Nine wins out of 12 grand prix races are a clear indication of the superior class of both Red Bull RB9 and German driver Sebastian Vettel. The past three races, in Singapore, Korea and Japan, have clearly illustrated Vettel’s real potential. At 26 he has all it takes to become a legend in this sport.
Many are those who compare Vettel to fellow German Michael Schumacher, but considering Vettel’s age, he could very well supersede all existing records.
Having said that, these past five years Red Bull, under the guidance of Adrian Newey, have created unique racers. Newey has always delivered championship-winning cars, but this year was not a season that started well for the Milton Keynes team.
It was the remaking of the Pirelli tyres halfway through the season that seems to have brought out the excellent qualities of the RB9. The new tyre design definitely brought Red Bull on track, sending a few teams into doldrums on the new tyre composite.
Especially with Vettel, Red Bull seem to excel while fellow driver Australian Mark Webber seems to encounter all sorts of difficulties, such as when in Korea his car ended up waterless and burst into flames.
Japan was the Australian’s final chance to win, but strategy and a constant drive brought yet another win for Vettel.
Comments in the paddock are claiming that Red Bull are utilising their KERS system as traction control which is not acceptable in F1, but the team has implemented the heat electricity battery energy boost to control side traction of the rear wheels. This has not been acknowledged by the team but it definitely proves the excellent outside corner traction of the RB9 on circuits like Singapore and Korea.
The ease with which Vettel increased his lead, especially after safety car stints, illustrates that the car definitely has traction without hindrance of tyre temperature. Then, one argues, why is Webber not utilising this traction method?
Another question that begs an answer is the disastrous starts that Webber has had.
One also has to applaud Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, who until a few months ago was listed as not being fit for racing and a danger to Formula 1 racing. His performance in Japan was impeccable, and he ended up in third place.
Another hot driver is Nico Hulkenberg with a revamped Sauber. He is putting up some excellent races, constantly gaining points. One wonders why Ferrari opted for Kimi Raikkonen and not Hulkenberg to replace Felipe Massa.
With just four races remaining, it is practic-ally impossible for Vettel to lose out on winning his fourth title. His sheer determin-ation will definitely reward the German. On a personal level this fourth title will be the most suffered, with Vettel once more demonstrating his great talent.
Next race is the Indian GP on Sunday.