Whitmarsh handed vote of confidence
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have backed their under-fire team boss Martin Whitmarsh, saying there’s “no chance” of him getting the boot…
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have backed their under-fire team boss Martin Whitmarsh, saying there’s “no chance” of him getting the boot.
Following a dismal British GP in which McLaren short-fueled Lewis Hamilton and a pit stop bungle put Jenson Button out of the grand prix, rumours emerged claiming that Whitmarsh’s job is on the line.
However, Hamilton insists his team boss is not going anywhere.
“There’s no chance of that,” he said when asked if Whitmarsh’s job was in jeopardy.
“There is a better atmosphere within the team than there ever has been, it is constantly growing.
“He has been a part of the team for 23 years, so a part of the ups and the downs for many years, but he is doing a fantastic job.
“I am certain there are no plans for him to go anywhere, and we’re all working as hard as we can, the team are doing a great job, and I feel positive coming into this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Button reckons Whitmarsh is being unfairly singled out.
“It was said people are unsure of his position within the team, the engineers and mechanics. That’s absolute rubbish.
“I know that’s not the case from the team. Everyone thinks he is doing a good job and the atmosphere is great.”
He added: “For me he is a great person to work with, and I personally feel he is great for the team.
“He is very light-hearted in some ways, but very serious in others. He is very passionate about racing.
“It was good of him to put it out there at the last race, to give you the facts of where we are, why we haven’t done well and where we should go from here. It was a great speech. Fair play to him.
“For me, every time I’ve had issues within the team I’ve gone to Martin. He is very open, we discuss things and clear them up as soon as possible.
“He listens to the drivers a lot, which is something I’ve experienced at other teams, but even more so here than any other.”