IMOLA: WINS, WORRIES, AND LINES
New leg, same chaos—plus a few harsh realities.
Honestly, the European triple header - and the European races, in general - is my favorite part of the season. Although, as a McLaren fan, the results were a bit anticlimactic, Imola gave us quite a lot of things to think about… and maybe a new set of worries. So let’s debrief and try to make sense of everything!
PD: Yes, I know it was Formula 2 weekend again, but this time I couldn’t watch it, and I don’t want to put my feet on my mouth, so sorry :(
Formula 1: Is Max Verstappen back?
McLaren began the weekend with a good dose of confidence and outstanding results, topping the charts in all practices, and Oscar Piastri taking third pole this season, starting alongside Max Verstappen, and with George Russell and Lando Norris completing the second row. Unfortunately for the Italian crowd, both Ferrari and the hometown favorite Kimi Antonelli were out in Q2.
Qualifying aside, the race was a whole other scenario.
Verstappen took the lead in Turn 2, and from there on he was unstoppable. Meanwhile, the McLarens faced some struggles with slow pitstops, bad luck with VSC and the SC, and some bad calls on strategy. Despite everything, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri accompanied the current champion on the podium.
But enough of the front-runners and championship favorites; let’s give the underdogs the respect and recognition they deserve.
Yes, Alexander Albon, I am talking about you
What Alex Albon is doing in that Williams easily qualifies as the best season start ever. Aside from getting points in almost every race weekend so far - if not in all of them - in comparison to last season’s stats, he had a total of 0 points back in Miami. Which makes a difference to the already 40 he had this year. It is such a gratification to see Albon get the recognition he deserves, so much that I am delusional enough to believe in a potential podium this season.
Genuninely, if you don’t see it, take this: he is just 20 points shy of Leclerc, who is sixth in the drivers standings.
Meanwhile, it’s rough out there…
Who didn’t have that much lack was Alonso, who, despite qualifying in the Top 10, was again unable to bring some points home. The Spanish driver is definitely going through a tough patch, but I am certain the car is not helping his case at all (given the brakes were on fire ONCE AGAIN).
In two weeks, he will be facing his home crowd, and I just wish him the best - praying for the new regulations to help Aston Martin as much as possible.
All in all, Imola was a bit confusing strategy-wise, but I will take all the positives. Nonetheless, I feel it is important to have a monthly reminder that respect comes above any type of fanaticism. And that’s something I will talk about right now.
Let’ts discuss: This sport is more than just results!
So, in this section, I want to address the situation concerning the treatment some drivers faced from fans. Let’s begin with the Jack Doohan situation.
Embarrassing (for lack of better words). As much as they are driving for our entertainment, the drivers are still human beings who have families, and loved ones, and we as fans have no right to jeopardize their safe space or attempt to undermine their integrity. In no way or form, being a fan excuse you from harassing other people. Not supporting a driver? That’s fine. But intimidating them, sending them death threats, or showing xenophobic and racist behaviour is not.
The sudden recognition that Formula One has received has led to completely inappropriate behaviour; toxic fanaticism is not fanaticism. One can share one's opinions on the subject, but in no case should the line of respect be crossed.
It wouldn't be the first time a driver has been sacked because of his fans.
Image is everything to the driver, beyond the talent he or she may have. It is a sport that is driven by economics; the riders need sponsors, which they must attract according to their public image. What good is it for a driver to have a fan base that denigrates and insults others? Absolutely nothing. There is no excuse for such behaviour. All drivers say things about other drivers that may upset their fans (there are several examples of that), but that is no reason to lash out at them and threaten them constantly.
Jack Doohan’s case is not the only example, because it was in Imola where Yuki Tsunoda found his socials flooded with racist and xenophobic comments under his post. It appalls me to see how people think they are entitled to do such things just because they differ in opinion or feel offended by one’s actions. You do not have to get mad on another’s behalf, let alone someone you know nothing about.
And just to close this topic, it also surprises me how people can be such hypocrites. You have no right to act offended when you are called out; if you feel that way, there might be a reason, no? One doesn’t feel called out if they did nothing like that. Having to reach the extreme where even the FIA’s director had to put out a statement and warn of those behaviours says a lot, and unfortunately, not good things.