Britain’s love affair with losers has helped Lewis’ UK popularity - but at what cost?

Last week, from the train to the pub to the water cooler (if they are even safe nowadays), the world was talking about Formula One. As somebody who had watched, talked about and introduced people to F1 since I was seven, the lead up to the weekend was many emotions. Mostly pride. 

Sadly, F1 has a habit of shooting itself in the foot. Last weekend, it chose a rocket launcher, forgetting meritocracy in pursuit of drama and creating controversy in the final laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - listen to more on that here. 

As the world watched on, the victim of Sunday's cock up was Sir Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion led 57 and a half of the 58 laps of the final race in which he needed to win to become champion. In the penultimate lap, decision-making by the Race Director (referee) gave Max Verstappen the advantage that he needed to overtake Hamilton and snatch the championship. Did Max deserve the championship? Yes. Should Lewis have been the champion? Unquestionably.

This week, F1 has been on the news and trending on social media, with a public outcry for an apparent injustice within the meritocratic realm of sport. From Piers Morgan to Samual L Jackson, the world was upset on Hamilton's behalf. The 'next goal wins' analogy has been thrown around and is a great way to describe what people who love F1 as much as I still don't understand. 

“What people love even more is seeing a champion fall, which is what happened on Sunday.”

People love a young champion who defies odds to represent their people on the world stage. Lewis Hamilton has been that and more for the past 15 years. What people love even more is seeing a champion fall, which is what happened on Sunday.

This wasn't a fall from grace or a question of being outclassed by a young buck. Lewis Hamilton has what it took to take on Max Verstappen in what is widely agreed to have been a minimally inferior car. Moreover, a broken Hamilton congratulated the Verstappen camp, losing with the dignity many would have not blamed him for putting to one side. Lewis' sportsmanship in the face of adversity was almost as awe-inspiring as the audacity required by the Race Director to break his own rules. 

“However, that pessimism might well have been the reason that the British public has never really taken to arguably their greatest sporting champion.” 

One of the first blog posts I wrote talked about how Britain's negativity niggled with its success in a sporting arena. By no means did the UK's pessimistic mentality impact the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, that pessimism might well have been the reason that the British public has never really taken to arguably their greatest sporting champion. 

Something changed on Sunday. The outcry in this country for the injustice (yes, I know there are more significant problems in the world) was massive. On top of this, you never heard anyone criticising Hamilton - something that has become the norm. But how could you? The guy has done everything, from driving to sportsmanship, perfectly. For once, there wasn't really a way that the media could spin it in a way that would make Lewis look bad. Like the England team in the Euros this summer, he had looked destined to win until it fell apart cruelly in the closing minutes. 

“But what impact has this daylight robbery had on the British superstar, who we forget is still a human?”

While he lost the championship, Lewis Hamilton seems to have finally won some British hearts. But what impact has this daylight robbery had on the British superstar, who we forget is still a human?

Lewis hasn't been on social media all week, he chose not to go to the FIA prize-giving gala and, other than the interview that he did immediately after the race before going to the podium, he has not done any interviews. He returned to his team's headquarters to celebrate Mercedes' team championship victory on Friday. Oh, and he got knighted at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. So it's been quite a week. 

He has no obligation to talk about the pain he may feel as he processes last weekend in his own time. However, it means that we can only glean information about his state of mind from what those close to him have said. His boss, Toto Wolff, is an excellent example of this. And probably the only one too. 

In a media session following Mercedes' decision not to take the Sunday's events to court, Wolff explained that neither he nor Lewis would ever get over the pain and stress. While this may sound dramatic from the outside, it makes you think. Imagine you have dedicated your life to something. You have plenty of other things that you could be pursuing. Still, your passion for that something is so great that you reach the verge of becoming the undisputed greatest. At that moment, the world watches on, and through no fault of your own, somebody changes the rules to let someone else beat you. 

“Changes are required in F1 if it wants to keep Lewis Hamilton and the spotlight that he brings.”

I fear that F1's biggest asset and ambassador is disillusioned. You wouldn't blame Lewis for walking away. However, you wouldn't blame him for living up to the 'bad loser' image that so many Britons seem to have of him when he lost on Sunday. Changes are required in F1 if it wants to keep Lewis Hamilton and the spotlight that he brings.

2022…

So long as he is mentally healthy and enjoying himself, I hope, and I believe that Lewis Hamilton will return next year. Worryingly for his competition, he is going to be stronger too. As we saw in Brazil this year, when his back is against the wall, that is when he shines the brightest. You then have to factor in Max Verstappen, who will be his biggest challenge next season, now armed with the experience of fighting for a championship. Let's not forget that significant changes are coming in terms of the cars, hopefully bringing them closer. With such changes, you can't rule Ferrari or McLaren out. All four drivers for those teams are top operators, but, for me, Charles Leclerc is the real deal.  

So while the final chapter of 2021 may be filled with controversy, do not despair with Formula One. If we had stopped watching football after Maradona's 'hand of God' intervened, we would have missed magical moments that include Lionel Messi. Like life, sport is unfair, injustice and can stab you in the back no matter how much love you show it. But with troughs come incredible peaks - I am grateful not to have missed Hungary, USA and Brazil, this year.

I can't guarantee another winner takes all decider, like this season. However, all being well, we will see the best driver on the planet fighting it out - this time, with more than two going for the championship. You wouldn't want to miss that. 

2021 has been a season for the ages, and I already can't wait for 2022. See you then.

Listen to the AJontheLine F1 2021 Season Review - out soon.

Turkish GP Race Report: World Porridge Day

On World Porridge Day, it was only fitting that Valtteri Bottas took a commanding victory in a cold and slippery Turkish Grand Prix. After all, porridge and coffee are what he puts his pace down to. 

These were conditions made for a man from Finland, who brushed off pressure from the wet weather specialist who is Max Verstappen. He wasn’t, however, the fastest in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton would have been on pole position were it not for the decision to change a part of his engine to alleviate any reliability concerns. But that didn’t matter. Valtteri wasn’t on pole for the same reason in Italy, so it was his time to shine. And he did just that.

The top three of Bottas, Verstappen and Leclerc stayed in formation for most of the race, with each driver comfortable enough to hold off the next. The exciting part of the race was going on behind them in the form of Lewis Hamilton and below them in the form of the wet track. 

Starting 11th after his groin penalty, Hamilton slowly but surely slices through the field, remaining conservative to not have a crash while Verstappen, his main rival for the championship, was ahead. Hamilton’s Mercedes was the fastest on the track, but he couldn’t make use of it for two reasons. He lost time looking for a way past slower cars such as Tsunoda and, consequently, eroded his tyres at a much higher rate than those at the front. 

A pivotal moment came when Hamilton caught Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez. The Mexican driver gave it his all to keep Hamilton behind and succeeded with some incredible defensive driving. This was hard and fair racing, right on the edge, reminiscent of Hamilton’s battle with Jenson Button in 2010 and the highlight of the race. It was critical for the championship too because it gave Bottas and Verstappen the chance to pit for fresh tyres ahead and secure second position. 

Soon after, Perez pitted, freeing Hamilton into fourth position. Of the leaders, it was just Hamilton and Leclerc not to have stopped for new tyres. It looked as if they could hold on, as though Leclerc could win and Hamilton could take fourth. But as the laps went on, the tyre life dropped off, allowing Bottas to retake the lead and causing Leclerc to abort the mission for fresher tyres. 

Mercedes, at this point, had already called Hamilton into the pit lane to avoid a similar story. However, the Brit had disregarded the call, believing that staying out would be the bolder but ultimately better decision to take third. Conservatism, however, prevailed, and eventually, Hamilton listened to Mercedes’ call to bring him in. This lost Hamilton places to Perez and Leclerc and a release of frustration over the radio by Hamilton. He would finish fifth, losing 8 points to Verstappen and falling 6 points behind in the championship - sub-optimal but better than a DNF due to an engine failure.

Happier were Ferrari and, in particular, Carlos Sainz. They outscored and outperformed their title rivals McLaren, despite the Spaniard of Sainz starting the race from the back with an engine penalty of his own. The fight for third in the Constructors Championship will be close, and McLaren will be nervous. 

