We may live in uncertain times. But Mercedes never lack clarity. The 1-2 is theirs. Pole-sitter Bottas is loving it. “The qualifying shakes are something special,” he says. And he doesn’t mean the rumble of the gravel.
Lando Norris gave it everything to secure 4th. And gave the midfield a much-needed lift. With McLaren and Racing Point looking hot, Verstappen will have to harness the warm weather to fight for the top.
Everyone misses the roar of the fans. But we can still feel the passion as the race goes on. Financial woes. Resource concerns. Distilling the most out of everything they’ve got. This is the ever-changing, always-interesting, hazy world of the midfield. And in 2019, it was one of our highlights.
For 2020, could we see a pink or papaya car making a case for the 'big three' to become the 'big four’? Compressed season. Ramped up pressure. The most minimal of mistakes will put Hamilton’s title in a vulnerable position. Every turn of the wheel, tap of the shifters and nudge on the brakes has to be pitch perfect.
Have no doubt, Hamilton is 100% focused on chasing down a 7th World Championship. But a certain Dutchman has an upgrade in his engine and a fire in his chassis. There’s nothing as reliable as certainty this year. |