Even the fiercely nationalistic Spanish press had to commend British driver Lewis Hamilton’s victory in last Sunday’s British grand prix.
23-year-old Hamilton has endured a challenging relationship with the Spanish media corps; through his often bitter rivalry with Spaniard Fernando Alonso at McLaren last year, and the racism affair of the Barcelona test earlier in 2008.
The rancour turned to praise after the rain-affected Silverstone event, however, with newspaper Diario AS proclaiming Hamilton and Alonso “the best ones in the chaotic race”.
El Pais, Spain’s most widely circulated daily, added: “Hamilton danced on the water with a clear head and silenced the criticism of the past days.”
Marca, the sports daily, said: “Hamilton dominated the race, without ifs or buts.”
Hamilton’s British rival David Coulthard has often been a critical voice, but Auto Motor und Sport quotes the veteran as saying at the Hockenheim test: “I watched nearly the whole race on TV — unbelievable job, Lewis, well done.”
