As I have mentioned previously in my musings, I prefer not to indulge in the mainstream Formula 1 media outlets because I find them sterile and risk-averse in diverging from the set PR line and are usually afraid to ask the tough questions in fear of being struck from the almost nepotistic circle of 'trust' that exists in the paddock.
However, I do listen to the F1 owned and produced podcast F1 Nation, which is hosted by Tom Clarkson, and I make that exception because Damon Hill co-hosts and I absolutely adore the 1996 world champ, his observations and opinions of the F1 landscape, not only because he has been there and done it, but because his agenda is not ego-based, it is rather an honest and unbiased point of view.
It is not that I dislike Clarko, not at all, he is well informed and knowledgeable, has networked well with the teams and has a great sense of humour.
This week’s episode of the podcast was obviously a Hungarian Grand Prix review, and it was made more enjoyable by the guest being none other than Alan McNish.
As the discussion turned to the inevitable matter of Clarko’s well-documented post-qualifying press conference expletive-laden tête-à-tête with Max Verstappen, I found myself somewhat perplexed with what Tom’s response was.
“He (Max) could say when you ask him, about the first time him and Lewis have been together in a room since Silverstone, you ask them about the first lap, and he could just say something benign and just bat it away but no he starts f’ing and b’ing”
Now, at this juncture I must confess that whilst I do not necessarily condone swearing, its use in the context with which Max used it in this instance bothered me none.
What did bother me though, was that Tom, a trained journalist in an official role representing and promoting F1 would openly prefer narrating a championship of benignity rather than the wonderful emotional theatre that the 2021 season has (finally) become.
I could not believe that the person tasked with asking the two drivers, that are locked in the closest and most exciting battle for the World Drivers Championship in many years, the tough questions would take exception to an emotive response from one peaking on adrenalin and even have a preference of unicorns and butterflies.
As many of you know, I love remembering the past, and I will always remember most fondly the championships that were accompanied with theatre, Senna/Prost, Senna/Mansell, Schumacher/Hill, Villeneuve/Schumacher, Hamilton/Alonso, Hamilton/Rosberg.
The passion, emotion and words not only stir and motivate the drivers, but they animate us, the fans.
So sorry Clarko, I really do not know what it is that you want out of an iconic battle such as the one between Lewis and Max in 2021, but I am thoroughly enjoying it, relishing it and I do not want it to become anything remotely resembling benign, but I look forward to the next episode of F1 Nation!
If you have any questions that you would like me to answer directly or just to drop me a friendly line, please feel free to email me via the contact form here and I will endeavour to respond as soon as I can.
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