FINISHING STRAIGHT
Give Kubica another chance
While I am happy that Carlos Sainz is finally getting a chance at an up-and-coming team like Renault, I’m concerned about what this means for Robert Kubica.
Renault have been hasty and short-sighted with this move. Robert deserves another shot at F1 and Renault were the perfect team to give him that. Yes, Sainz is younger and more proven in current F1 cars, but just think of the goodwill Renault would have created by bringing back Robert. Surely a marketing dream – and the right thing to do by Robert.
Even if the strain of competing in an entire season turned out to be more than Robert could physically handle, that wouldn’t be the end of the world for Renault. There are always quality drivers out there for top teams to scoop up. I sincerely hope another team gives Robert his shot and shows Renault that patience does pay off. Jim Facto Austin, USA
Get out there, Maurizio!
It was embarrassing to see Maurizio Arrivabene hiding from a microphone-wielding Mark Webber on the Singapore grid. It was such a promising start to his career as Ferrari team principal when he sat in the stands with the fans and talked about how to engage. The pressure at Maranello must have got to him, as he’s been actively avoiding the media ever since.
The team need someone to stand up and speak for them, to celebrate the highs, praise the achievements of their team members, explain the mistakes and give hope to the fans in tougher times. Sergio Marchionne’s occasional ‘laggard’ comment does not come even close.
Maurizio could do worse than look at the example of Toto Wolff, who fronts up to the press even when his drivers have crashed into each other. Ferrari deserve better. Alison Walpole By email
Well worth the wait
Having been a follower of F1 since the heyday of my local hero Eddie Irvine, I’ve finally made it to my first race – at Monza. The whole experience was even better than I expected and the atmosphere was unbelievable. We went onto the track after the race and on towards the podium, and were transported to another world as music and ticker tape filled the air.
One stand-out moment was Sir Jackie Stewart standing and signing autographs for ages – he understands how it works. I also got to meet Johnny Herbert, who was so nice and a real gentleman.
My friend was happy with the Hammy win, and F1 was the winner for me on for my 40th birthday weekend. Let’s hope it doesn’t take me as long to get to my next race! Geoff Wilson Northern Ireland
Spot the difference
F1 should introduce Indycar-style spotters for each driver in the light of the events that unfolded at the start of the Singapore GP. The spotter plays a key role as they tell their driver their position on track and who else is around them.
Haas F1 Team used spotters just for the 2017 Azerbaijan GP, and if they’d been used at the Singapore GP it’s unlikely that there would have been such first-lap chaos. Ben Johnston, Dublin, Ireland