Lewis: On Pole, but Not Happy?

by Adam Milleneuve on Oct 15th, 2011

To say Lewis wasn't celebrating after grabbing pole position would be an understatement, it's almost as though he was trying to not to smile - but why?

Lewis looking unhappy with pole - credit: sutton-images.com

The photos below show the top three drivers after qualifying, Jenson and Seb having a chat with Lewis barely cracking a smile at all.

Jenson and Seb swap notes, Lewis not smiling - credit: sutton-images.com

Nearly a smile when saying well done to Seb

Lewis congratulates Seb on 2nd, a poor attempt at a smile - credit: sutton-images.com

Jenson's happy enough with 3rd, Seb's chuffed to be on the front row, Lewis looking non-plussed.

The top 3 in qualifying - credit: sutton-images.com

And here are some more shots of the post-qualifying photo shoot:

So what do you think folks, is Lewis just not happy, or just thinking that the championship's is over and it doesn't matter - or is he making a statement to the media that have been laying into him after a very difficult season?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Comments and Discussion

Jayne harrison

I think he has had his confidence knock this season, I don't think the media, stewards and Massa have helped! He has had negative comments nearly ever race this year!
I think he best driver on the track to watch, he has passion and takes risks, I think people should back off him a little and let him do his job!

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 8:19 am
Steinar

I guess, just the normal "girl problem"?

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 8:41 am
Davis B

Me thinks, it has something to do wit the team dynamics in Mclaren wit Jenson bein Whitmarsh's pet and go-to guy & the team seemingly Button's now.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 8:41 am
Willi Gauda

Publicly he is being very careful. Today maybe he's had a good result, but the weekend is not over yet and the race is tomorrow. If he celebrates ahead of time and something goes wrong tomorrow the media will crucify him for his `lack of maturity'. Privately he is defintely savoring his triumph: First non-RBR pole of season.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 8:49 am
F1 Nick

What is wrong with him, is he leaving the team maybe? It seems to me he has fallen out with somebody.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 9:06 am
Neal

He's clearly holding in a bit of wind and can't wait for some "clear air"

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 10:01 am
Nick

I don't know, he seemed to be emotional about it to me.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 2:28 pm
Alexis

He's just sick of this season and just doesn't see the point of the last races. Anything now doesn't really count in his eyes

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 2:47 pm
Stewart

I get the impression from the interview that he had at before qualifying that he's decided something needs to change after so many silly issues this year, and he's just trying to single-handedly focus on sorting himself out and is 100% determined to get on with the job in hand with no other distractions. If he's going to do try that approach for the last few races to prepare himself for 2012 then I'm all for it and that's good for the sport. And it appears to be working.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 3:25 pm
zedster

I think it's just focus...no point blurting everything out only for the majority of the media to beat you down afterwards. Was great to see him 4 wheel drifting again..how i've missed that of late.

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 4:04 pm
Philip

He really has shown maturity over the season in how he reacts, admittedly there has been the odd occasion which he hasn't rose above things but I really believe he just wants to focus himself and do the best for himself, yeah a pole position is fantastic but it isn't a race win, it must have felt great but he has had lots of fantastic quail results and his race trim hasn't matched, by far he is a talent and alot of decisions have been controversial, but in the long run he won't be ruled out at mclaren

- posted on 15th October 2011 at 4:18 pm

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