The chatter in the German Grand Prix paddock surrounds Lewis Hamilton’s new contract – and potential further moves on the driver market.
5:15am
Alarm goes, I’m up and ready to hit the road at 600am after morning routines. The German Grand Prix is one of three ‘roadies races’ for me this year, the others being Britain and Belgium – last-named, being, of course, my home race in honour of my naturalised citizenship. As we will see, this trio also has another characteristic in common.
7:30am
As I approach Kerpen on the 260-mile run south, roof down and music blaring, I overlook a crucial turn-off from the motorway, and my sat-nav then directs me straight on, but adds 20 miles/minutes to my travel time. Not a good start… But, it turns out, serendipity: I later discover from Belgian colleagues who followed the shorter route that an accident causes a one-hour tail-back and detour to another motorway – where they are promptly disrupted by another accident.Thus my initial 20-minute error saves me over two hours.
Noon
Arrive at the circuit, and the downsides of hosting a grand prix every second year are immediately evident: staff at the F1 personnel parking area are either new or have forgotten the basics, shuttle buses are few and far between, and check-in at the media centre is inefficient due to staff not knowing the ropes.
When I point this out to (German) colleague, response is (said with imaginary click of heels): “Well, if we were our usual efficient selves the rest of the world would be confused…”
Hockenheim’s media centre, in common with Spa and a few other venues, does not offer views of the circuit, but has the advantage of at least offering easy access to teams. Still, there’s nothing like watching the start of a grand prix at close quarters rather than on TV.
The big news is Lewis Hamilton’s new two-year contract. There was little doubt the four-time champion would extend his deal with the Three Pointed Star; it was just a question of how long, when and where, and for Lewis, how much? This likely leaves Daniel Ricciardo with Ferrari as his only possible alternative to staying Red Bull.
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2pm
Lunch in the media café consists of traditional German Frikadellen on bread rolls, garnished with mustard and lettuce, followed by a Black Forest cherry(ish) tart, washed down with Apfelschorle, a fizzy apple juice. All very good, and thank you Hockenheim.
6pm
Depart circuit for my hotel, situated on the banks of the Rhine in Speyer, a cathedral town ten miles from the circuit. One of the priceless advantages of my job is the ability to experience some absolutely wonderful sightseeing across the world, and this evening I again reflect on fortunate I am: I stroll through the main pedestrian mall, sun behind me – shining directly onto the massive cathedral and illuminating its facets.
I skip dinner and settle for three balls – pineapple, orange and melon – of the smoothest sorbet I can recall enjoying, then walk down to the river and take its enormous expanse. Work and pleasure do mix.
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2018 German Grand Prix
- Vettel quickest, then spins, as Ericsson escapes huge crash
- 2018 German Grand Prix Star Performers
- Vettel is first driver to crash out of the lead solo in 13 years
- Top ten pictures from the 2018 German Grand Prix
- Hamilton rains on Vettel’s parade
bosyber (@bosyber)
20th July 2018, 10:54
I have to say, reading the paddock diary, I am a bit sad @bascb and I couldn’t make it to Hockenheim this year. But glad you are there and giving us a feel for it nevertheless @dieterrencken; and glad to read they are apparently pretty sold out too, unlike when we last were there in 2016. Let’s hope for a great race to remember it by (until they maybe return sometime).
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
20th July 2018, 17:17
“washed down with” seems like such an odd way to tell others what you had for a drink. I didn’t know it was a common expression.
Ju88sy (@)
21st July 2018, 15:38
@fer-no65 It’s an English idiom.