:19
It’s not about boring races but consistency from the stewards. If Micheal can do it then might as well let everyone do it and have a legal and interesting race. Unless you find unfair races entertaining.
Mike
11th September 2011, 16:30
Do what? Defend within the rule set?
Surprise surprise mate, they are all allowed to do it.
HappyFeet (@)
11th September 2011, 21:23
Schumi was great! He is not Britney at Merc that easier to pass. Ham is not senna as he claimed to be. lol. But still he is one of the best. And he was fighting with the Supreme racer thats why he kept on calling his mama on the paddock. :)
W-K (@w-k)
12th September 2011, 16:37
Seems that MB disagree’s with you. see;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/formula_one/14883755.stm
Lee
11th September 2011, 21:20
How did he defend within the rules? The rules clearly state that you are only allowed to make one defending move. Schumacher clearly made two and it was therefore illegal. We have seen drivers punished for this quite a few times so it was baffling that Schumacher was let off with it. For the record though I do not like the rule, but it is there it is quite clear. However like all F1s Rules (ahem… cars must not leave the circuit… cough, cough…) it appears that it is randomly enforced.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 21:30
Historically, that is not the interpretation of the rule that has been used. If your interpretation was used there would have been dozens of other examples of drivers being given penalties for breaking the rules when driving defensively over the past few years.
As I wrote almost exactly three years ago (Four of F1′s ‘unwritten rules’):
This is how the rule is enforced and we’ve seen it time and time again in F1 over recent years. You could probably find an example from every race this year of drivers doing it and not being penalised.
Schumacher’s driving was entirely consistent with it, with perhaps the exception that he was squeezing Hamilton a bit too much when returning to his line, hence the messages you heard.
Lee
11th September 2011, 23:13
If he was squeezing Hamilton too much (which I agree was the case) then surely this is consistent with forcing another driver off the racing line?
I seem to remember Hamilton being called to the stewards over this rule (I think against kobayashi) and although he was only reprimanded the situation was used to clarify to all drivers that the kind of move Hamilton pulled was not allowed. In that case Kobayashi was clearly behind Hamilton throughout the two moves and the second move was to enable hamilton to get back onto the racing line.
I must say that I do not like the rule and if it was up to me no driver would be punished for it at all as it has been part of racing for pretty much the history of the sport. Unless the move is dangerous then surely it should be part of racing?
Mike
12th September 2011, 0:57
He didn’t force him off his line though at any point.
What he did do was get close to doing it. Into Ascari there was potential for a problem as Hamilton had so much more speed coming out of the second Lesmo. I think that’s why we heard Brawn on the radio.
Aussie Fan
12th September 2011, 6:56
please youtube link these 2 moves, I never saw anything of the like, only 1 sttong move & them moving back to take the corner as Lewis wasn’t up alongside him (as he could have done if he hadn’t attacked towards the inside & then been blocked by a legitimate defensicve move.
DMC
11th September 2011, 22:55
What about Alonso putting vettel on the grass at the early on?
snowman
12th September 2011, 14:48
Four unwritten Rules really good article Keith.
Especially the last line! haha!
Unfortunately FOM have messed up the YouTube videos in the 3 years since wrote! Irritates me why they do this!
For example Schumi on-board start at SPA is absolute classic that wasn’t shown on the main TV feed, and FOM have taken down every video of it put on YouTube and in their own official race edit don’t show any of it. Not a great way to promote the sport!
Red Andy
11th September 2011, 16:07
Yes, the reason Schumacher wasn’t punished was nothing to do with the fact he didn’t break any rules – it’s all because he used to drive for Ferrari. Good one.
BasCB (@bascb)
11th September 2011, 16:27
:-)
Eggry (@eggry)
11th September 2011, 17:00
Haha!
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 18:35
Lesley should do stand-up.
Burnout (@burnout)
12th September 2011, 8:03
Of course not. It’s because of the red helmet. And as everybody knows red is like kryptonite to the stewards :)
AndresM (@andresm)
11th September 2011, 16:09
Ferrari???? I thought Michael was driving for Mercedes.
Michael has played dirty as he always does. At least with some poetic justice Lewis has swalled a bit of his own medicine.
Nigelstash (@)
11th September 2011, 16:41
I’ve never seen Lewis get away with it though! And MSC did was repeatedly changing line. I thought it was great to watch, but we need consistency. Lewis missed a podium today.
Alex W
12th September 2011, 14:31
Hamilton got away with passing Vettel on the formation lap, Schumacher got a penalty for that in 94 and the rule hasn’t changed since….
David-A (@david-a)
11th September 2011, 17:10
Michael didn’t play dirty today, and he doesn’t always do so. It was tough but fair racing.
marcblondino
11th September 2011, 16:32
oh come on! This is not Hamilton from 2007/08. He started to complain just like A. Prost, it’s never his fault: it’s car or mechanic or rules or Fia or Schumacher or stewards. Come on Lewis it’s time to accept the challenge. It’s finaly real racing what we were used when Senna was around. My opinion is that Lewis is the bigest potencial but he should focus his energy on solving problems not to make them.
Simon
11th September 2011, 17:13
Hehe, every driver complains to their team when they are inside the car. It doesn’t matter what their general temperament is, they all do it. I imagine it’s a good way for them to vent frustration.
What else would you expect, given you’re dealing with a bunch of highly competitive athletes, driving around on the limit at 200mph? :P
Ell (@ell)
11th September 2011, 19:06
It was a very wild move. You should not dive down on the apex like that.
What happened in the last race?/
Maldonado did the same thing, but in qualifying. Look at it this way, if Lewis had to get off the throttle so much that he lost a position to Jenson, then michael moved way too much.
panache
11th September 2011, 22:50
I found this comment amusing as I thought you were refering to Hamilton until the very end.
It was Hamilton who made a “dive down on the apex” trying to drive into a gap that was always going to disappear.
Lee
11th September 2011, 23:20
I think the point is that the gap should not disappear completely if the cars are effectively alongside. For one thing if they had hit then it was likely both would have been out of the race. However it is entirely possible Schumacher simply could not see Hamilton in those pointless mirrors they have (surely it is time the FIA made these bigger?).
