Hey hey hey and welcome either back or to another week at it's a racing thing. Since Japan last week there's been no race, but that doesn't mean we haven't got much to discuss as the F1 world has been pretty crazy.
From ice cream to tennis to puppies, there's much to mention.
Starting with the daftest driver 'side quest' with Charles Leclerc's ice cream business "LEC". You may be thinking..'shouldn't he be focusing on getting a win? Or even just a podium? But no, apparently that isn't his biggest problem (even if it should be). Not only is he wasting his time on some gelato, he is also putting much attention onto his new dog Leo! And, I'll admit, it is a very cute dog, but he doesn't need to be taking it everywhere with him (especially not like it's an accessory). But, who knows, maybe "LEC" CEO and 'family guy' is his plan B if he doesn't up his racing game.
Speaking of upping their racing game, Lewis Hamilton is, yet again, not doing anything special. Contrary, Sainz's extraordinary showing of talent has apparently got Ferrari 'rethinking' their Hamilton 2025 contract. Rightfully so. But, they aren't the only team keeping an eye on the Spaniard. Both Red Bull and Mercedes are rumored to be strong contenders for Sainz's move. While Red Bull are keeping quiet on the matter, there's no doubt that a Verstappen-Sainz line up would not only dominate but also benefit both Carlos and the RBR team. Mercedes, however, are rumored to be having many meetings with Carlos. All I can say to that is, Carlos save yourself with a simple no. But I suppose, post Fernando Alonso's recent re-sign with Aston Martin, Mercedes are running out of ideas. There are rumors of a return from Sebastian Vettel, however personally, as much as I might like to see that, I don't think it'll happen. Kimi Antonelli is also a supposed contender, he just has to perform to a good standard in F2. Finally, a suggestion I'd expect to hear more rumors on, Checo Perez. Perez, as we know, is out of contract at the end of the year, and if Carlos did go to Red Bull, he'd be without a seat. And, as we've seen, teams are big on the young-older driver dynamics, and with Hamilton gone, Mercedes may be looking for another more experienced driver, and it's possible they may find that in Perez.
Also, on the topic of Mercedes, flashback to Japan and George Russel's dodgy pit lane exit. The Petronas team were given a €5000 fine for that incident.
However, enough of the past, lets talk China. The first time we are back there in 5 years. Last Chinese GP, the 2019 rookies had only raced in F1 twice, Bottas was leading the championship, the GOAT Robert Kubica was still racing, Verstappen had only 5 race wins, Leclerc had just got his first podium, Gasly was still in Red Bull, Piastri was dominating Formula Renault, Tsunoda and Sargeant were knee deep in F3, Zhou had just began F2, Alonso was 'retired' and both Albon and Sainz still had their appendix.
The Shanghai Grande Prix is, unfortunately, the first sprint race of the year. I hate sprint races (with the exception of Qatar 2023). However, nobody important cares for my dislike so a sprint race it'll be. A sprint race is on a Saturday, it has the same rules and set up as a Sunday race, however is less laps. Come Sunday, there is still a normal race, a sprint comes at the expense that is the sacrificing of free practice.
China is a home race for just Zhou Guanyu (however, Oscar has been on X claiming to be 1/16th Chinese), the Stake driver having a unique helmet design to celebrate. Personally, I'm a big fan of his new design, the subtle and simple use of colour and the old photo is adorable. Also sporting a special helmet design this week is Alex albon, his helmet looking like a pandas face.
On a random note, something I'm quite pleased about, the 2025 season calendar was released recently, revealing we start off with Melbourne again, finally!
It seems though, Formula One isn't the sport of the week, as many drivers were seen at the Monte Carlo tennis match a few days ago. Carlos Sainz made an appearance with his girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson, as did George Russel with girlfriend Carmen Mundt. And of course, the honorary prince of Monaco himself, Charles Leclerc with Alexandra Saint Mleux (this time without the dog). Lando Norris also has quite a bit of negative PR around him after being seen around constantly with Magui Corceiro. All I have to say on the matter is, rumors spread like wildfire, you don't know them and they are both adults, what they do with their personal lives is nobody's business but theirs.
I do apologize for the late update, it was only yesterday I got home from holiday. And without a race to write about, there's plenty of filler. But, I hope you enjoyed. Hope to see you next week!
P.S. Personally, my sport of the week had been football, anyone watch that PSG-Barcelona match? Good game, but bad result :(
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