Formula 1 2025 - Azerbaijan Grand Prix

 Sadly I missed the live Baku Chaos Bonanza because I was hitting people with swords.

As the BBC radio commentators said, it's an odd race where there's either chaos in qualifying or the race, never both and this was a year where it was all in the qualifying - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c5yv3y3q8dvo

The race itself was dull, and the only good news was the Sainz jnr podium. But that was very good news.

It's interesting that there was another poor (re)start from Norris. At some point, they're going to have to do something about that. Matters were not helped by him yet again being the victim of a McLaren pitstop going wrong.

The only comment I have about Ferrari is that someone needs to tell them that 3rd in Constructors is not good enough.

Then, of course, there's that titillating possibility that this is the second race in a Verstappen come back. If Verstappen wins the title this year ...

Film Review - Big Trouble in Little China

 Spoilers below

Another Mockingbird Cinema (https://mockingbirdcinema.com/MockingbirdCinema.dll/Home) special.

I went with D. When we go to the cinema, we aim for silly films. Big Trouble in Little China definitely brings that.

It's dashed hard to write about because it's such a delightful confection. You don't want to press too hard in case it breaks the spell. While I understand people who go "you can't want films to make sense and love Big Trouble in Little China" but within itself, it's consistent and makes sense. That's all I ask for.

'Big Trouble in Little China' also does something clever, with a lead character who is so totally not the hero. It's not that Jack Burton doesn't try, or isn't brave, but that man is not the hero. (By the by, Wang Chi is a most excellent fiancé and were I to be kidnapped by ancient incorporeal wizards, I would like to be rescued by him)

A lot of films would tweak that start to make Jack Burton be the big damn hero at the end, but this doesn't. One knife throw aside, he spends the end fight unable to help.

He's also an excellent character to explain the plot to because he's an outsider so there's very little "as you know, Bob" going on, because Jack knows Jack.

It's a little gem of a film and I recommend seeing it if you get the chance.

Formula 1 2025 - Italian Grand Prix

Power units and other disasters 

We're starting to reach the power unit grid penalty part of the season, with various drivers sent to the back of the grid. I am wondering if whatever happened to Hulkenberg's car was also a part reaching its limit. 

There was actual racing 

But it was noticeable that most of the racing occurred before the DRS buttons were turned on. Maybe they'll get rid of them. (The DRS button continues to kill joy.) 

Red Bull 

Verstappen's performance in front adds evidence to the theory that this car was designed with the assumption it would be at the front, and it can't handle not being there. 

Aston Martin 

That muttering sound really is Alonso saying "next year I will have a Newey car so I will put up with this nonsense". 

Ferrari 

Every single race there's a mid-race disagreement between the drivers and the pit wall. Do they not have pre-race meetings?! Do the drivers not listen?! Do the team lie to them?! 

McLaren 

Loving Jenny Gow's simile - "the McLaren mechanics are walking around like expectant fathers." 

Other than Norris apparently being cursed (seriously, why do the pit stop problems always happen to him), I am not sure what else McLaren could have done. It was a problem the team created. Sure, racing is racing, but an unholy mechanical error isn't racing, and a swap seems only fair. 

Verstappen trolling does not help anything or anyone. Ever!

Formula 1 2025 - Dutch Grand Prix - A delayed accidental live blog experiment

For reasons, I couldn't watch the Grand Prix live, and some how remained unspoiled other than something happened to Norris, something happened to both Ferraris and good things happened for Hadjar. (Same reason is likely to prevent me watching the Italian Grand Prix live.) 

Therefore, you will be getting my delayed thoughts as I finally get to listen to it. Before the start: of course Red Bull are trying something tricksy with tyres. 

Lap 1 - Norris's starts have happened again 

Lap 9 - We have racing and overtaking!!!! Although I am intrigued by BBC radio saying Norris has more racing ability than Piastri. I want to know what evidence they are basing this on. I know they're the British Broadcasting Corporation but still .... 

Lap 12 - I like how Abi Pulling explains why the tyres are affected by the corners 

Lap 13 - Happy 19th Kimi (the younger) 

Lap 17 - ah, high tech F1, where the team principals still stick their arms out to check how heavy the rain is. 

Lap 19 - rain starting, cold temperature, of course Alonso goes onto hards. (I know, that's what he's got to switch to but ...) Why are they all switching to hards in these conditions?!!!! 

Lap 22 - Ah, the great Ferrari driver vs his own strategy team mid-race argument occurs. Truly, my favourite part of the race. (Level of sarcasm, high) 

Lap 23 - oh, how I hate being a Ferrari fan! (The double stack was what I expected McLaren to do from when they asked Norris to get closer. Given the effect of dirty air is that much worse at Zandvoort, it's the only reason you'd want them to get closer). Once again, the pitstop gremlins have hit Norris. How are the safety cars always just at the wrong point for Leclerc? Do Ferrari need to perform some sort of arcane ritual to stop this happening?! 

Lap 25ish - Norris, you're a whinge-pot. Stop whining at your race engineer.

Lap 31 - George, stop being a snitch! 

Lap 33 - Because I knew something terrible will happen to Leclerc (but not what and when) I spent most of him vs Russell racing on lap 33 wincing. 

Lap 34 - obvs. watching via radio, but if that incident was anything like how the radio described it, why did Sainz jnr get the penalty? 

Lap 38 - Again, thanks to Abi Pulling for the explanation of the Alonso outburst. I believe the sound we're not quite hearing is Alonso muttering "next year I have a Newey car" under his breath. 

Roughly lap 47, definitely in the mid-race doldrums - interview with Hamilton where he says that he had no problem with Ferrari's strategy. I mean, bless him for trying to hide that. 

Lap 54 - What do you mean it wasn't even Leclerc's own accident?!!! What is it with this race's Mercedes on Ferrari violence?!! Separately, Norris's rear left exchange goes wrong at the pitstop. And further Ferrari tyre/strategy complaints from the drivers. Which given that he's already out ... what is that supposed to achieve Charles? 

Lap 55 - Unexpected potential points for Sauber! 

Lap 56 - Further evidence for my theory that that second Red Bull is cursed. 

Lap 60 - It never rains but it pours for Antonelli. On the other hand, if you hire rookies, you have to expect and tolerate a certain amount of mistakes. (Looking at you Alpine, looking at you so hard) 

Lap 66 - Engine failure. An engine failure got Norris!!!! When was the last time a McLaren had an engine go boom?! (Updated - oil leak, my apologies to the engine) 

Lap 67 - Interesting stat, Hadjar would be the first French driver to get a podium since Grosjean! 

Lap 72 - Bearman! In the points!! In sixth!!! And Ocon! Double points for Haas!! 

Post race comments: 

Ferrari: Given I was expecting it to have been Ferrari happening to themselves, I was actually alright with there being two accidents. Leclerc was being either really nice about the incident, or Ferrari have finally broken him. 

Hadjar: Is the reason I like Hadjar at least 3/4 because he has equations on his helmet.  

Given how terribly badly parts of Red Bull main treated him after the Australian Grand Prix, they can keep their hands off him now. Definitely until that second car is exorcised.