Formula One - The 2008 Season Finale Beckons
The Final 3 2008 Grand Prix May Prove the Greatest Races Yet
Oct 5, 2008
It has been a varied year for Formula One but as a returning fan, it was encouraging to see real racing emerge from what had been a processionary sport in recent years. It is difficult to avoid being seen as partisan, given the form of Britain's Lewis Hamilton, but the wider appeal of Formula One has improved immensely on recent viewing.
The Teams and Drivers
Whilst Hamilton has occupied the top of the Drivers' Championship for much of the season, this belies the real struggle between the top drivers. Felipe Massa has driven a blinding year for Ferrari and sheer bad luck prevented him overtaking McLaren's number one at the top spot. The season is not over yet, however, and there is life in the Brazilian yet, despite his team's mistakes in the pit. A patina of controversy follows the ruling body's dodgy decisions on various infractions, suggesting inconsistency, if not outright bias in Ferrari's favour. However, it is the re-emergence of Spaniard Fernando Alonso as a contender - winning the Singapore Grand Prix against the odds - which has re-invigorated the sport. Apart from signalling the former World Champion's skill, it is also a testament to the work done at his Renault team to get the R28 car competitive. Only the reigning Champion, Kimi Räikkönen, has perhaps been eclipsed despite winning in Spain and Kuala Lumpur, he has had 4 other podiums. This compares with 4 wins and 5 podiums from Hamilton, alongside 5 wins and 6 podiums from Massa.
The Results So Far
Grand Prix / Date / Winning Driver / Winning Team
- Australia 16/03/2008 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
- Malaysia 23/03/2008 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
- Bahrain 06/04/2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
- Spain 27/04/2008 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
- Turkey 11/05/2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
- Monaco 25/05/2008 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
- Canada 08/06/2008 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
- France 22/06/2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
- Britain 06/07/2008 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
- Germany 20/07/2008 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
- Hungary 03/08/2008 Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
- Europe 24/08/2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
- Belgium 07/09/2008 Felipe Massa Ferrari
- Italy 14/09/2008 Sebastian Vettel STR-Ferrari
- Singapore 28/09/2008 Fernando Alonso Renault
The Race To The Finish
The 3 remaining Grand Prix could prove to be the most exciting yet. Massa trails Hamilton by 7 points with 30 points on offer and the season closing on his home turf in Sao Paolo. It may be that Hamilton has to sew it up in Japan or China before the move to Brazil. Home advantage is a major factor in driver motivation. Regardless, the steadily increasing pace and excitement of each race this year has been fantastic and will hopefully lead to an exciting result for fans as well as teams and drivers.
Outlook For 2009 FIA Formula One
With the top teams reported to be collaborating in an effort to come up with new design regulations for 2009, there is a general buzz that overtaking will become more prevalent (with the backing of the FIA). Blameless would be those who cynically suggest that, once again, the top teams are manipulating the governing body to hijack the regulations for their own ends. This may be unfair but recent publicity has not done much for the FIA's image. Setting aside the muck-raking over the private life of Max Mosley - the President of the FIA - the on-track stewardship and off-track appeals process have been questionable on occasion.
Still, the outlook is good for a more entertaining season with racing rather than rancour on the agenda. Mathematically, the Championship is between the top 5 drivers - including both BMW Sauber operators Heidfeld and Kubica having had a respectable season so far. Barring major incidents or mechanical glitches, it realistically remains 'a 2 horse race' between Ferrari's Massa and McLaren's Hamilton. Bring on the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway next weekend !
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