Russian GP Race Report: A Message to Bottas’ Critics

Since Russia began hosting Grand Prix again, in 2014, the tracks in Sochi hasn't exactly produced thrillers. Politically, it makes sense to race there. Still, other than Valtteri Bottas, not many look to Russia as the greatest place to race in the world. At least not the Sochi Autodrom. Sochi followed two Oscar-worthy dramas in Monza and Tuscany, and Netflix were filming Mercedes throughout the weekend for the 'Drive to Survive' documentary. Last season, Netflix were on the inside when Mercedes had one of their worst ever races, in Germany. This year, they got the win. despite this, the episode won’t exactly show Mercedes at their best.

Biggest winner: Formula One

There is little, if any, on which the Formula One paddock usually agrees. However, Friday saw this rare moment as the F1 world reacted to the appointment of the new CEO of Formula One. Stefano Domenicali, former Team Principal of Ferrari, is a smiling, intelligent and professional character. I believe that in this role, he can effectively implement the positive changes that Liberty Media have planned for the future. Born in Imola, Stefano lives and breathes motorsport, and he has the experience and personality to succeed in the Piranha tank that is Formula One.

Is another former Ferrari man joining Ross Brawn and Jean Todt at the top of Formula One's leadership a bit dodgy? I don't believe so. These are all conscientious men who love F1. Interestingly, Toto Wolff stated that Ferrari would have vetoed any appointment of him taking charge, which, once again proves the importance of political power to Ferrari.

Biggest loser: The fans

I would say that Lewis Hamilton is the biggest loser of the weekend - he started in pole position, received a penalty and finished in third. By his standards, that is a bad day at the office. 

Hamilton's weekend woes began in qualifying, where he had to abort his lap due to a red flag ahead of him. The moment forced him to use the softer, less favourable tyres to begin the race. This meant that, despite starting at the front of the pack, his strategy was sub-optimal. To make matters worse, he received a ten second time penalty for doing practice starts in an area where he shouldn't. Odd given that this is a procedural matter that had never been a problem in the past. Hamilton felt aggrieved - a natural reaction of a racing driver. But if he and the team were wrong, a sanction is warranted.

The real loser though wasn't Lewis. It was the onlooking fans, who wanted to watch Hamilton battle with Verstappen and Bottas on a weaker strategy. All year, Hamilton, as the better driver, has often taken victory unchallenged. Unfortunately, the penalty gave Lewis too much work to do in too little time. Had Mercedes and Hamilton not made a mistake and the FIA not been as harsh, we might have had a battle on our hands. A shame really.

Moment of the race: The Battle of the Brits

Perez's move on Daniel Ricciardo was good to watch in a reasonably bland race. However, my favourite battle came a few laps earlier. George Russell, Alex Albon and Lando Norris, the three rising British stars in F1, fought over sixteenth place. Russell initially got the better of his rivals in his inferior machinery. However, that wouldn't last, and last would be where he finished. Meanwhile, Albon managed to turn a difficult starting position and grid penalty into a single point, with Norris a few places back in fifteenth, capping off a disappointing weekend for McLaren.

A tough weekend for these three, but they are still part of the future of Formula One and British racing. While the others are in faster cars, I wonder whether Russell will be the first to win a race of the three. He is the real deal and ready for Mercedes to call him up when his services are required.

Honourable mention: A mature drive from the rookie

If I am praising George Russell, it is only fair to mention his teammate, Nicholas Latifi. Russell has continually outshone the Canadian rookie in qualifying all season, and the same has usually applied during the race. Nevertheless, maturity showed, negotiating a messy first few laps and keeping up a consistent pace, Latifi managed sixteenth. It wasn't the most incredible result, but he beat his teammate by half a minute and maximised the potential of a relatively uncompetitive car. A round of applause would be overkill, but an honourable mention seems adequate.

AJontheLine line of the weekend: "**** you".

I am one of the many people that have questioned Valtteri Bottas' ability to take the fight to Lewis Hamilton. This year is littered with examples of the Fin being given the chance to go to battle. Still, quite often he has written to the foreign office to seek advice instead. On Sunday, he had a lunge around the outside of Hamilton into turn one. It wasn't a successful move, but at least he was having a go. It turns out that he accidentally went for the overtake - he had braked too late, distracted by a large bee hitting his helmet. It says a lot that his most praiseworthy moment was an accident. 

Eventually, he would come out on top thanks to a calm yet underwhelming Saturday, a good start and a penalty for Hamilton. It was a good race, but by no means his best. Upon winning, he spoke on the radio, thanking his critics and saying 'for those of you whom it may concern f*** you". While this is a strong message from Bottas, who has struggled at times this season, I hope that this isn't just a one-hit-wonder performance. The real test is to continue to win again and again. That will challenge Hamilton, and I hope he does.

So that was Russia. Not the record-equaling win that Lewis Hamilton was after all. Although, I suspect that he will come back in a fortnight with fire in his belly, at the Nurburgring. A cold and unpredictable weekend awaits. Don't miss it.

Tuscan GP Race Report: Welcome to the old school.

This weekend saw the first, and probably the only, Tuscan Grand Prix. Last week's shenanigans in Monza was a difficult act to follow. However, the Mugello circuit produced yet another thrilling race, keeping us either on the edge of our seats or pacing the room. 

“Unfortunately, though, Ferrari’s Saturday night celebration ceremony in the centre of Florence was more impressive than their race performance, and season as a whole.“

The official race name was 'Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio della Toscana Ferrari 1000 2020'. This name highlights what the Grand Prix should have been all about - Ferrari and their thousandth Grand Prix. Unfortunately, though, Ferrari’s Saturday night celebration ceremony in the centre of Florence was more impressive than their race performance, and season as a whole. 

In fairness, Charles Leclerc carried out a brilliant job to qualify fifth on the grid, ten places ahead of his teammate. He was aided by the spinning Esteban Ocon ruining others' laps in the final round. However, he had still done well to get through to Q3. Come race day, Charles would start well, getting up to third, before dropping like a stone to finish eighth place. This wasn't a bad position for a Ferrari, but not exactly what the team wanted for their big day.

“Sergio is an intelligent and fast racer - any team, or indeed series, would be lucky to have him.”

Leclerc’s teammate, Sebastian Vettel, would finish in tenth position. Despite this lowly finish, you sense he will still leave Mugello in relatively good spirits. On Thursday, he announced his move to what will become Aston Martin for next season. Signing Vettel shows a strong statement of intent from Racing Point. As one of the most successful champions of all time, Seb knows how to win, and will have an invaluable insight to bring to the Silverstone based team.

With Vettel arriving, somebody had to make way. Sergio Perez was unceremoniously dumped. According to the Mexican, he knew that he would be most likely to leave if Vettel did arrive at the team. Having signed a three-year contract extension, Perez said that he was being told positive things and that he looked likely to stay. What he wasn't being told was that Vettel was in the process of ironing out personal terms with the team that Perez had kept alive just years earlier. It is a sad way for him to depart, but unfortunately, that is the cut-throat way of F1.

So where can Sergio go? There was talk of him going to Red Bull to replace Alex Albon. However, I don't think that would happen, especially following a solid race from Albon. The best option that I can see is replacing Romain Grosjean at Haas. In reality, Perez wants to stay in F1. Yet, if there is nowhere that will challenge him or give him pleasure, he will likely look elsewhere for challenges. I see him trying IndyCar or Formula E out. Sergio is an intelligent and fast racer - any team, or indeed series, would be lucky to have him. 

“The challenge was also mental, with gravel lining the edge of the track, punishing any lapse in concentration the old-fashioned way.”

As far as racing circuits go, Mugello is mega. Other than a kilometre long pit straight, the track is a ribbon of corners that come at you thick and fast. The turns were all high speed with camber, making it a pleasure to watch and a rollercoaster on which the drivers could enjoy and be challenged. The forces on the drivers and heat made it a physical challenge. The challenge was also mental, with gravel lining the edge of the track, punishing any lapse in concentration the old-fashioned way. 

For the first time in his career, Valtteri Bottas was fastest in all three practice sessions. He looked as though he was putting Lewis Hamilton under pressure. However, Lewis put in the work to pull ahead of Bottas just when it mattered, clinching pole once again by the smallest of margins. With the long pit straight though, Hamilton wasn't home and dry by any stretch of the imagination. A slipstream into the first corner could see any of his rivals getting past into turn 1.

When the lights went out, Valtteri Bottas didn't even need the slipstream. Hamilton had a poor start, with Max Verstappen also looking interested in taking Lewis' position. If it weren't for an engine issue, the Dutchman would have been through along with Charles Leclerc, who was following him closely. Instead, Hamilton was lucky to hold second position as Max dropped back into the frantic pack. Max's slow car was a factor in a first-lap collision, involving a handful of cars. That left Verstappen and, last week's hero, Pierre Gasly, stuck in the punishing gravel trap. 

“It was a silly accident, caused by drivers wanting to gain an advantage but not paying full attention.”

Naturally, the safety car was deployed while the retired cars were cleared out of the race. When this period was over, Bottas became in control of the pace of the following cars up until they reached the start/finish line on the pit straight. Due to the power of the slipstream, Bottas waited until the last moment to accelerate to racing speed, to avoid being overtaken - something that he is obliged to do. However, further back, chaos ensued as drivers sped up before braking and realising that the race wasn't underway. It was a silly accident, caused by drivers wanting to gain an advantage but not paying full attention. Nevertheless, the important thing is that everyone involved was okay. It also meant that there were four cars written off on the main straight, so for the second time in two weeks, the race was red-flagged.

Following the break, Hamilton had a chance to beat Bottas from the standing start, and he took it. With a sweep around the outside of the Fin at the first corner, the lead was his. Behind the Mercedes duo, Stroll made it look difficult to overtake the slow Leclerc, but eventually managed it, taking third position. 

In this stage of the race, Hamilton had a firm grip on proceedings. He managed his lead to a frustrated Valtteri Bottas, who admitted on the radio that he needed a safety car if he was going to win this race. A couple of laps later, Bottas got even better than what he had wished for - a red flag. Remarkable. The second break in the race came as a result of a rear tyre failure for Lance Stroll as he went through the high-speed and excellently-named Arrabbiata corner. Up to third came Daniel Ricciardo, who had driven well to get up into the podium positions. Now he needed to complete the job.

“Interestingly, Alex thanked Red Bull for sticking with him on the radio after the race. That goes to show the pressures of driving for Red Bull.”

Once Stroll's car had been clumsily cleared away, it was time to get going, once more. This was Bottas' chance to steal the victory from under the nose of his teammate and championship rival, Hamilton. Finally, luck had gone his way. All he needed to do, was repeat what Hamilton had done to him earlier in the race. Alas, Bottas failed to beat Hamilton into turn one. In fact, he was beaten by Daniel Ricciardo, who had a better getaway out of the box. Meanwhile, Alex Albon made up for a poor start, sticking it out around the outside of Sergio Perez for fourth. 

As much as it would have been great to see Danny Ric take his first podium for Renault, he didn't have the equipment for a top-three finish. The Renault just wasn't as good a car as the Mercedes and Red Bull. After being passed by Bottas and Albon, Ricciardo would take P4, another pleasing result for the Aussie who rarely fails to impress.

So behind Hamilton and Bottas came a Red Bull. But this time it was Alex Albon, who took his first F1 podium and Red Bull's first podium without Max Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo. Alex seems to have the backing of the Red Bull hierarchy anyway, but this result will help cement his position at the team for the future. It was a long time coming, but I am sure it'll be the first of many for the London-born Thai. Interestingly, Alex thanked Red Bull for sticking with him on the radio after the race. That goes to show the pressures of driving for Red Bull.

