F1 STRIKES THE RIGHT NOTES
The memories of Abu Dhabi in 2021 were put firmly to bed on Sunday in what was an excellent grand prix. Ferrari was to the fore, Mercedes was in the mire and Red Bull was in crisis in a race that had dramas by the bucket load There is always something satisfying when Ferrari wins, but even the Italian team could not have expected its 1-2 finish, the first it has taken since 2019.
But the pace of the red machines was genuine and Charles Leclerc has marked himself out as a future World champion.
Given the trials of the rival teams, this could be his moment to pounce – and Carlos Sainz is likely to be hard in his wheeltracks.
The most pleasing aspect of the entire grand prix was the way the Formula 1 cars were able to pass and repass each other.
The mid-race scrap between Max Verstappen and Leclerc was thrilling edge-of-the-seat stuff, and it was a level of competition that has been absent from grand prix racing for far too long.
The new rules might have caused headaches for the engineers and some of the drivers, but they have certainly shaken up the on-track action. If that can be maintained throughout the season, then Formula 1 will give itself the biggest shot in the arm possible. With global TV audiences at their highest level ever, then the increase in action has come just at the perfect time.
The incumbent of our readers’ Q&A hot seat is a true legend of motorsport, Jacky Ickx. The Belgian maestro has a deft touch with the throttle and was a frontrunning Formula 1 driver in the 1970s before switching his focus to sportscars. His silky skills proved to be perfectly matched to endurance racing and Le Mans and he was the benchmark for nearly a decade. Our interview with Ickx starts on page 20.
Also in this issue is our traditional National Racing Wallplanner, which is a great way to map out where you want to go in 2022. We have also picked out some of our favourite events to whet the appetite, and that insight begins on page 18. Let us know what your favourites are. Simply email the address below.
Finally, don’t forget to make your voice heard in our hunt for the greatest rally machine of all time. Check out page 33 for details of how to get involved.