Thread: Maldonado and Hamilton, Who's fault was it?

I'm going to start off by saying that I am a Lewis Hamilton fan, so I might be a bit biased. However, while watching this weekends European Grand Prix, I was outraged. For those of you that watched the race, you know exactly what I am talking about. On the 2nd to last lap, Maldonado goes off the track and hits Hamilton, taking him out of the race and losing him some serious points in the title race. I was about ready to throw my TV out the window. I think it was Maldonado's fault, Hamilton was defending his position on the inside as he should have been, and Maldonado decided that he already had the lead (even though he was off the track), and decided that coming from completely off the racing line on the inside, that he wanted to go inside on the corner as well, straight into the side of Hamilton. So you can watch and decide, heres the video. Tell me what you think.

Tough call. I can't really make a decision without knowing the F1 Rules. Does Hamilton have to leave Maldonado room on the outside? Does the person on the outside have to give way? I think in some ways it boils down to Maldonado left the racing surface, had he gained the position, he would have needed to give it back anyway. You can't cut a corner (or chicane) to gain a position.

Besides the who is to blame, I think it was poor driving on Maldonado's part. If I am forced all the way off the racing surface, I would not expect the other driver to move over to let me back on. Hamilton held his line, as I would expect. I would want to see how Hamilton normally navigates that corner when there isn't someone next to him.

All said and done, bummer for Hamilton. Very damaging for his World Championship hunt.

Originally Posted by Charles DuPont

I was about ready to throw my TV out the window.

You and me both, it's been a long time since I cussed so much — must remember to apologize to the neighbors.

Maldonado hit with penalty for Hamilton clash

"He tried to put me out of the track and he didn't leave any room for us to do the corner side-by-side," Maldonado said. "I jumped over the kerb and couldn't avoid the accident."

The stewards, however, disagreed with Maldonado's view and have handed him a retrospective drive-through penalty, which equates to 20 seconds being added to his finishing time. The penalty - given for "failing to rejoin the track in a safe manner" - relegates him to 12th position"

Source: Pastor Maldonado hit with penalty for Lewis Hamilton clash | European Grand Prix | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1

I couldn't stop laughing.....

Not really a Hamilton fan.

Originally Posted by ausplay

I couldn't stop laughing.....

Not really a Hamilton fan.

Me too!!

Clearly Maldonados fault though.
I'm more pissed that Vettels car stopped, he was clearly going to win, and I'm rooting for him every race.

Originally Posted by ausplay

I couldn't stop laughing.....

Not really a Hamilton fan.

Originally Posted by TurboBaron9

Me too!!

Clearly Maldonados fault though.
I'm more pissed that Vettels car stopped, he was clearly going to win, and I'm rooting for him every race.

his car stopping was my fav part of the whole race!!

well that and schoomy and webbers charge to 3-4 was awseome!!!

Originally Posted by pip

his car stopping was my fav part of the whole race!!

well that and schoomy and webbers charge to 3-4 was awseome!!!

Agreed I was so happy when vettels car broke. I think the stewards did the right thing even though that drive through penalty cant make up for the points lost for hamilton

Originally Posted by akiruno

LOL

Hamilton knew he was there. It was up to Lewis to decide the outcome..