Is Vettel’s challenge for the Drivers’ Championship over already?

Sebastian Vettel’s frustrating start to the 2016 season continued in Sochi on the first lap of the circuit when a collision with Daniil Kvyat knocked him out of the race.

The German looked to be heading on to the right path following his fine drive in the Chinese Grand Prix, where he overcame an altercation with the Red Bull driver to place in second.

However, the 28-year-old was not to be so fortunate second time around in Russia when his race was ended by Kvyat, causing a furious outburst from Vettel.

The Russian’s actions also disrupted the race of his Red Bull teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, as the collision with Vettel knocked his Ferrari into the Australian, forcing both men to pit.

As a result, Ricciardo’s challenge for the title also suffered at the hands of the Russian, with Red Bull’s management admitting that they have planned discussions with the 22-year-old.

Kvyat may benefit from time away from the wheel where he could learn to improve his composure in pressurised situations at the start of races.

Online gaming with pokies, featuring Drive and Premier Racing, could help him develop patience where he has struggled in the early part of the campaign.

Formula One fans would also enjoy combining their favourite sport with enticing gameplay, while there are also all kinds of poker games on offer through pokies online platform.

However, supporters will be worried to see the race for the Drivers’ Championship become a one-horse race as Nico Rosberg marched further ahead of his rivals with his fourth win on the bounce.

It has been three years since Vettel lifted the last of his crowns, as he has been forced to watch the rise of Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton and his compatriot behind the wheel.

The 28-year-old was frustrated by a series of technical problems in the 2014 season with Red Bull, when for the first time since the 2008 campaign he failed to win a race.

Despite winning four-straight titles with the team, the lack of success in 2014 prompted his move to Ferrari.

Although the German reached the top of the podium at Malaysia, Hungary and Singapore he fell well short of contending for the crown as Hamilton secured his second title on the spin.

Vettel faces a similar problem this term to compete with the Mercedes duo at the top of the leader board. In addition to his latest setback, he also suffered difficulties in Bahrain, where engine issues on the formation lap prevented him from racing in Sakhir.

He now trails Rosberg by a significant margin and, due to his lack of success on the upcoming circuits, his compatriot’s lead could be increased by enough points to leave Vettel needing a minor miracle to have any hope of mounting a surge for the crown.

The German undoubtedly has the quality to reel in Rosberg, but with Hamilton and Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen also in the mix, Vettel, his car and his crew will have to be flawless until the end of the campaign to pull off a remarkable fifth title.

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