Diesel wrote:Wow, Button's qualifying handicap is really apparent in that chart.
It's actually really interesting...
Red Bull on average went backwards on race day, as did Williams. All other teams appeared to race better than they qualified - Button being the biggest example of this.
Since Red Bull had been really consistent on qualifying at the front it was normal for them to fall back somewhat (nobody retires in front of them, they cannot gain places on starts, only lose them) but the extent is just staggering.
Vettel could still have been champion if he retired
5 times from 1st place given that he hold on to his position on the rest of the races. His qualifying and race positions had a difference of -128 points which is absolutely incredible, let alone in a championship winning year and I'm sure this is some kind of a record.
Webber was throwing away points even more irresponsibly, he managed to lose 94 that is still almost 4 victories but he's done it without a single mechanical failure all year. Borderline ridiculous.
It's impossible to not note Button, who (unlike Massa) at least compensated his poor qualifying performance with very decent race results. +70 points didn't come around by just two lucky calls, he was doing it consistently. Well done to Kobayashi as well, he's obviously blessed in the racecraft department.