Grand Prix Special – Brazil
Wow! Strewth! Phew, what a scorcher! Have you come down yet?
It doesn’t get much better than Brazil 2008. Does it? Yes, we’ve seen some thrilling races over the decades, but this was surely about as gritty as it gets.
Don’t you just love the whole Brazilian thing? Great circuit, huge passionate crowd, just like it used to be. This is simply the only stage on which to play out the climax of a Grand Prix season. What follows is not a race report. We have all watched it at least twice by now, haven’t we? Or, 50 years after watching my first GP, am I just hopelessly hooked on this stuff?
Let’s get straight down to it. Did Timo Glock slow down to let Lewis Hamilton through to his first World Championship? We may never know. We do know now, if we ever had any doubts, that Sebastian Vettel had no such thoughts and this bodes well for the future, as the young German is the man most likely to be challenging Hamilton in years to come.
What else did we learn, once we got our breath back?
For me, Felipe Massa’s dignified and sporting acceptance of defeat was not only a revelation but also a fine example of sportsmanship in an age when such a thing is very thin on the ground. Think about it – he put the Ferrari on pole, emphatically, he won the race, emphatically, and were it not for Glock’s slithering Toyota, he would have won the World Championship. And yet the Brazilian, at his home circuit and in front of his countrymen, managed to accept that “this is racing” and that “we can still feel proud of what we have done”. That he was able to speak – and lucidly – at all was extraordinary.
This is not to take anything away from Lewis Hamilton. That he would one day be World Champion was inevitable. If not last year, if not this year, then one day it would come to pass. We all know about his exceptional talent and his consummate desire to win. Now we know he can keep his head and that has always been a vital component of becoming a great racing driver. He will, I believe, be an entertaining and interesting bearer of the world title, and few would deny that he deserves every last dollar and accolade coming his way.
At Interlagos, from the moment you step into this bristling theatre of sport, you know that anything can happen, especially when black clouds are moving across the skyline of São Paulo. And Sunday’s race was pure vintage Interlagos. This is as close as Formula 1 racing comes to the gladiators, the chariot racers and the bullfighters. Only the best conquer this place which is why, at the front of the field, we saw Alonso, Räikkönen, Massa, Hamilton and Vettel, a little group of racers who will keep our passion alive in the years ahead.
Before the race Martin Brundle cannily asked Mr Ecclestone how it is that, in recent years, the championship has come down to the wire in Brazil, the implication presumably being that it might be in some way orchestrated? Whatever the answer to this may be, the FIA should now decree that the Grand Prix season must finish in Brazil and that Interlagos must be preserved as a rare, living example of a theatre fit for the kind of drama that makes this sport such a gripping spectacle. I have somehow forgotten the processions of Bahrain, Valencia and Shanghai.
We should spare a thought for David Coulthard, yet again involved in the bumper cars at the back of the field. All things are fair in love and war, but this was not. As he said, “it might have helped to qualify a little higher up the grid”. Witty and straight to the last, DC bowed out alive and well, and that is good.
Lewis Hamilton is World Champion. The 2009 season is an open book. Rejoice.
Filed under: Blogs, Formula 1, Grand Prix Special, Reports
Tags: Felipe Massa, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, Timo Glock
Aleš Norský:
November 3rd, 2008 1:13pm
OK, not since 1976 we have seen anything like this, if ever. Hamilton has shown that he certainly has a flair for the dramatic. I will admit that the last three laps lifted me from the comfort of my chair, but I suspect that half of Britain were reaching for their closet defibrillators. I expected him to win it anyway, but not like that! It was supposed to be calculated and comfortable. If Massa was never going to win the title, he did not deserve to lose it 200 meters from the finish line. I wonder whether Dennis will now retire.
Filipe Amoroso:
November 3rd, 2008 1:14pm
Absolutely brilliant.
I have people that don’t know a thing about F1 talking about the race and asking lots of questions (and having lots of opinions about Glock too). Nobody actually saw the race (it shows only on a paid channel around here…), but they’re talking anyway.
I think it’s great for F1.
Dave Cubbedge:
November 3rd, 2008 1:45pm
Bravo Lewis and Felipe! There has been some chat about this years’ championship having no worthy recipients, but in my opinion, this year has been about as good as it gets in this modern era. Races were not as predictable as in the past and the fact that we had so many first-time winners pleases me to no end! So, hats off to Lewis the champ and Felipe, who has clearly put himself into the top echelon. Bring on 2009 and please bring it back to the USA!
rob widdows:
November 3rd, 2008 3:47pm
Remarkable! We are all agreed, so far anyway, that this was a wonderful spectacle and an example of just how thrilling Grand Prix racing can be.
Will RD retire? I think he might be tempted to quit at the top, as he hinted when I spoke to him for Motor Sport in Bahrain. But he’s a racer, it’s his life, and he’s hooked.
But,yes, this may be the moment.
For now, we can simply savour a fantastic event.
Next weekend there will be boys racing karts and thinking “I can get there.” One day.
RW
John Sorrie:
November 3rd, 2008 4:03pm
These are the last 3 lap times for the Toyotas
Timo Glock
69 1:18.688
70 1:28.041
71 1:44.731
Jarno Trulli
69 1:22.428
70 1:33.539
71 1:44.800
Seems safe to say that given they were both on ’slicks’, Glock didn’t lift for Lewis.
rob widdows:
November 3rd, 2008 4:27pm
Interesting, and revealing. Thanks for a very useful contribution John.
Perhaps too many people have become too cynical over the past few years, the temptation being to see the dark side where none exists.
At the time, and in the heat of the moment, it all seemed too good to be true for Hamilton fans. But we know that those tyres do not work in the wet so let’s rejoice and go into the winter break with happy, positive thoughts on a terrific end to an exciting season.
RW
Filipe Amoroso:
November 3rd, 2008 4:36pm
John Sorrie, I don’t know if your comment was prompted by what I said so, to be clear, I’d like to say that I believe Glock did is best to stay in front of LH.
But it’s actually amusing to see the comments that get around. Some of the comments made by readers of the Spanish media have to be read to be believed.
Comes with the (heavily biased) territory, I guess. Makes me laugh anyway.
John Sorrie:
November 3rd, 2008 4:42pm
Filipe,
No, it wasn’t prompted by what you said at all, just hoped to add a little clarity following the internet-wide consipracies.
It wasn’t in any way in response to your comment.
rgds
John
Aleš Norský:
November 3rd, 2008 4:58pm
Going uphill to the finish line, the dry tyre must have been pretty useless at providing traction. There was no way Glock could offer anything to counter the speed of Vettel and Hamilton.
Lawrence Zwer:
November 3rd, 2008 5:07pm
Wow, what a thrilling end to the race. I’ve never prayed harder for rain and glad that my prayers were answered.
Can’t say I’m overly happy about the World Championship result. I’m neither a Massa nor a Hamilton fan and with the number of mistakes they (and their teams) made this year I half think neither should be WC.
Certainly Mika vs Michael was far more compelling than Massa vs Hamilton. And both were far more worthy champions.
Now let’s hope BMW’s work for 2009 has paid off. Bring on the small wings and big slicks!
Timmy Green:
November 3rd, 2008 5:31pm
Massa was indeed a gentleman in defeat, and an example of a proper sportsman. However, it does seem the people (espcially those at Ferrari) seem very quick to forget 2007, where another 200-odd metres of fate intervention also produced a World Champion by 1 point.
I think that having had his gearbox failure last year that cost him the World Championship by the single point, Hamilton deserved the reversal of fortune for this single point win. Perhaps this is what Massa was referring to with his somewhat philosophical ‘This is racing’? Otherwise it would have been somewhat hypocritcal to cry about it…
rob widdows:
November 3rd, 2008 5:50pm
Thanks, everyone, for contributing to another good debate after such an eventful weekend.
I think, bearing in mind what Mr Sorrie has produced, and given that no real racing driver ever gives up a place willingly, that we can close the season without too much controversy. That would be good in itself.
As I’ve said, Brazil tends to produce great drama and this will always be so because of the nature of the place, the people and the circuit.
A great, old fashioned racetrack with a passionate crowd. Just like Silverstone……………. You get a better party in Sao Paulo, however.
I believe it to be very important that we hold on to the few great circuits that are still on the calendar. And, dare I say it, that Ferrari will always be there. Heroes and villains, it’s all part of the excitement.
There will be much grinding of teeth over Mr Mosley’s proposals for a cheaper, greener Formula One. So enjoy this brief period of celebration.
RW
Gerald Dickens:
November 3rd, 2008 5:56pm
A really great end to an amazing season. Ales compared it to ‘76 and he’s right in so many ways, not just for the conclusion, but the events of the season too: protests, rulings, controversy etc. All through, though, the protagonists didnt become embroiled in personal vendettas (ok, Leis DID accuse Fellipe in Japan, but that all went away). Yesterday’s race pt them both undr so much pressure and they both dealt with it unbelievably. This will make them both stronger next year. Finally, how pleased Jenson must have been to watch tha Honda go up in smoke!
stephen stuart:
November 3rd, 2008 11:10pm
Prior to the post-race press conference, I have not been a fan of Massa (or Hamilton), preferring the on-track demonstrations of Alonso whom I believe to be the most complete driver in F1 at the moment: but I was very taken by the maturity Massa showed in defeat. It must have been a very miserable moment for him and yet he behaved in an exemplary manner. Perhaps points should be awarded by the ’stewards’ for gentlemanly behaviour at race weekends? (Just kidding). However, I was also heartened by the actions of Alonso who, post-race, visited the McLaren pit to congratulate Hamilton; thus indicating that there has been a period of mature reflection in his head - also as demonstrated by his very spirited driving of late. Hopefully, the comments attributed to him prior to Brazil were just an exercise in gamesmanship. Perhaps now they will be able to bury the hatchet. But, overall, hats off to Massa for his comments - when he wins the championship, I shall be supporting him.
Brian Rigney:
November 4th, 2008 1:16am
Rob,
Your comments on the Brazilian GP reinforces my belief that great circuits produce great races. Too often now we have boring circuits that effectively are all the same featureless layouts and the racing ends up being processional. Put these guys on a circuit where skill and courage come into play and you usually end up with a great race. Congratulations to both Massa and Hamilton. Massa for doing everything in the last race required of him and being so gracious in losing the championship and to Hamilton for holding his nerve and pushing right to the end.
Rich Ambroson:
November 4th, 2008 4:02am
I was already a huge Felipe Massa fan before this weekend, but the way he did everything, from driving, to conducting himself in pre and post race interviews (the latter especially) was just exemplary.
Some say both drivers made mistakes this season. Well, all WDCs have, even Fangio. (not saying either of these two are on The Old Man’s level) But Felipe especially gets slagged for being mistake prone, or not driving well in the wet, and that’s not fair. He has continually proved his critics wrong, and but for an engine failure at Hungary, or a massive team foul-up at Singapore, he’d have had this easily.
Not only were Massa’s mistakes less spectacular than running into the back of a parked car in pitlane, but he drove well in the wet at Monacao, and in VERY mixed and dicy conditions in Interlagos just left them all behind him. (and got some VERY exciting to watch opposite lock going several times)
No slight to Lewis intended, he’s clearly very talented. But for me, Felipe Massa has the Heart of the Lion, and in so many ways exemplifies the Spirit of Grand Prix racing in this day and age. (and F1 is getting farther and farther away from the old notion of a Grand Prix/Grande Epreuve…)
Thanks Rob, always great reading your material, here or in the great print mother ship. Cheers, and all the Best.
Tom:
November 4th, 2008 11:03am
My heart sank when I saw the pictures of the Abu Dhabi track for next year’s championship decider (it will be the decider, they’ll find a way…) in the magazine - on paper it looks one of the worst flat, stop-start, Mickey Mouse overgrown kart tracks in recent years, no matter how many hotels, tunnels and other gimmicks they throw at it.
A venue should earn its place as the final round by providing corners that drivers and spectators alike look forward to, a few years of wheel-to-wheel action, and above all, rain!
rob widdows:
November 4th, 2008 11:51am
Well, thank you everyone for all your very interesting, and sometimes kind, comments on the back of the Brazil ‘blog’.
Sometimes, you know, when you’re on the laptop in some crap hotel, or when you should really be taking the cat to the vet, you wonder if there’s anyone out there. But you guys are out there and I’ve always enjoyed the bond that brings together real motor racing fans.
Yes! You bet Button allowed himself a wry smile when he saw that bad old Honda disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Next year, I think, may be different. Ross Brawn has not suddenly lost the plot and Jenson is still a damn fine driver. There is talent here and pride at stake.
Abu Dhabi the last race of the season? No! The campaign to establish Interlagos as the official end-of-year drama begins right here, right now.
Later in the year, perhaps, when the Christmas spirit clocks in, we will compile our lists of what we most want to see next year! Not mad about lists but it might be fun.
Make sure you get your copy of the 1,000th edition of the magazine. It’s a really good read and one worth keeping. Well, I mean they all are……..
RW
Ales Norsky:
November 5th, 2008 1:33pm
Have a good off-season everybody.
Dave Cubbedge:
November 5th, 2008 2:37pm
Off season? I just got the latest GTR simulator for my computer - I’m off to learn the Nurburgring the cheap way in a Gumpert Apollo or something fast! There ain’t no off season for me!
Aleš Norský:
November 6th, 2008 1:24pm
More power to you, then!
Gordon McCabe:
November 9th, 2008 6:20pm
I think it’s worth pointing out something about the closing stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix which no-one has picked up on. It’s widely understood that both of the Toyotas, the cars of Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli, remained on slicks in the closing laps of the race. It’s claimed that Glock’s last lap was particularly slow because the rain intensified, and his tyre pressures and temperatures fell off a cliff-face. Those who suggest that Glock deliberately slowed have had their attention drawn to the fact that Jarno Trulli’s last lap was just as slow as Glock’s. McLaren have also tried to pretend that everything was under control, and that they always knew Hamilton was going to catch Glock, despite the latter being fully 12 seconds ahead at the beginning of the last lap.
It’s a plausible line, until one considers the fact that there was a third car on slick tyres in the closing laps: Robert Kubica’s. It was Kubica who came steaming up behind Vettel and Hamilton after they had pitted for intermediates. When Kubica unlapped himself from Hamilton into Juncao on lap 69, Hamilton appeared to be distracted, missed his braking point, and let Vettel past into that vital 5th place. If you now watch the video of the last two laps of the race (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_avdUQmYUE), you’ll see that Vettel and Hamilton initially have three cars ahead of them: Button (who quickly gets out of the way), Kubica (on slicks), and Rosberg (on intermediates). Look ahead of Vettel and Hamilton at the beginning of the last lap, and you’ll see that Kubica overtakes Rosberg. Rosberg then lets Vettel and Hamilton past on the run to Ferradura. Kubica remains ahead of Vettel and Hamilton for the rest of the lap, and overtakes the slowing Glock before Vettel and Hamilton reach him at Juncao (Turn 12).
One might attribute the difference between the final lap times of Kubica and Glock/Trulli to a difference in the way their cars work the tyres, or a difference in driver technique, so this doesn’t necessarily fuel the flames of the conspiracy theorists. It does, however, destroy the McLaren party line that Hamilton was always going to catch Glock: Kubica, on slicks just like Glock, caught Hamilton and Vettel, passed them, and stayed ahead of them until the end of the race.
McLaren were dead lucky.