That was one of the most enjoyable GP's I've watched for a while that didn't involve rain.
I was actually cheering when Hamilton took Massa into the final complex - obviously tempered with a bit of reality knowing he was stopping twice more - but he needed to get by to make his strategy work and he did it well.
Also watching HK come from the back of the field (one day he'll get a bit of luck at the start) and pass numerous drivers in the same area was excellent. Piquet also provided some amusing moments with his tendency to outbrake himself!
So did we enjoy it or not? In some respects a lot of the moves were due to HK being out of position, but he still had to make them. How slick were the McLaren crew during the stops - immense to watch. Less than 6 secs! Ferrari have long had the pitcrew of the year award from the UK's F1 Racing mag, but for me that performance from the McLaren team elevates them.
Unfortunately for overtaking enthusiasts, next we have the pitstop battle that is Monaco... just hope the McMercs can get themselves onto the front row for that one.
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It was good to watch. Do you think Piquet junior has the mettle?
I didn't think the McLaren strategists covered themselves in glory with HK. They must have been too focused on Lewis 3 stop strategy to notice that Heikki was going to run out of fuel without another stop that robbed them of championship points.
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The race had some very nice battles. Great strategy from MacLaren, and finally a flawless drive by Hamilton. Without a cracked front wing, perhaps Raikkonen could have fought a bit harder for second. How he was able to claim fastest lap anyhow was a bit puzzling though.
IMO, Piquet is not ready for F-1, Coulthard and a few others should retire.
Agree with both opinions on Piquet - seems a bit prone to overdriving, and doesn't always position his car well when passing or being passed.
Having said that, Massa was the same a few years ago, maybe it just takes the right level of coaching.
Much as it pains me to say it, DC's been shown the way by Webber this year, needs to buck up his act and compete or consider taking his many millions and buying up all the land around La Rascasse.
Teutone I fully agree - it was flawless and he was on it for long periods - I was almost convinced the car was going to break, but it all held together, and he's back in it.
HK has a fight on his hands, and needs more help from the team after the botched strategy. I was wondering after Barcelona if we would see a repeat of the situation between Ron and Mika years ago - who's to say? He's one helluva driver that's for sure. Some of his passes and tactics through three corners were superb.
It was a strange weekend for Raikkonnen - I don't necessarily buy the "it would have taken too long to change the front wing" - they can do it pretty quickly these days. Think that's F1 speak for "I had no real answer to my team mate".
It should favour Ferrari - let's hope the McMerc boyz have one of their "on it" days.
Personally I would love to see a Heikki, Lewis, Robert podium - in that order.
I'm sure people that read my posts think I'm Lewis' media manager, but I would love to see Heikki send a message - makes the complete team competitive.
He has been quick this year - you never know......................
OK, OK, OK, so Lewis must win!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also in my ideal podium above I seem to have forgotten the Maranello boyz - factor them in and it's not so ideal.....................
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