5. Riccardo P7
With Webber almost definitely leaving Red Bull for 2014, the intra-team battle at Toro Rosso is increasingly important. Finally, one of the drivers there has had a shining moment. Riccardo scored a lifetime-best 7th in China definitely showing that he has talent. While it wasn't entirely a fair fight because of Vergne being spun by Webber (kind of ironic), but he still did a spectacular job. This finish put Ricciardo in the lead in the race for the Red Bull seat (at least at Toro Rosso). The only other interesting thing that I recently thought of is the Buemi is technically in the best seat for the spot just because he's the third driver.
4. Button P5
It's definitely a big moment for Mclaren fans because it shows that Mclaren still has a shot at this year's Championship, even if it is a long shot. He was going to finish P5 last race but he was taken out by his pit crew, so he would basically be using the same strategy of Raikkonen last year, by just banking on consistency instead of charging to win recklessly. This race was, at least for Button, a way to show that Mclaren could still win the race. His tire conserving is definitely the thing that separates him for sure. Mclaren probably thought Perez could do that too after managing his tires expertly in Monza.
3. Raikkonen and the Front of His Car
If you ever doubted whether or not he is as good as he was when he won his World Championship, here's proof. He was my second best driver of the Chinese Grand Prix in yesterday's article because of his car control after the impact and his beating other title contenders to the line at the finish. Not much else to say other than that he really and truly proved himself yesterday.
2. Vettel Losing Out to Hammy
Haha, Hammy... Anyways, ignoring my bad joke, it was a Canada 2011 moment for Vettel in China. He gained 11 seconds in less than 8 laps on Hammy (ok, I'll stop) and when it really mattered, he cracked under pressure. While it was in part due to Pic in the Caterham (I actually think he should have been minorly penalized for that), he really just messed up. By the way, if you don't remember back to Canada 2011 or weren't watching F1 back then, basically Button came from 21st to win the race because Vettel slipped when he drifted into the wet lane. Two bad races for Vettel and Red Bull in a row, even if he's currently winning the Championship, the fans (like me) seem to be beginning to like him less and less.
1. Alonso Winning the Race
What's the big deal? He has won before, and it hasn't been so important one might say, however this time it was especially important because it means Ferrari has their pace early. Last year when they only gained it late in the game, they just barely lost out on the Championship, but if they start well, he can win without a doubt. Last year at this point he had 37 points, this season, he has 43. More than enough to bridge the gap that he lost the Championship by last year.
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