Formula 1: Hamilton surges ahead in Canada

McLaren Mercedes pulled one of the oldest tricks in the book to secure pole at the Canadian Grand Prix. In a machine powered by fumes at the end of his time attack, Lewis Hamilton kicked the Red Bull Renaults off their pedestal and stole the number one starting spot on the grid.

The Red Bulls were not far away however and at a circuit which has sections with the walls and the guard rails a few feet from the asphalt, an intriguing battle was more certain than brilliant sunshine in the tropics! To heighten the drama, Webber was moved to 7th on the grid, courtesy of a gearbox change.

As the red lights faded, the chaos commenced. A square peg cannot fit into a round hole, but try telling that to F1 drivers! Several cars went for the same space in turn 1 and as expected, battle scars were distributed.

Things were looking up for Red Bull though, as Webber muscled his way pass Button and Vettel was glued to Hamilton’s gearbox. With incessant pressure from Vettel and Webber gaining rapidly, Hamilton pitted, with Alonso in tow. Ferrari won the pit war, but Hamilton was possessed by a demon known as victory.

Hamilton

In a race which had the teams battling degrading tires, Hamilton defied the numbers crunched by the tire supplier and kept pace, when they thought it was not possible! Hamilton eventually blew by Alonso and floored Webber on the start- finish straight.

A staggering pace was maintained. Red Bull and Ferrari had no answer for the McLarens. After an auspicious start, Hamilton pummeled the opposition. In a confidence boosting display, Hamilton and Button crossed the finish line 1-2 and reorganized the face of the 2010 F1 championship.

Lewis Hamilton now has fourteen (14) F1 victories, from sixty one (61) starts and he leads the 2010 driver’s championship with 109 points ahead of his teammate Jenson Button. How will Red Bull Renault respond? The Grand Prix of Europe is this weekend!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer