When I think about all of the colorful and many times laughable characters who have populated the F1 paddock since the mid-70's, I doubt those new to the sport are being treated to the same level of entertainment that the crustier among us may have become accustomed.
As Bernie transformed F1 from a gentleman's pursuit to big business, we should have expected to see teams run by marketing companies and masters of business administration. Heck it happened to the movie business, why not F1?
Thus the Silverstone squabble between Christian Horner and Martin Whitmarsh was hardly the most exciting thing we've seen, and regardless of blame being simultaneously directed toward Red Bull, the FIA, and Ferrari(!), I found the entire debacle a snoozer.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure both are great gentlemen. Horner brings many years in motor sport from his days as a driver, and Whitmarsh is a highly educated engineer. Unlike this blogger, they are true insiders with many years dedicated to motor sport as a profession.
Unfortunately Horner is also charged as the mouth piece and primary corporate communications entity for a team that exists as result of a massive brand marketing strategy. Red Bull is nothing if it is not a marketing enterprise, and probably one of the more ingenious at that.
As so eloquently described here, service to such corporate interests requires one being able to speak fluently out of both sides of their mouth. Christian Horner has perfected that art, and Mark Webber truly deserves better.
Fernando Alonso once again demonstrated why he is largely regarded as the best driver on the grid. His performance was measured, controlled, and as one might have overheard at Silverstone, brilliant.
He bided his time, turning on the after burners when it counted. Considering the diverse skill set that a driver must draw upon to be successful in F1, Alonso continues to demonstrate that his is the complete package.
Overall, the race served up plenty of great moments. The pendulum swung around between Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren until everything started to go awry for the home team. I really had to feel for the McLaren faithful who must have been "gutted" after being so close to witnessing a victory on home soil.
Aside from Valencia and despite Vettel's almost insurmountable grasp on the championship, 2011 has been another great season. It's hard to believe that we are scarcely half way through the calendar.
My guess it that it's going to be a fantastic run from here to Interlagos.
