Sauber’s Japanese driver was understandably depressed as the scenes on TV were digested in the Barcelona paddock. He said, “All my thoughts are with the people in Japan. My country has suffered an enormous catastrophe. The news is depressing and I’m very sad. I can’t really put in words what I feel.”
Lewis Hamilton wrote on Twitter today, “I pray hard for all those in Japan and the affected areas, to fans and their friends and families, I pray you are safe. God bless you all.”
Fernando Alonso admitted that the tragedy put things into perspective and was a reality check, “Confronted with a tragedy like the one that has struck Japan today, Formula 1 and all its problems to do with tyres, wings and engines is way down the list of priorities and today, my thoughts go first and foremost to the victims and their families.”
Jenson Button, whose girl friend Jessica Michibata is Japanese, said, “I just want to add that today’s events at the track are really put in their perspective by the terrible tragedy in Japan. Right now, my thoughts go out to everybody in Japan, particularly in the worst-affected area of Sendai. My heart is with them.”
Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn said, “Our hearts and minds go out to the people of Japan, who are great supporters of our sport, in this time of tragedy.”
