ON REFLECTION: Russian Grand Prix

Rosberg’s luck is out- but he wouldn’t have stopped Lewis

Nico Rosberg must wish he could go back to that famous day in Monaco last year. Or even the opening lap of the Belgium Grand Prix a few months later.

Because, it seems, some divine spirit has it in for him.

Yet again, the German’s race, and the spectacle, was ruined as he retired from the Russian Grand Prix.

He was leading the race and seemingly in control when a throttle issue saw Lewis Hamilton drive by and off into the distance. Two laps later, Rosberg was in the garage. Permanently.

2015 has badly suffered because of a lack of a title race. Hamilton has been superb all season and deserves the third world title he will inevitably win.

But Rosberg’s bad luck and poor reliability, which has cost him heavily in Hungary, Italy and Russia, hadn’t occurred then he would all still be watching a proper title race.

Hamilton would still have a handsome lead, and probably go on to win the title, but Rosberg would still be a real player.

Vettel has never had a better reputation

Start of the 2015 Russian F1 GP into 1st corner

Remember when people used to say that Sebastian Vettel wasn’t that good when he was running away with his fourth world title in a row? They don’t say much now do they?

Vettel had much to prove after his woeful 2014 season, but he has shown that he is a world class driver.

The main reason 2016 looks so inviting already is the probability of a Hamilton v Vettel title fight. And the best bit it is, we really don’t know who is best.

Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder, and seeing Vettel wag his magic finger in Malaysia was one of the moments of the season.

He has dismantled team-mate Kimi Raikkonen to the same level as Fernando Alonso, and now sits second in the championship ahead of Rosberg.

It’s ironic that F1 is counting on him to add a bit of drama to the sport. But Vettel has proven that he can be relied upon to do great things.

Perez has come of age

Lewis Hamilton VS Nico Rosberg on the track

Sergio Pérez knows how cut-throat F1 is, but the Mexican is giving the major teams a serious headache.

Could the Force India star be worthy of a second chance in a big team, following his dismal year at McLaren?

Quite possibly.

Yesterday he scored an impressive podium and sits comfortably ahead of the well-respected Nico Hulkenberg in the championship table, who was hotly tipped to become a future great.

Perez has matured into a fast, and consistent, racing driver. When he arrived at Force India it was assumed he would play backup to Hulkenberg. But, this season, the tables have turned.

Perez has shown an improvement in qualifying and his general race pace has been strong. Few drivers get a second chance at the top, but he needs some serious consideration.

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