Vettel – Are we witnessing one of F1′s greatest of all time? – Part 1

For reasons I have abandoned, I wasn’t particularly stimulated by the 2011 F1 season. I could construct a guess, but I am resolute in my conviction, that I would still embrace the conclusion that my disinterested state gained an immovable foothold rather early in the season.

The 2010 F1 season is still a vivid memory. A season which saw a championship race which had more twists, turns and elevation changes than the world’s most fearsome roller coaster ride, the 2010 season was a delectable slice of  intrigue, decorated with an ample injection of cliffhangers, which  an ardent motorsport fan could not purchase, even if he had a billionaire’s net worth at his disposal!

Victoria’s Secret

A significant contributing factor to the samba-pulsating tempo of last year’s season was the fact that the battle for the drivers’ championship kept an eternal fire of interest ablaze! Number 1 in the race for the title, changed more frequently than a model at a Victoria’s Secret lingerie launch! And not only was the title race riveting, of equal, if not more importance, is the fact that the eventual winner and subsequently the World Champion, the German, Sebastian Vettel, did not lead the World Championship until the final race of the season.

Essentially the 2010 season was magical, so to follow and improve on what was delivered was always going to be a challenge of Mount Everest proportions. I was spoilt last year, but the spectacular nature of the season forced what I now recognize to be naivety – I expected more of the same in 2011. But, I should have known better.

Sebastian Vettel, when he won the championship in 2010 became the youngest World Champion in the history of the sport. A sport which dangles names like Alain Prost, Damon Hill, the inimitable Aryton Senna and Michael Schumacher before newcomers, is not short on talent, so to achieve so much in the brief pit-stop, speaks volumes about Vettel’s accomplishment.

In 2010, aboard the best machine on the grid, Vettel drove into greatness and possibly, I failed to correctly interpret the signs. What wasn’t lucid then, is now HID enhanced and in 3D. Red Bull’s domination was not a fluke, it was a carefully orchestrated and brilliantly executed plan. If my assessment is accurate I cringe for the other teams, they will be crying blood and bleeding tears before the emerging Red Bull hegemony will end.

(Part 2 tomorrow)

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer