A Worthy Champion!
After four years of driving with the number 1, he has proven that he was — and has always been — a worthy champion. To lose a fifth title by only two points says plenty about a driver who may not have had the car he needed to dominate, yet still won more races than the other two contenders.
But I digress.
The worthy champion of this year is Lando Norris.
After the Canada debacle, he has hardly set a foot wrong. A mechanical issue in Zandvoort only hardened the resolve he carried through thick and thin, placing himself in the strongest position possible heading into the final round.
Congratulations, Lando Norris — and the entire McLaren team.
As for the Aussie, his waning chances post-Zandvoort hinted at an uncharacteristic lack of self-belief, Fogy suspects, rather than simply a failure to capitalise on Norris’s misfortune. Much of this sport still hinges on the sheer volume of positive energy needed to keep fortune favouring the brave. Better luck next time — and surely there will be a next time.
Interestingly, finishing 13 points behind the champion in third place puts him one point better than his own manager’s 2010 campaign, when Mark Webber ended 14 points behind Sebastian Vettel.
And what of the negative vibes that dumped the Ham into another Q1 exit, starting 16th? Let the real Hamilton step up — and he did. Converting that lowly start into a well-earned eighth was testament to his experience: each overtake a masterclass in preparation and execution.
Ferrari didn’t quite bring the car they expected, but the upgrades were enough to keep Leclerc a distant yet credible threat to Norris throughout the race.
Outstanding drives came from the lower ranks too: Alonso’s sixth, Stroll’s hard-earned tenth, Hülkenberg from 18th to ninth, and Ocon with a deserving seventh.
And the also-rans? George and Kimi had one of those off-days in a car that never quite hooked up around this circuit. Disappointing race, but a well-deserved second in the Constructors’.
Racing Bulls and Williams suffered heavily in the DRS trains, reduced to pawns in the day’s long strategic grind. Still, they finished ahead of the hapless Alpines, clearly relieved to close the book on their nightmare season.
And Yuki? He tried — really tried — to fulfil the role he was handed. A year-long pursuit of the impossible was repaid with warm recognition from his team, with Max himself praising Yuki’s contribution. There’s real substance there, and it may well help an ambitious Hadjar bring out his best next season. Of course, he’ll also be the threat Hadjar must overcome if those performances don’t come. Tactically, a smart move by Red Bull.
A long night of celebrations awaits everyone — a fitting close to a successful season all round.
Congratulations!
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