F1 Australian GP 2022 Post-Race Report
Media score making a slight contribution to the final result?
Welcome to the post-race review where highlight any insight from our datasheet against the actual results!
First a few disclaimers: after reflecting on some feedback from readers, I feel I may not have explained what this excel sheet is about, so I have provided some explanation on the about page. Do give it a read as it may help clarify what I am trying to get at. But to summarize here are two main points:
Don’t read the excel sheet’s ranking as the final predictions! The excel sheet is meant to draw out important points or discrepancies between the stats and the current form of the drivers/team!
Keep it fun! At the end of the day, these predictions and pseudo-analyses are meant to keep the game fun for fans!
What are the highlights of this race? For me, the McLarens finishing in 5 and 6 was the biggest one! Even though it may be down to the track change this year, it is still a big boost to the team! I am sure they will be looking forward to maximizing other tracks with similar features.
Next, Albon pretty much running the whole race with one set of tires was a huge achievement for the Williams. I do hope he will continue to bring such consistent patient performance to the team and keep reaping those positive grid movements (20 to 10!)
As mentioned in my pre-race prediction post, the social media score affected the ranking of Mick and Yuki, and Perez and Russell. The final results seem to reflect this effect, with Mick finishing ahead of Yuki and Perez over Russell. I mean, Perez over Russell should be obvious, but it is good to see the media score contributing to this season's trend.1
So what do I see from the excel sheet this race? Bottas is very much underrated. He has the potential to be fighting in the top 5, and I am expecting this if and when McLaren finds themselves on a track that is not suitable for them. I think Alfa can fight Alpine as soon as Zhou gets more comfortable in F1. I think Alpine still has the advantage at the moment as Alonso and Ocon are more experienced and comfortable with their cars. I expect Alonso to surprise the rest of the grid for the remaining season, provided his car doesn't break down.
And what are the discrepancies I see from the stats? Aside from Vettel (which is mentioned in the previous post), I would say HAAS. I have expected Magnussen to keep his form for a few more races before the other teams catch up. At this point, I am not sure if the other teams caught up or if HAAS and their drivers dropped off to preserve their precious limited supplies of replacement parts. It's the chicken or the egg for me: if your team does well by risking more, you attract more sponsors quicker and recover more money for the rest of the season, OR you direct the team to play it safe and ride out the budget constraint for the unforeseeable time. For fans, I think we prefer the all-in type of mentality?
Lastly… Being a Canadian has never been so hard these days… #doublefacepalm
Meme of the Grid:
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For clarification: Social media don’t affect the performance of drivers, it only reflects what the news and media talking about them. The social score is meant to help reflect the current trend and reality of these drivers and teams; it is meant to augment the driver’s historical stats.