As my blog almost certainly shows, I am a huge fan of Motorsport. Most namely, I am a fan of Formula One, so it's without surprise that the 2012 season finale of what has been a phenomenal season, has managed to creep it's way into my top ten memories from 2012.It's a rarity in recent years for a Formula One season to be decided at any time other than at the final race of the season, and 2012 was no exception. With Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso both vying for glory heading into the race, it was definetly a continental affair in the title race concerning Red Bull Racing and Ferrari's lead drivers.
However, as per, the Brit's were hardly down and out, with McLaren sticking their departing man Lewis Hamilton on pole heading into the race... hardly 'going quietly' was he. As for second place? Jenson Button. A man deprived of a win since the first race of the season in Australia...
On the grid Vettel found himself in an oddly-low fourth place, yet still four places ahead of title contender Alonso. As was the case for the entire season, the Spaniard was competing with Vettel et al in a evidentially under-developed car compared to Ferrari's rivals, and would seemingly have to dig deep and display his outstanding race-craft to overturn the deficit to the young-German. Oh, and run into some luck...
He did. With the race under way and the rain beginning to fall, Vettel soon found himself facing the wrong way, following a hefty clash with Bruno Senna. Alonso to be champion then? This is Vettel we're talking about; a man who which ever way you look at it, could find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in his sleep. Despite substantial damage to his Red Bull's exhaust cross-section, he was able to continue in hot-pursuit of climbing back up the order.
What followed that unbelievable first-lap was a truly breathtaking race. With the rain changing it's mind more than Grosjean changes front-wings, the teams on the pit-wall were engaged in tactical warfare; second-guessing the changing weather and chomping at the bit to see their drivers on the right tyres at the right time.
On track, and it was the McLaren-duo leading proceedings, switching positions occasionally and demonstrating just what a strong driver partnership McLaren have been blessed with for three years. Perhaps the strongest? I think so.
Nico Hulkenberg however, dropped by to spoil Hamilton's swansong. Having worked his way through the madness, the Force India found himself in combat for the lead of the race, all until he under-steered dramatically into the side of leader Hamilton, leaving Lewis with imminent retirement and himself with a drive-through penalty, This left the rain-drenched path wide open for Button, to waltz through and stride to a comfortable win at Interlagos.
Strangely enough, the race winner was reasonably irelevent, with everyone's eyes on the two title contenders. A faultless driver from Alonso, for me the most complete driver in 2012, saw him clinch a fantastic second place in a poor machine, leaving it up to Vettel to finish seventh or higher in a truly battered car... which he duly did.
Once again, the season finale had kicked up an absolute treat in Sao Paulo. Vettel took his third consecutive drivers title, McLaren finished the season with the quickest car, Caterham sealed 10th place in the championship and with it, a whole lot of money, crashes, penalties, rain, pain, overtaking , swansongs... you name it, it had it.
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