Niki Lauda Critic of Hamilton for Abandoning German GP

Triple Formula One champion Niki Lauda publicly criticized Lewis Hamilton for his decision to let go of the German Grand Prix last weekend following his puncture in the very first corner of the race. The reigning world champion has had a great start at the Nurburgring but, as he recuperated 2 positions by Turn 1, suffered a puncture that eventually dropped him to last place in the race.

He then asked his team, via the radio, that he would rather enter the pits and call it a day, therefore protecting his engine and gearbox for the future races. Under the current FIA rules, a driver is entitled to only 8 engines per season, any extra unit in the late stages of 2009 enforcing a 10-place grid penalty for that race.

However, the McLaren officials did not agree with their ace, telling him to stay on board and finish the race in his McLaren MP4-24.

Asked by Germany's Bild newspaper what he would have done under the circumstances – being in Hamilton's shoes, that is – Lauda did not hesitate.

“I wouldn't have dared. A driver should drive because that's what he is paid to do. Everything else is decided by the bosses,” said Lauda, while insisting Hamilton's desire did not bring him any pluses in terms of image. “It did not make a good impression,” concluded the Austrian driver, former consultant of Ferrari.

Hamilton eventually crossed the finish line in last place from the remaining cars on the track, one lap down to the leaders.