You're Only as Good as Your Last Race: The Reality of Criticism in Formula 1

In Formula 1, the phrase "you're only as good as your last race" reveals a harsh reality. Drivers not only compete on the track; they also face public perception and the opinions of key figures. The media can be highly critical, praising drivers one moment and criticizing them the next. This phenomenon has become more prominent in the modern era of social media and constant media coverage.

Red Bull has established a culture of high expectations and quick decisions that affect drivers internally and influence how the media perceives and criticizes them. This philosophy of promoting young talents and expecting immediate results creates a high-pressure environment both within the team and in public perception.

The media, by reflecting and amplifying this culture, becomes complicit in the harshness faced by Red Bull drivers. The comparison with Ferrari is notable, as historically the Italian press has been extremely tough on Ferrari drivers due to the team's symbolism in Italy. In recent years, however, this harshness seems to have shifted towards Red Bull drivers.

Different Treatment Based on Nationality

In Formula 1, drivers can face harsher criticism due to their nationality. The media and fans often have a bias towards drivers from their own countries, which can influence the perception and treatment of international drivers.

Fernando Alonso and British Bias

Fernando Alonso has openly discussed the British bias in Formula 1, mentioning that the media and the sport's structure, which have deep roots in the UK, tend to favor British drivers and teams. Alonso noted that this bias led to him being perceived as "the bad guy" when competing against Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya also faced intense criticism during his time in F1, often due to his aggressive driving style and outspoken nature. Despite having success with Williams and McLaren, Montoya was not always treated with the same leniency as his British counterparts, contributing to a harsher media perception.

The Duality of Opinions

Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel is a clear example of this dynamic. After winning four consecutive championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, he was considered one of the best drivers of his generation. However, upon joining Ferrari, any mistake was magnified by the media. Despite having competitive seasons, errors and losses to Lewis Hamilton led to a wave of criticism that overshadowed his previous achievements.

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo has experienced the love and hate of the media. Known for his aggressive driving style and charismatic personality, he was a fan favorite during his years at Red Bull. However, his move to Renault and then McLaren did not bring the expected results, resulting in intense criticism.

Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez is another example of how the narrative can change quickly. After joining Red Bull and having a good start, the criticism intensified with each mistake in 2024. Martin Brundle commented on Perez's situation: "Red Bull cannot afford to start the next season with a Perez in this form" and added that Perez needs to convince his team of his capabilities in the upcoming races. Additionally, Brundle described Perez's performance in the Canadian Grand Prix as a "total disaster" due to his poor qualifying and race errors.

Alexander Albon

During his time at Red Bull, Alexander Albon faced intense criticism for not matching Max Verstappen's performance. However, his resurgence with Williams has shown his true potential. In a team with lower expectations, Albon has consistently demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.

Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly was promoted to Red Bull in 2019 but struggled to match Max Verstappen's performance. His inconsistent performance led to his demotion to Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri). After returning to AlphaTauri, Gasly found his form again. His victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix was a highlight, showcasing his talent.

Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz began his career at Toro Rosso and then moved to Renault. Although he showed flashes of talent, he was never considered a star due to a lack of consistent results. His move to McLaren in 2019 was a turning point. Alongside Lando Norris, he helped McLaren regain competitiveness, earning praise for his consistency and racing skills. This earned him an opportunity at Ferrari, where he has continued to demonstrate his quality.

Nyck de Vries

Nyck de Vries impressed on his debut with Williams at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, replacing Alex Albon. He achieved a remarkable eighth position in qualifying and finished ninth in the race, earning valuable points. However, his move to AlphaTauri in 2023 was unsuccessful. Despite expectations, De Vries failed to score and was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo after just ten races in the 2023 season. Red Bull's Helmut Marko commented: "Nyck has not met our expectations and it's time for a change." This change highlighted the challenges and constant pressure faced by Formula 1 drivers.

The Influence of Key Figures

Key figures and former drivers also play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Comments from figures like Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve can amplify the perception of a driver.

The era of social media has exacerbated this dynamic. Drivers are under constant scrutiny from millions of people, adding an extra layer of pressure. Negative comments can go viral, affecting the driver's morale and performance on the track.