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12-19-2007, 11:32 AM
F1 driver’s license pulled after stop; French police say Hamilton was doing 123 mph
The Associated Press
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PARIS – Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton had his driver’s license suspended for a month in France after he was caught speeding by police.
Hamilton was clocked going 123 mph in a Mercedes on the A26 highway near the northern town of Laon late Sunday, police spokesman Arnaud Dujardin said Tuesday.
“He recognized the infraction he had committed straight away,” Dujardin said by telephone.
“He was very courteous. The police officers then took him back to his hotel.”
Hamilton’s car was taken away by police and picked up by a friend of the British racing star Monday. Dujardin said the police officers did not recognize Hamilton, who was alone in the car, until they looked at his identification papers.
“They did not know it was him. All they saw was a car going too fast,” Dujardin said.
“He no longer has a permit on national territory. He cannot drive in France, although I don’t know whether that applies to (England).”
The 22-year-old McLaren driver led the world championship standings for much of his rookie season, but finished one point behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.
Hamilton won four races.
The Associated Press
MOST-READ STORIES
PARIS – Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton had his driver’s license suspended for a month in France after he was caught speeding by police.
Hamilton was clocked going 123 mph in a Mercedes on the A26 highway near the northern town of Laon late Sunday, police spokesman Arnaud Dujardin said Tuesday.
“He recognized the infraction he had committed straight away,” Dujardin said by telephone.
“He was very courteous. The police officers then took him back to his hotel.”
Hamilton’s car was taken away by police and picked up by a friend of the British racing star Monday. Dujardin said the police officers did not recognize Hamilton, who was alone in the car, until they looked at his identification papers.
“They did not know it was him. All they saw was a car going too fast,” Dujardin said.
“He no longer has a permit on national territory. He cannot drive in France, although I don’t know whether that applies to (England).”
The 22-year-old McLaren driver led the world championship standings for much of his rookie season, but finished one point behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.
Hamilton won four races.