Splash! Hamilton dominates the British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton did the best thing he could do to answer his critics by putting in a stunning performance to win yesterday's rain soaked British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The Englishman pushed on through the spray to take his second win of the season and put the bad memories of Canada and France to rest. 'Quick' Nick Heidfeld made something of a comeback to take second in the BMW and Rubens Barrichello put in a fine drive to get third on the podium.
Elsewhere, Ferrari were having a dog of a day, with Massa spinning five times during the course of the race. With his copybook well and truly blotted, the Brazilian trailed home 13th and last. Raikkonen managed to salvage what was left by coming home fourth, but it was an important strategy decision that really mauled the Ferrari's chances. By lap 18, the Finn had cut Hamilton's lead to just 2.3 seconds but the different decisions made by the Ferrari during the pit-stop (surprise, surprise) really ruined Raikkonen's chances. McLaren put fresh intermediate tyres on Hamiltons car, however Ferrari chose to keep Raikkonen's original tyres. Then it rained again and Raikkonen's worn tyres couldn't do the job as well as Hamilton's. The Ferrari dropped down the order as Raikkonen lost touch with Hamilton and fell prey to Heidfeld at Luffield.
Ross Brawn must have been smiling on the pit wall as his old team floundered and Barrichello, on extreme wet tyres worked his way up the order to third. The Honda tech chief took no chances in the awful weather and his decision paid dividends. Ferrari on the other hand, must be taking turns hitting themselves with a very big stick.
So now we have a three-way tie at the top, with Hamilton, Raikkonen and Massa all having scored 48 points each so far. Kubica (who found the sandtrap yesterday) is just two points off the top as well. The next round is Hockenheim in Germany and with a championship and the erratic form of the top drivers, who knows what will happen next?
Other news
David Coulthard has announced his retirement, however he probably won't want to remember too much of his last British GP, careering off the track with Vettel in tow. What he will want to remember are his thirteen Grand Prix wins, particularly his vitories at Silverstone in 1999 and 2000. Whilst I've not always been a fan, the man is a true racer, a proven winner and speaks a lot of sense. He reckons that he won't be hanging up his helmet just yet, so who knows where he'll go next? How about a crack at Le Mans? I'm sure any sports car team would welcome his talent and experience. Anyway, all the best David!
