HAMILTON vs. VETTEL
BATTLE NO 1
Regardless of the usual optimistic preseason threats by leading also-rans to close the gap on the front-runners, the 2019 championship is likely to be an exclusive ba leground for Mercedes and Ferrari. They have experience, engine power and, more importantly, the resources to make it happen. The prospect for close racing in 2019 hinges on Ferrari finally ge ing its act together.
Mercedes winning its fih title in succession concealed that the 2018 Ferrari was as competitive and, at times, quicker than the silver car. The weak link was Sebastian Ve el crumbling under the pressure created by a shockingly selfabsorbed team management failing to capitalise on a package that, three-quarters of the way through the season, genuinely had Mercedes worried. But that, in turn, allowed the Three-pointed Star to show its strength in depth thanks to calm management in a potential crisis. The question that needs answering is: how cool might Mercedes remain if Ferrari really turns the screw rather than falling apart?
None of this should overlook the part played by Lewis Hamilton (opposite), now a five-time champion. Rather than become distracted by the varied outside inuences in his life, the Englishman raised his game to an even higher level and scarcely made a single error in 2018.
He was helped by the aforementioned harmony within Mercedes and the fact he had in Val eri Bo as a placid teammate who was far from the threat created by Nico Rosberg during an explosive four years alongside Hamilton.
This is a critical season for Bo as. He failed to win a single race in 2018. That’s not to say he is slow but, rather, bad luck played its part and the Finn continues to have the misfortune of being in the best car at a time when an awesome force is driving the other one. Bo as will be giving his all but it is unlikely to upset an equilibrium which has been painstakingly and eectively established.