“That was not the way we wanted to finish,” Hamilton said, “but there was
nothing we could do. I had a gearbox oil leak from about lap five, but was
still able to race closely with Felipe, despite the problems, which was
good. It shows I’ve still got it.
“The team apologised for letting me down today, but I don’t feel they did –
it’s just motorsport. I have always said that we win and lose together.
There have been times this season when I have not performed as well as I
could, but I got that out of the way and intend to rectify the situation
next year.”
Hamilton finished fifth in the final standings, 43 points behind Button. That
has surprised some who value Hamilton’s instinctive driving style and
trademark bravado, but Button’s more balanced racecraft has always been
complemented by significant raw speed.
There were some who thought Button foolhardy to tackle Hamilton in his own
back yard, but the newcomer has moulded the team around him and McLaren look
a perfect fit.
Button’s measured approach was apparent in the race’s immediate aftermath.
After their one-two, the Red Bull drivers were asked about Vettel’s gearbox
woes, and somebody implied that his pace suggested a cover-up, and that the
win was little more than a “thank you” gift to Webber at the end of a tough
season. “I can promise you,” Vettel said, “that I had a problem.”
After a couple of minutes, Button intervened. “Look,” he said, “whenever you
have a problem with a racing car, you adapt. It’s the same when you are told
to save fuel. You adjust your driving to accommodate the situation and
within half-a-dozen laps you’ll be lapping at the same pace you were before.
It’s completely normal.”
Vettel took an early lead from pole position, but the world champion’s pace
was stifled by the gearbox problems and he ceded his advantage just before
half-distance. Webber drove faultlessly thereafter.
Button, who started from third on the grid, was overtaken by Ferrari’s
Fernando Alonso after 11 laps but caught the Spaniard in the final stages to
secure third place and second in the final drivers’ standings.
Away from the spotlight, the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix featured a couple of
unsung cameos. After 322 races, and having made history as F1’s most durable
driver, Rubens Barrichello has pledged to continue next season – although he
remains without a contract and precious few seats have still to be filled.
Despite his protestations, it is possible that yesterday’s race – in which
he finished 14th for Williams – will be his last.
It was definitely the final race for Patrick Head, part of the Williams set-up
since the current team was formed in 1977 and the technical linchpin behind
much of its F1 success in the 1980s and 1990s. The Englishman did not
mention as much, but he is retiring from the sport.