Much of the 2011 Formula One season has followed a pattern: Sebastian Vettel opens enough of a lead in the first two laps that no one can get close enough once DRS is activated to use the system to any advantage. Vettel conserves his tires, enjoys the clean air, and motors to a win by whatever ridiculous margin he and the Red Bull team decide is appropriate.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix started in exactly this fashion. Vettel made a great start and had a huge gap on the field entering the second turn. It looked like another Red Bull drive-off win—until the two-time champion went spinning off the course halfway through the corner.
Struck down by a flat tire, Vettel was sidelined before completing a lap. This left the race open for the rest of the field. McLaren showed itself to have the best combination of cars and drivers on the grid.
