Formula One Defending Champion Jenson Button three points away from Mclaren drivers
Jenson Button may have not won any race this season but he came close to second in the last two races in Turkey and Canada respectively. With three points separating McLaren drivers at the top, Button is relishing the fight for defence of his title till the end of the season.
Before the Turkish grand prix, nobody could have thought of the current scenario. It was the disastrous Turkish Grand Prix, in which Red Bull Racing lost their early momentum. Moreover, McLaren was looking for an opportunity seized it. “If you had told me before Turkey we would be in our position now, it would have been quite hard to believe. But with two one-two finishes, yes, I'd have been surprised.” said Defending champion Jenson Button.
In addition, the last two races have also witnessed closed duels between Hamilton and Button. On the other hand, Button team mate Hamilton believes that he would need to continue his winning form, if he wants to repeat his 2008 success. Hamilton had fair share of bad luck especially at the start of the season. He ran out of luck in the Australian Grand Prix, when he was tagged by Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber or in Spanish Grand Prix, where his second position was ruined by wheel failure. Since then he has fought back to claim top spot of Driver’s Championship. However, it was the collision of Red Bull Racing drivers at Istanbul that marked the revival of McLaren and Hamilton.
Talking to reporters after finishing top at podium, Hamilton said, “"What a challenge, the challenge of the year.” He further added, “In past years there have been different demands, such as in 2007 when traction control made things a little easier. Back then there were also only three drivers to compete against, but now there are a good, strong six or seven.” With changes in rules by governing body, it is true that Formula 1 have become more competitive to early times. With that change, the requirement level of drivers to perform has also increased considerably.
Commenting on competitive nature of F1, Hamilton said, “It is phenomenal how competitive it is this year, and you have to be at your best at all times, and I love that. Before you just had to be good and you could get away with it, but now you have to be at your best to be ahead of these guys.” Technicalities of race are equally important as skill level of drivers. This was illustrated in the Canadian Grand Prix, where wearing down of tyres played a vital role in the result of race. Canadian Grand Prix was 13th career win for Hamilton and he now leads the championship for the first time since 2008.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing Boss Christian Horner believes his team needs to remain focus and does not show any complacency in coming races as this season would go down the wire. With second one-two finish for McLaren in Montreal, McLaren are clear on top in Constructor’s Championship with 22 clear off Red Bull Racing. Nevertheless, he is hoping that his team would brush aside the remnant effects of Turkish Grand Prix and would come strong in coming races. Talking to reporters, he said, “It seems to be a disadvantage to lead the drivers' championship. But I'm not surprised at how the championship has flipped around. It’s the most exciting we've had for some time, and we're not even halfway through yet. There's a long way to go.” Horner has also brushed aside media reports regarding divide in his team and feels that in coming races, performance of Red Bull will exterminate any leftover rumours regarding his team.
The balance of power has shifted many times this season. It will be early to write someone off. One thing is certain, we are sure to witness more twists and turns in coming races. It will be up to the tactics and strategies of respective teams and on-track performance of their driver that will determine that fate of this season.
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