Day three in Bahrain unfolded with a characteristic blend of high-octane anticipation and intricate paddock politicking. As the sun beat down on the Sakhir circuit, our veteran correspondent, Dieter Rencken, navigated the bustling Formula 1 paddock, tackling pressing questions, engaging with legendary figures, and closely observing the evolving narratives of the motorsport world. From quizzing circuit architect Hermann Tilke on the readiness of Vietnam’s new F1 track to catching up with the iconic McLaren designer Gordon Murray, it was a day rich in insights and exclusive encounters, all while keeping a keen eye on the burgeoning career of Mick Schumacher.
8am
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The alarm clock’s insistent chime marked the beginning of another packed day in the Arabian Gulf. A well-established routine now governed my mornings in Bahrain: the essential wake-up tasks, a hearty breakfast to fuel the long day ahead, and the disciplined act of penning down the initial thoughts and observations for this very diary. The calm before the storm, a moment of reflection before immersing myself once more into the vibrant, often chaotic, world of Formula 1.
10am
The journey to the circuit was notably smooth and swift this morning. Being the equivalent of a ‘Sunday’ in Bahrain, the roads were blessedly quiet, offering a rare moment of tranquility before the paddock’s incessant hum. The comfortable shuttle ride provided a perfect opportunity to engage in deep conversation with Fred Af Petersen, a Swedish journalistic titan whose career spans decades within the F1 circus. Fred’s stories are a living archive of the sport, particularly his poignant recollections of the late, great Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson. Both drivers were prodigious talents whose lives were cut tragically short, Fred recounted, Peterson in a devastating accident at Monza in September 1978, and Nilsson succumbing to cancer a mere month later. Their legacies, however, endure, etched into the fabric of Formula 1 history, a testament to their skill and the inherent dangers of the sport they loved.
11am
Upon arriving at the circuit, my immediate focus shifted to the myriad stories unfolding around me. One of the most talked-about topics was Formula 1’s proposed four-part qualifying format, slated for potential introduction in 2020. The paddock was buzzing with speculation about its feasibility, the potential impact on race weekends, and the drivers’ perspectives. Would it genuinely enhance the spectacle, or merely add unnecessary complexity? The details were still nascent, but the mere suggestion sparked intense debate. Concurrently, I was diligently gathering information for next week’s column, aiming to uncover the “inside line” from a crucial meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Bit by bit, the intricate puzzle pieces of F1 politics and future plans began to surface, each revelation adding another layer to the narrative.
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1pm
Lunch in the bustling Media Restaurant offered a chance to connect with my Polish colleague, Cezary Gutowski. Our conversation inevitably turned to the ongoing saga at Williams and the far-reaching implications for Robert Kubica. The team’s struggles had been widely reported, raising concerns about Kubica’s future and the morale within the Grove-based outfit. Cezary offered a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the situation, while challenging, wasn’t as dire as often portrayed in international media. In Poland, he explained, the overarching sentiment seemed to be one of unwavering support for both Kubica and the venerable Williams team, embodying a resilient spirit despite the adversity. However, I couldn’t help but sense that this goodwill was directed more strongly towards the driver than the team itself, perhaps reflecting Kubica’s remarkable comeback story against immense odds.
Our meal consisted of a delicious, spicy chicken stew accompanied by a fresh salad, culminating in some utterly delightful caramel eclairs. As we ate, I kept one eye on the live feed of the F2 race. It was here that Mick Schumacher, son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, delivered a commendable performance. Starting from 10th on the grid, he skillfully climbed through the field to secure an eighth-place finish. This result, thanks to the series’ unique reversed-grid format, meant he would start Sunday’s second race from pole position. It was a significant moment for the young German, leading his second-ever F2 race, albeit by virtue of a regulation that sometimes feels more like a gimmick than a true test of pace. The race itself was won by Nicholas Latifi, the Williams third driver whose father, a prominent businessman, is also a McLaren shareholder. Such interconnections are a constant reminder of the intricate web of finance, family, and ambition that underpins the complex business of Formula 1.
3pm
The final practice session of the weekend commenced, but my attention to the on-track action was somewhat limited. In Bahrain, the results of FP3 often bear little relevance to qualifying and Sunday’s main race. The crucial factor is the significant difference in ambient temperatures between the afternoon’s session and the cooler evening conditions expected for qualifying and the race. This thermal variance fundamentally alters tire performance and car balance, rendering most of the afternoon’s lap times unrepresentative. Consequently, many drivers used FP3 primarily for vital systems checks, fine-tuning their setups for the cooler conditions, and gathering data rather than chasing outright speed. Yet, despite the strategic nature of the session, these are still elite racers, and even in a less critical practice, their competitive instincts surface, leading to a few entertaining moments that momentarily pique the interest.
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4pm
A stroll through the paddock provided a welcome change of pace and an opportunity for key encounters. I was particularly delighted to meet Michael Masi, Formula 1’s new race director. Masi had stepped into the formidable shoes of the much-lamented Charlie Whiting, whose sudden passing had left a profound void in the sport. I had heard glowing reports about Masi from a mutual friend, who first encountered him as a junior ‘gofer’ within an Australian Super Touring team back in the early 2000s. It was clear even then that Masi possessed a deep understanding and passion for motorsport operations. He had certainly proven his mettle in Melbourne, capably conducting his maiden F1 race under incredibly challenging and emotional circumstances, earning respect for his calm and authoritative demeanor.
My next significant stop was a chat with Hermann Tilke, the renowned – and at times, controversial – circuit architect responsible for designing the majority of modern F1 tracks. His current monumental project is the Hanoi street circuit in Vietnam, which has secured a coveted spot on the 2020 F1 calendar. I presented him with some recent photographs I’d seen of the Hanoi site, images that depicted little more than a few scattered buildings, vast rubbly fields, and a nascent stadium structure – a far cry from a ready-to-host Grand Prix venue. I posed the obvious, pressing question: given the current state of affairs, would the venue genuinely be completed and ready to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix by April 2020? “It will be, it has to be,” Hermann declared with characteristic confidence, his voice unwavering. He promptly reminded me that all his previous circuits, despite often facing similar skepticism during construction, had invariably been delivered on time. Yet, even with his resolute words, a subtle gesture spoke volumes: he brought his thumb and index finger together, leaving barely a millimetre’s gap, a silent acknowledgment of the incredibly tight deadline and the immense challenge that lay ahead for the Hanoi project.
5pm
My next destination was the McLaren hospitality area, primarily to gather more information regarding Vype, the controversial vaping brand prominently displayed on their cars this weekend. As I approached, I spotted a familiar figure on the patio: the legendary F1 engineer Gordon Murray. Our paths first crossed decades ago in Durban during the seventies, a chance encounter that forged a lasting connection. Gordon and I both attended the Natal Technicon (now the Durban University of Technology), albeit a few years apart, and through that shared institution, we still have several mutual friends. We tend to catch up every few years, and indeed, I had the honour of emceeing the ceremony when he was inducted as an honorary professor by the Technicon.
Gordon was in Bahrain as a guest of the McLaren team, a fitting tribute to his immense contributions. His design genius not only spearheaded several iconic Senna/Prost-era McLaren-Hondas, cars that redefined F1 dominance, but he also conceived the sublime McLaren F1 road car, a machine widely considered one of the greatest supercars ever built. We chatted amiably about current automotive technologies; he didn’t seem overly enamoured with some of the modern complexities, perhaps yearning for the simpler, more elegant engineering solutions of yesteryear. Our conversation also delved into his impressive classic car collection, a passion project that includes rare gems like the sixties South African-built Dart and Flamingo sports cars, highlighting his deep roots and diverse automotive interests.
I then brought up a significant historical anniversary: “Gordon,” I noted, “it’s exactly 45 years ago today that your Brabham BT44 secured victory at the South African Grand Prix with Carlos Reutemann behind the wheel.” That win marked a dual milestone: both the Argentine driver’s and Gordon’s first-ever Grand Prix victory. We reminisced about the elegant BT44, its innovative design, and its predecessor, the BT42, which was Gordon’s very first F1 design and had notably led its maiden race the year prior, hinting at the brilliance to come. The era of pure design and mechanical ingenuity truly shone through in his recollections.
Intrigued by the news of Patrick Head returning to Williams in a consultancy role, I posed the question: Was he open to a similar consultancy gig with McLaren? His response was unequivocal. “They haven’t asked me,” Gordon stated, “but I simply don’t have the time, what with my road car design consultancy and various other pastimes.” His current ventures, which include the Gordon Murray Automotive company focused on revolutionary lightweight vehicle design, clearly keep him more than occupied, demonstrating that his passion for innovation remains as strong as ever, albeit in different arenas than the F1 paddock.
7:30pm
As the qualifying session concluded, it was time to hit the relentless post-qualifying interview trail. This involved navigating the media scrum to gather insights and quotes from the drivers and team personnel. My specific focus for the evening was to speak with representatives from Toro Rosso, Red Bull, McLaren, and the two Williams drivers, while my colleagues fanned out to cover the rest of the grid. It’s a crucial phase of the day, capturing immediate reactions and strategies following the intensity of qualifying.
While at the Williams garage, I made an interesting discovery. ROKit, the team’s new title sponsor, is not only known for producing mobile phones but also boasts an energy drink line called ‘ROK natural energy’. Intrigued by this diversification and always keen for unique paddock stories, I promptly “swiped” a can – purely for research purposes, of course, to understand the taste profile and market positioning of their latest venture. It’s a small detail, but these often reveal the broader commercial currents flowing through Formula 1.
9:30pm
With all interviews concluded and notes compiled, the day’s work was finally done. It was time to make my way to the 10pm shuttle, which would transport me back to the hotel. The journey took approximately an hour, dropping me off just in time to complete the check-in process for my Monday 3:30am flight. The final task of the evening was to begin packing, ensuring everything would be ready for a swift check-out immediately after Sunday breakfast. Another demanding but incredibly rewarding day in the heart of Formula 1 had drawn to a close, filled with fascinating conversations and the ceaseless energy of the paddock. The prospect of an early flight loomed, but the stories gathered made every long hour worthwhile.
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