THE GOOD
MERCEDES DUO CRASH
The clash of Hamilton and Rosberg at the fourth corner gave all F1 fans not linked to either driver what they wanted, something other than a Silver car in front. The challenge was thrown down by Martin Brundle mid broadcast that this was the situation all had wanted, so let’s see if it produced a better race. And see we did with a Spanish GP worth remembering for the first occasion since Pastor Maldonaldo scored one of F1’s unlikeliest wins.
The by product will now hopefully be volcanic levels of hate between the German and British drivers, which will hopefully evolve into full open warfare, which will mean that even if the Mercs are way out in front, hopefully there’s enough fire between these two to give us good racing 30 seconds in front. Or another prang will do nicely.
Given how close Red Bull and Ferrari seem, the battle to pick up the pieces if it happens again has just got interesting.
MAX VERSTAPPEN
Hard not to be impressed at an 18 year old winning a Grand Prix. The way he did it with such ease is scarily reminiscent of another former young Red Bull pilot’s first win. The changing of drivers is now 100% justified, and another by product may be that other teams will not wait until the end of the year to dispose of an unwanted driver, and that young raw talent will continue to infiltrate the grid, rather than journeymen or economically sound drivers. Although a fairer sharing of the cash may mean lower midfield teams don’t need to think of cash before talent.
THE BAD
DAN RICCIARDO
Just plain unlucky as the obvious three stop turned out to be inferior to the two stopper, and a bitter pill to swallow after leading effortlessly throughout the first part of the race. The puncture towards the end was a helping of salt for the wounds to ensure his day could end up as miserable as possible.
THE UGLY
SEBASTIAN VETTEL
Whilst the move was Ricciardo was optimistic, Vettel’s Ping Pong bitching over the radio was a window into the German’s mind of sook. Yes he has come under attack in the previous two races, but the move was there to be made. Yes if he had of turned in harder there would have been a crash, but you could say that in most overtaking cases in this era. I’m sure if it were reversed, the current Red Bull driver would have just put his head down and thought of ways to get revenge. In case he forgot, fans are chasing more overtaking. The 2017 rules appear as if they won’t help.
