Formula 1: Can Rosberg recover?

A smart cell-phone is a must have appendage in this bustling global paddock. It provides access to limitless bits of knowledge and it provides ‘on the go’ contact and communication like nothing before it. I asked a group of youngsters recently to differentiate between needs and wants. After they provided their response I had to spend a considerable amount of time explaining that a cell-phone is not an appropriate example when we are discussing needs. They simply could not grasp life without a cell-phone.

According to them  a cell-phone is essential to support normal life and as such it should fall under the heading – Needs. I listened. But and there is always a gigantic but – why aren’t smart phones equipped with smart batteries?

Rosberg

Prior to the Belgian GP Nico Rosberg was in control of the championship. His team-mate, former World Champion Lewis Hamilton, was his only rival. But, Lewis for myriad reasons was playing ‘catch up’ at that point. The astute F1 aficionados would tell you that with the Mercedes AMG machine performing at the level it had achieved, all Rosberg had to do was stick to the script and even if Lewis grabbed a handful of wins, his position on the podium was as certain as inefficiency from a government department!

At the Belgian GP, while chasing Lewis, Rosberg’s ego evolved into an irascible monster and we are still reeling from the transformation. Rosberg clipped his team-mate’s rear tire in what was described as a – proving a point. His team-mate was sidelined and he exited Spa with boos, disgust from his team principal but, 29 points ahead of Lewis.

The firestorm which his incomprehensible actions provoked, were justified and it is my view that he has suffered immensely as a result. At the Italian GP he dived into an error pool and gave his feisty team-mate, victory on an Italian platter! Rosberg was booed again! Lewis gladly collected the points!

The night-race in the city-state – Singapore – was next. Lewis Hamilton said he was looking for Nico on the warm up lap. At the time he was not aware that his team-mate was struck by a points-eroding gremlin. Nico’s race rapidly disintegrated into despair and he was forced to watch Lewis bludgeon the grid and ascend to the top step of the podium.

I can recall Hamilton’s on the verge of tears-interview at Spa. A lot has changed since. He currently leads the championship by a paper-thin margin! Can Rosberg recover? The Japanese GP is this weekend!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer