Perfection is all too fleeting for Nico

One has to feel for Nico Rosberg. He may have taken the lead in the Championship, but his great performances are never extolled like Lewis Hamilton’s. At the same time, his failings are prodded, poked, studied, and arguably held against him.

There was no failing at Singapore in 2016, though. From his outstanding pole lap – more than half a second clear of his nearest challenger – to his perfect race, this was a performance worthy of nothing but praise.

Toto Wolff claimed, however, that some perspective was required as Hamilton’s woes in FP2 had set back his race preparations.

Would Rosberg have received the same sympathy had such bad luck befallen him? Let’s be clear that there is no suggestion of conspiracy against Rosberg, but the answer is “no”. And Rosberg knows that there is only one way to change that, and that is to defend his Championship lead and claim his first title.

The Singapore slinger Who would you give this title to? Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen? Both made good cases for themselves at Marina Bay.

Ricciardo’s charge after the last round of pit stops was wonderful to watch – one might even feel a bit of nostalgia and wished to have heard Murray Walker squawking in delight as the Red Bull chased down Rosberg’s Silver Arrow.

Alas for the Aussie, the Red Bull lacked the wings to catch the Mercedes. Ricciardo must wait then to exorcise the ghosts of Monaco and claim a first win of 2016.

In qualifying Martin Brundle suggested that Ricciardo was in the form of his life. With …

continue reading in source www.planetf1.com