When American race fans tell me they can’t stand Formula 1 because of the lack of passing and that it’s boring to watch, I will now point to exhibit A to defend my point that it is some of the best racing on the planet. Exhibit A being the 2011 Grand Prix du Canada.
This race had it all! It had rain, internal team problems, an actual delay for rain (rare for F1), loads of passing and a last lap shocker.
Let’s start from the beginning. The forecast for Sunday was rain, but we never knew how much or when it would come. Well, we got our answer from the start when it was raining as the cars began the race. Then, just a few laps later, Jenson Button blocked Lewis Hamilton (his teammate) into the wall. THAT is the biggest no-no in Formula 1…never take out a teammate, let alone the teammate who is the number one team driver.
After that, the race was actually stopped due to the heavy rain and standing water, which, if you follow F1, rarely happens.
Once we were back to racing, Fernando Alonso was the next victim who was knocked out of the race after making contact with Button. Two favorites now down (while Sebastian Vettel, the pole winner and points leader, continued to dominate).
Then, a dramatic battle occurred from positions two through four between Michael Schumacher, Mark Webber, and Button. Yes, the same Jenson Button who was back in 21st position at one point in the pits.
Then, Button got around those two in front of him. Next thing we knew in the crowd was that the almost insurmountable lead Vettel had on P2 was closing, and FAST! Button had what it took to beat Vettel, but did he have enough time?
At this point, everyone knew it was a timed race due to the rain delays, so when the “last lap” came around it wasn’t lap 70. Yet everyone knew this was it. And for the first time all day, Vettel made a mistake and spun while leading, allowing Button to pass and win.
How Button was involved with two collisions, assessed a drive-thru penalty and still won will forever stun us all. But, we all know that is one a grand prix to remember forever!
Great, so F1 has no passing unless there is a monsoon. Noted.