LEWIS Hamilton believes Sebastian Vettel’s victory at the Monaco Grand Prix has provided the clearest indicator yet that his championship rival is being afforded preferential treatment by Ferrari.
Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, who started from pole position for the first time in nine years, appeared on course to win, but lost the lead after he pitted five laps earlier than his Ferrari team-mate. With overtaking virtually impossible at this circuit, Ferrari’s decision to call Raikkonen in first raised more than a few eyebrows.
“It is clear to me that Ferrari have chosen their number one driver,” Hamilton said. “They are pushing everything to make sure Sebastian will maximise on all of his weekends.
“On strategy, that just does not happen in Monaco. It is very hard for the leading car on track to get jumped by the second car unless the team decide to favour the other car. So, what they have done is very clear.”
Vettel, who claimed Ferrari’s first victory on the Cote d’Azur in 16 years, now holds the cushion of being the equivalent of a race win clear of Hamilton in this year’s see-saw title battle. Hamilton put a brave face on what has been a weekend to forget.
“Of course I can’t afford another weekend like this,” said a mindful Hamilton.
“But just because you can’t afford something it does not mean it is not going to happen.
“There is no point dwelling on the fact that you cannot afford it. You just work towards trying to rectify whatever issues you have and hope that you don’t come across it again.”
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