When An F1 Pitstop Goes Horribly Wrong...(Deliberately!)

[@robertctaylor6197]

I always through Alonzo was the bag guy, now I can understand why he did what he did. There is always 3 sides to a story, 1 side, the 2nd side and then the truth.

[@lzh4950]

I heard that when Hamilton was waiting behind Alonso @ the pit box the latter was trying to ask over the radio why he had been given older tyres (he probably was suspecting the team was favouring Hamilton over himself then)

[@srxt6758]

@@lzh4950 he was. Right after they were dq'ed from the constructors shit started to get wild. Rather than back both drivers and win constructors title and possibly drivers title now that constructors was out of reach they chose to back their British boy to win the title. Giving Fernando old tyres and putting him on bigger fuel load. Fernando still outscored Lewis in final races. Not to mention Hungary was actually his pole position but certain blessed boy lucked out and won the race because of it...

[@robleurni8420]

So Fernando did it for a reason. People should know this, because most of the people only saw the pitstop part.

[@Deftonesdsm]

Agreed even season review seems to blame alonso without context. That said Mclarens year was real rough that year.

[@ctdesing]

Still the precision in which he did it is something else. Hamilton acted childish and Alonso act would be deemed as childish as well if you take out how precise he or someone else calculated the time. Revenging in a calculated way is the ugliest form of revenge. You don't want those kind of people as your enemy.

[@Deftonesdsm]

@@ctdesing yeah its impressive how on the fly in q3 alonso timed it perfectly but yeah that kind of stuff will tear a team apart. I don't envy Marc being over both teams of mechanics at the time.

[@Bahamuttiamat]

@ctdesing But isn't it beautiful?! Here we have THE strongest pairing in f1 history going toe to toe on track and psychologically. Reminds me of Canada 2013, DRS shenanigans. These guys are freaking insane!

[@robleurni8420]

Bahamuttiamat yes it is. But my point was that when people go back to the 2007 season usually see Hamilton as the good guy and Alonso as the bad one. And that’s not completely true.

[@steveamyot373]

That perspective of Lewis' role sheds a lot of light. Feeds into the requirement of the mental shift Nico had to undertake to win the championship. Also speaks to Valteri not challenging and why he is a valued team player for mercedes.

[@Bahamuttiamat]

@Steve Amyot so sure about that. It's well documented Nico was the one instigating mechanic changes, anything to disrupt Hamilton's momentum. In fact, according to nico, Michael played the most psychological games.

[@steveamyot373]

@@Bahamuttiamat oh i agree with you that Nico was the instigator. He had to use the same ruthless playbook that champions do. Watch the Michael Jordan documentary same modus operandi...win at all cost

[@Bahamuttiamat]

@Steve Amyot Great mini docu. Absolutely loving it. That said, as a player against his opponent MJ showed the utmost respect (for the time). F1 teammates aren't the same thing. They're not even teammates, they are competitors. Relationships work when there is trust and respect, once that's gone - game over.

[@d.b.cooper1]

@@Bahamuttiamat They literally handed Lewis's top engineers/mechanics to Nico for 2016 which I always found so insane, like clock work he ended up with the worst reliability he's ever had in recent years due to it. Apparently its all under NDA & neither can discuss it for a while.....there's always a journo who asks Lewis when his book is out so he can reveal what actually happened haha

[@warpbeast69]

@@Bahamuttiamat lolno there isn't any indication at the moment, we'll know more later.

[@ianmason3040]

We all remember Alonso holding up Lewis but I'd forgotten or maybe didn't know what Lewis did. Got a copy of your book but haven't read it yet - I wont have to at this rate :)

[@michaelb3167]

He needs to also talk about what elements within the team were doing before that race to turn Lewis into a #2 driver. He purposely left that out. Lewis fought back the best way he knew how and I’m glad he did and didn’t sit down and take the BS!

[@BIV13]

@SUPREME MEGATRON Marc literally said Lewis broke the plan that was clear, agreed upon and in place the entire season, then went silent. How is this Alonso's fault? Team fault for letting wrong driver fist- sure, Hamilton fault for braking the plan initiating all this mess and not responding after the fact - 100%, but Alonso? Come on. "Hamilton wasn't early, Fernando was late" is hell of a twisted logic, pure victim blaming if you ask me. Bringing Kimi to this makes no sense either, what difference does it make if he goes before or after them, it's not a race.

[@robindowse4473]

@@BIV13 Track position in Qually made an enormous amount of difference back then, hence why there was such an issue with Hamilton being in front of Alonso. Alonso wasn't just sulking because he wanted to sit in the front.

[@YASHRaj-tz6jj]

Alonso is always considered to be the toxic one .. cause he is always open about his feelings ... Same with vettel ... Or even verstappen . Lewis on the other hand plays mind games .. he doesn't say much but his actions over the years have cleared that much ... I'm glad that rosberg defeated him for the world title and proved that he is a better driver overall

[@menecross]

Alonso is a race genius. An evil genius, but a genius none the less.

[@MT-pv2rf]

Genius who got penalised at Hungary, only for Hamilton to win the race? Lol.

[@Pussik]

Alonso lost respect of the team, but gained mine. Wish to see more balls in f1 and guys like Alonso or Montoya. Fewer compliant business executors behind the wheel.

[@Bahamuttiamat]

His career died there.

[@dougjudy5352]

@@Bahamuttiamat Nope he had offer from Red Bull he could have easily won 4 championships. His career died due to wrong choices Ferrari in 2010 and that stupid Mclaren in 2015

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@dougjudy5352 He did not have an offer from Red Bull when they started winning. Any driver could have had an offer from trash Red Bull pre-2009.

[@bulalidazana3127]

How Alonso worked out that countdown was truly amazing!

[@cicci0salsicci0]

He was lucky

[@QemeH]

@@cicci0salsicci0 I agree with that. His focus was on not allowing Lewis the run and almost lost his in the process. Very dumb and petty move. (Although it should be said that the initiating move by Lewis is not only dumb, but also unsportsmanlike.)

[@Thehawkdown99]

@Firstname Lastname " when history goes the wrong way.." I dont see how history went "wrong"? And how did he "lucked" out? Winning six titles is lucky ?

[@motorsportfanboy7769]

@Firstname Lastname Not Lewis' fault he has good decision making while Nando is the opposite

[@rumblefish9]

@@QemeH Nothing about Alonso's decisions are lucky. You saw how he found a faster way at the start of the 2021 Russian GP? How he was the first person to utilize the banking to his advantage during the Dutch GP. Or how he held up Lewis in a much slower car for 10 laps at the 2021 Hungarian Gp. People don't seem to realize how intelligent alonso is even when all of his race engineers past and present have commented on it.

[@CGokul]

Marc, you need to make a sequel for the book!! I thoroughly enjoyed it and need more insider scoops!! :D

[@jacksonmowry]

He’s working on his next book!

[@JPIndustrie]

Wow I remember that , i remember the commentators saying the “Alonso was held by Hamilton now hes holding him up”... i guess your perspective it depends on what side of the car you’re on (or in) , but I’m not the least bit surprised that Alonso knew exactly the length of time needed to cut his teammate off but skirt within the lines , just shows how much drivers think about driving , all the time.

[@rumblefish9]

There is a reason why Alonso's race engineers all say he's the most intelligent driver they worked with. Ferrari's former sporting director Massimo Rivola said that Alonso often "made the pitwall feel like idiots". They had their computers but Alonso, who was supposed to be doing another job, was able to figure things out first before they did.

[@jonnyscott8910]

When I was reading that chapter of the book I nearly feel out of my seat at Lewis going rogue on his own team , as the press especially British press thought it was Alonso who did it and if the crew members on each side hadnto share hotel rooms then that would be awkward .p.s great video Elvis

[@chrisburnett7572]

I gained respect for Fernando that day. Racing is cut throat. It's always competition never forget that.

[@MT-pv2rf]

Alonso was already doing cutthroat things as he managed to get Ron Dennis to prioritise him over Hamilton in the first 5 races. So people shouldn't really be surprised at Hamilton's actions in Hungary.

[@idynamyk3939]

@@MT-pv2rf what do u smoke??

[@ThePositive88]

Never knew of Lewis role in it. Media only highlighted Alonso and his role in all of this and made him the villain. Guess Lewis was the real culprit here.

[@F1Elvis]

They both were...

[@kessu83]

@@F1Elvis How come both were? Team-A behaves according to an agreement. Team-H breaks the agreement and plans ahead to break it. Still is both teams fault? What sort of logic is that one? to promote bad behaviour but not reward honest one?

[@SuperPhelix]

I ordered my book a little over a week ago because of the Tales From The Treehouse videos!

[@F1Elvis]

Thank you, hope you enjoy it.👍

[@naiboz]

It’s a good book, great kimi stories

[@IRweasel1988]

I bought it over a year ago and found the it to be a great book, and I normally don't like reading at all... but the way it's put into words is just great!!

[@clansome]

@@F1Elvis You need the affiliate links Marc at least you'd get a couple of pence extra !!

[@ThePupil]

Thinking about doing the same, ebook or hardcover mm mmm

[@yumix77]

I am very surprised of the unawareness of British people about Hamilton behavior during that pit-stop. In Spain everyone knew that story just after the end of the pitstop.

[@jayb2705]

They know, I'm sure you have encountered the selective memory and bias of Hamilton fans after what happened at the weekend.

[@MT-pv2rf]

The only unawareness comes from the Spanish people who continuously push a narrative that the British press didn't report on any of this. Your claims are totally unfounded. The main British broadcaster on F1 at that time (ITV) reported on all of it and even did an interview with Hamilton that weekend where he spoke about ignoring the team order because he didn't want to lose a position to Kimi Raikkonen who was too close behind Alonso and Hamilton even said that he was in trouble with Ron Dennis because of it. Hamilton's actions were widely reported in evey major British publication at that time. Why do Spanish people continue to make such nonsense claims that they didn't report on it? The British press reported on all of this in far greater detail than the Spanish press and the British did it with less bias as well. Antonio Lobato has got to be the absolute biggest, mist biased Alonso fanboy in the world.

[@benn87]

Unawareness or simply ignorance?

[@19megamustaine85]

​@@MT-pv2rf Alonso fanboys will never react to this ,cheers !👍

[@channelrafy]

Fernando reacted in a crazy, bizzarre way? really? He got Lewis back good and he deserved it.

[@Lordsuhn]

I am a Lewis fan and not fond of Alonso, and I have to agree with this statement. Lewis acted badly and deserved what he got.

[@Formula1Madx]

@@Lordsuhn So what your saying is that Lewis deserved the pole position & race win because that is what he got 👍

[@demonwares]

When it's all said and done, Alonso never won a other thing ever again and Hamilton broke every record there is and continues winning... Now tell me, who got what he deserved?

[@Tierraje]

Yes he got Lewis back but at what cost? That situation looked so bad on him.

[@deekay2578]

@@demonwares whats ur point of view then?

[@Beauxb]

I can't deny, it does look a bit like "Tales From The Latrine"?! 😂 X

[@josesammut9396]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@robertmilligan2792]

Certainly opened my eyes to something that I thought that it was Fernando who was to blame for it all and Lewis was the innocent party but how thing's come to light but I must say Fernando must have some sort of built in computer to be able to drive the way he does and still be able to work out how much extra time he had to sit there to basically destroy Lewis's qualy lap another amazing insight to the workings of a f1 team keep it coming 👌👌👌

[@rumblefish9]

His former Mclaren race engineer called him "the most intelligent driver" he had worked with. His Ferrari race engineer has said the same.

[@kessu83]

Crazy to think how UK press has twisted the story to make Alonso looks bad. In reality Hamilton and his Engineers started it all by unilaterally deciding to break the agreement. Still amazes me how unrespected Alonso is. Alonso is a true gentleman. HE is so great, he doesnt need to play dirty at the track, he will just find a way to pass you. Sad to hear the truth doesnt align with the press and media. It just has created so much hate against Alonso. But that is how British historically deal with things that doesnt suits their narrative.

[@jarredmcguinn876]

funny how the 'Lewis Hamilton My Story' book failed to tell any of the actual truth of the events... hahaha his radio suddenly was working when he was being held up... Alonso - My man!

