Never like today, the title of this column (On the wrong side) seems appropriate to me because what I have read and listened to since yesterday is incredible. Yet it seems shared by almost everyone on the web and in print.
We witnessed a predictable grand prix without overtaking in the top positions with emotions artfully created by a commentary that invents situations and makes people enjoy battles and overtaking that don't happen on the track. Norris' great comeback thrilled everyone and it was exciting to finally see a McLaren and a Ferrari close to Red Bull. But what happened in the end?
We witnessed the fifth victory out of seven grand prix, the shouter then declared that a new Formula 1 has begun. But in what sense is it new? He saw who occupied the highest part of the podium? The same person who has consistently monopolized it for three years. We are witnessing the greatest domination in the history of the category and we are even able to rejoice at the recoveries at the end of the grand prix in cat and mouse style!
People who, in an attempt to give Verstappen the title of greatest driver of all time, rave about McLaren's technical superiority, reeling off a series of data and motivations bordering on the grotesque, not realizing that this "so inferior" car has signed seven pole positions on as many grand prix and only failed to win two races due to technical problems and the effects of the safety car!
Imola GP: a lunar narrative
I am astounded to note the fact that no one watches the races using a minimum of reason anymore. We only listen to the ridiculous narration of an exciting Formula 1 where the same guy who also took pole and first place with ease always wins!
Yes, you read that right: easily. Because victory was never in question. The Dutchman managed the race comfortably knowing full well that Norris didn't have the slightest chance of overtaking. They had tire degradation and increased their times by taking advantage of the large margin over their opponents (see the early stages of the race where in a few laps the gaps were in the order of seconds).
There are also those who have divided the gap final for the number of laps to certify a technical situation of perfect balance with at least three drivers and teams competing for victories and a world championship now reopened thanks to the various updates.
All that is missing are the multiparametric integrals to demonstrate that in reality the first actually came third and the second then won, but these are projections that the web engineers will calmly develop this week.
Not to mention the definitive test, i.e. Perez's poor performances which would certify a vehicle that is no longer superior and which wins only thanks to the talent of the team leader, ignoring that the team and above all the car are shaped around Max who is therefore the only one capable of extract all its enormous potential. A bit like what happened with Schumacher in the Ferrari days: films seen and seen again which in this era always seem unreleased.
![Ferrari GP Imola 2024](https://www.formulacritica.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ferrari-Imola-750x375.webp)
However, it is useless to go against common opinion, all that remains is to sit back and enjoy this new F1, perhaps at the end of the year after the world championship will be awarded 5 or 6 races in advance, someone will realize that the battles are only in the head of those who told them and believed them.
To close, a personal consideration as a lover of Ayrton Senna. Luckily the weekend passed and we got rid of all these useless commemorations with great fanfare. From today there is no longer any need for walks, flags, t-shirts, hats and photos with the statue. From today Ayrton returns to the hearts of those who love him as has happened for 30 years.
Crediti foto: Scuderia Ferrari, Oracle Red Bull Racing