After the sheer dominance of Melbourne, Mercedes were humbled and brought back down to earth in Sepang. Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel took the victory, and the feeling that his season will be another walkover for Mercedes is quickly evaporating. The talk is how they will respond, as it is clear from Ferrari’s race pace that they are close. Even though the cooler conditions of Shanghai should favour the Mercedes over Ferrari, it remains to be seen if they can dominate the race like they did last race, or will it be a fight to the chequered flag.
2015 CHINESE GRAND PRIX MERCEDES PREVIEW
No. 6 NICO ROSBERG (DEU)
Form: 3,2,14,1,2.
2014: Grid: P4, Race P2
After the first two races, Rosberg, not only finds himself behind his team-mate, but also the Ferrari of Vettel in the championship standings. As well as the results not been in Rosberg’s favour, his performances in both races have fallen short of last year’s form. In Shanghai, Rosberg will be looking at improving his form and get himself back into the championship. This is Rosberg’s 10th outing here, and his sixth for Mercedes. His pre-Mercedes outings here were dire, and he finished no higher than 11th. His time at Mercedes though has seen some good results: Rosberg took his maiden pole and win here in 2012, and along with last year, was on the podium in 2010.
No. 44 LEWIS HAMILTON (GBR)
Form: 2,1,1,2,1.
2014: Grid: P1, Race P1
In 2007, Hamilton was on course to take the title in his rookie season here, when he went out at pit entrance, due to worn tires, and retired from the race. He went on to lose the title that year. Since that heartache, Hamilton has gone on to win three of the last seven races. He has also been on the podium on all but one occasion, in what was his most uncompetitive season in 2009. Mercedes and Hamilton’s form will suggest another podium is on the cards here, but with Ferrari’s resurgence, the question is on what step will Lewis be standing on?
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