As ever the Spa Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit in Belgium played host to a dramatic race with plenty of action for the viewing audience.
As ever the Spa Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit in Belgium played host to a dramatic race with plenty of action for the viewing audience. The usual torrential downpour saved itself for Saturday’s qualifying, leaving the sunshine for Sunday’s race.
Mercedes vs Mercedes
It was anything but harmonious on track as Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg held pole position, having pipped teammate, and rival for the world championship, Lewis Hamilton to start first on the grid. Hamilton had a fantastic start, moving himself up into first with current world champion Sebastian Vettel accelerating into second, leaving Rosberg floundering in third.
The German had plenty of catching up to do and aggressive driving lead to unfortunate contact with Hamilton. As the Brit took his racing line into the corner the pair’s cars collided, leaving Rosberg with a broken front wing and Hamilton a puncture.
Luck again eluded Hamilton as he limped to the pits and after a long and lengthy amount of time trailing at the back of the pack he was forced to retire as any chance of a points finish had firmly faded.
At the end of the race Hamilton made it incredibly clear that he felt that Rosberg had ruined his race and Mercedes bosses Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda stated that they will be taking the matter very seriously, both calling the clash ‘unacceptable.’
Rosberg finished in second place and was later booed on the podium.
Midfield Moments
Some great racing was seen in the midfield between the McLaren’s of Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Vettel. All four were vying for position and, despite aggressive driving, no contact was made between them.
Straight off the back of his Hungarian win before the summer break Vettel’s Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo had another fabulous race, earning his third win of the 2014 season so far. He was an unstoppable force on the track and managed to fend off Rosberg by a good 3 seconds.
William’s Valtteri Bottas performed exceptionally once again, working his way up the field from 6th to finish on the podium. It was clear from later interviews that he is aiming to take the top spot at some point in the near future. And with his current form it is possible that his wish could be granted.
Fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen had a very good weekend; after his long run of retirements, crashes and his struggles to get into the points he managed an astounding 4th place finish, ahead of teammate Alonso who ended in 7th.
Time for the Young
Daniil Kvyat proved himself once again, finishing 9th, ahead of teammate Jean Eric Vergne who missed out on the points in 11th place. During the week Toro Rosso confirmed that Vergne will not be a part of their 2015 line up, having been replaced by 16 year old Max Verstappen.
With 17 year old Kvyat’s run of strong finishes perhaps younger drivers will prove to be a winner for Red Bull’s sister team.
Though Spa was dramatic and exciting for all of its on track action it will undoubtedly be the continuing saga between Rosberg and Hamilton that will overshadow the Belgian Grand Prix this year.
Ricciardo’s deserved win should be the talk of the race but the fractious Mercedes relationship will undeniably continue to be top news for a long time to come.
Rosberg now leads the championship from Hamilton by 29 points. The next race takes place in Monza on 7th September. Mercedes warfare looks likely.
What did you think of Spa this year? And what of Mercedes’ current situation? Leave your comments below.
