FORMULA 1: HAMILTON DEFIANT IN DEFEAT! PART 3

Did Hamilton relax at the end of the 2015 season after winning the Drivers’ title? Was he wrapped in pride’s  glow? Did he ignore his first duty as a race-car driver? His primary responsibility – to win races – was apparently removed from all of the burners on Lewis Hamilton’s platinum plated stove as 2015 came to a close . When he recovered in 2016, he had a yawning points gap to close and a confident team-mate to address.

Possibly, the team realised that Nico, thanks to his own efforts, created his best shot. Did someone then think it necessary to assist Nico in his quest for the title? We will never know. But what we do know is this – the black plague, which like a parasite, attached itself to Lewis Hamilton’s machine, was absent from Nico’s machine. Coincidental or designed?

Hamilton recovered but was slaughtered by engine woes. He has expressed veiled and ‘hint-hint’ views which feed the conspiracy  flame. Did he trust his team to support him 100%?

NICO

Heading into the final round, the Thriller in Manila was expected. Pugilists at war! The fact that Nico only required a P3 finish to secure the title, meant that all he had to do was keep his Germa-bred nose clean and he would be fine, despite what Hamilton did at P1. That was what we all thought. Hamilton, the sly fox, had other ideas.

It was mentioned, but I honestly do not know if it was expected. Hamilton was obviously the quickest driver in Abu Dhabi. But, in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton bowled a googly! Hamilton realised, that for once in his illustrious career, being faster would actually defeat his battle plan. To aid his title-winning ambition a slower machine was a better machine! Strange but true.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer