Assessment: Hamilton offers a new podium to McLaren

After a race full of twists and turns, Lewis Hamilton, starting 17th, achieved a great feat by clinching a podium finish on this beautiful Interlagos track. Heikki Kovalainen, victim of several collisions and a pit stop marred by a refueling problem eerily reminiscent of Felipe Massa’s experience in Singapore in 2008, finished in 9th place, just outside the points.

Lewis Hamilton, the former world champion, helps his team secure 3rd place in the Constructors’ Championship. The final Grand Prix will take place in Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Hamilton – 3rd:

« It was an incredible race for me, I am so happy. This time, I wasn’t fighting for the title, but I am incredibly happy for Jenson [Button]. I congratulate him, his team, and his family. As for my race, I was far back on the grid, and I didn’t expect to finish on the podium, but I fought throughout the race. It was a great team effort. »

Heikki Kovalainen – 9th:

« Although the results do not show it, I had a good race. With the refueling issue, I lost 6 or 7 laps. I am very happy that our team has surpassed Ferrari in the Constructors’ World Championship.»

Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal:

First of all, I would like to congratulate Jenson Button, Ross Brawn, Nick Fry, and the entire Brawn team for winning the driver and constructor titles. I also congratulate Mercedes-Benz, who provided the engine for the Brawns. Jenson fully deserves his success. Rubens [Barrichello] and Sebastian [Vettel] have demonstrated that they are very good drivers. We adjusted Lewis’s strategy following the deployment of the safety car. After that, Lewis had a fantastic race from 17th on the grid to 3rd. Heikki could have scored points if he hadn’t caused his accident in the pits. Fortunately, no one was injured. We must defend our 3rd place in the Constructors’ World Championship in Abu Dhabi in 2 weeks.