Review of The Singapore GP by Pedro Cunha
The night time qualifying in Singapore brought us some news: Alexander Rossi replaced Roberto Merhi in Manor and became the first North American to participate in an F1 race since Scott Speed in 2007. The 2nd novelty was the first “non Mercedes” pole this season: Vettel achieved his first pole since Brazil 2013 (23rd November) and Ferrari achieved their first pole since Germany in 2012 (21st July). The 3rd novelty consisted in the fact that both Ferraris and Red Bulls were ahead of Mercedes.
As for the race: we already know that it begins and concludes at night and ends with fireworks and we also know that the safety car sooner or later comes onto the track – the 8th GP held at the Marina Bay circuit and for the 8th time safety car deployed. Maybe someday the “curse” is cut off … Lap 13: collision between Hülkenberg and Massa, first was deployed the virtual safety car, but the real one made its appearance, on lap 37, when a man entered the track (how are these things are possible?).
Vettel dominated all race and Räikkönen in 3rd place allowed Ferrari to have their two drivers on the podium, something that has not happened since May 2013 (Spain).
It was definitely not a good weekend for Mercedes: Hamilton with throttle problems retired for the first time this year, while Rosberg never had the pace of Ferrari and Ricciardo for Red Bull, having to settle for 4th place.
A race with 6 retirements (Hülkenberg, Massa, Alonso, Hamilton, Button and Grosjean), Bottas was 5th, Kvyat 6th, Perez 7th, Verstappen 8th, Sainz 9th and the last championship point was for Nasr.
On the last lap of the race, Verstappen was ordered to let his tea- mate Sainz overtake him but the Dutch driver disobeyed. We will see what Toro Rosso will do.
The rookie Rossi claimed 14th place, ahead of his colleague Stevens.
Next week we will have the Japanese GP.
Standings:
Drivers – Hamilton (252), Rosberg (211), Vettel (203), Raikkonen (107), Bottas (101)
Teams - Mercedes (463), Ferrari (310), Williams (198), Red Bull (139), Force India (69)
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