A heady mix of a highly regarded and expensive, yet struggling driver, alongside the availability of a cache of youthful exuberance may be about to give McLaren a headache – albeit a good one, on the surface. But are the options available as refined or as speedy as the incumbent? “We ultimately just weren’t quick … Continue reading “Daniel Ricciardo, Tangled Webs, and the McLaren Conundrum”
Author: Leigh O'Gorman
Give me motor racing, music and Doctor Who anytime
“Notes: Paid Extras”
Sometimes, paying above the odds will get you extras that will take you beyond your rivals. It may not always be fair, but it rarely ever is. "It wasn't unusual for some additional one-upmanship to occur behind the scenes [in junior formulae]. Even though all drivers could pay the same amount of money to teams, … Continue reading “Notes: Paid Extras”
“Actions and Consequences – for Juri Vips, Nelson Piquet Sr and everyone else” (updated)
**Update (June 28th, 2022; 5.30pm) Since publishing, Red Bull Racing have terminated their agreement with Juri Vips, releasing him from all Red Bull-related duties. Juri Vips’ actions during a live streamed gaming session resulted in his immediate suspension from Red Bull Racing activities, including the famed junior team. And rightly so. But how does one … Continue reading “Actions and Consequences – for Juri Vips, Nelson Piquet Sr and everyone else” (updated)
“Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words”
Formula One announced today that it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter. It is a move that not only seals the fate of the final race at Sochi, but also kills the follow-up events at Igora Autodrom. But they did take their time. Following Tuesday’s press release acknowledging decision made during … Continue reading “Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words”
“Swapping One Noise for Another”
After an acrimonious three months, Formula One looks to move into a new era fresh from the criticisms of last season. But are these heightened tensions not part and parcel of hugely evocative fight? There was a delight in switching over to watch the first practice session of the 2022 Formula One season yesterday. Having … Continue reading “Swapping One Noise for Another”
“Guess Work is Not Good Work, Even If It Makes Sense”
*Update: Several hours after this was posted, Kevin Magnussen was announced as the replacement for Nikita Mazepin at Haas. It is believed Pietro Fittipaldi remains as reserve driver. (March 9th, 2022, 6pm) There hangs a desperation around the desire to hump a key announcement before all others do, especially when that burst of news comes … Continue reading “Guess Work is Not Good Work, Even If It Makes Sense”
“Cowering Under the Hard Dark Light of Money”
Statements have limited value when they are torn apart by flimsy actions. Or in the case of the FIA’s latest statements, flimsy inaction. At a time when the top rank in motorsport has taken a repeated beating, the FIA’s weak response has been sad and embarrassing. When statements come out on a Friday afternoon, expect … Continue reading “Cowering Under the Hard Dark Light of Money”
“When Race Control Becomes the Story, Then the Story is Wrong”
There is a drastic problem eating away at the forefront of motorsport, particularly Formula One. Recent seasons has seen the narrative of numerous Grand Prix move from the track to that of Race Control and that is an issue that threatens to undermine the integrity of the sport. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when … Continue reading “When Race Control Becomes the Story, Then the Story is Wrong”
Psychology in Motor Racing and the Need for a Mental Toolkit
The global focus and expansion of motorsport and the pressures that it brings are leading competitors to talk more about mental health in the sport. And yet, it is still seen as a taboo in many areas. In an excerpt of a conclusion from a study soon to appear in World in Motorsport, Leigh O’Gorman … Continue reading Psychology in Motor Racing and the Need for a Mental Toolkit
“Conor Daly: The best part about Indycar right now is that we put on a great show.”
Conor Daly has spent much of his Indycar career securing temporary drives and moving from team-to-team where needs met. World in Motorsport spoke with Daly during a fast-paced season that saw him switch back-and-forth between two squads, secure his first Indycar pole and several top ten’s in his first full season in the sport since … Continue reading “Conor Daly: The best part about Indycar right now is that we put on a great show.”