Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton wins Turkish Grand Prix

Mark Webber’s confidence must have been at an all time high as he sat on pole, awaiting the start of the Grand Prix in Istanbul, Turkey. Webber led every lap of the last 2 races, he was in an excellent position to continue his streak and he is the first Australian to lead the World Championship since Alan Stanley Jones in 1980.

When the race began, the dominant Red Bull Renault and McLaren machines grabbed the top four spots and wouldn’t relinquish them. They traded fastest lap times as Webber and Lewis Hamilton were locked in a scintillating battle for the lead.

Webber’s streak of laps led, ended at 159 when he lost first place to Button, courtesy of a pit stop. The pit stops didn’t favor Hamilton and he lost 2nd place to Vettel, thus creating a potential Red Bull 1-2.

Race car drivers want to win and Vettel’s championship light is as bright as it has ever been, so he didn’t hesitate to rattle Webber’s cage. Vettel did his calculations but, when he went for it, it all went wrong. A desperate overtaking move on lap 41,saw Vettel’s right rear wheel striking Webber’s left front (wheel). With 1 move, the face of the race changed permanently. Vettel out, game over, as the McLarens swept by.

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton gained the lead with Button hot on his rear wheel and apparently they learnt nothing from Vettel’s error. As quickly as Vettel’s mishap ended, they started one of their own and rubbed carbon fiber components as they swapped the lead twice.

Hamilton regained the lead, but fuel concerns averted disaster, as they were instructed to conserve. In short-shifting mode, the 2008 World Champion crossed the finished line ahead of his team-mate and became the 5th different winner in 7 races for the 2010 season. The points haul launches Hamilton to 3rd , behind Webber and Button, giving his championship hopes a major thrust and creating immeasurable intrigue for the remaining rounds.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer