Home » Sports » Motor Racing
Hamilton wins but double points haunt F1
Print Edition
LEWIS Hamilton’s US Grand Prix victory means the Briton can now secure his second Formula One title without having to win again but there could still be a sting in the tail.
The spectre of double points, a novelty introduced for the first time for the final race in Abu Dhabi, hangs over the championship and is causing some trepidation at Mercedes.
Whatever happens in Brazil next weekend, Sunday’s result means the championship cannot now be decided until the race on November 23.
“I don’t have a fear, but I think the last race with the double points has the potential to overshadow the season,” said Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff after Hamilton chalked up his 10th win of the season and fifth in succession.
Mercedes is sure of both titles now with Hamilton and teammate Nico Rosberg, who finished second, the only drivers still in championship contention with two races remaining, but a controversial finish could take the gloss off the team’s achievements.
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was third for his eighth podium finish on the season.
It would be a travesty if Hamilton did not prevail, with Rosberg only winning four of the 17 races so far, but the two are only 24 points apart. That means Hamilton could triumph in Brazil next weekend and still ultimately lose out, even if Rosberg draws a blank at Interlagos, if he suffers a retirement in Abu Dhabi and the German wins.
On a more positive note for the Briton, two second places would be ample to secure the title even with double points.
“We know why the double points came, and it made sense in the world to make it spectacular for the audience, the fans and the viewers,” said Wolff. “But now we are in a situation where it could change the outcome.”
The rule change was designed to ensure after four years of domination by Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel the title battle went to the wire.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