[@cesarsc971]

Very dirty move from hamilton. Fernando was very fair with him that season, but all have a limit.

[@kenanderson9331]

Egomaniacal you say? Certainly not in formula one racing? 😂

[@GibParadox]

The main F1 commentator in Spanish TV is close friends with Fernando, so we sort of got a bit more information than most other viewers. While anyone can understand the "hunter" attitude in most F1 drivers, I think the root cause of the whole 2007 disaster was that Ron Denis signed Fernando knowing Lewis was going to get special treatment. Surely, Lewis would know this "little detail", and obviously, Fernando, being the reigning world champion, was not going to accept playing second fiddle to a rookie (Lewis's undeniable talent aside). Basically, I think Lewis did what he was told to do. Fernando reacted with cunningly cold sharpness. So, in my opinion, this was all Ron's fault... and I suppose he largely miscalculated what Fernando's response would be (Spygate and all).

[@MT-pv2rf]

Antonio Lobato is the absolute least objective person you could ever use when it comes to Alonso. Also, you are completely wrong. It was Alonso who joined the team and had favouritism from Ron Dennis in the first five race weekends with Ron even admitting favouring Alonso on strategy at both the Australian and Monaco GP. Its mean come on mate. No team is going to favour a rookie over a reigning 2xWDC who had just beaten Schumacher. Marc Preistley even states in his book that when Alonso joined the team every team member wanted to work him, not Hamilton, because Alonso was the proven champion who they all saw as their best chance for success. Marc also states that Alonso was treated fairly in the team the whole season long which makes it even more ridiculous when people like you start commenting about how Alonso wasn't supported on his KZbin videos. It was only at the 6th race of the season in Canada that Hamilton was given equal status to Alonso. That's where the problems really started. Alonso wanted #1 status and couldn't handle the fact that Ron allowed Hamilton to fight him for the championship

[@GibParadox]

@@MT-pv2rf We can agree in Lobato not being very objective. Cannot blame him though. As for who was favoured... Alonso was basically forced to cut his hair in the same style as Hamilton. You're probably right.

[@alexlamas6324]

First, I finished your book last week and I must say it was a very enjoyable read. Your writing style is strait-forward and yet eloquent and descriptive. You're able to really paint a picture with plenty of emotion and atmosphere. On this selection it shows you the power of spite! Did Ron Denis have a talk with both of them afterwards? Did Lewis get reprimanded by Ron? Lewis was the instigator in that one. Ron seemed to be on the one hand a bit of dictator and other hands-off, letting the department heads do there job. But what was his leadership style like. We know the so called "matrix management structure" he left turned out to be a disaster for the team after his departure. Was in place when you were there?

[@iceman1125]

its a great book

[@ale-lp]

I can't believe that the team that managed to have Prost and Senna in the same team for a couple of years couldn't manage a new driver on the team together with a rookie... I can understand some shaky moment like that Hungarian GP, but I'm still surprised they didn't sort things out in an efficient way... Can you give any insight on what the team tried (if anything) to do to stop that chain reaction that cost them the title? (I'm glad it didn't work though, big Kimi fan here!)

[@F1Elvis]

You should read the book....😊

[@Sim.Crawford]

Highly recommend getting the book.. I had the physical copy then got the audio book for my old man.

[@ale-lp]

​@@F1Elvis Oh I really want to! There was only used or softcover options on Amazon when I checked, and the shipping to Argentina was a bit too expensive. I keep checking it regularly waiting for the right chance!

[@russburton8517]

@@ale-lp Get the audio version, no shipping and Marc does the audio

[@ale-lp]

@@russburton8517 yeah, I might do that... but I really wanted the book since I already have a ton of podcasts and stuff to listen.

[@GregsMowing]

8:40 same as todays lewis then. never changes 🤣 Quite interesting listening to landos interview on the f1 podcast. saying how lewis doesn't talk to many others of the bus that goes round the track. never greated new guys like Schumacher did with Pedro de la rosa at hotels etc. Great driver but doesn't help himself buy being all down when he isn't winning and on his own. Great video Marc.

[@MT-pv2rf]

This is BS. George Russell and Esteban Ocon, even Bottas as well actually, have all talked about how helpful Hamilton was to them, when they were the new guys in the team, learning the ropes. Russell and Ocon were in reserve driver roles, of course. They all say that they learned from Hamilton.

[@GregsMowing]

M T well listen to the podcast. I’m only saying what Lando said

[@raddad9041]

I don't know how you could be disappointed with Fernando for that. Is he supposed to sit there and just take getting bullied by Lewis? Nonsense - that is absolutely a measured and appropriate response. Sends a crystal clear message, doesn't damage anything, and the real blame lies clearly with Lewis.

[@F1Elvis]

Both behaved like kids that day I'm afraid...

[@peterlinley6520]

Thanks for another entertaining and insightful story. I remember the incident well and having now understood Lewis was the instigator I feel I badly judged Fernando. They were both wrong but Lewis broke the relationship, not Fernando and Lewis ultimately paid the price for his petulance. Fair play Fernando, I'd have done exactly the same in that position. 👍

[@F1Elvis]

It wasn't the first incident, I'd say they definitely both played their parts in the relationship breaking down.

[@anita2553]

I wasn't following formula one when this happened, but I know of the incident where Alonso was holding up Lewis. What I didn't know was what had happened before, so nice to hear what went on before the infamous incident.

[@TedSchoenling]

This was the McLaren Mechanics way of helping Kimi :P

[@MrBigbadbowen]

I haven't been keeping up with your videos, (I know, I'm sorry, I will perform penance later) but this little snapshot of a particular episode is great, well told! In that respect, I have the respect for Alonso because I think, as you demonstrated, he has the ability to drive like a bat out of hell, and still have the capacity to consider - if I stay still for x amount longer this will happen, Schumacher I think had the same ability, driving like he stole it, and (I think it happened at the Hungaroring incidentally) decided that if they pulled a pit stop at totally the unexpected time, it will hoodwink Mclaren (sorry Marc 😊) into demolishing their strategy, and it worked, again in France, driving like a nut case, and planning with his team a strategy that seemed outrageous almost, to undercut Kimi I think, now, whatever you say to me, Hamilton has not displayed that ability, as soon as something goes awry he starts jumping on the radio, questioning/blaming someone else about why hes not allowed to do what he wants, he maybe in a fast car but hes not a strategic driver for me,

[@KenPower1]

Alonso is smart, but I can't believe he was able to time his exit so perfectly. Did he get a sly nod from someone in his side of the garage? Thanks Marc for giving us the full story, I didn't know that Lewis had started that spat.

