Red Mist: The most anticipated Grand Prix in years (for all the wrong reasons)

The last time I recall the build-up to a Grand Prix being so eagerly anticipated was before that championship decider. You know… the one where Verstappen and Massi ‘stole’ the title from Lewis. Now that was a race that lived up to expectations!

This time, however, I’m not so sure the race will match the hype. Because said hype is for all the wrong reasons. That epic race split the world between Hamilton and Max with the FIA race director deemed the devil incarnate. This time the circumstances are different. Very different.

On the one hand we have Formula 1 vehemently defending its 50-50 powertrains (is it still anything near that?), lying between its teeth about a survey that says the new game is great and casting aspersions on anyone who dares suggest different.

Now about that Formula 1 survey… if you’re a fan with friends of similar ilk, just post a survey on your Facebook. Simply ask ‘F1 2026?’ And put in the options ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. I promise you, close to 90% will respond the latter. And only your joker mates will pick the former. Try it…

On the other hand you have the rest of us. People who grew up with F1 from the ‘sixties. Even the 1950s. Those of us who have seen it all and maybe even more. And who can see in broad daylight, that this malarky is just not working.

When I say us, I believe I include every driver and team manager down pit lane. And basically everyone who once walked that hallowed paddock too. Well except Stefano, of course. And Toto. Would love to have some of those socks they’ve been smoking lately.

Maybe they have something to do with Wolff’s team’s domination? And the egg Stef is fighting off his face?

So rest assured, Miami this weekend, is huge for Formula 1. Of course it won’t matter for the suits in their St. James or Englewood ivory towers. They’re irreproachable. But it could very well mean that a huge proportion of Formula 1’s real fans may just switch off. Especially if there are as many Domenicali overtakes as there were in the first rounds.

Anyway, this is a Ferrari column, so let’s not get too carried away about the rest. Which leads us to ponder what us Tifosi can expect from our beloved red cars. If they’re actually red this weekend.

Well, there’s certainly enough spring in Maranello’s step to have the speculators bouncing all over the place on those hackneyed Vasseur phrases. But those of us who have been around long enough also know to take Ferrari promise with a pinch of salt. Until we actually see something. Which may be around Austria time, if history repeats.

Still, I remain quietly excited about the prospects. But then it’s been a long break, so who knows who comes out firing this weekend. Will it be only in Miami? Or lost in Miami? Not too long to wait now…