Sebastien Vettel increased his lead at the top of the driver's championships with his first ever German (home) Grand Prix win. Lewis Hamilton got off to a slow start off the grid as both Red Bulls got past him. From then on it never looked in doubt that Vettel would ease to victory. Kimi Raikkonen took advantage of other drivers mistakes to claim second whilst Lotus team mate Grosjean filled the last podium spot. Fernando Alonso tried desperately to make up as many positions as he could but in the end fourth was a decent effort as the damage had been done in qualifying yet again. Alonso's team mate Felipe Massa only lasted three laps before spinning off track and into the gravel. Lewis Hamilton was gutted to have missed out on a podium again after sitting on pole but a poor start cost him. The Mclaren's enjoyed a better race day as Jenson Button climbed three places to sixth whilst Sergio Perez finished in eighth. Mark Webber's race was scuppered after a horror pit stop cost him valuable time. Daniel Ricciardo dropped out of the point scoring positions after a disappointing race but his qualifying form is still great.
My Opinion: Red Bull will be pleased with Vettel winning the race but really angry at the horror show that was Mark Webber's pit stop. The left rear tyre was not taken off quickly which halted progress but then the replaced wheel was not screwed in properly which soon came off down the pit lane. Lotus will be very satisfied with two drivers on the podium. Very consistent stuff as usual from Kimi. Alonso just needs a good qualifying position and i'm sure will win races. Again, the Spaniard delivers a strong race, making up so many places to finish fourth. Massa will disappointed at losing control of the car after only three laps. A shame to see Lewis in fourth but it was the slow start off the grid which ultimately cost him. Good to see the Mclaren's fortunes changing with Button and Perez scoring points. Overall, disappointed that Vettel won and Hamilton wasn't on the podium but impressed by Lotus, Alonso and Mclaren.
Race Guide: Key Moments:
Lap 1: Hamilton (3) down two places. Vettel takes the lead, Webber (2). Massa (6) passes Ricciardo (7).
Lap 2: Perez (9) passes Button (10) after overtaking three other cars.
Lap 4: Massa (6) OUT. Spins off track and forced to retire the car.
Lap 9: Webber (2) has horror pit stop. Takes ages to take tyre off and then replacement tyre falls off and hits a cameraman.
Lap 10: Vettel (4) passes Hulkenberg (5).
Lap 11: Vettel (3) passes Button (4).
Lap 14: Raikkonen (6) passes Hamilton (7).
Lap 18: Raikkonen (4) passes Hamilton again (5).
Lap 23: Bianchi OUT. Vergne OUT. Bianchi suffers engine blowup. Yellow Flag and Safety car deployed.
Lap 29: Safety car returns to the pits.
Lap 30: Webber (16) moves up two places.
Lap 36: Perez (8) passes Maldonado (9).
Lap 45: Vettel (4) passes Hamilton (5). Grosjean (5) passes Hamilton (6).
Lap 46: Hulkenberg (10) passes Rosberg (11).
Lap 50: Hamilton (8) passes Di Resta (9).
Lap 51: Hamilton (7) passes Maldonado (8). Button (5) passes Perez (6).
Lap 55: Raikkonen (2) passes Grosjean (3). Hamilton (6) passes Perez (7).
Lap 60: Hamilton (5) passes Button (6). Webber (7) passes Perez (8). Vettel wins the German Grand Prix.
German Grand Prix Result:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.41.14.711
2. Raikkonen (Lotus)
3. Grosjean (Lotus)
4. Alonso (Ferrari)
5. Hamilton (Mercedes)
6. Button (Mclaren)
7. Webber (Red Bull)
8. Perez (Mclaren)
9. Rosberg (Mercedes)
10. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
Fastest Lap: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) with 1.33.468.
Driver's Standings:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 157 points
2. Alonso (Ferrari) 123
3. Raikkonen (Lotus) 116
4. Hamilton (Mercedes) 99
5. Webber (Red Bull) 93
Constructor's Standings:
1. Red Bull 250 points
2. Mercedes 183
3. Ferrari 180
4. Lotus 157
5. Force India 59
Performance of the Day: Team Lotus for using a great strategy which enabled both cars to end up on the podium.
Disappointment of the Day: Lewis Hamilton not even being on the podium after starting on pole.
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