He didn't get it easy, but Kimi Raikkonen has finally won again, taking victory at COTA for the United States Grand Prix. The Finn had to stay cool against intense pressure from Verstappen and Hamilton in the final 10 laps, but he made no mistakes to win a tense race and his first victory of the season.
I smell team orders coming up where Vettel will be asked to let Kimi go. He needs to, in order to have a chance against Hamilton.
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter
If Kimi can stay below the pit time window vs Hamilton, he has a chance at the win assuming Hamilton will not get to the end on his tires.
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter
My thinking is, assuming Mercedes stop again, they’ll do that soon enough which will give Kimi track position. Then try to win the race with him, while hoping that the battle will bunch up for Vettel to get closer.
Also; if Hamilton stops again, he might even fall behind Verstappen. Mercedes IMO in a tricky position. Conserve and try to get to the end or commit to the 2 stop and give up track position?
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter
My thinking is, assuming Mercedes stop again, they’ll do that soon enough which will give Kimi track position. Then try to win the race with him, while hoping that the battle will bunch up for Vettel to get closer.
Also; if Hamilton stops again, he might even fall behind Verstappen. Mercedes IMO in a tricky position. Conserve and try to get to the end or commit to the 2 stop and give up track position?
Highly unlikely they will stop again. It's like Vettel in Bahrain. Track position is usually king. Too risky to give up position and try and overtake a faster-on-straights Ferrari which could end in tears.