FREEBIE: This is an excerpt from an extensive coming feature in the next volume of World in Motorsport. In the third of three interviews with Leigh O'Gorman, the former Formula One racer and now IndyCar driver Romain Grosjean discusses life, psychology and the tools to survive at the peak of motorsport. ---- Around this time … Continue reading “Grosjean: ‘Getting Back in the Car Was Just Normal’”
Tag: Formula One
“Truth, Noise, Botox and Formula One”
With four Grand Prix remaining in 2022, Max Verstappen has already claimed his 2nd World Championship crown. Apart from the merest of blips, the Dutch racer has been as imperious, as Ferrari have utterly incompetent. Both elements played their part, but is the real story being played off track? Even from a great distance, one … Continue reading “Truth, Noise, Botox and Formula One”
“Motorsport is a Fat Country, and Our Colony is Tainted”
Last year’s COP26 carnival in Glasgow told the world two things: people and countries will do what they feel they need to do to survive, while others will do what they need to prosper. In a world governed by the cloudy nausea of perception and positioning, how long before the very existence of international motorsport … Continue reading “Motorsport is a Fat Country, and Our Colony is Tainted”
“Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo and The Ravages of Honesty”
Lando Norris’ comment regarding his lack of sympathy for drivers on the edge of losing their drive may have come across as brutal, but it was nothing if not honest. To admonish him would betray the truth exposed on track and Norris deserves better than that. "I don't feel like you have to have sympathy … Continue reading “Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo and The Ravages of Honesty”
“Alonso, Vettel & Piastri: Making a Story Out of a Story”
Pulling enough interest out of the recent Sebastian Vettel/Fernando Alonso and Alpine/Aston Martin story to keep one awake was tricky business. Until Oscar Piastri blew French waters apart. “Jesus, this is a tepid stuff.” In the aftermath of Sebastian Vettel’s retirement announcement and the post-Hungaroring revelation that Fernando Alonso was moving from Alpine to replace … Continue reading “Alonso, Vettel & Piastri: Making a Story Out of a Story”
“Daniel Ricciardo, Tangled Webs, and the McLaren Conundrum”
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”
“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”
“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”