[@F1Elvis]

No, no assistance, it was a spur of the moment decision, no time for anyone to plan it in advance

[@michaelb3167]

Yes he did!

[@vausgsushh6137]

Yeah Marc gave him the nod😂

[@400person]

Great video Marc. Lewis’ role in this story is rarely ever told so thank you for giving all sides their due. I think this really speaks to how much development Lewis has had as a sportsman. I am not a fan of his, but I can’t imagine he would do something like that nowadays.

[@alancx523]

Marc, earlier in your book, you say that there was a point where the team allocated engineers to each driver. There was Alonso, the 2xWDC who's side everyone wanted to be on, and a rookie, who no one wanted to engineer. If I remember rightly, mechanics got bonuses based on what points their side of the garage won. So, even before the season started McLaren had one side happy and expecting big money, and one side gutted and expecting a lower paid year. So right there there was a problem. Look at the divided egos, with in one team. One side would subconsciously feeling and acting superior to the other side who feel a big down trodden in comparison. Then...... the rookie turns out to be, not just quick, but an earner. Not just an earner, but an ego boost. The down trodden are suddenly looking up. Not hard to imagine how the drivers get caught up in that. Not hard to imagine the rookie getting well above himself. Not hard to imagine how the 2xWDC starts to feel the pressure to deliver to his side of the garage. Set up like that, the potential for what happened was always there.

[@F1Elvis]

Sorry, that was never the case, not sure where you got that from? If there were bonuses, both sides of the garage got the same.

[@MT-pv2rf]

Regarding driver allocation, that's basically what Marc describes in his book, for those who want to pretend that Alonso joined a team that didn't support him and was completely focused on Hamilton. The truth is Alonso was seen as their best chance for success and every team member wanted to work on his car, not Hamilton's, for that very reason, obviously, as he was the proven reigning 2xWDC with years of experience while Hamilton was a relative nobody at that time. Alonso's crew of mechanic's and engineers were also loyal to Alonso the entire season as they had a fierce rivalry with Hamilton's side of the garage and wanted to beat them in the championship, even after Alonso tried to blackmail Ron Dennis.

[@alancx523]

@@F1Elvis so, essentially, my memory of reading your book is correct ish, except for the bonus bit, yes? Even you described Lewis' crew as "inevitably feeling second tier". What about "D-Day", as you put it? What about how you wrote R1 and R2 felt? Read it again, you give the distinct impression of a split in the team from the start. Although you do say you were previously on Kimi's side of the garage, maybe you never felt how the other side of the garage felt....... Your book clearly indicates different feeling with both crews. And that was the substance of what I said. Trashing my post like that is very disappointing Marc......

[@F1Elvis]

Alan, I wasn't 'trashing your post', but it suggested both sides of the garage were on some kind of bonus system linked to their driver, insinuating they had financial motive to focus solely on them...which simply wasn't true and you certainly didn't get that idea from me?

[@alancx523]

@@F1Elvis Ok Marc. Definitely all I said.....

[@CrazyTuco1]

Alonso is brilliant. Love him.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Beaten by Jarno Trulli in 2004. Embarrassing.

[@cesarxmbert]

@@ciaronsmith4995 so what? he beat Schumacher back to back and nobody said anything lmao.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@cesarxmbert What? Are you new? Watch the 2005 season. Michael didn't win a SINGLE race. Except Indy which was a gift. Kimi was the driver of 2005 but his car broke down and Alonso was nowhere in 2006 after mass damper ban. Kimi also beat MSC in 2005.

[@cesarxmbert]

@@ciaronsmith4995 MSC was the defending champion, he still ended up 3rd in the WDC my guy, if that doesn't mean anything to you, then... Idk. 3rd is 3rd at the end of the day.

[@charles4556]

@@ciaronsmith4995 Trulli was beaten by Alonso in both 03 and 04 seasons .. Embarrassing is what happened in 2014 when Alonso thrashed Raikkonen in the same car

[@davidbigwood8450]

Good time judgement by Alonso as you say. Remember Ron being so pissed afterwards....

[@Aletek]

I remember Ron walking down the paddock with an arm over Alonso's physio, as if he was about to summarily execute him. Those were the times.

[@markcooper8561]

I remember this race well, even better after hearing this 'Tale'. I also remember how disappointed I was with the behaviour of both drivers, having been a long time McLaren fan. Thanks Marc, great content as always.

[@Pogosoke]

he shouldve just (anti-)stalled, he wouldve looked like rosberg in monaco

[@albr4]

exactly, he might of got away without any penalty.

[@kondjanegongo796]

@@albr4 hind sight is always 20/20...

[@Kangaroo_Caught]

This made me think of a couple of drivers in red who didn't quite make the 2nd Q3 lap last year.

[@josiahboatengmyrie]

That was completely different every team acted like a bunch of fucking idiots that’s what caused that not just Leclerc not giving Vettel the tow

[@SteveMHN]

I've just literally read that part of the book myself. Very interesting to read about the professional side and the less professional drunken side of working at Mclaren lmao. Some great stories in there👍

[@ChadnandoAlonso]

I don' have a problem with Alonso receiving a penalty for blocking Hamilton in the pit. I have a problem with Hamilton NOT receiving a penalty for disobeying team orders and blocking Alonso on the track.

[@Milkydrummer]

I never knew Lewis started all that.... shame Fernando was made into such a huge scapegoat

[@F1Elvis]

They both played their parts, even before that race...

[@willf1sv5]

Question to Marc: Did Schumacher ever want to join McLaren during your time at the team?

[@F1Elvis]

Not that I'm aware of...

[@dasfonz4589]

You'll have to get on with the new book so we have more stories to continue these. They r so good.

[@TheRappos]

I just want to say I bought the book, and I really enjoyed it. There were so many interesting stories. The insight into Kimi's character was really enjoyable! thanks for sharing your story!

