The biggest talking point of the Chinese Grand Prix was probably the clash between Ferrari team mates right at the start. However Rosberg's sixth victory on the trot counting the last three of last season can't go unremarked on. Qualifying reverted to its old self, but that didn't help Hamilton with a grid penalty for a gearbox change followed by an engine failure in Q1, a back row start and then damage in the start meleé chain reaction.
Red Bull were hugely impressive, just three or four kilometres and hour slower than Mercedes in a straight line, indicating that Renault really have their act, if not completely together, certainly coming together. Renault have a long and proud history in F1 as both an engine supplier and as a marque in their own right. Renault were true pioneers in the turbo era and once had a hugely successful partnership with Williams too.
If Renault put their heart and soul into it I reckon they can match the might of Mercedes and Red Bull have a recent history of producing a fine chassis. The current Red Bull being especially impressive in the slower corners, the result, hugely unexpected was that Daniel Ricciardo out-qualified both Ferraris in dry conditions. Bodes well because Mercedes have made the drivers championship into a two horse race in the last couple of seasons.
Ricciardo made the best start and was robbed of the lead by a puncture, debris on the track probably, well, it's not meant to be easy but sometimes it can be cruel. Ricciardo and Hamilton must have cursed lady luck, but lets face it Raikkonen was also robbed, the McLaren boys and Massa were robbed of quick laps in qualifying by Hulkenberg's wheel coming off and so it goes on.
Unless you're Rosberg who cruised to his sixth win in a row counting last year. He said afterwards that he kept focussed by pushing and that he could do anything he wanted with his car on any of the tyres. Quite a tribute to the handling and balance of the Mercedes. Unless a front wing has passed underneath and damaged the underside as happened to Hamilton.
In China the number six signifies an easy ride and so it was for Rosberg. Historically drivers who've won so many races back to back have gone on to be champion. However, seasons were shorter, races were fewer, Rosberg's streak is over two seasons, there's a long way to go and his teammate is a three times world champion so place your bets now at your own peril.
I think it's Rosberg's to lose already in fact but a couple of non finishes and things would look very different. I really hope Ferrari and Red Bull continue to improve for the sake of the sport. Haas seemed to drop the ball this weekend but their debut has been impressive and they know the game, don't underestimate American racing or racers.
Button's long stint on the same tyres, second half, didn't pay off and thirteenth suggests McLaren weren't so far out of place after qualifying after all, despite the Hulkenberg problem. For all that they've had moments when they've seemed quite quick of late and it's a hugely successful and experienced team, I can't help feeling Honda are letting them down, but, they, like Renault probably have the ability if they have the will. And given the fact that so many hybrids are making it onto the road car market, the crucible of F1 is well worth embracing fully.
I've nailed my colours to the mast before as a Raikonnen and Ferrari fan, so I was upset that Raikkonen suffered so badly at the start, especially after outqualifying Vettel. Vettel was very vocal in blaming Kyvat, both on the radio and prior to going on the podium. Personally I know how quickly things can happen at the start of a Formula Ford race, let alone in F1. I think Kyvat saw an opportunity and took it, can't really fault him for that, nor is it easy to know how much he saw of Kimi's lock up behind Rosberg or Vettel's problems.
I think, sadly that the mistakes were made by both Ferrari drivers, Kimi almost rammed Rosberg and got out of it , leaving Vettel with a moment of indecision I suspect, Vettel then left the door open for Kyvat and then took off his recovering team mate in an instinctive reaction when Kyvat suddenly appeared alongside. In the old days we'd call that a racing incident.
Aside from Rosberg having the best car, getting gifted the lead and smiling all the way to the flag, it was an interesting race behind. There were mighty overtakes from Hamilton, even in a wounded car, from Vettel and Ricciardo also. That Vettel took second was mighty impressive, he got serviced first after the accident, so I was glad to see Raikkonen recover to fifth. Williams seem weaker than last year, I wonder if Bottas is so accommodating to Hamilton because Mercedes supply his engines, or whether the Williams just doesn't have it right now.
Again it wasn't a classic, but it was worth watching and again it was a Grand Prix which promised more for the future, which is good given there are so many races. So, Russia next; Rosberg will be on a high but he won't underestimate Hamilton who will have something to prove. Ricciardo and Kyvat will be greatly encouraged and Ferrari will be fired up to do better. A six horse race? We can hope.
Malcolm Snook - Adventurer and Entrepreneur.
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