Formula 1: Hamilton outfoxed by the Wolff?

I was having a discussion at Dover Raceway on Labour Day as the machines prepared for the morning practice session. Tongues were wagging as views were floated re the fiasco at the Monaco GP. At the Monaco GP, Mercedes AMG Petronas conducted an unsavory lecture – How to snatch defeat from victory’s comforting embrace! It was a lesson that the defending World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, will regret learning!

I admitted during the discussion that I did not watch the entire race, but I was highly favoured – my non-HD TV came alive a few seconds after Verstappen’s accident! So, I was actually able to watch what became the most curious, puzzling, but engaging portion of the GP weekend.

All the planets are now aware that Lewis Hamilton held a significant lead, he was like a dictator – in total control of the race – ahead of his teammate Rosberg and the conniving Vettel. When Verstappen forced the intervention of a Safety Car, the blunder, which was  felt around the F1 world, occurred.

Hamilton was instructed to ‘box’ and when he exited, his Mercedes was trapped in P3, behind Rosberg and Vettel!  No one gives up track position at Monaco. Do you k now what F1 suicide is at Monaco? Qualify at a grid-position beyond P1!

Rosberg

The obviously biased Lewis Hamilton fan who was a part of the discourse, was of the view that the decision to ‘box’ Hamilton was all a part of the on-going conspiracy – German team, German driver, it would please the German gods to see Rosberg winning in Monaco for the third year in succession! The conspiracy is alive!

I find this view ludicrous and it indicates how disillusioned we can become, courtesy of a clearly defined prejudice! I have always stated that Lewis Hamilton is ‘my driver’, so, I am not entirely neutral, but I will not remove my reasoning ability simply to advance an indefensible agenda!

I listened to all that was being said and I will share my view now. But, this is also a test. Let me see the level at which your intellect lies. I will choose a name from a F1 hat – Vettel. Mercedes would not ‘box’ Hamilton unless they were of the view that they had ample time to complete the tyre-swap afterwhich Hamilton would return to his previously held position – P1.

Vettel

Vettel was P3 and he has stolen a victory thus far. He is the only clear and present danger that has materialsed for Mercedes thus far in 2015 and as such he is Toto Wolff’s only nightmare. Truth be told, a lot of what Mercedes does, re- race strategy may actually be determined or altered, dependent on what Ferrari does (somewhat alluded to by Wolff).

It is my view, that at no point was Mercedes thinking – let us help Rosberg. Incidentally, Hamilton actually played a significant role in the decision for him to ‘box’! Watch the race edit and listen carefully. A genuine error was made and I am certain Hamilton will approach the next GP with a reinforced resolve. If I was his opponent I would be worried!

So, was Hamilton outfoxed by the Wolff? No!  The Wolff was simply not as sly as he thought he was!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer