Posted on 27th March 2017
In a brand new feature for Driving for Pleasure this season, we will be looking back at the end of every Grand Prix on the calendar and discussing five important points that have either shaped or made a significant impact during the Grand Prix.
With the return of the FIA Formula One Championship at the Australian GP yesterday, many fans had a lot of questions about how the new regulations would play out on the race track which is what the rules were set out to do. And I would have to say that we did see some slight improvements with the track action; even though I feel a lot of work needs to be done to get the sport back to where it should and needs to be.
Here's my five important points of what we've learnt from the Australian GP yesterday:-
1. In the final stages of the race we saw Force India driver Esteban Ocon placing McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso under pressure for the final point; to which Ocon in a pretty spectacular move managed to get past Alonso and claim the point. While that move was extremely brave, well thought out and well defended by Ocon; we still didn't see enough overtaking. Some drivers have publically spoken to the media today stating that it is still “extremely difficult†to overtake another rival on the track. So it is clear more needs to be done to improve this and we need to give the new regulations time and see if this can be improved as the season goes on.
2. The incident between Marcus Ericsson and Kevin Magnussen- The criticism that I have seen regarding this incident on the opening lap going into Turn 3 via social media hasn't been very pleasant. I will admit when I first looked at the incident, I was quick to blame Ericsson for what happened. But after looking at the incident on various camera angles, I now believe that either driver was to blame for the incident and I fully support the statement that the FIA stewards made after the race as well. With Magnussen apologising to Ericsson after the race, that should the end of the matter and everyone involved as come to a resolution that is acceptable and the right outcome.
3. Daniel Ricciardo- This weekend hasn't been the best for Daniel. With a lot of expectations on his shoulders after a great pre-season test period; many wondered if this would be the year that Ricciardo wins his first home race. But with Ricciardo crashing out in qualifying, then encountering a sensor problem on his way to grid yesterday and then retiring during the race; this isn't what he nor Red Bull planned. With many looking to chastise Ricciardo for what's happened; I don't believe that is necessary. Ricciardo has admitted full responsibility for what happened in qualifying and will no doubt feel bad about that, he doesn't need the media making it worse. Even though Ricciardo has admitted how upset he is with the weekend, he will be even more determined to bounce back in China and start challenging the Mercedes and the Ferrari for the title. And I have every faith that he will learn from this weekend and use that to his advantage as the season progresses.
4. McLaren-Honda- With the team struggling at the moment to extract pace and performance from their power unit, many didn't expect the team to finish the race. But they did with Stoffel Vandoorne who put in a good performance to finish the race and even Fernando Alonso at one point was fighting for a championship point until Esteban Ocon passed him with a spectacular move to get the point away from him. Even though it wasn't the weekend either side of the partnership wanted, they will have learnt a lot from the weekend and need to use this as a stepping stone to develop as much as possible over the season ahead.
5. Ferrari V Mercedes- Two of the most iconic car manufacturers going head to head during the GP; with Ferrari coming out on top with Sebastian Vettel winning the race. With many fans believing that Ferrari's pre-season test form not revealing their true potential; they were proven right yesterday. With Mercedes making the wrong strategy call with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari learning their mistakes from the previous season, this enabled Vettel to take the victory yesterday alongside Vettel driving superbly. Even though it is still too early to say, if Ferrari can maintain their pace and develop the car as quickly as possible; this could be the year they bring a world championship back to Italy and end Mercedes' dominance in the sport. But do not discount Mercedes and what they can do; their resources are second to none and they will be going to China with their sights on gaining their first victory of the season. And this is a fight I can't wait to see; never mind report on!
Do you agree/disagree on the five important points that we have learnt from the Australian GP? Let us know by tweeting us on Twitter either at @Drivin4Pleasure or to myself personally
Sarah Jones@jonesy_laaa.
