Tonight:
4°c
I did not hand Hamilton world title, insists Glock
David Smith4 Nov 2008
Timo Glock maintained today that he did not hand the Formula One world title to Lewis Hamilton by allowing the Briton to dramatically overtake him on the last lap in Brazil.
Hamilton made up eight seconds on the final circuit at Interlagos yesterday as he passed the Toyota driver with the finish line almost in sight.
Fifth place was enough to hand the 23-year-old the title by one point — if he had finished sixth then race winner Felipe Massa would have been crowned world champion instead.
Glock's decision not to change tyres as the rain began to fall looked to have been the correct one as he maintained his speed on the closing laps — only for him to leave thousands of Brazilian Formula One fans stunned as he slowed down at the end on what appeared to be one of the driest sections of the track.
But the German said: “It was a hard race. I tried my best to get some points for Toyota.
“Six laps from the end I asked about the tyre situation and about the weather conditions, and I said every time I'll stay out, one more lap, one more lap' and at the end I stayed out for the whole race.
“That last lap just cost us the chance to be in the top five, and in the end (decided) the world championship.
“I think at the end I didn't give the title to Lewis — I think they worked for that the whole year, and Felipe as well. They both did a really great job all year and in the end it was a dramatic finale.
“I think it's exactly what the fans want to see — maybe the Brazilian fans are not on my side any more but I tried my best and drove my race, and in the end I can't change the result.”
F1 tyres have an optimum operating temperature, and when they drop below that they rapidly lose grip.
Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren's chief operating officer, said the team's computer data was telling them Hamilton would catch Glock on the final lap which is why the Briton allowed Sebastian Vettel to overtake him three laps out.
“At the end, we could see the rain coming, the pressure was building, we know how slippery and difficult it is in those conditions and we made, I think, all the right calls,” Whitmarsh told Radio 5Live.
“But we had to believe in ourselves that we had made the right calls, that we shouldn't have taken big risks defending against a charging Vettel, who had none of the pressure Lewis had.
“It was super-disciplined to believe that, in not out-and-out fighting and potentially losing it with Vettel, in the course of that final lap we would catch Glock.”
Hamilton has vowed never to put himself or his supporters through those agonies as he chases the multiple titles that could make him the biggest sporting star in the world.
At 23 years and 301 days old, Hamilton became the youngest champion in the 58-year history of Formula One and Briton's first since Damon Hill.
Hamilton said: “I hope this is the first of many championships.
“But I don't know if my heart can take that final lap in many more seasons. I'll try to do it in better style next time.”
When he crossed the finish line, the McLaren driver had no idea whether he was champion. He added: “I was shouting do I have it, do I have it?'. Then they came on the radio when I was at Turn One and they told me. I was ecstatic. It was one of the toughest races of my life, if not the toughest.”
Hill, who took Britain's last world title in 1996, led the tributes to Hamilton.
Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, said: “He is possibly one of the greatest drivers we have had in this country and I think he is going to go on to win many more world titles.”
Red Bull's David Coulthard (above), whose last race before retirement ended in a collision on the first lap, said: “I think I played a part. He was the young guy for many years at McLaren when I was racing there —the young apprentice if you like — and he's gone on to achieve what I never managed to achieve. He deserves this championship.”
Three-time champion Sir Jackie Stewart was also full of praise.
“There's no reason why Lewis can't win more titles,” said Stewart. “He's with probably the best racing team, and he has exceptional talent and raw skill.”
Four-time F1 runner-up Stirling Moss added: “He's good in the wet, good in the dry — he's a remarkably good driver.”
However, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan was less impressed: “Lewis is a great street-fighter on the track, but when he becomes defensive and does not get pole position I am concerned that his guile is always a lap or two too late. It is a miracle he won.”
Reader views (26)
How can people say that Glock slowed down to let Hamilton win the world championship?! Firstly Glock has no reason to do Hamilton any favours - they have had a run in or two already this season and are not exaclty mates. Plus on the last lap there were 2 cars still on slicks - Glock and Trulli. They both ran almost identical lap times. For the very simple reason that it was wet on the track and neither Trulli or Glock could get any grip - end of story!
