Autosport Plus

The self-confessed nightmare who earned a final F1 shot

By:

This week a man who has already beaten some of the hottest prospects on the grand prix grid gets his first proper Formula 1 chance. This is why he deserves it, and why he now has the attitude to make the most of it

He was the epitome of a swashbuckling, mega-talented rising star who just needed the right break. And the right backer. The wild child with everything but the wallet to light up Formula 1.

It didn't happen. Well, it hasn't happened yet. But at least he'll finally get on track in a proper F1 opportunity this week, when the proteges of grand prix racing's biggest teams will be out in force in Spain.

shares
comments

Barcelona F1 testing: Romain Grosjean leads morning for Haas

Was Mercedes really helped by the tyre change?

More from Scott Mitchell

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

F1 Formula 1

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

F1 Formula 1

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1 Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

F1 Formula 1

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0' Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

F1 Formula 1

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

F1 Formula 1

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

F1 Formula 1

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

F1 Formula 1

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinuackas

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Matt Kew

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience Why the growing pains of F1’s cost-cap era require patience

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
GP Racing

Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks? Has F1 gone too far with its sprint race format tweaks?

Subscribe