The Usual Mercedes Turn 1 Contact Explanation

Hamilton made sure Rosberg had no chance to drive around the outside, which he was always going to do. Luckily, they hit front wheel rims squarely, pushing Rosberg into the runoff area. Ruthless, yes and a bit rude but that’s exactly what it takes to win a fourth championship in 2016. Despite Hamilton’s hard move, Rosberg didn’t say more about it.

The Ferrari Tire Strategy

Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari…! Why? Ferrari must have believed that they couldn’t beat Hamilton in a straight fight on one stop.Yes, in that situation you do the opposite of what the other guy does, but they handed the race to Mercedes; why make the first move unless necessary? They keep self-imploding on strategy calls. In Spain, they split their strategies. Had they done it here, Vettel could have won.

Lewis was quick and consistent but like Monaco the pressure was taken off him, and he was handed track position and the lead. Ferrari now has pace. The team needs to give Vettel the car in its quickest configuration and just let him go; the new turbo upgrade should allow him to battle regularly with the Mercedes for poles and wins. Forget being cute with tire strategy; believe in your four-time World Champion’s natural pace.