US: post-race analysis
US: post-race analysis
In betting terms, the
race was more or less flat. One bet came off, the other didn’t.
Both had the pace but either a small mistake or some misfortune with
the track cost Hulkenberg. So, a slight shame there, but these things
happen.
The race was difficult
to follow at the time, let alone recall the following day’s
afternoon, as there were
four safety car periods (two virtual, two actual). Therefore, I have
cheated somewhat and used a short highlights video to remind me what
went on.
At the first corner,
Hamilton barged his way past Rosberg. Not the most gentlemanly of
moves, and the German seemed quite unimpressed with it after the
race. It also allowed both Red Bulls to pass Rosberg at the same time
and Perez shortly thereafter.
Vettel had a storming
first lap, climbing all the way to 7th from 15th
in short order.
In the early stages of
the race the Red Bulls appeared faster, on a damp but drying track
and intermediate tyres, than the Mercedes. Ricciardo passed Hamilton
around lap 15/56.
Hamilton was especially
struggling on his tyres, and at one point was down to 4th
whilst his team mate had recovered to 1st.
After a safety car
period, which erased Rosberg’s 10s lead over his team mate, Vettel
passed Ricciardo for 3rd.
Ricciardo continued to
slide down the order (at this stage the track was almost entirely dry
and slicks were on), getting passed by the impressive Verstappen.
Hulkenberg then tried the same, but failed (unsure if it was driver
failure or a slippery track to blame), putting the German out and
necessitating a pit stop for Ricciardo.
Hulkenberg peeled off
the track and another virtual safety car emerged (there was one and
an actual safety car earlier). Rosberg pitted as did Vettel, Perez
and Verstappen. Hamilton did not (he was 2nd to Rosberg at
the time, so the German got the preferential treatment).
On-track, Vettel was
passed by Rosberg, so the Mercedes was 2nd and Vettel 3rd.
Hamilton wasn’t too far ahead but would have to pit again because
his tyres would not last the distance.
Kvyat then crashed, and
another real safety car came out, during which Hamilton pitted.
Rosberg then made a mistake and slipped off-track, enabling Hamilton
to reclaim the lead without really doing anything.
Many different drivers
led the race at various points, but in the end it was the same chap
who won it. Rosberg claimed his traditional runner-up spot, with
Vettel not able to challenge the Mercedes, in the end.
Verstappen had a great
result in 4th, and Perez, who earlier seemed a bit on the
back foot, secured a strong 5th for Force India.
Button’s 6th
will go down very well with McLaren, although the late power loss for
Alonso robbed him of what should’ve been a similar position, and
the team of a strong double points finish. The Spaniard ended up
11th, a second a half off the final point.
Sainz was 7th,
with the unusually anonymous Maldonado 8th. Nasr got a
couple of points in 9th, and Ricciardo managed to nab the
final point.
Hamilton wins his third
title. A bit of a 2011-style victory. Undoubtedly the combination of
driver and car was the class of the field, but the Mercedes advantage
meant it was never really in doubt. Not a classic season. I hope
Ferrari (and/or others) can improve sharply for 2016.
McLaren’s decent
result for Button means they’re just nine points off Sauber for
8th. As a matter of pride (and Constructors’ cash) that
would be a good gain for them, and it’s not impossible to close the
gap.
Force India are 32
points up on Lotus, and I can’t see that being closed. Critical for
Force India, as they get both lots of lovely money and one of just
five decision-making seats available to teams (which is a ridiculous
system, or F1 governance, as it’s known).
Toro Rosso close to
within 7 points of Lotus, thanks to Verstappen’s great 4th
and Sainz’s impressive recovery from the back of the field after
slapping the wall with his car in the morning. Toro Rosso’s driver
line-up is very good indeed. I think they may well leapfrog Lotus.
So, although the
Driver’s title is done and dusted, there are a couple of
interesting Constructors’ battles that are ongoing.
The next race is
Mexico, this coming weekend. The race starts at the same time (7pm,
UK time). It’s possible that the impact of Hurricane Patricia may
cause the race to be cancelled although, thankfully, the damage
caused appears to have been less than expected.
Morris Dancer
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