Interlagos provided an overdue reminder of how F1 used to be but the chances of a repeat in Abu Dhabi for the grand prix season’s finale are slim at bestAs they peered anxiously through the spray and narrowly avoided rivals bouncing off the barriers at 170mph, the current crop of Formula One drivers proved their worth in São Paulo last Sunday. Heavy rain turned the Brazilian Grand Prix into a proper race, full of the kind of excitement and unpredictability that have been virtually banished from modern Formula One.If only F1 were like that all the time. Or even half the time. Instead the circus pitches up in Abu Dhabi next week with the world drivers’ championship still in the...
He is a handsome multimillionaire who is very good at racing F1 cars but his petulance and the fact his winning smile is increasingly lesser-spotted make him difficult to admireFollowing the engine failure that cost him victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, an understandably frustrated Lewis Hamilton suggested that “somebody, or someone, doesn’t want me to win this year”. Quite who he was alluding to was unclear, so in the interests of team harmony he later clarified his remarks by confirming he was referring to a “higher power”. Following his antics at two subsequent press conferences in Japan, it is hardly outrageous to surmise this unnamed higher power might not be not alone in hoping the Englishman is unsuccessful in...
Nico Rosberg’s assurance in recent races has persuaded many observers that he has what it takes to beat Lewis Hamilton to the Formula One Drivers’ ChampionshipThe heat haze, an almost overwhelming sultriness that had layers of torrid air shimmering above the freshly laid asphalt at the Sepang International Circuit, was not wholly responsible for the moving picture here on Friday.There is a growing perception – among experienced drivers no less – that Lewis Hamilton, winner of three world championships and among the most naturally quick of all Formula One drivers, can actually be beaten to this year’s world championship by the perennial nearly man who is Nico Rosberg. Related: Lewis Hamilton tops Nico Rosberg during Malaysian Grand Prix practice Related:...
McLaren took the plunge on the 21-year-old rookie driver in 2006 and the following year he hit the F1 track for the first time, piling up six poles and four grands prix wins only to miss the world title by a pointIt started 10 years ago this week, lest we forget – the start of one of the most astonishing Formula One careers ever witnessed.Lewis Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007 but it was in November the previous year that it was announced he would drive for McLaren alongside Fernando Alonso. The decision was made by McLaren in late September 2006, the 23rd of the month to be precise. Related: Lewis Hamilton unsure if he can regain the momentum...
The momentum has changed in Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s race for the drivers’ title, Ferrari and Vettel get lucky, while safety is again a problem that needs sorting after Sunday’s near-miss on the trackDespite having seen his early-season championship lead of 43 points turned to a 19-point deficit before Spa, then two points after Monza and now an eight-point lead again with his third win on the trot, Nico Rosberg remains absolutely steadfast in his refusal to be drawn into considering whether the title finally has his name on it this year. His weekend, bar biffing the barriers after locking up on ageing tyres in first practice, could not have gone better, his 200th grand prix yielding a first...