Inside Line: Shanghai-Bahrain double header a true test of drivers

I don’t know what it is about the Shanghai-Bahrain double header but it brings out the true colours of drivers as life on the road takes its toll before the Championship moves to Europe.

Last year it was the venue where Sebastian Vettel had mentally resigned from Red Bull after he was forced to slot behind Daniel Ricciardo and his infamous ‘tough luck’ comment when asked to step aside for the faster Aussie.

In recent years Shanghai and Bahrain have proven to be a bit of a litmus test of character as venues where the unofficial pecking order within teams are established and where tempers tend to boil over.

All three drivers had a point to prove last weekend while Kimi Raikkonen, who perhaps should have been involved, let it slip over his head as he just got on with the job in typical, unassuming fashion.

Kimi needs to assert his authority in Bahrain because if Vettel grabs the upper hand again at Sakhir, the Scuderia will turn 100 per cent of its attentions to the quadruple world champ, if it hasn’t done so already.

Vettel’s confidence going into China was at an all-time high following his Malaysian win and was evident in his relaxed manner and broad smile. It’s a very different Sebastian to the one we saw there last year.

Meanwhile Hamilton’s quest to stick it to Nico one more time at a track which has been more than favourable to the double world champ was also clear for all to see.

Which left Nico in the vulnerable position three quarters into the race of being boxed around the ears, sandwiched in between two, super confident competitors.

You could almost hear it in his voice when he asked Lewis to hurry up as he felt the Ferrari closing in. Last season Rosberg had an almighty psychological battle which he eventually lost to Hamilton. This year, not only has that battle resumed, but it’s doubled in intensity as Vettel now has the scent and is hot on his heels.

With his post race manner, I couldn’t help but feel that Nico Rosberg is like a wounded animal that can either retreat to safety or turn and attack with a vicious bite.

One thing is certain, the two hunters have re-loaded and have him squarely in their sights while he’s still down.

This weekend in Bahrain could be the fatal, psychological blow that will allow Vettel to be the main challenger to Lewis this year for the title.

Inside Line by Damien Reid