Formula One’s Best Season in Years

With the retirement of Michael Schumacher at the end of the 2006 season, many felt the sport would suffer irreconcilably from losing its most exciting, talented and successful driver. But with the 2007 season came the aptly timed arrival of Lewis Hamilton, the hottest prospect for years and a supremely talented driver. He finished one win away from the title in his debut season and enjoyed more podium finishes than any new driver before. Tipped as a sure winner this season with last year’s experience under his belt, bets were wagered on him being crowned champion come the end of the 2008 season. However, things have turned sour for Hamilton as his folly at the Canadian grand prix seeing him crash into the back of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen meant a 10 grid place penalty for the following race in France. Couple this with Ferrari’s excellent performance and the improvement of the BMW Sauber team, in particular the performance of their Polish driver Robert Kubica, and Hamilton and his team McLaren-Mercedes have a problem on their hands. Odds on a Hamilton win have been slashed by Blue Square betting, with Massa now commanding 2/1 with Hamilton at 4/1, it’s a U turn for the bookies who before the season were touting Hamilton as favourite to win.

The standings going into the British race at Silverstone on July 6th see Ferrari’s Felipe Massa top on 48 points, followed by Kubica (Bmw-Sauber) on 46, Raikkonen (Ferrari) on 43 and Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) on 38. For Hamilton to take back top spot he would have to win at Silverstone with none of the three drivers above him securing points, this is most improbable. What Hamilton and his team must now do is ensure that he finishes consistently high up the field, thus meaning his points tally increases and in turn nibbles away at the lead of those above him. It is not at all undoable, but it will be difficult. Ferrari’s strong team will do Hamilton no favours and his continuing signs of cracking under pressure could seriously hamper his title hopes. One thing is for sure, those around him will continue to race for the title and as long as Hamilton falters and drops points, his team, his fans and those backing him at the start of the season will become more and more nervy. McLaren-Mercedes will need to ensure the car performs in the most crucial of ways, but ultimately it is up to Hamilton to get his season back on track, and fast.