AUSTRAILIAN GRAND PRIX - IT IS LEWIS HAMILTON AND TEAM MERCEDES ON POLE!

Brilliant drive from Lewis ~Hamilton to extract Pole position from what can prove to be a rather merciless and unforgiving the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit. 

As we have seen from how a part of the circuit, apparently a part which is inhabited by a god who demands either optimum performance from the drivers.  

Or the destruction of their cars, went about doing just that to the aptless Valtteri Bottas, in Q3. 

Having  been enticed into committing himself into driving through the 'zone of destruction or serenity', as if he was already at one with it, and then finding that he was not quite there, and eventually losing it. 

A greatly disappointed Bottas found that he was truly in the hands, at the mercy even, of the gods. 

Unfortunately for this brave driver, and for reasons known only to the gods themselves, the gods were not feeling benevolent. 

No; they were feeling exceedingly angry. An anger they expressed by taking a firm hold of Car 77, and, ignoring the protestations of a now doomed Valtteri, violently smashed his car, repeatedly, against the protective barrier of the circuit. 

With Bottas, like all of us who were watching the wrath of the gods, including the momentarily massively shaken Toto Wolff, being no more than helpless passengers.

Of course, there was some good fortune in all of this spectacle of the gods, in that, although probably undoubtedly shaken up, Valtteri Bottas was able to walk away from his mangled car; apparently uninjured. 

Except for his pride. With his car having its wheels separated from their anchors, like eyes popped out of an injured animal and being attached to it by only their sinews, bearing testimony to Formula 1's commitment to keeping its drivers safe. Even in spectacular crashes like this one.

But, so much for Valtteri Bottas, as we console ourselves in knowing that he was not hurt. 

Just as how the gods will mete out misfortune to one person, apparently randomly, so they seem to mete out good fortune to others. 

Which is how we could perceive Lewis Hamilton, his Team Mercedes, and Car 44 being literally catapulted to Pole position on the first Grand Prix of the 2018 Formula 1 season. 

Lewis had to be even more fearless than his team mate, as this indubitable driver excelled himself in outperforming  other fearless drivers.  

A Big Congratulations to you, Lewis!

Such as Kimi, who ended up in P2, Vettel, who placed himself at P3, and the others, including Verstappen, Kimi and Alonso, who followed behind them. 

A big Congratulations to you, Ricciardo and Vettel!

All of whom have entered the Zone, felt and tasted it, but who could not emulate Lewis Hamilton, in merging with it and his car, his Team.  

So that they could be safely transported through time and space, to Pole position. As if they were driving on rails or following the 'golden threat' of the unseen force.

This could only be achieved by Hamilton, his Team and his car working in maximum synchronicity with the Melbourne Circuit and its environmental energy.

But, Pole position, while conferring an advantage in the race, is no more than that, an advantage which has to be maximised upon, in order to be of any use. 

An advantage which has to be converted into winning the race, if it is not to be scuppered. 

Thus the challenge for Lewis, Team Mercedes and Car 44 on Sunday. 

Providing they all perform as excellently as they have done during Qualifying, and do not annoy the gods, then, it is probably that Lewis Hamilton, Team Mercedes and Car 44 will stand a better than even chance of winning the first race of the season.

Let us hope for a safe and exciting race!