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 5:33
@Lee
But they were not effectively alongside.
caci99 (@)
11th September 2011, 16:59
So pathetic. What has Ferrari do with that fight? Let me see, they talked to Ross Brawn and asked him to ask Michael to do anything to slow down the McLarens, because they had already arranged everything with the stewards.
Lee
11th September 2011, 23:26
A few years ago I would have agreed with you, but thankfully those days are gone now that drivers are advising the stewards rather than ex Ferrari publicist (that knew nothing about racing). I would say the stewards still have some improvements to make (or perhaps the F1 Rules need restructuring to make them easier to implement) however I do not think the Stewards are pro-ferrari any longer.
zappy j
12th September 2011, 1:55
Exactly. Should have let Ramilton through. Surprised he didnt ram poor Schumi off the track.
Tom
11th September 2011, 16:01
Schumacher stuck to make a move to defend and then another back to the racing line for the corner. Not sure why he needs to defend that, or why Brundle and DC thought it was wrong, but so it goes.
People hail Aryton Senna for similar racing, yet criticize Schumacher for doing the same. Odd, eh?
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:21
Probably because Hamilton got a rap on the knuckles for exactly the same thing, defending and then taking the racing line, China? or Malaysia?
Julian
12th September 2011, 1:43
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vkushrj-F4
http://vimeo.com/22298795
Cant find any decent footage of schuey yet, but words will do.
So they were approaching Lesmo 1, schuey moved to the right to prevent Hamilton going up the inside, then moved back to the left and took the racing line into the corner.
In those two videos, Hamilton makes a move to his left, then his right, then his left, then to the right then onto the racing line. Its not as extreme in the 2nd vid, but he still does it..
So yeah, same thing??
LOL
rick2k9 (@rick2k9)
11th September 2011, 16:30
the difference here is that in the 80’s and 90’s it was legal to make several moves to defend, and today it isn’t. To be fair though, I think I only saw one instance where Michael clearly made 2 moves to maintain his position.
It was a fun battle to watch, but Jenson was able to get past both so easily. Makes me think that Lewis made an error in his setup for the race. Lewis had good pace at the end on low fuel, but at the start the balance seemed upset.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:39
yes Hamilton did make an error on setup ^^ they expected to be running at the front (by getting pole), he wouldn’t of had problems against Vettel on the straights if he could of got close enough, but no way was fighting the Mercs even a consideration
Nigelstash (@)
11th September 2011, 16:46
Interesting this. This season McLaren just don’t seem to be able to get it right – think Barcelona – but today I think they did, it was Lewis’ sleepiness after the safety car that cost him a podium. In fact, he could have challenged for a win if he’d managed to rattle Vettel early on. Vettel isn’t making mistakes and nor are Red Bull.
Cristian (@cristian)
11th September 2011, 16:02
Great drive from Michael Schumacher.
Red Andy
11th September 2011, 16:02
It was a good battle – hard but fair, the kind of thing most of us actually want to see. Good to see that Hamilton, once he was out of the heat of the moment, obviously reflected on the incident and concluded it was all above board too. He’s sometimes quite good at playing the victim but evidently not this time.
David BR
11th September 2011, 16:12
Or with the Kobayashi collision. Or quite a few others where I can recall Hamilton taking the blame.
Rhys L
11th September 2011, 16:18
He’s maturing as a racer and I’m starting to really respect and like him because of it.
macca77
11th September 2011, 17:32
Funny that I used to respect Lewis, but now, with 4 or more years in F1, and making more mistakes that in 2007 and being surpassed by his ‘not top tier’ teammate, he is becoming one of the big jokes of F1.
BasCB (@bascb)
11th September 2011, 16:30
I do think Hamilton can be forgiven for complaining when he was in the car. Must have been mightily frustrating to be stuck there and feel nothing works to get past.
And he was the one that got a bit of a dodgy penalty for changing his line a earlier in the year, something that was not that much different a situation from what Schu did here, I think.
But NO, Schu did not deserve any penalty and its good to see Hamilton can agree on that as well now.
Josef
11th September 2011, 16:09
It was a great drive I think, I have to agree with Valentino, Schumacher today reminded me of how excited I used to get in the 90s when watching great hard but fair battles on track :D
I also don’t think Schumacher was blocking in an unfair matter, you’re allowed to move once which is what he did, and you are also allowed to move back to take back to the racing line before a corner, which is why I believe he wasn’t moving more than once, he moved to defend and then he moved back to the racing line before the corner, which is quite hard but entirely fair I believe. Only once did I think Michael was a bit harsh when he put Hamilton on the grass at Curva Grande, but it was exciting racing to watch!
Without this battle I really don’t think the race was that exciting, so great driving from both Schumacher and Hamilton!!
Ragerod
11th September 2011, 17:48
These battles are dying breed thanks to DRS. It was reminiscent of the great battles of the 90s.
I agree that it was all fair except when he forced Hamilton onto the grass but I’ll put that down as an unintentional block.
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 5:48
yeah that one I agree with, but somehow i think it is more likely that Schu was caught out and didn’t expect Hamilton to go for that line.
I don’t believe Schumacher would intentionally put Hamilton off onto the grass but certainly he would indeed make every opportunity as tight as possible.
I think Hamilton drove very well and respect to him because he didnt take anyone out and did not collide with Schumacher. So respect to both.
Regarding Button i think Button got lucky to pass both of them.
Schueyfan
11th September 2011, 16:12
Great wheel to wheel racing between Michael and Lewis. I was disappointed with Lewis’ inability to overtake Michael. The problem was not his racecraft, but the fact that he has been hauled in front of the stewards so many times this year he has been handcuffed. He is now afraid to hang out a move in order to make his pass stick. Michael and Lewis are IMO similar racers and I love to watch them both. Jenson doesn’t have the same record with the stewards and felt free to make his pass stick.
