F1 - 'We take nothing for granted'

Sunday, 09 October 2011 11:00

Red Bull Racing certainly doesn't take anything for granted.

Which might explain the questionable start at today’s Japanese Grand Prix 2011 from Sebastian Vettel, when he put Jenson Button's McLaren on the grass running up to the first corner. Although he caused a competitor to leave the track and materially affected that competitor's race when Lewis Hamilton took second, the incident was investigated and no action taken. I wondered whether that would have been the case if Lewis Hamilton had been the one to put someone on the grass. It seemed like an answer to my question when Hamilton's Mclaren and Massa's Ferrari, with seemingly magnetic inevitability, came together, leaving Massa's front wing end plate lying on the tarmac at turn 16. But the stewards showed consistency and didn't send Hamilton into his box.

This race was much about Vet being world champion and I kind of respect him for doing what it takes to achieve that. And half the reason I was disappointed that he escaped penalty was because I wanted to see his recovery charge through the field.

I thought Suzuka might be a bit boring, the circuit being so narrow and old school, but actually, it wasn't. It was a tight and technical race, allowing Jenson Button to drive hard to the top step of the podium, after getting past Vettel in the second pitstop. The tyres gave us a less processional race than in previous years. DRS had an effect, though not as much as we've seen elsewhere. But there's some value in that - the drivers never know what to expect from the DRS and have to evaluate its effect anew at every circuit.

Fernando Alonso had a good race for Ferrari, treating every lap like a qualifying lap until he closed on Sebastian Vettel and passed him in the pits, then chased Jenson grimly to the flag. Jenson was losing time to Alonso as the McLaren began to use its tyres. Handily, Sebastian Vettel, in third behind Fernando, was told not to take risks, which took the pressure off. On lap 50 out of 53, Jenson was only 1 second ahead of Fernando Alonzo, but Jenson responded to keep Alonzo out of the DRS zone. He wanted the grand prix win. If Sebastian Vettel had to win championship then he had to, but it wasn't going to be because Jenson didn't win!

Jenson obviously had enough fuel to turn up the wick and take the chequered flag in the lead. Probably only just enough, as he pulled his car over at the end of the pits and didn’t complete the cool down lap.

Michael Schumacher was on a different strategy for Mercedes, one that allowed the old lion to lead the race for a few laps. It was good to see a Mercedes leading and I like Michael more as an old lion than I ever did when he led the pride.

His teammate, Nico Rosberg, began in 23rd spot after having no running in qualifying after his machinery let him down. In such a narrow circuit, he wasn't able to cut through the field as we've seen other fast cars do this season. His pass on Di Resta at the Dunlop Curve was a pleasure to watch, though.

I was impressed by Sergio Perez, for Sauber, this weekend. He began the season well and then faded, not helped by a hard crash in Monaco that put him out for two races. I was glad to see him having a decent race, despite having a heavy cold to weigh down his crash helmet. Looking after tyres, he was able to minimise his pitstops and finish in a creditable 8th place.

Local hero Kamui Kobayashi, in the other Sauber, had his race spoilt by a rubbish start when his car went into anti-stall. He made a few thrilling passes, but there was no fairy tale for him at his home grand prix. He had fabulous support from his countrymen and a lot of weekend's news concerned the efforts he made to aid his country after the unthinkable tragedy it suffered with the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. Respect, Kamui.

At the end of the race, Sebastian Vettel disappeared into a sea of mechanics and photographers to celebrate being not only the youngest ever Formula 1 double world champion, but to win his championships back-to-back.

It's impressive, but Jenson Button continues to impress, too, confounding those who said he'd be eclipsed by Lewis Hamilton when he joined McLaren. I never heard much of the circumstances leading to Jenson leaving Brawn after his World Championship year - and anyone who has that information, feel free to share it with us - but it was so obviously the correct decision.

Between race-end and podium Jenson's pointed remark to Sebastian Vettel, 'That's how we're racing, then?' told us that the excitement of the win hadn't erased his enforced grasstracking from his memory. And was Sebastian Vettel sheepish, 'You were behind, weren't you?' If so, it was probably only momentary. His super-aggressive start emphasised his cool-down lap radio message.

'We take nothing for granted.' It’s obviously the right way to go racing. By Sue Moorcroft

Worth Checking - F1 News - Kate Walkers F1 blog