F.1 – Canada GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

It was a truly anonymous Grand Prix , with an embarrassing supremacy (once again) of Mercedes that win another double, leaving Bottas behind – the first of others – with 40″ of lead.

After scoring a new record of resistance by completing six grand prix with the same power unit, the Germans presented themselves in Montreal with an updated unit, whose results are seen even at Williams and Force India.

Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa moved last Sunday, with two nice comebacks that led the German driver to the fifth place (behind his teammate, who started in third position) and the Brazilian, who was in sixth. Seeing this comeback, Seb was missing and he could have worried (or at least try to) the duo Hamilton-Rosberg, giving Ferrari that podium missed by Raikkonen because of a failure on exiting the pit-box – greatly angering the Team Principal, Maurizio Arrivabene. It was a Grand Prix, which has passed quickly, even when the Safety Car was a frequent spectator (on track almost always).

Perfect race for Hamilton, after starting the weekend very nervous, with different errors between Friday and Saturday. Raikkonen did not used his Ferrari 100%, while, after the critical early season, Daniil Kvyat was ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, who was not at ease. Red Bull has taken steps forward, considering the chassis, while Renault is still in difficulty, as shown by the results of Toro Rosso.

The situation at McLaren was incomprehensible. It will be difficult for the Honda staff to justify a debacle like this at the top. We see no improvements. Indeed, the reliability is worsening, as evidenced by the double retirement.

Without any doubt (and as I support since too long time) this Formula 1 should “have a face-lift”, to regain its “appeal”. Maybe something starts to move. Meetings at McLaren may have opened to interesting solutions and the same Marchionne was in talks with Ecclestone.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – Gp Monaco: THE POINT

/in /by

In Montecarlo the unknown element and the mistake are always around the corner and the last ten laps have not lived up to expectations. A Grand Prix driven by external factors, thanks to the contact of Grosjean-Verstappen and the “suicide” tactics that Mercedes has put in the hands of Nico Rosberg’s success, tearing from Lewis Hamilton, who until then had dominated the Monegasque weekend.

Beyond the undisputed supremacy of Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, as evidenced by the advantage gained by Hamilton before the entrance of the Safety Car, the pit denied a well-deserved victory for the English because of superficiality and too much pride. A praise to Nico, also for his sportsmanship when he claimed to have been particularly fortunate in this circumstance. Certainly the “C” factor has its weight, even in races. Mercedes has completed the sixth Grand Prix with the same power-unit, synonymous with strength and competitiveness.

All others have a great work to do although I have seen a good compaction performance. Big step forward by Red Bull, McLaren-Honda and Force India. Rumours did not forget to have won four World Championships and now they are advancing. First points for Button who brought McLaren to the eighth position, racing on interesting chronometric results, as well as Sergio Perez, who finished behind Raikkonen, in seventh place. Weekend undertone for the Finn who, in my opinion, raced short of its possibilities, in addition to having made some mistakes too. He had to be in front of the RB. Commissioners’ decision was correct to not penalized Daniel Ricciardo for the contact with Kimi, but I don’t find correct the decision against Alonso, who was forced to retirement because of reliability problems. We are in Montecarlo and the essence of F1 should be also these contacts.

The results has been decided, however, thanks to Grosjean-Verstappen’s contact (the Dutch driver will pay with five penalty positions in Canada GP). The 17-year-old of TR gave us the only overtakings and was recovering in spite of the problem at the pit stop. Beyond the impetuousness, he was the author of a great weekend. Without defending him, I’d like to see Grojean’s telemetries, because I had the impression that the French have greatly anticipated the braking.

Now we go to Canada.

F.1 – Spanish GP: THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

First European weekend marked by Mercedes, thanks to Nico Rosberg, who was the best driver on track, managing to do well in all sessions, winning the pole and gaining the final victory. Hamilton has left only the satisfaction of the fastest lap, with a 1’28″270 at the 54th passage. It is an exceptional time, which proves all the potential of hi car. He hoped to recover the 13″ that still outdistanced him from Rosberg, who was racing between 1’29 and 1’30. Mercedes closed the weekend leaving behind Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari with 45″. Last year Daniel Ricciardo (third with RB) had suffered a gap of 49″.

Ferrari was able to start in front, thanks to the German driver, trying to optimize the new aerodynamic package, still showing, however, a heavy lead as Maurizio Arrivabene himself pointed out after the race. As there was no chance to try, it was fine to diversify the cars. Despite this fact, the gap between Seb and Kimi was quite reduced. Therefore, in the coming days during collective test sessions they will try to develop and review the work done.

The forces in field have complied with Mercedes-Ferrari-Williams to lead the group. Bottas did well, keeping Kimi behind his car and just for 1” Kimi failed to overtake his compatriot. Good race also for Red Bull, author of a troubled weekend – as recently happened –, Romain Grosjean, who gained important points for Lotus and Toro Rosso thanks to the ninth position of Carlos Sainz Jr. The team of Faenza made us dream during Qualifying, monopolizing the third row with the fifth lap of the Spanish driver and the sixth of Verstappen. Correct not to penalize the Spaniard for the contact with Daniil Kvyat, because it was a normal racing incident.

Then there was also ACI Team Italia event, which started with his bearers Luca Ghiotto and Raffaele Marciello busy in GP3 and GP2 with Trident team. There was immediately a pole position and a second placement in Race 1 for Ghiotto, who greet the opening weekend with third place in standings. Marciello suffered even though he did well in winning important points for the championship in the first European event. ACI Team Italia is only the latest step in a major project that follows and promotes the Italian drivers with the aim of bringing our bearer in Formula 1.

Gian Carlo Minardi

 
 
 
 

F.1 – Bahrain GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

We have just experienced a Grand Prix that at the beginning of this year was almost unexpected, even if the forces involved are at the moment Mercedes-Ferrari-Williams with a German Power-Unit command, as shown by Vettel-Bottas battle. Sebastian proved, once again, to be among the fastest of the Circus in lap time under the wall of 1’33 in Qualifying only with Hamilton.

The first three rows of the grid reflected very well the current values on track. We are experiencing a Formula 1 where the slightest mistake is paid heavily. We saw this especially with Rosberg and Vettel. The match was played on strategies – excellent especially for Raikkonen –, on all mistakes that drivers could commit and on reliability. Mercedes in the last laps suffered of brake problems, as stated after the race by Nico himself. With one-two laps more, Kimi could attack Lewis. The Finn was extraordinary, managing masterfully both the Soft and Medium tyres. Vettel, instead, paid the two mistakes, passing from the 2nd to the 5th final placement.

Mercedes confirms itself on command, as proved by Hamilton’s third win (of four races) that takes full advantage of his potential. Behind him, however, we have Ferrari in recovery, which must continue to work trying to put pressure on the opponents. We saw some good battles, overtakings and the true potential of many cars, such as Lotus and Force India that despite the problems won important points. Engineers and technicians are making us see unthinkable things, overturning technical situations. Sportingly speaking, we feel again Red Bull missing; it had to face once again the problems of Renault. Ricciardo crossed the line with broken engine, risking to repeat what happened to Verstappen in China, who was forced to retirement just three laps from the end. It went worst for Toro Rosso, which saw its two drivers withdrawn for problems.

Besides Button’s bad impression, who was unable to start, because of problems since Friday, McLaren is making some progresses in every race. Positive race for Alonso, even if the road is still long. The work, however, begins to bear fruit.

