McLaren driver Jenson Button at 2011 Canadian Grand Prix
As we predicted, yesterday’s 2011 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix turned out to be a rain sodden affair, with the very wet conditions proving arduous to even the most seasoned of drivers. McLaren’s Jenson Button fought tooth and nail to hold on the Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel who led from pole for most of the race.
However, a slip up by the German youngster on the final lap, which saw him run off the dry racing line, allowed Button to move up into the lead just a few corners away from the checkered flag. It was an epic race that lasted a little over four hours as heavy downpour forced organizers to pull out the red flag. We also saw the safety car emerge no less than five times, as well as two accidents--one involving Button and his McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton and another with Button colliding with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
Interestingly, both of Button’s victims were forced to retire though FIA stewards later decided that no one would be penalized. Additionally, Button also dropped to last place in the race at one point for speeding behind the safety car.
Rounding out the three spots was Red Bull Racing's other driver Mark Webber.
With his second place finish, Sebastian Vettel now extends his lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 161 points, followed by Jenson Button who moves up to second position with 101 points and Mark Webber who remains in third with 94 points.
Not surprisingly, Red Bull Racing is the clear leader in the Constructors’ Championship, with 255 points, followed by McLaren on 186 points and Ferrari on 101 points.
Teams now get a short break before the 2011 Formula 1 European Grand Prix weekend kicks off in Valencia, Spain in two weeks’ time.
