P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton team-mate snubbed because of ‘BIG NOSE’
An F1 insider recently disclosed inside information about Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate selection process at McLaren in 2008. After competing with Fernando Alonso in 2007, Hamilton needed a new partner as Alonso left for Renault. McLaren ultimately chose Heikki Kovalainen over Robert Kubica, who was also considered. Former McLaren communications director Matt Bishop revealed a conversation with CEO Martin Whitmarsh where Whitmarsh joked about not signing Kubica due to his “big nose.” Despite the humor, Kubica’s stunning 2008 season at Sauber proved his talent with seven podiums and a victory in Canada. Whitmarsh’s comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of driver selection in Formula 1 teams.
