Joining Force India will help Karthikeyan: Hamilton

October 24, 2012   ·   0 Comments

NEW DELHI

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton feels that joining Sahara Force India would be a stepping stone for India‘s lone Formula One driver, Narain Karthikeyan. Speaking to the media here on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix, McLaren said that Karthikeyan’s career could face an upswing with a change of teams.

“The car has to be more reliable when you are on track. I don’t think Narain has a good car at the moment. But if he joins Force India, his fortunes may change. I would personally recommend if he gets opportunity, he should go for Force India. It will help him in his career,” said Hamilton.

Karthikeyan has experienced four retirements in the last six races this season. The 35-year-old, whose best result this year had been a 15th place in Monaco, will hope for a good performance this year. He finished 17th after starting at 24th at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in 2011. Hamilton added that Karthikeyan needed a bit of luck to finish the Indian GP with his head held high because “racing on your home turf is not an easy task”.

Hamilton also credited the pair of Paul de Resta and Nico Hulkenburg for taking Force India to seventh place in the constructors’ championship. “Adrian Sutil and Paul de Resta did a lot for Force India and now [Nico] Hulkenberg, who has replaced Sutil, has joined the party. Hulkenberg and de Resta have won points for the team this year. The duo has done exceptionally well,” said Hamilton.

The British driver, who will be joining Mercedes after the season, was enthused to be back in India again. “I love India – the people, the colour and the chaos. India is an intense and vibrant country, full of enthusiastic and friendliest people. I got a lot of support last year and will also expect the same this time from them,” he said.

By Web Editor

Tags: change, Force India, India, Narain Karthikeyan, season, year