Dennis: No 'extra' help for Lewis

Re-published from Planet F1. With regards the German GP at Hockenheim where Heikki "gave way" to Lewis, I wish to point out my opinion on the matter. It looked like team orders and many people, especially the Lewis and McLaren haters out there would like to believe it that way but I tell you, it was not.

It was actually a simple case of mathematics. Heikki, not being an asshole unlike some people we know, knew that he has no chance at this year's championship and that McLaren are quite far off in the constructors. It would be better for him to support Lewis so Lewis could win the championship and himself try to finish as high as possible for the team.

Even if it was team orders, it would have been discussed before every race - that should a situation arise, Heikki should support Lewis. Did you think that if Lewis was at P13 and Heikki P4, Heikki would wait to let Lewis pass? C'mon people, logic. There is no way it can be proven as team orders as team orders are banned and any team stupid enough to say it over the radio would get hauled up by the FIA.

Sunday 27th July 2008

Ron Dennis has dismissed claims by Sir Jackie Stewart that Lewis Hamilton's bid to win the World Championship depends on the support he gets from Heikki Kovalainen.

Triple World Champion Stewart believes "Kovalainen has got to be able take a position away from a Ferrari driver".

However, Dennis insists Hamilton doesn't need any extra help from the Finn.

"I have enormous respect for Sir Jackie, he was one of grand prix racing's truly great World Champions. Equally, we're always willing to accept constructive criticism and the affection felt in Britain for Lewis means lots of people are anxious to give well-intentioned advice," Dennis is quoted by Autosport.

"But the fact is that Sir Jackie retired from motor racing in 1973, which is 35 years ago, and the sport has moved on in that time. His suggestion that Lewis's World Championship campaign depends on Heikki's assistance presupposes that Heikki's task is to drive in support of Lewis, and that simply isn't the case.

"The truth is that Lewis doesn't need any extra help. He and Heikki are good mates but they're both highly competitive individuals and they take their own decisions.

"We have a long history of giving our drivers equal treatment and opportunity, and that isn't about to change."