Rosberg will have to be extremely wary of Hamilton backlash
Nico Rosberg has raced into Formula One history as the only winner of 17 Grand Prix without the crowning glory of a world title. And Lewis Hamilton, his teammate, is intent on ensuring that the resurgent German stagnates on that standing as the formidable twosome strive for another Mercedes monopoly in this season’s extended title-chase.
Reigning champion Hamilton may have struggled through a dreadful flop in the three opening exchanges in defence of his title — but his blood tingler of a fightback from the rear of the grid to seventh place in Shanghai in an ailing and accident-prone car was stirring stuff. And he vows there is more to come — much, much more in his commitment to narrowing the points gap established by the runaway Rosberg, the title pacemaker, with his third win of the season.
Hamilton’s Chinese takeaway was a reasonably tasty dish that, with a bit more luck, might have resulted in a splendidly deserved rostrum placing after his remarkable fightback with 18 double-daring, but clinically and coolly executed, overtaking moves. Sadly for him, the jinxed Mercedes, a faultless runner a season ago, steadfastly maintained its mood of awkwardness, even as a thoroughly grateful but well in-form Rosberg cleared off to one of the easiest victories of his career. A virtual walkover. We have all heard the unsavoury whispers that behind the scenes the Mercedes hierarchy could have done a secret sort-out to give long-overdue-champion Rosberg a more solid chance of his first title if three-times champ Hamilton plays a supporting role — keeping rivals at bay, but falling short of stealing winning placings.
Determined as ever
Knowing Hamilton as I do, I can assure his supporters, he is as determined as ever to be crowned king again ... and again ... and again. And no amount of either sentiment for his partner or an absolute flood of thank you bonus cash from his bosses would alter for a split second his intention to rule the F1 universe until the day he quits. And that is a longtime off. If Rosberg is to clinch his first-ever championship, he will have to do it on pure merit and ability — and he can be sure his main rival, committed right up to the last centimetre towards the final flag in Abu Dhabi, will be his relentless teammate and biggest rival Hamilton.
Rosberg overtook the bittersweet Grand Prix record of Sir Stirling Moss’s 16 wins to head the great Briton as the most successful F1 driver not to have clinched the world championship. And it is right now — in the light of Hamilton’s misfortune — looking like his breakthrough is taking a realistic shape. But F1 is full of surprises. So is Hamilton. Rosberg admits that despite his impressive lead — and with six wins in a row from last season into this one — he has his work cut out and, sensibly, he emphasises: “I’m not taking anything for granted. Not for one moment. I know if I am to be the champion I shall have to fight ... and fight hard ... every split-second of every Grand Prix. And that is exactly what I shall be doing.”
It is that brand of fighting talk and resistance that inspires the never-say-die Hamilton to stir himself to superhuman effort, based on sheer skill and daring, not to be outshone by his teammate’s newfound glitter.