Track Torque: Hamilton wraps things up in style
There will be a lot of changes on the cars next year due to new technical rules, mainly on the chassis and aerodynamic front.
An exciting year of Formula One racing came to an end at the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.
Again, Lewis Hamilton was in a class of his own, taking both his 11th pole position and 11th win of the season.
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There were some very hard triers behind him, namely Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
But try as they might they could do no better than their second, third and fourth places respectively.
The start of the race was hectic with Nico Hulkenberg colliding with Romain Grosjean and ending upside down in the fence! Fortunately, he was unhurt.
This delayed the race somewhat and Hamilton took advantage of a pitstop which took him on to the end of the race and victory.
Kimi Raikkonen was another early retiree, going out on lap seven with some form of mechanical trouble.
Poor Valteri Bottas had a somewhat dismal race, finishing only fifth in the sister to the winning car.
When interviewed after the race he looked very down and said he was looking forward to a good rest after all the pressures of F1.
Carlos Sainz drove a steady race into sixth position in the sole remaining Works Renault and was followed fairly close behind by Charles Leclerc, who had given us a really good display of top driving throughout qualifying and the race, finishing in 7th place in the Sauber Alfa Romeo.
Remember next time around in Australia he will be partnering Vettel at Ferrari.
Sergio Perez (Force India) followed by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen (both Haas) took up eighth, ninth and 10th places respectively.
I really do hope that the short break gives Honda enough time to become reliable and competitive.
Brendon Hartley finished in 12th position and so much hangs on the Red Bull team’s success with them.
Verstappen and Pierre Gasly, who are both tremendously talented drivers must be holding their breath.
We now have just over three months break before next year’s first race in Australia.
There will be a lot of changes on the cars next year due to new technical rules, mainly on the chassis and aerodynamic front.
ALSO READ : Track Torque: Hamilton crowned world champion for fifth time
I hope to give some report on testing in the new year before my preview at the start of the new race calendar year.
I wish you all a very happy and safe festive season.
Drivers: 1 Lewis Hamilton 408; 2 Sebastian Vettel 320; 3 Kimi Raikkonen 251; 4 Max Verstappen 249; 5 Valtteri Bottas 247; 6 Daniel Ricciardo 170; 7 Nico Hulkenberg 69; 8 Sergio Perez 62; 9 Kevin Magnussen 56; 10 Carlos Sainz Jr 53.
Team: 1 Mercedes 655; 2 Ferrari 571; 3 Red Bull 419; 4 Renault 122; 5 Haas 93; 6 McLaren 62; 7 Racing Point Force India 52; 8 Sauber 48; 9 Toro Rosso 33; 10 Williams 7.
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