First off, dear readers, thank you for following along with me this season! I can’t believe I made it through all 21 races (missed Azerbaijan…). I know sometimes my writing is a bit dry, but it has been a learning process as I am still trying to find my niche. With that said, I have already been working on next year’s spreadsheet model, making some adjustments to my calculations, so stay tuned!
This week, we are back at the scene of last year’s robbery… I mean racing incident… wait, manipulation? No, let’s just call it a jaw-dropping drama to the end of the 2021 season.
The Yas Marina circuit seems pretty to the eyes at night, but it does not always hold an exciting race, except in scenarios like last year. Winners are usually from the pole with a 61.54% chance, while starting in second will give you a 30.77% chance of a win. One driver has managed to win it from 4th place, but that’s 7.69% out of the 13 races that have happened here.
With that said, this season’s year-ender may be filled with fireworks…
Why? Because what everyone will care about in this race is who will take 2nd place in the championship. All eyes seem to be on Leclerc and Perez, as they are both at 290 points. Their respective team drama during the Brazilian GP has orchestrated this year's new drama, which I am sure Netflix is drooling all over. On one side, Ferrari was right in holding position, allowing Saniz to receive his well-deserved podium, but that means no help for Leclerc in his point grab against Perez. On the other end of the pitlane, Max’s refusal to help Perez has added fuel to the bonfire of a team implosion that we all know would come one day, and in many ways, we hope to see some of that in the final race of this season. And so, the focus has rightly been on both Leclerc and Perez. However, I think we are missing another player in this game for 2nd.
Yes, you guessed it, Mr.Saturday—George Russell—our last GP’s winner.
Our Mr.Russell is at 265 points coming into this last race, but if he wins the Abu Dhabi GP along with the fastest lap, AND IF Leclerc and Perez fail to finish with points or end up in DNF. We will have a new 2nd-place winner in the Mercedes camp.
So, what can we expect this weekend? Whoever wins second place this season, everything will have to come together for him in the next two days. His team, teammates, the pit stops, strategists and the car will have to work for them like a fine clock.
But if I were directing this “episode,” as in what I would prefer [my bias], I would author Russell’s triumph with Hamilton providing the ultimate wingman support, all the while showboating what the other teams should’ve done. This would be a great way to rub one in on the other team as a way to transition to the next season.
Alas, I digress, but all in all, whoever takes second, whether it is Leclerc, Perez, or Russell, these three drivers have been exceptional all season long. They weren’t perfect, with each of them experiencing ups and downs, challenges and bad lucks. Nevertheless, well-deserving of the second-place recognition.
Let’s hope for a clean and exciting end to this year's new formula!
Meme of the Grid:
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