Motorsport

Back to Library >
ti icon

Motorsport

Where McLaren tripped up in Russia

3 years ago

not bookmarked

Writer:

Karun Chandhok | Racing driver

Date:

29 September 2021

The Russian Grand Prix was just the latest instalment in what is turning out to be one of the best seasons in F1 history and now only two points separate the leaders. If you missed the race and only looked at the results – Lewis winning and Max second – you’d think it the least dramatic GP of the year.

But I want to take a moment to look at the race from the perspective of the team that almost and perhaps should have won it. For the truth is that following Daniel Ricciardo’s lights-to-flag win in Monza, McLaren came within three laps of taking two in a row. That last happened with Jenson and Lewis back in 2012. In Sochi the team didn’t look great on the long runs on Friday but Lando Norris was absolutely superb in qualifying and the race itself. On Saturday, he and his McLaren team made the call to switch to dry weather tyres at exactly the right moment.

Start your 30-day free trial to continue reading this article.

Begin free trial

Already subscribed? Click here to log in.

ti icon

Library

Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise

Think the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the biggest car event in the world? It’s not even close, says Peter Robinson

not bookmarked

Our Cars: BMW M2

It’s early days but the process of getting to know the M2 is already fascinating. Dan Prosser heads for the hills to commune with our latest long termer

not bookmarked

F1 overload?

The McLaren F1 was launched 30 years ago, so it was decided to get some together. In the end no fewer than 12 turned up. Andrew Frankel joined in the celebrations

not bookmarked

A cautionary Christmas tale

Emerging from the pub at 2am on Christmas Day, the air struck the man’s face cool and hard, making him instantly stand up straight. It had been a long night, laughing, joking, drinking...

not bookmarked

Breakthrough: The starter motor

In 1901 the best-selling car in the United States was the electric Columbia Runabout. Not the best-selling electric car in the US that year – it was the best-selling car, full stop...

not bookmarked

Anatomy of a car designer

On one of my early visits to China, I was asked what inspired me as a car designer. And I replied rather earnestly that the collaboration of Shang Xia that brought together...

not bookmarked