He would have scored a good haul of points had he finished. Got to wonder about Rosberg's performance today though. Felt he could have made life a bit more difficult for Vettel. His race craft was lacking today. Overall a very disappointing day for Mercedes. Reliability issues compounded by a lack of real pace.
Yeah, Schumacher looked the most likely of the Mercs today: full of energy, Rosberg seemed a bit feeble in comparison.
I feel sad saying this... but for me, the only thing that I can take from the race that will likely apply to the rest of the season is that Massa is spent.
I think they should stick Koba in that car! Its what Ferrari needs. He is also a common factor of poor Ferrari cars since 2009
He did the same as last year, he can do the 1 stop to a tee but im not sure on the rest of his racecraft. if Ferrari doesnt have the best car do they want somebody getting mugged on a 1 stop strategy or somebody who can overtake to get the win?
I think that Sauber, along with Force India, Torro Rosso will be one of the better team mate battles to watch this year.
Perez also out-qualified Kobi last season as well which would suggest that he has faster raw pace. I have never got the hype surrounding Kobi, sure he is a good overtaker but that seems to be his only thing. Perez to me seems a much more all-round driver.
Properly exciting race! Thoughts by team (meant to be in order of position finished / comedy value): Mclaren - delighted with Jenson's victory, looked utterly composed out there. Downside: Lewis looked very subdued after the race, didn't shake Jenson's hand. Red Bull - have to be happy. Vettel can consider himself lucky to have taken second in some ways. Pleased for Webber, thought still no podium at his home GP. Will need to get closer to Mclaren in qualifying by next race Ferrari - Alonso continues to drive the socks off that car, meanwhile Massa will be replaced by China at this rate. Sauber - Perez awesome as ever, basically saying "come and get me" to Ferrari, very unlucky to have been hit by Rosberg. Kobayashi somewhat fortunate to inherit sixth place but didn't really put a foot wrong all race. Lotus - must do better. Grosjean's retirement after a poor start was a blow, Raikkonen did well to finish seventh but was running steadily in the midfield for most of the race + inherited 7th place from Perez and Rosberg. Flattering to deceive in testing one suspects. Toro Rosso - Vergne/Ricciardo looks like it will be a good scrap. Two points on the board already will be a good starting point for battling the teams around them. Force India - did not deserve that point. As ever a poor start to the season, we shall have to see if they can bring significant upgrades later in the season. Caterham - off the pace and unreliable. Marussia - off the pace but reliable. HRT - N/A Williams - Senna must be wondering why he turned up. Maldonado desperately unlucky, will need to pick himself up from that to ensure that Sauber don't gain more early ground at the next race. Mercedes - Schumacher's early running will encourage them but it is clear that that car is well off the pace of Mclaren and Red Bull. Rosberg very disappointing this weekend too. Sky coverage - Croft was awful at first ("Rosberg under pressure from Rosberg there"), got slightly better as the race went on. Brundle still too quiet. Everyone needs to keep a closer eye on the TV feed; missed a lot of useful information and had a habit of talking over team radio.