Love the fact the Merc F1 was so fast around Monza. If Merc can continue imporoving the F1 car 2012 could be a great season for Michael. I really hope so. I think Michael has learnt to drive ‘just within’ the regs … finally!
rick2k9 (@rick2k9)
11th September 2011, 16:37
I don’t think it came down to Lewis being afraid of getting a penalty and Jenson thinking he could get away with contact. At that stage of the race Lewis didn’t seem to have the pace out of the corners that the extra downforce was supposed to give him. I think Jenson had a better setup (maybe a little less wing, just enough to make the passes possible on Michael). Everyone talked about the Vulnerability of the Redbull down the straight where I think it really was Lewis that’s had that problem in the last 2 races.
Schueyfan
11th September 2011, 17:05
True, the straight line speed of the Merc was awesome. Even when Lewis managed to overtake Michael, he (Michael) immediately re-took the position using the DRS and KERS. I still felt that Lewis was being more cautious than usual though.
Not only in his driving, I felt Lewis’ after-race interview was stilted too. It’s a shame when drivers can’t actually give their true opinions, but have to resort to ‘corporate speak’. I guess Lewis is just too tired of being hauled over the coals for his driving style and after race comments.
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 5:59
I agree with that. But I think Hamilton did the right thing to avoid any potential collisions and respect for Hamilton this time because he did not collide with his opponent (yes i repeated myself there). Hamilton has to expect that other drivers (whether it be Kobayashi or MSC or Maldonado or whoever) are not going to make everything so easy. Meaning, to make sure one doesn’t crash out he himself needs to be cautious.
bchgrl1478 (@svfan)
12th September 2011, 15:56
+1 :)
Asanator (@asanator)
12th September 2011, 16:50
I agree with that too, I don’t think it was anything to do with the stewards, I think it was just that Hamilton was desperate to finish the race. Having to finish was pretty much all he talked about pre-race and I don’t think he wanted to ‘risk’ it with Schuey who drove awesomely!
John H
11th September 2011, 20:23
Schueyfan, I agree 100% with this. All these meetings with stewards has dumbed down the driver that was Hamilton.
Well, at least we have DRS. We don’t need overtakers like Schumi or Hamilton in F1 anymore.
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 6:13
I am not sure about that one… I dont think this is going to stop a driver like Hamilton to drive the way they do, other than the very question of “finishing” or “not finishing” the race. I think Hamilton might be starting to realize that potential contact with your opponent equals high chance of crashing out. On the end of the day, you lose more when you crash.
Jonathan
11th September 2011, 16:13
Great racing. It was a unique situation in which the straight-line speed of the Mercedes negated the effect of Hamilton’s DRS — it gave us a taste of the sort of racing we might have seen all year if DRS hadn’t made passing trivial at most circuits.
Was Schumacher’s defensive driving illegal? I don’t think so — it was brilliant.
batador
11th September 2011, 16:14
i’m a hamilton fan, and i think that that battle was the only interesting thing in the whole race. This shows that a lot modern f1 drivers can’t race and that’s why they changed the rules. Here, you had two expert racers, racing all-out and yet, no one crashed…I wish f1 was more like this
Schueyfan
11th September 2011, 17:07
Totally agree!
John H
11th September 2011, 20:24
100% agree
Jake (@jleigh)
11th September 2011, 23:58
yes…isn’t it odd that we have what everyone calls the most “aggressive” drivers in F1, yet it was seemingly the only battle this season lasting longer than a few laps that didn’t end in tears. My opinion: yes, they are aggressive, but also 2 of the fairest drivers in F1, just look at Monaco.
These new kids like Maldonado seem to think they shouldn’t give anyone any space at all, and if someone tries to overtake them, if nothing else works, they’ll stop them by turning in on them. Oh and yes, i am picking on Maldonado because imo he shouldn’t be on the grid.
DVC
12th September 2011, 3:30
I was constantly expecting an accident, very entertaining.
Atticus
11th September 2011, 16:14
Yeah, I agree with the majority here. It was borderline, but fair.
In fact I like those drivers the most who are constantly take fair advantage of 100% of their possibilities regardless of the absolute speed of their package, always looking for the borders, being so tantalisingly close to it.
Schumacher got the best out of himself and his package again – and that’s why I liked him in the past, because back then he has been able to do exactly that for seasons, not just for two or three races a year.
Glad to see him back to form, anyway.
hashim
11th September 2011, 16:14
yes..yes…yes.. the old man still got it
Alex
11th September 2011, 16:18
One of the most riveting passages this year, for me. Real overtaking threats every single lap, all held off – the perfect balance.
As for fairness – the majority of times, Schumacher made one move (allowed), and then got back on the racing line for the corner.
I completely disagree with the BBC commentators who said that (i) Schumacher kept his place by playing dirty, and (ii) Hamilton got past because Schumacher yielded. To my eyes,
(i) Schumacher stayed ahead for so long because Hamilton didn’t show enough restraint. He tried to overtake on every corner and so he never built up a significant speed advantage. (ii) When he did overtake, it’s because he held back through Lesmo I, made up the gap through Lesmo II, and then had the speed to overtake on the straight – well before Schumacher could even think of moving back to take the corner.
Of course, that kind of smart driving is exactly what Jenson did after just a lap or two. But that’s why Jenson gets more overtakes, and Hamilton gets more wheel-to-wheel racing.
rick2k9 (@rick2k9)
11th September 2011, 16:41
Lewis kept hitting the limiter when he was behind Michael. If he got off the corner well and got past him right away, Michael would just come back later in the straight and pass him back… and when he didn’t get off the corner well, he’d match Michael’s top speed and stay behind him through the length of the straight. I will agree that Michael Yielded, and that led to the pass, but with the setup they had and with the pace they each had at that point in the race, I don’t Lewis could have gained the position had Michael not yielded.
bananarama
11th September 2011, 17:12
Lewis’ setup is not Michaels fault though. The first 27 laps were one of the most entertaining bits of the season so far to me. Always liked Michaels driving and its unique today so thats even better. And it shows when he has a top position in sight he can still perform.
