Oct.16 (GMM) Ongoing negativity about Lewis Hamilton’s driving was a major theme in the Shanghai paddock on Thursday
The McLaren driver, who could win the championship in China this weekend, is to be a leading topic at the drivers’ briefing on Friday, as some of his rivals complain about an allegedly brash racing style
Thursday’s FIA press conference was a fascinating affair, as the organisers brought together friends Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica with their least favourite competitor Hamilton in the hope of some media fireworks
Elsewhere in the paddock, however, Grand Prix Drivers’ Association stalwarts Mark Webber and Jarno Trulli were telling reporters that some of 23-year-old Hamilton’s recent driving has been cause for concern
“The braking areas are an issue because you cannot move around in the braking areas like that,” said Webber, recalling the controversial first corner at Fuji last Sunday
“We lost a marshal at Monza (2000) when there were guys moving around in the braking areas. That is what we want a chat about.”nnWebber, who drives for Red Bull, insists that Hamilton is not being picked on. Kubica, Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, meanwhile, dismissed the theory that Hamilton’s fellow drivers are jealous
“I am not smashing Hamilton, but it is about how you move on,” Webber said. “His respected colleagues are sometimes saying, ‘mate, it doesn’t need to be like that all the time’.”n
