Vettel wins incident packed race in Hungary

Star of the race and winner

Sebastian Vettel lead practically from start to finish to claim victory in a brilliant Hungarian Grand Prix. Vettel leading all the way has a familiar ring to it, but despite his win in Malaysia earlier this year, he hasn't commanded a race like this since he won his fourth world title in 2013.

It hinged on making a great start and a great start he did indeed make. Both Mercedes for the second race in a row got off their front row grid slots in a sedentary fashion allowing the third placed Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen in the other Ferrari to power into first and second positions respectively.

Vettel was awesome though, he powered alongside Lewis Hamilton and then gradually squeezed him right, forcing the Mercedes to back off, the Ferrari braked later and he was easily through.

Sebastian had Kimi under control from the start and like he used to he gradually built a lead, reeling off fastest lap after fastest lap. From there he controlled the race until the front wing of Nico Hulkenberg's Force India collapsed for no apparent reason sending the German careering into the first turn tyre wall. It brought out the virtual safety car before the actual safety car was released to allow the marshals to clear up the debris.

It closed the pack up leaving the result on a knife edge that had looked tightly in Vettel's grasp. With both Ferrari's now on the medium slower compound tyre, rubber they didn't like and Kimi's power unit down on power due to a failure of its energy recovery system, Mercedes suddenly looked like they had a chance of a win that had looked lost.

But Vettel remained calm, I'm not sure anyone is as good at leading a race from the front. Vettel stole a march on everyone at the restart with 20 laps to go, while behind Rosberg immediately passed Kimi who later retired. Daniel Ricciardo on the soft rubber looked strong and went to pass Hamilton who in defending managed to clatter into the Red Bull requiring a front wing change and later a drive through penalty for the incident.

Ricciardo next attacked Rosberg, this time Daniel wasn't given enough room by Nico and had his front wing damaged but the Mercedes suffered a puncture and was forced to pit. It was a racing incident but Rosberg should have given the Red Bull more space.

It didn't matter to Vettel, he ticked off the laps and brought his scarlet car home for his second victory of the year, also bringing himself to just over 40 points off Hamilton's championship lead. A brilliant drive and a reminder that perhaps he's not out of the title chase yet.

The battles

There were some great battles out there this afternoon, but most to be enjoyed was the Mercedes of Hamilton climbing his way back into contention after a decidedly scruffy first lap, before having to do it all again at the restart when again he messed up.

Hamilton hasn't been at his impetuous best in recent times, his dominance of Formula 1 these past 18 months seemed to have calmed his approach, but here in Hungary he rather let himself down, even apologising to his team during the race.

He was down to fourth from pole position, and then ran wide trying to attack Rosberg into the chicane. He claimed he wasn't given room but it was a rash move leaving him down in 11th. He climbed back up to fourth by the time the safety car came out, and just as victory seemed a possibility he clattered into Ricciardo leaving him fighting to get back into the points once again. That he ended up sixth was testament to just how fast he was here this weekend at a track he loves, but no amount of speed is going to make up for some dodgy race craft. He ended the race sixth.

Rosberg was little better although he made just the one error when he too came to grief with Ricciardo, but his main problem was he just wasn't fast enough. The puncture from his touch with the Red Bull left him behind Hamilton in only 8th when he should have been slashing his team mates championship lead. Not a good day for either Mercedes driver.

The Red Bull's finally came good, but it wasn't without a bit of heat, especially when Daniil Kvyat took exception to having to allow his team mate Ricciardo through after the Australian had a slow start from fourth. In truth Ricciardo was the faster Red Bull driver all weekend, but perhaps it was justice when Ricciardo had to pit for a new nose allowing Kvyat to take his first podium with second while his team mate was relegated to third. However, if not for that bad start it's possible Ricciardo could have had a shot at victory.

Max Verstappen completed a great day for Red Bull teams in his Toro Rosso as he took a career best fourth. A brilliant drive and one he had to work for as he and his team mate Carlos Sainz fought with the McLaren's of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button who scored a double points finish for the team with fifth and ninth respectively. Marcus Ericsson in the Sauber avoided any incident to score a point in 10th while Romain Grosjean held off Rosberg to claim seventh for Lotus.

The other Lotus of Pastor Maldonado took the award for most penalties of the day in a race littered with them for so many drivers. He managed to claim three for hitting Sergio Perez's Force India, speeding in the pit lane and overtaking under the safety car. After a few races where he looked to be finding a bit of decent form he reminds everyone why they were being so critical, not a good day.

Williams' heroics of the last few races were firmly brushed aside as the team left Hungary with no points, Valtteri Bottas suffered a puncture while Felipe Massa just never got going and was another drive to be hit with a pit lane speeding penalty.

The title chase

It could have all been so different for Rosberg, with a few laps left he was in second with his team mate barely in the points. He was so close to the championship lead ahead of Hamilton, but in the end blew it. 

It would have seemed so wrong though, in reality Hamilton has been dominating this year and for him to lose the title lead would have been odd, because in general Rosberg hasn't really been in the same race for a lot of this season.

Still it goes to show that when you're in the best car by far, there will always be chances. Vettel has brought himself back into play too, but despite what could have been, this season is Hamilton's to lose. If he puts in a few more showings like this, maybe he'll do just that.

Things of note

There's been much talk of the driver market these last few weeks. Bottas has been rumoured to be replacing Kimi at Ferrari, with other options for the seat being Ricciardo and Hulkenberg. Button is apparently in the frame to move to Williams to replace Bottas if the Ferrari deal does go ahead. While Kevin Magnussen and GP2 championship leader and McLaren young driver are in line for race seats next season too.

There was a lovely moment as the drivers formed a circle before the race to honour Jules Bianchi with a minutes silence. That they then put on the best race of the season was a perfect way to commemorate one of the bright young stars of the future who was taken far too soon.

all photo's taken from autosport.com

RIP Jules Bianchi

Last year on the 5th October in the Japanese Grand Prix Jules Bianchi crashed his Marussia in the pouring rain. It could have happened to anyone, it was a set of circumstances that was just a fluke. He was in a coma for nine months, but last night on the 17th July it was announced Bianchi had passed away at just 25 years old.

He had won titles in Formula Renault and European Formula 3, race winner in GP2, points scorer in Formula 1 with one of the greatest moments in recent F1 history when he took eighth on the road, ninth after a penalty at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.

Little wonder then that  he was part of the Ferrari young driver academy and had tested for the prancing horse many times. He was rumoured to be on his way to Sauber for 2015 with the potential of a Ferrari drive in the future. The dream was there in front of him, that he didn't make it is a tragedy.

All thoughts go out to his family and friends. There has been an outpouring of sympathy from the rest of the motor racing community, he was a well liked guy but also a determined racing driver. He died doing what he loved, but it doesn't make it any better.

Above all Jules was a fighter, nowhere was this more evident than at Monaco as he muscled his way inside of Kamui Kobayashi in a place where no one overtakes. It was fantastic stirring stuff and it'll be remembered.

RIP Jules Bianchi.

Hamilton triumphs in British thriller

What a race! After the constant criticism of Formula 1 this year it was fantastic to finally see what the sport is all about for the first time this year, proper racing. That I had got my ticket around this time last year to be track side on the national straight made it even better.

There's always a huge sense of anticipation and tension as the race approaches. When you attend a race at Silverstone it's likely you've got up at stupid o'clock in the morning to avoid the traffic, I was at the track by 6am and took a walk around the circuit as Silverstone quickly filled up with a sell out attendance of 140,000 . People say the popularity of F1 is in decline but it was difficult to feel that when surrounded by so many enthusiastic fans of the sport, many of whom would have been queueing overnight to secure the best spots in the general admission areas.

Once settled in my grandstand seat the support races were entertaining enough, GP3 and GP2 showcasing some of the talents that will grace motor racings main event one day. But it's always all about the Grand Prix. After some air displays the pit lane opens at 12.30pm for the F1 cars to come out on to the track before they line up on the grid.

The cars may not be as loud as they once were, but when an F1 car comes into view you're left in little doubt you're seeing the best racing machines in the world. They're still loud enough and that pleasing whine of the turbo and the energy recovery systems give them a futuristic edge.

When Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes came round for the first time there was an explosion of noise from the crowd; cheering, claxons, applauding. Mexican waves went around the grandstands as the start of the race came nearer. At 1pm the final parade lap began. Where I was seated we watched the big screen until they came into view only a minute away from the start, the cars darting from side to side, accelerating and braking harshly, anything to get the tyres and brakes up to temperature ready for the race.

Once past us, all eyes turned to the screens again as they lined up on the grid, home grown hero Hamilton on pole position, his team mate Nico Rosberg alongside on the front row, the two championship contenders with just 10 points between them were ready to do battle once again.

One by one the red lights came on, engine notes rose, lights out, clutches dropped, the stands go mad, they're off. Groans from the partisan crowd, Hamilton hasn't got a good start, The Williams cars of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas have launched between both the dominant Mercedes to lead.

There were cheers as Hamilton immediately strikes back into turn three and takes second from Bottas, he's chasing down Massa immediately. Looking at the screens there's an accident behind involving both Lotus cars, Jenson Button's McLaren comes to a halt too, more groaning from the crowd. 

Nevermind that now, Massa charges into view, head down, what an opportunity for the Williams team as they lead for the first time this year. What an opportunity for Mercedes to have a race with someone other than themselves. What a race to be at.

1-2-3-4 Massa, Hamilton, Bottas and Rosberg flash past me, with the rest of the field behind still coping with the opening lap madness. Then someone points at the screen, safety car is out, the field slows, anyone with a camera readies themselves for the next lap, safety car time is always a good photo op to get the cars at a lower speed although

It only lasts for a few laps before the guttural roar of the turbo engines are released once more. Massa slides a little on the restart, Hamilton's on him, the fans urge the #44 Mercedes to attack. Hamilton charges but locks up, runs wide and allows Bottas back through. Cue more disappointment from the majority of the crowd. It's not over though, it's a 52 lap race and we're only on lap 4.