[@F1Elvis]

👍

[@guilemaigre14]

Damn, i was too young and not into F1 at the times. I wish i could watch that season back.

[@jimpix8019]

Guillaume Lemaigre You can on KZbin May the Force be with you.🌀 (-: :-)

[@papagynther6905]

It's 2021 and Hamilton held back both of the rival constructor's cars in the pit lane, one of the two couldn't post a final time in q3. The "penalty" he received was a short notice in the next race's fp1 saying that stalling in the pitlane is unsportsmanlike.

[@seanhunt7750]

One of the best tension filled video's I've seen in a long time. You filled in so many information gaps as to what really happened that day. Your next video should be about the infamous 2007 Chinese Grand Prix and why the team kept Lewis Hamilton out for so long on worn tyres. Any behind the scenes insights would be great!

[@MT-pv2rf]

People having a go at Lewis are conveniently leaving out the fact that Alonso was given preferential treatment up until Monaco. Canada was the first race that Dennis started treating them equally. Hamilton even reiterated this fact at last years Canadian GP where he said that Canada 2007 was the first weekend he was given equal fuel to Alonso. Also, Alonso is the one who started causing a divide in the team when he stopped talking to everyone who wasn't working on his car, as Hamilton gained in success and popularity. Marc even talks about this in the book, right Marc? Alonso was friendly and would have chats with you but then he started alienating himself as Hamilton started taking the limelight. Plus Alonso was telling the Spanish press that he wasn't being supported in the team when the reality is that Alonso's mechanics and engineers were 100% loyal to him all season long. Hamilton didn't ignore that team order in Hungary for no reason. The mind games started long before that.

[@F1Elvis]

They both made serious mistakes that year, I wouldn't pin the blame to either of them specifically, it's just that Fernando's actions were a lot more public.

[@joshsmith7521]

Imagine if that qualifying rule was in place these days where you have to drive round simply to burn off fuel. Environmentalists would have a field day with f1

[@Fred_P]

I've heard that after this day Ron Dennis told Fernando that he won't win any championship with McLaren. They were both irresponsible, but Fernando got all the blame.

[@F1Elvis]

Only in the media, not inside the team...

[@Fred_P]

@@F1Elvis Of course, and I have no proof of that (as it would be impossible to get, like for so many other things in the F1 paddock), the only thing I meant was that Fernando "allegedly" got told that he wouldn't win a championship with McLaren, but Lewis obviously didn't get told that. Thank you for telling us what happened that day, I had no idea about the game Lewis played at the start of qualifying!

[@thomostash]

Would love to hear more of that late pitstop story....i remember watching it and screaming at the TV for you guys to pit him, you could plainly see how bad the tyres were.

[@aidanphillips7961]

Has Lewis ever explained himself for going out first?

[@F1Elvis]

There were a number of other incidents that year that lead up to this, tensions had been rising for a while...

[@andyfletcher7535]

It opens up a whole new look into them as team mates. Lewis the young hotshot. Fernando the superstar. Sounds like vettel and leclerc. Deffo gonna order the book

[@cancracker]

For a moment I thought this could be about another famous pit stop, the one at the Nürburgring in ‘99.

[@jaythe2nd38]

Great book Marc, i was so excited for it i finished it in 2 days!

[@F1Elvis]

👍

[@noobednatherium4082]

@@F1Elvis I have a question, do you think Alonso is a bad person?

[@ivaneurope]

I'd say most of the blame for this incident as well as the outcome of the championship lies on Ron Dennis. It was his failure to assert control over his drivers that costed him deerly.

[@1_5RCBiker]

Great 'Tales From The Treehouse' as ever! Really nice to hear that extra element beyond what you can print on a page. :)

[@stevelueb7787]

Hamilton started the whole mess by deviating from the agreed plan. Alonso brilliantly & perfectly Trumped Hamilton as payback. Unfortunately the press painted Alonso as the bad guy

[@nikhil8650]

Alonso's career is just LIFE. TBH I really feel bad for him bcoz he got alot of undeserved hate. He just wants that respect which people really failed to give him when he won the championship against Schumacher saying it was him getting lucky with dnf in Japan. He has proved more than enough in motor sports, and will go down one of the greatest racing drivers ever not just greatest f1 driver.

[@sofoclesconfucius8277]

Thanks Elvis that was rather insightful! Ron later even admitted it was Lewis who disobeyed team orders!! One thing Lewis is very clever at is his ability to convince his race engineer and mechanics that its them against us. According to Nico within six months of joining the team Lewis has managed to bring all his Garage mechanics to his way of thinking such that he started taking them to team bonding during mid season, which Nico Rosberg wasn’t able to do! Remember, almost all of Lewis mechanics were Brits! So Nico felt isolated. That’s why he instigated mechanics change just before 2016 pre season. Also at Mercedes, it was Nico who disobeyed team orders! Notable example was in Bahrain when in order to keep up with Lewis, he changed the power mode on his steering wheel from what had been agreed in pre race. In fact according to the late Niki, Nico did this throughout the 2014 season. In 2015 however, that option of increasing power mode from the steering wheel was taken from the drivers and given to the race engineers!!

[@TheTororist]

I'm pretty sure its illegal to remotely affect the car from the pit wall/garage. The driver has to do it

[@sofoclesconfucius8277]

Toro Loco Like Max engineer telling him in Hungary 2019 when it comes to it he has four pulls in the over take button?? Explain that

[@Bahamuttiamat]

@Kacherco Kacherco What utter nonsense. Nico thought Lewis had the better mechanics, to arrest suspicions of inequality, toto split them, reiterating it's one team. Lewis didn't like that because he had his guys thinking the same way he did. Communication is key to car development and setup. You're right about the power modes things, though lewis repeated the favour in spain.

[@sofoclesconfucius8277]

Bahamuttiamat No that’s rubbish, According to Nico it was his sports psychologist who asked him to do it because of Lewis closeness with his mechanics, and it was proved to be right as According to Lewis himself it affected him more than he thought it would because initially it was about trusting his new mechanics. It took him till Spar till he got used to them. And it didn’t help matters when his brand new PU blew up in Malaysia when he was leading.

