I don't think this thread is going in any direction at all however, I'm also going to post my strongly worded opinion.
I'm seeing a two-faced approach here. People are criticising the state of F1 for Vettel driving off into the distance and ruining the sport, yet they expect Massa to just pull over and let Hamilton past? What if Button held Vettel up?
If Hamilton is such a fantastic overtaker, I'm sure he knows that drivers are not going to make it easy for him. Massa did nothing untowards Hamilton there - it was all Hamilton's fault. For once I encourage Massa to state his opinion and hope that he sticks by it without retracting it on Twitter. Hamilton is obviously not learning from his various penalties - so drivers also getting in there and stating there opinion is just stepping up the attack on Hamilton's dangerous driving. Massa was on for at least a 6th place finish - he would have been fine for Hamilton to overtake him. But Hamilton needs to earn that overtake. Bloody hell, if Massa pulled over how much more so would we be criticising his driving ability? Hamilton just needs to wait for the right time.
Hamilton is great for the sport, he pulls off squillions of overtakes all the time, against fast and slow drivers. But he needs to be penalised when he gets it wrong, as he not only ruins his own race, but he ruins the race for others. The stewards and the other drivers do not want dangerous drivers in the sport - every time I see Hamilton getting more penalties I remember this guy:
Super Aguri confirmed on May 10th that the Formula One Permanent Bureau has withdrawn Yuji Ide's super license and he will not be able to race in F1 again this season. After an accident at Imola, when he pushed the MF1 of Christijan Albers into a barrel roll, Ide was replaced by Franck Montagny in Europe.
Ide had scant time in the car before the start of the season and the plan was to give him more mileage on the test track with a view of returning to competition once he had more experience. However, with the loss of his super license he will not be back in F1 this year.
"It is with sadness and regret that the team accepts this decision, however Aguri Suzuki and A.Company (Japan) shall continue to seek driving opportunities for Yuji and hopefully a path back into Formula One," said a statement from Super Aguri.
Montagny will continue in the second race seat for the Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix while "discussions with a number of parties continue regarding the permanent positions of second race seat and third driver within the team."
Could you imagine Hamilton receiving similar punishment? Tbh, if Hamilton is not learning from the numerous penalties, the criticism of his colleagues, his managers, and former racers then he deserves a bigger punishment - starting with an exclusion from the next race. If he still doesn't get the message, then his super-license should be withdrawn and he goes elsewhere. Seriously, how many more penalties will it take before enough is enough?
Vettel had two clumsy accidents last year, and recovered by year's end. But Hamilton? What's wrong with him?
Good on Massa. Last night a friend who I was watching the race with said that the drivers are corporate in the post-race press conference. Where's the personality?
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Also as a side note, did anyone notice how both Red Bull drivers made a special effort to praise Renault? Looks like they are being paid big bucks to mention "Renault Engines are reliable." Another demonstration of how F1 is all about the money and sponsors. But good on Renault - they deserve it.
Don't be surprised if next year we see the Renault logo featuring more prominently on the Red Bull car. We could do with seeing less bulls on that car.
if looks could kill.