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[Roth]

So as much as people bitch on about a Merc romp there's an internal drama when I watch Hamilton, that as good as he appears to be doing it could all be gone in a second, leaving us of heavy heart and thwarted hope.

That I believe was more McLaren's doing than Hamilton's. Today, he held up pretty well against the Rosberg onslaught even giving away two seconds in the pits. A lot of drivers would have choked under the pressure Rosberg has put on, both in Bahrain and here in Barcelona. So far Lewis has come out on top both times. Sorry to go against the stiff upper lip expectations.

McLaren - English team. Same principle.

We need to get much further into the season for the 'English Effect' to kick in. It has a way of getting your hopes waaaay up with starts like Hamilton's having.

Makes the fall all the more devestating.

[racechick]

The only problem with the 'English effect' is the media talking your high achievers down and your underdogs up. Plenty of examples of that.

[Roth]

The only problem with the 'English effect' is the media talking your high achievers down and your underdogs up. Plenty of examples of that.

Either way, as long as we don't win, that's the important thing.

[racechick]

The only problem with the 'English effect' is the media talking your high achievers down and your underdogs up. Plenty of examples of that.

Either way, as long as we don't win, that's the important thing.

I think Lewis may have something different to say about that!!!

[Roth]

The only problem with the 'English effect' is the media talking your high achievers down and your underdogs up. Plenty of examples of that.

Either way, as long as we don't win, that's the important thing.

I think Lewis may have something different to say about that!!!

This sort of statement is a clear indication of early onset 'English Effect'.

[racechick]

A few pics of Lewis, not to everyone's taste I guess but here they are

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I think today was Lewis' hardest win this season because he wasn't entirely happy with his car. His exchanges with his engineer show how he knew it was very marginal whether he could stay ahead. When Lewis is happy with the car he just wants leaving to drive it . Today he was needing help with it. His engineer deals excellently with him, sensitive to his requirements and keeps it all calm. Anyone interested in the radio exchanges here they are....


Hamilton's tense radio exchanges

Engineer: "The rear tyres are cool, we are not sure if we are over protecting them."
Hamilton: "No! I already have oversteer, I am not going to open up my diff and give myself more."

Engineer: "Lewis, zero to Nico last lap, gap 3.8."
Hamilton: "Where have you been the last few laps?"
Engineer: "Just letting you get through the traffic."

Engineer:" Three turns down the for next stop."
Hamilton: "No, not three, why are you doing that? I want the normal two."

Hamilton: "How was last lap? Was it too slow?"
Engineer: "No pace was good at the end of the stint."
Hamilton: "Then why did you bring me?"
Engineer: "We are keeping you on the optimum strategy. Gap to Nico four seconds."
Hamilton: "It used to be 5.2."

Hamilton: "How much time did I lose in the pit-stop?"
Engineer: "Nico lost more in traffic, don't worry about that now."

[sagi58]

... When Lewis is happy with the car he just wants leaving to drive it . Today he was needing help with it. His engineer deals excellently with him, sensitive to his requirements and keeps it all calm...

Thanks for posting that, RC!! I always appreciate hearing the "human" side of F1!!
Just goes to prove that we all need a little help from our friends, occasionally!!

[Roth]

I'm hoping his engineer doesn't get pissy. For Hamilton, it's like Curb Your Enthusiasm where you get blasted for reacting badly to the incompetence of other people.

And probably a stupid question, but who is that man with the big white moustache? He was on TV all the time. I thought it was Sam Elliot drafted in to affer sage advice.

[What's Burning?]

That mustache is attached to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, he runs the company. Not as stylish a Luca di Montezemolo for sure.

[The Second Coming]

Not as stylish a Luca di Montezemolo for sure.

OK, a little of my latte came up thru my nose. I didn't see that comment coming.

[racechick]

I'm hoping his engineer doesn't get pissy. For Hamilton, it's like Curb Your Enthusiasm where you get blasted for reacting badly to the incompetence of other people.

And probably a stupid question, but who is that man with the big white moustache? He was on TV all the time. I thought it was Sam Elliot drafted in to affer sage advice.

Yeah, the big boss. Not seen him so visible at a race before. I guess he's not going to be pulling the plug on F1 anytime sons as was suggested when Lewis first contemplated the move.

On engineers getting pissy. If he does, he's the wrong engineer for Hamilton, cos that's what Lewis is like in the heat of battle. He wants help sometimes, wasn't info sometimes and other times he wants leaving alone. And the engineer has to accept that and realise it's not personal, it's Lewis in fighting mode with no room left for for niceties.That said I've seen no evidence of Lewis' engineer getting pissy. I think they have a good working relationship, something Lewis hasn't had since before. Button arrived at McLaren. And who'd get pissy when your man delivers three straight wins and four out of five poles? You'd forgive the odd tense exchange.
One thing I'm confused with though is I thought Jock Clear was Lewis' race engineer, but they kept saying Peter Bonnington. And it was clearly Perer Bonnington on Sunday. Does he have two?

[bud]

He was around a fair bit when Merc owned 40% of McLaren, he was at the season launch in Stuttgart in 08.

[racechick]

I can't remember him. I just remember the talk that the parent company could pull the plug on F1 and it wasn't a secure move for Lewis. I guess as an engine supplier there's less of an investment. He looks pretty happy with things now though.

[bud]

He was around a fair bit, not every race but enough for someone of his position. I am pretty sure he was the main force behind Mercedes going full works team, so he will be loving the current form of the team!

[LewEngBridewell]

He's the president/boss/big man of Daimler I believe.