I am not sure I can really add to the volume of reporting and analysis over what happened at the Sepang Circuit this weekend gone. I am trying to remain grounded in the long term analysis that is based on data and not emotion as one could be forgiven for thinking that Ferrari had already won the Championship given the column inches!
It was certainly a great race, it had it all, tears/laughter, something for everyone! It is great that Mercedes looks like it has a serious challenge and that is great for the sport. That the challenge comes in the form of Ferrari rather than say Williams may surprise some of the sports soothsayers but is it really such a surprise? Ferrari are one of the few brands in the world that are so strong that the brand is bigger than any human being; something that the BBC and Top Gear may learn going forwards. Ferrari have made the necessary changes to ensure that the brand continues to do what that brand should do which is to be seen winning races in beautiful cars.
So what do the figures say then? Well you know my rule of thumb is not too draw too many conclusions until the Spanish GP, but this weekends performance does change the mix a little but not as much as some of shrill pundits would have you believe and this will make the ongoing analysis much more interesting this year. Instead of worrying about which 43 points Mercedes will or will not share each weekend to which driver we now need to see what the effect of Ferrari and Williams will have taking chunks out of them and each other as the season progresses. This weekend’s result alone shows the damage of just sacrificing P2 for P3 in the case of Rosberg. Effect? Vettel driving a wedge in the Mercedes standings already at race 2 and suddenly overnight Mercedes’ points are costing them more money.
So overall I hope the analysis of the first 2 races continues, it is great to see 2 strong teams snapping at Mercedes and for the likes of Sauber and Torro Rosso taking the likes of Red Bull on and beating them. Let’s not forget even Manor Marussia even managed to finish the race albeit in one car, but one more than McLaren!
I would personally love to see a McLaren/ Ferrari front 2 rows on the grid. And is it too much to ask for Williams to be sat just behind?? I think it’s time for a tight race over the whole race. It will be interesting to see how Kimi gets on with the Ferrari this year, as his drive was just ask quick as Sebs, albeit from further back.
Going to be a long wait for McLaren! They are already struggling to breed confidence in who will be driving for them next year.
Oh! Did I say McLaren, I meant Mercedes – Freudian Slip, or wishful thinking?? Go JB…