Good indication of the gulf between the top 3 and all others. Vettels had an awful race, and he's still p6. Even if it's a p6 40s back from his teamate
vettel is an utter gobshite. it wasn't even a real passing spot. he was never close to a pass and he is up against a guy who will never ever do anything but close the door. moronic. title is completely over and has been for weeks
Only thing that can stop Hamilton now is severe bad luck. He needs 35ish points over 4 weekends? That's assuming Vettel wins them all, which given his driving he won't.
this is all over.... It has been incredible how the ferrari advantage suddenly evaporated. 0.8 second swing to merc... and how stupid vettel and ferrari have been. panic is their motto it seems.
Very suspicious the sudden dip in performance after the controversies over battery sensors and camera covers. There must always be a question mark over their improved performance earlier in the season. There's no mystery over their customary late-season tactical and driver errors though. This is entirely normal.
But yes they have shot themselves in both feet, both hands, fell over and the shot gun blasted their jaw off. for next 5 races they are the equivilant of watching them bleed out on the floor slowly
It’s nailed on that Ferrari have been up to tricks with their battery. Even so, Vettel has been really poor and you have to say Hamilton comes out with real reputation points given this has been 2 multi WDC going head to head. Vettel hasn’t really proven himself as a great IMHO. He might come back stronger next year but let’s see.
Vettel will have Leclerc to contend with next year as well. He might rue his missed opportunity this year.
right now vettel is in the damon hill position.... he's roundly and soundly beaten... and he must know it
Thing is though , for me I start to ask was it him , or Neweys car that was the difference , oh and the Renault engine , but I doubt Horner and Marko want to be reminded of the Renault from back then .
Sucks for Vettel, this could be his last chance at a 5th title, he's damaged his stock this season no doubt, and if Leclerc does show speed then Ferrari are bound to back him instead. Where would he go from here? I personally rate him, he's undoubtedly quick and also just comes across generally well. But he's shown massive weaknesses with pressure these last 12 months, something you can't afford unless you have an unbeatable fast car.
