As expected, the new rules have seen lap times fall by around 3-5 seconds, and at Shanghai’s Chinese Grand Prix last weekend, we got to see first-hand just how fast the cars are nowadays.
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Shanghai: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton steered clear of a chaotic start to the Chinese Grand Prix and coasted to victory on Sunday, claiming his fifth title in Shanghai.
The battle for the victory at the close was very much a two-horse race beetween Hamilton and Vettel; however, with the Briton coming out ahead of the German, having taken pole into the race.
But it was a good day for Hamilton, Vettel probably made the pass of the race with an overtake Ricciardo, which took from turn five to turn six to complete, and Verstappen’s progress from 16th to third was the drive of the day.
Daniel Ricciardo followed his team mate and crossed the finish line in the fourth spot, while Kimi Raikkonen came in fifth.
After an exciting start, though, the second half of the race was short of drama as the top drivers maintained their positions to the end.
Vettel was second, hardening impressions that 2017 will be a fight between the two multiple champions.
“I think this will be one of the closest title fights if not the closest I have experienced”. “One thing that China did show us was that we genuinely have a Ferrari vs Mercedes battle in 2017”.
Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas had a chastening day, spinning behind the safety auto in the early stages and dropping back to 12th, from which he recovered to finish sixth, behind the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.
Two lap later proper safety auto was out after Antonio Giovinazzi suffered his second heavy crash.
“Amazing sportsmanship” and respect of the “highest” order, that is how Lewis Hamilton has explained his relationship with rival Sebastian Vettel.
This led to the safety vehicle coming out on track to ruin Vettel’s smart strategic move.
“I think at the moment we’re a bit in a lonely competition because in front of us they are too quick and behind us they are too slow”.
With both teams showing equal pace at the top, there will likely be plenty of other opportunities for close races this season.
“This race was so real”.
Team Force India drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon finished 9th and 10th respectively managing to gain 10 points for the team.
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Lewis Hamilton, left, and Sebastian Vettel at Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, Australia, March 26.
