Assessment – An unexpected first podium for McLaren

McLaren wanted to limit the damage at the start of the season with a car not yet fully competitive. The goal was modest, to reach the finish and possibly grab a point or two. It’s fair to say that the team from Woking managed this first race perfectly as they secured a podium finish!

Hamilton, starting last on the grid, ran a smart race to carve his way up to the front while Kovalainen’s race was cut short, involved in the Webber – Barrichello collision at the first corner.

Lewis Hamilton – Disqualified (finished 4th):

« We scored many more points than we could actually hope for. I was aiming to score one point, so getting six is a great success. We haven’t forgotten how to win: our strategy was perfect, and the team did a very good job. Given the package we have, I pushed the car to the limit, I had one of my best races and drove with an open heart, I am very satisfied. I also want to extend my sincere congratulations to Jenson, he drove brilliantly all weekend, and he and his team truly deserve this success. »

Heikki Kovalainen – Retirement:

« Obviously, my race was very short. Webber touched me in the first corner, his front wheel hit my left front wheel. It’s a racing accident, these things can unfortunately happen. »

Martin Withmarsh – Director:

« Today is one of those days where Lewis very clearly demonstrates just how fantastic a driver he is. Throughout the race, he showed speed and tenacity, with sometimes intelligent patience when it was needed. The car we entrusted to him wasn’t as competitive as we would have liked, we don’t hide that, but we are working tirelessly, day and night, to improve it. »

« The points scored by Lewis today are welcome, and when we regain our form, we hope they will become even more important. As for Heikki, he started with a heavy fuel load and could have also scored points today; unfortunately, through no fault of his own, his race ended very early when he got involved in a collision between two other cars. Finally, congratulations to Brawn GP, and of course also to Mercedes-Benz, whose excellent engines equip the top three cars.

Article modified on April 2 following the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton.