F1: STALK AND SLAUGHTER! (AUSTRIAN GP)

The race began when Vettel’s right-rear tyre exploded. The detailed analysis does not apply here. Ferrari thought they had a strategy figured out but the tyres had a different, well-conceived plan – we do not do marathons! The right-rear severed ties, Vettel was not amused.

If this was a dissection I would decipher how Hamilton gained the unfortunate reality of being behind his teammate and world championship leader, Rosberg, despite starting from pole while Rosberg was stuck in the pack. He was trying to figure it out as well. But that discourse will not appear here.

What will appear here is the fact that there can be no argument now, absolutely none, re who is the better driver. Rosberg was leading while Hamilton played catch up. Pit stops saw Rosberg leaping for super softs while Hamilton was thrown the softs!

A conspiracy quartet raised a note that could be heard at the deepest reaches of the Pacific! Hamilton echoed their dismay when he questioned his teams choice of contact patch.

HAMILTON

Trust is difficult to comprehend but when Hamilton was told by his team that he was wearing the best shoes I am certain doubt pierced his brow. He shrugged off his apparent unease and went in search of Rosberg.

It was not long before Rosberg was locked in his weapon’s crosshairs. A wave of expectation flooded the circuit. The tension was obvious, the rivalry became WWE-worthy! The F1 world paused, a game-changing moment was imminent.

Hamilton stalked his prey and like a floundering fish, Rosberg lost focus and departed from a victorious strategy. Hamilton’s relentless pressure possibly enhanced Rosberg’s unforced errors. Hamilton pounced exiting corner 1.

A daring last lap raid on Rosberg’s military base saw Hamilton positioning to passing on the outside of corner 2. But,like all things in Antarctica, Rosberg’s brain froze and his only exit clause was a low blow!

Rosberg deviated from the apex, abandoned the racing line and attempted to terminate the constantly recurring pest – Hamilton.

The machines collided, but thankfully, the culprit – Rosberg – suffered the consequences he administered. Rosberg’s machine was damaged. Hamilton sprinted to the checkered flag.

VERSTAPPEN

Rosberg’s folly approved a demotion to P4. Red Bull’s young stud, Verstappen, was promoted to P2, which allowed the team to fly with pride at their circuit. Ferrari was consoled by Raikkonen’s P3, but they must be thinking of what could have been. Beginning at lap 32, it was a thrilling and dramatic Austrian GP!

Hamilton’s objective is clear. The gap rests at 11 points. He is the better driver. He will be at home. I would not advise you to miss the British GP this weekend!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer