I had no idea when I was writing my first post the story would play out so. Vettel was clearly, as the Germans would say 'verarscht', that he should stay behind Webber. Mark could have driven as fast but the team wanted to get both cars to the finish. Webbers strategy and driving had put him in the pound seats and his reward should have been a victory. When you are not racing anyone else it makes sense to hold station.
Unfortunately Vettel is becoming one of the worst kind of 'pothunters'. Seeking to break every record is his quest for racing immortality. Sadly he is employing Schumachers worst tactics to achieve it.
I actually like the guy and his personality but this overbearing need to be nr. 1, marks out an immaturity that I suppose given his age we should accept, but not when you are racing open wheel cars at nearly 200mph.
His pass on Webber once again demanded that Webber should accommodate him. 'Give me room or we crash', as Senna used to. Webber had no reason to expect Vettel would pass given the team orders in place.
Sorry, but a 3 time world champion should know better. Rosberg didn't like his instructions either and whilst I understand that that's the way it is, Mercedes pay the bills and if that's what they want so be it. I would prefer Hamilton had heard the discussion and given up the place to Nico. But again, they were only fighting themselves. Tough calls, but they have to be made. Both RBull and Mercedes made them but one arrogant driver didn't play the game.
Vettel has apologised, but that is pretty hollow. He has the victory and the points and that, above all, is what he wanted. He says 'move on' but then he would wouldn't he?
If I was Webber I would take a victory and then quit in the press conference. He gets repeatedly shat on and he doesn't deserve it. He will never be able to win the championship at RBull and most times will have to support Vettels ambition even though he can beat the guy fairly.
The whole episode detracts from what was, again, an interesting race. Mercedes seem to have some pace after all, and McLaren looked better. Buttons efforts deserved something better than a bungled pit stop again. Force India too must be crying in their beer. What a disaster. 2 quick cars with a good strategy totally screwed as a result of the equipment they were using for the wheel changes. I thought most teams had the heat of Sepang sussed out now. Just goes to show.
Lots of bungles throughout the race really. Maybe they are all rusty. Lewis has to take top spot though for his brief stop to say hello to the McLaren guys. Nice moment.
No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
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