Ferrari chief attacks Lewis Hamilton for creating ‘false race’

Seconds out: Lewis Hamilton finishes on the podium but angers Ferrari
Marco Giacomelli13 April 2012

Ferrari launched a new attack on Lewis Hamilton today following his controversial second place at the European Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso was furious at Hamilton for passing the safety car following Mark Webber's 190mph smash at Valencia yesterday.

Alonso was forced to file in behind when running third, delaying his pit stop from which he eventually emerged in traffic, ultimately finishing eighth in his Ferrari.

Although Hamilton was rightly handed a drive-through penalty by the FIA stewards, it was served 17 laps after the accident, allowing the McLaren driver to retain second spot.

Alonso and team principal Stefano Domenicali both admitted to being "bitter" at the events with the double world champion further claiming the British driver disrespected the rules.

Ferrari vice-president Piero Ferrari spelled out his anger in a statement today, saying: "I am incredulous and bitter — not just for Ferrari — but for the sport as a whole, as this is not the sort of thing one expects from professionals.

"For a long time now, I have also followed races in championships in the United States, where the appearance of the safety car is a frequent occurrence.

"But I have never seen anything similar to what happened at the Valencia circuit. If it raises some doubts over the actions that led to a false race, to me that would seem more than reasonable."

Webber, remarkably, escaped unhurt from the accident while his team-mate Sebastian Vettel went on to take the chequered flag.

Vettel is now third in the standings and he said: "Looking at it now, I think it's between us and McLaren. There's still a long way to go."

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