Laughter, Cars, and Tears…And Monza!
What a race! Oh, Monza, you never disappoint. But we’ll get back to that.
Hi!
I’m Nikolina. I love Formula 1.
No, I’m not a good driver.
My love for fast cars driving in circles started when I was a little girl. I used to watch it with my dad. I probably didn’t even like it, but whatever my dad was doing — I had to do it too.
(Remember that time your dad used to drive you around in his truck? No? Just me? Oh, ok then.)
Race by race, I got used to it, and by the age of 12–13, I was obsessed.
I don’t remember the first race I ever watched on TV, but I do remember the first race I ever watched in person. Austrian Grand Prix, 2019. I surprised my fiance with the tickets. But, don’t get me wrong — I didn’t give him the option to choose who’s gonna go with him — no way, that extra ticked was mine!
It was a hot day. Beautiful day. We were sweaty, thirsty, and excited.
The air show, the car show, and Formula 2.
Austrian National Anthem and tribute to Niki Lauda.
And finally 3.10 pm.
Oh, I still remember the excitement when cars rushed in front of me for the first time. The sound and the smell — just perfect. But you have to see that for yourself. I have waited 30 years for that moment, and now I love it even more. (Hopefully, I won’t wait another 30 years for my second F1 experience.)
Anyhow, the season ended as expected, and I was already making plans for the new one.
Unfortunately, 2020 hit us all pretty hard, and Formula 1 world is no exception. Canceled races, late start, and no audience. At least we can watch it every weekend now.
I’m still hoping that I will get to sit in the audience next year, only this time at the racetrack that has been on our wish list for a long time — Monza!
And speaking of Monza… OMG! Have you seen it?
Crazy start, penalties, and red flag. I couldn’t believe it. And then the second start — I still can’t believe it. I was nervous until the very last second and then it happened — a smile on my face with just a few tears. Well done, Pierre Gasly! It is one of the best races I watched lately, and one of the best wins.
Matt from WTF1 explained it very simply: he wants to forget about the whole thing, just so he could watch it all over again! I couldn’t agree more!
Even though I don’t have a favorite team or a driver (ok, I have a few favorite drivers), I was kinda sad for Ferrari. Last year, Charles won home Grand Prix for Scuderia, for the first time after nine years! It was special. This year, it was hard to watch. When I was a kid, Ferrari was my team, and Schumacher was my childhood hero, so I guess I still hold some love for them.
But, Pierre’s win wasn’t the only thing that made me emotional this weekend. It was the last race for Sir Frank and Claire. Yes, it is the end of an era, and yes, I cried!
With 16 Championships, nine for constructors, and seven for drivers, they are an important piece of history, and I can’t wait the day when I will watch Williams and young Russell winning races. It will happen.
Oh, and when we’re talking about the future — who is excited about 2022 and new regulations? I know I am. But, we still have a lot of amazing races ahead of us this year and in 2021. Also, I can’t wait to see Ricciardo in McLaren and what the future will bring for Seb.
This year’s Drive to Survive is going to be fun!
I should probably stop myself here because this could go on.
Yes, crazy and emotional weekend — I still have goosebumps (Pierre Gasly, wow), and I’m still excited, and Tuscany is in just a few days.
