Bernie Ecclestone has leapt to Lewis Hamilton’s defence amid criticism of the 2008 world champion’s recent driving tactics.<\/p>\n
Commentators including Niki Lauda have harshly criticised the 26-year-old for his recent aggressive driving, including crashes and controversy at the most recent grands prix in Monaco and Canada.<\/p>\n
But F1 chief executive Ecclestone insisted: “People have been wrong to rubbish Lewis.<\/p>\n
“What we want is people racing, and all the people who watch it want that,” he told the Independent.<\/p>\n
Hamilton’s boss Martin Whitmarsh also urged Hamilton, who collided with his teammate Jenson Button in Montreal, to keep racing rather than worrying too much about crashing.<\/p>\n
“If he holds hold back for fear of having contact then he won’t be the great racer he is and do the job he has to do,” said the McLaren team principal.<\/p>\n
Former F1 driver Jos Verstappen wrote in his De Telegraaf newspaper column that the criticisms of Hamilton in recent days have been “exaggerated”.<\/p>\n
“He has had two unfortunate races, but each incident must be viewed separately,” said the Dutchman.\u00a0 “In Monaco with Felipe Massa, he did something stupid.<\/p>\n
“But the collision with Button last Sunday was not Hamilton’s fault.\u00a0 I could understand his overtaking attempt there and Button could have given him more space.<\/p>\n
“Despite all the commotion Hamilton is a great driver.\u00a0 He just needs to empty his head now and get luck back on his side,” said Verstappen.<\/p>\n
Christian Klien thinks there is no chance Hamilton will change any time soon.<\/p>\n
“He is just a very aggressive driver; a thoroughbred,” the Austrian told Red Bull television Servus TV.\u00a0 “We (F1) need that and it’s because of that many races are so exciting.”<\/p>\n
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