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Todt Defends Hamilton Amid Criticism

After Bernie Ecclestone, the president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt now defended Lewis Hamilton from the criticism and “aggressive image” associated to him in recent months.

Hamilton has so far been involved in 2 racing incidents this season, being first warned by the FIA stewards for weaving in straight line ahead of Renault's Vitaly Petrov and then handed a reprimand for a pit lane incident with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel. Asked by the Spanish media to share his view on Hamilton's behavior on track this season, Todt was cautious on criticizing the Brit.

In the (China) pitlane, it was not just Hamilton but Vettel was also there. I don't know if you can say he is any different in terms of behavior than the others, and it is the stewards who must decide,” said the Frenchman.

Additionally, the former Ferrari team boss underlined that Hamilton “has an image that is perhaps more unfavorable than others due to his coexistence with Alonso,” back when the two were teammates at McLaren in 2007. Needless to say, that applies in Spain more than in any other country.

Triple Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart also hit back at criticism against Hamilton's racing style this season, insisting that the McLaren driver has actually “woken up” a lot of drivers from their latent way of approaching the sport.

He has woken up a lot of drivers with his skills. I don't think he is dangerous. He has got a lot of enthusiasm, but he has to realize that can induce judgements you otherwise might not make. That is part of the maturing process,” said Stewart.

In 4 races this season, Hamilton has pulled off no less than 32 overtaking maneuvers.
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