Lewis Hamilton, racing agitator

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) is currently only fourth in the general classification of the World Championship of Formula 1 but, undoubtedly, the Briton is the driver who has stood out the most at the start of the season. In four Grands Prix, especially in Australia, Malaysia and China, the 2008 World Champion has transformed into a free electron, capable of chaining overtakes throughout the laps. So much so that the Briton has accumulated 32 overtakes in four races. “ 32? Really ? Well I always run with all my heart, that must be why », he reacted earlier in the week.

In Australia, the protégé of the Woking team, starting from eleventh place, had increased his overtaking at the start of the race on a track with precarious grip, to climb up to third place. A poor tire strategy from his team caused him to lose three places, finishing in sixth position. But the behavior of the McLaren driver dazzled the public. “ I undoubtedly practiced one of the best pilots of my life », Commented Hamilton at the end of the race.

During the Malaysian Grand Prix, rain during qualifying sent Hamilton to the back of the grid. Starting 20th, the Briton got off to a great start, ranking 13th at the end of the first lap. The World Champion then picked up lap after lap, waging a magnificent battle against Vitaly Petrov, before finishing in sixth place.

Finally, in China, Hamilton was once again the great entertainer of the race. Victim of an ill-advised double tire change, the McLaren driver continued to overtake, overtaking big names in the field to finish in second place.

Although he is spectacular on the track, the Briton is also criticized for his aggressive driving and his lack of sportiness. In Malaysia, Hamilton slalomed past Petrov (see video) to avoid an expected overrun; in China, he fought against both Red Bull : in front of Hag while driving head-on in the pits (see video) and to Webber during a restart, pushing him off the track. A muscular behavior which earned him a warning from the sports commissioners.

But, for Bernie Ecclestone, the spectacle offered by the McLaren driver is much more important than the risk generated by his driving. “ People should stop complaining about Lewis and his driving style, declared Ecclestone in the columns of the Daily Star. He has been fabulous this season with lots of spectacular overtakes. I love his style and, I think, the fans do too. » In Barcelona, ​​the Briton's sparkling steering wheel strokes will still be awaited, for the return of F1 to Europe.