BasCB (@bascb)
11th September 2011, 17:17
I think there might have been a difference in gear setup between Hamilton and Button. And Schu’s tyres might have been in worse state, while Buttons were in better state compared to Hamilton.
But fact remains, Button shaped Schu up nicely to take him at the next possible opportunity, while Hamilton was always just a bit too far to really make it stick.
Jonathan
11th September 2011, 18:21
According to Ross Brawn, Schumacher made an error, failing to change up to 6th gear at the right moment and leaving the car in 5th until it was bouncing off the rev limiter. That was what allowed Hamilton to get past.
Proesterchen
11th September 2011, 20:09
Yep, MSC admitted as much in at least one of the post-race interviews. Apparantly, he was disctracted while talking to the team and missed the upshift.
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 6:31
I agree with you about that. Yet again, Coulthard and Brundle showed once again to be the two biased losers that they are (their records speak for themselves) with their constant poking on the very subject of fairness. It just seems as whenever they observe anything small they are ready to burst out at Schumacher. Ok fine to a point. But they just kept going on and on and on…
Anyway, Coulthard should remember the share of unfair moves he himself did when he was racing. Regarding Brundle – i dont think he was even able to drive unfair even if he wanted to, that is how hopeless he was. But I generally respect Bundle comments, but he is starting to show inconsistencies with his opinions.
DVC
12th September 2011, 8:33
Your second paragraph makes no sense. How can he be so bad that he can’t drive unfairly. That’s stupid. Are you saying he was worse than PK Jnr? Because he managed to drive unfairly.
For your information Brundle managed to outrace MS in some races when they were team mates.
And I don’t think Brundle was showing bias at all. To me it seems like he is actually uncomfortable with Coulthard’s bias, and just doesn’t challenge it too much for fear of outing Coulthard on International TV.
MaksutovCG
13th September 2011, 15:00
i was being sarcastic. don’t worry … you are looking too much into it..
fair enough, to me they were both very much agreeing with each other. almost to the point of where i thought they were going to have an orgasm about it…
Maksutov
13th September 2011, 15:23
I was being sarcastic. But make whatever sense of it you want. as i said, i like Brundle but but he is starting to show inconsistencies with his comments and opinions, and no i don’t think he was anything special during his racing carrier.
to me it seems they couldn’t agree with each other more..
redlight
12th September 2011, 13:01
Coulthard has always been cautious to avoid bias and often talks and writes of Schumi with the highest regard. Yesterday he clearly stated that what he was saying was his honest held opinion and not the product of any bias.
You seem to be unwilling to take people at their word and extremely selective in your hearing.
Maksutov
13th September 2011, 15:15
In recent times perhaps Yes, but taking their past into consideration tells a completely different story. It is going to be hard to convince me that DC respects MSC. I think its a bit of ** tbh. Maybe I have overreacted with that comment but certainly not as much as they overreacted during commentating..
Alex
12th September 2011, 20:16
To make it clear, I don’t think the BBC commentators are significantly biased. I just don’t agree with them.
Gerry
11th September 2011, 16:24
Yup he’s back.
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:25
“(i) Schumacher stayed ahead for so long because Hamilton didn’t show enough restraint. He tried to overtake on every corner and so he never built up a significant speed advantage. (ii) When he did overtake, it’s because he held back through Lesmo I, made up the gap through Lesmo II, and then had the speed to overtake on the straight – well before Schumacher could even think of moving back to take the corner.”
Wrong and wrong.
Seriously did you not see Hamilton bouncing of the limiter and having to duck back in behind for the tow. He just didn’t have the top speed, wrong gear ratios. AS Brawn admitted he only got past because Michael missed a gear shift while talking on the radio, nothing to do with Hamilton holding back in Lesmo I and making the gap in Lesmo II.
DVC
12th September 2011, 8:36
I guess that means they should stop talking to him on the radio then!
Actually, I think you are both right. Clearly Hamilton was bouncing off the limiter, but that means he needed to try another strategy, or do something else to force a mistake.
Asanator (@asanator)
12th September 2011, 17:08
Sorry, but Hamilton was not bouncing off the rev limiter until later in the race when the fuel load ran down!
DVC
13th September 2011, 3:26
That’s what I’m talking about!
BBT
11th September 2011, 16:29
Overall fair but right on the limit IMO. The tighter line than his normal racing line was the most iffy, that put Hamilton on the grass but Hamilton should of expected it, he would of done the same if in front I’m sure.
Alonso put Vettel on the grass as well but Alonso was a bit fair than Schumacher.
All good stuff.
Eggry (@eggry)
11th September 2011, 16:30
He has done well since Spa. I hope he would get much better car next year.
Damon (@damon)
11th September 2011, 16:34
Michael’s defense was great, but let us NOT FORGET his brilliant re-overtake of Hamilton on the outside of the Curva Grande (first long right) after Hamilton overtook him for the first time!!!
+1 for both drivers. Racers race, that’s what they do.
alex
11th September 2011, 19:28
Point for Hamilton in saying that. I like when drivers just stop complianing…
Cent
11th September 2011, 16:39
Hamilton is moaning out smthng? lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDfkz0J74Qg
Cent
11th September 2011, 16:39
*bout
Damon (@damon)
11th September 2011, 17:09
The one-direction-change rule concerns blocking the driver that follows you from going past you.
In that video Hamilton was not blocking the Renault as the Renault wasn’t even yet in a position to attempt an overtake. Hamilton was trying to lose him from his slipstream, because that’s what the Renault driver was doing: trying to get into his slipstream.
Only when he succeded getting into Hamilton’s slipstream was he able to attempt an overtake, where the said rule started to apply. And as you can see, Hamilton didn’t change the direction then.
Fixy (@)
11th September 2011, 20:40
That video is always funny to watch!
Dave_F1
11th September 2011, 16:55
Didn’t really see anything wrong with what Schumacher was doing to be honest.
He made 1 move to defend & another to move back onto the racing line. You could argue thats 2 moves but thats been accepted many times over the years without penalty or anything.
