Ten Of My Favourite F1 Moments

Today is my 28th birthday and I'm reminiscing. I have watched Formula One for a very long time and throughout those years there have been some excellent moments. Whether it's the wheel to wheel racing or the off track antics, there have been many. So I've asked myself "which of these are my favourite?" Keep reading on to find out.

(The below points are in not any particular order. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

1) Brazil GP 2012

The twentieth and final round of the 2012 season took place in Brazil and was one of the most thrilling races in modern-day F1 history. Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso were still in the title fight and one of them would finish the race as a world champion. After a race with mixed-conditions and safety cars, Vettel took the championship win, his third in F1.

The race received many positive reviews with it being described as a "rollercoaster," "spectacular" and "historic." With it's dramatic nature, the 2012 Brazilian GP was definitely one for the history books.

2) Carlos Sainz First Pole and Win

As a self-proclaimed Carlos Sainz "hypewoman," this F1 moment HAD to make the list. And, to make it even more special; I was there in the crowd for his first pole.

The 2022 British Grand Prix was to be Sainz's 150th race start in F1 and after a wet qualifying session he took pole by 0,034 seconds. Max Verstappen would start alongside him in 2nd. During the race, Verstappen overtook him for the lead. But, after the Red Bull driver sustained damage, Sainz took the lead back. After pitting for soft tyres in the closing laps, Sainz regained the lead once again therefore taking his maiden win in Formula One and ending his winless streak which was the second highest in F1 history.

3) Montoya and the Deer

Radio transmissions are the easiest way for drivers to communicate to their team while out on track. And, lucky for us, we sometimes get to hear these messages when broadcast on TV. Most of the time they are just informative and gives fans an insight into the communications between team and driver. However, sometimes they are pure gold.

Let's rewind to the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix. It's practice and Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya is out on track. He wasn't the only person, or "living thing" out on track, however. A deer had got onto the circuit and was jumping around. Cue Montoya's radio:

Engineer: “We’ve seen a deer on the circuit. We believe it’s somewhere on the circuit, so just come in cautiously.”

Montoya: “OH DEER”.

Engineer [missing the joke completely]: “It’s like a horse with horns” (!)

Montoya: “I know, I know. Oh deer. Hahahahahaha.”

Just brilliant.

4) Rowan Atkinson

Celebrities make regular appearances at Formula One race weekends and it was no different in 2011 at the Indian Grand Prix when Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr Bean, spent the weekend with McLaren. It was during this weekend that one of F1's best reactions was born.

Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa were battling out on track when things got a bit hairy. Atkinson first started to look nervous before his emotion dramatically changed to frustration when Hamilton and Massa collided. All this was caught on camera and broadcast live to the joy of millions. I expect Atkinson wasn't being intentionally funny but thanks to his background as Mr Bean, you couldn't help but chuckle.

5) 2013 Belgian GP Press Conference

Like radio transmissions, the press conferences are a regular part of an F1 weekend. And, although they are usually serious, some questions can, at times, provide us with entertainment.

For example, take the Belgian GP press conference in 2013 which included Jean-Eric Vergne, Giedo Van Der Garde, Sebastian Vettel, Jules Bianchi, Charles Pic and Romain Grosjean. Grosjean hadn't long become a father for the first time and the question was put out for the others. "For everyone except Romain, are you ready to become a father?" Among the chuckles and nervousness of the other drivers there were many answers that gave us a good laugh. From "it doesn't take long to get the job done" to "we are still in free practice," the answers were hilarious. It's one press conference we wont be forgetting about any time soon.

6) Vettel vs Alonso - Italy 2011 and 2012

The Italian GP in 2011 and 2012 was remarkable based on the fact that each race had an identical incident involving the same drivers, Vettel and Alonso, two years in a row.

