Only six weeks after their self-confessed “worst pre-season ever”, the Woking-based McLaren squad managed to turn what appeared to be a less-than-impressive anticlimax of a title challenger into a race-winning vehicle. In a car whose pre-season beared a strong resemblance to that of the ill-fated 2003-intended MP4-18, title-hopeful Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the Chinese Grand Prix was as unexpected as it was marvellous. Hamilton’s scintillating mixture of determination, aggression and intelligence, which lead him to victory at just the third Grand Prix of the season, was an explanation in itself as to why the championship is still wide open.
The Development Power of McLaren
If ever there was question about the development power of the McLaren squad, the immense improvement rate in 2009, which took the team from second-slowest in Melbourne to outright-fastest in Abu Dhabi - an improvement of 1.7 seconds over the whole field – proved the team’s engineering prowess at both the McLaren Technology Centre and at the racetrack. Fact-less criticisms of Hamilton being unable to “improve” a car over the season without the aid of a vastly more-experienced team-mate have subsequently vanished and – with the knowledge and confidence in his ability – the Britton has greatly grown in race-craft and in maturity. Ever confident of the British team’s chances of overtaking Red Bull in the relentless development race, Hamilton’s confidence has been shown both on-track and in the media. In a pre-race interview at the Malaysian Grand Prix this year, Hamilton promised improvements from the team; “I have no doubt that we can overtake Red Bull in the development battle – it’s just a question of when.’
Indeed, Red Bull can and will be caught. The only question remains is: who will be the team to manage it?
Outright Pace
The McLaren driver has shown already his ability to pass the public’s expectations of himself on a number of occasions in 2011, just three races into the season. Most notably, he has been able to split the Red Bull Racing team-mates in every qualifying session so-far and was able to place himself a mere 0.104 seconds behind qualifying ace Sebastian Vettel during qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix. A self-proclaimed “almost perfect lap”, Lewis’ performance thus-far into the season has shown his confidence and competency as a race driver in 2011.
The Mentality of the Warrior
Since his karting days, the 2008 World Champion has been – much like most drivers – in their element whilst leading. Indeed, as a driver, you aren’t required to consider the strategies of those all around you when leading. You push to your pace and achieve what goals you set yourself. However, Hamilton’s gutsy, on-track moves against Massa, Rosberg, Button and Vettel en route to his victory proved that – unlike at least one of his championship contenders – overtaking those around him can be achieved with precision and aggression. For the driver and audience alike, “It’s always sweeter to win a race when you’ve overtaken the cars ahead."
The Fight Will Continue
Despite Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel looking to run away with the championship in the early stages of 2011, underestimate the ability of those chasing at your peril. The 2008 World Drivers’ Champion has experience with taking the fight to others and will doubtlessly do nothing less than what is capable of McLaren’s MP4-26. As the season enters the European phase, the championship is still wide open.
Credit: The F1 Times (www.thef1times.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment