Red Bull Racing clinched its first ever Formula One constructors’ championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, but the landmark moment was overshadowed by the team’s decision not to institute team orders to give its driver Mark Webber a better shot at the drivers’ title.
Webber finished second to his teammate Sebastian Vettel, who led from the first lap, after both Red Bull drivers jumped ahead of Nico Hülkenberg, the pole sitter.
The Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, the championship leader, finished third and retained his lead in points. He is eight points ahead of Webber and 15 ahead of Vettel. But had Vettel and Webber switched finishing positions in Brazil, Webber would be only one point down from Alonso. As it stands, even if Webber won the season finale, at Abu Dhabi in two weeks, Alonso could still win the championship if he were to finish second in that race.
“The rest can say what they want, but we have the constructors’ title at the moment,” said Webber.
While team orders are not legal in Formula One, there are ways around obvious switching of placement, like during pitstops. But during the Brazilian Grand Prix, it was clear that Vettel had no intention of giving up the top position. He and Webber swapped fastest laps for most of the race. It was only until a late-race safety car period that Alonso found himself close to the two Red Bull cars, which maintained a safe distance till the end.
“An incredible day,” Vettel said. “It’s good to show one race to the end what we are made of. We are here to fight.”
The fighting spirit plays directly into Ferrari’s hands and may prevent either Red Bull driver from winning their first highly coveted drivers’ title. (The New York Times)
Formula One: Button Attacked by Gunmen
After qualifying on Saturday, Jensen Button says his Mercedes B Class was attacked by gunmen as it was leaving the Interlagos Circuit in Brazil. Button’s driver squeezed through traffic, hitting several cars to escape the siege. “We got between six cars to get past and got away,” Button said. “Looking behind there were two guys with hand guns and one guy with what looked like a machine gun.” (The Associated Press)
Formula One: Rookie Driver Records First Pole
Nico Hülkenberg, the rookie driver for Williams, surprised the field (and just about everyone else in Formula One, fans included) with his first pole position on Saturday. It was the first pole for Williams in five years. Even though Hülkenberg finished a strong eighth in the race, his place with the team remains uncertain beyond this season. “I think I have done everything right this weekend and made the most out of my chances,” Hülkenberg said. “It was a solid performance in the race, a good one in qualifying and we will see where we end up.” (Autosport)
Nascar: Hamlin Takes Chase Lead
Denny Hamlin won only his second race this season, but it couldn’t have come at a more important moment. His win at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday moved him into the lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, ahead of Jimmie Johnson. Johnson, who is seeking his fifth straight Sprint Cup title, finished ninth. “It was just a long day,” Johnson said. “I had speed in the car. We worked our way forward and had issues on pit road.” (The Associated Press)
Nascar: Jeff Gordon vs. Jeff Burton
“I wanted to show how upset I was,” said Jeff Gordon after taking a swing at Jeff Burton after Burton took Gordon’s car out on the track. “I wanted to do more than that. I held back.” Nascar officials quickly intervened — and that seems to be the end of the feud, at least according to Gordon. “I like Jeff,” Gordon added. “He’s a guy who’s usually very rational. I respect his opinion. He apologized. Said it was his fault. Whatever. It’s over.” (Yahoo! Sports)
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