Carfuffle November #2

Another Race to Remember*.

And why, you might ask.

Well, perhaps it was the continued dominance of the papaia kid, the unpredictability of the weather, or perhaps the simple genius of the flying Dutchman.

On a weekend where the WEC championships went the way of Ferrari, the greatest of team failures in this weekend’s F1 also fell at the feet of the same marque.

The butterfly (Bortoletto), goaded into taking more risks by a rookie-hungry team, found that flying from wall to wall is an invitation to disaster — and found a Stroll on the track to make it race-terminating. A pity on all sides.

With the Bulls prepared to scramble, their just reward of some very important points made the future of Formula Indy seem even closer for the struggling Yuki. Team or driver? It doesn’t really matter. Nothing is coming together.

George had to bow to the young pretender, as did Max — admitting that Kimi’s drive was one to be admired and celebrated.

Success too for Alpine and the Hulk, both able to scramble for the last of the points.

Oliver, Oliver — proving once again he Haas the power to turn it into a firm points finish.

And the Aussie assault — not exactly erstwhile, but possibly still near enough on track to remain a threat.

And the winner is? I personally would like to see a fifth championship for Max, only to place him where he richly deserves to be — among the elite of his sport. But 49 points behind seems an impossible task with only three and a half races left.

Norris is probably odds-on favourite, and deservedly so, with the fortitude he has shown and the consistency that seems to have escaped Piastri. Only a short time will tell.

I guess the winners are the fans, who have been treated to quite a year of this final format. Perhaps the minds that be were right in forcing through a new one for next season — this year might have been too difficult to replicate otherwise.

Cheers.

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The Flying Dutchman