By Emily Tuson, Third Year History of Art
With several weeks still to go before the 2020 Formula 1 season commences with Friday practice on the 13th March, let’s look back to the highs, lows and talking points of last year.
On the 2019 grid only the line-ups of Haas and Mercedes remained unchanged from the previous year, with a whole host of driver movements and four new rookies making the step up to the highest level of single-seater motorsport in the world. Despite the lack of a title challenge against Hamilton, the 2019 season was one of the most exciting for a while. Here are some of my highlights:
1. The rise of Lando Norris
Bristol born Lando Norris, who at 19 became the youngest ever British Formula 1 driver, is tipped by many to be the next Lewis Hamilton. Whilst he may not have made the same impact as Hamilton in his first season, Norris can certainly be proud of not only his personal achievements, but those of his team McLaren, who experienced a resurgence that was one of the great surprises of the season.
The pairing of the young Bristolian with the more experienced Carlos Sainz Jr was great to watch, both on and off the track. They managed to secure a podium and 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship after a barren several years for McLaren. Norris further cemented his position as the possibly the most entertaining man on the grid - just watch the video of him collapsing into a laughing fit and having to leave the Silverstone press conference.
2. Germany
Although it won’t be returning to the calendar for 2020, the Hockenheim Grand Prix was recently voted the race of the decade, and it’s easy to see why. Wet races usually bring drama, due to slippery and changing conditions, but this was something else.
Arguably Mercedes’ worst race since Barcelona 2016, it saw six drivers all spin off at turn sixteen, ending the races of Charles Leclerc, Valteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenburg. Having had an awful start, Max Verstappen was able to win despite having pitted five times, and we even saw Lance Stroll leading the race briefly!
3. Leclerc’s win at Monza
With his win in Belgium overshadowed by the tragic passing of F2 driver Antoine Hubert on the Saturday, in Italy his jubilation was tangible as he crossed the line in first place, shattering the eardrums of anyone watching the race with headphones.
Taking pole position passing Hamilton to lead he was propelled forward by the Italian fans, their joy evident as they swarmed the track to celebrate and congratulate Leclerc.
4. Bedlam in Brazil
Consistently one of the best races of the year, and this time round Interlagos was no different. A far cry from the processional races of the first third of the season, positions were constantly changing and continued to do so after the race finished; Sainz was awarded the 3rd place trophy Hamilton had accepted several hours earlier!
With both Ferraris taking each other out in a bizarre incident, and Hamilton making an uncharacteristic mistake, there was room for two different midfield teams (McLaren and Torro-Rosso) to join Verstappen on the podium for the first time in years.
If you’ve enjoyed this article and are thinking of watching when racing returns in Melbourne, then why not do so with some like-minded people and join The University of Bristol Motorsport Society.
They offer regular indoor karting events around Bristol, including some special events throughout the year, and F1 Socials for every race at Allstars Sports Bar.
Alternatively, tune into WTF1, a YouTube channel whose videos simply explain some of the more complicated aspects of the sport along with humorous discussions of each race, and interviews with drivers past and present.
Featured Image: University of Bristol Motorsport Society
Don't forget to get involved with the Motorsport Society if you are interested in this!
