After a thrilling weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, the early Monday morning saw me embark on an automotive pilgrimage, heading south from home. My destination: Molsheim, France, the esteemed birthplace of Bugatti. This journey, a strategic stopover en route to Italy, promised an exclusive factory tour—a rare glimpse into the creation of some of the world’s most exquisite hypercars. The evening culminated in a serene stroll along the historic Ettore Bugatti trail, winding through the charming, picturesque Alsatian village that cradles this legendary brand.
Tuesday proved to be an extraordinary privilege: a visit to Bugatti’s ‘Atelier.’ To simply call it a ‘factory’ would be a disservice to this space-age facility, where precision engineering meets unparalleled artistry. Here, in an environment of meticulously unhurried craftsmanship, master technicians hand-assemble just two vehicles each week. Each Bugatti emerges not merely as a car, but as a breathtaking work of automotive sculpture. Among the many indelible moments, observing a colossal W16, 1,479bhp power unit being delicately mated with its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was particularly awe-inspiring. Equally captivating was the sight of a specially stickered Divo, a masterpiece of aerodynamic design, undergoing final preparations for rigorous testing—a true feast for any automotive enthusiast’s eyes.
My route from Molsheim naturally led me past Mulhouse, home to the magnificent Schlumpf Collection. Having visited this incredible museum, boasting over 120 Bugattis, on numerous occasions, I nonetheless felt compelled to make an impromptu stop. The sheer allure of these predominantly blue, jewel-like machines, embodiments of extraordinary engineering and design, is simply irresistible. To once again immerse myself in their history and intricate beauty was a spontaneous decision I didn’t regret. From there, my journey continued through the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, eventually bringing me to the tranquil northern lakes region of Italy, specifically Lecco, where the anticipation for the Italian Grand Prix began to build.
Thursday: Arrival in Monza – A Paddock Reawakening
Arriving in Monza, the spiritual home of Italian motorsport, the immediate priority was the mandatory COVID-19 test. Formula 1’s stringent protocols permit a 120-hour window between swabs for individuals travelling between race locations, meaning I was comfortably within the timeframe since my last test in Spa-Francorchamps. While previous tests had been remarkably painless, the Monza editions, for reasons unknown, brought an intense, lingering burning sensation that persisted for an uncomfortable hour—a minor but memorable discomfort in the new normal of F1 travel.
Following the test, I transitioned directly into an exclusive, in-depth interview with McLaren Performance Director, Andrea Stella. Stella is widely regarded as one of the most humble and respected figures within Formula 1, his illustrious career including working alongside titans like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Our conversation, therefore, offered illuminating insights into McLaren’s current dynamic driver pairing, Carlos Sainz Jnr and Lando Norris. Given the dramatic events that would unfold later in the weekend, this interview proved to be incredibly timely and prescient, offering a unique perspective on the team’s trajectory. Readers can look forward to the full interview being published on RaceFans very soon.
The remainder of Thursday followed a more conventional schedule: a series of Zoom interviews, albeit conducted from the vibrant media centre rather than the solitary confines of a home office. Being back in the bustling heartland of Formula 1 felt invigorating. Monza, with its unparalleled history and fervent passion, outranks every other venue when it comes to tradition. The atmosphere, even under strict COVID-19 precautions, radiated a palpable sense of occasion. This profound connection to the sport’s roots made the arduous 2500-kilometre round trip an absolutely worthwhile endeavour, every kilometre a testament to the enduring appeal of the Grand Prix.
Friday: Press Conference Revelations and Emotional Farewells
Fridays at a Grand Prix often crescendo with the 1pm FIA press conference, an event that has taken on even greater significance under the current, restricted paddock environment, where spontaneous “bumps” into team principals are a thing of the past. A significant talking point revolved around the ‘Racing Point photocopy’ verdict, delivered a month prior. Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff had previously informed RaceFans that his company, the original designer of components copied by Racing Point, would be “happy to go to court” should their reputation be unfairly tarnished by accusations of wrongdoing.
Adding fuel to the fire, former F1 team principal Colin Kolles had, prior to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, made explosive claims suggesting that wind tunnel models and crucial data had illicitly transferred from Mercedes to Racing Point—undoubtedly damning statements if proven true. During the press conference, I directly posed the question to Wolff: had Mercedes initiated legal action against these parties? “Of course, when there are defamatory comments being put online or that are being taken on air, we have reacted appropriately,” he stated, adding a caveat, “As long as it doesn’t damage the reputation of Mercedes then you have to take it with a pinch of salt.” Yet, Kolles steadfastly maintains he has received no formal notice of any legal proceedings, leaving a lingering ambiguity around the matter.
Amidst these intense discussions, the press conference also hosted a poignant moment: Claire Williams, attending her final race with the eponymous team following its sale to Dorilton Capital. Understandably, emotion was writ large on her face. The Williams team, a dominant force when I first entered the paddock in 1997, held a special place in my heart, and witnessing its transition was profoundly saddening. Prior to the race, the team presented her with a signed nose and front wing assembly—a touching tribute to her unwavering dedication. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to Sir Frank, Claire, and her brother Jonathan for all their future endeavours.
Later that day, a pivotal phone call from a trusted source confirmed a major scoop: Renault was set to rebrand its Formula 1 team to ‘Alpine F1 Team’ for the 2021 season. We swiftly published the story, and true to the tip, the news was officially confirmed just two days later. My sincere gratitude goes out to my source – you know who you are – for providing such invaluable and accurate information.
Saturday: Inside Scoops and Legal Closures
Saturday brought a significant shift in my working routine as I made use of Monza’s dedicated media-team meeting room for the first time. This offered a crucial opportunity for off-record conversations with key team personnel. In a global sport that, at its core, remains a tight-knit community, the return to more personal, albeit still carefully managed, contact is immensely valuable. These candid discussions proved particularly fruitful, providing me with vital snippets of information that allowed us to reveal upcoming changes to the 2021 regulations, specifically designed to outlaw ‘photocopy engineering’. This landmark development aims to safeguard the spirit of innovation and fair competition within the sport, preventing teams from simply duplicating rivals’ designs.
One aspect became immediately clear concerning these important regulatory shifts for the 2021 F1 season: while the intent is to close loopholes, a considerable amount of clarification will undoubtedly be required. The intricacies of technical regulations often leave room for interpretation, and it will be a continuous process to ensure all potential avenues for circumventing the rules are effectively sealed off, maintaining the integrity of the sport.
In the same breath, I received further intelligence that both Racing Point and Ferrari intended to withdraw their respective International Court of Appeal actions. Racing Point had been appealing against the verdict and the severity of the sanction imposed for copying Mercedes’ brake ducts, while Ferrari had launched its own appeal, arguing that the treatment of Racing Point was too lenient. By Sunday, both withdrawals were officially confirmed, effectively bringing the contentious legal case to a close from a procedural standpoint, even as Racing Point continued to race their disputed cars.
Earlier in the day, September 5th marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic death of Jochen Rindt, the posthumous 1970 World Champion and a close friend of Bernie Ecclestone. I had sent Bernie a brief text message acknowledging this sombre anniversary. He promptly returned my call, and after discussing the enduring tragedy and sharing his poignant memories of the Austrian driver, our conversation shifted to provide fascinating insights into the recent sale of the Williams F1 team. This historical perspective from such a legendary figure was invaluable. Look out for our forthcoming feature detailing the intricacies and implications of this significant deal.
Sunday: Race Day Drama and Lingering Reflections
Sunday commenced with another mandatory COVID-19 test at the main gate testing station. To my immense relief, this time there was no burning sensation—a small victory on race day. Assuming a negative result, which is typically an overnight process, this test would grant me clearance until Thursday in Mugello, where I would undergo the final test of this intense triple-header of races.
My route to the circuit often takes me down less-trodden alleys behind the grandstands, and it was there that I spotted a delightful anomaly: an ice cream cart proudly displaying a flavour named after “Jody”—presumably a tribute to Jody Scheckter, the 1979 Ferrari World Champion and my compatriot. This struck me as the sole public reference to Scheckter all weekend. The media centre, while adorned with artworks commemorating various Ferrari champions (and the iconic Gilles Villeneuve), conspicuously lacked any tribute to either Jody or the equally legendary John Surtees. It seemed an odd omission for a venue so steeped in Ferrari’s rich history.
The significance of today’s race in championship terms cannot be overstated. As the eighth event of a season profoundly disrupted and delayed by the global pandemic, it officially cemented F1’s legitimacy for a championship title. While initial provisions had been made to tweak regulations if necessary, it stands as a monumental tribute to the tireless efforts of the sport’s powers-that-be that Formula 1 managed to stage a ‘legal’ and compelling championship despite the unprecedented havoc wreaked by COVID-19. It underscored the resilience and adaptability of the entire F1 ecosystem.
Little can truly be added to the overwhelming euphoria surrounding today’s race result, save for offering my profound personal congratulations to Pierre Gasly and the entire AlphaTauri team. I am particularly chuffed for Technical Director Jody Egginton, whom I hold in very high regard, and, of course, for Pierre himself, whose career has been a dramatic rollercoaster of emotions, highs and lows. This victory is a testament to his unwavering determination. To Carlos Sainz: your day will undoubtedly come, my friend. Just ask your father, a rallying legend in his own right, who also endured numerous initial disappointments before ultimately achieving monumental success. Patience and persistence are often the keys to cracking it big time.
After the final round of Zoom conferences, I departed the circuit at 7:30 PM, heading south towards my next destination. As the roads stretched before me, I reflected on two remarkably ‘different’ Italian Grand Prix races – the unexpected triumph of 2008 and today’s equally surprising victory in 2020 – both, by a fascinating twist of fate, won by that plucky team from Faenza. My focus then shifted to the journey ahead to Mugello; I have some truly exciting visits planned in the interim, the details of which I will share after Ferrari’s milestone 1000th Grand Prix in Tuscany—an event that, by all accounts, can only prove even more spectacular than its 999th.
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