Now we have three weeks of relaxing, waiting for the Spanish Grand Prix. As per tradition, the first European event coincides with the most important innovations, including tokens for the engines.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – China Gp: THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

The Chinese Grand Prix highlighted the actual forces on track, with Mercedes-Ferrari-Williams. Behind them, a good battle for the fourth Constructor place with Sauber-Red Bull and Toro Rosso. A Sauber who is making the most of a good start of the season, bringing two cars in the score zone. Toro Rosso is definitely unluckily, which accused a double technical problem to its cars, with Verstappen’s withdrawal. The aim of gaining new points was shattered two laps from the end, because of Verstappen’s withdrawal due to technical problems, depriving us of a possible battle between Raikkonen and Vettel, ending the race with the safety car. Previously, also Sainz Jr. had suffered a technical problem, losing several positions, including the score zone.

Mercedes proved its strength with a new double and no strategy mistakes. Hamilton’s fastest lap just before changing the tyres is an important signal. The English driver raced with his rivals and his teammate demonstrating its force, even within the team. He managed to race as he wanted and pressing Rosberg, scoring a series of fast laps when needed.

After the victory two weeks ago, for Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel the third consecutive podium has finally arrived. The SF15-T defends better with the Soft, thanks also to the type of asphalt. With a stunning start, Raikkonen won the place at the foot of the podium, placing immediately behind the two Williams. A podium that certainly remains.

The two Sauber, Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull and Grosjean completed the Top-Ten. Ricciardo fought with tooth and nail to achieve the position and, while Grosjean gave the Lotus a very valuable seventh place.

A normal race, with some good fight in the rear with nice overtakings between Toro Rosso and Sauber. Lacking important teams, such as Red Bull and McLaren, for team of second grid scoring points will become “easier”. They have to try to take advantage from every opportunity, to increase the reward. Maybe these teams cannot find soon the competitiveness. McLaren, lap after lap, makes great progresses, although they are still very far away.

In 8 days, there will be another important race in Bahrain, where the temperature of the asphalt will be crucial. Pirelli will bring the Soft and Medium tyres and again, racing at night, the temperature will be lower. Therefore, Ferrari may reduce slightly its gap.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – Malaysian GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

INCREDIBLE! Ferrari made a big step forward compared to last season, giving us this unexpected result: an important victory, but as rightly said Maurizio Arrivabene: “Feet on the ground and drive“.

Stopwatch in hand, the SF15-T earned 8 dec on lap performance compared to 12 months ago, including improving the setup with tyres in the long run, as you had already seen since Friday. There are things that have left me puzzled, because with virtually very similar conditions (such as temperature and type of tyres), Ferrari was the only car to have actually improved, reaching the win. Last year, the fastest lap in race was marked by Hamilton in 1’43″066, while today Rosberg scored a 1’42″062 (medium) on the finish. An improvement of 1″ from Mercedes, but it didn’t highlighted in the weekend. Ferrari passed from Alonso’s best lap of 1’44.165 to Vettel’s in 1’43.782. Very positive result. The team did a good job, guessing strategies since Qualifying. It was different for Raikkonen. In Qualifying, he committed an assessment mistake, which is not as World Champion. Arrivabene, however, was direct, clear and precise, pointing out that it was driver’s mistake. This stance bodes well, keeping the team together and makes the driver feel responsible for. Even at the start, he wasn’t perfect, finishing into the group, where it’s easy to touch. And so it was.

Mercedes’ weekend was not errors free. In Q1 the choice to put on the medium tyres didn’t help in race, then forcing them to use the hard. We are only at the second race of the season and it’s too early to make predictions. The ranking gives us the current forces in the field, with two Ferrari and two Mercedes in the first four positions, followed by Williams, Toro Rosso and Red Bull. It’ weird to see the two creatures of Newey lapped. McLaren continues to miss and, despite the leap in quality compared to Melbourne, it remains well behind. Toro Rosso is keeping its promises and the two rookies – Verstappen and Sainz – don’t regret certainly more experienced drivers. At this rate, the fifth place in Constructors Championship will be within their reach. Compared to winter tests and fifteen days ago, Sauber missed.

Sepang, beyond the strategies, gave us some good overtakes, both in top positions and in the rear, with battles also inside same the team, such as at Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Williams. On a real track, Formula 1 gave us the show that we want always to see, recovering what was missed in Australia.

Gian Carlo Minardi

F.1 – Australian GP: THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

The first Grand Prix of the season allowed us to know truth and reality. The hunt for the two Mercedes, which will once again rush, as we already know, has just started.

Ferrari was back on the podium, winning the challenge of the “numbers 2” and we had seven different cars in the top ten positions, but I would beware. Only 16 cars out of 20 started and, in addition, there were two players missing, like Red Bull-Renault and McLaren-Honda, in late considering the schedule.

The Grand Prix must be analysed with a correct interpretation, and not as an ultra. Confirmation is Mercedes, which races at crazy pace, after a stratospheric Qualifying for Hamilton benefit, while Rosberg made some mistakes in the test sessions – never worrying the teammate during the race. They have a huge advantage over the competitors. Ferrari won his challenge against the current Williams rivals. After closing Qualifying with the fourth time result behind Massa, Vettel gained the podium to Brazilian driver’s detriment. A result that will have to be won, race after race. Although Raikkonen was missing (forced to retire with a pits’ mistake, something unusual for Ferrari), the SF-15T proved to be reliable, thanks to the important development that makes them stand before Red Bull and McLaren. A podium that is certainly moral, especially considering the great changes that took place in Maranello this winter. An incentive to continue to do better.

However, reality has to be seen in comparison with numbers. Stopwatch in hand, the Circus had a very important evolutionary step, thanks to the chassis, Power-Unit and tyres, but, basically, nothing has changed in terms of the gap between Mercedes and its rivals. On Saturday, Vettel’s gap from the pole was 1″4 versus Alonso’s 1″5 in 2014. During the race, Sebastian gets the third placement, with a gap of 34″. Twelve months ago, Alonso had finished fourth at 35″. This is the harsh reality of the chronometric results. Those left behind, for the moment, are Red Bull and McLaren; according to my information, the latter would have raced without electric engine. The chassis is up to the competition, but at the moment the problems come from the Japanese Power-Unit. Red Bull is still an unknown element. Ricciardo struggled with a knife between his teeth, with a car that is not competitive and unreliable, as demonstrated by the withdrawal of Daniil Kvyat in the warm-up.

Great debut for Sauber’s Felipe Nasr, who gained immediately points with Ericcson. Last year they were missing. Well done even for Sainz Jr. who collected points with Toro Rosso, forced to fight all the Grand Prix with a damaged car right at the first corner, showing great difficulty in the final. Verstappen is less lucky, forced to retire because of technical problems when he was in the Top 10.

In short, we get to know the 2015 Formula 1 World Championship. We leave Melbourne, a street circuit with special features, to fly in a fortnight in Malaysia – permanent circuit -, which will be the real test bench for teams’ performances.

Winter Test, Barcelona – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

The next appointment will be in two weeks, with the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne. Today the fourth and final day of collective test session is ended, closing effectively the winter session.

After playing hide and seek, Mercedes gave a first taste of its true potential, beating off competitors with the best time result of Nico Rosberg (1’22″792), scored the penultimate day with Soft. What will happen with the SuperSoft? I am almost certain that this car has the potential to go down under the wall of 1’22”.

The Germans are once again on another planet. Lewis and Nico will play in a separate championship, but with an important variable. If last year we could rely on flawed reliability, this year we will not even have this excuse, considering the many kilometres run in the twelve days of test. Now, it is a matter of going to Melbourne to see who will be the second and third force. At this point, thinking about hierarchies is not easy, since we don’t know the load of fuel on board.

With a delay of 1″ we have the Williams of Massa and Bottas that closed their work with the fastest time of the day. Behind them, in a range of 2-3 dec, we find Sebastian Vettel’s and Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari. Force India impressed me a lot. Whereas the new car came to light only in the last three days, Hulkenberg and Perez were able to put together nearly 1700 km, proving that VJM08-Mercedes is well set up. Not bad also Lotus, despite a crack of Maldonado caused today by a brake problem. But yesterday, Grosjean made several long runs, as well as Sauber. They surprised thanks to the number of driven kilometres and their performance. Felipe Nasr ended the day with 159 laps more, collecting the largest number of km of the four-days (exactly 2537 km). A good signal also for the engine of Maranello.

However, we arrive in Australia with several unknown elements. Red Bull hasn’t still showed its real potential, while Toro Rosso with the young Verstappen and Sainz Jr. has collected additional 2000 km.

With yesterday (February 28th), the engines has been stopped and I have the impression that most wanted to verify the reliability, making a large number of kilometres – except for McLaren. McLaren is certainly late, but it can rely on a more than valid combination. With regard to chassis, it has very interesting solutions that take time, but will soon be able to recover the gap. Alonso’s accident could have taken more time. Just about the variable of Sunday, we are waiting for answers. There are still too many unclear points about the event. When it speaks about safety, I like I’d like to shed some light on this matter. I would hate if the fact were filed by blaming everything to Aeolus. In Romagna (Italy) there is a saying: “Rumours are taken away by the wind”.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Barcelona Winter Test – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

The second session of collective test ended. From Jerez Formula 1 moved in Barcelona, for the second four-days of work, in preparation for the first round of World Championship scheduled for the weekend of March 15th, in Melbourne.

After missing the initial round, Force India has also added to the group, thus completing the starting grid, waiting to discover the fate of Marussia and Caterham. It is useless we try and kid. We can sit here and write words on words, but to really understand the potential of the various teams is very difficult, almost impossible.

What is clear is that:

  • cars are under stress, as evidenced by the numerous red flags of these days
  • all the components are “close” to the limit. Analyzing the data, it appears once again that the kilometers done by most teams are many
  • a great difference on time result performances has emerged between “Soft” and “Medium” (also 2″) and therefore giving feedback without knowing the programs is difficult
  • considering the time results, cars look very compact (excluding McLaren, which hardly get with difficult 600 km).

However, rumors and well-informed people speaks about problems related to consumptions problems. On this front, Mercedes remains number 1, while there are difficulties at Ferrari and Renault.

With regards to the French constructor, there is a burning market behind the scenes. The Transalpines would plan their frontline comeback, with a 100% commitment as constructor and not only as Power-Unit supplier. They dread finding without clients in 2016. In the next days, there will be of course updates with more details.

Before leaving, I’d like to wish Fernando Alonso, victim of an accident this morning, all the best and to get well soon. I wish him to get quickly at the wheel of his McLaren-Honda. The CAT scan is negative.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Jerez, Winter Test – THE POINT

/in /by

With four-day test sessions in Jerez Spanish circuit, the first winter collective practice session has ended and 2015 Formula 1 World Championship is now starting.

We have been able to enjoy all winter work done by teams, especially by top teams. Finally, we returned to Formula 1 “shapes”, with a philosophy that has accompanied and characterized this sport, where the aesthetic is important. We got rid of those horrible noses.

Analyzing the results, chronometric results immediately stand out, proof an important evolution of a World Championship year. In fact, after 12 months, performance is improved of 3”. Important signal. We have to take into account that not all cards have been discovered yet.

The excessive power of Mercedes World Champions is scaring; their work has focused exclusively on 2014 version engine, aiming to eliminate (and they succeeded) the problems of reliability of last season, mainly related to transmissions between the Power Unit and change. The more than 2200 km put together by Lewis Hamilton (208 laps) and Nico Rosberg (308 laps) are a good sign for reliability. For consistency with which they completed the run, without trying to score time, and for the type of compounds used, they will be again the reference point for everyone. They know well where they can get and convey also an important serenity during the interviews.

Same work at Williams. For the British team, Mercedes PU is a guarantee. They have worked to decrease 2014 criticali situations related to reliability. With an average of 70 rounds per day, Bottas and Massa have put together over 1250 km.

