Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix - The Race

Hats off to Antonelli! Granted that Russell's misfortunes during qualifying setup the pole for him but Russell was still on the front row and Antonelli held him off. He then proceeded to fight with Hamilton and eventually get the better of him, in what is now standard fare for the last two races. A brief ding dong between the races and eventually one figures how to better manage the electrons than the other and speeds away. The issues of grip, aero, control are all sacrificed in at the altar of electricity. Ah well..but that takes nothing way from the young lad. He showed signs last year and it was a matter of time.

I feel for Russell though. He was never given a chance to really take the fight to Hamilton and even on Sunday's podium Toto looks happier for Lewis than he was for George. 

The scrap between Lewis and Leclerc post the safety car  was providential for Antonelli as it helped it eke out a very healthy gap from the next three, a gap that he comfortably maintained at around 6-7 seconds till the very end. 

Red Bull looked out of the game this whole weekend with only Hadjar providing some solace in 8th after Verstappen had to retire from 6th. Carlos Sainz drove a very measured race to give Williams their first points this season. And Ollie Bearman with another stellar 5th place finish.

So as a fan how do I feel two races in. Well let me try to put it this way. For me enjoying a car is the sum of it's parts and pushing it to the limits of my capabilities and what is legal on the road (well mostly!) It certainly is not enjoyable driving it fast and knowing that you and the car can push harder but having to back off as you have to watch the electric charge. You want to overtake when you have the chance instead of bother about your electric charge. Also with the combustion engine there was not getting back of capability expended. The driver needed to be judicious in chosing how he pushed the engine, knowing that if he wore it out beyond repair, he could not get back the performance in the course of the race. So while ding dong phases are enjoyable, I don't think the changes have made the entire racing anymore interesting than the last season. It's early days so let's see.