MY REVIEW OF THE F1 SEASON
DRIVER OF THE YEAR
It is impossible to look beyond Lewis Hamilton after he made a bonfire of the record books. Even Michael Schumacher was eclipsed in terms of wins — Hamilton is on 95 to the German’s 91 — and level on seven championships following the clinching race, perhaps the best of the season, on a damp Istanbul track last month. Aged 35, Hamilton — soon to be Sir Lewis — continues to set the standard, his own desire unquenchable, and with enough held in reserve.
BEST OF THE REST
The two best-equipped to take over the mantle are Max Verstappen and George Russell, just ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who, though fast in qualifying, has revealed glimpses of impetuosity. Verstappen’s pace has been known about for a while but Russell only pressed his claims when he stepped in for Hamilton so adroitly in Bahrain.
He mastered his new car within a few days and showed speed and judgment. Further, he handled himself well — every word he uttered measured to enhance his chances of landing a Mercedes drive. Alas, it looks unlikely to come in 2021.
UNFORGETTABLE IMAGE
Romain Grosjean’s 140mph crash in Bahrain that turned his Haas car into a fireball. The TV cameras cut away for the 25 fretful seconds in which he freed himself and walked through the flames to miraculous safety. He later said he had made peace with death, yet he merely burned his hands. His survival was a tribute not only to the ‘halo’ device but to safety pioneers, such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Prof Sid Watkins and Charlie Whiting, who ensured the impact — 53G — did not rattle the Frenchman to death. And ensured he could exit the cockpit.
CHANGING OF GUARD
Chase Carey, successor to Bernie Ecclestone, left the paddock for the last time as the sport’s boss last night. He will be back in The Hamptons before Santa calls. His best achievement? Putting together this phoenix season: 17 races in 24 weeks after Covid took a knife to the calendar. Quite an achievement given F1 logistics. It was a salvage operation that saved untold jobs and took us to some old favourite tracks, Imola included. His worst failing? Killing the intrigue of Ecclestone’s one-man show. American corporatism has taken a stranglehold. Over now to Stefano Domenicali.
THE CURSE OF COVID
Those of who have attended every race have been tested for Covid some 35 times. The last swab on Saturday, and subsequent negative result, secured safe passage to Blighty for Christmas. All sorts of limits have been placed on reporters — where they stand, what access they get — for fear of us spreading the virus to team personnel. Ironically, three drivers have tested positive out of 20, but no journalists. They should keep the drivers away from us! It was a joy driving in and out of the tracks. Silverstone to London, a cinch, no queues. But it was sterile. The absence of crowds at usually atmospheric events such as the British and Italian grands prix was worst. Thankfully, we did not have to endure a Monaco without spectators — it was called off. Let’s hope the circus can return there, vaccines and good sense permitting.