The Polesitter

  2020 has been a year to forget, to say the least. But it has been a year to remember too. The coronavirus pandemic took over the globe and put life, as it was for many, to a halt, including F1 for many months.  In July we saw a revised calendar set up which had races being added to it continuously throughout the season to make up a fully acceptable race calendar. And it all ended in Abu Dhabi as it has every year. The Yas Marina Circuit has seen many incredible races and title deciders. Both in 2014 and 2016 where Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg won their 2nd and 1st world championships respectively. However, compared to the drama that unfolded in those races, this weekend's race was far from that. An uneventful, straightforward race that would have definitely delighted Max Verstappen fans, but disappointed the racing community who look forward to wheel to wheel action.  A clean getaway from all members of the grid meant that there were no incidents that would bring out a safety

  16 qualifying sessions have taken place in 2020 and in every single one a Mercedes powered car took pole. Yet the final qualifying of the year had a surprise in store for everyone.  Following his recent negative covid test, Lewis Hamilton was back at the paddock and ready to continue his fine form following what has been arguably his most dominant season in F1. To the disappointment of probably the entire F1 community including myself, that meant George Russell was back at Williams and would be unable to fight for that first ever victory after the mishaps of last weekend.  As expected, Q1 and Q2 saw the Williams, Alfa Romeo's and Haas boys out but a big surprise as neither of the Renault's made it to Q3 and neither did last week's race winner Sergio Perez. He will start from the back of the grid after taking multiple engine penalties. It will be a spicy race for the Mexican who will have plenty of overtaking to do in a car that has proven to be the 3rd best on the grid. 

  If you thought last week's race at the Bahrain Grand Prix was a rollercoaster ride, you were in for a treat as F1 raced once again at the Sakhir International Circuit.  A huge change to the grid took place in the 4 days between Grand Prix's as 7 time World Champion Lewis Hamilton tested positive for Covid-19 following a close contact encounter with a friend who tested positive. Moreover, following last week's horrific accident, Romain Grosjean would not take part in this weekend's race which meant that many shows had to be filled.  At 2 am on Tuesday morning, George Russell who was just chilling in his bathroom received a phone call from Toto Wolff who had requested him to race for the Silver Arrows this weekend - an opportunity that nobody would ever pass off. Pietro Fittipaldi would take Romain Grosjean's seat and Jack Aitken would fill the missing shoes of George Russell at Williams. The stage was set for many young drivers to start making a mark on F1.  A bril