ON REFLECTION: The Monaco Grand Prix

in the first of a new series, we reflect on the weekend's racing and give some thoughts on the talk in the paddock.

The Monaco Grand Prix may have been dull until the last 10 laps, but it gave us plenty to ponder.

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Hamilton’s mind matches his speed

There is no doubting Lewis Hamilton’s genius on track. He’s faster than just about any other driver, is a ruthless overtaking machine and is thrilling to watch in an age of processional mediocrity.

However, the Englishman has always struggled to deal with defeat, both off and on the track. Hamilton, like all popular British sportsmen, wears his heart on his sleeve and this has often gone against him.

2015 Monaco F1 GP start

But in Monaco, while he was visibly heartbroken he opted not to blame the team and not to showcase the petulance which has left a bitter taste in so many mouths since he arrived as a fresh-faced 22-year-old in 2007.

Since the beginning of last season, we have seen a mature Hamilton channel defeat into motivation. His previous erratic mental state, which may have cost him wins and championships in the past, has gone.

He’s clicked that to be a leader, you must lead from the front and steer the ship through tides of defeat as well as rich seas of success. He has become a polished Formula 1 driver. Ruthlessly quick on the track, and a leader off it.

Since adopting that new approach he has dominated the sport, and clinched a second world title. With three more years to come at Mercedes, you’d be a fool to back against him winning more. Maybe even three more.

His team-mate, Nico Rosberg is a classy driver, and will be unbeatable on occasions. He will always be there to take advantage of Hamilton’s misfortune and will always prove to be a real threat.

But he is not Hamilton. He is not a champion. He is not a leader.

Verstappen punishment was too harsh- He was the only one trying!

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso STR10

The FIA are right to punish drivers who stupidly take others off the road, but some common sense should be applied in the case of Max Verstappen.

The Toro Rosso youngster has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix next week for hitting Romain Grosjean late on in Monaco.

It was a terrifying accident, especially as the cameras were live with Verstappen as he ploughed into the barriers at over 100mph.

It was entirely his fault too. He mis-judged Grosjean’s braking-point and hurled into the back of him way before they reached Sainte Devote.

But there are some factors to consider here before dishing out a penalty like that.

First, Monaco is of course the most difficult racing circuit to overtake at in the world. Year after year it provides no entertainment, no action and nothing interesting at all.

After the start, which invariably ends with the guy on pole retaining his lead and driving off into the distance, it’s probably worth going to make a cup of tea, and flicking over to something else. If you come back two hours later to catch the end then it is likely that nothing will have changed.

Max Vestappen

On Sunday, Verstappen was the main exception. He attacked and was, occasionally, successful. When he caught Grosjean in front, he was up to five seconds per lap faster due to tyre wear on both cars. On any other track in the world an overtake would have been simple and inevitable.

In an age when discussions are constantly taking place about how Formula 1 can be improved and make it more interesting, overtaking at Monaco should be applauded.

Monaco is also the hardest track in the world. Year after year, we praise drivers for the way they handle the bumpy, twisty, dirty streets claiming that it is a miracle they don’t crash.

Formula 1 cars really aren’t built to go there after all. But as soon as someone does make a mistake, who happens to be 17 years old, he gets punished.

On any other racing circuit , the punishment would fit the crime. But in Monaco? The hardest place to race in the world? It’s harsh.

Ferrari should keep Raikkonen- He’s the perfect number two

Kimi Raikkonen

It is rather sad that Lewis Hamilton is probably right. Sebastian Vettel does have a clause in his contract that says he is the number one driver at Ferrari.

Since Hamilton made those comments, we’ve seen it in action. Vettel received new car upgrades in Spain, while his team-mate didn’t. So far, it has shown as the Finn struggled in both Barcelona and Monaco.

So, going on the assumption that Vettel can’t ultimately be challenged by Kimi Raikkonen over the course of a season, assuming that he does a good enough job himself, why would Ferrari want to get rid?

Raikkonen is the perfect number two. He’s a world champion and blindingly fast. He may have had a dismal year last season, but he has already shown that was a blip. Hiring Valtteri Bottas would be exciting, but there is a reason why Vettel speaks about Raikkonen in glowing terms.

Just like Felipe Massa was for Michael Schumacher in 2006 and Raikkonen himself in 2007, he’s the perfect number two.

Give Pastor Maldonado a break

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus F1 E21

The world championship makes for grim reading for Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado. He currently has 0 points, while his team-mate Romain Grosjean has 16.

But that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Venezuelan has retired from five of the six races so far, and has become the comical figure of the sport.

But if you take the time to reflect on the 30-year-old’s season, you’ll see that Maldonado deserves sympathy, not ridicule.

In Australia, he was barged into the wall at the end of a three-car collision, while in Malaysia brake failure ruined his afternoon. He comically ran wide on his way into the pits, but it was later revealed not to be his fault.

In Spain, a broken rear end plate ended his afternoon early when he was running solidly in the points, while another brake failure ruined his race in Monaco.

True, he is erratic, but Maldonado has proven himself to be a decent driver over the last four years. Points should be on offer in the next few races, and he’ll be keen to finally receive some positive press.

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