I’ve used the word dominant a few times this year. Each
time, I think you can’t get any more dominant than this. Any takers on how many
more times I’ll use that phrase this year? IT’s going to be up to nine more
times. I’m normally very critical of the Hungaroring – I find the racing flat
and boring for the most part – but this year, a year full of back-to-front
perspectives, I am pleasantly surprised.
The Lewis Hamilton I remember
Don’t get me wrong here, since moving to Mercedes, Hamilton
has been doing very well. I, like many others, was very critical of his move at
the end of last year but he’s made it work. He’s had some great races in a car
that does have problems, but this was a glimpse of the 2008 champ on form.
Mercedes look in good form for the rest of the season. Their
tyre problems seem to have vanished since their Barcelona test and the
introduction of the new tyres this weekend. What remains to be seen is how long
they’re gone for. While it was exceptionally hot on track, compared to Silverstone
– and Spa and Suzuka coming up – Hungary is a slower track and is easier for
the tyres. Time will tell how series a challenge Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and
Mercedes can mount.
The Red Bull seat everyone wants?
Well, maybe not everyone. We don’t know who the candidates
for this seat are – except Daniel Ricciardo, who has pulled some great results
this year and impressed in his test run at Silverstone earlier this month.
There’s been speculation over Kimi Raikkonen (which I REALLY doubt will happen)
and now Alonso (which I still doubt, but for some reason, not as much as Kimi –
despite Sebastien Vettel’s preference of Raikkonen). Alonso has been spoken to
about his comments after Sunday’s race but it remains to be seen exactly how
this situation will unfold, or who will emerge in the seat in the end. My money
is still on Ricciardo.
Grosjean…Oh, Grosjean
Romain Grosjean is a wildcard. He has speed but at times, no
or little control. He’s had some brilliant drives in his F1 return, but some
horrendous – and quite honestly, stupid – incidents too. It’s easy for me to
sit here and criticize since I’m not in the car but considering he’s doing this
so often and others are not…something’s got to give, right?
Hungary was a mixed race for the Lotus driver. He had a
stellar drive, really, and could have been challenging right at the front but
for two key incidents. His pass on Felipe Massa where all four wheels were off
the track was harsh. Very harsh, but the rules are rules. There are opinions
that we had a great overtake (which we did) and he should have gotten away with
it – but I don’t agree. The rules are the rules, if you let one person break
them, then why not someone else. Who gets the “unfair” treatment then? It was a
good attempt, fantastic, even, but it was just that little bit too wide. I want
to see more of that from everyone, you have to take risks and he did. This
time, it didn’t work.
His pass on Jenson Button reminded me of Sergio Perez in
Monaco, a blocking pass. Jenson was not going to move over, that was clear.
Grosjean was also not going to make the chicane at that stage, which was also
clear. The penalty there was deserved, and both drivers were lucky nothing to
serious happened to their cars. Close, but very well held together despite the
contact.
Summary
I could go on a lot longer, but in the end, Hamilton got the
win you could say he should have had at Silverstone. It’s not as sweet for the
home fans but no one will deny he earned the win and it has been a while coming
this year. Hopefully, this will be a fresh challenge on that second title. It’s
a difficult task but it’s doable. You’ve got to say there are now four
contenders who can take it, but Vettel is still in the driving seat.
Results
1 – L. Hamilton (Mercedes)
2 – K. Raikkonen (Lotus)
3 – S. Vettel (Red Bull)
4 – M. Webber (Red Bull)
5 – F. Alonso (Ferrari)
6 – R. Grosjean (Lotus)
7 – J. Button (McLaren)
8 – F. Massa (Ferrari)
9 – S. Perez (McLaren)
10 – P. Maldonado (Williams)
11 – N. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
12 – J. E. Vergne (Toro Rosso)
13 – D. Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)
14 – G. van der Garde (Caterham)
15 – C. Pic (Caterham)
16 – J. Bianchi (Marussia)
17 – M. Chilton (Marussia)
18 – P. Di Resta (Force India) – DNF
19 – N. Rosberg (Mercedes) – DNF
20 – V. Bottas (Williams) – DNF
21 – E. Gutierrez (Sauber) – DNF
22 – A. Sutil (Force India) – DNF
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