So that brings the triple header of classic racing circuits to a close, while Spa and Monza are legendary and incredible tracks, Mugello rolled back the years with a race of attrition that challenged the drivers in more ways than one. Hamilton took a while to emerge from his car. When he finally did, his exhausted nature demonstrated that he had earned his victory. Exactly what we want to see. 

With this his ninetieth win, Lewis Hamilton finds himself one win away from the mighty Michael Schumacher tally. He is marching towards the high watermarks, reaching levels that many thought would never be matched, never mind beaten. In two weeks, Lewis could be calling home from Russia with a record equalled. Tune in then, if you like watching history unfold.

Italian GP Race Report: You couldn't write this.

You couldn't write what just happened at the temple of speed, in Italy. Fortunately, and remarkably, what happened in Monza wasn't fiction. It was beautiful, enthralling and Formula One at its very best. 

The weekend began with the sad yet understandable news that the Williams family would relinquish the leadership of their Formula One team. A team founded upon a passion for racing, Williams have succeeded much with relatively little over the years. With Nigel Mansell, Alan Jones and even Juan Pablo Montoya, just to name a few,, Williams have summited the heights of F1 and will never be forgotten.

As a family-owned team, Frank Williams and his people represent not just the spirit of racers, but of underdogs who conquered the world more than a few times. As Frank and Claire step down as team principals, we thank them for what they have given the sport and hope that the Williams team adds more to the immense legacy that the family leaves behind.

“Given the Williams team's latest chapter coming to an end, it would be fitting if David beat Goliath when the chequered flag fell on Sunday.”

Given the Williams team's latest chapter coming to an end, it would be fitting if David beat Goliath when the chequered flag fell on Sunday. Step forward, Pierre Gasly. I spoke, last week, of Gasly's undulating journey since joining Formula One. This weekend was arguably the highest point that he has reached.

A stunning rookie year saw Pierre promoted from the B team, Toro Rosso, to Red Bull. However, a year of struggling to get to grips with the car alongside Dutch star, Max Verstappen, saw Gasly dropped back to the B Team. This low point coincided with the loss of his best friend, Anthoine Hubert - a double blow that would see most people out for the count. Not Pierre. He would fight back, securing his first podium in Brazil, last year. When 2020 got going again, Pierre has shown himself to be arguably one of the top three drivers of the season so far - I would put him on the same level as Hamilton and Verstappen. Then the Italian Grand Prix asked him whether he fancied taking his first ever Grand Prix victory. Did Pierre take the opportunity? You bet he did.

“…isn't it refreshing to see McLaren back at the sharp end of the field? “

A classic race as a classic track saw a podium of Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz Jr and Lance Stroll. Formula One doesn't always deliver races like these, but when it does, there is more than enough to go around. This sort of race is why we love F1. But how did it happen?

Following qualifying, we started with a top three of Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and, excitingly, Carlos Sainz. Mercedes and McLaren were clearly the quickest two cars this weekend - isn't it refreshing to see McLaren back at the sharp end of the field? 

When the lights went out, Hamilton led, with Sainz taking second at the first corner. The two of them would pull away from the rest of the field, while in contrast, Bottas fell down the order in a first lap to forget. From there, the problem Valtteri had was that the Mercedes set up was optimised for leading the race, not following other cars. As a result, the engine was overheating. Despite this, Bottas was more than conservative in fighting back, and ultimately didn’t, finishing fifth. 

Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly started tenth. In the middle of the pack, he was struggling to get going, and so headed to the pit lane early to change his tyres. Soon after, a safety car was called out as Marshall's recovered the broken Haas of Kevin Magnussen. Nine times out of ten, this would be a disaster for Gasly, however, not this time. The placement of Magnussen's car meant that the pit lane was closed, so drivers that wanted to save time and pit during the safety car period were not allowed. When the rest of the drivers finally could pit, the pack had bunched up, and Gasly would fly up the order to third.

The unusual scenario of the pit lane being closed caught out Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, who pitted. Antonio Giovinazzi would also make this mistake. The penalty for both drivers was a ten-second stop-go penalty, which would lose them track position and thirty seconds - a punishment that demonstrates the importance of attention to detail. Who's fault was it? I would argue that blame lies more with the team than Hamilton - they have more information at their disposal than him. Nonetheless, Hamilton is still part of that team and will learn from it just as much as Mercedes.

When the safety car peeled away, Charles Leclerc compounded a dire home race for Ferrari with a high-speed crash at Parabolica - thankfully, he escaped unharmed. A red flag was required to stop the race while the marshals repaired the barrier. The reg flag would be significant because rather than a rolling restart, the cars would form on the grid to begin the next half of the race. Hamilton led away before heading straight to the pit lane to serve his penalty. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll, who had gained places thanks to not pitting under the safety car, had a poor getaway from the grid and was overtaken by Pierre Gasly and, eventually, Carlos Sainz for what would become first and second position. Gasly then pulled out a slender lead over Sainz, one which slowly decreased towards the end of the race, creating a tense end to an already crazy race. 

“A good recovery, especially given that he only finished ten seconds behind Bottas, despite losing thirty in the pit lane.”

Twenty-three seconds behind the back of the field, Lewis Hamilton was driving pretty quickly, to say the least. With fastest lap followed by fastest lap, the Briton arrived at his first target, Alex Albon - yes a Red Bull in last, surprisingly soon. He would then suffer the same issues as Bottas, struggling to overtake people immediately. Nevertheless, Hamilton eventually fought back to seventh, with an extra point for the fastest lap of the race. A good recovery, especially given that he only finished ten seconds behind Bottas, despite losing thirty in the pit lane. This was a race that the Fin should have won, getting him back in the title fight on a rare off-day for Hamilton. However, once again he left performance on the table. Bottas adds stability to Mercedes, but he surely can't tread water forever as he sits in the most enviable seat in Formula One. 

“For me, Pierre has been up there with Hamilton and Verstappen as drivers of the year so far.”

Back in the positions where it matters, Carlos Sainz was breathing down Gasly's neck. His engineer, Tom Stallard, tried to calm the Spaniard down on the radio, but the Sainz family's winning mentality shone through in response - "I want this win, Tom". He drove brilliantly all weekend but would trail Gasly by four tenths of a second over the finish line. McLaren had a great weekend and are now up to third in the Constructor's Championship. 

Sainz came close, but Gasly and Alpha Tauri prevailed and very much deserved it. All season Pierre has been performing to a high level in some average machinery. For me, Pierre has been up there with Hamilton and Verstappen as drivers of the year so far. Now that Pierre has taken his first victory in Formula One, he has cemented this position as one of, if not, the best this year.

“As the first French winner since 1996, Pierre received a phone call from President Macron himself.”

I had predicted that Pierre Gasly would move to Renault. This move seems somewhat unlikely now. Firstly, the Renault team's name is to become Alpine next year. Secondly, Red Bull are in a challenging position regarding Pierre. Usually, they would swap him with Albon. However, they have tried Pierre in the top team already and want to give Albon more support than they did with Pierre.

Nevertheless, there is a real possibility of Gasly beating Albon in the championship this year. If that does happen, I would wonder what Gasly has to do to return to the A-Team. I can see Gasly at Mercedes in place of Bottas as a potentially successful yet unlikely move. 

So maybe it'll be Alpine that Gasly joins, and I'll be right after all (still Renault). As the first French winner since 1996, Pierre received a phone call from President Macron himself. Let's not rush to conclusions, but Renault is 43% state-owned, so maybe Macron feels similarly to me. Future predictions aside, moments like these cannot be understated. Pierre Gasly didn't just win for himself or his team, but his country and Formula One as a whole. 

As I said, you couldn't write this, but at the same time, you couldn't wish it for a more likeable guy. Gran Premio d'Italia 2020, grazie mille et Pierre Gasly, bravo légende! 

4 Reasons to Watch Formula E

Since its birth in 2014, Formula E has grown into a fully-fledged sport on the world stage. I spoke recently about the way in which Formula E has been successful in engaging the spectators in a new and more effective way. Some have dismissed the all-electric motorsport - not everyone will enjoy everything. However, a growing number of sports fans are embracing Formula E for multiple rationales. Here are four reasons that you should join these people and explore what Formula E has to offer.

It is easy to watch (in a lot of places):

The past decade or so has seen many sports heading from free-to-view to pay-TV. There is a lot of money to made in sport, not least in television money. Unfortunately, this transition has determined for many people what sports they can watch and how they can watch it. For Formula E fans, this is less of a problem as things stand. 

Some TV networks do charge their audience to view Formula E. However, e-Prix are streamed on social media sites, such as YouTube, making it is free to watch in most territories - especially if you have a VPN. Airing the sport on social media opens up the options for audiences to tune in, making it easier to watch a race on the go without the need to applications that you don’t already have and know. 

What is more, is that Formula E races are easier to attend. They are in a city, qualifying and the race occur on the same day, and the prices won’t exactly break the bank - an issue with attending races from other categories. Formula E have created not just a racing series, but an event in which the whole family can have fun, learn and enjoy racing affordably. 

Close racing:

In the final qualifying of the 2019/20 Formula E season, twenty-three of the twenty 24 drivers were separated by less than a second. During this season, eight Drivers from six teams won during the eleven rounds of the season. Such statistics epitomise the highly competitive nature of Formula E as a racing series.

Formula E saves costs by nature of all chassis and batteries being equal up and down the grid. As a result, there is no gulf in performance between teams due to contracting funds. Less predictable racing keeps us guessing, therefore, coming back for more. It also means that the actions of the driver have a greater weighting - mistakes are punished, as are moments of brilliance be rewarded. So the Drivers Championship means that little bit more - after all, they are the heroes that we come to see.

You can affect the race:

Formula E is just as much about those watching as those in the cockpit. Naturally then, spectators are involved in the race. With the innovative ‘fan boost’, those drivers most mentioned on social media gain extra power for a period during the race. 

In motorsport fans sometimes struggle to see the human below the helmet. Fan Boost encourages the drivers and the fans to engage with one another, making it a more accessible sport of which to be a part.

We, as the fans, feel a part of our driver’s journey, while social media will see an increase in Formula E activity during race weeks. Everyone wins - but if you get involved, your driver might just win more often.

Formula E is the future:

As an all-electric sport, Formula E uses the technology that we will all move towards in the coming years. The exciting thing about motorsport is that teams are always searching for performance, and with that comes innovation. The technology that comes to the track will eventually be on your road car if it is successful. So when you watch an e-Prix, you see into the future. Cool? I thought so too. 

So there are your four reasons to start watching Formula E. As a competitive, interactive and accessible racing series that looks into the future, you might as well watch it, or risk being overtaken. 

Last year, there was a big discussion between two of my flatmates - Formula E: is it worth watching? 

One of my flatmates, a fan of Formula One, Cricket and criticising VAR in Football, isn’t excited by Formula E. To him, it just seemed fake compared to Formula One. 

My other flatmate enjoys almost all sports. Formula E is no exception. He has taken to watching e-Prix with his brothers or friends.

These are two contrasting attitudes towards Formula E. You are always going to find those who are happy with how things are, but others are open to what is next. There are few certainties in life. One, though, is that change will always come. If that is the case, you might as well embrace it.

Belgian GP Race Report: Spa day for some, choppy waters for others.

