The summer break brought a series of surprise announcements on the Formula 1 driver market. As the paddock reconvened in Belgium, more big news was just around the corner.
Thursday
After an early morning journey over to France and across to Belgium, I was excited to head back to Spa for just the second time in my career.
As with most press days, I made my way to the circuit early. The sun was beaming down on the track: This is especially of note due to the nature of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which is usually somewhere between damp, grey or soggy over an F1 race weekend.
I began my day at Aston Martin to delve into the news that had broken over the summer break that Fernando Alonso will replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel in the team at the end of the season. Heading up the stairs to speak to team principal Mike Krack, I settled myself on the sofa in their rather impressive motorhome.
The team was clearly the winner of the surprise driver market moves which unfolded immediately after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Krack was quick to praise Vettel for informing the team promptly of his decision to retire, leaving them enough time to swoop for Alonso.
Next I stopped in at AlphaTauri to catch up with Yuki Tsunoda who, in all honesty, looked rather downbeat despite the summer break. The team have struggled hugely with their form over the last few races and it appears to be taking its toll on the young driver.
At least he got to swap helmets with Fernando Alonso, who’s continuing to expand his already substantial collection.
Valtteri Bottas was up next, sporting a rather interesting new branded bucket hat. “This is all thanks to you” he remarked, eyes twinkling: I had gifted him my free Paul Ricard bucket hat in France. I laughed and joked I would prefer a cut of the revenue. “I can at least get you your own hat,” he offered…
The two FIA press conferences were busy. Daniel Ricciardo was inevitably a focus of attention as McLaren had announced 24 hours earlier he would not see out the final year of his deal in 2023. He sat in the middle of the five seats, his usual wide smile notably absent, a sadness behind his eyes. The impact of what happened over the last few days was understandably still being felt, but he conducted himself superbly, explaining his side of the story and, in true Daniel Ricciardo style, wearing his heart on his sleeve.
It was a long journey back in the evening, but we had another early start on Friday. A press conference has been…
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