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?
Tag: verstappen
“Swapping One Noise for Another”
After an acrimonious three months, Formula One looks to move into a new era fresh from the criticisms of last season. But are these heightened tensions not part and parcel of hugely evocative fight?
“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”
“Dignified Online? Oh, Come Now, we are Not Children”
The tight battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for the 2021 Formula One World Championship is growing in intensity and with it, the heat builds among rivals. But the animosity between the fanbase overshadows even the rivalry. There is little doubt that the promoters of Formula One, Liberty Media, are rubbing their hands with … Continue reading “Dignified Online? Oh, Come Now, we are Not Children”
“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”
“The Art of Being Human”
Despite what the Internet will tell you, simple human error and confusion cost Lewis Hamilton the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. If nothing else, it was a timely reminder that at the heart of our sport lay not just computers, but banks of people making split-second decisions – and sometimes they get it wrong.
“Australian GP: Rookies shine under Victorian heat”
Yesterday was a positive day for Formula One rookies Felipe Nasr, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen as the Sauber and Toro Rosso debutants made their presence felt in Melbourne.
“Drivers of 2014: Max Verstappen”
If Esteban Ocon surprised all-comers with his rookie form in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, then Max Verstappen’s debut in car racing positively stunned.
“Drivers of 2014: Esteban Ocon”
Max Verstappen may have stolen all the headlines thanks to his quick promotion to Formula One, but there is little doubt that FIA European F3 champion Esteban Ocon was the star of the series this year.
“Max”
Day done, round done, season done. Max Verstappen may have lost the runner-up spot in the final round of the FIA European F3 championship to Tom Blomqvist, but his band of Dutch supporters celebrated regardless.
“In Victory and Defeat”
Tom Blomqvist was the big winner of a subdued final weekend of the 2014 FIA European F3 Championship. The 20-year-old ended his stint in the European Championship by securing 2nd in the title race ahead of future star Max Verstappen, but it felt like it never really mattered.