Hill: Vettel won't walk away with title
Sebastian Vettel
Former world champion Damon Hill is convinced Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull will not walk away with this year’s Formula One titles.
Hill watched Vettel blow away the field at the season-opening grand prix in Australia 10 days ago, the German finishing a staggering 0.8 seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, before taking victory by 22 seconds from the McLaren driver.
It was a comprehensive performance, but not totally without fault as Red Bull did not utilise the KERS power-boost system in either car over the weekend due to a glitch.
With Red Bull hopeful the device will be fully operational for this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, there is the real threat of Vettel making it four successive wins if you take into account the end of last season.
Although admitting to slight surprise at the margin of Vettel’s victory, Hill feels such comfort will not be enjoyed as the season wears on.
“I thought Ferrari would make more progress, and I was surprised to see the McLarens up there after how they had performed in testing,” said Hill.
“The McLarens are not that far behind. I think this season is going to be close enough, and I think we’ll see some catching up.
“The reason is it’s difficult to maintain a peak if you’ve a car to perfection when you arrive in the championship.
“Everybody else will just follow and catch up, so I’m sure the gap will close, and it will be more like last season with a handful of guys in the frame well beyond the halfway stage.
“I don’t see that being any different this year. I don’t think it is going to be a walkover for Sebastian.
“The first race is usually just a marker. People will catch up and it definitely won’t be plain sailing for Red Bull all the way through the season.”
The fact McLaren turned a corner even before the racing began was crucial for 1996 world champion Hill.
Following dismal form in testing, McLaren were back on the pace in Melbourne after simplifying their exhaust system.
“It’s not quite like the days when McLaren didn’t do any testing, turned up and blew everybody away by two seconds,” added Hill.
“But they are certainly back in the frame when everybody thought they weren’t in it at all.
“There are certain teams that have such depth of experience and talent in the design department that they will always be in the frame, and they are one of them.”
