FORMULA 1 isn’t called the sport that never sleeps without reason. For as much intrigue and excitement as the 2019 season has produced in its four races there have been equally as many stories off the track.
Many of these centre on the complete overhaul of the rules for 2021 but those outside the teams haven’t been privy to much information in that regard.
However, what has been well documented is the future of the F1 calendar.
It was recently announced that Liberty Media has reached a deal that will ensure Monza’s presence on the calendar until, at least, the 2024 season.
What’s more, there has been confirmation that talks are “ongoing” for the world’s premier racing series to return to South Africa.
Liberty Media are believed to be quite keen on this idea as it will ensure then that F1 races on all the habitable continents of the world. As deliriously exciting as the prospect of F1 is South Africa may be, there are still a few years’ wait before it becomes a reality. In the meantime there is the matter of the first European race of the season taking place this weekend.
Some in the paddock return to their preseason testing venue of the circuit de Catalunya with a vastly different mindset from when they left the Spanish circuit a few months ago.
Ferrari arrive likely with the most question marks, given that they left preseason testing as the hot favourite to dominate the opening stint of the season. Alas, several factors have conspired, to which Ferrari have certainly contributed, to deliver a far different outcome in the first four races.
Instead, Mercedes are sitting pretty with a stunning four one-two finishes and there is little to suggest that the Silver Arrows won’t be a force again this weekend.
