If you’ve not been watching Formula 1, well, you should reconsider. After four stonking races in a row, the much-maligned blue-ribbon motorsport spectacle has somehow rediscovered some lustre and making MotoGP look pedestrian in comparison.
While Hamilton’s lead at the top of the drivers’ standing looks secure, with nine races to go, there’s still a lot to play for, particularly with Red Bull Racing, powered by the now reliable Honda power unit, looking competitive in most circuits. If not for an inspired strategy call in Hungary, the Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG would’ve been defeated in a straight fight, having already been beaten to pole by Max Verstappen in qualifying.
But it isn’t just the close racing but the changing of guard that’s unfolding before F1 fans. Charles LeClerc (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), Alex Albon (Toro Rosso), even George Russell (Williams), and of course, Verstappen are all in their early 20s (actually Norris has yet to turn 20) and are proving themselves to be the future of Formula 1 with sterling performances in the season so far. It’s not that the ‘regular’ cast are old either; Hamilton, Vettel, Ricciardo, Bottas and Perez are technically in their prime and still have much to offer.
LeClerc, 21 (right) Norris, 19 Albon, 22
With 12 races run and nine to go, including legendary circuits such as Spa, Monza and Suzuka to come, exciting times lie ahead. Can Hamilton bring it home and seal his sixth title nudging him to within one championship off Michael Schumacher’s record seven? Can Honda add to the two race wins in what is a dream season for them and Red Bull? Will Ferrari go winless for the rest of the season? Who will Mercedes-AMG pick to partner Hamilton in 2020?
The F1 circus is currently on a three-week summer break and the racing resumes on 1st September with the Belgian GP at Spa-Franchorchamps. Well worth waiting for? Hell ya!
