Norbert Haug has returned fire at Niki Lauda, after the outspoken triple
world champion scolded Lewis Hamilton for wanting to abandon the German
Grand Prix.
When running last at the Nurburgring, the reigning world champion pleaded
with the McLaren pitwall to "save this engine and gearbox" but was told
to "concentrate on the driving and leave the strategy to us".
Asked about Hamilton's request, Lauda said: "I wouldn't have dared. A
driver should drive because that's what he is paid to do."
Haug, Mercedes' competition boss, hit back at Lauda, referring to the 1976
Japanese Grand Prix when Lauda could have won the title but refused to
drive in the torrential Fuji rain.
"Someone who says he 'wouldn't have dared' should remember when he
drove into the pits and gave up a race," the German said.
Haug said it is absolutely wrong to dismiss Hamilton, 24, as unmotivated
because he is not in with a shout of the 2009 title.
"I get the feeling that people are simply looking for anything to
criticise," he added, explaining that Hamilton's Nurburgring radio call
showed the "intelligence" to consider pit strategies on the run.
