Lifeless Ordinary

We’ve all had times where events unfold around us that just explode at a rate that’s hard to take in in the moment. We can be up one moment and on the floor the next or vice versa but whichever it is is sure to set the old pulse rate racing.

Today saw the final race of the Formula 1 Grand Prix season. Two men were on the verge of the best moments of their lives but neither were in complete control of their destiny.

Lewis Hamilton of great Britain lead the championship and knew a top 5 finish guaranteed him the title. For Felipe Massa he had to win or come second and hope that Hamilton finished well down the field. It was tight enough that they could tie on points but if that was the case Massa would win on the greater number of race wins during the season.

Massa was racing in front of his home crowd in Brazil and stormed away from the field from pole position. Hamilton was fourth on the grid and despite changeable weather conditions it looked like Lewis would ease round to take the championship.

With about 10 laps left news came through that rain was on the way which really sent the pit crew scattering. A number of drivers came into the pits to change to intermediate tyres  which ultimately left Lewis in fifth - it was nail-biting time. It was still enough but now there was no margin for error.

Into the final two laps the unthinkable happened. Hamilton was passed by German Sebastien Vettel which effectively passed the title to Massa. He had to either reclaim fifth inside the final three minutes of the race or hope that one of the cars in front had a mechanical failure.

Massa crossed the line in first and as things stood Hamilton was in sixth - the Ferrari pit crew were already celebrating. However Timo Glock of the Toyota team was slowing drastically as one of the few drivers still on slick, dry weather, tyres so Hamilton managed to get the points needed to take the championship.

After the race Massa was understandably distraught. He had done his job and as far as he knew he’d claimed the title in his home country only seconds - and it was literally that - to have it taken away again. He was in tears and despite supporting Hamilton on the day I really felt for him.

Both men had experienced the sensation of joy and despair within moments of each other. Hamilton gave away the title in the final race of the 2007 season and for a moment it looked like history was repeating itself. The emotions in the cars must’ve been something to behold.

We can’t all be Formula 1 drivers but we all have those roller coaster moments of emotions. Our hopes and dreams are so important to us that no-one can really appreciate what they mean to us personally. It’s what makes life such a fascinating experience.

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