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[deMuRe]

I read an F1 book "The powerbrokers" a few years back and Bernie was quoted in the early 1980's as saying "F1 needs a quick german, a quick chinaman and a quick blackman."

I think Lewis got the nod to begin with because he would bring a whole new demographic to the television ratings. At last, Bernie found what he was looking for, and he was quick as well.

I think he just needed to be respectably quick, what F1 didn't want was more embarassment from the past as they've rushed through really bad drivers due to their country of origin in an attempt to further boost sponsorship coverage.

I don't think anyone expected Lewis to be devastatingly quick and leave a 2 time world champion in his wake.

Ron probably thought it would take Lewis a couple of seasons to come up to speed and Alonso will be happy as being the "spiritual" number one in the team.

But it didn't, he was a rookie sensation and Ron had a real problem on his hands with inter-team politics.

I'm not a McLaren fan, I detest Ron Dennis, but I don't like all the Lewis bashing because he hit the wrong button during probably the most nervous moments of his young life.

Regardless of how he got his start in F1, he's proven he's got the minerals to hold onto his drive and we should all lower our expectations a little and give the chap some time to settle in.

[Ron Dennis]

I guess the knockers are going to perpetuate the wrong button scenario as did the Mansell detractors when he was alleged to have hit the 'kill' button on the last lap in Canada 1986!

Even after Patrick Head provided telemetry that proved beyond any doubt that Mansell did not hit any wrong buttons, the urban myth continues.

The last I read, McLaren claimed that Hamilton did not hit any wrong buttons! Has something new been revealed since then?

[737flier]

I'm sure the team said it was a sensor glitch, I have a dozen ways to get around sensor glitches on my bus....

But they take time to diagnose and implement, 30 seconds is pretty quick.

[bud]

good post demure!

[deMuRe]

I guess the knockers are going to perpetuate the wrong button scenario as did the Mansell detractors when he was alleged to have hit the 'kill' button on the last lap in Canada 1986!

Even after Patrick Head provided telemetry that proved beyond any doubt that Mansell did not hit any wrong buttons, the urban myth continues.

The last I read, McLaren claimed that Hamilton did not hit any wrong buttons! Has something new been revealed since then?

I could have sword I read Hamilton himself saying he hit the wrong button. Then again, the press does twist words...

[racechick]

Hasmilton did say he hit the wrong button but McLaren denied it was his fault, they said it was a technical gitch. One is obviously covering for the other-dont know which. Honourable behaviour whichever way. cant see that Alonso would have behaved with the same decorum were he in that position.

[Ruby]

Hasmilton did say he hit the wrong button but McLaren denied it was his fault, they said it was a technical gitch. One is obviously covering for the other-dont know which. Honourable behaviour whichever way. cant see that Alonso would have behaved with the same decorum were he in that position.

I don't think honorable is the word, stupid more like. If Lewis did hit the wrong button fair enough, but why have Mclaren openly contradicted him? Why not support him if that's what he did? Just makes him look stupid.

[racechick]

I dont think they were being stupid, its irrelevant anyway, it happened. Unless more information comes out we won't know what it was. Maybe he didnt do it but wanted to save the team further hasstle. Who knows Doesnt matter though does it.

[bud]

The report which claimed Hamilton hit the wrong button has been disclaimed by Lewis and McLaren since! the journo who "reported" Lewis claim has now since admitted to making it up!

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 3747.shtml

you guys going on about the wrong button issue are just putting Rons case forward about the internet being a pain in the arse! McLaren all year have had to answer to questions which the internet arises because "fans" believe everything they read on the web! Should always check your sources before you make up your mind on things!

[racechick]

Thanks for that info. I guess thats one "rookie error" that wasnr down to him then

[deMuRe]

So then that adds weight to those who think the end of the season was scripted.

I'm not qualified to be an F1 team owner or manager, but if I was Ron Dennis I wouldn't have wanted my driver to be champion after the public perception was we cheated and got slapped on the wrist for it.

If Hamilton had taken the title there would have been a huge cloud hanging over his head for the rest of his career. Was his first championship taken with the help of Ferrari technology? True or not, doesn't matter, but that's what a lot of people would be thinking...

[bud]

why would McLaren be appealing the stewards decision of the Williams and BMWss if it was scripted? thats more nonsense than Lewis's thumb slipping on the steering wheel!

[deMuRe]

why would McLaren be appealing the stewards decision of the Williams and BMWss if it was scripted? thats more nonsense than Lewis's thumb slipping on the steering wheel!

Yeah I know mate, I'm the first to put up my hand and say I get caught up in the hype surrounding all the media floating about the net.

What can I say, I love a good conspiracy theory.

Yes you are right, I'll say through clenched teeth, McLaren wouldn't be appealing so I'll have to do a 180 on my views that the season ending was scripted.

[darwin dali]

But it didn't, he was a rookie sensation and Ron had a real problem on his hands with inter-team politics.

You meant INTRA-team politics, right?

[deMuRe]

Yeah, INTRA, thanks for pointing that out.