“With hindsight you have to say if you are dealing with someone like that then
you maybe have to take a different approach,” Whitmarsh observed.
Fernando Alonso’s brilliant victory from 11th on the grid only made Hamilton’s
bloody-minded refusal to bank the safe points seem all the more misguided.
It was the Spaniard’s 20th consecutive points finish, his remarkable
consistency translating into a 20-point lead in the Formula
One drivers’ championship thus far this term despite a car which was
written off in March.
Hamilton’s response to the Valencia setback, his first of a season in which he
has shown great maturity, should be instructive. Will he pick up where he
left off in Montreal or let the incident get to him, as he was prone to do
last year?
Worryingly perhaps, four days after the event Hamilton was reluctant to
concede Whitmarsh’s point. “Hindsight’s a great thing,” he said when it was
put to him. “But when you’ve worked your arse off to get to where you are
you want to hold on to every little position you have.” But could he have
held Maldonado off until the chequered flag? “No.” Why, then, sacrifice 12
points in a vain attempt to hang on to 15?
“It doesn’t matter talking to you about what might have happened because it
didn’t happen and we move forward,” he continued somewhat testily. “But of
course if you’re in that position again you definitely approach it
differently. And I will. But I don’t feel that this year that I have been
aggressive one bit. And so I definitely don’t feel that I deserve that
[label].” Hamilton’s irritation with the line of questioning was
understandable.
He has in the main driven beautifully this season, barely putting a wheel out
of place. He knows he gave up some easy points in Valencia.
Which is why his response will be fascinating. Will he rein in his attacking
instincts for fear of a repeat? Or stick to his tried and trusted approach?
Either way, the 100,000-plus crowd at Silverstone are in for a treat in this
most thrilling of seasons. 2012 has been an orgy of on-track action;
featuring seven winners in eight grands prix with almost every race
confounding expectations.
What will the next installment bring? An eighth different winner perhaps? Both
Sauber and Lotus have been knocking at the door. As has Michael Schumacher.
What a story that would be if Mercedes’ 43 year-old could land a fourth
victory around the old Northamptonshire airfield.
There is no doubt what the punters would like as an Olympic aperitif: a home
winner.
What better time for Jenson Button to break his Silverstone jinx? The 2009
world champion has never so much as made the podium in 12 visits to the
circuit as a Formula One driver and his form has deserted him, with just six
points from his last five races. He sounds confident.
“I know it’s been a bit up and down this year in terms of trying to understand
why a car works and doesn’t work on certain circuits,” he said. “But
Silverstone should be pretty simple. If you have good downforce at high
speed you’re quick around Silverstone. So it’s the best opportunity to
challenge for a victory.
“It does hurt that I’ve not been on the podium. The home crowd is so
supportive. Even when I’ve had difficult years they’ve been so supportive.
So to repay the fans – just as much as me personally wanting to get a result
there – it would be very special, even to get on the podium. But I go there
to win the race, not to be on the podium.”
As does his team mate. Hamilton has tasted what it’s like to win in front of
his home fans – and as someone addicted to winning he wants more. “I always
remember leading the race in 2008 and coming through Abbey. And every time I
made it, as everyone else was spinning off, aquaplaning, everyone would
stand up. Every lap. And it was peeing down, horrible weather. But they
didn’t care. They were so passionate.
“I want to get back up there, hear the national anthem. See the crowd.”