After one of the most fascinating close seasons for many a year, the 2010 F1 season got off to an intriguing start. While the race itself may not have been fantastically exciting, the weekend certainly produced plenty of talking points.
The New Teams
I find it hard not to feel incredibly sorry for Karun Chandok. While his pre-qualifying interview on the BBC portrayed a relaxed man, the shot of him in his car just before he went out saw him eyes wide terrified. Who wouldn’t be? Thrust -on a very public stage – into a qualifying session having never driven your car at all is not exactly on of life’s easier tasks. Chandok performed admirably in the circumstances. It’s just a shame that he – and the undoubtedly talented Bruno Senna – drives for the woefully under-prepared Hispania Racing Team. Furthermore, it’s a shame he binned it inauspiciously come Sunday afternoon. Both Hispania and Virgin had less than successful races. While Virgin’s Timo Glock had an impressive battle with the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen, his car eventually broke down as did his teammate’s and the Hispania of Bruno Senna.
By way of contrast the Lotus team were very impressive. Not only did both cars reach the finish, but one of these even placed ahead of a Torro Rosso. That must be a kick in the teeth for the Torro Rosso team, who must have been hoping for better.
Rosberg, Schumacher and the Other Silver Arrows
Mercedes must have been hoping for better. Similarly Schumacher must have hoped he could have run closer to the pace of Rosberg over the course of the weekend. The seven time world champion looked all at sea compared to an assured, quick Rosberg. He won’t want to see that happening to many other times this season. Rosberg is in a lose, lose situation though. He has to beat Schumacher and even if he does it will only be because Schumacher is old and out of practice. Similarly Schumacher has to beat his younger teammate as it’s expected, neither Mercedes driver can truly improve their public image this year. Rosberg made a good start in the race, jumping Hamilton after Hamilton went too deep at turn 3/4.
I can’t help but feel that McLaren pulled a fast one come the pitstops. The commentary noted that there was a flurry of activity and discussion in the McLaren pit not long before the stops. This was accompanied by a hurry up to Jenson Button. When Hamilton and Schumacher both pitted, Rosberg had to respond, or lose the place. When Rosberg pitted the following lap, he was held in his pit box -losing his place to Hamilton in the process – as none other than Jenson Button was within the 55 metre no release zone. The conspiracy theorist in me doesn’t believe that was by accident. First blood goes to McLaren in the McLaren / Mercedes war.
Vettel Scuppered By a Spark as Alonso Reigns Supreme
Vettel was the surprise package of the weekend for me. I had been fooled by Red Bull’s cagey pre-season into thinking that Red Bull were lacking in pace. Vettel disproved this spectacularly with his stunning pole lap. He looked incredibly strong in the first stint as well. Eventually a malfunctioning spark plug caused a loss of power that sent Vettel down to fourth though. This is unfortunate for Vettel, especially as it seems to be a sign that those Renauly gremlins are here to stay.
For my money though Alonso would still have secured victory in the Grand Prix. After the pit stops – even taking into account potential overheating issues – Alonso looked to have the strongest package by far. His startling pace once in clean air sent a real message not only to his teammate Felipe Massa, but also to the rest of the grid. Massa did well to qualify in front of his teammate, but Alonso showed he had the pace and consistency when it mattered. I think Massa took a real psychological blow this weekend in the battle of the teammates.
For the rest of the grid the message is clear. This is Alonso showing the world that he is back in a strong car and he means to win his 3rd World Championship.