OT: Racing 2012 (Spoiler Alert)

[pk500]

Great inaugural race in Austin. But why was Vettel on the radio whining about Hamilton's pass? If Lewis was too close it was because Seb was blocking. Heckuva talented driver, but I thought Seb had put that pouty petulance behind him.

Put Vettel in the Ferrari and Alonso in the Red Bull, and Captain Morgan already would have been crowned 2012 World Champion. I'm convinced of that.

[EZSnappin]

I agree 100% with PK. Even if Vettel wins, this will long be remembered as Alonso's season. One of the best seasons I've ever seen from a driver. Masterful week after week.

[Rodster]

Put Vettel in the Ferrari and Alonso in the Red Bull, and Captain Morgan already would have been crowned 2012 World Champion. I'm convinced of that.

No question, which is all the more impressive how the Capt has driven the wheels off of an inferior car. AND if it were not for those 2 accidents he got caught in he probably would still be leading the Championship. Hats off to him and even though he's a slug I admit I would like to see him win it this year. He clearly is the best driver on the grid. I can't say that about Seb or Lewis who btw I think he's awesome. Neither driver has really shown me he can take a sled and make it a Championship winning car.

[toonarmy]

The Austin track looked great on paper and delivered in reality. The trophy design was a bit underwhelming, though. Nice to have F1 back in the USA.

I agree about Alonso. I'm far from a fan of his, but he has been the best driver hands-down this season.

[pk500]

Hell, I'll take it a step further: Vettel isn't even the second-best driver this season. Raikkonen has been more impressive in a just a decent car at Lotus.

[Smurfy]

I think today's podium reflected the top three drivers of the year, though I wouldn't dare claim any order. I've turned into a Lewis fanboy and I really believe this season has confirmed how huge his level of driving talent is. I feel Hamilton has responded to his 2011 season much in the same way Alonso responded to his 2008 struggles at Renault.

To EZSnappin: I think Vettel's beef was with the HRT which held him up for a good part of the lap allowing Hamilton to get close enough for the pass.

In really tight situations Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Button and Raikkonen are all capable of going wheel-to-wheel without making a hash of it - My top 5 on race day in no particular order.

The track may be more exciting overall in Austin, but I still miss the look of the cars running down the pit straight and into turn one at Indy.

[F308GTB]

Great race in Brazil today. I thought Alonso was handed the championship on the first lap, but you have to give Vettel credit for a hell of a drive to keep it. Dumb luck for Hamilton and Hulkenberg, and Force India nearly had a storybook end to the year. All around an entertaining race.

[toonarmy]

It's hard to believe how close Alonso has come to more championships than he already has. Dude had an amazing season and was soooo close today to getting another driver's title. With Red Bull having such good machinery it's easy to take Vettel for granted. He was certainly deserving of another championship, and made a couple of really strong runs from deep in the field late in the year.

The race today was captivating, to put it mildly. So much drama, with so much at stake. Things always get interesting when strategy and guesswork come into play. The course at Brazil made all of that even better.

The field is very strong now looking into the future. You have the past champions like Button, Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso, and Kimi, who are obviously incredibly skilled, but there are also some very good up and comers on the grid. Heck, the season just ended today and I am already looking forward to next season.

[pk500]

A perfect metaphor of a race for an incredibly entertaining season. Alonso was driver of the year, with ease. Took a slow, yet reliable car almost to the World Championship. Vettel wouldn't have been within 20 points of the crown in that Ferrari.

Somebody buy Kimi GPS!

[GB_Simo]

It's only just struck me that the correct response to the previous post was, "Leave him alone. He knows what he's doing."

Since there's never a bad time to take in some Murray and James, here's a full race Bernie appears to have missed - that or they've just stopped caring quite so much. My money's on the former...anyway, France 1990 for your viewing pleasure. Beautiful cars, a couple of absolutely cracking drives and a dramatic ending for those inclined to watch all 10 parts: