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Hamilton's shame drives Formula One crazy as champion driven to despair

April 8 - 14, 2009
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The Malaysian Grand Prix was indeed a 'crazy' race as the triumphant Jenson Button put it after storming to his second straight victory of the season.

It was difficult to follow and even more difficult to fathom as the cars made multiple pit stops in driving rain, thunder and poor visibility. It was Formula One in a different light indeed.

But there was enough excitement before the race was called off after 32 of the scheduled 56 laps. Pole sitter Button slipped early on and slid from first to fourth by the second corner as cars lower down the grid made good ground.

Changing weather patterns however saw the Briton make a remarkable recovery and regain the lead after the first round of pit stops.

Button perhaps proved what he is capable of in a competitive car on turn 13 when he zoomed past Renault's Fernando Alonso and successfully overtook Toyota's Jarno Trulli to continue his fairy-tale run.

Brawn GP is certainly adding a new chapter to stories of great comebacks. They certainly have the fastest cars on the grid right now and are way ahead of the rest in both the drivers' and constructors' tables after just two races. This truly is a 'believe it or not' item.

Brawn GP has literally come back from scratch. Just a few months ago they did not even exist and today they are way ahead of multiple champions Ferrari and McLaren. Button and Ruebens Barrichello were not even sure of remaining in the sport.

The scenario is completely different now and Button and Barrichello are indeed having the best times of their lives.

On the contrary, defending champion Lewis Hamilton seems to be having the worst time of his life and has readily admitted it. Nothing seems to be working well. Testing before the season began was hardly encouraging and the timings since then clearly demoralising. Be it in practise, qualifying or even during the race, the McLarens have struggled for pace and punch.

It that's the story on the circuit, the happenings off it have been even more catastrophic, Misleading the stewards after the Australian Grand Prix not only destroyed the credibility of the team but also cast doubts over the integrity of the defending champion. Accused of withholding the full story, Hamilton has been the centre of ruthless criticism across the continents.

The tabloids had a field day, TV channels played over the incident repeatedly and bloggers were endlessly busy. A mock-up photo of Hamilton with a Pinocchio's nose was the pick of the week for many.

Hamilton has since then issued an emotional apology and McLaren has dumped its sporting director Dave Ryan who dealt with Trulli's overtaking of the Briton under the safety car conditions during the Australian Grand Prix.

But Hamilton is still pinned to this 'perilous corner' and McLaren fearful of more action from the governing body.

There has also been talk of Hamilton not only leaving McLaren but also quitting the sport itself. Though McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh is playing down the incident, it's quite clear the situation in the team is on the boil.

Hamilton may have salvaged some pride with some spirited racing at the Malaysian Grand Prix and even some relief by scoring his first point of the season finishing seventh, but he has to do much more to drive away the demons of the past fortnight.

The car has to not only pick up pace, but Hamilton himself has to have a change of heart and start believing in his abilities.

Hamilton may not have to look far and hard for inspiration. Tiger Woods, with whom he is often compared, is right there making a successful comeback.

The American legend sunk an incredible 16-foot putt on the last hole to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida just hours after the Australian Grand Prix.

It was Woods' first victory since undergoing knee surgery nine months ago. It was enough to set the golf world abuzz again. A similar victory for Hamilton can do the same to the world of Formula One.

But come to think of it, the Formula One season right now is not what is seems. An appeal against the diffuser of some cars, including championship leader Button's, is to be heard next week in Paris. For all we know, the FIA may dismiss the results of the first two races. Or they may not. Either way, interesting times ahead indeed.







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