My Top 5 Race Tracks of F1 2021

With the 2021 Formula One season well underway, I've decided to make a quick post detailing my top five circuits that feature on the 2021 Formula One calendar and why I have chosen them as my favourite.

As we know, the race calendar has constantly been chopping and changing around due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But let's not lie, in some way, for Formula One, it has been a god-send. We have seen some excellent racing and battles as well the addition and re-addition of some fantastic circuits which has added to the excitement. Some of these circuits have given us mixed up grids and podiums as well as a championship battle we have craved for years. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the rest of the season holds. Before that though, lets talk favourite tracks.

5) - Suzuka International Racing Course, Japan

All the circuits that appear on this list are prestige, historic, old-school Formula One circuits and Suzuka in Japan falls nicely into that category.

Hosting it's first Formula One race in 1987, Suzuka is one of my firm favourites due to it's aggressive, high-speed and low-speed corners including 130R; one where I love to see a Formula One battle take place. It's also the only circuit on the calendar to be built in a "figure of eight" shape adding to it's already quirkiness. It's a unique circuit and I hope we can see it stick around for some time to come.

4) - Intercity Istanbul Park (or just Istanbul Park), Turkey

I am extremely grateful that I am able to be writing about this wonderful circuit. At the beginning of the season it was not apart of the calendar but will be rejoining the Formula One circus again, for the second consecutive year in a row in October replacing Singapore. Aren't we lucky?

A nostalgic circuit for myself, Istanbul first joined the Formula One calendar in 2005 and before last year, was last seen in 2011 due to a financial disagreement. What stands out for me at this circuit is the incredible Turn 8 (aka Diabolica), a long, high speed, left hand turn with four apexes which really challenges the drivers. I also like how the circuit lies over four different ground levels which can effect the cars in different ways with some acclimatising better to the higher ground than the lower, for example. The sad thing about this circuit is that from 2011 it fell into disuse and became a cafe. Yes, a cafe. With seating on the start/finish straight. Formula One has since saved and brought this fun yet tough circuit back to life.

3) - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco

I hate street circuits. But, I like Monaco. It's a shame that in this day and age, I'm one of only a handful of people who do like this circuit. Debuting it's first race around the principality in 1929, Monaco is one of the oldest circuits on the calendar which is why I love it so.

Probably the most prestige and historic circuit on the Formula One calendar, every driver wants to win Monaco. As time has moved forward and the cars have evolved, due to it's status as a street circuit it cannot move forward with everything else, as such. The cars have become to big and powerful meaning less overtaking and more "follow the leader" for 70 odd laps. But, that's ok. The 2022 cars will be more suited to this rollercoaster that splits the boys from the men and the girls from the women. Also, we still get to see the stunning, beauty that is Monaco. Again, I like it's uniqueness. It's a narrow circuit sitting at various meters above sea-level and it really tests a drivers focus and ability. As ex-Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer once said; "You must always be alert on a street circuit."

2) - Interlagos Circuit - Brazil

Every year I look forward to the Brazilian Grand Prix. It never fails to deliver. The Brazilian Grand Prix has been staged at Interlagos, a suburb of Sao Paulo, since 1972 on and off. In 1985, the circuit was renamed The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace after local Formula One driver Jose Carlos Pace perished in a place crash.

I love this circuit because of the dramatic races that it can produce. Most notable was the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix where that years title would go down to the wire. Similar to Suzuka, the track is anti-clockwise, one of only a few and is littered with high-speed corners making for some great overtaking and fast laps. I, along with many drivers and fans enjoy this circuit for it's hilly nature where it follows the Sao Paulo terrain up and down thus putting way more pressure on the car and making life a bit more tough for the drivers. Turns 1 and 2 aka The Senna S's are also some of the most famous in Formula One. After missing out on a slot in the calendar last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I am counting down the days F1 goes back here.

1) Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Of course, the number one spot would go to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The longest circuit on the Formula One calendar, I always look forward to the Belgium Grand Prix.

Some of the most famous corners in motor racing are here in Belgium including the aggressive and ability testing Eau Rouge. Can they take it flat out? Or will they need to lift?

Current Formula One driver Fernando Alonso explains Eau Rouge as:

"...You come into the corner downhill, have a sudden change [of direction] at the bottom and then go very steep uphill. From the cockpit, you cannot see the exit and as you come over the crest, you don't know where you will land. It is a crucial corner for the timed lap, and also in the race, because you have a long uphill straight afterwards where you can lose a lot of time if you make a mistake. But it is also an important corner for the driver's feeling. It makes a special impression every lap, because you also have a compression in your body as you go through the bottom of the corner. It is very strange – but good fun as well."

The circuit is just complete madness and I love it.

Since 1925 (the first F1 race) the circuit has gone through many renovations over the years including shortening it from 8 miles to 4 but still, has always been used as a "speed course" with a reputation of being very fast and dangerous with numerous fatalities over the years. But, thanks to the safety precautions taken by the circuit and the FIA, these are now very rare.

It's such an incredible circuit to watch a racing driver drive, especially as they tackle the likes of Eau Rouge, Raidillion and Blanchimont. I hope I get to visit this roller coaster of a circuit someday.

Well, there we have it; my top five circuits of the 2021 Formula One calendar. I almost feel bad for leaving some of my other favourites out including the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Monza in Italy and the Circuit of the Americas in the USA. Unfortunately, I couldn't include them all.

Out of those five, the Formula One circuit have only visited one so far this year; Monaco. I have so much to look forward to with the rest of this season. I can't wait!

Let's Talk About Max Verstappen

"Max Verstappen wins the (insert country here) Grand Prix." I enjoy hearing these words. I enjoy watching him drive. I enjoy seeing his passion that he has for racing. And now, I just NEED to talk about Max Verstappen.

On 18th August 2014, at aged only 16 years old, Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen was announced to drive at Scuderia Toro Rosso - now known as Alpha Tauri. I don't know about you but this announcement made me hesitate. In fact, at the time of the announcement, Verstappen was driving in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, his first in single seaters. Surely, a driver trying to get into Formula One should have more experience than this? Well, Red Bull didn't think so. And now, in 2021, bringing Max into the Red Bull family was one of their best decisions to date. Surely, he is World Championship material? Surely, he is one of the very best to grace a race track? Well, after the past few seasons, I definitely believe this to be true.

Back in 2014, several Formula One teams including Red Bull and Mercedes had their eyes on Max Verstappen. He was a wanted man for his talent and subsequently joined Red Bull after impressing the team during a test in a Formula Renault 3.5 car. In 2015 he made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso making him the youngest full time driver, ever. It also wasn't too long after his debut to break yet another record by becoming the youngest points scorer at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix finishing P7 and ahead of his teammate; Carlos Sainz. And, after impressing many critics at Toro Rosso, Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull Racing team in 2016. He even won on his debut with the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, again breaking yet more records. This time, becoming the youngest race winner. Max made it obvious, he was here to win.

Fast forward to 2021. Verstappen is still racing strong at Red Bull Racing with 12 wins, 47 podiums, 4 pole positions, 12 fastest laps and 1267 career points (including Toro Rosso). He's also managed to beat four teammates since his debut in 2015 and looks to make it five in 2021. But what makes Max really special? Anyone could do this in this car, no?

Well, no, probably not. This has been proved numerous times in the past few years where Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon have all failed to match the Dutchman. Verstappen pushes the car to the max (pun intended). He's the only driver, apart from Valterri Bottas - who drives a Mercedes, on the grid in the past few seasons to be able to fight against and challenge Lewis Hamilton and it seems this season that the challenge is well and truly on.

I find there is something special about watching Verstappen drive a Formula One car. He has an aggressive form of driving, which I like. Attacking the corners, hitting the apexes and finding the fastest line, his laps are almost perfect. Almost. He does however, make mistakes. As does everyone. But, in his early career these were frequent. As he has gotten older and more experienced, he seems to have learnt from these and any accidents of his are mainly that, accidents or bad luck. Despite this, he is one of the best, there is no denying it and unfortunately for his teammates, Red Bull will constantly compare them to Verstappen and there just doesn't seem to be another Verstappen out there. At only 23 years old, Max has plenty of time to become a world champion but I wouldn't be too surprised to see him clench his first this season. The first of many, for sure. Lewis Hamilton definitely has a challenge on his hands while Max is around. Watch this space.

Does Talent Really Matter?

Sergio "Checo" Perez. 189 Formula One race starts, in a midfield team. 691 career points, in a midfield team. 4 fastest laps, in a midfield team, 9 podiums, in a midfield team and now a race winner, also, in a midfield team. So why, at the time of writing, is he without a seat for 2021? Sometimes motor sport isn't fair.

Over the years, we have seen many a driver come and go. Some by their own accord and others with no choice. Racing drivers can be dropped by their teams for many reasons including performance and money. In this case, in regards to Checo, it definitely isn't his performance.

"Pay Drivers" have been a talking point in the world of motor sport for a long time with money being supplied from, as an example, rich parents or large sponsorships. Also, nine times out of ten, these supposed "Pay Drivers" have disappointing previous racing results and performances. So, why do the teams, F1 in particular, seem so attracted to them? Well, one word. Money. The more money a team has, the more they can spend on developing a car and thus, getting the results they want and in the long term making some kind of profit. It's all about money and puts talented drivers out of a seat and destroys any dream of racing at the very top.

However, is it really fair to call them "Pay Drivers?" When some pay their way in and make a positive impact on the sport? Examples of these are Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso; all going on to win championships in Formula One. "Pay Driver" is a very broad term and one which could use a bit more clarification as the majority of drivers bring in some kind of sponsorship money. Whether it be through an academy or business, they bring it. However, it will always be a case of who has the most dollar bills.

Sergio Perez was once and sometimes still is classified as a "Pay Driver" and still brings a large sum into the Racing Point Team to this day. So why drop him? And, why does no team want to make space for him? I don't think it is a case of not wanting him, I think it's a case of contracts are signed, there is just no space for him and my dad has more money than your sponsorship. Which is a major issue as there are many drivers who deserve to be in this sport based on their talents. 20 seats in Formula One is just not enough and again, money is the reason behind that. I mean, look at teams we have lost due to the cost of just being at a Grand Prix. HRT, Marussia, Caterham, just to name a few.

The possibility of losing Sergio Perez from this sport is a travesty. He is working his midfield car to the maximum and getting the results, something us racing fans love to see. But sometimes talent just doesn't cut it and money is the key. Or, in this case, family ties. A lot of people seem to be disappointed that Racing Point has decided to keep on Lance Stroll, the son of the owner of the team, over the more experienced Sergio Perez. I don't think I need to say much there, it's quite self explanatory. However, in all fairness to Lance, he has proved himself somewhat this year. I don't think we should write him off just yet. However, if I was to drop Lance or Checo based on performance, it would be Lance. Sorry.

In conclusion, no, motor sport isn't fair. But what is? Formula One should be about the very best racing one another to the limit not about who has the biggest wallet. But, it is what it is and nothing is going to change anytime soon. Until then, I just hope Perez can somehow get another chance in Formula One. *Glares at Red Bull.* He's not the first decent driver we have lost. And, boy, he won't be the last either.