Vettel wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Judging by practice and qualifying, Lewis Hamilton looked a dead cert for victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but things are never that predictable in Formula 1.
The McLaren driver retired relatively early on in the race and Sebastian Vettel cemented his spot as runner-up in the F1 World Championship standings behind Jenson Button with a dominant victory at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit.
Button also rounded off the year in style with a captivating battle for second place with Mark Webber but he could not upset yet another Red Bull one-two.
More interestingly than the race itself was the repurcussions for next season. The teams suggest that 2010 will be a case of progression rather than revolution in the cars we saw in 2009, which means a nail-bitingly close grid for the season opener in Bahrain on 14 March.
Brawn, Red Bull, McLaren and, if they can get their act together, Ferrari should all be capable race winners from the word go. What's clear is that next season could be even better than this...
What did you make of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Vettel's win and the 2009 season in general? And what are your predictions for next season? Post your comments below...
Like him or loathe him,Jenson Button drove a blinder of a race yesterday. Only for Mark Webbers determination to maintain second place,button could have had him, if the race had run for another few laps.
Raikonen will have to take a pay cut if he wants to drive for McLaren next season. No disrepect to the McLaren management but they would be wasting their money on Raikonen. He is like Alonso, over-rated, even driving a Ferrari will not won him the championship. My money is on Massa to outdrive him,providing Ferrari don't show any favouritism towards Alonso, because of the big salary they will be paying him.
That was the mistake they made with Raikonen and he turned out to be an expensive back marker. If Button wants to be in with any sort of a chance next year in the championship,he would be better driving for McLaren.
Because unless Brawn get a massive injection of cash, they will be amongst the backmarkers. Ecclestone would need to reduce the amount he charges circuits to host GP'S before more traditional circuits are lost. The FIA would need to act and rein in Ecclestone and his company,before his quest for profits destroys formula 1.
Because all the main races will be held outside europe in countries,which can only afford the fees. After that he will look to have the races shown on sky Sport, where the only way the few remaining fans can watch, is to subscribe to Sky's sports package. Bridgestone have announced they are withdrawing from formula 1 next season, BMW Sauber have withdrawn, Toyota haven't given a firm comittment they will stay next year.How long before Ecclestone suffocates the sport altogether in his megolmania quest for profit.
Posted by: Colm | 02 November 2009 at 15:58
Vettel had seventeen races to "pinch it".That was the distance and he didn't make it.If it were a marathon what would be the point of saying "if he had been given a bit more road he could have won"?
There's no denying Jenson won it by a "lucky" ELEVEN points not a piffling one point.No one can be that lucky.Give the guy some credit,he's waited and worked for it and he deserves it.
If they give Alonso a good Ferrari he will be,as Mark Webber said "a force to be reckoned with" next year.Alonso bashers will eat their words.He is my tip for the title.As for him being a cheat,there is no proof that he has ever cheated unlike Hamilton who was proven to cheat and then lied about it,so why not slate him?
We all have drivers whose public personna we can't stomach,but it doesn't alter the fact that they are great drivers each with their own style.
Posted by: Dina | 02 November 2009 at 12:18
2010 will not be a good season with Megga cheat alonso in a Ferrari !
Posted by: big john | 02 November 2009 at 09:48
I haven't quite made up my mind whether it was a great season or not. I guess it was ruined by the fact that Button won all those races at the start and never really truly looked in danger of messing things up despite his best attempts in true Brit fashion. Remember Mansell, Hill and so on?!?!?! A good enough season but not great. Looks good for next year although I fear we'll return to a Ferrari McLaren showdown once more.
Posted by: Mat Thompson | 02 November 2009 at 09:04
What am I going to do with no F1. Probably get a life!
Posted by: Graeme | 02 November 2009 at 09:01
OK season and OK race but was a case of what could have been. Bring on 2010.
Posted by: Heather | 01 November 2009 at 22:25
Well done jenson чouu deserved to win.
Brilliant season but is a total shame that чouu might be movin to mcclaren.
We love чouu jenson!!
:D xx
Posted by: Paige | 01 November 2009 at 17:10
Button is lucky that the season stops now. If we had a few more races, Vettel would have pinched it. Next season I'm tipping the German to take the title.
Posted by: Peter | 01 November 2009 at 16:40