[@TheTororist]

@@sofoclesconfucius8277 your race engineer can tell you what you have available for use. They have the data and are best place to advice.. What I mean is that they don't have a remote button on the pitwall that can change the behavior of the car

[@benyahun]

Imagine Alonso would have stalled the car (deliberately) so that he could not have been blamed that much. Would anyone have found out about his plot that way?

[@Paul_Sleeping]

Everyone would know. There is no way to lessen or avoid blame because of prior incident and what had unfolded through radio during and leading up to the incident. Lewis’ act unfortunately ended up imploding the team during that season. It’s one of the best examples to use to explain it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Lewis’ team has just as much to blame too.

[@F1Elvis]

Then he wouldn't have been able to set his own lap with such accuracy...the media may not have known, but the data never lies.

[@grannieannie1371]

Wow I remember that incident so clearly. But I didn't know it was started by Lewis. I only saw Fernando's reaction to it. Kind of relevant when you think of the changes of the last week.

[@fredsmith901]

Brilliant story as usual Marc. It puts that whole incident into perspective. I can`t wait to read the Book, i`m ordering mine today.

[@coolkid123456100]

Hi Marc, Love your book so far, A question about the 2007 season: In his years at Ferrari, Fernando was often credited with being the most complete driver in the grid. In 2007, it looked like he had something of a mental breakdown. In your honest view, which driver do you feel would have come out on top if they'd both been comfortable with each other and in the team?

[@F1Elvis]

There was nothing between them in the car, it was outside of the car that the real battle was won and lost between them that year.

[@MT-pv2rf]

Fernando's years at Ferrari were in a one man team, completely built and centred only on Alonso's success, against a subjugated #2 driver version of Felipe Massa, who was not supported at all by the team, like he was when Raikkonen was there, and did not win a race since Brazil 2008. Hamilton, during that time, was paired with a driver who was one of the most competitive and successful driver's on the grid fighting against the Red Bull dominance, in JB, who scored 8 wins to Alonso's 9 and Hamilton's 10, from 2010-2012. Rosberg even scored 2 wins in 2013, which was the same amount as Alonso that year, while Massa, in comparison, achieved absolutely nothing and finished behind Alonso by about 100-150 odd points every year. So I'm not sure how Alonso was the 'complete' driver when he has not faced the intense pressure of a teammate who was allowed to beat him in a competitive car, since losing to Hamilton in 2007. Hamilton is far more battle hardened in terms of going up against in form, in prime competitive teammates in machinery capable of fighting for race wins and even championships In 2007 Alonso was not comfortable at all with not having preferential treatment over Hamilton and I seriously question how he would react today if he was at, let's say, Red Bull vs Verstappen, Ferrari vs Leclerc, or against Hamilton again, at Mercedes, because we all know that, at this point, Alonso's notorious demands for #1 status won't be met unless he goes to Renault or something. No top team wants anything to do with Alonso now anyway while Hamilton is still at the top of the sport fighting off the talented new generation of young guns who want to take his crown.

[@YonnyMestampo]

@@MT-pv2rf Alonso hater spotted, and with too much time to write alll that nonsense. Congrats

[@MT-pv2rf]

@@YonnyMestampo Hater? Alonso fanboys just can't handle the truth is all. It is fact that Alonso has not faced a competitive driver, with equality of support and resources, in the high pressure environment of a competitive car, since losing to Hamilton in 2007, so I'm genuinely at a loss to understand what makes anybody think that he would be able to perform in, let's say, RB vs Verstappen, Ferrari vs Leclerc or Mercedes against Hamilton, the way he did against a teammate who did not win a race since Brazil 2008 and scored 100-150 odd points less than Alonso every year they were teammates, in a team that was crystal clearly a one man Ferrari team build and centred only around Alonso. The last time Alonso had a teammate stealing the limelight away from him in a competitive the car, taking points and wins away from him, he had a meltdown. We have zero reference for 13 years since 2007 of Alonso proving that he can can handle this kind of environment. Vettel ran away from Riccardo and Leclerc in 2014 and this year. Alonso ran away from a 3 year contract to be Hamilton's teammate after Hamilton beat him as a rookie.

[@YonnyMestampo]

@@MT-pv2rf yes, Alonso hater. I'll wait for the movie before reading all that. Thanks.

[@RBenjo21]

Ted Kravitz said Fernando was extremely unhappy that he had been given hard tyres rather than soft in that final stop - is there any truth to that?

[@OralandXGaming]

Ted just messed up there. Jonathan actually corrected him during the broadcast

[@F1Elvis]

No

[@alextremonti6430]

These are my favorite videos of yours

[@Deftonesdsm]

So lewis had broken the agreement and Alonso took it upon himself to slow lewis. So at the time and on season reviews its all on alonso that i've seen. Im torn on who to support on one hand lewis broke the deal but alonso hurt the team so i duno hard decision. That year was rough all round though on Mclaren with two very "im no 1" drivers and everything else that happened. Great story Marc.

[@F1Elvis]

This was one small part of what happened that year don't forget, there're many other parts to the overall story...

[@Deftonesdsm]

@@F1Elvis oh i remember...... Crazy year for McL "spygate" and much more.... Thanks

[@storm3016]

You didn't finish, we need to hear how Ron went berserk after all this! lol

[@F1Elvis]

You need to read the book...😊

[@rayjulien4739]

Wow, so this is why you are so passionate about the … energy an F1 pit stop generates...SMOKING!

[@TGXB]

Why would McLaren be penalised for this? Surely it's something between the drivers within the team, how does the FIA come into this?

[@Nonixification]

Wow everybody was blaming Alonso, nobody knew about Lewis (or his team mistake)

[@rumblefish9]

Lewis and his engineers and mechanics didn't make a "mistake" going rogue. This was intentional.

[@theoriginalsimstig9663]

I remember it like it was yesterday when I seen the title of the video I knew straight away it was going to be be this Fernando Lewis pitstop War I knew after this Fernando was 100% not going to stay at McLaren I said it that day he's gone

[@BillSidorvich]

Nicely done- one of my favorite parts of your book - “boys will be boys” 😎

[@DomSmith]

Fascinating listen! Brilliant video - will definitely be grabbing myself a copy of your book 😁

[@darkangel8922]

Why was Alonso signalling the pit to let Lewis pass him for P1 at the US gp? Lewis earned pole and his position on merit. Alonso clearly wanted Lewis as no.2 in the team. It's the US gp and Alonso who started this earlier that led to Hungary. Alonso isn't a saint ask Massa, Vandoorne etc.

[@hamza-chaudhry]

9:41 Alonso's too smart

[@MT-pv2rf]

Alonso is so smart that he ended up with a 5 place grid drop with Hamilton being officially awarded the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix pole position and winning the race. Genius move from Alonso.

[@jackytwix5956]

Oooooo! I asked for Mark to do this tale from the tree house. ( am sure a couple of other folk did too. ) Thanks Elvis!!!

[@Saturn185]

can you cover the 2006 british gp q3 where kimi almost missed a chance at a lap at the end but made it?

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

What triggered Lewis' action in the first place? If there was one, that is. I'm sure that his youth might have had something to do with him going silent, maybe him realising he had done the wrong thing? Kids will react like that (and before anyone says anything, the brain does not become fully adult until it is 25 years old). Had something happened before that moment to make Lewis go rogue? I'm loving hearing these stories! Frankly, I'm happy to hear anything you're wanting to tell!

[@F1Elvis]

Thanks, there were rising tensions between the two from a number of earlier incidents that year. This wasn't the first. ...

[@kessu83]

Hamilton already not knowing where to stand up in Monaco race. Alonso was leading and controlling the race, while Hamilton having the audacity of thinking he could pass Alonso in Monaco. Alonso on strategy mode thinking that risking in Monaco is a rookie error. Hamilton acting exactly like that. Hamilton crying on the radio and during the interviews...and according to Marc´s book...it seems Ron Dennis supported HAmilton on that...which seems stupid attitude from a team manager: 1) it is stupid coming from someone like Ron Dennis with more than 30+ years of experience in what to do and what not to do in Monaco. 2)What is the gain on mining the trust with Alonso by Ron taking sides? Ron Dennis digged his own grave

[@Garvm]

From the same year. What happened in China? Why didn’t Hamilton go to pit earlier? That ended up with Hamilton in the gravel with destroyed tires

[@F1Elvis]

You should read the book...😊👍

[@Garvm]

Bought! What do are your impressions about Pedro De la Rosa. He really did have a hard time commenting the races for Spanish broadcaster this year

[@F1Elvis]

I love Pedro!❤

[@joshsmith7521]

I never realised at the time what a bad year for Mclaren it was. It should have been a double world championship.

[@F1Elvis]

I know!

[@T_Mo271]

Vintage bonkers F1 rules at its finest: Set the race starting fuel quantity and create an incentive for teams to waste time and tires in qualifying by just burning it off. Wow.

[@F1Elvis]

Madness!

[@tomhutchins7495]

What a story! I have to get your book.

[@TheJokerit19]

In 2007, Hamilton suffered from impeding by not getting another flying lap 14 years later, he's the one who costs another driver a final flyer.

[@tonyflying1550]

Yet another great story. I’m putting your book on my Christmas list. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@tiko_pavoni_s.o.c.]

Brilliant 💥 episode Marc, love your impeccable framing, the story from that day is Hamazing! Thank You! Please keep staying well & safe! Cheers M8! Tiko 🎥🎬🏎💥🏆🏁

[@ImausrI]

You should personally do an audiobook, absolutely mesmorising how you tell it and knowing you have been through it all!😯

[@F1Elvis]

I have! Available on Audible 😊

[@aidanous12]

This is really fascinating insight into the events of that weekend.

[@shadyizloo]

the issue was ron dennis. how he reacted. how he grabbed someone from his own team. how he made it an issue that fernando is at pole! how his reaction for his own car at pole! lewis was pampered by ron dennis and what did mclaren get out of it? 1 title thanks to glock tbh! with alonso he could have won 3 to 4 easily! ron dennis ruined mclaren and fernandos career as well

[@vausgsushh6137]

Interesting view.

[@dddaddy]

Yeah... so much for "utterly umblemished", I guess. You could say it was a long time ago, but there were other questionable moments like this later. If I don't like Hamilton for any reason, it's this, not what the media says people hate him for. It's also amazing how easily they overlook things like this. But that's just how it is - Vettel and others will be remembered for the mistakes they made, people like Hamilton will be forgiven for everything. BTW: don't get the impression that I don't rate him. I just don't LIKE him.

[@Deftonesdsm]

Agreed. He is a great natural talent i respect him , but this and slowing Nico 16 dubai really burns me with him. It's the sportsman things that make me not a lewis fan. This context of why alonso did this should have been given to public yet i understand why it didnt at the time.

[@ctdesing]

If you think about it the way he thinks is not likable but he acts instinctively, he doesn't calculate things. He thinks like why i need to be second when i'm the best, things like that. But what Alonso did was something else. He revenged in a calculated way. Revenging in a calculated way is the ugliest form of revenge. You don't want those kind of people as your enemy.

[@dddaddy]

@@ctdesing In this particular case I agree with you. But what about the brake testing (or not, depending on how you look at it) incident in Baku? By the same logic I think I'd say that was an instinctive (though bad) reaction to a calculating move. He thought he would get away with it, and, in the public eye he did, too. But he was out of contention.

[@michaelastockbauer672]

Why is Hamilton forgiven anything and others get blamed ? Schumacher especially, Vettel etc. - the F1 Press IS British....and this press blames one and makes his reputation. Schumacher did nothing else than Senna did in Jerez 97. His starting manoveurs - nothing else like Hamilton often does. Monaco 2006 - Rosberg did the same a year later. But as Senna died - he is forgiven everything since then. Rosberg - in 2007 he was an also-runner, so no one cared. And Hamilton gets away with everything because he is British....and Schumachef stil is viewed as the most ruthless driver(even though he did nothing else than what Senna, Hamilton, Rosberg or ANY Top Driver does)only because the F1 Press, which is British never liked "the German Robot". Because he destroyed their british Driver Hill and later their British Teams... Thats the way it works. And people should be aware of. The reputation and the blame - is bullshit! Its all created by the British F1 press. And the fact is - all the Top Drivers are ruthless and egomanic! They would not be Top Drivers if they would not be.

[@Deftonesdsm]

@@michaelastockbauer672 well like it or not humans are biased to their tribe. So they may try to be nuetral but will have subconcious bias towards what has transpired in their lives(being british german etc). So that said you will get favoritism without consciously doing it. I agree too though when Vet was "dominating" he got boos and hate a lot but lewis and merc are most dominate ever and i never hear anything complaining really. That to me shows bias but i dont think most of its intentional. Its just how humans are

[@craigchamberlain]

Yeah, even the TV footage at the time was shown out of sequence where Ron slammed his headset into the desk, apparently in frustration at Fernando holding up the pitstop, but actually it was because Lewis didn't follow agreed procedures. Fernando is clearly, intellectually at the very highest level which mostly works in his favour but perhaps sometimes it comes back to bite him. I'm a huge Alonso fan but I would never claim that he is perfect. Nobody is, but I honestly think that Ron Dennis is mostly to blame for how 2007 unfolded. If he had handled things differently, Fernando would have won 2007, and then 2008 would probably have been a fair fight between Fernando and Lewis with Massa nowhere close. Or maybe Fernando and Lewis would have split the points too much and Massa might have sneaked it! We'll never know! I have to say that watching Massa go from winning the race to losing the championship is the most heart breaking thing in F1 I've seen besides the sad death of Jules Bianchi in recent years. That image of Massa beating his chest with tears of sadness but also pride in his eyes is imprinted on my mind.

[@ELRMushroom]

So enjoying these!

[@ELRMushroom]

Wait, was that first?

[@F1Elvis]

👍

[@zeroelus]

In your book you mention how Lewis had this innocent act that you guys caught on to as the season went on and that it, along with this stunt, cost him a lot of respect in your eyes, or at least thats what I remember from the book, I may be misremembering and sorry about that. Having said that, it wasn't lost on many of us fans, I remember starting the season very exited for seeing Lewis and seeing how he'd done only to be off put by that pretty obvious act, and also the British press made me feel pretty sick of Lewis pretty quickly(having said that I didn't know there where completely unacceptable things being printed in other parts of the world against him until much later). It took a long time for me to really come back around to him, well into his Mercedes years, his talent never being questioned though, just his attitude, sometimes. In any case, always enjoying these videos Marc, and the insight offered. Take care.

[@Bahamuttiamat]

@zeroelus Let me start by saying, I really appreciate your commentary. A question I've always asked those that "don't like his attitude" is why? What exactly? The British media doesn't treat Hamilton like their darling unless it suits their narrative. They're quick to label him a tax dodger even though other, whiter drivers all live in monaco or Switzerland. Never heard anyone calling out DC, Stewart, mansell and co for living in those very same tax exile. Why is lewis scapegoated for this? I believe implicit bias is largely to blame. That said, Hamilton is a terrible loser. I mean terrible. But in a way, I respect the honesty. There's nothing genuine about a forced smile and congratulatory handshake. He does those things, but in the immediacy, the anguish of losing is written plain across his face. Personally, I find that endearing. It means something to him, unlike kimi who merely "bwoah". The outpouring of emotions is what makes sport, sport. The highs of victory and bitter taste of defeat is what make these aliens relatable.

[@zeroelus]

​@@Bahamuttiamat Thanks for your comment! So I'll start by putting a disclaimer than the media I referred to was specifically the sporting one, I don't live in the UK so I'm not sure what other things where and are written about him. I was not aware of drama created about him by moving abroad for tax reasons and such. Having said that I think Sir Jackie mentioned there being pushback when he did the same in one of his books, probably in winning is not enough. What I disliked about his portrayal at that time in the British sporting press was mostly down to him being perfect and doing no wrong, even when he did make mistakes and quickly blaming the team or Fernando if everything didn't go "his way", which caused me some pain since I read mostly British press because they had been fairly unbiased in the time I'd read them in the internet(starting for the 2003 season). From Lewis' demeanor at the time, mostly his very PR attitude, something I remember felt very fake & insincere. In hindsight, this was a kid doing what he was taught to do, and in the time since he has found his voice and his way of going about things. People may make a bit of fun and poke here and there at some of his social media posts, but they are at least sincere and straight from him. that I appreciate and can respect it, though I might not agree with his conclusion or point sometimes as we all do when relating to others. Unfortunately for him, being a kid growing up in the public means any mistakes that can be attributed to youthful exhuberance are usually exposed to millions at the time (like the drama about Jenson unfollowing him in some social media platform I can't remember at the moment). He is a terrible looser as you mention, but who at his level isn't? These are freaks (don't mean that derogatorily) and to get to this elite level they need to almost have a fisical pain to losing. Having said that, comments like this can grate a bit, like his constant complaining about the tires being dead while his engineer tells him otherwise, but it's the same for the other drivers at this level and I won't just single him out. Having said that I'd love to have a beer with him, though I'm not sure what I'd talk about with him haha, with Kimi and the other drivers who are parents at least we'd have those common experiences to talk about. I feel like I rambled but I hope to have answered your question, happy to keep up any discussion like this one.

[@kessu83]

If you listen to the audio, it was not an innocent act from Hamilton out of a hot head moment. It was deliberatly planned with the aid of his racing team.

[@TheMrkezza87]

Great video Marc thank you.

[@Lewis360]

McLaren couldn't handle their drivers that year, and lost the drivers championship, they got lucky next year though. I believe someone like Todt could've handle them much better. The book was a pleasure to read.

[@theCranesUS]

Marc, just finished your book. Excellent read. I enjoyed hearing the stories from outside the car (after reading Jenson Button’s book). Are you still hiding Kimi’s revenge under your hat 😂😂😂😂. Good book and videos. Side note: Although American, born to English Dad, I spent my summers in Petts Wood/Bromley area with my Granddad.

[@F1Elvis]

👍

[@andrewwilliamson8529]

Got the book because of this series and read it in 2 days thought it was fascinating

[@F1Elvis]

👍

[@horpees]

Hello, great content. More storys from 2007 please, enjoyed it. Mp4-22 is my most favorit f1 racer. Thank you!

[@LordWay]

As a Ferrari fan I was delighted when I saw this as you had the better car and were comfortable until this all happened.