Formula 1 2013 Canadian Grand Prix – Sebastian Vettel Finally Masters Montreal
The Big Picture Tyres remain the big picture for Formula 1 just now, affecting the sport both on and off the track. Mercedes remain besieged by the allegations of illegal testing, and the date of the FIA International Tribunal has now been set for June 20th, where they and Pirelli must defend their actions. Should either be found guilty, the FIA can and will impose sanctions, which may range from fines to disqualification from the championship. Tyres also showed themselves this weekend in Canada, as with low wear we were treated to a glimpse of how this championship will become should more durable rubber be introduced. Red Bull dominated the race in 2011-style, with Vettel scampering away at the front and never racing anybody else for the whole race to take another race victory as all the worthwhile action happened behind. Whilst Red Bull would want that of course, any Formula 1 fan must agree that based on this performance, the last thing we need is more durable rubber that will allow Red Bull to take an uncompetitive stranglehold on the title and render the rest of the races a farce. Notice how Red Bull had nothing bad to say about the tyres this weekend The Small Picture This weekend, the small picture can only go to one story: the tragic death of the as-yet unnamed 38-year-old race marshal. Following the race on Sunday, while Gutierrez Sauber was being cleared away by a crane; the marshal was fatally injured after tripping behind the crane as he attempted to pick up his dropped radio, stumbling and then being tragically run over when he wasnt seen by its driver. Medics stabilised him at the track and he was airlifted to hospital, where he later died. This is a poignant reminder that for all its advancement in safety, Formula 1 is still a dangerous sport, not just for those driving the cars. Three marshals have died in the last 12 years, and while that may not seem many, it is still too many. Formula 1 has an obligation to protect them as well as anyone else at the circuit as they volunteer their time for the sport they love, like the rest of us. Safety must continue to remain a focus for the tracks as well as the teams, to make certain those that are just trying to ensure the safety of drivers on track are safe off it. My condolences to his family. From Behind the Glasses Canada never fails to disappoint, and this made for a great race to watch - from second place downwards. Unfortunately lack of tyre wear meant Red Bull were able to release their pace and Vettel drove to a trademark victory from pole position, leaving us with no competition for the lead as Mercedes and Ferrari lacked the pace to keep up. Had Alonso started higher up the grid, perhaps there would have been more of a race for the victory, but overall it was a depressing revelation that threatens to ruin the entire championship should it continue. Maybe Im being a tad cynical; Canada is a unique circuit admittedly, and everyone had light tyre degradation, so maybe it wont be so clear-cut in future. But with Raikkonen having another poor result the title is already slipping away from him, leaving the valiant Alonso to play catch up again, though now 36 points behind. I just really cant bear the thought of another walkover like 2011 gave us. With only three cars retiring from the Grand Prix, traffic was critical as everyone tried to make their strategies work, with blue flags being somewhat ineffective at times. Two-stoppers pitted early and then had to work their way back past mighty one-stoppers like Paul di Resta coming through from the back, only to drop behind them again. Alonso, Hamilton and Webber gave us some thrilling racing, wheel-to-wheel in the battle for the podium, and there was action all over the place behind them in the midfield. Force India, Lotus, McLaren and Torro Rosso all battled for the points behind the big three, racing hard to get past Bottas Williams as he struggled for pace as they were equally chased down by an aggressive Felipe Massa. I love Canada, and it didnt let me down. We saw teams able to drive flat out and deliver on their real potential, great racing action and overtaking, strategic games and unpredictable weather all weekend. Everything we could ask for, however tainted by the tragic incident that followed it, taking the shine off an otherwise great weekend of F1.