Why the 2021 title fight is far from F1's worst, despite its toxic background

OPINION: Formula 1 reconvenes for the Russian Grand Prix two weeks after the latest blow in ‘Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton’. While the Silverstone and Monza incidents were controversial, they thankfully lacked one element that so far separates the 2021 title fight from the worst examples of ugly championship battles

Alex Kalinauckas Sep 22, 2021, 8:48 AM

Upd: Sep 22, 2021, 1:59 PM

The ‘Schumacher’ Netflix documentary did many things extremely well.

Against a backdrop of well-chosen archive footage and images, an impressive range of talking-head contributors from the seven-time world champion’s Formula 1 career were assembled to discuss his achievements and legacy. Contributions from many – including perhaps best of all: Jean Todt and Ross Brawn – articulately explained the complexities of character behind such a legendary figure. But they ultimately took a back seat compared to the expressions of love and devotion from Michael’s family.

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Author Alex Kalinauckas

Alex Kalinauckas is Autosport's Grand Prix Editor, covering every Formula 1 race since the start of 2020. After completing a master's degree in journalism at Goldsmiths College University of London in 2014, he worked for a range of motorsport and technology publications while covering national racing as an Autosport freelancer.

A lifelong motorsport fan - no one in his family can explain quite how or why such a development first occurred - Alex joined the Autosport staff in April 2017 as the magazine’s Assistant Editor covering Formula 2 and GP3, before being made Formula E correspondent and Autosport.com’s Plus Editor in March 2018. He lives in north-east London and is constantly frustrated by the Central Line.