There’s an adjective in motor racing used to describe something inferior, subpar, or not the real thing. That term is Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse circuit, Mickey Mouse team, Mickey Mouse series, you get the picture.
It was, therefore, ironic that the Las Vegas podium ceremony was put on hold so we could watch Walt Disney’s world-famous cartoon mammal prance around pretending to conduct some fountains.
Parc Ferme could have let that one go if the drivers had not been transported to the podium in a pink Lego Cadillac, piloted by a comedian.
The oversized children’s toy even came with a set of Lego sunglasses that the drivers appeared to be obliged to wear for a moment.
Formula 1 was starting to feel more like a theme park by the second. A manufactured fantasy experience rather than sports-based entertainment.
Even odds
The race, however, proved predictable. Lando Norris blew the start. Once again, finding himself in third place as Max Verstappen and George Russell out-thought and race-crafted him.
Max then pulled away slightly, but the clean air you get as race leader would help maintain both his pace and tyres.
The race was done, Max wins, and lucky Norris just scrapes in second to minimize another points loss result…or does he?
Seriously?
The shock disqualification of both the McLarens has changed the World Championship landscape and, in honesty, the credibility of it.
I’m trying to remember the last time scrutineering played such a pivotal role in shaping the final races of a F1 season.
It seems F1’s Disney tie-up is really having a fantasy impact.
Shortened Odds
Three races earlier, putting money on Verstappen winning a fifth F1 Driver’s Championship would have made no financial sense.
Fast forward to today, and that now seems like a sure bet. Verstappen’s command over any race situation is in contrast to Norris’s.
Many praised Lando’s aggressive move on Max at the race start. However, like anyone trying to carry off an act that’s just not in their nature, he failed to make it stick.
Again. Compare and contrast with Piastri, who, when starting in that position, has nailed that scenario regularly.
The plans of mice and McLaren
GrandPrix247 editor in chief, Paul Velasco, stated that you “couldn’t script this” as we discussed the Las Vegas Grand Prix aftermath within the editorial group, and he is right.
It’s been said that the difference between truth and fiction is that fiction needs to make sense. McLaren has attempted to “Disney script” the result of the F1 Driver’s Championship, but reality has turned what was a given victory into a potential failure.
Are they starting to wonder whether Piastri winning them the F1 Driver’s Crown might have been a better result than poster boy coming second?
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