Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen have provoked the driving force of Formula One drivers at the weekend. Their two-man motorsport fans had previously had so much fun. For a short time the boredom of the past races was forgotten. The penalties by the FIA will bring these back soon. A comment.
The Grand Prix of Mexico has long been no advertising for the Formula One. Few overtaking maneuvers, an unprecedented start-up success of Lewis Hamilton, hardly any racing action.
But shortly before the end of the race spectacular happened. To the last remaining podium place behind the superior silver arrows of Hamilton and world championship leader Nico Rosberg burned a wild fight in the last laps. The participants involved: Youngster Max Verstappen, veteran Sebastian Vettel and the Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
Fight for third place becomes a scandal
Stauffen's Red Bull had to fight with noticeably declining tires. The Dutchman could not approach the pace of the Ferrari from Vettel. But the four-time world champion had made his bill without the 19-year-old vertical starter, for Stappen defended his position vehemently.
The two heatheads completely excelled the performance of their cars. When Stappen retreated from the track after an offender, thus abbreviated and could defend his position against Vettel only for this, the collar burst. Via boxing, Vettel insulted his opponent and subsequently even Charlie Whiting, who as a race director had to decide over controversial scenes and renounced during the race on a punishment of the action stopping.
Daniel Ricciardo becomes a profiter
But this is not enough: As the two ruffians were so busy with their small war for third place, Stappens team colleague Ricciardo from behind on the other and put pressure on his part Vettel.
So many a Formula 1 trailer hardly trusted his eyes. That was racing! Finally again. While the first 65 of the 71 rounds were so tough, they wanted to extend the spectacle. Memories were awakened to legendary duels of the past: Hunt against Lauda, Senna against Prost, Schumacher against Villeneuve - also there it often more than roughly went to the point. Many fans have won this sport because of such rivalries.
FIA exaggerates with these penalties
High-boiling emotions, squealing tires and touching cars: There can be nothing better for motor sport lovers. And for racing in the autumn of 2016? Apparently. Because with two time penalties against staves because of the abbreviation and against Vettel because of harsh defense against Ricciardo turned the race result on the head. Both harvested off the podium (4 and 5). Ricciardo was able to rejoin his third place.
As a fan, this makes a real difference. Yes, Stappen has exaggerated it in the struggle for his position. Yes, the rabid driving of the 19-year-old is also to be considered generally critical. Yes, Sebastian Vettel has also exaggerated it against Ricciardo. And yes, the insults against staves and the race management were certainly not worth a four-time world champion.
Mexico was not advertising for Formula One
Nevertheless, the FIA has to be careful not to exaggerate its hit-in-the-wool pack of racing drivers. Who wants a Formula 1 without two bouts, overtaking maneuvers and hard position bouts? Certainly no one. However, with the inflationary debate of such penalties it is to be feared that in the long run exactly this scenario becomes more and more likely.
What will ultimately remain in the memory of the Grand Prix of Mexico is not yet an advertisement for the Formula One. Although the last two laps were the result of two exceptional race drivers.
