2017 Chinese Grand Prix

[Nitrodaze]

It was a great race in the end. Some patterns are beginning to emerge; we are seeing the first signs that Verstapenn is emerging as the future of the Redbull hopes. Ricciado was simply out classed by the pesky dutchman today. It is beginning to take the shape of the Vettel and Webber scenario all over again. it may be too early to say but most people are beginning to think it.

The Ferrari pitwall seem incapable of working a strategy for two cars at the same time. Kimi got such a bad service from Ferrari today that it even annoyed me abit. Talking of things that annoyed during the race, Max's whinning for blue flags while he was 2 seconds away from the Haas of Grojeans really ticked me off. That said, he was the star of the show today and showed that he was really a champion in waiting.

The rookies really cost their teams dearly today. Sauber would be whincing their way to Bahrain as they calculate the dent to their small budget. I think Pascal would be getting the hurry up to get into the car after this weekend. The Stroll incident was classic rookie mistake. He left the door wide open and casually tries to close it as if on a drive to the shops. I am sure he would be sharper next time out.

Bottas cost Mercedes loads of points today. He recovered well but should not be making those sorts of mistakes in a top team like Mercedes. A Mercedes one-two was on the cards today. I think this race shows that he is not in the same league as Rosberg yet. It would come as the year develops. But a few more of these mistakes would certainly ruin his chance of keeping that coveted seat beyond the end of the season.

It was abit disappointing that the anticipated head to head between Vettel and Hamilton did not happen today. Hamilton drove a supreme race. And Vettel showed why he is a four time world champion as he muscled his way to the front.

Mclaren, what can l say. It is becoming a real embarrasment now. I just feel for Alonso. Where is he going to go in 2018? I doubt Ferrari would want him back. Bottas seem to be making the second car at Mercedes his own. Redbull is out of the question. Which leaves Williams or Renault.

What about Sainz? I thought he was bonkers starting the race on the red wall slick tyres. But it paid a handsome dividend in the end didn't it.

Ocon was great too actually. He did some great overtaking as well.