Weekend Awards

Biggest Winner - Valtteri Bottas

Biggest Loser - Pierre Gasly

Moment of the Weekend - Hamilton vs PereZ

Honourable Mention - Ferrari
AJontheLine Line of the Week - I TOLD YOU (Lewis Hamilton)

The Turkish Grand Prix was no thriller, despite the rain. However, it was a tense and critical twist in the title fight, with many talking points. For analysis and an explanation on my choices for these awards, listen to our latest AJontheLine podcast, which will be out in the coming days.

3 Things to look out for as the 2021 F1 season resumes

F1 in 2021 has been scintillating so far. This year is one for the ages, with past legends returning to glory, new stars rising, and one of the fiercest battles for the championship ever. And we are only half of the way through. Here are the three things that you need to watch out for, from the end of the summer break in Belgium to the curtain falling with a chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. 

The Driver Market

‘Silly Season’ has begun - it’s time for those without contracts to sort out what they are doing next year. In this game of musical chairs, the music tends to stop once the most competitive seat is taken. Toto Wolff, therefore, has control of the pause button - when he decides between Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, the puzzle will fall into place. Who will he pick? Most think Russell and I tend to agree. 

If that’s the case, Bottas will be in high demand. There only seems to be spaces at Williams and Alfa Romeo, two of the least competitive teams this year. Will the Finn take a risk on the regulation changes next year, shaking up the grid, or will he call it a day in F1 and go rallying? Perhaps the answer to that question will impact the future of another Finn, Kimi Raikkonen. Or perhaps not. I sense that this, sadly, will be his last season in F1. New talent will join F1 next year, and there is plenty to choose from. I can see Nick De Vries going to Williams and Callum Ilott joining Alfa Romeo if there is room at an inn. 

When will Toto make the call? Will he leave it late to avoid a demotivated Bottas, or will he announce it early to give his driver time to find a new employer? I suspect Russell’s contract has been signed already, but it won’t be announced until Bottas’ future is sorted.

The Ferrari Resurgence

From what I hear, Ferrari has an engine upgrade on the way, just in time for Belgium and, crucially for them, Italy. The Prancing Horse’s engine being pegged back was why Ferrari lost so much ground to their rivals in 2020, so any improvements for Ferrari may allow them to catch McLarens and even the Mercedes and Red Bulls. 

Ferrari has shown decent pace in the first half of the season, but a tendency to go through their tyres too quickly has held them back. Despite these issues, Ferrari could have won in Monaco and Silverstone. F1 needs Ferrari at the sharp end of the grid. If the Scuderia can get their act together, they could add an Italian ingredient to the already exquisite concoction in the battle for Grand Prix victories.

The Title Battle

The bout between the legend of Lewis Hamilton and the pretender that is Max Verstappen has been compelling throughout the season so far, and it doesn't look set to end. We should expect more fireworks between the two drivers and controversy between the two teams. I have already predicted that there will be a coming together at the next race in Spa - you can read or hear more of that in the Hungarian GP report and podcast. 

The drivers' championship is on a knife-edge, making it very difficult to call. If I had to choose one, Hamilton just pips Verstappen - he's rich in championship battle experience, meaning that he will play a better percentage game in however many races remain. You've also got to factor in the looming engine penalties that Red Bull and Verstappen seem destined for. That being said, Mercedes could hit similar trouble as the season goes on. I wonder, too, whether a resurgent Ferrari will take points off the rivals, making the supporting cast just as essential to the conclusion as the protagonists.

Whoever comes out on top in this battle of the ages will deserve the title. We have the pleasure of watching how it unfolds, so enjoy it and come back for more news and views from the other analysts and me as Hamilton vs Verstappen resumes.

Styrian GP Report: Like an old friend

After the double-header in Austria that kicked off the 2020 season, the Red Bull Ring feels like an old friend to which to return. And maybe the familiarity was a reason for the unspectacular race. There is still plenty to discuss, though, so here’s your race report.

It seems as clear as a window now that Red Bull has made a step forward with their straight-line speed, leaving Mercedes behind. Max Verstappen was supreme all weekend, dominating in practice, storming to pole position in qualifying and walking away with it on race day.

Mercedes had a weekend similar to their race in France or an experience you may have in a museum - they weren’t far from Red Bull, but they couldn’t get close enough to touch them. This upturn in Red Bull pace is putting the world champions under pressure, leading to silly things like Valtteri Bottas spinning in the pit lane during practice. The spin gave the Finn a three-place grid penalty, which dropped him to fifth after he had initially qualified ahead of his teammate Hamilton. 

That meant that Verstappen and Hamilton started in front and drove off into the distance as they usually do. Lando Norris’ brilliant qualifying meant that he was in third position and a roadblock for Perez and Bottas. Perez did get through on the first lap, but Norris swept back around the outside with a bold move. Eventually, the number two drivers did get past before Bottas capitalised on a slow Red Bull pit stop to take third position. However, it was too late for them to catch Verstappen and Hamilton, who were already almost half a minute up the road.

Further back, Charles Leclerc was clumsy and drove into Pierre Gasly’s rear wheel as they jostled for position. This caused arguably the biggest drama of the race as a helpless Gasly tried in vain to avoid his competitors before retiring from the race. Leclerc needed to pit and then spent the rest of the race fighting his way back through the field with some great moves to finish seventh, just behind his teammate, Carlos Sainz.

George Russell was the drover keeping most fans on the edge of their seats as he looked on for his first points finish for Williams with genuinely good pace all weekend. Heart-breakingly, though, engine troubles hit, causing him to lose what would have been at least a ninth-place finish. Sadly, it was another would’ve, could’ve, should’ve situation for the young Brit.

There was no question who the winner was. Max Verstappen extended his lead by a further six points after a brilliant win over Lewis Hamilton, who minimised the pain by taking the fastest lap of the race.

Round 1 of 2 in Austria goes to Red Bull. Fitting, given that they own the circuit.

Biggest Winner: Ferrari 

After a dreadful French Grand Prix, Ferrari outscored their main rivals, McLaren, with a solid P6 and P7 finish. Carlos Sainz was close to catching Lando Norris. You can only wonder what Charles Leclerc could have managed had he not had his scruffy lap one incident. Ferrari needs to ensure that they maximise their performance next weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix because this is encouraging. It’s just a question of whether they can coax the softer tyres home.

Biggest Loser: Pierre Gasly 

Pierre and Alpha Tauri as a whole were on fire this weekend and were it not for his lap one retirement, which wasn’t his fault, I believe Pierre would have been in the fight with Norris and Sainz for fifth position. I predict a strong showing next weekend from Pierre, and I’m looking forward to it.

Moment of the Weekend: George Russell’s brilliance

Another shining light this weekend was George. In another weekend where rumours of him replacing Bottas at Mercedes swirled, George did his reputation no harm by qualifying 11th, narrowly missing out on the top ten shoot out. A penalty for Tsunoda meant that George then started 10th with a free choice of starting tyres. All things pointed to the Brit scoring his first points for Williams with a super start, running comfortably in the top 10. However, engine issues hit, forcing him to retire from the race. Gutting.

Honourable Mention: Hamilton’s save in the race at turn 4 

It was a moment that you may have missed, but Lewis was giving it everything to catch Max in his slower Mercedes, and it was showing. Exiting turn four, the champion ran slightly wide and nearly lost the rear of the car. But like Odell Beckham Jr, Hamilton had a great catch in his locker, and he delivered it.

AJontheLine Line of the week: Valtteri Bottas after his pit lane spin

“How’s the tyre warm-up”

It was a dry piece of Finnish humour that caught my attention. After spinning in the pit lane, most of us would have been rattled but not Valtteri. He inquired about the warm-up of his incident with his tongue firmly in his cheek - the answer: sub-optimal.

So Styria goes to Max but will the potential wet weather spice things up in the same neck of the woods this weekend? Let’s find out together.

Spanish GP Race Report: In the Zone

Last week, Max Verstappen sauntered into the distance, coaxing his Red Bull’s tyres home. In contrast, Mercedes melted, having an appalling weekend by their standards with second and third position. 

As we came to a Barcelona circuit boasting a track temperature that neared 50 degrees Celsius, you’d have imagined Mercedes to go through their tyres like Scooby-Doo would his snacks. Alas no. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton proved, once again, proved their worth, finding a solution for their problems to come back and dominate just one week later. Typical for the six-time world champions, nevertheless, mightily impressive.

