Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell is worried that the current rows surrounding the McLaren team could hamper Hamilton s title chances and future career. Mansell said he was alarmed to read about the internal war that appears to be being waged inside the McLaren camp after Hamilton admitted that the two drivers were not speaking.
Alonso upset Hamilton in the final qualifying session when he remained in the pit-lane longer than expected meaning Hamilton was unable to complete a flying lap, costing him pole position. Race stewards came to Hamilton s rescue by investigating the matter and pushing the Spanish driver five places down the grid, ensuring Hamilton was gifted pole position.
Mansell expressed his disbelief over the proceedings. “I m not sure how long Alonso was in the pits but I am lost for words how you can just demote someone five or six places on the grid,†he began. “I have never seen anything like this in the history of the sport it is such a great shame. I do have some sympathy for Alonso no question. If they wanted to fine him or do something else, all well and good, but what are they doing demoting him and ruining his race?â€
Mansell is a fan of Lewis Hamilton however he is worried that the governing body are showing favouritism and this could wreck his reputation. “They have got to be very careful,†he remarked. “I am a huge fan of Lewis but people in the street are saying to me, why is everyone favouring him? Let s not forget what happened at Nurburgring when they let him stay in the car, lifted him up in the car and put him back on the track before letting him un-lap himself.
“I am definitely backing Lewis 100% by saying that all this has nothing to do with him. He is a great driver who has won all his races and got all his points by fair means. But people are asking, are the power that be trying to fix it all for him? . I think it s terribly sad. All I would say to Lewis is to just keep focusing on what matters finish races and earn enough points to be world champion at the end of the season.
“But I think the lid needs to be kept on everything else in the team otherwise the world championship is there to lose. It would be very sad if, through internal politics, they sabotage themselves because, not question, they are the class act in the field. What happened in the pit lane with Alonso was totally wrong it was handled badly by the team and officials too.
“I love Formula 1 it s the best of the best. But like a lot of race fans, I m disappointed. There is going to be a lot of stuff happening from now on which is a great shame for the sport of Formula 1.â€
