Formula 1: Good month, bad month — January 2023

Good Month

WG CDR Norris

Lando Norris negotiated the ensuing shower of debris from the Stroll/Alonso crash in Austin like a deft World War II Spitfire pilot, his front left wheel cover being smashed off by a heavy impact.

Would say boo…

Mexican fans boo Hamilton – it might not fit F1’s new de-cigged, de-grid-girled image but let’s face it: partisan crowds, what’s not to love?

Brazilian Sprint

Two years in a row this Sprint has been extremely entertaining – should we just limit it to Interlagos?

Need a lift?

It might make the racing miserable but at least Mexico City’s podium section features F1’s equivalent of a dumb waiter, hoisting the winner’s car aloft like some kind of sacrificial offering to the racing gods.

Andretti rolls back the years

Who doesn’t appreciate an 82-year-old all-time racing legend getting behind the wheel of a (kind of) modern McLaren F1 car?

Bad Month

Christian – so sensitive

Hilarity from Christian ‘Rogue Marshal’ Horner accusing Zak Brown of affecting Red Bull employees’ mental health by suggesting that the champion team had been “cheating”. Pot-kettle-black somewhat.

Dishing it out

Verstappen also a picture of grace recently: boycotts Sky, has acrimonious Hamilton prang then sticks up two fingers (metaphorically) to Pérez – charming!

Wailing at PitWall

Brad Pitt semi-blanked Martin Brundle on the US grid walk, causing consternation for fanatics of St Martin the world over.

Apple waver

Honourable mention to possibly the worst F1 chequered flag-waver of all time, Apple CEO Tim Cook at Austin.

Feeble fine

After delaying several times, the FIA actually manages to get its act together, then hands out a limp £6m fine to the world’s biggest energy drink company.