“On Sunday, Hamilton was ‘in the zone’ to the extent that he didn’t realise he’d finished the race.”

We are in an era of Formula One in which Lewis Hamilton sets the bar for the others to try and jump. Every so often, they will overcome the challenge that he sets, but invariably, Hamilton will demonstrate what the sport is all about, seeking perfection and yielding excellence. He is like Usain Bolt, Floyd Mayweather or Michael Jordan - a target is forever on his back, the chasing pack grow tired of trailing behind, but you’ve got to appreciate it while they are there.

On Sunday, Hamilton was ‘in the zone’ to the extent that he didn’t realise he’d finished the race. Such a metronomic performance saw him lap all of the field but the two drivers that joined him on the podium. Max Verstappen took second place twenty-four seconds after Lewis took the flag. The second Mercedes car, piloted by Bottas came home in third position, with the consolation of the fastest lap. Being short of the fastest lap and a tardy four-second pit stop were the only blots on one of Lewis Hamilton’s best drives. 

Tyre selection and management separated Hamilton from his rivals. It seems inconceivable, but Lewis managed to check out at the front, driving faster, using less fuel and looking after his tyres. When asked how he does it, he wasn’t forthcoming. I don’t blame him. You would too if you had discovered that secret. 

Each weekend Lewis seems to set a new record - this time, he secured the most podiums in F1 history. As much as we get used to him taking the flag, I can’t be the only one who still struggles to handle the split second as he tosses the trophy in the air. It’s a good job that he has better coordination than me.

“(Max) isn’t the type to waste time with an RSVP.”

Last week, Max Verstappen proved why he is comparable to Hamilton, Schumacher and Senna, outperforming his car to take the win as he did. The Spanish Grand Prix supported the argument that he is a more significant threat to Hamilton’s title hopes than Bottas. Were it not for an engine failure in race one, Max would be just a handful of points behind Hamilton. Extraordinary.

Verstappen showed that he is thinking of the bigger picture over the radio. Calling for his team to forget about Hamilton and focus on their own race, it was clear that he had given up on catching Hamilton on that day in history, but still wanted to beat the other Mercedes. As a consistent figure on the podium, he could well be a championship threat. Were Hamilton to run into trouble, or worse, Coronavirus, Max would be back in the hunt and isn’t the type to waste time with an RSVP. The Dutchman will be pleased with second and will continue to push as hard as ever, despite his machinery being below par. 

In comparison, Valtteri Bottas seemed broken. A poor start forced him to fight back to third position. It could have been worse, but he admits that he sees the title chances slipping as Hamilton gathers momentum. If Bottas had been seven hundredths faster in qualifying, he might have started on pole. However, his reactive approach to strategy in comparison to his teammate might have once again seen Lewis beat him anyway. Bottas, once again, will enjoy the fortnight break between races. He refers to it as a reset. Let’s hope so for his sake.

“If you sit around dithering, as Ferrari did, results to be proud of are not going fly in your direction.”

I am pleased to report that the driver of the day was a Ferrari driver. Remarkably, it wasn’t Charles Leclerc. It was Sebastian Vettel. In previous seasons, P7 would have been underwhelming. This season though - P7 warrents almost a celebration. If there were any celebrations, Ferrari have no right to attend the party. Teams pay strategists handsomely to run the numbers, determining the optimum approach for the driver. Weirdly, Ferrari don’t appear to opt for a strategy, and if they do, they don’t tell the driver. The result - the drivers are left in the dark, hoping that they have second-guessed the team correctly. Somehow, Vettel managed his strategy, telling his engineers what calculations they needed to do, before bringing his car home. He is paid well, but for driving the car. Seb hasn’t always helped himself recently, but he showed why he is still one of the best out there on Sunday.

Ferrari don’t have a good car. That is clear. During the race, one driver broke down and then, having got the engine going again, drove back to the pits with no fastened seatbelt. Meanwhile, the other driver, who has already been lied to and asked to leave, drove around trying to work out what exactly they wanted him to do. If you sit around dithering, as Ferrari did, results to be proud of are not going fly in your direction. Communication is critical in any sport, not least, Formula One. Lackadaisical is the word that comes to mind.

