F1 review: Australian Grand Prix 2010

There is more excitement in the first corner of this race than there was in the entire Grand Prix in Bahrain two weeks ago. Vettel confidently holds on to the lead and heads the pack on the first lap. Meanwhile, chaos reigns supreme behind him. In a split second, Alonso is nudged and ends up facing in the wrong direction, which isn’t much use when trying to win a Grand Prix.

In the same melee, Schmacher suffers a broken wing and has to go into the pits on the very first lap, which I imagine is not part of the Mercedes race plan. Hamilton then decides to take a short cut across the grass and there is a rather nasty smash at the rear of the race, which results in the safety car making an early appearance.

Once the safety car has done it’s job, the race is back on. All the cars are bunched up, with Schmacher and Alonso way back due to their respective incidents. The first strategic move comes from the Button half of the McLaren team as he comes into the pits for different tyres. He can obviously smell rain in the air and gambles on an early stop. Premature? Not at all. Button moves up to second as every one else follows suit and enters the pits at the same time; Button virtually has the entire track to himself.

Moving attention away from the front where Vettel leads Button, Alonso is swiftly carving his way through the stragglers at the rear, as he attempts to get back into the points and who knows, a podium finish.

An intriguing battle begins between Webber and Hamilton. They are tussling for position with the British driver trying to force his way past the Red Bull driver at his home GP. Unfortunately for the home support, Webber over compensates when attempting to stop Hamilton getting by and consequently ends up in the gravel.

Elsewhere, Schumacher continues to be fairly anonymous, languishing just out of the points. This is never more apparent when the rookie, Alguersuari, who is incidently half the German’s age, starts winning their mini battle back in 12th place.

Suddenly a minute error by Massa gives Hamilton the milli seconds he needs to get past the Ferrari, while Webber continues his advancement up the field by halting Alonso’s progress with a smart overtaking manoeuvre.

It’s all happenning. Vettel is out! His mistake not only allows Button through into the lead but also ends his own race. Another pole position, another failure to make the podium.

Button leads and Hamilton is showing grip and courage as he chases down second place and a McLaren one-two. Unfortunately he then gambles another tyre change and never fully recovers the dizzy heights of almost second place. His team mate and compatriot is forging ahead with a dominant lead and certainly looks uncatchable, ever since Vettel decided to park up on the gravel.

More misfortune for Hamilton in his quest for a second consecutive podium finish. Webber who is having a rather haphazard race, rear ends the McLaren as the British driver attempts to get past Alonso. Fascinating battle, lots of excitement, but no joy for Hamilton.

However, it is the reigning world champion who takes the chequered flag (oddly waved by John Travolta – Button…Grease Lightning?) for his first victory of the season. A significant distant back, Kubica who managed to avoid most of the controversy and excitement, takes a derserved second place for Renault. Massa completes the podium. After being kindly nudged by Webber, Hamilton manages to limp home in sixth place, behind the Ferrari of Alonso and Mercedes’ Rosberg.

Speaking of Mercedes, where is Michael Schumacher? Down in tenth is the answer. Another average and largely forgettable race for the seven times world champion. His stamina is there, finishing both races so far this season, but is the desire there? The German is unlikely to worry anyone on this performance. He said he enjoyed a “fun” race though. A nice sunday drive then.

So it’s well done Jenson Button. He has put his title defence back on track with victory in the Australian Grand Prix and edges the battle of Britain after two races. Alonso still poses a threat and would no doubt have challenged for a top three position if he hadn’t faced the wrong way at the start. As does his team mate Massa, with a competent third place.

Meanwhile, Liuzzi deserves a mention for taking seventh place for Force India, while Schumacher probably doesn’t deserve a mention, but at least he enjoyed a “fun” race.

Australia has re-ignited the 2010 F1 season after the dull Bahrain Grand Prix.

Two races completed. Two completely different podiums. Alonso still leads the Championship. Button is improving and closing fast.

Next stop…Malaysia on easter Sunday.

Can’t wait.

1 Jenson Button – McLaren-Mercedes
2 Robert Kubica – Renault

3 Felipe Massa – Ferrari

4 Fernando Alonso – Ferrari

5 Nico Rosberg – Mercedes GP
6 Lewis Hamilton – McLaren-Mercedes

7 Vitantonio Liuzzi – Force India-Mercedes

8 Rubens Barrichello – Williams-Cosworth
9 Mark Webber – Red Bull-Renault
10 Michael Schumacher – Mercedes GP

1 Fernando Alonso – Ferrari = 37 points
2 Felipe Massa – Ferrari = 33

3 Jenson Button – McLaren-Mercedes = 31
4 Lewis Hamilton – McLaren-Mercedes = 23

5 Nico Rosberg – Mercedes GP = 20

6 Robert Kubica – Renault = 18

1 Ferrari = 70
2 McLaren-Mercedes = 54
3 Mercedes GP = 29

4 Renault = 18
5 Red Bull-Renault = 18
6 Force India-Mercedes = 8