European Grand Prix 2007 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Fernando Alonso claimed a crucial victory at the European Grand Prix in challenging wet conditions at the Nürburgring, demonstrating his championship pedigree while Lewis Hamilton struggled to ninth place in a race that highlighted the growing pressure on the rookie. The two-time World Champion's masterful drive in tricky weather conditions, leading home Felipe Massa and Mark Webber, moved him to the top of the championship standings while Hamilton's disastrous weekend raised questions about his ability to handle adversity.

Starting from Kimi Räikkönen's pole position, the race unfolded in typical Nürburgring fashion with changing weather conditions that tested every driver's skill and judgment. Alonso seized his opportunity brilliantly, navigating the wet-dry conditions with the experience and composure that had earned him two world titles. The McLaren driver controlled the race expertly, making the right tire calls at the right moments and building a comfortable lead. Massa drove well to finish second for Ferrari, while Webber secured Red Bull's first podium of the season with a superb drive to third place.

Hamilton endured a nightmare race, struggling with his car setup and tire strategy decisions throughout. The rookie could only manage ninth place, scoring just two championship points and falling behind both Alonso and Räikkönen in the standings. His errors and struggles suggested the pressure of the championship battle was beginning to tell on the 22-year-old. The weekend also saw Räikkönen suffer an engine failure while leading, costing Ferrari crucial points. Alonso's victory put him two points clear at the top of the championship, with the title fight wide open heading into the pivotal Hungarian Grand Prix where the McLaren civil war would explode into the open.