Formula 1: Alonso defeats Vettel at Silverstone

When history beckons determination soars!

A few weeks ago, I was a part of a F1 discussion at the garage. At one stage we were discussing which driver on the 2011 grid we held in high esteem. Like the targets in the Angelina Jolie flick, Wanted, Alonso’s name came up. One participant in our verbal joust laid his cards on the line Alonso was his driver and nothing I, or anyone said, would inspire deviation from his chosen path.

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing are making a mockery of the 2011 F1 season. They are in the insane fast zone, competing at an incomprehensible level of excellence. Vettel has made winning a habit, with 6 victories thus far. When the ‘foundation’ teams win, it is expected. But when a fairly new kid on the block, Red Bull Racing, has a stranglehold on pole and the top step of the podium at the end of the race, it is clear that the status quo in F1 is on the receiving end of a massive horn whipping!

McLaren, Ferrari and others are shell-shocked, trapped in a washing machine swirl and shake, busy chasing their non-existent tails, while Red Bull Racing accumulates the most valuable jewels at the end of each round.

Silverstone means a lot to motor racing fans, but it means much more to Ferrari. The British GP at Silverstone on Sunday was special to Ferrari for 2 reasons. Reason 1 – it marked 60 years since Ferrari won its first F1 race. Reason 2 – Ferrari won its first GP at Silverstone.

Understandably it was a festive affair and a part of the official acknowledgement of Ferrari’s first F 1 victory, saw Alonso driving the invaluable 375 F1 GP machine around the circuit. Apparently Alonso was humbled and inspired by the moment. Being in the presence of greatness can do that.

Alonso

I did not watch the race in its entirety and when I eventually found it on Fox, it was entering its 4th quarter. By that time Alonso had accomplished his pit pass on Sebastian Vettel and was tightening the noose around his (Vettel’s ) neck!

The few laps I saw, however, were laden with intrigue. McLaren was racing at home, so possibly burdened by the presence of the massive crowd, the team imploded.

Button’s pit crew decided he didn’t need his right front tyre, so they chose not to tighten the wheel nut! We all know the weight rule in F1 – less is best! I do not know if McLaren was pushing the weight envelope (less weight = more speed), but whatever the strategy was, it led to fuel concerns for Hamilton at the close of the race.

Hamilton

Hamilton, in the heat of the moment, was told to be conservative – his life blood was sucked by miscalculating vampires! The predators in the chasing pack, realizing that Hamilton’s machine was at death’s door, quickened their pursuit. Webber announced his presence and roared by. Hamilton was not amused. When Massa dived in for his pound of flesh, Hamilton played the grit and determination card. At home, in front of his family, friends and fans, Lewis Hamilton, the drowning man, reached for the straw and stamped an embarrassing – DENIED -  on Massa’a application. Hamilton held 4th, Massa 5th.

Hamilton vs Massa

Alonso knew no misfortune. At the British GP, Ferrari, strengthened by its history delivered when the opportunity came knocking. Fernando Alonso, if only for a moment upstaged Vettel and the Bull and won Ferrari’s first race of the 2011 season.

I hope you all noticed that despite Vettel’s Grand Canyon-sized lead in the driver’s championship, Webber was instructed to remain behind Vettel. That is what you call big picture thinking – Patrick Horner is taking no chances. I would not want to be Mark Webber!

On Monday (11th) I stopped by the garage. I saw the gentlemen, who I will refer to as an Alonso sympathizer. I said (patois) “you suppose to happy yesterday (referring to Alonso winning the British GP)!” He laughed.

The machines will rip through Germany next. Can Alonso and Ferrari make it two in a row?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer