Whitmarsh would not change Hamilton attitude

Image via Wikipedia

Martin Whitmarsh has stood behind the racing mentality of Lewis Hamilton following his crash on the final lap of the Italian Grand Prix.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver would have been guaranteed third place and a podium with a steady last lap at Monza.

However, as he pushed to try and catch a rival, he clipped a curve, which resulted in him spinning into a wall and retiring from the race.

Whitmarsh, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal, told the BBC: "Lewis is just a racer, he pushes and pushes. You don’t want to change that in a great, great champion and a great racing driver.

"He was racing to the very end and that’s how he is. He was there fighting for position and his competitive spirit kept him pushing until the end. He wants to win and compete, that’s what makes him who he is."

After the race, Hamilton apologised to the team for his error, although teammate Heikki Kovalainen did collect three points for finishing in sixth spot in Italy.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have now picked up 47 points this season to sit in fourth spot in the constructors’ championship.