2015 Malaysia Grand Prix: Ferrari Review
Even the most optimistic of Ferrari fans and technicians could not have expected a win so early on in the season, but Sebastian Vettel took advantage of Mercedes’ risky tyre tactics to do exactly that..
Starting the race, Sebastian got very punchy into turn two and chopped Nico Rosberg albeit they didn’t touch; Kimi Raikkonen on the other hand didn’t get the best of starts and ended up getting tagged by Sauber’s Felipe Nasr in the final corner of all places. Kimi then had to trudge round another lap to get back to the pits, meaning he fell right to the back of the pack on three wheels.
Ferrari were very easy on their tyres, much better than Mercedes could manage in the sweltering heat of the Malaysian sun, and this meant that the first safety car period really helped Sebastian go deeper into the race and help his strategy, while Mercedes jumped to the harder compounds.
All weekend Kimi looked to have the better of Sebastian as well, but being unlucky in a wet qualifying and starting 11th wasn’t the best for the Finn. On evidence of Ferrari’s pace today it was clear to see that had Kimi had a clean race; could he have challenged for a podium spot today? I reckon he could have made life very difficult for the Mercedes. A day of “what ifs” for the 2007 world champion, but I highly doubt that we’ve seen the last of him at the front of the grid.
Sebastian’s win is thoroughly deserved and I’m sure the team could not be more proud. It does seem quite evident that on sheer pace the Mercedes still has the fastest car but the Scuderia are lurking ever more closely in their mirrors, with Sebastian looking desperately to add to all of his treasured records. Malaysia has certainly spiced up our appetites for what else 2015 may bring. A surprise Ferrari title fight with Mercedes perhaps?
