Fun F1

It seems not a year goes by where there isn’t an issue with the red light at the end of the pit lane during the Canadian Grand Prix. As a result, we’ve got a very interesting Formula One World Championship now…

Robert Kubica – A well deserved win, even with a bit of luck thanks to Lewis Hamilton. You have to give it to Kubica – he’s always there at the front this year. It’s ironic that in Canada last year he had his darkest moment and now he has his brightest. Very happy for the Pole!

Nick Heidfeld – I feel Nick Heidfeld is one of those drivers that has had rough luck in F1 despite such an admirable effort. He was unlucky not to get on board with McLaren after being Mercedes’ golden child. He’s had a string of bad cars where he’s punched well above his weight. And now, his less-experienced teammate has come up with the first win for team he’s helped build for years. With all that said, Nick just hasn’t been a factor all year like Robert has. Sure, the fact that he has a smoother style and can’t warm his tyres quick enough in qualifying has compromised every race of his and he’s done great to fight back from low grid spots – but this is Formula One. If he’s got a problem in quali then he needs to change something – be it his driving style, set up, whatever… There’s really no excuses. Still, we feel for you Nick but get back to being Quick Nick before Alonso comes in and takes your seat…

Lewis Hamilton – Lewis is still a rookie in so many respects and in Canada it showed. With that said, I see shades of Michael Schumacher in him. Schumacher was also prone to some questionable moments but that’s ok when you drive that darn quick. Before the pit stops Lewis was in a class of his own. Canada is certainly a track that suits him and he probably would have had the win fairly easily if he didn’t stuff up.

Kimi Raikkonen – Amazing composure from Kimi after being taken out by Lewis! Truly worthy of the ice-man tag. I think deep down Kimi probably knew if they both stayed in the race Lewis probably would have increased his lead in the championship. Even so, Kimi’s friendly pat on the back of Lewis was a great sporting gesture.

Fernando Alonso – Never really in the race but a great qualifying effort.

Felipe Massa – Could Ferrari mess this guy’s pit stops/strategy up any more? I don’t think it’s so much a case of Ferrari missing Ross Brawn, it’s just a case of the team lacking polish at the moment. Full credit to Felipe for a good fight back in the race and one of the best passes of the year (2 cars in one hit!)

David Coulthard – Good to see him back on the podium, but based on the performance throughout the year you have to feel for Mark Webber and the fact he wasn’t up there…

Timo Glock – 4th place is a great result but it was largely due to the retirement of so many of his competitors. The best part about the result for Timo is that he outperformed his teammate Jarno Trulli.

Heikki Kovalainen – Hmm… Nico Rosberg for McLaren in 2009?

Nelson Piquet Jr – Thought I’d mention Nelsinho because he did seem to have a bit of speed this time around and looked very racey indeed (not that sort of “racey” girls! ).

Kazuki Nakajima – It’s funny how it’s taken then commentators so long to realise Kazuki isn’t that bad at times. We saw some speed when Kazuki debuted last year, but admittedly got it wrong thinking he wouldn’t drive for Williams or Toyota this year. We’re still waiting for the next Ukyo Katayama though…