The surprise, however, comes from Ferrari and Sauber, for their kilometers and performances. Clearly, you have to be down to earth, whereas best times have come with soft compounds, not used by all teams. Very interesting the top speed scored by the team of Hinwil. Compered to last season, they have certainly scored the best leap. The SF15-T has proven to be the best of the F14-T, confirming reliability. Even visually, it is very pleasant. But before praising, I would go easy. Competitors are fierce and very prepared.

Let’s arrive at Red Bull. Considering the different performances between the two teams owned by Dietrich Mateschitz, it is evident that Horner’s men have used the 2015 version of the French engine, paying negatively the development in terms of reliability. At Toro Rosso, seeing many kilometers put together by the two young rookies Carlos Sainz Jr and Max Verstappen, they have been on track with 2014 version, focusing the work on the chassis and gaining interesting performances.

Obviously, disappointing McLaren-Honda pair. Few kilometers put together from neo-pair Alonso-Button and little performance. The car seems quite innovative, but suffer from the combination of mechanics-hybrid-electronic of the Japanese PU.

Below expectations Lotus. It was the first contact with the new engine (they have switched from Renault to Mercedes) and this step have to be “absorbed”. They have arrived in Spain with a day late, but we expected more.

Now we will see what will happen in fifteen days in Barcelona, a circuit included in World Championship calendar. Teams will be looking even for performance, as well as development. Meanwhile, these will also be two political weeks, linked to the economic difficulties of Force India, Marussia and Caterham.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Abu Dhabi GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

Also this season is ended quickly, consisting of fascinating Grand Prix, even though almost all branded Mercedes. It’s a pity that this final deprived us of Nico Rosberg, who was slowed by a problem of his car. It wold have been amazing to see them fighting till the end. I have to congratulate him both for his nice gesture against Lewis in the race over, and for wanting to stop at all costs the Grand Prix.

It’s been a championship in growing, despite technical concerns at the beginning. The times have lower quickly until approaching the various records, just like Rosberg’s Qualifying time scored yesterday, which was really close to Vettel’s track record – 2009.

It’s been a season with so many variables: Williams, after a difficult 2013, has become the third force in the world, closing the season with a double podium. It revived Felipe Massa and formed one of the most promising young driver, Bottas. Talking about chassis, Red Bull has shown that have a competitive car, despite too many smarts. Developing as Power-unit, it would certainly have something to say. Ferrari, among many difficulties, has confirmed as the fourth / fifth force of world championship. Fernando said good-bye to the team showing things that only a champion can do, like the overtaking on Kimi and the fast change of strategies, entering first for pit-stop. Button has digested perfectly his last GP. Alongside Ferando, in fact, there’ll be Kevin Magnussen. Therefore, from Tuesday, the new McLaren-Honda era will start.

A season that ends with so many changes, both for drivers and for technical aspect. Vettel instead of Alonso in Ferrari. Alonso instead of Button in McLaren (missing only the announcement). Kvyat instead of Vettel in Red Bull. The Russian has been unlucky in some circumstances, but from the beginning he has imposed very well. He will be alongside to Ricciardo that even today has proven to be a first lead. In Toro Rosso, instead arrives the young Max Verstappen. To decide who will be his partner. For tests, the team from Faenza called Carlos Sainz jr. At this point, I would say that for Vergne the doors close, although he was the author of a good season ending. Verstappen-Sainz, a young team will be a good bet, though not easy. On the technical side, we have seen many changes, especially in Ferrari, where, however, the news are not over. The rumors speak of a new change of leadership, between Mattiacci-Arrivabene. If so, it would be quite a good shot. Arrivabene is very familiar with F1, Ferrari’s environment and the Agnelli family. In short, there are still many pieces to put in place.

During the tests in Abu Dhabi, we will have the chance to see in action even Raffaele Marciello, at the wheel of Ferrari. I’ll follow him very carefully, having observed him closely, since his first steps in this world.