Both incidents took place on the Curve Grande section of the Monza circuit. In 2011, Vettel was the brave man taking Alonso on the outside line at over 180mph. However, Alonso pushed him and his outside wheels touched the dirt. In 2012, it was vice versa. The only difference? Vettel got penalized in 2012 for pushing Alonso off.

Was all this just a coincidence? Who knows.

7) Vettel's First Win

Sebastian Vettel may be a four time F1 World Champion but like all champions his first win had to come somewhere.

It was in 2008 at a rain-soaked Italian Grand Prix. Vettel started on pole in his Toro Rosso behind the safety car and eventually won the race becoming the youngest Formula One race winner at the time. What made Vettel's win impressive was the wet conditions the race took place in and the inferior F1 car he took to victory. It was no surprise that only a few years later he won his fourth World Championship.

8) 2005 USA GP

There have been some mere strange moments in F1 history but nothing like the 2005 USA Grand Prix which has been described as the most "notorious race in F1."

After a number of incidents earlier on in the F1 weekend, tyre supplier Michelin advised it's customers to reduce speed in Turn 13 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This was because in 2005 teams could not change tyres during a race and the Michelin spec tyres were not going to last the race distance. Eventually, teams running the Michelin tyres boycotted the race and only a total of six cars competed that day with Michael Schumacher taking the race win.

9) Italy GP Qualifying 2019

"Everyone looked like idiots." This qualifying session will definitely go down in F1 history.

Monza is known for it's fast speeds and the ability for teams to create tows for their drivers. Unfortunately, it was the tows that was the root cause of the Italian GP Q3 mess. Nobody wanted to be out on track without that tow. Once everyone was out on the track there was a lot of dangerous and unnecessary slow driving. No one wanted to be first across the line. However, during all the dawdling, time was ticking and eventually Sainz was the only driver to reach the line in time to start his lap. Charles Leclerc, who didn't reach the line in time, was on pole.

10) Hamilton's 7 World Drivers Championships

I'll be honest, I'm not much of a Hamilton fan but you can't deny, his achievements are incredible which is why he has made this list.

After witnessing only a few of Schumacher's World Driver Championships, I didn't think we'd ever see anything of his caliber in F1 again. Cue, Hamilton and Mercedes. And this time, I have managed to witness all 7. Something I feel incredibly lucky to admit. Will we see it again? I'm sure Verstappen could challenge this in the future.

So, there we have it - ten of my favourite F1 moments. Although, there were plenty more I could add to the list. Honorable mentions include:

• Verstappen's first championship

• Kevin Magnussen's pole

• Schumacher vs Alonso

Are there anymore you can think of? Do you agree with mine? Let me know in the comments below.

Opinion: Is it Make or Break for Yuki Tsunoda in 2023?

The 2023 Formula One season is looking to be quite an important one for Alpha Tauri driver; Yuki Tsunoda, as he starts his third season in the motorsport series. And, after a difficult start to his F1 career, could this be the one season that makes or breaks the Japanese driver?

Tsunoda started karting in 2010 and has been associated with the Honda Formula Dream Project since 2016 before joining the Red Bull Junior Team for the 2018-2019 season and beyond. This coincided with Honda teaming up with the Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - now Alpha Tauri F1 teams. And, after a 3rd place finish in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship, Tsunoda bagged himself a seat at the newly named Alpha Tauri F1 Team for the following year replacing departing driver; Daniil Kvyat. On his debut, Tsunoda scored points, finishing in ninth position at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. Ross Brawn, F1’s Technical Director, described the young driver from Japan as “F1’s best rookie for years.” Tsunoda went onto finish the season in 14th place. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, in 9th. Both drivers were retained by the team for 2022.

During 2022, Tsunoda went through a streak of twelve pointless races with numerous crashes, incidents and mechanical issues. After a disappointing season, Tsunoda finished towards the back of the championship in 17th place with only 12 points. Luckily for Yuki, the Alpha Tauri team was willing to give him another season - the one that I believe will make him or break him as an F1 driver.

