21st December 2010

The Formula 1 2010 season: The season never to be faded in our memories for lifetime, a season which had the Speed, collapses, thrill, drama, emotions, competition and determination which made it once in a generation season. And, sharing thoughts on this season would be an absolute pleasure for anyone and I am definitely not an exception.

This season challenges to be the greatest season of all time and sets a benchmark for the seasons to come and for all other great sports. It reflects the true elements of fascination and fight for the title throughout the season, off court controversies have made it probably one of the greatest F1 seasons ever in History.

Mark Webber’s consistency and determination, Fernando Alonso's brilliance, Massa-Alonso's Drama, Lewis Hamilton foes at last quarter and finally surprising emergence of Champion Sebastian Vettel’s determination and aggression in last few races  to steal the title were the features of this season and  simply breathtaking.

This year’s top lads Vettel, Webber, Alonso, Hamilton and Button all started well in the 1st quarter with almost everyone winning grand prix each but in the second quarter Hamilton and Webber shifted gears to take handsome lead over others, where as Vettel was smooth and still. Where, Hamilton was most consistent with Canada and Turkey Webber through at Monaco and England. To me, one of the greatest sporting moments was, after almost life threatening crash at Valencia to comeback in week’s time to win at England was just outstanding and one would like to hats off to the courage, skill and determination he showed.

Third quarter belonged to 2 time champion Great Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s domination with wins at Italy, Singapore and at Germany with creating some controversy and drama as his Partner asked by his bosses to make a way to Alonso. However Webber was still on course but people just could not smell the determined and perhaps the Dark horse running close; where Hamilton lost the edge in this quarter with horribly scoring only 37 of 5 races.

Till last quarter it seemed a race between Webber and Alonso separated by 10+ points little ahead of Hamilton with edgy chances of Button and Vettel and whole media speculations begun, the predictions, odds, possibilities and options of how Hamilton can make way for himself but mostly to the two big guns Webber and Alonso. But, it proved the last quarter of season was the most dramatic stage of the Championship and one of the best periods of history of F1 with breathtaking results of some gutsy, surprising, determined and championship defining performances by eventual Champion Sebastian Vettel with wins at Japan, Brazil and final race Abu Dhabi.

It just ended in most dramatic and thrilling way possible like in any strong Hollywood thriller make would it to last minute to rock the audience with flip outcome as strongest contender Mark Webber going down horribly and Alonso making less favour to himself in last 2 races and so called Dark horse Sebastian Vettel emerging in shocking way as the youngest formula driver in the history of Formula one at 19 years 53 days.

Needless to say with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber performances in 2010 season eased Red bull to F1 Constructers championship little too early beating McLaren and Ferrari.

It is really hard to pick one grand prix but Turkey, Canada, Monaco and Abu Dhabi are some of the best races of the season and Singapore being the 1st grand prix to host a night race will be remembered for long. Mark Webber's performance at Monaco was the most impressive with several distractions of 2 safety car restarts, avoiding collisions in front etc. Given the overall scenario Nico Roseburg and Robert Kubica deserve some meat for their determined performances.

Ultimately, the admiration of Webber's mettle, Hamilton’s unquenchable fire and Alonso’s brilliance could not stop determined Vettel to win the title and he undoubtedly the best man of the season.

Thank you                                                                      

Prasad.kotamsetti@gmail.com