RACING TO THE RULES UPSETS FANS
There was a cacophony of boos from the grandstand at the end of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last weekend as the event was neutralised over the closing stages as Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren ground to a halt between the Lesmo corners. With only a handful of laps remaining, the chances of getting the race restarted were slim. In the end, what could have been a thrilling climax was denied when the track could not be cleared in time. The tifosi were not very happy as, if the race had gone green once more, its darling Charles Leclerc could have been within touching distance of eventual winner Max Verstappen. It was a damp squib of an end.
The displeasure from the Italian fans was clear to hear, but it is remarkable what short memories some motorsport fans have. Think back to the mismanaged end to Abu Dhabi GP in 2021, when Lewis Hamilton’s chances of a record-breaking eighth title was thwarted by baffling decisions from race control. While there is a huge desire to see racers actually race and take a victory on track, the situation that occurred on Sunday afternoon was unavoidable and rather than manipulate the results, the grand prix was played with a straight bat. It was disappointing, but perfectly understandable and it was the right thing to do.
While Verstappen was celebrating, so was Hyundai. After a troubled campaign which has led to some of its drivers – notably Ott Tanak – firing brickbats at the team’s management, the South Korean firm decided to get things right in Greece and locked out an Acropolis
1-2-3. It might not have been so simple had M-Sport’s Sebastien Loeb not retired with a broken alternator. Class, as they say, is permanent. The report is on page 16.
GT race and 100mph talker Joe Osborne is the man in the spotlight in our MN readers’ questions. The popular Bedford battler tackles the questions might like he drives a racing car or handles a microphone: with will commitment. It is an interesting read, and it starts on page 20.
We have all the national racing and rallying action from last weekend, and we also look ahead to the Goodwood Revival this weekend and the Castle Combe Rallyday. Also, don’t forget to make your opinions heard in our latest Motul UK-backed Motorsport News poll to identify your most missed Formula 1 tracks. Turn to page 15 to find out how to take part.
Motorsport News would also like to extend its sympathies to the royal family in the wake of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week. Our sport around the world paid tribute to our head of state, showing the regard in which she was held.