I suggested a couple of days ago that Vettel has that certain indefinable thing that makes people think he’s a bit special, I got a couple of questions as to what I was on about. It’s more then just his speed; it’s looking like you belong in the paddock. Mika Hakkinen had it, in 1991 I recall piece in Autosport where one of the hacks that covered the sport declared “He (Mika) is going to be world champion one day”. He was in his first season in F1 driving for a fading Lotus team and mostly caught in mid-grid anonymity. He went on to win two F1 Drivers titles in ’98 and ‘99.
It’s difficult to define exactly what “it” is, but it’s usually clear when it’s there. Vettel is clearly Red Bull’s chosen son. While I’m sure it does not say it in his contract, Webber was supposed to be the slower driver and support Vettel. However, Webber has had a great year, probably a career year. He’s got a good solid track record in some mediocre cars track record, but nothing in his history would lead you to believe he was going to be this fast. Yeah, he’s got the car to compete, but he’s also got the best out of it and had a remarkable year.
Another driver had a remarkable day. It took a little bit of luck and got it just right with the conditions, but Nico Hulkenberg took pole position on Sao Paulo. Hulkenberg has had a good first year, while not as fast as his team mate; he was not expected to be straight away. Results have picked up in the second half of the year and have been steadily finishing in the points.
It is so tough for a new driver to get up to speed with a car now, testing is very limited and there is no substitute for seat time in any racing series. Gone are the days of separate test teams and 20,000km run outside of race weekends. Williams is a good team that knows how to develop the car, but all new drivers are hamstrung by only being allowed limited testing.
As far as the title chase is concerned Hulkenbergs’ achievement is impressive, but realistically meaningless. But it was an impressive drive for the Williams driver, who has never been higher than 5th on the grid before today.
After pole it’s business as usual. Vettel is 2nd and Webber 3rd and on the clean side of the track. I imagine the post qualifying debrief was a little frosty after Webber went public with how he’s feels the team is treating him as second best. Hamilton was 4th and Alonso 5th.
Button has a poor day and was only 11th on the grid. It seems likely he will be eliminated from championship contention later today.
As for what I think may happen tomorrow… The two Red Bull drivers and Lewis Hamilton need to go for the win, it’s really simple. I think Alonso will stay out of trouble, stay close to whoever is in third, not push too hard, but take full advantage of any mistakes made by the other contenders.
Weather look like it’s going to stay dry, should be a fun shoot out to watch.
First we have the race from Sao Paulo, then the Sounders at LA. No matter what the results, it’s going to be a fun day tomorrow.
