11/10/2008
NEWS STORY
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has hit back after Robert Kubica questioned Lewis Hamilton's on-track methods, effectively telling the Pole to keep his nose out of other people's business.
Kubica claimed Hamilton is often too aggressive and claimed that at Monza, for n example, he should have been handed a penalty for at least one questionable move on a fellow driver.
Following today's qualifying session, and no doubt fearing that the FIA might be looking for any old excuse to further punish his driver and his team, Dennis told reporters: "I think he should focus on his own driving. He should leave that to those people whose responsibility it is to determine how good or bad a driver's performance is. There is obviously a regulatory process in place.
"I share the view held by probably everyone in this room and most of the people down the pitlane that it is refreshing to have a highly talented driver that has the ability to overtake and to do the pole positions he's done in what is only his second season in Formula One," added the Woking boss.
"He (Kubica) should be mindful of the fact that his objective should be to raise his own game and do the best job he can," added the Englishman. "He should keep those opinions to himself."
However, with all due respect, if a driver feels that a rival is taking undue chances with the safety of others, it is his right, indeed his duty, to make his feelings known, especially if those feelings are shared by other drivers.
Even if they don't want the FIA involved - and nobody wants to see Hamilton (or McLaren) punished further than he has been - this is what the Grand Prix Drivers' Association is for, the safety of Grand Prix drivers. Even if Hamilton chooses not to join, which is his right, it is the duty of those other drivers who feel he compromises their safety to speak out.