Hamilton can’t believe he’s so Farah in front of Vettel
Americas. He does not need to win another race between now and the season’s end to sew up the title but he is not about to let up. “To be honest there is not really any need to change my approach,” he said.
“I just don’t think there is a need to make any changes. I’m not taking crazy risks to be in the position I’m in.
“We will continue to try and keep doing what we are doing. There isn’t much more I can do. Sometimes when youcomeoffthegasa little you cause yourself more trouble than you need.”
Vettel’s spark plug problem was identified as his Ferrari was fired up yesterday morning and, despite taking the start from second on the grid, it was soon evident it would prove his undoing.
He was passed by Verstappen, Ricciardo, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas in the first lap and was called in to retire on lap five.
That follows an engine issue a week ago in Malaysia which saw him start from the back of the grid and recover to fourth, and a first-corner crash in Singapore that left both Ferraris out of the race.
But Vettel refused to point the finger of blame at his team and insists he will continue his fight until the last.
“It’s normal to be critical, especially if things go wrong because it’s part of our job,” he told Sky Sports F1. “But I need to protect them [Ferrari]. They have done an incredible job so far. It’s just a pity in the two races with the reliability issues.
“We still have a chance this year. Obviously it’s not as much in our control as we like but overall I think the team is in a good way.” Grange and Western Wildcats took advantage of Kelburne’s absence at the Euroleague to take over at the top of the first division with victories over Dundee Wanderers and Inverleith respectively.
Grange’s first half against Wanderers was goalless but the deadlock was broken when Frank Ryan sent a rebound into the roof of the net. The three points were sealed when Greg Hopkinson beat three defenders and crossed for teenager Jacob Tweedie to tap home. The Edinburgh side are now a point ahead of Kelburne but second behind Wildcats on goal difference.
Wildcats showed no mercy to newly-promoted Inverleith with a 5-2 win at Auchenhowie, Hamish Gault converting two penalty corners.
Edinburgh University moved into sixth spot with a 2-2 draw at Grove Menzieshill, Peter Mcknight and David Mawhinney on target for the students.
In the women’s first division Edinburgh University lost their unbeaten record and pole position in a 3-1 defeat at Grove. Grove’s Sarah Jamieson opened the scoring, only for Ellie Hutcheson to level. The second half belonged to the Taysiders, with strikes by Jude Mcmullan and Jenny Walls.
Wildcats are the only side with a perfect record after Megan Cox and Kaz Cuthbert scored in a 2-1 win at Watsonians.
Inbarcelona,meanwhile, Kelburne’s men bowed out of the Euroleague with a 1-0 defeat to French champions St Germain.
Hugo Genestet scored in the first quarter, but the Scottish champions were hemmed into their own half for most of the rest of the game. A late chance of an equaliser fell to Ben Peterson at a penalty corner but the French keeper made a brilliant save.
The saving grace is that Kelburne picked up a priceless bonus point for only losing by a single goal, which might be enough to keep the Scots in the elite Euroleague next season.