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Lewis Hamilton has vowed to “laugh off” his chaotic display in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
The ferocity of the contest, lit up by Vettel’s blazing speed and tenacity, served as an appropriate tribute to Frenchman Bianchi, who died on July 17 from injuries sustained when he collided with a recovery vehicle in torrential rain at last October’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“It has been a week with a lot of ups and downs and as I said after the race I dedicate this win to Jules and his family.” said a jubilant Vettel after the race. “You are always in our hearts”.
Vettel eventually sealed victory after taking the lead from Hamilton off the start line.
“My start wasn’t ideal and the Ferraris were really quick off the line, so suddenly I was under attack from both sides”.
In fourth was 17-year-old Max Verstappen, who will spend the summer break practising for his driving test, which he will take when he turns 18, reports The Guardian.
Rosberg struggled on both the soft and medium rubber, while his own clash with Ricciardo a few laps from the finish caused a puncture that ultimately knocked him off the podium.
Bianchi’s parents, Philippe and Christine, and his siblings were flown in for the race by Bernie Ecclestone and they linked arms with the drivers ahead of the race. “If I would have come out of here five points behind in the championship maybe then it would have been a bit different”. “I have a good chance to pass Lewis in the championship at some point soon”. I imagine it is going to get worse.
Rosberg limped back to the pits and changed his tire, but the mishap ruined his race and he would go on to finish in eighth. Once more, Ricciardo was involved in the woe of Rosberg in Hungary.
Ricciardo said he had no regrets about either of the clashes with the Mercedes pair. “To be honest the move was late but it was clean”.
By the third lap, he was joined at the front by teammate Kimi Raikkonen, with Rosberg in third, while standings leader Hamilton dropped as far back as tenth.
The next race is Belgium and, to complicate matters, there will be restrictions on the amount of information teams can give drivers at the start and that could shake things up.
The double world champion endured a miserable afternoon at the Hungaroring as he dropped to fourth at the first corner in his Mercedes-GP following a poor start from pole position.
As with Hamilton, Rosberg had only himself to blame.
“Idonot recall each day like this”, he said, over Rosberg to 21 points despite the turmoil his direct to have expanded. The German driver was second, while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel started the race from third spot.
The Safety auto, which was initiated after Hulkenberg crashed at Turn 1, was a welcome strategic bonus for Mercedes but as he mounted his charge Hamilton clashed with Ricciardo, dropping the Brit down to sixth and then enduring an agonizing pit stop for a new front wing.
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Hamilton holds a 21-point lead over Rosberg at the top of the drivers’ championship. On the Podium all three drivers saluted to the heavens to there friend Jules Bianchi, a young driver who was destined for greatness and will never be forgotten. By the end of the first lap he was 10th.
