Motorsport journalist and podcaster
When lights go out at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet this Sunday, 24 June, Formula One will be embarking on more than just the first French Grand Prix in a decade — it will begin a marathon three grands prix in three weekends.
Red Bull Racing announcing that it’s leaving Renault on the eve of the French company’s first home grand prix in a decade speaks volumes about their terminal partnership, but there’s more beneath the spiteful surface than might first meet the eye.
It’s difficult to believe that the future looked dazzlingly bright for Williams just four years ago, but the team’s upswing in performance in 2014 now serves only to heighten the sense of desperation as it slides into competitive obscurity.
Despite what we say, Daniel Ricciardo might not have a grid penalty (thanks, Adrian Newey), Brendon Hartley might not be replaced by Pascal Wehrlein (thanks, Lando Norris) and Mercedes won’t use new engines (thanks, Peter McGinley). Some other things we say are still relevant.
After decades of specialisation and professionalisation pushed the various forms of motorsport only further apart, the world of racing suddenly appears closer than ever before, in part thanks to Fernando Alonso.