Its hard to believe the F1 season is drawing to a close, three races remaining and three weeks after the last race in Russia, which was forgettable as it was memorable for not much happening, other than Hamilton virtually sailing to victory.
The F1 circus is now fully open for the 17th round of the United Sates Grand Prix, this weekend, and it seems Lewis Hamilton is beginning to stamp his authority over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg.
The Mercedes F1 cars have been the dominant package all year. Hamilton has notched up 9 wins and 3 DNF’s compared to Rosbergs 4 wins and two DNF”s.
Hamilton has convincingly won the last 4 races and with some ease, perhaps to the discomfort of Rosberg. Yet the two are quite close on points.
What ever you think about the double points system for the last race, the fight for the F1 drivers title is no longer about the stats, its now about the psychology, its about the drivers mentality and this is where it gets unpredictable.
Hamilton wears his heart firmly on his sleeve, Rosberg seems more in control able to deflect pressure, although the incident at the Belgian Grand Prix gave the first indication of “cracks in the ceramic wear” so to speak.
In a recent interview with Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, Rosberg discussed the 17 points deficit too Hamilton after leading the drivers standings for much of the season.
“There are still 100 points to be taken – in that respect 17 points shy is not such a big drama. Anything is still possible – and my plan is to fully concentrate and ride full attack! In fact it’s a very simple plan – so no big strategy or psychological games”.
“I am here and will attack!’ I am in fact looking forward to these last three races – and the paramount feeling is that I am enjoying the moment. You never can dream up how a fight for the title will develop so it is the moment that counts – and the situation that I am in.
Pressed about Hamilton’s high octane emotional mood swings Rosberg said “I don’t want to philosophise about his strengths and weaknesses! We both have pros and cons”.
On the double points system Rosberg added “Now I honestly do love the double points for the last race! (laughs) For the future I do believe that to skip that rule again would be better – but in the end I see the want to take the title fight to the wire for the fans. To keep the situation sizzling! Many other sports do have similar tools to keep the suspense on a high, so we will make our first experiences in Abu Dhabi. Let’s see how it goes this year and then discuss the future.
Day one of the opeing race weekend saw Lewis Hamilton edge out Rosberg in the first two practice sessions by the narrowest of margins with a distant Fernando Alonso 3rd in his Ferrari.
US Grand Prix 2014, full Practice Session 2 results;
