Saudi Arabia provided the first really interesting race of the season for us. There was plenty of on track action, a change at the front of the championship leaderboard and Lewis Hamilton got to meet J-Lo, so it wasn't a complete disaster for him.
Piastri has his head down and is definitely making his case for number 1 status at McLaren. But, as we've seen in the past, Papaya Rules are unforgiving and Zac Brown is perfectly willing to throw away a driver's championship for the appearance of parity in the team.
Verstappen is still punching above the RB21's weight class. A phenomenal pole position and a competitive pace through the weekend keeps him within striking distance of a fifth title.
The rookies are holding their own. Bearman in particular has been on form through the first five races of the season, with Antonelli, Hadjar and Doohan also outperforming expectations. The less said about Lawson, the better and Bortoleto ... well, he's in a tractor. So, it's hard to judge.
If you had told me that five races in, Stroll would be the lead points earner at Aston Martin, I would have taken that bet in an instant. Newey has apparently locked himself in his office at AM and is counting his money. It's not clear if Audi is spending any time, money or effort on their entry for next year. If they are, it isn't paying any dividends now.
Notable performances-
-Max Verstappen wrestled an amazing pole lap out of his Red Bull. I was tired of him winning everything, but I'm definitely impressed with his grit and sheer will power to pedal the current car into the top spot of qually. That doesn't mean I wasn't absolutely thrilled to see him get a little taste of his own medicine into turn 1.
-Ollie Bearman didn't score any points this time out but he did out qualified Esty Besty again and finished ahead of him on the road, again. Ocon isn't my favourite driver, but he's no slouch and to see the young Brit holding his own at worst and surging ahead at best against his much more experienced teammate bodes well for his future.
-Piastri kept his head. He delivered a clean lap in Q3 to secure his spot on the front row, then got a blazing start to claim the first corner. He didn't get flustered when Max refused to relinquish the spot and didn't get petty about the situation in the after-race interviews.
Notable missteps-
-Lando dumped his car into the barrier at the beginning of Q3. He appears to be succumbing to the pressure being put on him by his teammate. Two races in a row he's failed to deliver in qualifying then failed to exploit his superior machinery and recover from his mistakes.
-Liam Lawson finally out qualified his teammate but faded during the race and finished 12 seconds behind Hadjar. I'm still waiting for his magnificent talent to spring forth and impress us.
-Aston Martin. just, ... ugh.
This week the circus comes to Miami!
Bodwin Realty Group has stepped up to sponsor our meetup at The Carolina Ale house in Brier Creek. Food and soft drinks will be provided by Bodwin Realty Group. Raffle tickets available for purchase with proceeds going to support the Ronald McDonald house of Durham. Wear your best (or loudest) Miami inspired outfit! The race doesn't start until 4, but the party starts at 3!
