I'm back! I missed Zanvdoort since I was moving cross-country.

Anyway, this turned out to be a fun race! I wasn't sure how it was going to end up but the tire strategies kept it interesting. Not sure if the Ferraris, particularly Leclerc, made a big gamble, or that the McLarens snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Probably a little column A, little column B. Either way, I did not expect a Leclerc victory; they probably didn't either. The Tifosi will be partying hard tonight!

Red Bull continues to, unfortunately for me, shit the bed. During the first half of the race, Perez could barely overtake Russell, even though Russell had a damaged front wing. Later in the race, when Max switched to new mediums, with Hamilton ahead on slightly used hards, Max still couldn't close the gap. The gap even opened up! At least both RBRs finished in the Top 10 (more impressive for Perez, less so for Max).

I didn't see what happened to Yuki that caused him to retire; need to find that out.

Lastly, congrats to Colapinto finishing P12! Excellent for an F1 debut.

Onward to Baku.

Next race:

Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Baku City Circuit
Sunday, September 15

Not the most exciting race, but Mercedes made it exciting towards the end. I was really rooting for Lewis to overtake Russell , but Russell kept his P1. Ballsy strategy with a one-stopper, but in the end, turned out to be a great call.

UPDATE: Russell was DSQ'd post-race due to his car being underweight. FIA decision document [PDF]. Everyone moves up. Tough break, but the rules are the rules.

Max was able to claw his way through the field, ending P5 P4. Checo did better this weekend, but finishing P8 P7 (and also getting fastest lap), probably still not great for his future. If he survives to drive another day, it's just barely.

Anyway, on to the summer break. See you all for Zandvoort!

Also, sorry for not posting an post-race discussion for Baku last weekend. I was out of town and almost immediately after the race had to leave for the airport.

Next race:

Dutch Grand Prix
Circuit Zandvoort
Sunday, August 25

I am assuming all of you have seen the latest issue with Enzo's chant made in 2022 - it's not ok! I've read and have been told all sort of defense that range from different sensibilities to a more crass approach but no foul was meant etc., Nope, sorry, no excuse. True, Argentina has perhaps a population that is a homogeneous society like some have said, how true, I don't know, however they are not indigenous to the area. In the year 2024 to have a myopic view speaks more to the ignorance of the person or group defending it let alone those who chant it than anything else. I've found a video that has the chant itself and at least the presenter had the good sense to pull back from it.

Hinchada Argentina vs. Francia (Qatar 2022) Escuchen, corran la bola

What happened yesterday has no place in any sport! I hope that those that created the mayhem and the stadium managers are held accountable. Scenes like what we saw yesterday has happened before in other parts of the world in big football events like yesterday's game. I am surprised more people didn't get hurt. What a disgrace! I don't know if this stadium has a general manager and a security manager but both should be fired. What I saw from social media posts and TV was a complete lack of crowd control and unpreparedness by this stadium. Loved the game, could have gone either way if it wasn't for an incredible play by Argentina. Quite frankly I am surprised that the game was played at all but I suppose the mighty dollar comes first among all.

Hundreds of fans breach security before COPA America final

What a race -- Silverstone delivers, again!

Due to the bouts of rain, it was definitely a race centered around tire and pit stategy. Friends and I were constantly analyzing the tires changes.

Congrats to Lewis Hamilton for P1! 9th victory at Silverstone, and first win in like 2.5yrs. He's not "my" driver, but it's hard to not be happy for him for him! I thought McLaren was going to get the 1-2, but McLaren strategy shit the bed, hard. Just goes to show that speed isn't always everything (unless the team is Mercedes pre-2021).

Checo did not get his amazing performance, which was expected starting from the pitlane, but I imagine he was still valuable by providing data to the team for Max. So that's something. Though I was a little perplexed with Ferrari and Leclerc. At one point Leclerc was right next to Sainz in the Top 10. Then Leclerc pitted too early and never recovered. Maybe just poor strategy. As usual.

Anyway, triple header is over -- Two weeks til Hungary.

Off-topic, but there's an IndyCar race today as well. First showing of their new hybrid engines.

Also, thank you to @EmperorPenguin for posting the Austrian post-race discussion last week.

Next race:

Hungarian Grand Prix
Hungaroring
Sunday, July 21

Since we're halfway through the season -- though still not at the summer break -- I'll post the WCC and WDC as well.

Great moment in time
What a surprise Canada has been, congratz to the Canadian fans. Odds are against them winning on their next game but here I am thinking. IMO if the game develops like that of Germany vs Spain, I think Canada has a chance. The biggest thing that is controversial is if Messi is not in the lineup. If Messi is in the lines up I see Argentina not playing as well and Canada having the upper hand. I love watching Messsi but he is not playing well, playing hurt etc., I was lucky to go to the stadium, in the Chile vs Argentina game and it's very noticeable his participation is not great though arguably one would want him in vs out. Alright Canucks let's see what you got!

Carli Lloyd & Alexi Lalas react
I've can't with the USMNT anymore. I have been so invested with the team over the years but US Soccer has one consistent failure after another. Yesterday after the failed Copa America campaign to tune back into what others are saying and once again I hear the same thing: US Soccer isn't going to change and stay the course! So there you have it everyone! Wondering what folks outside the USA think about our situation, what do you recommend or change if you could?

JCPhoenix is out today, so I went ahead and filled in!

Bad day for Red Bull on their own track. Max messed up, and Checo is a bit of a Haas sandwich!