“Truth, Noise, Botox and Formula One”

With four Grand Prix remaining in 2022, Max Verstappen has already claimed his 2nd World Championship crown. Apart from the merest of blips, the Dutch racer has been as imperious, as Ferrari have utterly incompetent. Both elements played their part, but is the real story being played off track?

“Colton Herta, Red Bull and the Re-Invention of Super Licence Qualifiers”

In the unlikely event Colton Herta earns a Super Licence dispensation from the FIA, it would prove an interesting workaround for an unintended consequence. It may even force a badly needed re-evaluation or even dissolution of the entire Super Licence Points System, although without some humility, that change is unlikely. While it may have had … Continue reading “Colton Herta, Red Bull and the Re-Invention of Super Licence Qualifiers”

“Daniel Ricciardo, Tangled Webs, and the McLaren Conundrum”

A heady mix of a highly regarded and expensive, yet struggling driver, alongside the availability of a cache of youthful exuberance may be about to give McLaren a headache – albeit a good one, on the surface. But are the options available as refined or as speedy as the incumbent? “We ultimately just weren’t quick … Continue reading “Daniel Ricciardo, Tangled Webs, and the McLaren Conundrum”

“Actions and Consequences – for Juri Vips, Nelson Piquet Sr and everyone else” (updated)

Juri Vips’ actions during a live streamed gaming session resulted in his immediate suspension from Red Bull Racing activities, including the famed junior team. And rightly so. But how does one respond when one of the sport’s most respected members also commits such actions?

“The Joy and Realities of Crohn’s Disease, Amidst Thoughts for Jonny Edgar”

Become a Patron! When news broke that Red Bull junior driver Jonny Edgar was being forced to sacrifice his Formula 3 campaign with Trident due to his worsening Crohn’s disease, a very real pang of sympathy came across me. And I should know all about it. It’s been here with me for over thirty years. … Continue reading “The Joy and Realities of Crohn’s Disease, Amidst Thoughts for Jonny Edgar”

“When Race Control Becomes the Story, Then the Story is Wrong”

There is a drastic problem eating away at the forefront of motorsport, particularly Formula One. Recent seasons has seen the narrative of numerous Grand Prix move from the track to that of Race Control and that is an issue that threatens to undermine the integrity of the sport. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when … Continue reading “When Race Control Becomes the Story, Then the Story is Wrong”

“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”

“George Russell: The Art of Winning – In Spite of Losing”

George Russell may not have won the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday, but his efforts in replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes may have formerly confirmed his potential. It may have also gone a great distance to settling his driver from 2022 onward. “Very quick, very tidy. Great potential.” As the 2015 European Formula 3 season … Continue reading “George Russell: The Art of Winning – In Spite of Losing”

“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: 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: Is Ferrari’s Inner Fight Already Over?”

Incredible as it may seem, August 26th marked a year since Sebastian Vettel last won a Formula One Grand Prix, when he triumphed at Spa-Francorchamps. In that year, his form has been blighted by errors and a marked loss of form, while new teammate Charles Leclerc goes from strength-to-strength. But is this the continued sign … Continue reading “F1: Is Ferrari’s Inner Fight Already Over?”

“F1: Thoughts on Gasly, Albon, Red Bull and Maturity”

Monday’s announcement that Alexander Albon was to replace Pierre Gasly at Red Bull Racing may not have been the biggest shock in the world, but its timing most certainly was. With Monday morning came another change in Red Bull’s Formula One roster, as Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly swapped seats at Red Bull and Toro … Continue reading “F1: Thoughts on Gasly, Albon, Red Bull and Maturity”

“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: Red Bull cut a lonely pace, ahead of busy race”

On paper, Red Bull’s pace in yesterday’s free practice sessions at Monza looks set to cast the Milton Keynes team into a lonely battle for 5th and 6th. But a range of penalties – due to mechanical maladies – means Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen may have far more interesting races than originally expected. Come … Continue reading “F1: Red Bull cut a lonely pace, ahead of busy race”

“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”

“Chinese GP: Verstappen heads interrupted first practice”

Max Verstappen topped this morning's highly interrupted opening Chinese Grand Prix practice at Shanghai International Circuit. The Dutch racer set a best of 1:50.491s in damp and foggy conditions - the latter of which forced two lengthy red flags. Such was the thickness of the fog, the medical helicopter was unable to land at the … Continue reading “Chinese GP: Verstappen heads interrupted first practice”