Hamilton's wet win
Give us YOUR VIEW on Lewis Hamilton's victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.
Last updated: 6th July 2008
In motor racing they say rain is the great leveller. But, after witnessing the manner of his victory in the British Grand Prix, it might also be said that Lewis Hamilton simply floored his rivals at Silverstone on Sunday.
As the rain fell in Northamptonshire, the McLaren driver seemed to find performance where the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen simply could not.
Unlike Hamilton, the latter pair were compromised by staying out for too long on worn tyres but the Briton nevertheless managed to take the chequered flag a full 68 seconds ahead of Nick Heidfeld.
In a sport where millions are spent to eke out tenths in performance, such a margin of victory seems like light years.
Then again, it's still rather less than the four-minute victory margin Jackie Stewart achieved in the wet at the 1968 German Grand Prix.
Other mesmeric performances in soaking conditions that spring to mind are Michael Schumacher's in the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix and Ayrton Senna's in the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park - venue for the British GP from 2010.
To compare Hamilton to those three drivers seems somewhat premature - after all, they did win 13 World titles between them.
And yet, in just 16 months in F1, the 23-year-old has proved once again that he really can cut it when the heavens open.
So...was his victory the best in the wet you've ever seen? Or was it as much down to a McLaren tyre gamble which paid off? Fill in the form at the bottom and let us know...
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Comments
Danny . says...
Okay, first congratualations Lewis good drive. I don't see how he was out of the title race at all considering the comeback Kimi made last year. I must make note on seans comment there about it being all about the cars, it is. Quite simply Lewis is a great driver in a great car so he should be delivering, drivers do have something to do with it of course, like Alonso outdriving Piquet all the time but the cars have a great deal to do with it. On top of this I think the support must of helped Hamilton so much, hopefully we are in for a good second half, and I can't wait for Singapoure! Go DC!
Posted 18:52 15th July 2008
Sean Tatham says...
WOW! There are so many people commenting on this topic that are obviously just sore that a Brit is showing the rest of the world how its done. If it was all about the car then why has his team mate got HALF the points lewis has? I just wish I could see you guys when Lewis wins the championship.... it still won't shut you up though. Also Lewis has done more than Schu did in his first year of F1 so what makes you think Schu is that much better? Give Lewis the time and he will destroy all of Schu's records COME ON LEWIS!!!
Posted 10:48 13th July 2008
Berenice Woolf says...
What a fantastic race, didn't the lad do well, he weathered the wet conditions like a storm trooper, change of tyres or not, it still took skill and a good driver to make the car do what he did in that race. while others were skidding Hamilton kept his clam and concentration, well done.
Posted 11:20 11th July 2008
Ayoola Ogunlade says...
Patriotism? Very necessary! But what are we really celebrating.. Brits just have a way of shooting themselves in the foot. And if Lewis aint careful, that is what is going to happen to him in the nearest future. OVERHYPED? Lets hope it doesnt get to "over-blown" ego for him. this guy is still young.. PLs let him be. Tactical blunders made by other teams should be celebrated and not hamiltons' "heavenly talent".
Posted 11:06 11th July 2008
Andy R says...
yet another over rated, over hyped racing driver as was damon hill, both average drivers in excellent cars.
Posted 13:56 9th July 2008
Giovanni Fanzo says...
Hamilton needs to win on the remaining fast circuits ( he'll have to do it without safety cars and rain...as I don't think it will rain at every remaining race, although he and Ron Dennis are already doing a rain dance....lol....) His errors in the previous 2 races will cost him dearly as his errors in the last 2 races last year did.......
Posted 15:07 8th July 2008
Paul Cook says...
What a fantastic race shows how good a driver he is even though he really doesnt need to prove it, lets just hope the english media can lay off him ofcourse his probably going to make a couple of mistakes still this season but his still a young driver and doesnt need the added pressure the press put on him just like they do with all are stars The media need to learn that if we want to be succesful in any sport we need to back are athletes and sports stars instead of daming them when they make a mistake. Good luck Lewis in your campaign to become champion Englands behind you.
