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[scotty]

Hamilton and Whitmarsh didn't exactly get off on the right foot, if you look at what Hamilton did in MW's first race in charge. Perhaps they just don't like each other.

What did he do again?

Australia '09 and the stewarding incident.

[FRAFPDD]

Hamilton and Whitmarsh didn't exactly get off on the right foot, if you look at what Hamilton did in MW's first race in charge. Perhaps they just don't like each other.

What did he do again?

Liegate mate.

[andrew]

All team bosses are closer to some drivers than others going right the way back to the days of Jim Clark and Colin Champman and more than likely way before their time in F1.

[bud]

Hamilton and Whitmarsh didn't exactly get off on the right foot, if you look at what Hamilton did in MW's first race in charge. Perhaps they just don't like each other.

they have known each other a lot longer than that though.

[scotty]

Yeah i guess. Maybe it pissed him off though.

Either way i'm not sure scapegoating him for Hamilton's underperformance is either fair or relevant, whether they like each other or not.

[racechick]

No no. I dont think he's responsible for Hamiltons poor results. I think lewis' head is not in a good place at the moment with all the various quarters bashing and Whitmarsh isnt helping...if anything making it worse. Well thats how it appears from outside, maybe its not like that. It looks obvious to me though.

[scotty]

Funnily enough, i think not having his dad as manager is probably causing some of that. Maybe.

His performance in Italy, imo, was just simple sports psychology rather than some big thing about being ground down by detractors and such. If a guy makes a bunch of mistakes he'll want to rectify it with a solid performance. Ergo risks won't be taken. (ha - back on the topic of Italy)

It's far more important for a driver to have a good relationship with his engineers than the team principal, i think. Unless the driver/team principal relationship is EXTREMELY bad like Warr/Mansell at Lotus, but obviously this situation isn't like that.

[bud]

It's far more important for a driver to have a good relationship with his engineers than the team principal

they are the ones also calling the strategy. MW would overview it but thats it.

[racechick]

I agree about his dad. I think he's missing him big time! Not sure that was a very clever decision. Definately some psychology going on at Monza. And thats where he's missing guidance. Not sure what his relationship is like with his engineer, it never sounds anything other than business the snipets we get on tv, doesnt sound very warm. I think he'd flourish with a guy like Smedley engineering him,THEN he could forget about the team principal a bit more.

[bud]

I don't think anythings wrong with Lewis, he is having a bad year but trying to delve deep into things is over reacting. I don't think his dad, manager or team principal are having any influence on him.

had Hungary gone differently I wonder if this thread would have even been created.

[racechick]

No there's nothing wrong with Lewis. But he's letting the people who talk crap get to him. He needs someone to offset that.

[acosmichippo]

Jeez. If "emotional support" was such an issue in f1, each team would have a whole group of sports counselors at each race.

[racechick]

Im sure they do use sports psychologists, its big business. things seemed to have wandered down this track. All I initially said is Whitmarsh displays an increasing obsession for Jenson, maybe he fancies him who knows. But he would do well to cast his eyes occassionally across the other side of the garage. Not mix business with pleasure

[bud]

funny, I haven't seen any obsession.

[racechick]

Its been creeping up.
But actually I have the perfect solution for all concerned. McLaren should employ me to be Lewis' race manager. I deal with the press, the nikki Lauda's, the Nigel Mansel's , the incompetant stewards who forget the rules, and any one else like that; leaving Whitmarsh free to flash his baby blues at jens; and leaving Lewis free to do what he does best..drive the car..fast. simples. I think I'll give McLaren a call!