I had the fortunate experience of Abu Dhabi 2021 being the very first Formula One race that I had ever watched. I didn't understand what the fuss was about and fell into the immediate controversy of what was race regulations, race directors, and rule interpretation. Because I am the type who likes to understand anything I enjoy, I was soon consumed by understanding the dynamic between Redbull Racing and Mercedes AMG racing teams.
Within a weekend, I binged all four seasons of Drive to Survive. In hindsight, it might not have been the best entry into the F1 world because of how drivers and rivalries were portrayed and in what seems to be more of a close travelling family. The more races I watched, old and new, the more I was intrigued by how critical drivers, their precision, the car, strategy, track, pit crew and reliability all needed to work perfectly to execute the perfect race. And what a delicate balance it is!
Seven races into the 2022 season, I remain engrossed by how it all fits and works together. It keeps me on the edge of my seat. It is the only sport that a team radio message can make you feel anxious, excited and absolute dread at the same time before you have heard a single word. And I am not a Ferrari fan. Where 1000th of a second to get pole position can equal a win with a perfectly executed strategy, that delicate balance, on a track that is impossible to overtake.
It is the only sport where perfection is the goal in a world where perfection is a privilege. And I love every second of it!