AJ on the Line

Who will become world champion in Abu Dhabi?

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was as mad as we expected it to be, with Jeddah providing jostling and jeopardy throughout the weekend.

Be it Max Verstappen putting in a scintillating lap in the death of qualifying before crashing on the final lap, the clash of the titans of Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on multiple occasions or the last ditch sprint to the finish. There was quite a bit that went on - and we probably forgot a few things. Below is a list so that you can get the knits but listen to Joe, Jimmy and myself dissect it all in this week’s podcast.

Mercedes lead away

Mick Schumacher crashes

Verstappen takes the lead

2nd red flag

Estaban Ocon moved to pole, Verstappen P3

Verstappen leads again

Verstappen told to give place back after running Hamilton wide

Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton collide

Verstappen lets Hamilton past, Verstappen retakes lead

Hamilton through to win

Hamilton and Verstappen now level on points for an Abu Dhabi showdown

My Awards

Biggest Winner: Mercedes

Biggest Loser: The philosophy of racing 

Moment of the Weekend: Verstappen walking off the podium

Honourable Mention: Sewis (Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton)

AJontheLine Line of the Week: "Turns out yield or crash doesn't work when you're expecting the wall to yield."

Thank you: Sir Frank Williams

Here’s What You Need to Know: Saudi GP

#historyawaits is the hashtag heading in the #SaudiGP this weekend, so you know that the title could be decided. Can Max Verstappen win his first championship or will Lewis Hamilton hold on to his crown and make history with an eighth? Here are my thoughts heading into the penultimate #F1 weekend of 2021.

F1 Explained: Frank Williams

At the weekend, we lost a legend of Formula 1 in Frank Williams. There may genuinely never again be anyone like him. Here is just the tip of the iceberg on his impact in a sport that we love. 

#F1 #Williams #SaudiGP #sport 

10/10 Series: Humility - Frank Williams — AJ on the Line

https://www.ajontheline.com/blog/1010-series-humility-frank-williams-1 

Lewis Hamilton surged to another vital win, closing in on Max Verstappen, who limited the damage. Qatar was another critical piece in the championship puzzle, with the two rivals now split by eight points in the Dutchman’s favour and two races remaining. There was plenty of speed on track and mountains of spice off it.

It was the first time F1 has raced in Qatar, and given that it was on an old motorbike circuit, it wasn’t half bad. Hamilton claimed pole position in dominant style by nearly half a second to his rival Verstappen and teammate Valtteri Bottas. However, Verstappen and Bottas ignored the yellow flags that came out following a late puncture for Pierre Gasly, resulting in them each receiving a grind penalty.

This left Hamilton, Gasly and the returning legend, Fernando Alonso, as the top three starters. Hamilton waltzed away, seemingly in a league of his own, while Verstappen fought back to finish second from seventh with a tremendous opening lap. Pierre Gasly dropped like a stone with poor pace, allowing his team’s main rivals, Alpine, to make the most of their incredible speed - Fernando Alonso returned to the podium with his teammate, Esteban Ocon fifth. Where were Hamilton and Verstappen’s teammates? Sergio Perez recovered from a poor qualifying to finish fourth, while Bottas looked good to claim third but started a trend of four drivers who had tyre failures at a circuit that gave the tyres no time to relax. 

Drama, fightbacks and some of the best ever on the podium - the Qatar Grand Prix certainly delivered. Listen to Joe, Jimmy, and myself discuss it in greater detail here. 

My Awards

Biggest Winner: Alpine

Biggest Loser: Christian Horner

Moment of the Weekend: The Pole lap

Honourable Mention: Lance Stroll

AJontheLine Line of the Week: “They woke up the lion in Interlargos”

Brazil and Formula One usually result in passion, drama and scintillating racing. 

My goodness, it delivered. 

There was controversy, overtakes all over the shop and the winner had a comeback from a 25 place penalty. Senna would have been proud.

Listen to usual team take you through the many talking points.

My Awards

Biggest Winner: Lewis Hamilton 

Biggest Loser: The FIA (not financially)

Moment of the Weekend: THAT overtake

Honourable Mention: Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Brazil 

AJontheLine Line of the Weekend: F*** them all

It was another key point in this duel of the ages between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. While the race wasn’t the most interesting, there was still plenty to discuss and Joe, Jimmy and I do it here.

We go through our awards for the Mexican weekend (see mine below), our predictions for Brazil and more. 

Listen, enjoy and share.

My awards

Biggest Winner: Red Bull

Biggest Loser: McLaren

Moment of the Weekend: Q3

Honourable Mention: Lewis Hamilton

AJontheLine Line of the Week: I’ve got no power - it’s coming 

How do you become a sporting champion?

I spoke to the award-winning Nigerian TV sports broadcaster and all-round sports fan, Austin Okon-Akpan about the importance of ‘passion’ for success in sport. 

We discuss Austin’s journey to becoming an award-winning journalist, the importance of grassroots sports, the way that Novak Djokovic and Manny Pacquiao have lifted their communities, life lessons from sporting champions and more. 

Austin is an incredible character that you will love. This podcast will make you smile, think deeply and love sport. 

Follow Austin on Twitter & Instagram at @proudlyaustin

Join the usual team as we discuss the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. From Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battling until the last lap to Daniel Ricciardo being a legend, and everything in between, we have got you covered. 

#F1 #USGP #Austin #HamiltonvsVerstappen

My thoughts on the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Ferrari and fans - it’s all discussed.

#USGP #F1 #Austin #LewisHamilton #MaxVerstappen 

Follow me on Instagram: adamjw44

Adam answers your questions about F1. This

time, it's all about Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

The podcast is also available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon

and more.

Follow me on Instagram @adamjw44