As to him putting lewis onto the grass at curve-grande, I recall people defending lewis when he did a similar thing at that corner to alonso in 2007 (in fp3 when they had exited the pits) & glock in 2008 (in the wet which was more dangerous) & dont see anyone moaning about alonso having vettel on the grass there either.
so why is one of them bad but the others considered fair?
Odinsthor (@krss77)
11th September 2011, 17:02
That was a great battle until Schumacher was practically ordered out of the way and let Lewis pass! Embarrasing .. how can Hamilton whine so much.
Bill
11th September 2011, 17:23
It just shows, Michael can learn new tricks, from the weave master “LH”, the only reason LH complained was that it was being done to him. I wonder if the tables were turned what would have been the call from McLaren.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 17:25
Except Schumacher wasn’t weaving.
tmfox (@tmfox)
11th September 2011, 17:31
I’ve always been under the impression that you can move out once and back once.
I’d never thought I’d bring myself to say this, but I’m really liking the Mercedes Schumacher more than the Schumacher of the Ferrari/Benetton era.
I really used to loathe his attitude on track but since the incident in Hungary 2010 I think he’s improved. It’s been painfully slow to watch but he’s showing everyone that he still has got it.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
11th September 2011, 19:41
The past couple of races he’s had have been probably the best two consecutive drives he’s had at Mercedes. As far as I’m concerned he is a welcome addition of experience to the grid.
AdrianMorse (@adrianmorse)
11th September 2011, 17:44
I didn’t think I’d be saying this, but I think Hamilton should take a look at some of Button’s overtakes. Button took Alonso straight out of the first chicane by draining his KERS, and that’s what Hamilton should have tried in the run up to Ascari. I think he had enough pace to close up on Schumacher without using his KERS too much, and then with the combined DRS and KERS he could have gotten past him sooner (because on the run up to Ascari they didn’t reach 330kp/h, at which point Lewis’s rev limiter would kick in).
Carl
11th September 2011, 18:06
MS let Button by when he chose and then, eventually, let Hamilton by.
Many thinks this shows more ability by Button. It was just Schumacher demonstrating that he is still up to a great passers ability on a track.
Helps Baby Shumi,
Helps Alonso,
helps removing LH from McLaren at the end of 2012.
Mike
12th September 2011, 1:15
I don’t think he “let” them by did he?
I think by the time they passed him his tyres where gone, hence why he pitted straight after.
Daniel
11th September 2011, 18:04
With one exception (maybe two), Michael defended fair enough today. McLaren Mercedes is a car way much better than Mercedes so I guess it is only Hamilton fault he didn’t succeed. Within a McLaren, Michael would have had no problem to overpass Hamilton.
Ian
11th September 2011, 18:18
I think for me, if you are forcing them to have DRS it is seriously disapointing that they then choose to gear the car as if it were not present. This has happened a few times this season.
What I’m saying is that if we accept DRS as valid way to overtake they are going to need to be forced to run the right ratios or what happened today will happen again and again.
I loved watching it, really nice battle but he should of been able to pass after a few laps had they not geared it wrong. I’m suprised it makes that much difference, I know the engines are peaky but do they really need to be that precise in 7th? Allow some headroom!
Fixy (@)
11th September 2011, 18:25
Know what? Schumacher did exactly what he was supposed to do.
I loved seeing his defensive driving, and although I thought he was crazy he left the right amount of space, precise at the millimetre. Hamilton was as fast as him on the straights but never out-braked him, because Schumy was great at braking late and not runnig wide or locking the wheels. I felt he could’ve made the podium, at the beginning even win the race, but as the tyres deteriorated I put my feet back on Earth and thought 5th place was the best he could do.
Daniel
11th September 2011, 18:29
I see it as totally fair. The reason Lewis was “put on the grass” was because he went for a gap that wasn’t really there. There was no way he was getting past there unless Schumacher had understeered and run wide… which he didn’t. Thus the door was closed.
As for the weaving, there was only 1 time where I think he came close to weaving, it was slightly borderline, but as others have said, moving once then moving back to the racing line is within the rules, that’s what he did.
Hamilton’s problem was that he attmepted to pass too often, and too soon. He was pulling out of the slipstream too early and having to pull back in again. He was trying to get past at every corner whether there was a chance or not. When you do things like that, you just slow yourself down.
Gear ratios (if indeed they were different) or no gear ratios, Button did not make those mistakes. He made one decisive move and made it stick. Saying Schumacher “let button past” is rather insulting to Jenson for what was a smart overtake.
Someone in my twitter timeline even went as far as to say (or heavily imply) Schumacher was racist for letting button past but not Hamilton! I mean come on, really? Get a grip!
steve0001
11th September 2011, 18:54
What we seen today was racing, just seems Lewis fans cry as much as Lewis himself.
Would be good to see what Schumacher could do with a good car, maybe show these kids how to drive…
Mike
12th September 2011, 1:17
You know what… Lewis didn’t cry and so far… Neither has his fans…
mikeycool
11th September 2011, 19:27
I think its fair to admit that Lewis isnt in the greatest of forms as of late, whilst Jenson has been brilliant for Mclaren and outperforming lewis in that respect.
I do however, believe that its unfair for people to start telling lewis to take a leaf out of Jensons book in overtaking. Hamilton is still one of the best overtakers out there, hes simply in a bad run of form.
I find it funny that its never the otherway around when Lewis is doing great and Jenson has had a bad race. No one even mentioned Jenson in the same breadth as lewis after the race in China.
I’m not trying to be Lewis biased. I’m just saying the amount of criticism he has received lately is undeserved. People saying that Jenson is now the teams no. 1 can only make that sort of claim if Lewis is consistently outperformed over a long period of time and not after a few races in 1 season.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
11th September 2011, 19:38
Fantastic long battle between the two of them, probably the highlight of the race. I tried to watch as much as I could on the huge TV opposite where we were and I didn’t see anything to suggest that Schumacher was misbehaving, of course I could have blinked and missed it though.
