Formula 1: Rosberg – a cheap cheat? (Part 1)

In the previous blog I stated – “The drivers’ championship is delicately poised and the truce is over. Hamilton vs Rosberg – the war will resume on Sunday. Prepare for the shelling!” I expected fierce, unyielding competition, sustained by an endless volley of Mercedes-led firepower.

On Sunday, my expectation was short-lived. I doubt if all the fans were settled in their coveted seats before the selfish winds of change blew across Spa-Francorchamps. On Lap 2,  possibly blinded by ‘red mist’, Rosberg took aim and fired his weapon. Like a scene from Wanted, his bullet negotiated Les Combs and delivered its fatal cargo. The F1 world is still stunned!

Ricciardo

If there was an award for either the driver or the revelation of the season, Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo would be miles away from his closest rival! He strengthens his case at each Round by outperforming his multiple World Champion teammate Vettel and the fact that he has succeeded in disrupting Mercedes’ grip on P1, on two occasions prior to the Belgian GP, elevates him to the – no contest zone!

Ricciardo benefited from the caustic Mercedes rivalry on Sunday. He drove in a manner we would expect from his more accomplished teammate, he kept a late-charging Rosberg subdued and smiled his trademark clown’s grin to the most important step on the podium – P1. Well done Ricciardo!

Unfortunately, Ricciardo will feature briefly in the highlights and the discussions relating to the Belgian GP. Instead, the fracas on Lap 2, involving Hamilton and Rosberg, will dominate the emotions-driven sentences.

Rosberg

Nico Rosberg is a seasoned campaigner. He gained a pit-address in F1, in 2006 with Williams, but had to wait until 2008 – the year Hamilton won the World Championship – to secure his first podium. He joined Mercedes in 2010 and despite showing elements of brilliance he had to wait two years (2012) for a huge payday – P1 in China. It cannot be overlooked that he outperformed his teammate, arguably the best to have ever driven a F1 machine -  7 times World Champion – Michael Schumacher.

The year 2013 delivered a mixed bag of success and disappointment for Rosberg. His new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, a formidable competitor, stole some of his thunder and finished ahead of him in the championship (Hamilton – 4th, Rosberg – 6th). Mercedes AMG kept their eyes on the ball, however, and built and executed in compliance with the new rules governing the sport in 2014. Armed with their  potent driver team, Mercedes AMG  was ready to upstage Red Bull Racing.

Australia

Rosberg celebrated with unrestrained delight when he won Round 1 in Australia. Hamilton was not impressed and fired back immediately. When he ceased firing, he won in Spain, China, Bahrain and Malaysia – 4 on the trot! Rosberg retaliated in Monaco. He won, but not without controversy.

Hamilton

During qualifying at Monaco, Rosberg had the fastest time – one minute remained and Hamilton was on a ‘hot lap’ – Rosberg locked his tyres and chose the escape road. What appeared to be a harmless act, had a crucial and decisive outcome. Rosberg’s escape drew a caution flag which put the brakes on Hamilton’s run – Rosberg on pole at Monaco! An engineer’s degree is not required to determine the significance of being on pole at Monaco – Rosberg won, Hamilton – P2!

F1 aficionados will recall a stunt pulled by Schumacher at Monaco in 2006. The stewards basically ruled that he deliberately stopped his Ferrari, on the track during qualifying, to impede his main rival at the time – Alonso. Schumacher was penalised for his indiscretion.

At Monaco, Rosberg was acquitted – the stewards concluded that he did no wrong and Mercedes AMG held a similar view. But, we cannot escape the obvious question – Was Rosberg’s action deliberate?

At the GP in Hungary, Mercedes AMG fell victim to a catastrophic mental lapse. Hamilton was instructed to allow Rosberg to pass. Hamilton refused, an act which left a bewildered Rosberg asking – “Why is he not letting me through?” Were the seeds of retribution sown then?

The summer-break provided much needed soul-searching and reflection. Mercedes AMG indicated that all the wrinkles in their uniform were addressed and the well-oiled German machines were ready to cripple the opposition and rule the F1 world.

At Spa, qualifying went well. Mercedes AMG slaughtered the opposition. Rosberg stole pole, Hamilton was a whisker’s length behind! The silver projectiles were almost 2 seconds better than Vettel -P3 – in the wet! Mercedes AMG made an irrefutable statement and their two gladiators were 1-2 on the grid – we were salivating!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer