HOW TO LOSE GRACEFULLY...
On a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult, the rejuvenated grand prix circus put on another superb performance in Melbourne last weekend. Eventually, Charles Leclerc was able to stroll to another victory for Ferrari, but there was interest and intrigue all the way through. A podium for George Russell and a point for Alex Albon were just two of myriad highlights. World title holder Max Verstappen was not among those toasting their performances afterwards as his Red Bull conked out following 39 laps of the parkland circuit. Although he said he didn’t have the pace to challenge the red car in front of him, he had been well on course for second place – a position that eventually went the way of his team-mate Sergio Perez. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the entire weekend was the post-race interview with the crestfallen Dutchman. After both of the Milton Keynes-built cars suffered terminal failures in the season opener in Bahrain, to have lightning strike twice in three races was a very unusual position for Verstappen to be in.
The last time the 24-year-old failed to finish two out of three races was back in the middle of 2020 (a power unit failure and a crash at the Italian and Tuscan GPs). Back then, he was out of the realistic championship picture and the pressure wasn’t really ramped up. Given his superb performances in 2021 consistent results are now expected and DNFs are scrutinised in even more detail.
The toys didn’t come out of Verstappen’s pram, but they very nearly did. You can imagine that if the Raging Bull is tamed by the Prancing Horse when F1 reconvenes at Imola on April 24, then the splinters will truly begin to show. Contrast that with the behaviour of Lewis Hamilton this season.
The seven-time World title winner is also having his struggles, but his are more fundamental. However, the Briton is holding his tongue as much as he can and is plugging away picking up what points are available to him given the current Mercedes malaise.
And just look at the points table as it stands right now: Hamilton is three points ahead of Verstappen. Which camp would you rather be in right now? It is a tricky conundrum.
Elsewhere in this issue, we report on all the fun from the Goodwood Members’ Meeting from West Sussex and the latest action from the BTRDA Rally Series in mid-Wales.
Barwell Motorsport boss Mark Lemmer is the man in the hot seat for the readers’ Q&A grilling and he reflects on his path to his dominant position on the GT pitwall.
Also, don’t forget your change to vote for your favourite crash helmet design of all time. The poll is still open, so go to page 34 to check out how you can get involved.