“The Filth and The Fury: Thoughts on Desert Finale from Afar”

The conclusion of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left a sour taste in the mouths of many Formula One fans – particularly those who follow Mercedes. But it really did not have to be this way. From a very distant London, there was a very real sense of bewilderment as the chequered flag dropped at … Continue reading “The Filth and The Fury: Thoughts on Desert Finale from Afar”

“F1: Bad Strategies Found Fumbling in the Dark”

Sunday morning’s Japanese Grand Prix opened the door to another series of “what ifs” in what has been a topsy-turvy second half to the 2019 season. The only guarantee was that Mercedes is still very much the dominant force at the top-level of motorsport. What if Sebastian Vettel had not botched the start, thereby not … Continue reading “F1: Bad Strategies Found Fumbling in the Dark”

“F1 Russian GP: Joy and relief for Hamilton; Terse and Tense at Ferrari”

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas may have rounded off a Mercedes 1-2 at Sochi yesterday to record the German marquee’s sixth win at the Russian Grand Prix, but it was a race that could so easily have belonged to Ferrari {note 1}. There was a mixture of joy and relief in Parc Fermé and again … Continue reading “F1 Russian GP: Joy and relief for Hamilton; Terse and Tense at Ferrari”

“F1: Leclerc – the Prince of Monza”

In winning last week’s Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc raised notice to Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel that change was coming. By repeating that success at Monza seven days later, the Monegasque became the Scuderia’s new leader in Ferrari’s heartland. “There are no words to describe the emotions I felt during the race, after the race, … Continue reading “F1: Leclerc – the Prince of Monza”

“F1: A five-star Hamilton victory, as Vettel blows it”

Lewis Hamilton came through from 5th on the grid to win the Singapore Grand Prix yesterday, but it required some luck, skill and a start line crash that took out three of the top four qualifiers. In a race peppered with safety car periods, Daniel Ricciardo drove well to score a podium in his ailing … Continue reading “F1: A five-star Hamilton victory, as Vettel blows it”

“F1: Hamilton takes championship lead with emphatic victory”

Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton scored an emphatic victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, taking with it the championship lead over Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas came home 2nd to make it a Mercedes 1-2 finish, while Vettel completed the podium. ‘This is obviously an incredibly exciting season; the last two … Continue reading “F1: Hamilton takes championship lead with emphatic victory”

“Italian GP: Vandoorne turns it on”

McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne may have retired at the end of lap 33 of the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, but the Belgian racer impressed many with his performance at Monza. On paper, the 2017 was a disaster for McLaren. Another race and another pair of retirements for the Honda-powered team, with neither Stoffel Vandoorne … Continue reading “Italian GP: Vandoorne turns it on”

“Chinese GP: “Hamilton tastes success in Shanghai”

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struck back at Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari to win the Chinese Grand Prix this morning. Vettel did eventually take 2nd place after early-race strategy cast him adrift at the bottom of the top six early doors. Max Vertsapen made it three manufacturers on the podium in a race partially dictated by … Continue reading “Chinese GP: “Hamilton tastes success in Shanghai”

“Australian GP: McLaren take stock amidst struggles”

Fans who were so eagerly anticipating the renewed McLaren/Honda love affair should have been aware as to how tricky things might be at the start, but few in their wildest nightmares would have predicted yesterday’s horror show. In dreams, it was never supposed to be like this. The veteran Jenson Button ended the day 11th and last and two laps adrift of the victorious Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), while substitute teammate Kevin Magnussen never even made the start.

“Australian GP: Hamilton and Mercedes dominate in Melbourne”

When a sponsor pays huge amounts for their name / logo / brand to appear on the side of a car, there usually some expectation – or at least hope – that it will appear repeatedly throughout broadcasts across the globe. This morning, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg utterly dominated the Australian Grand Prix and it was a reminder that domination at the front will lead to broadcast directors giving attention to other battles on track.