Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton cruises to victory!(Belgian GP)

Champions rise when questioned. Lewis Hamilton has been criticized for his jet-setter lifestyle. He has been refered to as a socialite who maintains numerous A-listers as his friends – Bad Girl R… But, what will remain unquestioned, is his prowess behind the wheel of a F1 machine and his uncanny ability to effortlessly wring it into submission while carving a path to P1.

At Spa-Francorchamps, the writing for Hamilton’s victory was in bold and all-caps, on every mm of the circuit when qualifying ended on Saturday. As stated on these pages, he was 1/2 second ahead of his temperamental teammate who was possibly operating on unstable ground after his frightening episode during practice.

Perez

When the red lights lost their glow it appeared as if a repeat of the most recent GP was on the cards when Perez swept by Rosberg. There was predictable jostling, but the World Champion remained resolute and like a ‘fire and forget’ air to ground missile, his TV-imaging seeker with scene magnification was activated and all he saw was the fluttering checkered flag!

Hamilton remained unchallenged throughout the GP, controlling a gap of up to three seconds ahead of his main rival. There was very little drama at the front but a typhoon of activity was bellowing behind. Bottas faded early, which was unexpected and he was dealt a crushing blow by a major blunder in the pits.

Vettel

Vettel fought for a piece of the podium only to feel it disintegrate when the Ferrari’s right rear tyre decided to mirror Rosberg’s Friday drama! Ricciardo made a good showing but he was eventually sidelined thus leaving his teammate Kvyat to fight. Kvyat made good on his opportunity and breathed considerable life into the GP. He was obviously motivated and his on-track, bold moves and celebratory remarks on the radio confirmed that he was ‘pumped’!

He did not win, but, it can be argued that Grosjean is the happiest man in Belgium tonight. Vettel’s misfortune was Grosjean’s invitation to Good Luck Hotel. Vettel plummeted to 12th while Grosjean eased into P3 – his first podium finish in 2 years!

The glory goes to the victor, however and at Spa, Lewis Hamilton cantered to his 6th victory of the season, leading yet another Mercedes 1-2. There was champagne for everyone on the team, Mercedes’ new way to celebrate a victory!

With the win, Hamilton extends his lead in the World Championship to 28 points. Rosberg has a lot on his plate. As he hops on his private flight and hurries home to his wife who should be giving birth anytime soon, the jubilant, expectant dad needs to figure out how to restrict Hamilton’s jet!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer