F1 : VERSTAPPEN RECEIVED THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT!

I am getting too good at this. I think I need a meeting with my manager to discuss the next step on the salary scale. My own talk show? Perhaps. Could we really discuss motorsports all day? Yes! Definitely!

But I digress. I would not want to be Ferrari’s team principal. Ferrari distributes no mercy, favors or bias where team principals or managers of race teams are concerned. Glitches in the race-matrix can trigger the rolling of heads. And Ferrari’s image was on the receiving end of a torrential battering on the weekend.

VETTEL

Vettel was poised to reign, but, in qualifying his machine deviated from the guidelines. Raikkonen did well though and bullied his way to P2. Ferrari was still in with a bullet to do significant damage.

But before the machines took their final grid spot to embrace the red lights, Raikkonen’s machine apparently got jealous of Vettel’s qualifying mishap and manufactured a failing of its own! Raikkonen – out – before the race even began!

Vetttel started first from the rear and as expected, he did not need an invitation to begin his run to the front when the red lights went m.i.a. in Malaysia.

I did indicate that the unexpected should be anticipated in Malaysia and as if my script was read, the Red Bull-bucking duo delivered. There is absolutely no doubt in a sane fan’s mind that Verstappen is a lurking world champion. He displayed gross insolence and attacked the multiple world champion, Hamilton.

Hamilton tried but was weak to Verstappen’s treatment. The birthday boy, Verstappen, took the Malaysian GP and made it his playground, the venue for his birthday party!

Vettel, aided by German resolve and propelled by Italy’s finest, wrestled his way to a podium challenge, harassing Ricciardo for P3 as the race came to a close.

Vettel’s drive deserved several medals, but Verstappen’s brilliance will be remembered. So, on a weekend when Vettel was fast but stumbled in qualifying, the Red Bull boys served a scrumptious main course.

Mercedes fell short. Hamilton had to settle for humble pie – P2, but his points lead is now 34.

There are five GPs remaining and a trailer load of points to be had. It is far from over. Incidentally, the fat lady had the last laugh – Vettel crashed on the ‘cool-down’ lap!

Stellar run by Verstappen! Plucky drive by Vettel!

Watch out Hamilton, Vettel will be coming at Regera speed!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer