08/06/2014
NEWS STORY
The smile following yesterday's qualifying session seemed genuine enough, and a million miles away from the Principality pout, but one has to wonder what on earth was going through Lewis Hamilton's mind.
'This is his circuit', we were told, even Nico Rosberg said so, but here he was eclipsed by his German teammate for the second successive race weekend and not a hint of chicanery. Indeed, it was the Briton whose lap looked scrappy and desperate. To compound his frustration, it was Hamilton who decided the strategy yesterday as to who went out first.
All of which sets us up nicely for today. Lewis will be keen to show that yesterday was a mere blip whilst Nico will be equally keen to take his second successive victory and thereby maintain his championship lead.
Over the years we have seen various first corner incidents at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve however, in the wake of some of the 'warnings' made ahead of the Monaco event both drivers would be well advised to take that first series of corners very carefully.
This would be difficult (and boring) at the best of times, but with a rejuvenated Sebastian Vettel on your heels, not to mention a brace of Williams, another Red Bull and Fernando Alonso, the Mercedes boys are going to have plenty on their hands.
Consequently, not for the first time, we remind you, the race cannot be won at the first corner but it can be lost. Indeed, it's worth noting that since 2000 the man starting from ole has only gone on to win the race on five occasions.
Assuming there is no silliness, the race is Mercedes to lose, the 0.6s gap between the Silver Arrows duo and their nearest rival proof that they cannot be beaten on pace. Therefore, it appears to be Nico v Lewis and in terms of yesterday's session the German has the psychological advantage.
Though Hamilton seemed at ease after the session he will obviously be feeling very much fired up today, consequently we can anticipate not only an aggressive drive but some extremely tetchy exchanges with his crew... more so than normal.
After a difficult weekend, Vettel produced the goods when he needed to, especially as this isn't a circuit that suits the RB10. A podium, even the lowest step, would be a great boost for the German today. On the other hand, teammate Ricciardo is very much on the pace also - behind the Mercedes the next four drivers were covered by just 0.266s - so let's not write off Mr Smiley's chances.
The biggest surprise this weekend however, has to be the rejuvenation at Williams, the Grove outfit looking strong since the very first session. A strong result here would not only see the British team leapfrog McLaren in the standings but possibly even snatch fourth from Force India, Rob Smedley doing a superb job of puling the popular team together.
Up until qualifying, one of the guys wearing the biggest smiles in the Montreal paddock was Fernando Alonso, the numerous updates to the F14T, including engine (ahem) reliability, appearing to have paid off. However, the Williams and Red Bulls appear to have the edge over the Ferrari, though Kimi Raikkonen's tardy Q3 performances hardly helped when it came to gauging the situation.
There's a gap behind this lot to Jean-Eric Vergne who will be happy merely to finish the race never point score a point or two, the Frenchman totally let down by the STR9 reliability - or lack of it - this year.
Next up is Jenson Button, a previous winner here, who, failing on the weather gods making an unscheduled appearance, will be happy to leave Montreal with a few more points to his tally.
Starting from 11th and 13th, the Force Indias have to be one of the big disappointments this weekend - though they have competition for that dubious honour. Last year Paul di Resta used tyre strategy to his advantage though one cannot help but feel that Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez are going to need a little something extra.
That said, the Silverstone-based outfit feels that fuel use could be crucial today whilst the increased temperatures also play into its hands.
Another factor today could be brakes. With its long, superfast straights, much like Monza, this circuit is notoriously hard on brakes. Throw in the added concern in terms of the fly-by-wire systems this year and this could be another highly important factor.
Lotus and Sauber remain the other big disappointments, especially the Enstone outfit which appeared to be making progress recently. In all honesty, the picture of Pastor Maldonado yesterday, the Venezuelan sitting in a camping chair, holding a bottle of water, helmet firmly in place, summed things up perfectly.
Just under two hours before the start of the race, Sauber tweets: "For those of you who wondered: yes, the boys worked hard and @EstebanGtz' car is ready", referring to the Mexican's car which was so badly damaged in FP3 the team had to use a spare tub (and new gearbox) and leaving the youngster starting from the pitlane today.
Unless there is the mother of comings together on the first lap, or an appearance by the weather gods, do not expect to see Marussia add to its tally today, while Caterham will be happy to get both cars to the flag following a nightmare weekend.
In terms of tyre strategy it's likely to be either one or two stops though this could change if temperatures rise. The quickest theoretical strategy is a two-stopper: start on supersofts, change to softs on lap 13, softs again on lap 41 then run to the finish.
A one-stop strategy would be: start on supersofts, change to softs on lap 26, and run to the finish.
Before the pitlane opens there is a brief ceremony to remember Mark Robinson the marshal who was killed in an unfortunate accident here last year.
As Lotus rightly tweets: "All the marshals around the world do a phenomenal job and we simply wouldn't be here without you".
The pitlane opens and one by one the drivers make their way down the pitlane. Air temperature is 27 degrees C, while the track temperature is 43 degrees. It is glorious, bright and sunny.
With an eye on the temperature, Pirelli's Paul Hembery says he believes teams will now opt for a two stop strategy.
There are be two DRS zones with both sharing a single detection point, located 110m after Turn 9. The first activation point is 55m before Turn 12, the second 70m after Turn 14.
As Raikkonen is told wind direction and speed is the same as yesterday, Hamilton says the track temperature is rising.
They head off on the warm-up lap, Hamilton slow to get away and falling behind Vettel.
All are on options bar Hulkenberg, Kvyat, Maldonado, Chilton, Bianchi, Ericsson and Gutierrez.
Despite the temperatures the drivers are working their steering wheels furiously in an attempt to generate heat into their tyres.
They're away. Hamilton has the edge into T1 but Rosberg holds the line and as a result the Briton loses ground and position to Vettel as he runs slightly wide. All get through the first couple of corners cleanly but at T4 the two Marussias collide bringing out the Safety Car.
Chilton gets out of shape, hits Bianchi and the Frenchman crashes heavily into the wall. Asked if he's Ok, Bianchi replies "yes", but he sounds distinctly shaken.
This marks the first time Chilton has failed to finish a race.
Behind the Safety Car it's: Rosberg, Vettel, Hamilton, Bottas, Massa, Ricciardo, Vergne, Alonso, Raikkonen and Button. Gutierrez, who pitted at the end of the first lap subsequently pits again... suggesting he intends to go the distance on his current set of tyres.
"I'll need a lot of power at the start," Hamilton tells his engineer. Meanwhile, Vettel warns of a piece of debris still on track shortly after the scene of the Marussia clash.
Behind the leading ten, it's: Perez, Hulkenberg, Magnussen, Sutil, Grosjean, Kvyat, Maldonado, Kobayashi, Ericsson and Gutierrez.
Phew! Hamilton almost runs into the back of Vettel heading into T8, the Briton concerned at the "mess" on the track at T4.
The Safety Car pulls off at the end of lap 7. Rosberg leads the field into T1, Hamilton appearing to lose further ground to Vettel.
As Raikkonen looks at Alonso, Perez passes Button going into the final chicane. Great move. Ericsson pits... why not under the Safety Car?
"Fuel is good to the end," Rosberg is told.
Kvyat spins in T1 and consequently drops down to 16th.
On the approach to the final chine at the end of lap 10 Hamilton nails Vettel, the German unable to do anything about it. The Briton is now 1.7 down on his Mercedes teammate.
As Ricciardo closes on the Williams duo, the camera cuts to Ericsson who has retired.
As Bottas reports that his rear tyres are graining, Grosjean pits and switches to softs.
At the end of lap 13 Ricciardo pits, rejoining in 15th.
Bottas and Button both pit, switching to softs, next time around Vettel, Massa, Vergne, Magnussen and Sutil all stop.
After 16 laps Rosberg maintains a 1.8s lead over his teammate as Alonso pits. Elsewhere, Button is battling Gutierrez for 14th.
