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McLaren fear over Lewis car
David Smith, Sports Correspondent21.10.08
Lewis Hamilton may yet be robbed of a maiden Formula One world title by a mechanical failure.
With only the Brazil Grand Prix to come on Sunday week, Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren's chief executive, today admitted: "Our engines have generally been very reliable but you always worry because one slip and you can let a championship disappear."
Hamilton's team-mate, Heikki Kovalainen, suffered a blown engine in Japan two races ago and he was forced to retire from last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix with a hydraulic problem.
Adding to McLaren's concern is the F1 rule that engines must last for two races. Hamilton had a new engine in China, where he won in commanding fashion, and now he must use that same engine at Interlagos knowing it has already been subject to stress and strain.
By contrast, title rival Felipe Massa will have a fresh engine in his Ferrari and that could make him slightly more competitive.
Whitmarsh said: "It is very easy not to finish a Grand Prix. Things can go wrong. In terms of reliability issues there is, clearly, pressure."
Reader views (2)
I think the stewards will play a big part in the race, I'm sure they will stitch up Hamilton one way of another.
And as for Team orders, how on earth did Ferrari get away with it, it was so blatant, even if no specific orders came for the pit.
Raikonnen was much faster them Massa, and a better driver.
The FIA should have had the guts to strip Ferrari of their points.
- Malc, London, England.
It's a bit of a "filler" this one! Hamilton has not had any mechanical problems this year, and it's hardly going to be a strain to finish 5th. Ferrari have had by far the majority of mechanical failures.
- Paul, London
