Race lines: Finally we have a fight for the F1 title Car News

Ahead of his third season with McLaren, the Briton faced the daunting prospect of a face-to-face meeting with the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo, accepted member of F1’s elite. He responded beautifully, and it is no exaggeration to say that we are witnessing the majority. Like others who changed teams over the winter, Ricciardo seems to be taking the time to adjust to his new car, but he will surely return to his teammate in the coming months. Still, all Norris credit: he has so far put the Australian ace firmly in its place.

Rusty feathers

The other exciting British F1 prospect, George Russell, arrives in Portugal to face unwelcome heat for Imola’s most controversial weekend talking point. The collision with Valtteri Bottas – the man he looks set to replace or team up at Mercedes next year – was bad enough, whoever was responsible (the commissioners considered it, I rightly believe , such as a racing incident). What made matters worse was Russell’s red fog reaction. It’s easy to be critical: he had just come out of a 190 mph crash involving two big impacts. But running towards Bottas, who was still attached to his own wreck, and lightly slapping his helmet (albeit in response to a raised middle finger) was a stupid dud, as was his later claim that the Finn had defended more vigorously specifically because he was chasing him. Not smart, not classy.

It’s no wonder that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has said the 23-year-old’s conduct proves he still has “a lot to learn”. Last year’s Sakhir GP was proof that Russell is a pending superstar, but when he gets his chance at the top team on the grid, the ugliness of that memory of Imola is something he doesn’t. will not (and should not) forget.

New Indycar stars shine

Hours after Imola’s race, the 2021 Indycar season came to life with a crash-filled race at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama. By the time you read this, the second tour of the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida will have followed; But the takeout from race one was another coming-of-age story, as 24-year-old Alex Palou scored an impressive victory in his first race for Chip Ganassi Racing. What stood out was his composure, especially in the final stages as Indycar juggernauts Will Power and Scott Dixon appeared in his mirrors. A new star is born.