Hamilton buckling under pressure

Peter Sauber says Hamilton is cracking under pressure

(GMM) Formula one team founder Peter Sauber has revealed that, of the two main challengers, he would prefer to see his former driver Felipe Massa win the 2008 title.

Sauber, whose Hinwil based team is now controlled by BMW while he remains a small shareholder and consultant, raced as a privateer with customer Ferrari power for many years.

"If I follow my heart, I would say Massa because Ferrari obviously means a lot more to me," the 64-year-old Swiss, who actually dropped Massa at the end of 2002 before re-hiring him in 2004, said.

Sauber also told the Credit Suisse emagazine that he believes Massa, just a single point behind McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, is the more solid contender with four races to go.

"Both McLaren and Hamilton are showing some nerves," he said, questioning McLaren's handling of the Hamilton championship campaign.

"Hamilton was declared as this year's star and world champion even before the season got going. This is in keeping with McLaren's style, but of course it's not true.

"That's a huge burden for a young man to bear and now, in one way or another, it has taken its toll. He just can't take the pressure."