McLaren Are Quick Turners
Whilst the gap to the top runners is still significant, McLaren in the space of a week have done a fab job to cut the gap down, with Jenson Button performing well and would have scored a 5th place most likely, and Perez scored his first McLaren points. A long way to go, and their early season form will have cost them, but who knows where they'll be at the end. Good on them for the progress, hope it keeps going.
Alonso Isn't Bulletproof
The flawless Alonso of 2012 started off with an immaculate 2nd place in Australia, and no doubt would have been on the podium again if it weren't for the touch with Vettel in turn 2. Fernando has slightly blamed Sebastian for being slow through the corner, but regardless, he should have come into the pits at the end of lap 1 and changed to dry tyres regardless based on the weather forecast of no more rain and given himself a chance.
Management Isn't Everything
Red Bull have been supreme for the last three seasons, but management and driver relationships have perhaps never been so strained. Just 2 races in to the 19 race season, massive headlines have been made. Horner made the call to Sebastian, but was bluntly ignored. He's said 'sorry', but Button has pointed out it may hinder Vettel in the long run in terms of help from Webber and Sebastian's own performances as a result of the negative press he's had. Only time will tell.
Webber CAN Make Quick Starts
Last season Webber made some awful starts, and his technical glitch in Australia was cruel luck, but he impressively made a quick start instead of the Ferrari's this time, going into turn 2 he was 3rd and after lap 1 was 2nd. After his race winning pace before the controversy with Vettel, lets hope he can take the fight to Vettel and make it interesting with the other top drivers.
Force India Look Like Top Indie Team
Force India finished 6th in 2011 but dropped back to 7th in 2012. They're only podium came in Belgium 2009, whilst Sauber won 4 podiums last year and Williams won a race. Whilst their pitstops ultimately cost the team the whole race, they were in fine form particularly di Resta who was slicing through the field. After 2 races they look much quicker than their midfield competition, and I expect di Resta to meet Sauber's and ex-teammate Hulkenberg on track regularly!
Webber Isn't Shy With Words
Mark is very professional, but says it how it is at the same time. After referring to their code instructions before the podium, in the interview Mr Brundle gave he was extremely direct about the 'protection' that Red Bull give Seb, implying that he'll get away with it and other blue murder anytime. Expect to hear more honesty from the man who is of course 'not bad for a number 2 driver'.
Mercedes Aren't All Dandy Either
Beyond the Red Bull controversy, Rosberg was asked to hold station behind Hamilton by Ross Brawn, and had it not been for Red Bull, they'd be grabbing all the headlines. Nevertheless, I hope Lewis' and Nico's relationship hasn't been dented by this, as they have a car and team to challenge in many races this year. 1-1 in the F1Hub Teammate Battle Tracker - game on!
McLaren Still Have Fast But Dodgy Pitstops
Whilst Ferrari were both the quickest and most consistent in Malaysia for pitstops, McLaren were up to old tricks again, quick but something went wrong. This time Button almost lost his front right which wasn't secured properly, and was wheeled back to his pitbox, going from 5th to 1 lap behind. I think Homer Simpson refers to that as 'doh'! Quick stops are great but, for the sake of a few tenths.. consistency chaps.
Most Controversial Team Orders Since Ferrari 2002 & 2010
Ferrari have always taken the hit for team orders, but Red Bull have now taken over the reigns. In Austria 2002, Barrichello moved over for Schumacher, whilst Massa infamously moved over for Alonso in Germany 2010. Now that team orders are legal again, it still doesn't stop fans not appreciated their actions, so early in the season at least.
Hamilton Still Loves McLaren Deep Down
Lewis paid a visit home to McLaren's pitbox, rather than to his new Mercedes pad in Malaysia. He of course blamed it on habit, but perhaps was a bit more than that! Maybe a good thing he got waved through after Jenson's pitstop though ey.
Come back for our race report, teammate battle tracker and 10 things we learnt from articles, which will be posted after every race weekend!
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Nick, F1 Hub
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