TWO RACES AND A HARBINGER OF A CHAOTIC SEASON

The 2025 season started three weeks ago, and boy, if we don’t have our hands full already. McLaren has a rocketship of a car and arguably one of the most compatible lineups on the grid. While they look strong, total domination isn’t guaranteed; however, it might be tight up at the front. But that is not something we didn’t already know, am I right?

Let’s unwrap these weekends: Australia and China

The season's starter proved what we already knew: McLaren is the strongest competitor as of now. However, it was also proved that Red Bull might face some troubles during the season. Talking about the race itself, it felt like a fever dream - or more like a nightmare for the home hero, Oscar Piastri. Despite the absolute dominance of McLaren, Piastri saw the podium and potential win slip through his fingers when a mistake almost left him beached on the grass. Nonetheless, coming back and within seven laps score points was a merit. On a less positive note, Ferrari doesn’t seem to be getting with the program - I am not even sure if they are aware of that. There were a couple of teams missing: Red Bull and Mercedes. While the former didn’t live up to the expectations of a season starter, the latter snatched a podium with George Russell in third, right behind Max Verstappen. Australia was eventful but left a bittersweet taste with more than half of the grid missing and no memorable battles, aside of the DNFs.

By the second round of the season, things were already changing. Ferrari seemed to be scheming; McLaren was displaying apparent confidence, but shortcomings and disappointments were beginning to appear. After what we could consider a perfect weekend, Oscar Piastri had the chance to redeem himself, snatching his first win of the season from pole. Beyond the battle at the front, another story unfolded in China - one that highlights the brutality of F1: used to seeing Red Bull dominate, that couldn’t be farther from the reality. While Max was fighting to stay at the front, his teammate Liam Lawson was struggling, and after a not-so-promising double header, it brought his demotion to Visa Cash App RB - being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. At this point, it is clear the problem doesn’t lie with the drivers but with some technical aspects of the car itself. Red Bull would need to get with the program if they intend to fight for the Constructors Championship and battle it with Mercedes, who silently but confidently had one of the best starts of a season in years.

The fear of disappointment and the toll it takes on you

Being thrown to one of the top teams, having no time to adjust to a car that is already undrivable, and not having the expected support is a tough situation. Lawson had to deal with the pressure of being a rookie and the fact that he was racing alongside Max Verstappen. That shouldn’t have been as complicated as it turned out if it wasn’t for the lack of confidence the team showed in him. If to this situation you add the fact that he had two races to prove himself, then it is safe to say it seems kind of unbearable. And in the end, the pressure takes a toll on you until it crashes your confidence and yourself in the way. And I get it. I really do.

I have had my confidence shattered both by others and, especially, by myself and my own expectations. Being a perfectionist is not a trait for the weak, really. You could exceed everyone’s expectations, but it would never be enough, not for you. And it eats at you, the minor mistakes, the subtle changes, and the insignificant details that could do everything a little bit better. And when you realize you have been obsessed with being the perfect version of yourself, that you forgot how to be yourself. You forget how to learn from mistakes and how to capitalize on them. Until you burn out.

Truth is, when I realized there was no way to be perfect, I nearly crashed out; I properly lost my mind. But with the realization came the opportunities: surely but slowly, I learned how to unlearn all the previous expectations I set for myself. Sometimes, taking a step back is not a setback; sometimes, it helps to find a new perspective. Maybe that’s why now, at 22 years old, I can finally live and enjoy my choices. No pressure. No hurry. No expectations.

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I thought that maybe we could have a chat or I could reply to your questions about anything related to Formula 1 and whatnot <3