Well, I’ve been quiet so far this year, but things are happening in Formular 1 that have started to piss me off again.

This jewellery spat is getting beyond a joke. The new head of the FIA, Mohammed bin Sulayem, seems hell bent on annoying most of the F1 drivers with a ban on wearing jewellery whilst driving. Yes, the jewellery ban has been in the regulations for years, but up until now, has not been enforced. This ridiculous crusade, allegedly implemented by Niels Wittich, which includes checking for fireproof underpants, is clearly aimed at Sir Lewis Hamilton, although it affects quite a number of F1 drivers. And now, the threat of SLH being banned from The Monaco Grand Prix, sends the message that perhaps Liberty Media wants some new blood in F1 to boost the ratings, so “Let’s get rid of the old stock”. Why implement a jewellery ban now when quite clearly, wearing jewellery in an F1 car hasn’t produced any casualties so far!

Only about 3 month ago, the following paragraph appeared in the media:

F1 engineers think Max Verstappen should be stripped of his title and also want Michael Masi fired, it has been claimed. The Red Bull driver secured glory in the final race of the campaign in Abu Dhabi last year. Yet many feel Lewis Hamilton was robbed of the prize, with a safety car cruelly preventing the Brit from claiming a historic eighth championship of his career.

I think that was probably the wish of most F1 fans, at least those who understand the words “Fair Play”; of course, most Max Verstappen fans won’t agree with that. Max is a very talented driver, and no doubt has the ability to become a world champion. But, his arrogance in accepting the title, even stating that the title can’t be taken from him now, has sent him down the popularity ladder.

And finally, to Bernie Ecclestone, who we haven’t heard from lately, and Michael Massi.

Even before the Abu Dhabi race, Bernie Ecclestone was publicly stating that SLH should retire, and not surpass Michael Schumacher’s record. In fact, his verbal assault was relentless for some weeks. Then, Michael Massi is eventually sacked, followed by a more recent report that Michael Massi would be used as race director again.

Well Bernie Ecclestone IS in the news again; reported yesterday, Thursday, May 26:

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been arrested in Brazil for illegally carrying a gun while boarding a private plane to Switzerland.

In a statement on Thursday, local police said they found an undocumented LW Seecamp .32 gun in the 91-year-old’s luggage during an X-ray screening.

Ecclestone acknowledged owning the gun, but said he was unaware it was in his luggage at the time.

After paying bail Ecclestone was freed to continue his journey to Switzerland.

Wow! Caught with a gun in Brazil, and released on Bail to fly to Switzerland! Money talks, eh!

I’ll leave it up to you to form your views on Ecclestone and Massi. Personally, I’m glad to see the back of them,

Best regards

Rantattack