Embarrassing for Iconic Ferrari, Merc to be belittled by Honda: Samtani surveys

By Harish Samtani

Barcelone, 4 June 2023: Isn’t it becoming embarrassing for the iconic Ferrari and Mercedes to be belittled regularly by Honda, a family car?

And headlines such as, ‘Red Bull or Max (Verstappen) wins again’ are certainly a cover-up job. Honda has brought it upon itself, to earn this by firmly deciding to quit F1, as it didn’t suit their DNA but yet supports Red Bull through the back door! Apparently they are looking for an engine partner even now. Why fix it, if it ain’t broke right?

Meanwhile, this iconic circuit purpose-built in 1991 is a venue not just for the popular event that can house 1.4 lakh (140000) spectators, most of them the ever-green passionate fans but is the go-to for pre-testing and also the iconic MotoGP. The Circuit de Catalunya which is located 30Km from Barca, is busy all year round… it is designed to be a multi-purpose commercial venue.

If one doesn’t have a VIP or Media access, it can be a torturous journey back and forth since it is not supported by a major highway system and long jams are a common sight! But honestly this is not an exception but almost the rule leading to most European circuits. Even if one were to use the efficient train system it would entail an hour’s walk to get there eventually!

The Spaniards were obviously rooting for their local boys Alonso and Sainz to give them reason to cheer but if qualifying was anything to go by the wrecker-in-chief Max Verstappen was certainly in no mood to oblige.

His arrogance may not win him too many fans but his sheer winning numbers and domination portray a rapidly-maturing driver on his way to making history. He’s a long way away to achieve Sir Hamilton’s record of Seven world championships but then we have to give this 25-year old, time. But will he have the patience is the moot question? 

Let me not digress from the event itself. Hamilton found himself in the early part of the race in a position that he has been familiar with. The Top-3. Perez is having his frustrations increase by having to claw his way-up to make himself heard but his team mate is happily distancing himself, in leaps and bounds, not only in this GP but also in the overall points. Finishing behind the two Mercs today wouldn’t have helped his mood much either!

While the race at Catalunya wasn’t a nail-biting, action-packed one, the redeeming factor was the resurgence of Mercedes with both their drivers making the podium! That must have brought some relief to Toto Wolff the head honcho at the German outfit.

Am sure he knows that there is much work to be done considering the 24-sec gap at the finish line.  And it will remain a mystery if Max had more, available under his belt to ward off any late challenge from Lewis.

In all a fun event for spectators and Red Bull fans who heaved a sigh of relief when the rain in Spain stayed away and didn’t dampen their party! (Fernando) Alonso and (Carlos) Sainz didn’t have any answers to the onslaught and it could be an uphill task for the 41-year-old Alonso to consistently stay in the top-3 going forward, now that other actors are coming into play.