Sounds a little like typical Hamilton to be fair. Somethings not going his way so he complains but retracted it as soon as possible. It’s kind of endearing!
racelitze (@racelitze)
11th September 2011, 19:50
I think it was one of the most exciting battles this season
20 laps or so – great!
kowalsky
11th September 2011, 19:52
michael is getting on the pace, and is very close in championship points to his teammate. Last year was bad, but he is improving all the time.
If he beats rosberg at the end of the year, and gets a better car for 2012, who is going to bet against him for podiums, even wins? Not me.
The world championship? I don’t think so.
John H
11th September 2011, 20:16
You can be assured that had Lewis had driven like this, he would have been straight to the stewards.
judo chop
11th September 2011, 20:56
Agree 100%. It was a great battle but how so many posters can say Schumacher’s blatant double move across Hamilton was fair beyond me. Especially compared to when Hamilton was penalised against Alonso in Malaysia.
David-A (@david-a)
12th September 2011, 1:27
Schumi’s move was fair. He was allowed one defensive move and a move back to the racing line. He just put his car in the right places, that’s all.
Harry Palmer
12th September 2011, 16:47
Paranoid nonsense… the stewards are not known for their leniency with Michael (certainly not this time round) and what he did was within the rules (one move then taking the racing line for the corner). Irrespective of whether it was Michael or any other driver, a penalty would not have been appropriate – or indeed any more or less likely…
Harry Palmer
12th September 2011, 16:48
To clarify, that comment was in relation to John H…
Palle (@palle)
11th September 2011, 20:31
“Schumacher was making move defensive moves than he was allowed to”
Should be “more”.
Very god duel – excellent advertising for F1. Impressive driving from both. Probably Button had chosen a more fitting gear-ratio.
I don’t think Schu was defending illegally, and I’m glad that the DRS was not so effective in this race.
RBR has now destroyed the opposition, by showing that they can also come out on top on tracks like Spa and Monza but nevertheless F1 is still very exciting.
Good for the Tifosi, that Teflonso made it to the podium, I’m happy for them.
dj
11th September 2011, 20:54
Lets face it, Lewis just didn’t have the balls to pass Mike on the outside,like Vetta did on F.A….now thats what we should be chatting about…anyone post a video of that pass?
Icthyes (@icthyes)
11th September 2011, 20:56
Coming from a Hamilton fan – once you get past the frustration of seeing him compromised in such a bad way (and the gear ratios certainly didn’t help), there was nothing Michael did against the rules. I have to wonder about the Curva Grande incident but in the end Hamilton was going for a gap that was going to disappear.
steve0001
11th September 2011, 21:08
Everybody wants to be like Mike.
Was good to watch the difference between a good driver and a world class best of all time driver, if only the car could match Michael’s class.
Glyn Roughsedge
11th September 2011, 22:18
MSC cheats, always has done, gets let off, goes back years.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 22:21
Thank you for that penetrating insight.
He’s no angel, but he did nothing wrong in Monza, and this hasn’t persuaded me otherwise.
spree
11th September 2011, 22:26
Keith, normally I find you’re opinions consistent, whether I agree with them or not, but in this case, I am confused. I remember clearly you stating that Hamilton deserved a penalty in Malaysia for his “double move” on Alonso, if you agreed with that penalty how can you not believe Schumacher warrants one?
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 22:29
Here’s why:
https://www.racefans.net/2011/09/11/schumacher-supposed/comment-page-1/#comment-818784
https://www.racefans.net/2011/09/11/rate-race-2011-italian-grand-prix/comment-page-1/#comment-818208
Glyn Roughsedge
11th September 2011, 22:56
Keith, I could have used a lot of words but what’s the point with MSC’s myopic fans seeing no wrong in what he does?
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 23:01
Well then there’s no point leaving a comment at all is there? Might as well go do something else.
But if you want your view to be taken seriously, explain why you hold it.
Journeyer (@journeyer)
12th September 2011, 0:23
Glyn, troll much?
Agree with Keith. Explain why you think MSC cheated today, and let’s debate about it.
And yes, Schumacher had a good race, making sure we had a good Italian GP too. His driving was at the limit, both in terms of the car and the rulebook, but hasn’t F1 always been about driving at the limit? ;)
Electrolite
11th September 2011, 23:58
That is brilliant.
Warren2185
11th September 2011, 22:41
I road raced in the SCCA, in the United States, for 16 years. My first instructor said basically, “you can take a protective line to make up for a mistake once-in-a-while, You can take a protective line on the last lap, but if you do it nearly every time during the race to keep a faster car behind…then you aren’t much of a racer”. I can tell you in those 16 years, that’s how nearly all the drivers I met, thought of those people who lap-after-lap, came out of a corner and took the line forcing the guy behind you to take the outside line into the next corner. Drivers had little respect for those that did that very often. Legal yes. But it doesn’t mean I have to respect Shumacher. I think that’s why the commentators had a problem with it too. Because they were drivers at one time. It’s an honor, respect and sportsmanship thing.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
11th September 2011, 22:53
I know where you’re coming from, but I find it a rather quaint view.
This is professional motor racing, and drivers who don’t defend their positions are not going to be employed driving cars that cost nine-figure sums to develop. That goes for Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton and the rest equally.
Robbie
12th September 2011, 14:32
Warren2185…you have said well what I think of this matter…and Keith, I’m glad you see where he is coming from even if you find it a quaint view.
I think that even though this is professional motor racing and drivers must defend their positions in order to keep their jobs, I think that if there was more of what we saw with MS vs LH F1 would soon look like rental go-karts rather than professional. It’s why there is a one-move rule to begin with. Also, with DRS, drivers have been shown to have no defence for the upcoming driver, even look like they are standing still such is the speed differential at times, and they likely will remain employed. Thankfully they don’t just change lines and leap in front of the upcoming driver in a DRS zone in order to keep employed.
I think that DC and MB had reason to suggest MS’s behaviour might be looked at by the stewards, and that it infringes on the border of sportsmanship if nothing else. They had already suggested it before the really debateable move happened. I don’t think, as some have suggested, that DC and MB say what they say out of some bitterness. And I note nobody has commented on the positive things DC and MB said about MS. The fact that this issue came up is due to some borderline behaviour, and it is behaviour I have never respected, and we have seen so often from MS that I think that is why there is so much debate about it. And why DC and MB comment as they do.