For the next 21 laps the Williams cars hold off the Mercedes', all four of them looking for opportunities to pass. Bottas looks to be the quicker Williams, but he's unable to make a move stick, despite repeated efforts. Hamilton is having the occasional go, but as they zip in front of me once again it's beginning to look like if the Williams team play their hand well, they could cause the biggest upset we've seen in years.

Behind the top four the Ferrari's of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel are trapped behind the fast starting Force India of Nico Hulkenberg who jumped to fifth, Kimi is chasing him, but he's got the impressive Red Bull of Daniil Kvyat charging hard behind him while Vettel has fallen to ninth, passed by the other Force India of Sergio Perez.

As the race unfolds before me, I briefly wonder why as the lights went out so many fans were disappointed in the start. They may want Lewis to win, but instead of cruising to an undramatic win as most races have seen this year, surely it's better to see him fight for victory? And at the present time an unpredictable race is just the ticket for Formula 1. 

Then the game changer arrives, Massa, Bottas and Rosberg, straight past. Hamilton isn't there, he's pitted. Eyes on the screens now, Hamilton's out ahead of the fifth placed Hulkenberg, only just. He's back in view now, the crowd roars, a huge round of applause reverberates around the grandstand, around the whole circuit as soon as he's in view cajoling him along. The Mercedes is charging. This is his opportunity on fresh rubber, maximum grip, take it to the edge, push push push.

Massa and Rosberg come in on the next lap discarding their old tyres for new boots, but it's not enough. Williams reacted to Mercedes rather than show initiative, Massa emerges from the pits, Hamilton's through into the lead, there is such a gleeful noise as the crowd erupts once again.

Bottas pits a further lap later coming out in third, crucially ahead of Rosberg. As the laps go by Hamilton extends the gap as Rosberg lies behind in fourth, trapped behind the Williams. Behind the top four the Ferrari's with Kimi ahead of Vettel are now fifth and sixth. There's still plenty going on down the field, the drivers chasing to get the best from their day.

It's beginning to look like a Hamilton win, but you can never be entirely sure, especially when it's becoming increasingly noticeable that skies are darkening and the temperature is dropping. I feel a few drops of rain. With around just under 20 laps to go, the clouds break, coats go on and the rain falls in fits and bursts, the cars are sliding.

It's one of the most impressive things to see a 900bhp car slipping and twitching, always looking to break away into a beautiful pirouette while in the cockpit the driver is all over the place on the steering wheel trying to maintain forward motion, feet so delicate on the throttle and brake.

There is an audible gasp and then an ahh as a Ferrari tries to break free from it's drivers control. It's collected up but immediately bucks again, a quick correction and it's under control for now. The track glistens more as the rain falls and the sun shines, the inevitable oxymoron of a British summer. It's time for Rosberg to make his moves though. If he wants to keep Hamilton in sight in the championship he can't sit back in fourth and everyone knows Williams aren't great in the wet.

Rosberg is on the back of Bottas as they slide past in front of me. I look down towards copse corner and see Bottas twitch, its enough for Nico to charge ahead. He's soon passing Massa as well and as the rain comes down even more he's catching Hamilton quickly. Lap 42 he's nearly onto his team mate. With the rain getting lighter and few having changed to intermediate tyres, it's now that Hamilton curiously decides to pit, around the circuit breath is being inhaled. Has Lewis just thrown this race away?

Rosberg is in the lead, but it's now pouring, Rosberg pits to get on the right rubber, Hamilton leads once more. Everyone exhale. Rooster tales of spray are ejected behind the cars, Vettel and Alonso have been particularly impressive during the H2O dilemma, with the Ferrari now third ahead of both Williams cars and Alonso hauling the recalcitrant McLaren into 10th and a point.

Onto the last lap, there are smiles beaming, so many cheering as Lewis rounds the final turn to win the best race of the season. Soon after the gates to the circuit are opened and thousands stream on to the track eager to walk the tarmac.

I do another lap of the circuit and just as I reach the pit straight Hamilton is on the pit fence looking over the crowd and taking in the adoration. It was a great day at Silverstone and a great day for Formula 1 as a sport.

There are still plenty of things wrong with F1 but it's more the monetary side than anything. Yes perhaps it would be good to make the cars even faster, but there should be not unnecessary messing around with the weekend format or anything else gimmicky. 

The British Grand Prix showed there is still enthusiasm for the sport and the fastest driving in the world; when it's at its best it puts on some of the best sporting entertainment around. 

Of course as I idly thought about the state of Formula 1 while I left the pit straight and the hoards of fans congregated there I suddenly remembered I still had a lot of driving to do myself, and leaving Silverstone I knew it was going to an awful lot slower as 140,000 others did the same. 

all photographs taken by Paul English