Austrian GP Race Report: The Scene is Set

The wait is over. After seven months of waiting and wondering, Formula One is back. And, my goodness, it was worth the wait.

“There is no place for racism, and the drivers’ stance will hopefully ensure that there is more than racing being discussed by the world watching on. “

Whatever Formula One might mean to you, for all of those involved, this weekend was a proud moment. While others have been irresponsible, F1 showed international sports exactly how to put on a show in the very different world that we now live. 

The demonstration by the drivers against racism was a powerful moment. There is no place for racism, and the drivers’ stance will hopefully ensure that there is more than racing being discussed by the world watching on. 

North of 4,000 Coronavirus tests were taken on an essential-only paddock. Every test came back negative. After being tested, those present remained in ‘bubbles’ throughout the weekend, always wearing masks and social distancing where possible. The result - we’ve got some racing to enjoy.

And so we did. Was racing really that different? From the comfort of my living room, it was like a reunion with an old friend - plenty of stories to tell, one or two peripheral changes but still the same person that we like to hang out with at the weekend. This is why Formula One is so successful, its adaptability, resulting from the talented individuals involved, makes any wave rideable.

“How refreshing it was to see six teams with the chance of a podium.”

One of the prevailing descriptions of Formula One this weekend was ‘competitive’. In Qualifying, the two Mercedes drivers were separated by just 0.022 seconds, with Valtteri Bottas just snatching the pole position. The tight and exciting times continued further back with drivers between 3rd and 10th only being separated by half a second. 

High competition means even higher stakes. Any mistakes or deficiencies in machinery and you were in trouble as Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari found. He and his teammate lined up eleventh and seventh respectively - a fall from grace following their tremendous pace last year. Many feel that the decline is engine-related. A fair assessment, given that they haven’t started on the front of the grid since a technical directive, aimed at their power unit, came into force towards the end of last season. Power is an issue, but the overall package makes the car a challenge to drive. Following a disappointing race, Sebastian stated his surprise that he didn’t spin more than the one time that he did. That rather clumsy pirouette will have been particularly painful after his teammate, Charles Leclerc, showed his future-champion quality, wrestling his car home for second place. They say they have an update coming in Budapest - they better hope it’s a good one.

Luckily for the show, while Ferrari have stumbled others have got into their stride. Qualifying was close, and so was the race. How refreshing it was to see six teams with the chance of a podium. Racing Point’s 2019 Mercedes lookalike has provoked some moans from competitors but sit pretty with excellent pace. McLaren and Renault have both also made huge gains, with the Woking-based teams getting in among the Mercedes and Red Bulls in the starting order. Another good news story is seeing George Russell’s Williams starting higher than his standard P19. If a team need any points this season, it is Williams. Especially with the financial challenges that they face.

Unfortunately, points weren’t served for Williams as Russell joined eight other drivers on the sidelines with a DNF. Austria’s track sniffs out and punishes any signs of brittleness. Even the winning Mercedes team were relieved that their cars made it through the season’s first test. One of the teams to discover the tendency of the Red Bull Ring to bite was, rather embarrassingly, Red Bull. Max Verstappen bowed out early while the car of his teammate, Albon, left it late to give up the ghost. 

Before his late retirement, Alex Albon looked good for a podium at the very least. However, in overtaking Lewis Hamilton, on his fresh tyres, around the outside, the two came together. The result - Albon was relegated to the back of the pack and Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty which would ultimately drop him down to fourth position. For me, it was a racing incident, that clearly neither driver wanted. However, like many, I am someone that has never raced a Formula One car. Hence, I look to those that are experienced, to understand who is at fault in moments like these. It was generally acknowledged that Lewis could not have done much to avoid the collision. He was being passed on a downhill corner, using worn, harder tyres - a recipe for understeer as exhibited on Sunday. However, the pundits also pointed out that while the penalty is harsh, it is fair because of the result that it had on Alex’s position.

“Politics is never a million miles away from a Formula One circuit, and it is usually on the other side of the fence, in the paddock.”

In hindsight, the race was a continuation of this weekend’s battle between Mercedes and Red Bull on and off the track. Politics is never a million miles away from a Formula One circuit, and it is usually on the other side of the fence, in the paddock. And so it proved on return. Red Bull went to the stewards regarding Mercedes on multiple occasions during the weekend. The outcomes of all of these moments all result in positives.

The final decision, to hand Hamilton the penalty, allowed us to celebrate the maiden podium of Lando Norris. What a remarkable man Lando is becoming. He and McLaren have worked so hard and deserve these good moments - they will look forward to trying to do the same next weekend to maintain second position in the constructor’s championship. With an outgoing Carlos Sainz and an incoming Daniel Ricciardo, Lando needs to make McLaren his own before the experienced and talented Danny Ric turns up. If this weekend is anything to go by, Daniel will be happier to arrive than Carlos will be to leave. It’s only one race though so watch this space.

“I spoke about waves. To ride one, first, you need to catch one. That is precisely what Valtteri Bottas achieved while his championship rivals struggled.”

Earlier, I spoke about waves. To ride one, first, you need to catch one. That is precisely what Valtteri Bottas achieved while his championship rivals struggled. In a shortened season, performing consistently well in races will be crucial. The Fin started how he did last year. Remaining calm to hold off his seemingly omnipotent teammate, Bottas took a fine victory in an action-packed race. The perfect start, but now he needs to maintain this wave’s momentum. I see 2020 as the year that Bottas can challenge Lewis Hamilton for the crown. Valtteri is in a positive place and looks fully focused. Let us not forget the might of Red Bull, who will want to return with a vengeance at the same time and place. 

If forecasts are to be believed, you’d be a fool to miss the first rain-affected race of the season in a matter of days. The scene is set - F1 2020 looks will be high in pressure, not to mention lofty in drama.

My intention is that these race reports should not normally be this lengthy, however, as we waited more than half a year for one, I thought I’d treat you.