- Dylan, London, 04/11/2008 15:18
Report abuse
If I had the money I would leave this country too and its bunch of moaning losers, and why bother writing about it being boring when you obviously haven't the interest or wit to try and understand the tactics and stategies that make up the sport.
And hurray for the fact it's on the BBC next year and the untimely adverts will not be there to ruin the flow. Great job Lewis.
- Paul, Hertfordshire, 04/11/2008 09:01
Report abuse
And the Ferrari-loving Ferrari-biased FIA can't do a thing about it.
I haven't stopped laughing since yesterday.
Tifosi? You get what you reap you racists!
- Tangomike, Kensington, London, 04/11/2008 01:13
Report abuse
there is no doubt Timo Glock slow down lo let Hamilton pass. Timo didn't do any favors to sport and the F1. Hamilton has become world champion thanks to Timo Glock, I guess this German guy is expecting a Maclaren job offer any time soon. As for Hamilton who won just by a point he better enjoy it, not every year is gonna be a lucky one and not every year there will be a Timo Glock willing to give him a hand when he can't do by himself.
- John Span, london, 03/11/2008 23:12
Report abuse
These people don't like to live in Britain because the taxes here have become too high. It was funny I think it was Crash Gordon this morning blurting out congratulations... it was Crash who has lost him to taxes!! They only lived in Britain too short. Now they went - nothing produced here so I don't know why the press applauds this boy?
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London, 03/11/2008 22:52
Report abuse
E sullivan - he left britain because of the paparazzi not because of tax breaks. So can you please stop the negative remarks and embrace a new british hero
- Tony, london, 03/11/2008 22:23
Report abuse
Well done lewis. just a thought??? is'nt racing about geting from the start to the finish as fast as you can?. So when a driver slows up to let his team mate pass so he can get extra points he's not racing.
- Bill Gallagher, newport South wales, 03/11/2008 21:34
Report abuse
Not sure what happened there but did not look too good I must admit. After the spionage controversy with McLaren last year, anything is possible. If Lewis is as good as he claims to be, he'd been on the podium this weekend and taken part of the press conference. Let's se what he can do next year because Alonso and Renault are back in shape and Ferrari is always Ferrari.
- Lee Miller, London, 03/11/2008 20:39
Report abuse
WELL DONE Lewis, but can we now see less of your father who all ways seems to be trying to get in the lime light. You dont see any other F1 driver being trailed around by his dad
- John Rooney, lincoln england, 03/11/2008 19:21
Report abuse
Glock is a German ,Mclaren is run by the Mercedes engineering divison which is German and i think if you look a bit closer Glock is in a contract with Mercedes to drive various Sports cars and possibly in the World Touring Cars if required.I wouldnt be a bit suprised to find a link with Mclaren and Glocks team also.
Ferrari lease engines to other teams, Mclaren own most of the young drivers contracts,how is it ever going to be pure motorsport,where its down to driver talent or best chassis ?
- Peter, Hartlepool, 03/11/2008 17:53
Report abuse
Lewis' success is down to pure hard work from both himself and his father. They should be held as an example that, in this increasingly cynical time, one's dreams are achievable as long as the one is prepared to put in the work. Their character and vision have paid dividends and I for one am glad that he won. Live the dream, mate.
- Faraz Fookeer, London, UK, 03/11/2008 17:50
Report abuse
Marcos. I assume you watched the same race last year when Massa clearly and deliberately allowed his team mate Raikannen to pass him and claim the World Championship by one point. Massa's move was clearly against the FIA rules of team orders, but no one dared say anything because it was the FIAs favourite team Ferrari. Hamilton deliberately allowed Raikennan, Massa and Alonso to get ahead so that Raikennan or Alonso could not return the favour to Massa or become involved in a 'racing incident' that could have resulted in Hamilton being forced to retire. There is no evidence to suggest that Glock was doing a favour for Hamilton or anyone else. Well done Lewis.
- Pete, Croydon Uk, 03/11/2008 17:44
Report abuse
Oh dear, Max. Where were you and the FIA? And why the hate for Ron Dennis? Could it be that Mclaren are very successful? Whereas MARCH.... who? Says it all.
- Mic, Portugal, 03/11/2008 17:25
Report abuse
Formula One must be the only sport (if it can be called a sport) where only a privileged four persons can possibly win the world title. Those who are lucky enough to drive for either Ferrari or McLaren. Hardly a level playing field. To make a boring spectacle rather more interesting, why don’t the leading drivers, in certain selected races, be obliged to drive the slowest cars just to find out just how ’superior’ they are to other drivers.
- William Boreham, mitcham uk, 03/11/2008 16:45
Report abuse
I agree well done Lewis, but the people who are pointing out that he now lives in Switzerland do have a point. He was educated in a state system in England, did not pay for his education, was looked after free on the NHS until he left school. He is now earning he is putting nothing back into the society that has helped raise him I think that he should have paid tax and national insurance for a few years.
- E Sullivan, London, 03/11/2008 14:46
Report abuse
Well done maybe..but my god what a boring sport f1 is,ive seen more overtaking in the burger van que..the sports stinks of politics,drivers moving over for so called favours,the cars are more or less computer driven...boring,boring,boring.
- Phil, croxley, 03/11/2008 14:21
Report abuse
What a fantastic race and end to a championship result. The most exciting I have ever witnessed see-sawing from despair to elation within a matter of seconds. The best ever, but why oh why do the British despise anyone who excels at anything in this country. I think it must be plain envy of other peoples success and does not show Britain in a good light. We should support our guys through thick and thin and enjoy their achievements. WELL DONE LEWIS!!!!!! Just a point to note about him living in Switzerland. If the critics were earning the money that Lewis is then they would probably not want to pay most of it in tax either so they shouldn't be such hypocrites.
- Carole Carter, Ammanford, 03/11/2008 12:49
Report abuse
The amount of envy on this board is so strong you can actually smell it!! Go back to your desk job boys and the no doubt accompanying obesity. Congratulations to all sports men and women (Paula Radcliffe anyone?) who go for guts and glory and wave the British flag!
- Anna, London, 03/11/2008 12:32
Report abuse
What a huge task young Hamilton has accomplished listen the boys done good who cares his in Swizerland Becks is in the states for the football yeah? His a legend to not only come close from last year with alonso sulking but this year on his own back...........Im pleased
- Chamberlain, E.London, 03/11/2008 12:26
Report abuse
Wow, will you listen to these moaners....
Hamilton comes from nothing, his dad worked his backside off to help him when he was younger and his disabled brother is his biggest supporter.
He wins the world championship by driving brilliantly for britain and you people can only slag him off.... Typical !
I'm delighted for him and think he's great. Mansel lived out of the UK as well, so why slag Lewis off?
Well done to him, his family and Maclaren...
Oh, his bird is fantastic too... Lucky old him 
- Mark, st albans, 03/11/2008 12:19
Report abuse
A thoroughly deserved world championship winner, especially after all the deliberate discrimination/conspiracy against him by the marshalls and powers-that-be in Formula One!
Well done Lewis!
- Tim B, Addlestone, 03/11/2008 11:55
Report abuse
If that was the most exciting race ever then it only confirms my view that F1 is only worth watching for the start and possibly the end. The most dull 'sport' imaginable. Fortunately, the BBC decided to support our world beating cyclists on BBC2 with 3 hours of thrills and spills from a bunch of athletes who continually deliver and don't endlessly choke or make silly mistakes like this overpaid Swiss tax-exile
- Jonathan, London, 03/11/2008 11:21
Report abuse
Why is Lewis Hamilton so keen to wave the British flag? He chose to live in Switzerland.
- Mc, London, 03/11/2008 11:04
Report abuse
all though I'm glad that Lewis won, my heart goes out to Philipe, so close yet so far. And that Timo was giving me heart failure, but thanks Timo, not so close next time though eh!
ken moody
sheffield
yorkshire
- Ken Moody, sheffield uk, 03/11/2008 10:42
Report abuse
So, smarmy Hamilton is now a national hero for coming fifth in a sport so boring it makes Gordon Brown seem interesting.
- Eddie, London, 03/11/2008 10:18
Report abuse
Very wise words: suddenly slowed.
Why Glock suddenly slowed his car with meters to finish the race?
It casts a huge shadow of doubt. Did he deliberately slowed his car to allow Hamilton to win?
I smell a Schumi-Barichello repeat.
The European Union together to win at all costs.
- Marcos, London, 03/11/2008 10:10
Report abuse