Gian Carlo Minardi

Brazilian GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

São Paulo has not lived up to expectations, thanks to an exciting circuit that puts drivers’ ability to the test. As easily expected, we have had a clear supremacy of Mercedes team and its Power-Unit, with four drivers in the top-4 and seven in the top-10.

Good race also for Sebastian Vettel, with Daniel Ricciardo particularly unlucky, braked by the failure of left front suspension. Fernando Alonso has driven at his best with his Ferrari, playing all-out like Kimi Raikkonen, who has played the card of pit-stop less, risking compromising the seventh place, in favor of Hulkenberg and Magnussen. Given the supremacy of the German PU, the battle has been won by Vettel-Alonso-Raikkonen, entering into the top-10. Button himself then has been the author of a good race, showing how his McLaren defends itself with Medium and Hard compounds, suffering, instead, with Soft and Supersoft.

Once again, it has been an unequal fight between the pair Hamilton/Rosberg and everyone else. They have fight till the end, challenging with fast laps. That is the beauty of two champions, using a car that allows them to do what they want. Despite the supremacy, however, the title will be awarded only at the last race in Abu Dhabi. This can only be good for F1. The advantage of the English driver remains like that and he can end the game even with a second place. It will be a weekend that will open with many unknown elements, both for reliability and possible mistakes. Even today, Lewis himself makes a mistake that, in other circumstances, would have been fatal. Thanks to the new safety rules (which led to pave the escape ways) he has been spared, losing only a few seconds. However, 17-points lead are an important lifesaver, demonstrating that the double points are useless invention. Moreover, the track has already approved its verdict. 10 to 5 wins for Hamilton on Rosberg … Then, other factors, such as reliability, have affected the standings.

Well done also for Felipe Massa. With the third place, he completes the podium of the home-race. He has made two mistakes as a beginner, but, anyway, they wouldn’t have changed the result. Two mistakes, dictated by the heat of racing in front of his audience and driving a competitive car like his Williams. Unfortunately, the Brazilian misses several points lost in the first part that now would have launched him to the third-fourth place. He has lived a season in growing and monetizing the potential of his car. He is still a long way from Mercedes, but the PU allows him to reach these results.

With regards to mistakes, it has been a Sunday full of imperfections in the pits with Raikkonen, Bottas and Hamilton. For Ferrari, it is the second error. An alarm bell not to be underestimated, because it comes in an area where the Prancing Horse has always been at the top.

Gian Carlo Minardi

United States GP – THE POINT… BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI

/in /by

Lewis Hamilton is a “race-animal”. After losing the comparison with his team-mate in Qualifying, he was outstanding in race, scoring an overtaking that proves who’s the best team right now. The advantage points are now 24 (of 75 still to be assigned between Brazil and Abu Dhabi) and the “end” word could get in a week. It’s just a matter between them. At the moment, there aren’t other players that can bother them.

It has been a Grand Prix in which Williams has disappointed me. Honestly, I would expect to see both Massa and Bottas fighting for third place. However, Daniel Ricciardo, author of an incredible overtaking, has been fantastic on this front. He absolutely proves himself to be a team-leader, optimizing at his best this Red Bull, which never stops surprising us, “killing” – sportingly speaking – the team-mate Vettel.

Sincerely, I didn’t understand Vettel’s strategy – forced to start from pit-lane – even if he grabbed the seventh place just at the end.

Well done for Lotus, which has risen with a point of Maldonado, and Vergne. The French proved not to be scrapped. He may still be useful for Toro Rosso and Red Bull in a global context, leading important points to Faenza. The team is growing and he can be of help.

With regards to Ferrari, Fernando Alonso continues his positive trend, ridiculing Raikkonen. Unfortunately, the comparison with the Spanish is embarrassing.

As might be expected, Marussia and Caterham’s forfeit case dominated this weekend. We’ll have to wait to understand which way will take this F1, as there’s a lot of irons in the fire, considering third car and new dividing up of rights. Honestly, I don’t think that the third car is the best solution. However, I promise you to analyze problems more patiently later.

Gian Carlo Minardi