LEWIS HAMILTON HAS been told by Formula One’s governing body that his accusation they endangered lives in the Tuscan Grand Prix is “offensive”.
The FIA have taken a dim view of Hamilton’s incendiary remark which the six-time world champion made in the aftermath of Sunday’s crash-strewn race at Mugello.
Hamilton felt the lights on the safety car were turned off too late in a deliberate ploy to back up the field and spice up the restart. The switching off of the flashing bulbs indicate when the race is resuming. A huge pile-up ensued after the safety car peeled into the pits.
Hamilton said: “They are trying to make it more exciting but today they put people at risk. It was over the limit. It wasn’t safe.”
But responding to Hamilton’s remarks, FIA race director Michael Masi rubbished the Briton’s claim.
“From an FIA perspective, safety is paramount, full stop, end of story,” he said.
“We are absolutely not trying to spice up the show. In my capacity as race director, my role is sporting integrity and safety and anyone that says otherwise to that is actually quite offensive.”
Hamilton also said there needs to be a rethink as to how the safety car is used.
But Masi, the Australian who succeeded Charlie Whiting following his death last year, added: “Simply put, the drivers can criticise all they want, but if we look where the lights were extinguished on the safety car to the control line [where the race resumes] the distance was similar if not longer than a number of other venues.
“We have the 20 best drivers in the world, but in the Formula Three race, those drivers in the junior category had a very similar restart to what occurred in the Formula One race and they navigated it without incident.
“I don’t think there is any need to review the safety car restart rule.”
Hamilton is also being investigated by the FIA because of the T-shirt he wore before and after Sunday’s race.
The message on the T-shirt read: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”
Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot dead by police in her Louisville home six months ago.
The FIA – a non-political organisation – will assess whether he broke any rules.
Despite the chaotic nature of Sunday’s race, Hamilton claimed his sixth win from nine rounds this season to extend his championship lead over team-mate Valtteri Bottas to 55 points.
Hamilton also moved to within one victory of Michael Schumacher’s record with his 90th career win.
He will be given his first shot at matching Schumacher’s record at the Sochi Autodrom in Russia a week on Sunday.
“It just doesn’t seem real,” said Hamilton on the possibility of equalling Schumacher’s tally. “Getting these wins is not easy, but I never thought I would be here, that’s for sure.”
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Can’t stand that Irelands call. We are a one nation team. Surely a better sing than a Phil coulter ditty would be better. Cmon Ireland
We’re not a “one nation team”.That’s non negotiable.Accept it and show some respect to the Bests and Trimbles in Irish rugby.
One nation two jurisdictions. Irish is Irish whether it’s the North or the Republic
Eh that’s what i meant! republic and northern Irish players playing as one.
Leslie, my comment was directed at Peter Rice. I agee with you of course
sound Peter my reply was not for yourself either, was meant for the other chap too :-)
The whole point of introducing Ireland’s Call – I also hate it btw ;-)…. – was that many of the Northern players don’t see themselves as Irish. Like it or not, that’s the reason….
Mattoid, of course they see themselves as Irish, but not of the Republic. They also believe, as I do, that the Irish Rugby team represents Irish nation as a whole and not just the Republic.
Well they sure as hell aren’t going to see themselves as English, Scottish or Welsh! The point is they don’t feel represented by Amhran na bhFiann, and that applies as much to the fans as the players.
Murray is mad for them box kicks. Can’t really see the point in giving up possession. Am I missing something?
Sooner the better we realise Ireland are not as good as we all think. Their an average team have been for last 3 years
Not too bright are ye Thomas? Average yet they’ve beaten top rugby teams like France, south Africa, Australia and Wales over the same 3 year period. Not bad when rugby is very much a 3rd sport in Ireland – GAA and Soccer being the most played.
Fair play to Trimble with the token try at the end – best looking scoreline in a long while for Ireland!
Token?
Higgins would make a better scrum half than murray !!
Feargal you are a loser.
TP;Toilet Paper…I have to go soon, enjoy :D