When you are playing the word association game, 'Spa-Francorchamps 'is usually followed by 'speed' or 'classic' or 'balls (big)'. While the latter did feature, this week's Belgian Grand Prix was neither fast nor a classic. Given that this was a Formula One race, that's a bit of an issue. Despite the teams opting to coax their tyres home, to avoid a second pit stop, there were some great drives, overtakes and talking points. Here they are.

“Even Lewis' mistakes are playing into his hands.”

We shall begin with the bit with which we are getting well-practised. Lewis Hamilton took another victory. Not exactly a shock, nevertheless, well-deserved. 

In qualifying, Hamilton out-qualified Valtteri Bottas, his teammate, by half a second - a slap in the face in racing terms. Hamilton even surprised himself as he continually found time that others couldn't. The world champion seemed to make the difference throughout the weekend in the technical and twisty second sector. Bottas would qualify second, just a hundredth ahead of the ever-impressive Max Verstappen. In fourth was Daniel Ricciardo, who had the fastest first sector and a massive smile beneath his mask. 

In Belgium, starting from the front doesn't always translate to success. The long straights, at the beginning of the lap, that leads to the chicane of Les Combes provide a brilliant opportunity to grab a slipstream by driving behind the car ahead. Last year, for example, we had four cars side by side at the end of the Kemmel Straight, as the difference in drag brought others into play. With a front four of two Mercedes, a feisty Dutchman and a box-office Aussie, the race start was one to watch. 

When it came down to it, Hamilton made a mistake and got on the power too early exiting the first corner. This gave him a snap of oversteer that he lost a fraction of time correcting. As a result, Bottas got a much better exit. Heading up Eau Rouge, the drivers go in single file before fighting it out on the Kemmel Straight. Bottas caught Hamilton just as they were entering Eau Rouge, meaning that he needed to lift off the throttle momentarily, losing him momentum. Consequently, Hamilton scampered down the straight unthreatened, allowing him to check out and not look back. Even Lewis' mistakes are playing into his hands. 

Meanwhile, Ricciardo and Verstappen had a squabble over third as they made their way through the opening lap. Ricciardo licked the stamp and sent it down the inside of Les Combes. Verstappen would still hold on around the outside to the podium position in which he would eventually finish. 

From there, Hamilton and Mercedes controlled the race, keeping the gap just so. In the post-race press conference, Hamilton once again expressed his disappointment at having won unchallenged. He wants people to bring the fight to him, but with the current regulations, Mercedes are the team to beat, and they seem unbeatable. That is not their fault. However, it is a shame that Hamilton doesn't have more battles with Verstappen, Alonso, Vettel or anyone else that may be considered at his level. In short, he has Bottas in his back pocket. Mercedes are comfortable with that. Why would they not be, they got a 1-2 finish? Hopefully, the regulation changes in the coming years, designed to close up the field, will do what they say on the tin.

“Belgium was an excellent result for the team and encouraging for Alonso to see as he prepares to jump into Ricciardo's vacated seat next season.”

Behind the top three to whom we have become accustomed, Renault bagged plenty of points, putting a rather disappointing weekend in Spain behind them. As mentioned, Ricciardo did a super job in qualifying to get onto the second row. His teammate, Esteban Ocon, started behind him, in sixth. Following a tidy race, Renault came fourth and fifth. Arguably, it was close between Renault and Red Bull for the second quickest car this weekend. Renault were low on downforce, allowing their slippery car to fly along the long straights that Spa has to offer. With the fastest lap on the last lap, Riccardo needed just one more tour to catch and trouble Verstappen. Renault clearly take care of their tyres, keeping life in them until the very end. Belgium was an excellent result for the team and encouraging for Alonso to see as he prepares to jump into Ricciardo's vacated seat next season.

“The message read 'prove them wrong'. This weekend, he continued his run of doing just that.”

There was a trio of drivers who got the fastest three laps and were the contenders for the driver of the day. One of them won the race, one of them got the fastest lap, and Pierre Gasly was voted driver of the day. 

Last year, the Frenchman lost his best friend, Anthoine Hubert, in a Formula 2 accident at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. That week, Pierre had been swapped back to the Red Bull junior team, Toro Rosso, following a string of tough races. A couple of weeks ago, he returned to his home in France to find that he has been burgled. The last year has challenged us all, not least, Pierre Gasly. 

Allegedly, one of the first people to send Pierre a message after being dropped by Red Bull was from Hubert. The message read 'prove them wrong'. This weekend, he continued his run of doing just that. Starting, twelfth, Gasly was disappointed with qualifying. A blistering start would see Gasly rise through the field with some fine overtaking - most notably overtaking Sergio Perez around the outside on the entry to Eau Rouge, the very place his friend had died a year ago. I did say that there were some ballsy moments. 

An ill-timed safety car would see Gasly's strategy compromised, leading to him dropping to the bottom of the field. Further fine overtaking would see the Frenchman shoot back up the standings to take eighth position - not a bad effort given the circumstances. Without the safety car, I feel he could have finished in the top six at the rate that he was going. Either way, it was an impressive drive, and I stand by my prediction that he will head to Renault in the coming years.

“In hindsight, they couldn’t even win a championship with an illegal engine, which says a lot.”

While others enjoyed their Spa day, Ferrari find themselves in choppy waters. We shouldn't be surprised about Ferrari's result of P13 and P14 given their pace (or lack of it) this year. However, it is worse than we realised. Whatever they had been doing with their engine that they shouldn't have must have taken place for a while, because the step back in performance seems to be years rather than a year. The Ferrari drivers nearly came together, which would have been the final nail in the coffin. Instead, Kimi Räikkönen, in an Alfa Romeo - a Ferrari engine customer - beat both Ferraris. This result indicates that it is more than the engine that is contributing to Ferrari's woes. Something is simply not working at Ferrari. In hindsight, they couldn’t even win a championship with an illegal engine, which says a lot.

The following two races take place in Italy, the second of which is Ferrari's 1000th race. Ferrari will be glad that there are no fans - there might otherwise have been a revolt. 

If Bottas wants to win a world championship, he needs to start making Lewis uncomfortable, and quickly. The chances of that happening decrease by the race. What is more likely, and my prediction for Italy, is that Renault score their first podium since returning to the sport in 2016. As I said in last weeks article, Ricciardo on a podium is almost as good as Ricciardo on the track. Failing that, Ocon will spray champagne in Formula One for the first time. 

Tune in next week to find out. 

Formula E: What can it teach Formula One?

Formula One is the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport. With close to half a billion global viewers, F1 is not just a success - it is one of the biggest sports in the world. 

As F1 celebrates 70 years, it deserves the pat it gives itself on the back. But it doesn't mean that the FIA and Formula One are relaxing - they want to make the sport even more engaging. And so they should. One of my goals is to make Formula One a more engaging sport. When I look around at my circle of friends, I know that none of them are interested in the sport. Sure, they may pay attention if there is a good overtake or a big crash, but that's about it. 

In recent years, more of my generation have taken to Formula One, encouraged by the Netflix series, 'Drive To Survive'. It is a great show, showing behind the scenes of the Formula One world, which had often seemed distant and mysterious. This documentary has caught the attention of a new audience by reminding the onlooking world that there are humans underneath the helmet. That human touch is something that can take a sport a long way. 

There is still room for improvement. 

“Formula One needs to ask itself a question. Is this a sport that has the fastest cars, or is it a sport that is more focused on entertainment?”

As mentioned, Formula One is a place for the best of the best. However, it turns out that the very best of the best are much quicker than the rest of the field. Mercedes have dominated, winning all of the championships on offer since 2014 - even through different technical regulations. For Mercedes, it has been brilliant. Business is certainly booming as a result of the excellent publicity that you get for making reliable, high-performance hybrid engines. In contrast, for those trying to sell the sport, Mercedes' dominance has become a bit of a pain. Particularly so, now that there isn't the intra-team battle of the Silver Arrows that there once was.

Such hegemony has led to the FIA implementing rules in an attempt to bunch the field together, making racing more exciting. Of course, this is something that the majority wants to see. I include myself in this majority. However, I can't help but feel that the latest idea - to stop teams using different modes of engines from the Belgian Grand Prix - feels like the wrong direction. 

Sure, it may close the gap between the Mercedes and the chasing pack slightly in qualifying because they can't increase the performance of their engine. But in decreasing the teams' ability to maximise the performance and reliability of their power units, Formula One needs to ask itself a question. Is this a sport that has the fastest cars, or is it a sport that is more focused on entertainment?

For me, Formula One needs to be special. It needs to be hard to overtake. That way, the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, who make it look easy, get the plaudits that they deserve. There need to be a benchmark for the chasing pack to try and beat. That way, when Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton, we can applaud it, knowing that Max has done a fantastic job. These features are just part of the storyline. You can add to it, but changing the main story would feel fake. 

As I write, I plan to watch the Indy 500 this evening. This is a race in which many overtakes happen. This plentiful action will be incredibly welcome in America because there is action throughout. Hence, when an inevitable ad-break rocks up, fans can return to the action, knowing that they haven't missed much. 

High scores and plenty of action is present in other large American sports. An NBA or NFL match that ends in a 2-2 draw would be penned a 'bore-fest'. In comparison, a '2-2' football match in another part of the world might be described at a 'four-goal thriller'. Why? Firstly, there is a lot of money to be made in American sports. Secondly, it is because the sporting culture in Europe is to focus on a competition for the whole match, waiting for maybe one or two moments that make you cheer or cry. Formula One comes from European roots and as a result, is consumed similarly.

Consequently, the FIA and Liberty Media have arrived at a crossroads as to determining the DNA of F1. For the FIA, Formula One is their showcase event, so they can't have other categories going faster. Equally, they want Formula One to be sustainable and will ultimately need to yield to those in charge. For Liberty Media, F1 needs to get bums on seats, particularly those viewing from home. Therefore, it will naturally become more important to entertain than to go fast. How far F1 goes in this direction, only time will tell. 

“In Formula E, fans - particularly the younger generation - are simply part of the sport, so their involvement is imperative.”

In contrast, Formula E is far from the crossroads at which Formula One finds itself. The all-electric racing series completed its seventh season this month. When you look at the sport's growth over the years, it can be characterised as a resounding success. 

Formula E knows who they are and what they want to be. As a result, they continue to move forward. Costs are minimised by teams using sharing an identical chassis. Manufacturers maintain the incentive to compete with mechanical differences being legal for motors, gearboxes and suspension. Some of the world's biggest brands, including BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar, have got involved. Participation of such names indicates the sport's sustainability in more ways than one. 

In addition to this, the racing is excellent. With plenty of overtaking, despite taking place on street circuits, those watching have plenty to cheer about during the 45-minute races. The format of qualifying being on the same day as race day and rewarding points for pole position keeps the crowd in attendance happy, with a full day out planned. The impetus to push harder in qualifying for drivers also leads to more considerable excitement and more emphasis on the fastest driver over one lap as well as the full race distance. 

Two other significant parts of Formula E, adding to strategy, increasing overtaking and encouraging engagement, are 'Attack Mode' and 'Fan Boost'. 

All of the drivers can use Attack Mode by driving through sensors, off the racing line. This gives the driver an additional 35 kWh of power for a limited amount of time. As a result, different drivers will be faster at differing moments of the race. Going off of the racing line will initially slow drivers down, so using Attack Mode is to be done at their own risk.

Fan Boost gives those drivers most mentioned on social media the chance to gain more power. This feature gets the most out of drivers as they interact with fans at and away from the circuit. Advantage those drivers who are the fan favourite.