MS got away with something yesterday, or perhaps he didn’t…the fact that the historically inconsistant FIA decided to do nothing this time does not convince me that what MS did was fair. It was borderline or else there wouldn’t be all this discussion. And to some, borderline is exactly what they are looking for. I’m just grateful that borderline is not so common from so many drivers that it looks like go-karts out there…most drivers don’t go to this length to be so wide because it is not in their makeup and because they don’t want someone in front of them doing the same thing to them.
There has been many a time when a commentator has explained that this kind of defense only lets the field in front get further away such is the time that it is costing the defending party, and perhaps the tires too…some days it is better for one’s own lap times to let a driver go and fight him back at another corner in the name of keeping the rest of the field close.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons we don’t see a ton of examples per race of this kind of defending.
I also wonder how some of the defenders of MS would think if it was LH doing it to him. Or if NR did it? Would they be calling that fair? Just racing? Some would probably say it’s a taste of his own medicine. Some would probably say MS wasn’t fairly treated.
Somehow I think that just because MS didn’t get a talking to by the stewards, (or perhaps they at least talked to Brawn and told him to remind MS of his behaviour over the radio) this does not mean we are going to see an afternoon full of this behaviour in the next race.
David-A (@david-a)
12th September 2011, 17:03
@ Warren – but the nature of having a faster (not equal) car behind you means you have to push and defend harder to keep the other car behind. It’s easier for the faster car to pass because they are faster, regardless of which line the slower car takes.
Ian
11th September 2011, 22:48
Schumacher did a fine job of defending with maybe just a couple of instances where his moves might have been deemed illegal, but I have to wonder whether it was worth spending so many laps looking in the mirrors; if Schumacher had let Hamilton past straight away, I suspect they would have both been much further up the road than they finished; Schumacher might have even beat Alonso too.
Robbie
12th September 2011, 14:35
A good point.
steve0001
11th September 2011, 22:56
It’s an honor, respect and sportsmanship thing.
Yes its also a race and in racing you race to win maybe in your 17th year you will learn this…
Schumacher did a top job and no rules were broke.
Glyn Roughsedge
11th September 2011, 23:26
How patronising.
Of course rules were broken but you choose not to see it.
MSC has always been a cheat and has always been let off.
I hope he soon retires.
David-A (@david-a)
12th September 2011, 1:33
You choose not to see that MSC’s moves were fine.
Mgn
12th September 2011, 1:57
Broken in your own none sense rule book.
steve0001
11th September 2011, 23:51
Cheat if you say so..
It wasn’t even looked into and Lewis himself said it was all above board, but yes you know better. haha :)
Electrolite
11th September 2011, 23:54
I haven’t enjoyed a battle so much in a long time. And it wasn’t even a battle for the lead. To keep no other than Lewis Hamilton behind you like that for lap after lap is brilliant.
elchinero
12th September 2011, 0:13
Lewis is a sniveling toady and needs to have his dxck knocked in the dirt. 16 year-old-teenie-tarlets can handle more disappointment that LH. By a man in a man’ sports. Groomed from conceptions like “The Boys From Brazil.” I’d rather be deaf than listen to his comments, on ANY subject, e.g.., WX, price of gas … Jeezus
Tony
Baja CA, Mexico
Shu
12th September 2011, 7:23
Don’t sugarcoat it Tony, let us know how you’re really feeling.
bosyber
12th September 2011, 10:36
“That’s racing” … yeah, how can we listen to that :-p
I think it was very interesting to see, and good to know that it is possible to defend in a world with DRS, if you set up your car for it as MSC decided to do. Smart move. McLaren/HAM didn’t take this scenario into account, and were powerless.
I think HAM was too cautious which stopped him racing properly and just try something else instead of always the same, telling MSC exactly what he was up to, and MSC of course reacted appropriately by keeping him behind. He must have laughed after their first pitstops.
,rs Gail j Gray
12th September 2011, 0:17
Michael done a fabulous race at Monza today, it seems I was wrong Michael has still got his magic, I don’t understand why Lewis Hamilton spoke on his radio about Michael’s moves on the track, is this a sign of jealousy from Lewis do he expect every driver to stop and let him pass, or has he forgotten Michael is competing with the races and also wish to gain points and positons, stop gripeing Lewis and grow up, you do not see Michael tittle tattling to Ross do youon his radio. well done Michael, lets be hoping the next race will be so exciting like you were in Monza and Canada.
Ernie Becclestone (@ernie-becclestone)
12th September 2011, 1:40
What did they expect Michael to do, he wasnt at monza for sunday afternoon drive! The old dog showed the young pup a few tricks today.
,rs Gail j Gray
12th September 2011, 3:59
I agree Ernie,I enjoy watching Michael has he makes the pulse race and heart beat a bit quicker, he maybe a old timer but his magic is still with him, Hamilton needs to grow up and face the music.
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
12th September 2011, 2:03
Hamilton can’t complain if he does then I should ask him to look at Malaysia last year where he was blocking I guess Petrov on the pit straight where I think he changed direction 4-5 times.Schumi may have crossed the limit but he was doing things in Schumi’s way.
Nice to see the old master back in action in the last two race where you do need more of a driver’s capability then a car’s he showed he still have the fire in him.He positioned his car in a place where Lewis have nothing to do,he was defending from a guy who I think alone with Alonso & Kobayashi is one of the great attacker who will go if given gap,the last two race we have seen the old Schumi this should boost his & the team’s confidence.
Neil
12th September 2011, 11:40
“Hamilton can’t complain if he does then I should ask him to look at Malaysia last year where he was blocking I guess Petrov on the pit straight where I think he changed direction 4-5 times”
Erm, no.
Hamilton had a better run out of the corner and was moving to break the tow, Petrov was just moving to keep in his slip stream, to keep up with him.
In Monza, Hamilton had the better exit behind MS and tried to go by, but got squeezed out. They are 2 completly different scenarios.
vho (@)
12th September 2011, 2:22
Firstly, I’m neither a Lewis nor Schumi fan but the question I have for everyone is; it was stated that Schumi was quite close to doing an illegal double move, which presume was the move on the front straight when he moved to the from the right, then back to the right from the left to take the inside line to the first chichane. My question is, is it considered a double move if the both drivers are on the limit (engines hitting the rev limiter) and the pursuant is not only unable to make the overtake but can’t get his car side by side to the car in front. Is the car in front, knowing that he’s given the pursuant more than enough time to make the pass realises that the pass can’t be made because of the rev limiter, allowed to then chose a different line?
I would presume that once the opportunity was presented and couldn’t be taken because of limitation in the car then surely the overtake challenge is reset, and hence the car at the front can chose a different line.
Bottom line is that Lewis was presented with several opportunities to overtake but couldn’t make is stick because McLaren geared his car slightly too short. Schumi yielded a few times but managed to take the spot back leading into the second set of chichanes. As for Schumi putting Lewis on the grass, well they weren’t side by side and Schumi had every right to defend his line – you could argue it wasn’t gentlemen like, but are we here to race or are we here to play lawn bowls?
To say that Schumi gifted the pass for Button is ludicrous – what would be benefit from it? Schumi still needs points to beat his team mate and it makes no sense whatsoever to generously lose a place (and points for that matter). Both he and Lewis had destroyed their tyres in their battle with each other and Button with the better set of tyres merely got a better run coming out of Lesmo II, then got tow, and with DRS and KERS got past Schumi before Ascari. Without a doubt if Button couldn’t make it past Schumi it would’ve been another battle up to the Parabolica. I think Button would’ve still taken Schumi given he had better grip than both Lewis and Schumi.
Good and fair race from Schumi I’d say. Lewis was a little timid as he was set on finishing the race in one piece – which he needed to restore any reputation from being the crash king of 2011.
The Limit
12th September 2011, 5:39
To be honest, after Vettel dusted off Alonso, the Hamilton/Schumacher fight made the race for me. Both men pushed each other hard, then to add insult to injury, Button comes along in the sister McLaren and passes them both. I bet Jenson loved that one, I know I did.
Maksutov
12th September 2011, 6:51
Honestly, by the time Button caught up with the duo, their tyres were pretty much gone from constantly fighting eachother. Button took advantage and got a bit lucky but still awesome job. In saying that, Button is very clean and calculated and consistent driver, always has been and that is what I love about him. On top of that he respects everyone on track and never talks rubish – which is amazing. But for me, I am not yet sure he is as good as Hamilton though. However, if Button beats Hamilton in points this year (and next year as well) then ill have to re-think about that…
Jean
12th September 2011, 8:01
MSC driving was hard and pushed to the absolute extreme allowed . Glad the stewards saw it the same way , as we have seen before , too many rules can potentially destroy the most exciting racing . I hope Merc can be up to McLaren level next year , then we will see what both MSC and LH can really do in an F1 car.
Bas
12th September 2011, 8:41
– Lewis was a little timid as he was set on finishing the race in one piece – which he needed to restore any reputation from being the crash king of 2011. –
That was the reason for this hole fight!
Schumacher knew this and took advantage.
Great respect for the patience of Hamilton.
Alonso would have crashed Schumacher out of the race, but Schumacher would have never done this to Alonso.
OR is Schumacher replacing Massa in 2012.. :)
paulguitar (@paulguitar)
12th September 2011, 9:11
Schu certainly would have done that to Alonso. Just the way he drives and always has done.
I thought Lewis showed immense restraint and contrary to several eccentric remarks here did not even remotely whine after the race. Bravo.
Button drove a great race too, but let’s not get giddy and say he is ‘team-leader’ until he consistently can go quicker than Hamilton. Let’s face it, that is extremely unlikely to happen.
Duke
12th September 2011, 15:18
Try 2013!! Ferrari for his last year(s):)
mrjoeblack (@mrjoeblack)
12th September 2011, 10:52
170 comment so far. i’m wondering what would happen if he wins again!!!
Gooooo shumi!!!!
Wilky
12th September 2011, 11:40
Brilliant! so hamilton moves across in spa to take his line on koby an because koby didnt move on the grass out of his way hamilton went off and got the blame, so if when shumi moved to defend then back on the racing line if hamilton had put his wheels beside im on the outside line and hit him whos fault would it have been???
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
12th September 2011, 11:43
Sorry, you lost me.
Wilky
12th September 2011, 12:06
Errr it was when schui moved across to defend the inside then back to the racing line, cant remember what corner. I think shumi is well entitled to do this i just didnt understand how in spa it was hamiltons fault with kobi? Bit confusing i know but it hard to explain.
Basically to explain i will make up a situation, a driver heading round a long corner that has a late apex moves to the inside early to cover the inside line but the car behind already has his front wheels up the inside, whos fault would it be if they collide? I think its the driver infront because its to late to defend if the car has his wheels there otherwise they will collide. same as on a straight, if a car has managed to get his front wheels beside you its to late to defend, you cant just run them off the track which is what schumi did on hamilton? But i think everything else shumi did was pefectly ok just not the putting ham on the grass.
All in all i think the stewards have to stop cars squizzing cars off the track, if the car has wheels beside you then its to late to defend that line.
Pockets
12th September 2011, 12:56
um, is it just me, or did that “please leave room” mean let hamilton go? he left him room after the first time he got the message, then he got the same, more forceful message….
Eugenux
12th September 2011, 13:49
it could be!; but i prefer to think that MSC’s tires were gone, so that is why he couldn’t still keep LH behind him. On the last 2 laps before though, LH was consistenly faster on the exits of, almost, any corner on the circuit.
Alex
12th September 2011, 14:31
Hamilton seems the olny driver with pace to beat vettel at moment but he’ve been doing so many mistakes all of the season. Anyway, I think without him maybe things would be a little boring in F1, but he must win races (sometimes at least).