But why do I think that? Well, it’s simple. Tsunoda is a Red Bull Junior and Red Bull are notoriously well-known for the pressure they put their drivers under. If they don't perform, they're out. Also, looking back, if past trends are to go by, the junior drivers get on average of two seasons at Alpha Tauri, or Toro Rosso - as it was once known, and, with Tsunoda entering his third; it’s crunch time.

One of the first obstacles Tsunoda is facing in 2023 is his new teammate; Nyck de Vries. De Vries is an older and seasoned racing driver with numerous championships, including Formula 2 and Formula E, under his belt. And, although Alpha Tauri’s appointment of de Vries may be exciting to F1 fans, Tsunoda may not be feeling quite the same. As the more experienced F1 driver, he is expected to beat de Vries and lead the team; something he demonstrated well at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix when he finished just outside the points in 11th compared to de Vries' 14th place. However, is 11th good enough in Red Bull's eyes? I expect not.

And, it's not just de Vries that Tsunoda has to be better than. He has to be better than the other Red Bull Juniors, such as Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, Zane Maloney etc, that are waiting in the wings. And, with Alpha Tauri being Red Bull's younger sister team, there's only so much time that Tsunoda has to prove that he his more than a midfield driver. Something he'll need to do quickly if he's to stay, not just with the Red Bull family but, quite possible in F1 as a whole.

Another factor that Tsunoda needs to think about this year is his current contract which ends at the end of the 2023 season. If he wants to extend this or move to a different team, again he needs to prove what he is capable of. He needs to limit his crashes that plagued him in 2022, costing Alpha Tauri millions. He needs to be on par or faster than his teammate and he needs to become a consistent point scorer. It's the little things that people will notice.

The final obstacle is Honda. They helped Yuki get to where he is now and if they weren't working alongside Red Bull to produce this year's powertrain, I don't think I'd be overly confident to say he would be in F1 for 2023. Despite this, Honda and Red Bull plan on working side by side until 2025 but with the Japanese manufacture's departure imminent in the next couple of years, it may not be enough to save Tsunoda's career this time around. In short, Tsunoda needs to up his game majorly if he wants to stay in Formula One.

So, there we have it. It is indeed pretty much make or break for young Yuki this year and with a lot up against him, he HAS to perform and make the most out of what he can.

In my opinion, it would be such a shame to loose Tsunoda from the sport. He has proven time again that he is capable just not consistent and that is what he needs to work on. Am I confident he can turn it all around? Who knows. There's a very long season of Formula One out there waiting for us. Anything can happen.

Race Report: Bahrain 2023

Well, there we have it folks. The first round of the 2023 Formula One season is complete and, I think it's fair to say that we all could have easily predicted the outcome. And, although this race was not as exciting as the ones F1 has bestowed upon us in recent times, it was, in fact, a gentle and mediocre introduction to what the season ahead has in store. So, without further a do, keep reading on for a recap of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix.

As Crofty always says, "it's lights out and away we go." It was Max Verstappen starting on pole alongside his Red Bull teammate; Sergio Perez. And, with the former getting a near perfect start, Perez struggled off the line with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc sneaking up into second. Carlos Sainz, in the second Ferrari, was unable to follow his teammate through and settled into the race in fourth position.

Although a relatively clean opening lap, the two Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll touched when Stroll clipped Alonso's rear which resulted in the Spaniard dropping two places from fifth to seventh. Luckily for him, no damage was reported. Both Mercedes took advantage of the Aston squabble and moved up the field, gaining a place each. Replays back also show that it wasn't just the Astons getting into a spot a bother. Nico Hulkenburg, in the Haas, lost part of his front wing when he rear ended one of the Alpines. Ironically, both incidents were very similar.