In Formula One, Fan Boost would likely be seen as a gimmick, taking away from the sport. Whereas, in Formula E, fans - particularly the younger generation - are simply part of the sport, so their involvement is imperative. With this in mind, Formula E has a clear product of which they can grow and sell to more cities around the world. 

“F1 without innovation would be a sad place.”

So what can Formula One learn from Formula E?

First of all, they shouldn't and won't copy Formula E in full. 

One Chassis Fits All:

Formula One's new rules in 2022 will increase the number of standardised parts. However, there will still be, and I believe there will always be, room left for innovation. F1 without innovation would be a sad place. Some of the greatest minds in this world have the opportunity to make cars faster each day. If they cannot do that in F1, they will find something else that does stimulate them. Having the same chassis decreases costs - an effect of the 2022 regulations. However, going too far the other way would be a negative thing for the sport.

“Qualifying is already an exciting affair, adding a greater reward for driving even faster, I think, would add to the championship.”

Points for Pole:

I like the idea of handing three points to the pole-sitter. Formula One drivers need to be fast over one lap as well as two hours, so rewarding out-and-out pace would make sense. Qualifying is already an exciting affair, adding a greater reward for driving even faster, I think, would add to the championship. I suppose the only thing stopping this from happening would be a championship being won on a Saturday rather than a Sunday. In that instance, Sunday's event may be compromised. With that being said, it may work the other way around and open up the championship for Sunday. So putting this idea in place would be a question of risk and reward for those in charge.

“I know that I have argued against reverse grids in the past, and I stand by it. Nevertheless, I do agree that adding something new to the weekend would be an asset to F1.”

Shorter weekends?:

As an F1 nerd, I digest as much content over the four days of a Formula One weekend as possible. I enjoy it, and I know I am not the only one. However, the question, 'do the clever engineers need all of this time to work out the best strategy?' is valid.

Formula E decreases the size of the weekend to a single Saturday, withholding certain information, regarding the likes of Attack Mode, until shortly before the race. I am not saying that the Formula One should have a one day weekend, like Formula E. But maybe F1 does have too many practice sessions. If some of that time was used for a sprint race in which a minimal amount of points are handed out, it might give Formula One a new dimension. I know that I have argued against reverse grids in the past, and I stand by it. Nevertheless, I do agree that adding something new to the weekend would be an asset to F1. 

Ultimately, for F1 to make money, it needs to sell as many seats as possible. So decreasing the number of racing days might be difficult. The idea of Friday morning practice being strictly reserved for test drivers would be appealing as it gives the next generation more experience. The problem then would be that those paying to come to the track wouldn't see as much of the official F1 driver, who they turned up to watch.

There is talk of a two-day weekend in San Marino, later this year, so I would imagine what happens there may or may not galvanise a change in the weekend format.

“Can you imagine the excitement as Lewis Hamilton jumps into Valtteri Bottas' seat to make up for a mistake at the first corner?”

A REAL team championship:

How is this for an idea of weekend format? In Formula E's first-generation cars, part of the excitement was watching the drivers jump between the cars mid-race due to the battery only managing half distance. What if there was a Saturday morning race in which teams had to swap drivers halfway through the race? Can you imagine the excitement as Lewis Hamilton jumps into Valtteri Bottas' seat to make up for a mistake at the first corner? Thrilling. 

For sure, you'd have to figure out the practicality of changing seats. But having a short race like this would be a great way to see who is adaptable and would see teammates' relationships strengthen or weaken as time goes on. I would envisage the points for this race going only towards the Constructors Championship. This system would encourage teams to pick the best two drivers out there, rather than a number one and number two driver.

I really do want this to happen now.

“Let's not forget the importance of human engagement in sport.”

Podiums:

Formula One podiums are fantastic. Monza, Mexico and any podium with Daniel Ricciardo on it come to mind. Nonetheless, have you seen a Formula E podium? Because races are all in cities, there are no permanent podiums on which to hand out the trophies and spray the champagne. Instead of making a podium, up high, above the fans, why not have a podium on stage surrounded by fans? Formula E does this, and to see the drivers celebrating with the fans is something that epitomises Formula E's strongest feature. Fan engagement.

We've seen the incredible scenes as Lewis Hamilton crowd-surfs at Silverstone and even Monza. Crowd-surfing just got easier if the fans are right in front of you on the podium. I can imagine the drivers having a lot of fun with that. So maybe bring some podiums into the fan zone or onto the track. F1 would have to play it track-by-track, but I think it would be great to see some fans doing 'shoeys' - post-Coronavirus that is. 

Let's not forget the importance of human engagement in sport. The Netflix documentary and Formula E have proven this. A podium is a perfect place for the fans and drivers to interact - therefore, getting it right is critical.

Inevitably, there will be winners and losers and moaners and cheerers as the result of any change. Formula E will reach a similar crossroads in the future - all sports do. How Formula One navigates the next few years will determine its future characteristics. I believe that the technical and financial changes for 2022 are a good step for making sustainable and closer competition. But, why not look to Formula E's ability to engage and try it on for size in Formula One?

As a cutting edge sport, F1 needs to embrace change to become even better. Formula E is proving a match for the ‘best of the best’ - if F1 don’t move forward Formula E will move past, sure of itself as an exciting and  viable product for the future. 

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.

British GP Race Report: Home, Sweet Home - Just

What a weekend of sport that was. An FA Cup final on Saturday following by a British Grand Prix on Sunday. We were one Wimbledon final short of a British sporting masterpiece. It is seventy years since the first-ever Grand Prix, which took place in Silverstone. On that day, in 1950, King George VI was in attendance. Since then, British Grand Prix have felt like royal visits, providing a circuit for the brave, moments that will live on for generations and, most importantly, some of the greatest fans of Formula One on the planet. 

Of course, I am a biased Brit. 

This year's race at Silverstone taking place with no fans felt criminal. Hopefully, it'll be the only time that this race or any other is held behind closed doors because the fans really do make the British Grand Prix special. 

2020's race around the former World War II airfields of Silverstone did threaten to be a tame affair. However, this was a slow burner that would explode into life as the race neared the end, just going to show that it's never over until you see the chequered flag.

“With speculation of Perez being dropped increasing, this weekend was an intriguing test of the team without him.”

Racing Point, who's factory sits over the road from Silverstone, have deservedly been given the crown of the greatest pound for pound team in Formula One. This success has resulted mainly from their excellent operations and ability to pounce upon points whenever the superior teams tripped over or got injured. They have always done a tremendous job as the underdogs.

This year, Racing Point are not underdogs. The 'Pink Panthers' have the car to be the third-best team at the very least. However, their performance over the first four races of this season can be characterised as wasteful. 

The beginning of the week was less than ideal for Racing Point. Their lead driver, Sergio Perez, tested positive for Coronavirus. Naturally, Sergio couldn't take part in the race and his team needed to replace him - fast. Thursday afternoon, Nico Hulkenberg picked up the phone. He was the chosen replacement. Nico had left Formula One involuntarily at the end of last year. Talented, successful in lower categories and even a Le Mans 24 hour race winner, the German had never entirely done enough for a podium. This weekend, to his surprise, he would be driving a car with the capacity of doing just that.

With speculation of Perez being dropped increasing, this weekend was an intriguing test of the team without him. While the Mexican isolated, he will have watched on as Hulkenberg got to grips with a new car and lack of race fitness and Stroll didn't exactly set the world alight.  Sergio's experience, familiarity within the team and speed were dearly missed. This weekend shows precisely why.

It then went from bad to worse for the team. Nico Hulkenberg's engine would fail to turn on to head to the starting grid - the unfortunate kind of niggle that had characterised his Formula One career. At least the UK government's rules mean that he will have another, potentially final, race next weekend. Hopefully, he can be the super sub we all want him to be. On the other side of the garage, Lance Stroll at least finished, but only yielded two points, in ninth position. He couldn't make the tyres of the car work and struggled with pace. It'll be interesting to see if this poor form from the Perezless Racing Point continued into next race.

“If you are tired of hearing about racism, then imagine the tiredness of those who experience it.”

This weekend, Formula One finally got it right, addressing racism in the way they should have done already - clearly and unified. After the past two races have provoked criticism, a little bit of communication meant that our sport could use its platform to send out a message. As a white-dominated sport, there is sometimes a lack of understanding when it comes to racism since we don't see it in our sport. Why don't we see it? Because very few non-white people have ever worked in the sport, making it difficult to know when discrimination takes place. The stance before this weekend's race is a good start as far as education is concerned, but the conversation must continue. If you are tired of hearing about racism, then imagine the tiredness of those who experience it.

“I know I wasn't alone in needing a lie down after that conclusion to the race.”

After leading the organisation of the anti-racism message, Lewis Hamilton also holds the lead in the championship commandingly, following the race. Though the points don't show the full picture. In 2017, Lewis was interviewed on the top step of the podium by Owen Wilson, also known as Lightning McQueen. There was an element of déjà vu as Hamilton finished the race in a similar fashion to McQueen. For those unfamiliar with Cars, it is a Disney film in which the character, Lightning McQueen inexplicably failed to stop for tyres when he should have done, and blew a tyre in the final lap of the race. In McQueen's case, a photo finish revealed a tie, in Lewis' more real situation, he crawled across the line, just about beating Max Verstappen and the rest of the pack bearing down on him. He had made it home - just. I know I wasn't alone in needing a lie down after that conclusion to the race.

Hamilton wasn't the only one to have a tyre failure. In fact, he was lucky that the tyre only gave up half a lap from home. Bottas, his teammate, dropped out of the points from second and so too did Carlos Sainz from forth. Even so, while Formula One fans around the world were shaken to the core, Hamilton kept driving his limping car, at remarkable speeds, showing incredible skill to take his seventh win at home and eighty-seventh win of his career. 

“I don't see Max making a move any time soon. However, I sense that his patience will begin to degrade.”

Thrilling though it was, some asked questions of Red Bull's decision to pit Max Verstappen in the final laps in a bid to get the extra point for the fastest lap of the race. To those people, I remind you of the utter beauty that is hindsight. Red Bull didn't know that Hamilton would have an issue, they were happy to accept a surprise second-place finish and the tyres that they took off Max's car were heavily damaged too. Who is to say that Max wasn't going to also encounter a failure?

A comment that took me aback came from Max Verstappen. He said that he was 'happy to finish second'. I don't know him well, but I do know that it is unlike him. If Bottas' tyre hadn't given up, he'd have finished third. He is outperforming his Red Bull, as evidenced by his boredom in the race. His team will fear that Max will not only become bored with being beaten by Hamilton and Mercedes but also by his car not being quick enough to do anything about it. I don't see Max making a move any time soon. However, I sense that his patience will begin to degrade.

Verstappen's teammate, Alex Albon, did well to fight back to eighth after a torrid weekend. He was second quickest in Friday's practice, but also crashed heavily, which knocked his confidence. Further struggles would follow in qualifying. On Sunday, Alex was fighting back through the field and stuck his nose inside Kevin Magnussen after the Dane ran wide in the final corner. The result - Magnussen ended his race early in the barrier. Luckily for Alex, his car remained in good condition. Unluckily, he received a five-second penalty. I agree with the general consensus that he didn't deserve punishment. However, I understand and commend the decision that remains consistent with action taken on the two clashes that Alex has been on the receiving end of, with Lewis Hamilton.

“It would be good to see him get a podium before the end of 2020 - a Danial Ricciardo podium is always a treat.”

