Formula One ( F1 )

Congratulations to the people of Texas, for putting on an absolutely fantastic Formula 1 race. One of the best tracks I've seen for ages. Superb racing.

As for Mercedes; I've seen some of the pundits saying that Hamilton is heading to a struggling team, but I disagree. I think Ross Brawn has stopped all development on the car, and Mercedes are totally focussed on next year. Its not the first time Brawn has done that, and the last time he did that, he reaped his rewards.

Next year's regs are basically exactly the same as this year's, next years cars will just be a continued development of this year's cars so don't expect much change. The only major change I know of is no free use of DRS in practice and quali. That was one of Merc's strong points so that's not good news for them.

Tell me you all saw the awkward high five when lewis overtook?

So I had to go back and make it into an animated gif didn't I.

I'm presently watching hours of vintage Grand Prix on Freeview Channel 301. That's BBC Red Button I believe. Brilliant stuff, with all the unique commentary by Murray Walker.

Hamilton looking quickest in the FP sessions, Red Bulls close behind but interestingly, not as quick as Ferrari under heavy fuel loads. With Massa being the quicker of the two.

Interesting Qualifying!

Hamilton on pole, Button 2nd. Vettel 4th and Alonso gets upped to 7th after Maldonado's 10 place grid penalty for missing the weigh in.

Could rain tomorrow so this is going to be one exciting race! I'll be glued to it!

For one time in my life I'll be rooting for a Ferrari driver. Anyone but Vettel! Go Fernando!

Fairly sure Alonso was running a wet weather setup, they know he doesn't have a chance if it's dry. Would also explain Massa's grid position in relation to Alonso, have him up there to cause a bit more pressure on Vettel.

^ or crash into Vettel accidentally on purpose in a move that would be publicly denounced by Ferrari and would land him a huge secret bonus? Just speculating but Ferrari are very good at playing dirty.

Bending the rules, yes. But that's what F1 is about, and something that Red Bull have been guilty of much more than Ferrari. No way Massa would crash into Vettel on purpose. Hold him up, sure. But he wouldn't go that far.

So you are saying that none of Schumacher's "fortunate" crashes on the last day of the season were on purpose or in any way condoned by Ferrari?

No they were orchestrated by Schumacher...

And Alonso had nothing to do with Piquet jr's crash then, that was all Briatore?

And Alonso had nothing to do with Piquet jr's crash then, that was all Briatore?

This is actually true. Only 4 people knew of this scheme. Briatore (his idea), Piquet and Pat Symonds. The other one I cannot name, but it was not Alonso.

Bending the rules, yes. But that's what F1 is about, and something that Red Bull have been guilty of much more the past couple of seasons than Ferrari. No way Massa would crash into Vettel on purpose. Hold him up, sure. But he wouldn't go that far.

Adjusted for accuracy.

After all, everyone of sound mind knows that in the past Ferrari have tended to write a large cheque out in order "to make these little problems go away".

True, that was back in the days where Ferrari and the FIA were good buddies, that's not the case these days though.

Mutters "Armstrong/UCI"

True, that was back in the days where Ferrari and the FIA were good buddies, that's not the case these days though.

Isn't Jean Todt still in Luca di Montezemolo's pocket charge of the FIA?

He is, but he's not as friendly with them as you'd imagine!

It's not escaped my notice, but Lewis is performing at an increased level, with his dad back in his corner. I noticed that in the last race, and in this qualies. I don't understand who would be paying his dad now, as it won't be Lewis' new management company. Would Martin Whitmarsh have asked him to come back, to provide a settling effect to Lewis? It has surprised me.

This could not have started any better!

Surprised that Massa passed Vettel cleanly rather than taking him out.

Hulkenburg had done brilliantly to lead the race, but to later misjudge the greasy surface on a corner, and take Hamilton out was rather a pathetic end to Hamilton's hopes of signing off with a win. A real shame.

Anybody know who will be replacing James Humphrey at BBC Formula 1?

Andi Peters

Hahaha!

That race had absolutely everything. Awesome, and the right result too. Go Button!
And thanks Vettel for ruining Alonso's day.