“If this move does ever happen, remind me that I called it first.”

In recent weeks, I have reluctantly failed to mention Pierre Gasly. He has quietly been doing the business and deserves a mention. The Alpha Tauri driver, who got dumped by Red Bull in the middle of last season, has re-found his form, and it is fantastic to see. He has been qualifying and racing well throughout this year, with some great laps and stunning overtakes. In Spain, he managed to out-qualify both Ferraris and finish in ninth place. The Frenchman confirms that he is in Formula One on merit, and that perhaps Red Bull wasn’t the best team environment for him. I wonder whether one day, he will leave the Red Bull family to race for a team like Renault. If this move does ever happen, remind me that I called it first.

Another diver who deserves a shout out is Carlos Sainz Junior. Sixth place at his home Grand Prix will make him smile. Especially given that his very quick teammate, Lando Norris, finished tenth. Carlos has had a difficult start to the season, not getting the rub of the green. I expect him to continue with these sorts of finishes - he is world champion potential and one of only two teammates that have challenged Max Verstappen. Hopefully, Ferrari will treat him better than the man he is replacing.

All in all, Spain didn’t set the world on fire - it rarely does. Nonetheless, it provided us with plenty to consider as we head to one of F1’s greatest circuits, Spa-Francorchamps. See you there.

70th Aniversary GP Race Report

Formula One celebrated its 70th birthday this year with another race at Silverstone, Formula One's birthplace. Over the years, we have met incredible characters, united by their love of speed, cars and winning. The first Grand Prix was won by Giuseppe Farina, in his mighty Alfa Romeo, and he would go on to win the Championship. The latest victory, seventy years on, was taken by a driver many feel will go on to define his generation. 

“While Mercedes sweated, Red Bull's Max Verstappen resembled the contents of a box of Magnums”

The opening rounds of the season have seen only one team standing on top, and many to predict that this would be the way all season. Mercedes have been, and continue to be, supreme. However, this is sport - everything can happen, and it usually does.

Last week, we looked ahead to the softer compounds of tyres and high temperatures coming this weekend, predicting the unpredictable. Tyres are undoubtedly essential - they are the only components of the car that should be in contact with the track. Consequently, you can have the best engine and chassis in the world, but if you can't control your tyres, achieving success is an uphill struggle. 

This lesson is one that many, including Mercedes, have learned the hard way over the years. In the past, the champions have struggled at certain circuits to generate enough heat in the tyres, leaving performance off the table. This weekend's weirdly warm weather in the UK meant that the problem had turned on its head - the high temperatures melted away the rear tyre of the Mercedes.

While Mercedes sweated, Red Bull's Max Verstappen resembled the contents of a box of Magnums - he even had the mental capacity to remind his engineer to drink. The Dutchman beat Lewis Hamilton by eleven seconds in a Red Bull that was plainly faster on this day in history. The fact that he managed to do so while cracking jokes on the radio shows the performance that he has left in him. At only 22 years of ages, he has at least one and a half decades left in this sport. Hamilton is beating records currently yet you wouldn't put it past Verstappen to match or outdo the Briton as his career goes on. Max Verstappen's stock continues to rise. 

“Last week, he asked for other teams to challenge him, and this week, he got what he asked for.”

Also rising was Max's position in the Championship. With Valtteri slumping from pole position to third across the finish line, Verstappen gained ten points on the Fin, overtaking him to take second place in the standings. Hamilton still has a thirty-point advantage, but this time, it is over Verstappen, who despite winning this Grand Prix, doesn't have the machinery to take Lewis on throughout the year. It is unsurprising that despite his team's woes, Lewis Hamilton was in a chipper mood following the race. He genuinely seemed satisfied with his hard-fought second-place finish. Last week, he asked for other teams to challenge him, and this week, he got what he asked for. Hamilton is certainly the king, but, without doubt, Max is the challenger. 

While we cannot see behind the face masks, there are no prizes for guessing whether Valtteri Bottas had a smile or a frown. Like his teammate, he struggled with the tyres. As the leading Mercedes, he looked to keep tabs with Max Verstappen and pitted earlier while Lewis Hamilton stayed out. Meanwhile, Hamilton stayed out and came into the pit lane to change his tyres later on. This alternative approach gave Hamilton the softer tyres and fresher rubber to chase and overtake his teammate. 

