Polemic F1 moments during the Japanese GP

FIA released a video with new angles of the polemic moments that culminated with the punishment of Hamilton, Massa, and Sebastien Bourdais last weekend in the Japanese GP. You can see it here.

For me, none of them should have been punished. F1 is becoming too rigid in the name of security, putting all the fun in a supporting role. It would be a waste to see this year's championship be decided on some rule or technical decision. Or, worse, see drivers more and more caution because they are afraid of being punished.

What a great F1 race... for the public!

The first grand prix of the 2008 season, in Melbourne, Australia, was very exciting! And I would bet that at least part of reason was the prohibition of the traction control system, which helped the cars to stay on track. Life is harder for the pilots now and we could see this even before the race, during the qualifying sessions.

As for the race, what to say? Only seven (of 22) cars finished it. A lot of accidents and mistakes were the tone of most of it. Even last year’s world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, did not escape spinning twice in his impulse to reach better positions, and ended up abandoning the race with some technical problem.

Of the seven, I must highlight Barrichelo’s sixth place, finally scoring points for Honda after more than a year, and Alonso’s performance with his poor Renault car. For most teams this was a nightmare weekend, for me it was great fun!

Update: Barrichelo was disqualified because he left the pits while the red lights were still on. Too bad for Honda which remains with no points since 2006.