Hamilton reveals tension with de la Rosa

[davewilson]

By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, November 29th 2006, 10:55 GMT


Lewis Hamilton has admitted there was some tension between Pedro de la Rosa and himself following the news that the Briton had landed the second racing seat at McLaren for next season.

Spaniard de la Rosa was Hamilton's main rival for the drive after racing for the team in the last eight races of the 2006 season following Juan Pablo Montoya's exit.

De la Rosa, McLaren's test driver since the 2003 season, lost out to the young British driver, who will partner Fernando Alonso at the team in 2007.

Both Hamilton and de la Rosa had to work together yesterday, as Formula One testing got underway again, and the GP2 champion revealed there was some tension between the two.

"It was quite tough because there was a bit of tension between myself and Pedro," Hamilton said. "We are friends but we didn't know who was to get the drive. Now it is out in the open we can get on with developing the car."

Hamilton admitted, however, that de la Rosa has been supportive since learning he would not race for the team next season.

"Pedro has been supportive. He is very professional and a driver I've looked up to him for many years," Hamilton said during testing at Barcelona.

"I can learn a lot from him. I am here to do my job so I will just focus on that."


The Stig

[Dare]

   I think Pedro deserved the ride next year
   with Hamilton gaining experience as the test driver

[romephius]

I couldn't agree more dare.  I think Lewis Hamilton would still be a good driver, however I believe that Pedro has done enough to prove himself worthy of that race seat, and the experience Hamilton would have gained from a test role would (in my humble opinion) have been a better way for him to prepare for a 2008 race seat.  But that is all in the past now, and all we can do is sit back and wait to see how young Lewis handles the role.

[davewilson]

Only Time Will Tell. But Pedro has never proved a thing.But Hamilton has to be in the frame,even to be selected by his Team.
Just sit back and watch the New World Champion Go Into Action

The Stig
I Never do predictions  If I Did Hamilton 20-1

Dare I mean't pennies

Ps .You Were Wrong About Andy

The Stig

[romephius]

Pedro hasn't proved a thing????

2006 Drivers Championship
 
Pos Driver Nationality Team Points
     
1 Fernando Alonso Spanish Renault 134
2 Michael Schumacher German Ferrari 121
3 Felipe Massa Brazilian Ferrari 80
4 Giancarlo Fisichella Italian Renault 72
5 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish McLaren-Mercedes 65
6 Jenson Button British Honda 56
7 Rubens Barrichello Brazilian Honda 30
8 Juan Pablo Montoya Colombian McLaren-Mercedes 26
9 Nick Heidfeld German Sauber-BMW 23
10 Ralf Schumacher German Toyota 20
11 Pedro de la Rosa Spanish McLaren-Mercedes 19
12 Jarno Trulli Italian Toyota 15
13 David Coulthard British RBR-Ferrari 14
14 Mark Webber Australian Williams-Cosworth 7
15 Jacques Villeneuve Canadian Sauber-BMW 7
16 Robert Kubica Polish Sauber-BMW 6
17 Nico Rosberg German Williams-Cosworth 4
18 Christian Klien Austrian RBR-Ferrari 2
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi Italian STR-Cosworth 1

I think this points table says different.  Remembering he was only in for 8 races.  Just a little something to ponder.

[davewilson]

Yes he is an outstanding driver,and you bring up his attributes.But i feel that he has not yet carved his way into the standard that will see him be outstanding in 2007.
Every Driver struggles,just look at Jenson.It takes time to get to the level,and even more time to stay there.I just feel Pedro has a bit of a way to go yet.

I am not Knocking him and as i said only time will tell

The Stig

[Dare]

Yes he is an outstanding driver,and you bring up his attributes.But i feel that he has not yet carved his way into the standard that will see him be outstanding in 2007.
Every Driver struggles,just look at Jenson.It takes time to get to the level,and even more time to stay there.I just feel Pedro has a bit of a way to go yet.

I am not Knocking him and as i said only time will tell

The Stig

   A drivers needs a good car to show his talents.Who'd
   Pedro ever drive for to show what he had,I know it
   wasn't Jag?Akk things aside he's prob. getting a little
   on in yrs,but he deserved 1 full season then step aside for
   Hamilton.


No It Was A Triumph Dolomite SPRINT !

[romephius]

As the esteemed Stig helped me realise, regardless of who you support as a driver, there are always going to be people who we feel have been hard done by, all we can really do is continue the support, and wish the newcomers the best.........and hope team bosses come to their senses.........