Joining Lewis and Max on the podium was a future champion driving what is now a midfield car. Charles Leclerc had a solid qualifying and race, outperforming his teammate and probably his car. Nevertheless, with two podiums this season, he is clearly showing his worth in a Ferrari, which won't be fighting for wins for the next couple of years according to their chairman, John Elkann. Once again, Charles was lucky to get this podium. Even so, you make your own luck, and he took the spoils when Bottas was removed from the picture. 

Leclerc was followed closely home by the ever-consistent Danial Ricciardo and Lando Norris. Both drove brilliantly, along with their teammates, Ocon and Sainz, as they battled hard. This was Danny's best finish for Renault and it would be good to see him get a podium before the end of 2020 - a Danial Ricciardo podium is always a treat. Once again, this demonstrates the brilliant position McLaren are in with their drivers next year, as they look to rise back to the top, where they belong. 

McLaren and Renault were held up by Romain Grosjean, who's Haas team once again did something a bit different with their strategy, leaving him out while others pitted. The Frenchman's defensive driving was 'sketchy' to quote Ricciardo, as he jerked late to block overtaking cars. It was borderline dangerous from the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association. To put it mildly, Verstappen wasn't particularly impressed with Grosjean's sight earlier in the weekend. It is these sorts of moments that add to his unfortunate reputation as a driver who has more incidents than most. 

The British Grand Prix was a slow burner, but boy did we enjoy the bang. Happily, there is another race coming up at Silverstone, and it's in just a week. With softer tyres and higher temperatures on the cards, I wouldn't go anywhere. After all, there's no place like home.

Hungarian GP Race Report: Annihilation in Budapest

In previous years, ‘silly season’ has tended to commence during the Hungarian Grand Prix at the very earliest. Hungary usually precedes the summer break, so transfer talk is natural as the puzzle pieces fall into place for the seasons to come. Unsurprisingly, this year it’s a bit different. Most teams have already filled their seats, or have at least rebuked the notion of new recruits. 

Ferrari are one of the said teams, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in their cars from 2021 onwards. This means that their current driver, Sebastian Vettel, who has a CV with levels of attraction similar to a supermodel, has no seat. This is old news. But the talk in the paddock that he could be on his way to Racing Point (next year Aston Martin) is becoming ever-louder. 

Racing Point proved again, this weekend, that they have an excellent car for the 2020 and 2021 regulations. Sergio Perez has signed a contract for 2021 and his teammate Lance Stroll has not. Therefore, to the untrained eye, a Vettel-Perez line-up looks likely. And what a line up that would be. I have spoken previously of Perez’s brilliance behind the wheel. However, Lance Stroll has a joker - his Dad owns the team. Stroll seems pretty confident that he has a seat, and I am not surprised. 

I would be saddened if Perez was forced out of Aston Martin or indeed Formula One. Stroll is not bad - and he proved it this weekend, qualifying third and finishing fourth. But Perez is supremely talented, experienced and has been with the team through highs and lows. They are his family.

That being said, Seb Vettel is too young to leave Formula One. You can’t help but feel that he was lured into the romance of Ferrari, and eventually, the pressure and politics led to mistakes arising. He is open about being inspired by Michael Schumacher and, like others, he didn’t achieve the results he dreamed off. A fresh start and project would do him good. He is not in Formula One to tread water either, which is great to see. I would be happy to see Sebastian win in an Aston Martin.

“Lewis appears as staggered as we are when he is made aware of another milestone.”

Vettel has also mentioned that one motivation of him winning at Ferrari was to take some championships off Lewis Hamilton’s tally, protecting Schumacher’s legacy as the greatest of all time. After this weekend, it seems as though nobody can stop Lewis Hamilton’s march through countless records. Lewis appears as staggered as we are when he is made aware of another milestone. This weekend saw his 90th pole position, a record-equalling eight wins at the same circuit and has now led move laps than the rest of the field combined around Hungary. Needless to say, Hamilton is in the championship lead with momentum on his side in his search for seven.

Some think Hamilton is driven by the numbers. However, his body language suggests that he is racing for the enjoyment and to win. Whatever his motivation, Lewis is at the top of his game. Then again, we all said that years ago, and he just keeps improving. 

“Racism should not leave the conversation until it leaves this world.”

Off the track, Lewis Hamilton continues to be just as much of a champion. Once again, he leads the human rights battle against racism. Racism should not leave the conversation until it leaves this world. Hamilton sets an example for how to use one’s platform effectively, and hopefully, F1 can be as good as other global sports in demonstrating the unity we have on this matter.

“These sorts of races from Valtteri Bottas can erode his confidence against Hamilton.”

Lewis’ team, Mercedes, pushed aside the competition. Only Racing Point, whose car resembles the 2019 Mercedes, were within a second of the Silver Arrows that race in black. Mercedes have won all of the first three races and show no signs of slowing down. Team Boss, Toto Wolff, made the point that the Ferrari engine’s questionable competitiveness forced Mercedes into a gear higher than they would otherwise be in. The result - Lewis Hamilton’s lead was such that he had the luxury to stop for fresh tyres and record the fastest lap of the race for a bonus point. A strong statement.

What of Valtteri Bottas, the other Mercedes driver? The Fin produced an incredible lap. However, Lewis Hamilton is his teammate, so he started second. A mistake off the start line meant that Bottas fell down the field and had to fight his way through to third. His lack of decisiveness cost him time to Max Verstappen, who he would ultimately fail to catch. These sorts of races from Valtteri Bottas can erode his confidence against Hamilton. For the championship, he needs to use these next two weeks to resurge for race four.

“Alex is a fighter, and I hope Red Bull give him the chance to blossom into the great driver that he can be.”

Another driver whose confidence levels are critical is Alex Albon. Like Bottas, his teammate is arguably a once in a generation talent. Hamilton and Verstappen were in a league of there own in a way not dissimilar to Hungary 2019. Add to the mix that the Red Bull was a nightmare to drive, and Alex was really struggling during Saturday’s qualifying. A strong race saw him move from thirteenth to fifth with some bold moves - great to see. Confidence is so crucial in a high-pressure team like Red Bull. After all, that is why Pierre Gasly was swapped with young Albon. Alex is a fighter, and I hope Red Bull give him the chance to blossom into the great driver that he can be.

Max Verstappen received the driver of the day award from the fans’ vote. Instead, his award should read ‘team of the day’. When driving to the starting grid before the race, Max crashed in the wet conditions, damaging his front wing and suspension. Many, including Max, thought that it was game over. Remarkably, the Red Bull mechanics managed to do ninety minutes of repairs in just twenty - an engineering feet of which few are capable. From there, Max redeemed himself, starting well and then opting to stay out while others pitted for dry tyres. He used the clear air to gain second position after pitting, which he held onto for the remaining laps.

A great strategy, though illegal and later penalised, came from team Haas. While all competitors chose to start of intermediate rain tyres on a drying track, Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean pitted at the end of the formation lap, sacrificing their starting positions for the faster, dry tyres. An inspired decision. Despite the penalty, K. Mag managed to steal a point - priceless in what is a tight lower end of the field.

The Hungarian Grand Prix, according to my good friend Dave, was an ‘annihilation’. It was an exemplary display of what is possible when the greatest in Formula One collaborate. As we take a breath for a couple of weeks, following the first triple-header of the year, a double shot of Silverstone beckons. I won’t miss it for the world, and I suggest that you don’t either.

Styrian GP Race Report: The Perfect Storm

Round 2 of the bizarre but brilliant 2020 Formula One season took place at the first and probably the only, Styrian Grand Prix. We had a second helping of action from the Red Bull Ring, in Austria, and it didn’t disappoint. 

“ If his rivals want to beat him, they need to outdo Lewis off the track, not just on it.” 

Any fears that consecutive races at the same circuit would feel like a ‘copy and paste’ could promptly be put to bed. Torrential rain on Saturday created the perfect storm for the best drivers in the world to perform. Despite treacherous conditions, only one of the 20 runners hit the barriers. This goes to show the remarkable ability of these drivers to maintain speed and command as their cars attempt to swap ends on what feels like ice. Pure class. Pure instincts.

Historically, those drivers who could best master wet conditions have tended to be among the greats. Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher were ‘rain-masters’ of their era. The current generation’s cream of the crop raised again on Saturday. Lewis Hamilton took his Mercedes to a place where few, if any, have or ever will go. Hamilton was a staggering 1.2 seconds faster than second-placed Max Verstappen. For reference, the difference between second and tenth was also 1.2 seconds. League of his own? Undeniably. 

The Formula One world looked on in awe as the six-time champion ruled over his rivals in a display akin only to his lap in Singapore 2018 and Senna’s Monaco pole in 1988. Watching Lewis’ onboard footage is a pleasure at the best of times but if you want to treat yourself, go and watch that lap. You won’t regret it.

Following a sublime pole position, Hamilton would control proceedings from lights to flag. He increased his pace when he needed to, but ultimately it was a victory taken at a canter. Such measured performance is something that we have become accustomed to, with his 85th career win taking him within 6 of the all-time record. Given the scruffy nature of last weekend, yesterday’s victory was one of the more important ones. While others went walking in the mountains or home, Lewis went back to the track to continue the search for speed with his engineers. If his rivals want to beat him, they need to outdo Lewis off the track, not just on it. 

“Valtteri seems in the best mental and physical form of his Mercedes career, which will breed confidence. Hopefully, he will use that to take it to Hamilton.”

Yes, Lewis took top honours this weekend but his teammate, Valtteri Bottas still leads the championship after two races. I think Valtteri will be happy with that. However, he should be wary of letting Lewis Hamilton get any momentum. That is dangerous. The Fin has proven on multiple occasions that he can win a Grand Prix, he now needs to do just that regularly if he wants to be champion. Valtteri seems in the best mental and physical form of his Mercedes career, which will breed confidence. Hopefully, he will use that to take it to Hamilton.

It does seem as though a Mercedes shoot out for the title is on the cards. Nevertheless, such a statement can only be taken from testing and two races at the same track. Next week in Budapest, the lower speed layout may find other suitors in the form of Red Bull. Therefore, it would be foolish to write off the rest of the pack based on two thoroughly impressive weekends from Mercedes.

“We will have to wait for the verdict from the FIA, though, I’d rather no action was taken because the current midfield battle is fantastic to behold.”

Another individual who has impressed, taking the hearts of the fans and third in the championship, is Lando ‘last lap’ Norris. After such challenging years, it is a pleasure to see McLaren at the sharp end of the field once again. Carlos Sainz showed his class, taking third in qualifying but sadly faded in the race due to a slow pit stop dropping him into a traffic jam. Lando, meanwhile, had got a silly penalty in practice for not slowing down sufficiently under yellow flag conditions. This meant he started further down the order. Not that that stopped him. Due to a good strategy and a compliant teammate letting him through, Lando’s superior tyres ushered in a late charge which saw him pass three cars in the remaining two laps (another onboard that I recommend). As I mentioned last week, getting the team on side is vital for the coming years, and he is doing just that. 

On the penultimate corner of Lando’s late surge, he passed Sergio Perez, who’s front wing had seen better days. I was disappointed for Sergio. He’d done so well to drive from seventeenth on the grid to fifth. He had then lunged down the inside of Alex Albon, hitting him at what is now the Thai’s least favourite corner. They touched, breaking Perez’s wing and allowing Albon to demonstrate the car control he’d learned from his similar experience with Hamilton during the previous race. A tad clumsy from the Mexican, nonetheless, an excellent recovery drive.