It seems that when the Mercedes drivers opt for different strategies, Lewis will often find a way to come out on top. Valtteri knows this and, despite signing a contract extension thanks to his calm, diplomatic nature, the Fin was quick to criticise his team's strategic decision-making. Quite frankly, Valtteri cannot afford these sorts of races if he wants to beat Lewis to the title. You will rarely start a Grand Prix ahead of Hamilton - he will rue the unconverted pole position which he earned by just six hundredths of a second. 

“…the divorce with their once-loved German man is already proving messy.”

It is interesting how a team's reaction to their results demonstrate the competitiveness of their car. A bad day for Mercedes sees them take the bottom two steps on the podium. For Ferrari though, fourth place feels like a win. Once again, Charles Leclerc maximised the potential of his relatively tardy red car. It is a similar story to last week for the Italian team's new golden boy. They do say that class is permanent, and Charles has bags of it.

The same people suggest that form is temporary. Sebastian Vettel will hope that such people are correct. The German had another dismal weekend. Qualifying twelfth, despite being almost half a second off his teammate, he told his team that he got the best out of the car. His race began with a spin on his own - ultimately finishing it prematurely. Vettel would then go on to publicly criticise Ferrari for their odd decision to pit him early. A second race ending with silence on the radio from Seb says a lot. 

Do I think that Ferrari are making it hard for him? I do. The Scuderia unceremoniously dumped Vettel, and have an environment on the line between high pressure and toxic. The intra-team politics are taking their toll on Sebastian’s confidence more than anything. Ferrari have moved on to their new man, Charles, and the divorce with their once-loved German man is already proving messy. You have to wonder whether they will last the season together. Sad, but unfortunately for Seb, that's Ferrari.

“For me, it seems as though Racing Point have been intelligent, maximising their competitiveness within the rules.”

The seat that many feel Sebastian is fleeing to was a lot more comfortable for the super sub, Nico Hulkenberg. Remarkably, Nico managed to out-qualify his Racing Point teammate to start from third place, just behind the two Mercedes. This performance showcases the German's brilliant ability behind the wheel - despite being new to the car and relatively unfit - putting him in the shop window for any suitors that can employ him. Lance Stroll won't have felt particularly good about Hulkenberg's success. The Canadian only started sixth. 

Saturday highlighted the lack of rationale in selecting Stroll and Vettel as Racing Point's drivers for next season. They are both excellent drivers, but I wouldn't pick them above Sergio Perez or Hulkenberg. Then again, I am not Lawrence Stroll, so we shall have to wait a little longer to learn in which drivers he will put his faith.

As a team, Racing Point made the headlines off the track as well as on it. They have been accused of cheating by using Mercedes' brake ducts from last season - something that is newly disallowed this season. Racing Point are confident that they have done no wrong. They have admitted that much of their car design is based on last year's Championship-winning Mercedes, and they have bought parts, where legal, from Mercedes. Despite this, Racing Point have been docked 15 points and fined by the FIA, who suggested that Racing Point were open, however, breached a technical regulation. 

Naturally, Racing Point appealed this ruling. They were joined in doing so by half of the teams, though not in support. The competitors feel that if Racing Point have an illegal component on their car, they should not be racing with it. For me, it seems as though Racing Point have been intelligent, maximising their competitiveness within the rules. Meanwhile, their competition feel hurt that they have spent plenty of money to create their own designs, all to be undercut by Racing Point copying last year's championship-winners. 

Arguably Racing Point have gone against the spirit of the sport, but if they are allowed to copy as they have, I am sure that the other teams will follow suit. This is a debate that will continue into the coming months. When the decision does come, it will be critical for Formula One because it defines how teams will go racing in the future.

Back on the track, I think we should have another great race on. I have been to Barcelona in the autumn, and wearing a hoodie would have made you look mad. I can only imagine that Barcelona in August will be another level of heat. If the past fortnight in Silverstone has been anything to go by, hot races are as variable as rainy ones. Next week Formula One heads to the Circuit de Catalunya for a midsummer's duel. I wouldn't miss it if I were you.

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.