The official web site of Formula 1 (formula1.com) posted Friday the video edit of their coverage of the Grand Prix of Turkey and the footage reveals some very interesting McLaren radio conversation that took place during the race.
After the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, the McLarens of Lewis Hamiton (leader) and Jenson Button (second) battled it out. Were they allowed to fight?
In the footage aired Friday Hamilton asked the McLaren team "If I back off is Jenson going to pass me or not?"
Hamilton was told "No Lewis, no."
The audio clip is shown before the footage of Button overtaking Hamilton, suggesting the exchange took place before the pass.
The full exchange -- which was not aired during the race broadcast on TV -- is as follows:
Lewis Hamilton: "Jenson's closing in me you guys"
Team McLaren: "Understood Lewis"
Lewis Hamilton: "If I back off, is Jenson going to pass me or not?"
Team McLaren: "No Lewis, no"
At the end of lap 48, Button passed Hamilton but the two traded places one lap later.
Shortly after, both drivers received frantic radio instruction to "conserve fuel and look after your tyres." Which, who knows, was probably a coded message to stay where you are and leave each other on the road.
On lap 52, Jenson Button was told by Team McLaren: "We need more fuel saving. Fuel is critical. Save tires in turn eight."
Hamilton won the race and Button finished second. As they were ordered to do.
After the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, the McLarens of Lewis Hamiton (leader) and Jenson Button (second) battled it out. Were they allowed to fight?
In the footage aired Friday Hamilton asked the McLaren team "If I back off is Jenson going to pass me or not?"
Hamilton was told "No Lewis, no."
The audio clip is shown before the footage of Button overtaking Hamilton, suggesting the exchange took place before the pass.
The full exchange -- which was not aired during the race broadcast on TV -- is as follows:
Lewis Hamilton: "Jenson's closing in me you guys"
Team McLaren: "Understood Lewis"
Lewis Hamilton: "If I back off, is Jenson going to pass me or not?"
Team McLaren: "No Lewis, no"
At the end of lap 48, Button passed Hamilton but the two traded places one lap later.
Shortly after, both drivers received frantic radio instruction to "conserve fuel and look after your tyres." Which, who knows, was probably a coded message to stay where you are and leave each other on the road.
On lap 52, Jenson Button was told by Team McLaren: "We need more fuel saving. Fuel is critical. Save tires in turn eight."
Hamilton won the race and Button finished second. As they were ordered to do.