There were back-to-back Formula 1 races over the past week, with the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix a week ago, and then the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix yesterday.
The race in the Netherlands ended up being a straight sweep for current leading driver Oscar Piastri (McLaren) taking pole position, fastest lap, and race victory, while teammate Lando Norris suffered from a mechanical failure and did not finish the race. Defending world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished in second place, and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) in third place for his first Formula 1 podium finish. While some rain had been forecast, nothing substantial fell in the end, otherwise the race could have been quite interesting. Some have, perhaps, felt that Mr. Norris’s championship aspirations were dealt a heavy blow, but there are still several races to go.
The race in Italy was somewhat more eventful, with the track layout favouring a low-downforce setup, and thus the rest of the field being slightly less behind the dominant McLarens. Two highlights stood out for me: (1) the superb performance from Mr. Verstappen to secure pole position and then, after the first part of the race, soundly outpace everyone else—most would have to agree that he is still the best driver in the field; and (2) the slow pitstop for Mr. Norris, leading to Mr. Piastri passing him, and then receiving team orders to give the place back (which he did). That second point has generated quite a bit of discussion by Formula 1 followers. I am inclined to think that McLaren have their heart in the right place (wanting to be ‘fair’ to both their drivers) but I think they may be overdoing it.
There has been a lot of controversy about team orders over the years, with perhaps the most infamous example being Rubens Barrichello’s last-lap yielding to Michael Schumacher, in accordance with Ferrari team orders, at the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2002. I still remember watching that race and thinking, alongside many others, I am sure, that what was unfolding could not possibly be happening. Team orders were subsequently banned in Formula 1 but, in such a competitive arena, it is no surprise that people found ways around them.
With eight races to go in this year’s Formula 1 season, Mr. Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship with 324 points, somewhat ahead of Mr. Norris with 293 points, and then Mr. Verstappen with 230 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren has dominated the season and currently has 617 points, with Ferrari a distant second (280 points), and then Red Bull (260 points).