- 19 Apr 09, 09:38#109467The race itself was decent, but completely spoiled by starting under the safety car, and then remaining out under the safety car for far too many laps.
First, congratulations to Red Bull. Vettel and Webber both in good laps and their cars were the fastest of the weekend. Their reliability woes didn't strike again, which was nice, especially for Webber. Vettel is a class act. He's a supreme talent and a decent fellow. He hasn't let fame go to his head, unlike some others.
Brawn won't be too disappointed about coming third and fourth. The conditions were tricky, they didn't know the car's performance in the wet weather and they were clearly second-best this weekend. I'm rather pleased about them not winning actually, as although it's still early doors, I would not have been too surprised to see them winning most races this season, possibly doing another 1988.
Ferrari are an absolute shambles. It makes me feel a little better about McLaren's performance. Whereas the MP4-24 isn't fast enough, the F60 isn't a lot different and the team are making all sorts of screw ups and desperado moves. Ferrari's worst start since 1981 as well. Dreadful stuff.
I think McLaren have made some good progress. I'm still not sure how realistic it is for the team to be competing for wins towards the end of the season. Even if the car significantly improves, Brawn seem to be so far ahead. Moreover, if the WMSC dish out another draconian punishment, the team should focus on 2010. Kovalainen drove a quiet but solid race today. Hamilton was an embarrassment. You wouldn't have Senna off as many times as he was.
Buemi showed some good potential today. He made some schoolboy errors, but showed some strong pace and was quite brave. I must admit to be surprised about him. Bourdais really needs to get his act together, though. Although he showed enough potential for a drive this season, he now needs to step up, especially as he's teamed with Buemi, who most would say was not worthy of his seat based on GP2 performances.
Piquet had another nightmare weekend. It's time for Renault to face facts. Piquet is not getting the job done. Standards are high in Formula One. It's time for him to be shown the door.

Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998,
1999, 2007McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008