Lewis Hamilton has finally broken the early season dominance of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing to post a first race win for McLaren at today’s Chinese Grand Prix. It was a race for the ages thanks to a mix of tyre strategies that kept everyone guessing right to the chequered flag.
Vettel ran a two-stop strategy and despite a poor start where he lost track position to both McLarens he looked set for a third race win to start the 2011 Formula One season. The young German held his lead following the final round of stops for drivers opting for a three-stop strategy. However, the much talked about tyre degradation finally had an impact and allowed Hamilton to use his fresher tyres to dramatically cut Vettel’s lead. Ultimately, Vettel could not match Hamilton’s late race pace and had to settle for second.
Meanwhile, Mark Webber also ended the race in spectacular fashion taking his RB7 from a lowly 18th on the starting grid to claim what must be one of his most satisfactory podiums in his long F1 career. Webber began his race on the harder tyres and had made few inroads when he came in for the first of his three planned pit stops. With completely fresh soft tyres at his disposal for the rest of the race his prospects began to improve and it was the Australian’s final stint that stole the show.
Webber carved through the field lapping up to two seconds per lap faster than those ahead. Fourth place looked to be his most likely result. However, after despatching Nico Rosberg the third placed McLaren of Jenson Button was looking vulnerable. And so it proved with Webber passing Button on the second last lap.
The race was also notable for there being only one retirement; Jaime Alguersuari had a wheel fall off shortly after his first tyre change. In fact, the field of 23 race finishers set a new F1 record. Also making waves in the first round of stops was race-leader Jenson Button who stopped one pit garage early at the Red Bull team, only to be waved on to his rightful spot one spot further down pit lane.
A complete list of race results can be seen HERE. The full transcript from the post-race press conference featuring the first three drivers can be read after the break.
[Pic: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes]
