F1: 5 Talking points from United States GP Qualifying

Hamilton can seal the world championship in Austin today
Hamilton can seal the world championship in Austin today

#4 Ferrari opt for split strategies

Raikkonen and Vettel
Raikkonen and Vettel

It isn't often that any team in Formula One likes to use completely different strategies for their two drivers and is generally indicative of a larger plan in the long run.

Ferrari never ceases to amaze us and the Italian giants were at it again when Q2 began, with Kimi Raikkonen starting out on the purple-walled ultra soft tyres while Sebastian Vettel took the super softs instead. There was a sudden burst of pace in both red cars, but the softer rubber on the Finn's car certainly helped him get ahead of the pack while Vettel also managed to get ahead of his Mercedes counterparts with an impressive time.

Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene would be pleased to see the vast improvement in the cars, especially considering the criticism the team has come under in recent times, and this drive was vindication in many ways. Let's hope they can emulate the good work tomorrow as well

Quick Links