Carpundit At the Canadian Grand Prix

Let's get one thing out of the way: it's incredible that Robert Kubica survived the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix.  His accident, about halfway through the race, took the wind out of the crowds' sails - at least out of the sails of the sober, which included me.  I wish F1 had announced something; the uncertainty was the worst.  I hope he's back soon.  Now to the actual race.

It was clear, from Lap 1 -when Alonso went off course in a desperate bid for first- that Lewis Hamilton was going to win.  His speed through Turn One (Senna Corner), where I sat, was noticeably and significantly faster than anyone else's.  He had the car and the course mastered, and his driving was amazing.  Simply amazing.  Having seen him race, I say he's the next world champion.  I doubt anyone can catch him.

At left is Lap One, Turn One.  Click for larger, as always.  That's Alonso going off, overdriving the corner as he would three or four times in the race.  Hamilton is the lead car (from pole) of the pack properly on course.

At right is Alonso's second or third agricultural excursion.  He simply couldn't drive that turn as fast as Hamilton.  He may have psyched himself out, or pushed too hard trying to catch his team's number two.  It must be tough to be reigning world champ and have your own teammate showing you up.  So far in 2007, Hamilton's a better driver.

Let's see what happens at Indy.  I predict Hamilton wins.  He's had a taste, and he's that good.

Comments

[Keith]

Hi I really like that picture of the first corner. Would you mind if I used it on my website?

I would be able to give you a link from my site.

[carpundit]

Keith,
Please feel free to use the photo on your site, with attribution.
CP

[Cadillac Irvine]

Looks like the Grand Prix was a blast

[Blake Reina]

I have to agree with the comment before me. It did look like it was a blast. What was the total time of Hamilton for the Montreal Grand Prix? He must have been pretty good in going through those tight turns in the track that the others can't match his speed. A veteran of the Montreal track, I assume? Haha.

[Penny Geist]

Your prediction was right. Lewis Hamilton was the better driver in 2007. As for Kubica, he eventually won at the Montreal podium in '08. But he was seriously injured in a crash last February and is now under rehabilitation. Car racing fans don't know if he can return for next year's season.

[Tyra Shortino]

I've always loved watching Formula 1 races. Fernando Alonso is my favorite, but I also root for Lewis Hamilton. Sadly, I recently found it difficult to catch the races on TV.