Sixth and seventh position wasn’t bad for Perez’s Racing Point, who have the third quickest car but started way down the order after a poor qualifying. Renault protested the legality of the Racing Point that looks incredibly similar to last year’s Mercedes. It would appear Racing Point have been cheeky in copying the design of such a dominant car, however, in working closely with the FIA they have ensured that what they have done is within the rules. On the flip side, you can understand why Renault, who have ultimately spent more money for a slower package, aren’t best pleased with the situation. We will have to wait for the verdict from the FIA, though, I’d rather no action was taken because the current midfield battle is fantastic to behold.

“Leclerc dived into an ever-closing wedge and took his teammate, himself and his pride out of the race.”

Following the race, Ferrari cancelled their team press conference, which says a lot about their weekend really. Good news came in the form of an upgrade coming a week earlier than planned. The question is, did they improve the performance? The answer - nobody knows. A shaky qualifying saw Leclerc drop out in Q2 and Vettel in 10th. The Scuderia’s drivers tardy getaway saws them fighting one another, deep within the pack. Leclerc dived into an ever-closing wedge and took his teammate, himself and his pride out of the race.

Charles took responsibility for the mistake and apologised publicly to the team. It is a good job for Leclerc that he is on a five year deal with the Italian team. Otherwise, his place in the team might have been scrutinised in greater detail. With that being said, Leclerc is still only 22 years of age and proved last year that he does and will learn from these tough moments. That ability to learn is what makes him world champion material - something Ferrari recognise. 

Even so, I wouldn’t be surprised if fingers are beginning to get pointy behind the scenes in Maranello. Ferrari need to be competing at the front of Formula One. It’s weird having a race without a red car. I feel sorry for Seb Vettel, who is trying to enjoy his last races for Ferrari and demonstrate his ability to onlookers with a spare seat. He might be relieved to be leaving an imploding Ferrari. That also raises the concerns that Carlos Sainz’s camp may have in joining next year. Hopefully, the Hungaroring circuit will help the Italian outfit get back on track.

All in all, Styria produced another fine race for us. I can’t help but smile, knowing that there is a third race coming in just a few days. And that seems to be the format of F1 2020 - thick, fast and thrilling. 

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.

COMING SOON - 10/10 Series: What makes a sporting champion?

Want more content? Wondering when my next post is coming? I’m flattered, but please hold tight. I am working on an exciting long-term project, finding out what it takes to be a champion in sport. 

There will be plenty to read and to hear, a range of sports and opinions from me as well as my friends. Each week, we will look at a different trait that adds to the material that make up the most successful in sport.

I am enjoying putting this together for you and think that it’ll be worth your wait. Keep an eye out and tune in soon.

10 Blog Posts.

10 Podcasts.

Join me, as we find out what makes a champion in sport.

Silver Arrows Save Formula One

Since 2014, Mercedes, as Bernie Ecclestone put it, haven't been good for Formula One in the sense that they keep winning. However, this week, the Silver Arrows just might have saved the sport.

Now, a month away from the 2020 Formula One season kicking off in Austria, the teams have come together to vote on 'reverse grids'. The idea was for there to be a thirty-minute qualifying race at venues holding two races this season (Austria and Great Britain) to determine the starting order for Sunday's race. The grid for the qualifying race would have been determined by reverse championship order. To introduce this new development to the sport, the vote had to be unanimous. In theory, watching the likes of Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen fighting through the field at top speed sounds like a brilliant spectacle. After all, there is a chance that the results for the two events might have been somewhat similar so spicing it up a bit wouldn't have been a bad idea. However, only 15% of fans said that they would like such a system put in place. Here's why...

“F1's market value is directly proportional to how exceptional it is”.

Regarding qualifying, I am not alone in the thinking that if something is not broken, it shouldn't be fixed. In 2016 there was a brief change in format to a universally loathed knock-out qualifying session. That was soon scrapped and the current system returned. Fans love the high-speed drama of qualifying as they find out which driver is the quickest over just one lap. So why not give the people what they want?

Furthermore, Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport. Therefore, success should be defined by the sprint on a Saturday as well as the marathon on a Sunday. Such a format reveals the best overall driver - he or she who can grab the car by the scruff of the neck, stay measured and participate in wheel-to-wheel combat. Thus, Lewis Hamilton can be definitively named as the best driver in the world. In contrast, record-breaking marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge's claim to the title of the best runner in the world would still be disputable since there are faster sprinters. And when we tune into the Premier League, we don't expect Brighton to start a few goals up on Manchester United just because United are top of the league. While Brighton might uncomfortably accept the advantage, a sport's value depends upon its meritocracy, and the competitor in anyone involved would be much more inclined to see Brighton cause an upset on a level playing field than see Brighton park the bus and hold on for 2-1. 

A reverse grid feels manufactured: it gives poorly performing competitors the upper hand, a system that adversely affects the way that driver compete. Formula E has been a great success in many ways, attracting the demographic looking for a focus on entertainment within racing. Formula E masterfully delivers on that desire, with the inclusion of 'fan boosts', encouraging spectators to be a part of the action. The issue with this format, for some, is that the person standing on the top of the podium might not necessarily be the best driver. That being the case, some fans may be less attracted by the Formula E series than by Formula One. 

If Formula One does go down the road of reverse grids, the frequency of overtakes will increase, diluting the emotional impact and resulting in a watered down racing experience. F1's market value is directly proportional to how exceptional it is, so this would be a problem. The finest drivers compete in the fastest cars - that is Formula One's DNA.

“Success in business comes from prioritising the emotions of those who are paying”.

Success in business comes from prioritising the emotions of those who are paying. Different motorsport categories can scratch particular itches. If you want plenty of overtakes, you might go in the direction of Formula E or NASCAR. If you require flamboyancy, rallying may be your cup of tea. Those who watch Formula One do so for the adrenaline, the speed and the passion. Formula One offers them excitement, turning drivers into heroes. It needs to keep to this recipe. Formula One's authenticity must prevail over any imitation.

The need to attract a new audience would be applicable were the current model failing. But interest in Formula One is actually on the rise. The Netflix documentary, 'Drive To Survive', has been a success. The celebrity status of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has also been hugely influential in attracting new spectators to Grand Prix. A significant amount of Formula One's brand development can be attributed to 'CREATIV HOUSE'. This company has been involved in multiple projects that are connecting Formula One with fashion, music and popular culture. Their involvement in collaborations with the likes of BAPE and appearances of the likes of Will Smith, Odell Beckham Jr and Stormzy have enhanced Formula One's image of excitement and exclusivity, attracting a newer crowd of onlookers to racing events. 

It is interesting to see how CREATIV HOUSE, a relatively small but mighty company, is using its connections so effectively. This way of marketing is where Formula One can make strides as a business and, following the decision to implement a budget cap for teams, can be sustainable, too. Despite this decision causing losses of jobs in the industry, it was the right move for the sport because it keeps it alive and offers more opportunity for the underdog.

“Fans want to see the greatest in the world taking the trophy home”.

Mercedes were never going to vote for a reverse grid system. As Martin Brundle has said, doing so would be like a turkey voting for Christmas. Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, is a shrewd businessman and a real racer, with an innate ability to make decisions which foresee the future. It would be justifiable, therefore, to believe that he knows what he is doing for the sport and not just his team. Fans want to see the greatest in the world taking the trophy home. Last week, Mercedes' vote against the reverse grid system guaranteed just that.

On Reflection: Sport’s back, the podcast world changes, and more…

Preview:

Hello all, I hope that you have had a great week. If you are new to this blog, I welcome you. If you are returning to hear more from me, then I thank you with all my heart. This section is for me to review the last few days, briefly giving you my thoughts on five bits of content that I enjoyed or felt needed to be part of the conversation. Also, they’ll be in five different formats. That way, there should be something that everyone and anyone can appreciate. 

Cheers!

Something to read: “Prisoners of Geography” by Tim Marshall

An insightful book from a highly respected Global Affairs expert who comprehends the importance of the views of people on the ground. So far, I have just read the first chapter regarding Russia. It never ceases to amaze me just how vast that place is. Stretching 6,000 miles, going through eleven time zones and two continents, to miss Russia on a map would be like missing an asteroid strike - nigh on impossible. From a strategic standpoint, invading Russia would be an uphill task; the Ural Mountains, abundant energy resources and bitter conditions would trouble any supply line. You'd be a fool to mess with them. 

While we might sit around admiring Russia's enormity, Marshall reminds us that it's not just about size but what you can do with it. Given Russia's presence in both Europe and Asia, Russian influence on both continents remains relatively limited to a few of its neighbours because of the geographical obstacles facing it, for instance, not having ports in the South. I suppose you could compare Russia to a bull in a securely-fenced field - a strong character that you treat with great respect. Still, as long as it are in the field, you can go about your daily life relatively unaffected. This is seemingly the case for Europe and Asia. It's fascinating that, whatever the size of a state, geography is the defining set of cards affecting the game of international politics.

If you are interested in International Politics, Geography or just want to broaden your knowledge for the next family quiz, I'd definitely give this a read. I shall certainly continue.

Link: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi15eGk3eDpAhVxlFwKHZglDIcQFjACegQIBxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbooks.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fbook%2Fprisoners-of-geography%2Fid999078713&usg=AOvVaw1tXxoKQ48t1-ik-wVieo7u

Something to watch: Sky F1 Vodcast (Ferrari Special)

Like most sporting enthusiasts, getting my fix, in times like these, has been a challenge. But Sky F1 have used their resources to effect, creating some fantastic content. This week, Ted Kravitz and Natalie Pinkham hosted a video interview with three relatively long-lasting pillars in what is usually an unstable Ferrari. Felipe Massa, Rob Smedley and Stefano Domenicali spent more than half a decade together as driver, engineer and boss, achieving 11 wins and 42 podiums. They say they are brothers. This kind of statement has become a throw-away comment but when you see them in conversation together, you'd believe it. 

Today, their paths have taken them in different directions but what is great to see is their love for the sport and for Ferrari. Felipe Massa is a man from whom we can all learn. He keeps his family close, wears his heart on his sleeve and is as professional as they come. I am always impressed by Felipe’s responses to questions concerning the way he handled losing the championship by one point, at home, on the last lap to Lewis Hamilton. It's a question that inevitably comes Massa's way, and he reacts with the same grace, pride and passion that he did on that day back in 2008. 

Massa’s openness demonstrates his genuine nature, uniting us in our emotional connection to F1. This is why so many of us love live sporting events. And they'll be back soon.

Link: https://youtu.be/VgbSXx926Tc

Some good news: Sport to return to the UK

It took approximately ten minutes for my last section to ring true. I said sport would be back soon - they’ll begin to return on Monday. In a week highlighting significant injustice, discrimination and ignorance that continues in our world, sporting events, while they are by no means a solution, are needed to unite people. It looks likely that Horse Racing and Snooker will be the first to return, with the Premier League set to resume in the middle of June. This is good news for domestic sports. However, international competition, as expected, will have to be more patient before it can get up and running. 

For any seasons getting back underway, a major challenge that will intrigue is the fitness of the protagonists taking to centre stage for the first time in months. In many ways, athletes will be as ready as they ever have been. They’ve had a prolonged period to commit to extended programs in a consistent environment. So competitors will likely reach higher levels of physical and mental wellbeing. Despite this preparation, those in the sporting sphere continue to raise the point that nothing prepares you for battle like a battle. Formula One divers and rugby players alike have spoken about their concerns for their neck muscles when they jump back into the cars and scrums respectively.

