The Beginning Of A New Rivalry

While the Formula One fans eagerly want to see drivers banging wheels, the clash involving Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton in Baku was extraordinary because it happened under safety car conditions. The rivalry between the two, however, has WELL AND TRULY BEEN IGNITED, writes S. DIPAK RAGAV.

- S. Dipak Ragav

On an early autumn after-noon, in a wet race, a 21-year- old, in only his first full season in Formula One and driving for a midfield team, stunned the world with his maiden victory in Monza. Elated, he jumped on the podium, bringing back memories of the most successful driver in the history of the sport. The German national anthem, followed by the Italian anthem only added to the romance. And Sebastian Vettel, then driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso, was tipped to carry on the Michael Schumacher legacy. The four world titles he won on the bounce from 2010 only helped cement that reputation.

Fast forward to 2017 and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Schumacher comparison is back again, albeit for the wrong reason.

DURING THE CHAOTIC RACE at the Baku City Circuit, Vettel was caught off-guard at the end of the second safety car period when Hamilton, the race leader, backed off with Vettel running into the back of the Briton’s car. The Ferrari driver, imagining that he was brake tested by Hamilton, pulled alongside him and, in a moment of stupidity, intentionally banged wheels with the Mercedes driver on purpose.

Vettel’s action drew wide-spread condemnation. However, what largely polarised opinions was the punishment handed down to the German for his actions. Vettel was given a 10-second stop-go penalty for ‘potentially dangerous driving’.

HAMILTON’S ISSUES WITH his headrest later in the race meant Vettel still managed to finish ahead and extend his lead in the championship race over the Briton by two points.