Alonso rejoins the race just ahead of Vergne, but only just. Behind them Kvyat and Massa keep a watching eye.
Raikkonen pits at the end of lap 17, rejoining behind the Alonso/Vergne battle.
At the end of lap 18 Rosberg pits, his teammate stopping a lap later. The Briton rejoins 2.511s down on the leading Mercedes. That's despite a strong in lap from Hamilton and a scrappy out lap from the German.
After 20 laps the Force Indias are 3rd and 4th and showing no signs of pitting.
As Vettel closes on the force Indias, Ricciardo is 3.4s down on Bottas.
Hamilton posts a new fastest lap on lap 22 (19.561) as Raikkonen battles Kvyat for 11th, with the McLaren duo hot on his heels.
As Vettel runs deep in T10 after passing Hulkenberg on the entry to T10, thereby losing the position again, Maldonado drives into his garage another miserable day for the Venezuelan.
Out front, a series of strong laps sees Hamilton close within 0.7s of his teammate.
Under intense pressure Rosberg locks up into the final chicane and as a result misses the corner. Meanwhile, Kobayashi spins at T1 after appearing to suffer a problem. He climbs from the car.
Massa nails Alonso to take 8th, sweet justice for the Brazilian after his experiences at Ferrari.
The Stewards announce that they are investigating Rosberg for exceeding the track limits.
Perez, currently third, is told that he's doing an excellent job. Which he is, as is his teammate Hulkenberg in fourth.
Button nails Kvyat into T10 to take 12th, the Russian subsequently pitting.
After 30 laps, it's: Rosberg, Hamilton, Perez, Hulkenberg, Vettel, Bottas, Ricciardo, Massa, Alonso and Vergne. Rosberg posting a new fastest lap (19.110).
Perez is told that his team is extending his pit window.
Despite his earlier message, Rosberg is now told that he is using too much fuel and will need to use longer gears, as in Monaco.
"No penalty for Nico," Hamilton is told, "but he's on his final warning for cutting the chicane."
Gutierrez makes his third stop of the afternoon.
Lap 33 sees another fastest lap from Rosberg (18.881) as he maintains a 1.1s gap.
At the end of lap 34 Perez pits, the Mexican rejoining in 10th behind Vergne.
Next time around Bottas pits, rejoining behind Perez.
As Vettel pits at the end of lap 36, Hamilton is now 2.1s down on Rosberg but it's not clear why.
"I've lost power," says Hamilton, "I've no power guys."
As Ricciardo pits, Rosberg complains that he too has a power problem. Ricciardo rejoins in sixth ahead of Vergne, Perez and Vettel.
Suddenly both Mercedes appear to be slower than before, however, they have a 21.6s advantage over third placed Hulkenberg who has yet to stop.
Vergne and Raikkonen both pit at the end of lap 39, as the Mercedes duo are losing around 2s a lap to their rivals.
A spin for Raikkonen in T10 thereby dropping to 15th.
Hulkenberg finally pits at the end of lap 41, rejoining in 8th ahead of Bottas. Meanwhile, his teammate is under increasing pressure from the Red Bulls.
Ricciardo is told not to lift as it's bad for energy. The kinetic and stored kind not his personal energy.
In third place, Massa, who is now 16.9s down on the Mercedes duo and closing at 1.5s a lap, is told that he can keep going until the end.
Rosberg is advised that his problem cannot be solved but is not terminal, however, he is losing time to Massa. The German subsequently pits rejoining behind Massa in third. Alonso also pits rejoining in 9th.
At the end of lap 44, Hamilton (No 44) pits, rejoining just behind Massa but ahead of Rosberg. Magnussen also pits.
Hamilton runs wide at T10 and loses out to his teammate, he passes the German on the run to the final chicane and overcooks it taking to the run-off. Having gained an advantage he slows and hands the position back to his teammate. Massa still leads.
Suddenly smoke is pouring from the rear brakes, he clearly has an issue. He pits. The trolley pushed under his car indicates that his race is over.
Rosberg is told of Hamilton's retirement. "Most important you look after your brakes," he is warned.
Massa pits, the Williams driver rejoining in a lowly sixth. Elsewhere, Kvyat parks his car at T10.
Rosberg now leads again but he is only 1.2s ahead of Perez with the Red Bull duo just behind. This is far from done and dusted.
After 50 laps (of 70), it's: Rosberg, Perez, Ricciardo, Vettel, Hulkenberg, Bottas, Massa, Alonso, Button and Vergne.
Perez is just 0.6s down on Rosberg but will his tyres last the distance? Indeed, Vettel is appraised of the situation, not just in terms of Perez' tyres but those of his Red Bull teammate.
Behind the leading group of four, Hulkenberg leads the next 'Gang of Four'.
Ricciardo is asked where he thinks he stands the best chance of passing Perez, who appears to have a DRS issue. There is no response. Then again, the reply is probably not transmitted...
"You're doing a really good job," Rosberg is told. And so he is.
Massa, on fresher rubber, is told that he needs to pass the driver ahead... who just happens to be his teammate.
"Swap positions as soon as you can," Bottas is told. The Finn duly obliges by running wide in T10, within moments Massa has passed Hulkenberg courtesy of DRS.
In clear air, Massa, 6.2s down on the leader, posts a new fastest lap (18.504).
With 11 laps remaining, the leading five are covered by just 4.3s.
Unable to make a move on Rosberg, Perez, who does have a DRS issue (it's not working) is still being shadowed by the Red Bull duo with Massa closing in.
More misery for Lotus as Grosjean drives into his garage. And then there were fourteen.
In no time at all Massa is within DRS range of Vettel. Meanwhile, Rosberg goes quickest in S1.
Vettel makes a charge on his teammate at the hairpin and overdoes it, Massa closes in, almost passing the German. He attacks going into the final chicane but cannot make it stick.
As Ricciardo is told he needs to cool his car, Perez says his rear brakes are gone. Ricciardo attacks and nails the Mexican. Vettel and Massa also close on the Force India which is clearly struggling.
Rosberg leads Ricciardo by 1.2s with four laps remaining. Elsewhere, Gutierrez pits.
Told to close on Ricciardo, Perez repeats that he has no rear brakes. "What can I do," he complains.
Ricciardo posts a PB closing to within 0.7s of Rosberg. Perez is told to "stick with it". "We're looking at the issue," he is told, "just two laps to go."
At the end of lap 68, Ricciardo passes Rosberg into the final chicane, there is nothing the German can do. That said, 18 points is better than nothing.
A superb move sees Vettel run wide as he nails Perez into the final chicane. Moments later Massa makes a move on the Mexican but it all goes wrong, the Brazilian taking out his Force India rival in the process. Out comes the Safety Car.
Replay shows Perez appear to run a little wide on the pit straight leaving Massa with nowhere to go... a bit like the incident a couple of years back, albeit in the wet, involving Button and Hamilton.
Ricciardo takes the win, ahead of Rosberg, Vettel, Button, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Bottas, Vergne, Magnussen and Raikkonen. Perez is classified 11th, ahead of Massa, Sutil and Gutierrez.
What a race, what a day of mixed fortunes. Joy for Ricciardo, relief for Rosberg, misery for Hamilton and bitter luck for Perez and Massa.
As we look set to welcome another blinged-up monstrosity in the form of Azerbaijan, how wonderful that this classic track is signed up for another ten years. It might need a lick of paint, it might need a bit of work here and there, but it's a proper race circuit, and one which will always serve up thrillers like today.
Without in any way wishing to sound as though we're experiencing a case of schadenfreude (as if), it is good to see a chink in the Mercedes armour, and how fitting that Ricciardo should benefit.
Naturally it's sad to see Hamilton lose so many points today, but sad also for Perez and Massa.
Daniel Ricciardo will long remember Montreal 2014, and so will we, for this was a genuine classic.
Check out our Race gallery, here.
Chris Balfe