Posted 15:06 8th July 2008
Stephen Gray says...
This should silence the critics until the next hiccup... fantastic performance by Hamilton, he was in a different league remember Raikonnen eventually switched to fresh intermediates and Lewis (on the same) was still generally faster.. without spinning.. Though Raikonen did get the fastest lap it was a huge bodge by Ferrari, they are starting to miss Mr Brawn.. well done Rubens..
Posted 09:33 8th July 2008
Craig Nichols says...
I was thrilled to see lewis do well on sunday don't forget the other britions though they didnt do so well as lewis with Dc spinning off in the opening laps and button spinning out after a solid performance. However i would like to wish lewis all the best for the future i hope you suceed in the future and become then next british champion this season. good luck and all the best for the future.
Posted 08:28 8th July 2008
Stephen Jackson says...
I was at silverstone yesterday in the pouring rain and hamilton shown all his potential yesterday at silverstone he can now use this victory and surge onto the world title that he should have won last year at brazil. come on lewis win the title for britain
Posted 22:48 7th July 2008
Phil Harvey says...
Hamilton was awesome! i was there to witness it and i couldnt understand how he was so fast, it comes down to ability. Dont make me laugh saying Raikkonen would have won. Ferrari know that they're car isnt great in the rain and neither are they're drivers they took the gamble because they knew it was the only hope they had of sucess as did Alonso.
Posted 22:04 7th July 2008
Larry Kinch says...
Well done Lewis, an excellent drive in the wet. Thanks to great team decision as well. Good Luck for the remainder, still in there to win the Championship.
Posted 20:53 7th July 2008
Delroy Graham says...
Well done lewis, it warms my heart to see the way you dominate the race from start to finish, I hope that all those who are asking what is your claim to be a Mclaren Driver. will shut up finally and accept you for your true god given talent. best wishes and remember its only a matter of time before a championship title is yours.
Posted 20:25 7th July 2008
Edwin Masterton says...
lewis hamilton is a joke. schumacher now theres a driver, hamilton is just bummed up because hes a brit, and british sporting achievements are a rare thing. you still go on about 1966 for gods sake.
Posted 18:53 7th July 2008
Peter Read says...
Driving in the wet is an altogether far more difficult skill than driving in the dry. Lewis deserves the win. He demonstrated that he is a brilliant driver. The media are very good at knocking a young man trying his best. Its a great shame the media do not rally behind Lewis and give him the support he deserves. Brilliant drive Lewis, well done,
Posted 18:15 7th July 2008
Colin Lennard says...
The lad did good! It is that word "if". There are no if or buts. the lad won. It will be recorded 13.07.2008 British GP Silverstone Winner; Lewis Hamilton. Just like 2007 he came 2nd. So stop winging, what happened happened. It is a pity that there aren't more drivers as good as he is.
Posted 18:09 7th July 2008
Jean Toad says...
Jason Brimelow, given the fact Kimmi was lapped by Hamilton when they were on the same tires, suggesting he could have won is a tad optamistic. No doubt you think Massa showed superior car control; he can spin a car much more effectivly than Lewis!! Get real, well done Lewis a masterclass!
Posted 17:35 7th July 2008
Mike Lowe says...
i think all the fuss on hamilton is nonsense. he's not that good and just because he wins a few races for McClaren doesn't mean he's going to win a title and the sooner he realises this the better.
Posted 16:27 7th July 2008
Julius Ray says...
Fabulous, this is no more a talent in making! given time he will be among the books of heros. J
Posted 11:21 7th July 2008
Alex Millington says...
Hamilton was in a class of his own. He dominated throughout the race. The key to his victory was that terrific start. Getting from 4th to 2nd before the first corner was crucial. Well done Lewis, all the best for the rest of the season.
Posted 06:31 7th July 2008
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