Japanese GP
Race 18 Summary
October 9, 2022
I’m currently writing this during pre-race coverage for the Austin GP. Can you tell how much I cared? What’s sad is that like Singapore, the fans had been waiting to host a GP since 2019, but the race was a huge disappointment. There was a 2-hour rain delay that only left 40 minutes for “racing”. The only problem was there wasn’t much racing. There hasn’t been a truly exciting wet race this season, which is unfortunate considering you can’t control the weather, so it’s inevitable to have some rainy races. I don’t know if it’s the cars that are making these wet conditions worse/less exciting, or what, but something’s got to change.
My husband was traveling that weekend, so I waited for him to watch the race. So at 10:00pm, we sat down and turned on the race. On lap one several drivers wrecked in wet conditions. With the rain increasing, and several stranded cars, the race was Red Flagged for the rain to let up. It came out after the race that while the drivers were still going around the track under the initial safety car after the incidents, a tractor was on track and practically invisible. This would be alarming at any track, but it’s exceptionally alarming because in 2014, Jules lost control of his car in wet conditions and hit a tractor that was collecting a car after a crash. The driver would sadly succumb to his injuries in 2015.
We fast forwarded through the 2 hour delay, and the 40 minute clock was under-way. After a rolling start, Max sped off to a comfortable lead. With no spray inhibiting his vision, and a rocket ship underneath him, he soared to a nearly 30 second advantage to win the race. Crofty was diligently updating viewers of how many points would be awarded after the race based on the race distance completed. Based on how much of the race was able to be completed in the 40 minutes, Max shouldn’t have earned enough points to win the championship; however, because of some rule, full points were awarded.
Bottom line… Max was crowned champ, and it’s finally over.
I don’t have much to say, so please go watch my favorite F1 creators do a far better job than I could.
FAVE CREATORS
Quickstop F1
On the Chicane
I have 7 minutes until the formation lap, so I’m gonna go watch the Austin GP. Maybe one day I’ll write something longer discussing the cost cap, and distrust in the FIA, but for now I’m just frustrated.