F1 Italian GP 2022 Pre-Race Report
"Sometimes, it was [not] Latifi."
In this edition of the pre-race report, we will defy the media trend of negativity and look at each gas tank as half full rather than half empty. Yes, this is the good news edition, and every driver [mentioned] should feel plenty of good about themselves reading this.
Here are a few choice good news highlights:
He is always the scapegoat, but “Sometimes, it was [not] Latifi.” He may not be spectacular or scoring points, but on the whole, his retirement percentage is actually not horrific. It is in the same range as Alonso and even Max. And from the whole grid perspective, he is certainly not the worst at not crossing the finish line. While that may not be a reason to keep him on the team, he should not feel too bad about the last few races and the trend he is setting for himself.
Nobody seems to want him, but Ricciardo is not that bad. Just look at his overall trend, he is climbing incrementally and is considered in the middle of the spreadsheet. Everyone wants to see him do something spectacular, and we forget he actually did last year in the same race! Yes, this year started a bit Rocky, but like the fictional boxer, a good comeback often starts when you are down in the pit. He may end up as a reserve driver or in a bottom-feeder team, but I think that will just make him more hungry.
Mick is more than a name, he is showing signs of maturity. While he may be what everyone expected, Mick is a young man of his own. Ever since Austria, he has been sustaining his efforts, and I think that’s a good expectation he should set for himself. Everyone will always want more from the Schumacher name, but he needs to set his own pace and be the driver he wants himself to be. Don’t forget that his 12 points are already higher than the other sophomore (Yuki) on the grid.
Lastly, let’s talk about Alonso's heated-moment rant of Hamilton two races ago… Was it really unfair for Alonso to have said that? Well, yes and no. Yes, it was a heated moment sound bite and should not be taken out of proportion. At the same time, maybe Alonso had done the math because, as it turns out, Hamilton’s percentage of pole position is equal to his win percentage! (Row 4:E-F) What coincidence?!
Meme of the Grid:
Check out The Sample! One of my favourite newsletter discovery tools. It lets you sample other newsletters depending on your interests. Try it out!