FORMULA 1 : CAN ANYONE STOP MERCEDES AMG ?

Charles Leclerc was at home. We were hoping that the comfort that being at home provided would have stimulated a clinical performance. But, Ferrari being Ferrari, they had to manufacture their own demise – before the race began!

Can anyone explain succinctly what happened re Charles Leclerc during qualifying? Several inexplicable decisions made thus far, point to managerial blunders at Ferrari which someone must be held responsible for.

VETTEL

Suffice it to say, qualifying is of extreme importance at Monaco because the world’s most expensive city does not cater to multiple overtaking opportunities. The Mercedes-boys were on point though and the revised Verstappen made it abundantly clear that his team was ready to usurp Ferrari’s relevance in the pecking order – P3! Vettel was P-4.

Defending World Champion Lewis Hamilton is The Executioner when summoned. And Bottas’ stance in 2019 has forced Lewis to have his guard up at all times. We are certain Lewis was not anticipating that his most lethal foe would reside in his garage!

Hamilton made the requisite adjustment though and in Monaco, his attitude at the start was devoid of folly – immediate speed!

HAMILTON

Hamilton led from Lap 1, but the road to P1 was disfigured by cavern-like potholes! Leclerc fought his destiny but destiny won. He was forceful, but at Monaco the bully is often times bitten by the track – a barrier retaliated. His race did not improve thereafter – eventually retiring – DNF.

VERSTAPPEN

A minor fracas involving Verstappen and Bottas in pit-lane led to Verstappen gaining track position behind Lewis, who was clad in less than ideal tyres.

Verstappen despite being given a time-penalty was in Dracula-mode though – chasing blood! Lewis was a tangled mess, ranting and complaining to his team. I would argue though that his behavior shows the intense burn for victory he maintains despite his title-haul.

Verstappen was a hound and Hamilton was forced to exhaust his bag of tricks to remain ahead of Red Bull’s terrier! Verstappen went to Everest and back in search of a Stealth-bomber move and when he finally launched his missile, Hamilton was perfectly placed – despite contact -  to deflect and remain ahead.

On the weekend after the passing of one of F1′ legends – Niki Lauda – Lewis Hamilton was forced to deliver a championship drive and that he did – P1! Vettel benefited from Verstappen’s aggression in the pits – P2 – Bottas suffered – P3.

So a collision was necessary to disrupt Mercedes’ 1-2 run. It is evident that Ferrari is wandering in an immense wilderness – clueless. Leclerc must be considering his future. Verstappen should be emboldened after his Monaco performance.

A lot is on the table. Hamilton extended his lead in Monaco. Can anyone stop Mercedes AMG?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer