Well, we learned that after the race in Russia where the winners were given ‘Ushankas’ (the furry hat) to wear, then at the US GP where they got Stetsons, the Mexicans gave them Mexican hats, and that about sums up the excitement generated by the racing at the Mexican Grand Prix.
However, the greatest scene of activity was in the McLaren pit where they were pulling engines in and out, and incurring the wrath of the FIA with each nut and bolt tightened. With the totally ridiculous rules regarding engine and/or gearbox replacements, Jenson Button ended up being given a 70 grid position penalty. That’s like Usain Bolt being told to start outside the arena for the 100 meter sprint final. Considering that there are only 22 grid positions anyway, the whole exercise is one of futility. Time the FIA looked out of the windows of their ivory tower to see the real world. Changing engines is not a heinous crime.
So to the race, where, wonder of wonders Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) came home first in front of team mate Lewis Hamilton, who had already won the World Drivers Championship last week. Ho hum! Ferrari’s technical director James Allison said, “If it stays dry, I think it might be a rather dull race.” Well, it was dry, and he was right.
However, Ferrari did manage to up the tempo on the action, with both Vettel and Raikkonen crashing out of the Grand Prix. Vettel, who is a four times champion committing the amateur mistake of crashing into another car at the first corner, once again proving the old adage that you don’t win the race at the first corner – you only lose the race at the first corner, which he did. Raikkonen tangled up with countryman Bottas (Williams), in a replay of their crash in Russia. Kimi was his normal taciturn self and says he will do it all again if Bottas is beside him. Unfortunately for Kimi, it would seem that Bottas is just as hard-nosed as he is!
Bottas scored another third podium, with his team mate Massa in 6th, having found himself unable to pass the Red Bulls of Kvyat (4th) and Ricciardo (5th) even though both were very slow down the long straights.
The FIndia team of Hulkenberg and Mexican Perez were the sentimental favorites of the Mexican spectators (over 100,000 of them) and filled 7th and 8th.
The ‘vunderkid’ Verstappen (Toro Rosso) was 9th and Grosjean in the “Lotus” (which will become a Renault next year) last in the points.
McLaren-Honda is no longer a joke, but now appearing as objects of derision. Forget the ridiculous 70 grid spot penalties, Alonso’s car made one lap, while Button did get to the finish, but said, “I don’t have many positive things to say about my race. The other cars were significantly quicker than us in a straight line.” They certainly were with the former world champion finishing 14th.
The next race is in Brazil on November 15th, followed locally one week later by the Retro cars at Bira on the 22, including our TBX Mk1 Escort.