Short seasons will also increase pressure on athletes. Fewer events taking place results in a greater emphasis come match day so it’ll be the least flustered that will yield the most impressive results. Mika Hākkinen believes that it’ll be the most experienced that will best handle this extra pressure. That being said, youth tends to adapt to new circumstances more easily. It’ll be interesting to see whether those who are young yet experienced, such as Raheem Sterling and Max Verstappen rise to the top of the pile. Bring on the competition!

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/52862637

Something to listen to: Kevin Hart on the Joe Rogan experience

Joe Rogan had a great week. He signed a lucrative deal to give Spotify the exclusive rights to his podcast and he had Kevin Hart as a guest on his show. Rogan did, at least, share the latter with us. I'm not alone when I say that I love Kevin Hart. He has joined the greats of stand-up comedy, he is a CEO of his production company and most importantly, he speaks from the heart. 

Yes, Kevin has made mistakes, he openly admits that. Nevertheless, his hard working and positive nature are qualities that have allowed him to overcome these challenges. Understanding anyone's road to recovery after a near-death experience is worth listening to but hearing the way that a winner, like Kevin, thinks in these moments is astounding. Furthermore, he can tell a great story, so its a pleasure to witness him recalling any one of his many anecdotes during this podcast. Whether you are interested in parenting, business or just want a laugh, there is something for everyone in this show. 

Joe Rogan's ability to attract high-profile guests and get the best out of them is something that anyone in my position aspires to. It's not really a surprise that Spotify had to shell out quite a bit of cash for his services. But what does this move mean? It means that Spotify is going to have to make videos available on its service. This will likely usher music videos and interviews into existence onto the platform too. This sounds very similar to YouTube and Apple Music, two platforms that are well-established and have significantly improved over time. Spotify has invested heavily in competing with these services, and a huge audience will be watching. There will be high pressure for Rogan's effect on Spotify to work at least as well as the platforms that have already proven themselves.

I'm sad to see Rogan go in the same direction as Joe Budden. Podcasts are evidently becoming a big deal, and in a world where many are sitting at home, it's understandable. Have a listen to this one and look out for more of my podcasts soon.

Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-joe-rogan-experience/id360084272?i=1000475747825

Something to do: Table Tennis

What was the best purchase that I’ve made as a student? A Ready Meal? An iPad? Both great candidates but alas, no. The Best buy in my two years at university was a Table Tennis net, a couple of bats and some balls. Table Tennis is fantastic is you are competitive, want to test your coordination or just want a chat with you mate. I have spent much of the past year losing games of ping pong and enjoyed it simply because its an activity that you can do at most times while having a conversation. Much to some people’s disappointment, our flat’s kitchen was redesigned around Table Tennis, but that was its popularity as it brought us together.

And then a moment came along in which we must stay two meters apart yet we want to see our friends. With a length of more than two meters, Table Tennis is unquestionably the solution for socialising in our restricted world. So as the arrival of garden guests seems imminent, forget a barbecue, a jacuzzi or a vegetable patch. Opt for Table Tennis. It could save you a fortune, not to mention your life. 

I hope that you enjoyed this update. Don’t forget to check out these pieces of content for yourself. Have a great week, stay safe, and I’ll talk to you soon.

A moment to define sports for the next generation

One year ago, I was in the pub. Not drinking, but eating pancakes, drinking juice and reminiscing about the Birmingham 10K race in which my team and I had just completed. A perfect Sunday morning for a student. A far cry from the world that we are in today. I remember leaving the pub to run to my flat at 12:50 pm, arriving just in time to see five lights go out at the Monaco Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton would spend the next 78 laps being hunted by the ever-hungry Dutchman, Max Verstappen. Hamilton would have what the engineers call a ‘sub-optimal strategy’ and, despite Max throwing himself at the Brit from all angles, Lewis managed to hold on to his third win in the principality. 

Yes, it was just one of Hamilton’s 84 wins so you wouldn’t think it was that special. However, such a notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Firstly, Monaco is the biggest challenge for any racing driver: a tight layout creates one of sport’s most significant challenges. It is often compared to cycling around one’s living room. Just one mistake usually results in a crash so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Thus, a win in Monaco means that little bit more to any driver, even Lewis.

Secondly, Hamilton’s Mercedes and, indeed, Formula One had just lost one of their greatest heroes. Niki Lauda lived and breathed what it meant to race. So, to win in Niki’s honour, wearing a tribute helmet would have been emotional.

Finally, to shrug off the young charger, Max Verstappen, is no mean feat. It has been evident in recent years that there is a changing of the guard in Formula One and fresh-faced talents, like Max, are coming for Lewis’ title as ‘the King of F1’. Monaco 2019 embodied the transition that F1 is going through. 

One year on, all sports find themselves at a critical juncture: the approach to competitive events returning is crucial for the success of any championship for the following generation. As we all sit at home, watching on, the world is more open than ever to the sports with which it interact. Human culture needs sporting competition. A captive and thirsty audience provides an opportunity to sell plenty of drinks. I envisage a world with unprecedented levels of sporting viewership on the horizon. 

So what does this mean for the not-so-distant future of sport? Sport is just as much about business as they are about the excellence on the track, court or pitch. Hence, those with fingers in a sporting pie will be interested in getting the show back on the road, an interest further strengthened as sports jostle for position to be the first and the best entertainment to give those waiting patiently in the sofa-like grandstands what they want. Consequently, while competition has ceased in the arena, it continues behind closed doors and is set to burst from its confines as soon as possible.

Another thing to consider is the reality that many will financially suffer from governmental restrictions. Such economic issues have many consequences. Primarily, the government are going to want to allow sporting events to take place as soon as possible. Sports taking place means consumers spending money, which is positive for the economy. There are also those who can gradually gain sources of income from sporting events taking place. From the book-makers to the groundskeepers, many will welcome the return of sport with open arms. Economic recession means that the captive audience that sports will be fighting for has reduced funds to spend on watching competitions. As a result, access to sports for a lower price will become a necessity.

In past weeks, E-Sports have come into their own. F1 has done a fantastic job of getting many great names involved in online races. This weekend’s Virtual Monaco Grand Prix will feature 8 of the 20 drivers from the 2020 season. It will also include other sporting names such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Thibaut Courtois, huge for Formula One, as it beckons interest from supporters of different sports. Virtual ambassadors have also headed to the USA, an audience upon which F1 puts emphasis. Lando Norris would have won the Virtual Indy 500 were it not for being taken out in a headline-making crash with Pagenaud. F1 owners over the years have often credited Lewis Hamilton with attracting new audiences but there is no doubt that Norris’ involvement will put Formula One in the global conversation. 

F1 have used E-Sports to court a significant audience which is interested, particularly in comparison to those watching football players play FIFA. The difficulty is that Formula One, like tennis, golf and many others, is an international sport. This puts these sports at an inherent disadvantage compared to sports that take place within national boundaries. As has been proven in Germany, football can be restarted relatively quickly, albeit eerily, behind closed doors. Yet to get a Grand Prix season underway requires multiple governments to approve a globe-trotting group of people flying from circuit to circuit for a motor race. The hoops to jump through seem endless. 

This takes us back to last year - not the pub but the Monaco Grand Prix. Formula One is in a transition phase at present. This week, a cost cap was put in place for the teams - a necessity - mainly because car manufacturers are not going to be cash rich. A change in regulations was already on the cards for 2021 (now 2022). It seems that a substantial engineering change is on the horizon. There is also talk about editing the format of races and even running multiple races at a single circuit; sensible for this year, but who knows? We may like a change, moving forward. And, finally, there are the protagonists. Will Seb Vettel retire at the end of this season? I sense so. Last year, Vettel was calling for the bringing back of the V12s. A forward-facing sport like F1 moves on quickly from someone out of love and missing the past.

The characters and their machinery may be changing, but racing instinct never does. This is Formula One’s opportunity to seize the apex and lead the way for the sport of our future.

Some Good News from F1: Project Pitlane

Given that recent weeks have been dark, it makes me proud to say that the lack of photons has shone the light upon the greatness of Formula One: my sport. While most us, quite rightly, have remained at home, the Coronavirus crisis has united some of the world’s greatest minds to help tackle this epidemic in the best way that we can. The seven British-based Formula One teams have a wealth of intellect and resources. They have come together in what has been called ‘Project Pitlane’. Mercedes Formula One team and UCL confirmed that they had been collaborating and Mercedes appear set to make 1000 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines per day. These are breathing devices that will help keep patients out of the intensive care units, limiting pressure on the NHS. Incredible. But when you think for a second, this is what Formula One is all about.

When there is an issue in a race on Sunday, the engineers are up against the clock. A team will identify the problem in hours, design a solution in a day and produce the new part by Tuesday or Wednesday. The cameras focus on a weekend sport where the best drivers in the world go wheel to wheel. However, the race continues in the factory, where alumni of the most prestigious institutions search for fractions of a second. This is a world where a tenth of a second per lap is the difference between picking up a trophy or not; an average race has around 60 laps, hence, a tenth of a second per lap, becomes 6 seconds faster per race.

So we know that the people in this sport are good at overcoming challenges to make a real difference. It’s all very good talking about tenths of a second, but what about the real world? Do not fear, Formula One has got us covered there too. With the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Honda and McLaren involved, F1 is a testbed for the car industry on how it approaches our road cars. Much of the hybrid engine technology, present on the road, comes from Formula One.

Finding a clear identity for Formula One has always been a challenge. Primarily, it is a sport, where some of the finest athletes dance with death, lose up to three kilos of sweat and withstand forces up to 6 g as they negotiate the ownership of a trophy. It can be compared to a high-speed game of chess, in a sauna. Like most sports, with substantial interest comes significant stakeholders, looking to flex their products or even countries as the world looks on. Unlike most sports, the athletes’ equipment is as essential as their ability to drive quickly. While you will rarely hear Roger Federer blaming his racket for bowing out of a tournament, Lewis Hamilton could drive the best race of his life, but if his engine decides that it wants to set ablaze, it’s not exactly his fault.

If you were Mercedes, and responsible for Hamilton’s equipment costing him and your team victory, you’d be pretty concerned about what message that says about the reliability of your engine. Therefore, it’s imperative for the business that Formula One teams find solutions quickly so that they can be the ones that are stood on the top of the podium and headlines at the next race, demonstrating that their products are fast and will last. This is why teams hire the best in the business: the best people produce the best results.

It’s important to note that the majority of those involved in Formula One do so out of love for the sport. They are true racers. But when a crisis such as this takes place, racing and sporting competition, in general, is put into perspective. This is why ‘Project Pitlane’ makes so much sense. It would be nonsense to waste such abundant talent and resources by asking them to sit at home. Many have likened this period in time to a war period. Such comparisons feel almost uncouth, – we must stay at home whereas our ancestors and relatives faced the demolition of their homes. But the war was a time when industry and intelligence discovered a new level due to its unified approach, and you can bet your bottom currency of choice that the world’s greatest minds are convening as you read this to fight this pandemic. Surely that is good news.

Thursday evenings at 8pm have become a time to put scrabble, walking and other self-improvements or sanity-maintainers on hold as we applaud the NHS for all of their hard work. Like many, I shudder to imagine the stress that is faced by our champions that wear white and work day and night. Let’s be clear. They are our soldiers. While the world of sport stops and stares, I can’t help but feel proud to look at what my sport is doing; taking the initiative, doing what it does best and playing the supporting act in this tragedy where doctors and nurses play the role of the heroes.

This post was originally published on my Medium Site on 6th April 2020

Ferrari should leave Formula One; it’ll be best for them.

Recently in the media, there has been a threat of Ferrari walking away from Formula One, a sport they have competed in since the first world championship season. So what has caused such as serious consideration? Is it a real threat?

Many members of the Formula One paddock have rolled their eyes, recalling that there have been similar threats from the Italian outfit before. But as the Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne put it, “if the sandbox is changed to the extent that it is unrecognisable, Ferrari don’t want to play.” This comes after Liberty Media, who bought the sport in the Autumn of 2016, unveiled plans for the future of Formula One. Liberty Media is an American brand who Marchionne believes are looking to build Formula One into a “global NASCAR.” Something of which Ferrari are disinterested.

Ferrari are not the only ones who are complaining after attending the meeting in Paris which outlined the changes to the teams. Mercedes and Renault have both expressed their concern too. But neither have threatened to quit the sport like the team in red. This issue appears to lie with the proposed plans for new engines; however, the teams are arguing that it will mean redesigning the whole engine, making the millions, even billion pounds of investment into the current engines pointless.

Many people who have been involved in Formula One or Ferrari have said more or less the same words. “Formula One is Ferrari and Ferrari is Formula One.” This includes Marchionne and the former boss of the sport, Bernie Ecclestone. In a recent interviewer, Ecclestone claimed that he and the former head of the FIA, the governing body, would change the regulations to suit Ferrari as it was best for Formula One for them to be at the front. So perhaps it was clear that Ferrari wasn’t likely to be as supportive of the new bosses as much as Ecclestone simple because they were probably going to want to make the sport more well-balanced. And so it has been.

Liberty has revealed plans to make it cheaper for teams, something of which Ferrari are in favour. But what is likely to cause the issue is the fact that Liberty Media isn’t expected to grant Ferrari an extra $70 million per year for their “heritage”. What will also be playing on the minds of those on the Ferrari board is that they have not won a championship since 2008, which happens to be when the former FIA boss, Max Mosely, who may or may not have helped Ferrari, left the sport. It would appear too that Ferrari’s shareholders would be happy if Ferrari walked away from Formula One as it would be financially beneficial. So if it makes Ferrari more money and they aren’t winning anyway, why are Ferrari not pulling the plug already?

What is stopping them is the heritage with Marchionne being one of many believers that Formula One is part of Ferrari’s DNA, it is hard for them to walk away as it will be a significant gap to fill for them. What is more, back home, in Italy, Ferrari are seen not just to represent a brand, but a nation. This pride and passion is shown each year at the Italian Grand Prix with the “Tifosi”, a word used for a group of Italian fans. It is widely accepted that these Italian fans are some of the most passionate in the world and they are all there to support the Ferrari team, irrelevant of the driver. This was demonstrated when Italian, Riccardo Patrese, crashed out of the lead of the Italian Grand Prix in 1983 to be met with cheers around the circuit as it had granted a Frenchman a win in a Ferrari. This pride and passion for Ferrari would probably diminish, affecting the Ferrari brand in Italy if they were to pull out of the spot. This is because Ferrari has an image of passion and excitement, if that is no longer clear on a global stage, then people may lose interest in the brand.

So will Ferrari leave? As they have never left the spot before, it would be a surprise to see them go now. This is why the likes of Jonny Herbert and Paul Di Resta believe that Ferrari are “playing games” and making noise in the media.” This is all in a bid to make the new owners of the sport reconsider their plans. However, Martin Brundle’s remark; “If they want to leave, leave, you can’t let the tail wag the dog.” Is probably similar to the stance that the new owners will take. This means, of course, that Ferrari are likely not to get what they wish which indicates that they may just call it a day in Formula One. A sad revolution, but all great relationships must come to an end. What Formula One has now, regarding pillars of history, is perhaps the tracks of Monaco, Monza, Spa and Silverstone. In good time, they will go too. This is called change, unfortunately for those who like it now, or like the past, this is life, it is how we grow as a human race.

This post was originally published on my Medium Site on 7th December 2017

10 Years On In Canada And They’re Still Winning

This weekend in Canada, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were well and truly back. This is a good thing; for Lewis, for the fans, but most of all for Formula One. On Sunday it was as Sir Patrick Stewart put it, “a nice Sunday drive by the lake,” for Lewis, who lead every lap of the 70 lap race, to win the Canadian Grand Prix for the sixth time in his career. It is the fourth time in his career that he has got pole, led every lap, set the fastest lap and won the race in what is called the “grand slam”, more interestingly though, it is the second time this year that he has got a grand slam. This suggests two things, either the previous 10 years in Formula One have been a bit mediocre or this season, he has managed to step up his game even more. I think that you’ll probably find that it is the latter.

This season, we have the clash of the titans in Lewis Hamilton against Sebastian Vettel, who have been the victors of all but one of the last eight world championships between them. Many experts would argue that the German in Vettel has the easier car to drive which seems to suit most tracks and contend for every race as a result, on the other hand, you have the Mercedes of Hamilton which has been described by team boss as a bit of a “diva”, that’s the car, not the driver. The reasoning behind this comment is that despite the Mercedes being as good if not better than the Ferrari, it has a much smaller window in which it performs at high level. The outcome being that Hamilton has been off the pace in two races; Russia and Monaco, two street circuits, which suggests that the next race in Azerbaijan could be a challenge for the Brackley-based team. However, at other tracks, with high speed elements, Hamilton has shone brightest.

The 2017 season is already being labelled unpredictable as the momentum seems to alternate between the two world champions as they push ever harder for the ultimate prize of the greatest driver on the planet. Martin Brundle, a former driver and commentator, observed on Saturday, that the pair seemed to be finding an “overdrive” which pushes themselves and indeed each other to limits that neither they nor we knew were possible. Saturday’s scintillating performance from Hamilton was a prime example of man and machine combining in a concoction so sweet that the racing Gods probably patted themselves on the back for. It was masterful the way that he stayed calm on the wheel as braked later than the bride to a wedding and accelerated, foot-down where no other human would so he could brush a wall so to utilise every inch of speed out of his car. Simply stunning.

Beating his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, who is more than quick by 0.7 seconds in the same car, which is an eternity, when it comes to motorsport was unheard of since the great Ayrton Senna, Hamilton’s hero. And so so it was rather apt that Lewis Hamilton equaled the number of pole positions that the Brazilian champion managed at 65. To make things even more special, the Senna family generously gifted the Briton with a race-worn helmet of Senna’s. Lewis was almost in tears, as were the rest of the racing world as they looked on at Hamilton cradling the distinctive yellow helmet. Whether you are a fan of Hamilton or not, you cannot deny his undeniable talent and speed, he certainly deserved it. What a moment.

It could be argued that Lewis Hamilton is the fastest ever driver to get behind the wheel. His natural ability to get a car to fly around a track, on the edge of control, yet being in complete control in record-breaking time is something that sets him apart from the rest. As well as for his team, he is good for the sport, he brings a new audience to Formula One as he engages with them both at the track as he climbs the barriers to see them or on social media as he shares his life, be it watching basketball with Neymar Jr or hanging out with Justin Bieber. Rather than being plastic PR stunts like many drivers, he brings an element of himself to his job. This personality won’t necessarily give him speed on track, however, the fact that he is being himself means that he may be more comfortable than Vettel in the car.

If nothing else, this weekend’s Grand Prix reminded us about how great this sport is. Of course it is a shame that Fernando Alonso can’t join this ever-tastier scrap at the front, he and McLaren should be fighting at the front and I have a feeling it won’t be long before they return. What is for sure though is that this season, if it continues with it’s peaks and troughs, highs and lows, ups and downs, this season will be up for grabs until the very much debated conclusion. Like a good book, we don’t want this season to end, yet we very much look forward to seeing what happens at the finish line in November.

This post was originally published on my Medium Site on 13th June 2017

F1 2017: A shuffle of the pack, but who’s got the Ace?

I’ve just seen an article on Facebook that claims that Lewis Hamilton is the obvious favourite for winning the world championship this year. Obvious?

I’m a huge fan of Lewis Hamilton and all that he has done for the sport. I am also not surprised to see a fan page for him posting anything positive about the triple world champion.I would like to think that I am a positive person. Usually I would be onboard with this article and that would be the end of that, however this time, not so. The reason; the word, “obvious” gives me a cause for concern that some are under the impression that 2017 will be another walkover of supreme dominance by Mercedes and due to the fact that Nico Rosberg has departed the sport, Hamilton is a shoe-in for the title.

Obviously, that may be nice for Lewis and his fans. If it does happen, great. But I can’t help but feel that Red Bull are playing down their chances a little too well. Don’t forget, this season sees an aerodynamic overhaul as far as the regulations are concerned. In simple terms, records are expected to be smashed in terms of top speeds and lap times. So why have I singled out Red Bull as a team who will be tough to beat? Well let’s just think about the last time the regulations were based around aerodynamics. Between 2009 and 2013, Red Bull won 8 out of the ten championships available. This must come down to the genius of Adrian Newey and his men. Then they also have arguably the strongest driver pairing on the grid in Ricciardo and Verstappen.

So there’s no doubt that Red Bull are a force to be reckoned with. By no means though have I written off Mercedes. They, most likely, will have the stronger engine package and they have one of the greatest drivers ever to grace the paddock in Lewis Hamilton within their ranks.They too have a fine aerodynamics team, they must do, you don’t win three titles on the spin without one. They have also signed an ace of this department in James Allison. As a result, I predict a close battle between the teams.

At the end of the day, close racing is fantastic for Formula One and it’s new owners. What we must remember is that testing is yet to come, so nobody really will have an idea of the pecking order until at least after the eight days in Barcelona. We might even have to wait until the first race in Melbourne. So my predictions may be completely incorrect. I do hope not though because close competition between teams is usually a recipe for epic battles between the best drivers in the world.

Reading through the media reports on what the teams expect, many are expecting to be closer to the front, not least McLaren, with Alonso not just wanting podiums, but wins. That would be great to see. But let us assume that only Mercedes and Red Bull are in the hunt for the title. If you think about it, that would be fascinating alone. Which of the drivers would come out on top? Would it be the mighty but mercurial Lewis Hamilton who has the speed, experience and talent to take on anyone? Would it be the “nicest guy in F1” who shows that it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy? Danial Riccardo has made it clear on social media that he feels it’s his time. Would it be the “next Senna”, the rising star of F1? Surely Max Verstappen will become world champion one day. Or will Valtteri Bottas cooly and calmly brush off the pressure of the before-mentioned to show Mercedes why they should keep him for longer than 1 season? Who knows? I don’t.

It is unquestionably close as to which is the best driver, however, a factor that we have been told by the teams and drivers that may make a difference is which driver is the most fit for the new cars. This is because they will be much more of a physical challenge due to the higher speeds. It is clear on social media that all of the drivers have been training harder than ever over the winter, so that could be an interesting development to add to the growing list as to why this season could be stellar.

I am already on the edge of my seat and the season hasn’t even started. If there can be more than one team in the battle for top spot, that will be enthralling. It would be great to see McLaren, Williams and of course Ferrari running close to Mercedes and Red Bull, even Lewis Hamilton probably admits that he prefers to win a tough race than dominate an easy one.

As I say, nobody knows what will truly happen this year. It will be what it will be. You will join me in hoping it will be a damn good one. It certainly has the ingredients. I suggest that you tune in, the first race is Mother’s Day, it’ll be a lovely treat for them.

This post was originally published on my Medium Site on 26th February 2017