Onto Lap 6 and Perez, now in the DRS zone, was finally starting to come back at Leclerc. And, things were looking even more racy towards the midfield. After his earlier incident, Alonso was catching George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes. Whereas both Williams drivers found themselves battling with the McLaren of Lando Norris. On Lap 8, there was slight concern down at Alpha Tauri after Yuki Tsunoda radioed in that he had a tear off strip stuck in his left sidepod. Nothing more was heard about that for the rest of the race.

Towards the end of the first 10 laps, drivers were starting to struggle with the tyres. Russell was told over team radio that his teammate, Hamilton, ahead of him was one of these drivers. Just moments later, Pierre Gasly, also struggling, made the first pitstop in 2023 for Alpine. And, it wasn't just tyres some drivers were struggling with. Norris started to experience engine problems on Lap 11 and during his pitstop, the McLaren team had to fill up his pneumatic air system - an issue that would trouble him for the rest of the race.

There was more action on Lap 12 when the official pit window opened and many decided to dive into the pits. The majority of drivers switched from the soft tyres to the hards. All bar Alex Albon, in the Williams, who put on another set of softs. Elsewhere, McLaren's misery continued on Lap 14 when they made the decision to retire Oscar Piastri from the race. A few laps passes and Norris is back in for another refill of air. Back out on track, Alpine's Esteban Ocon is given a 5-second penalty for being in the wrong position on the starting grid. After serving his 5-second penalty, things got worse for Ocon who is handed another penalty. This time it's 10-seconds, for serving his 5-second one incorrectly.

Back at the front of the grid, Verstappen is cruising away from the field nicely and on Lap 26, his teammate finally passes Leclerc for 2nd. Red Bull are back to the 1-2 they started the race with and, that's no surprise as both of their drivers are racing on softs. Elsewhere, Hamilton is told to pick up the pace as a charging Fernando Alonso is battling his way through the field. But, it's still doom and gloom for Ocon who is handed his third penalty of the race. His crime this time? Speeding down the pitlane.

Lap 30 and the second round of pitstops begin with Hamilton trying to avoid an undercut by Alonso. However, on Lap 35 it's Alonso's turn for new rubber. He come's out behind Hamilton and after a fantastic battle between the two, Alonso passes him for good on Lap 39.

Suddenly, on Lap 41, things go drastically wrong for Ferrari when Leclerc looses power and is out of the race. A Virtual Safety Car is put out while marshals recover his car. After one lap, the track is green once again. But still, it's the second Ferrari of Sainz now in the spotlight as he is Alonso's new target. And, on Lap 46, Sainz, with severe tyre deg, yields his podium spot to his fellow countryman. Alonso was now in a podium position. Poor Sainz was now in 4th with Hamilton coming from behind. During the Alonso/Sainz battle, Ocon decides to call it a day and retires the car. Stroll, who has had a relatively quiet race, goes wide on the exit of Turn 10 on Lap 53. Russell takes advantage of this and nabs 6th from the Canadian driver.

Two laps away from the chequered flag and it's still a Red Bull 1-2. Hamilton seems to have given up all hopes on catching Carlos Sainz and drops back at least 2 seconds.

Lap 57, the final lap, is quick to come around and Verstappen takes the flag. He has dominated the whole the race, as everyone expected. Perez finishes 2nd. Another Red Bull 1-2. And,making up the podium places in 3rd is Fernando Alonso for Aston Martin. A podium that has been coming for some time.

Other point finishers are Carlos Sainz in 4th, 5th is Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll is 6th with George Russell in 7th. Alfa Romeo and Valtteri Bottas finished in 8th, Pierre Gasly was 9th and the final points place went to Alex Albon in the Williams.

So, there we have it. The first race is done with Verstappen and Red Bull continuing where they left off last season. Aston Martin, especially Alonso are looking good. Could they be regular podium sitters? Elsewhere, Ferrari and Mercedes seem to be way off where they want to be and as for McLaren. Well. It's not looking good.

Anyway, it's time to rest for two weeks now until we go again in Saudi Arabia.