LONDON (Reuters) – McLaren had assured Lewis Hamilton that Jenson Button would not overtake him in the closing laps of the Turkish Grand Prix moments before his team mate went past, principal Martin Whitmarsh said on Tuesday.
The team boss, speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix, said the incident in the race ultimately won by Hamilton nine days ago was down to a simple communications error.
“Shortly after he was told that Jenson wouldn’t overtake him, Jenson did overtake him. (McLaren’s chief engineer) Phil (Prew) gave an opinion, and it turned out his opinion was wrong,” said Whitmarsh. “It’s as simple as that.”
McLaren were gifted a one-two in Istanbul after both Red Bulls collided, with Hamilton and Button then told to save fuel to the finish.
Before easing off, and in the lead, Hamilton sought an assurance that world champion Button was doing likewise.
“He (Hamilton) asked the question and Phil…gave an instinctive and immediate response, which is he didn’t think Jenson was going to pass,” said Whitmarsh.
However Button then closed the gap and took the lead momentarily, before Hamilton re-passed for his first victory of the season.
“I don’t think it was expected that Lewis would lift as much in Turn Eight as he did,” said Whitmarsh. “I think for Jenson, when he saw quite a big lift he thought it was his opportunity and subsequently made the pass.
“Lewis…wasn’t about to give up first place easily and made a fairly robust overtake to ensure he remained in the lead.”
Button is second overall, five points adrift of Red Bull’s Australian Mark Webber after seven races. Hamilton is third, a further four points back.
Reuters
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