THIS weekend’s US Grand Prix will see huge rivalry in the Mercedes team, with Lewis Hamilton doing everything he can to close the gap on teammate Nico Rosberg before it is too late.
We should see a humdinger of a race between the two of them in their class leading F1 Mercs but, will the others leave it to them?
Yes, that is the question as there are many other very hungry and able men around that could make their life difficult.
The biggest challenge should come from the 19-year-old Dutch ‘Wunderkind’ Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo, in their very technically sophisticated Red Bull machines.
The Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas should be kinder to their Renault engines and both drivers are really on top of their form.
The red cars from the Prancing Horse stable won’t be far behind either as they make a concerted effort to come back in the closing races to be runners-up in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sebastian Vettel is usually quicker than Kimi Raikkonen and if his luck holds for a change he could even lead the challenge and not only give both Red Bulls a hard time, but chase the Mercedes team very hard as well.
We would all love to see these three teams mix it much more closely and don’t want to wait to see what will happen with all the regulation changes next year – we want action now in the last chapter of the old season.
Of the others, Sergio Perez is on a roll and much closer to home so should enjoy a lot of support.
Expect a good performance from him and teammate Nico Hulkenberg in their Force-India Mercedes, before Nico leaves the team at the end of the year.
On the driver front the musical chairs game has just begun with Hulkenberg leaving for Renault next year with AN Other to join him.
At McLaren Honda we already know that Jenson Button is taking a promotional role at the team and that Fernando Alonso will be joined by Stoffel Vandoorne.
There are also gaps available next to Perez at Force India, both Williams seats are open, as are those at Sauber and Manor while HAAS and Toro Rosso each have one seat vacant with Romain Grosjean and Carlos Sainz staying.
Race times this weekend are: qualifying Saturday evening at 7.50pm and the main race starts at 9pm on Sunday.
Watch the stars earn their stripes.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
