I'll just say this. It was the right ending for F1. Nico wins amid Lewis controversy. But the point I want to make is the scene after Nico was headed to the room to await the victory podium. Several drivers gave Nico a hug or pat on the back which I can't say I've seen before. It was more than the usual awkward handshake that sometimes occurs. Alonzo and Seb were especially pleased. I know Lewis has a good number of fans in Britain at least and probably the U.S. but he is not loved like Red 5 or JB has been. In the parade vehicle he stands alone while the rest yuk it up. Okay, that might be his preparation but he has been at McLaren and Mercedes and both teams in controversy. Lewis and Nico, Lewis and Alonzo yet Alonzo and Button got on fine as did Schumy and Nico. Lewis is always thanking the fans, looking for support but the drivers don't care for him much it seems. Maybe he can find a buddy in Verstappen. At the end of a career I'd rather be a Stirling Moss without a championship or a Gilles Villeneuve tenacious but loved off the track than a Hamilton, Schumy or Senna. All great, great drivers but single minded, me only drivers and damn the team.that made it possible.
Sometimes despite best effort, certain folk are not liked as much as others. That's life.
It happens for all kinds of reasons.
You say it wasn't the usual awkward handshake... it shouldn't be.
He is a new WDC and I'm sure the other drivers see it as such.
That's an achievement they'd all like to reach for.
It's also 'new' to him...having never been there before.
Lewis gets paid lots of money to drive the car...not to make friends.
The team did not make Lewis...they did it together.
He makes the Mercedes brand and their sponsors hundreds of millions of dollars every year in advertising simply by keeping that car out front.
As to team harmony... You, I or no one else here knows what is said behind closed doors at McLaren, Mercedes or any other team he's ever driven for.
To assume he is the cause of any disharmony simply because he doesn't 'yuck' it up with all the other drivers in public, is a stretch.
He actually
seems to get on quite well with Button.
As for the WDC... Should he have just 'open the door' and ushered Nico through because he'd never won a WDC before... especially when there was a chance to capitalize on a swarming pack?
I think not.
Drivers challenge everybody on track...even a teammate.
It's the reason they fight so hard to pass each other on track unless team orders are given.
Lewis did not put him in physical danger.
Even I would have been against that...had it happened.
