FORMULA 1 : WHO WILL CHALLENGE HAMILTON IN AUSTRALIA?

It is often stated that you should choose your battles carefully. But, for this moot no debate is necessary. Lewis Hamilton lost the 2016 World Championship battle by default! And the ‘chosen one’ – Nico Rosberg – who earned the coveted prize, stunned the F1 world, including his team, when he grabbed his bags and fled shortly after wining the World Championship! Strange but true.

Mercedes GP is still the kingpin – do not watch the sideshow! It was not necessary to cajole ( a word the JRDC President enjoys) Bottas to offer his neck for Hamilton’s blade. Will he be a formidable adversary?

I was fortunate to grab some of the practice action in Australia and I must admit that the machines have a pleasurable muscular stance with those massive chewing gum tyres. And apparently the total package has resulted in blur-inducing speeds.

We expect and anticipate the usual suspects (drivers) to emerge from their penthouse suites and justify their salary package. We need them to step up to the plate. We beg them to wrestle tirelessly with the Mercedes gang. The sport will benefit immensely from bruising battles. I have said enough.

The 2017 Formula 1 season will rev in Australia this weekend. Warriors arise and claim that which is rightfully yours! But we have to ask – Who will challenge Hamilton in Australia?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer