By our Motoring Correspondent
It was wet, wet, wet in another sense because the performance was mundane. Racing on 27 July 2025 was again dominated by a few, making it boring – a snooze fest deluxe. Enough to put you into a coma like Rip van Winkle. Seriously.
During the week, I watched the legendary Mirage F1 in action—footage from the South Africa–Angolan war. Far more interesting. The speed (2,338 km/h!) of F1 jets in combat, shooting down enemy aircraft, still takes your breath away. The way they climb swiftly into the skies and sneak up behind their targets is astonishing. If you’re bored with Formula 1, check out the Mirage F1 jets in action on TikTok—now that’s excitement.
I’m actually amazed how billions can be spent on Formula 1 motor racing and what a poor showing it is for spectators. A few cars dominate because of the big money behind them, while even the commentators pay very little attention to those in the midfield and at the backend. Shame—these other drivers are also very good. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be racing in Formula 1. But because of politics and maybe laziness on the part of the commentators, these drivers get scant attention.
Back to the race on Sunday: Isaac Hadjar was last, next up Colapinto and Carlos Sainz. Pity about these performances.? The Kick Sauber team did well. Their driver, Gabriel Bortoleto, finished in 9th place — an excellent result for a new driver. ?Pierre Gasly of BWT Alpine F1 Team finished in 10th place. Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls came eighth. Both drivers in the Haas team also had spirited performances. ?
Just a bit about the track — the Spa-Francorchamps circuit takes its name from the nearby Belgian town of Spa—famous since Roman times for its healing mineral waters. The original track, built from public roads in the 1920s, was over 14 km long and terrifyingly fast. It’s since been shortened and made safer, but it still features legendary corners like Eau Rouge that test the courage and control of even the best drivers.
Formula 1 today may be safer, faster, and more high-tech than the raw, risky days of the 1970s. Whether that’s better or worse? That’s up to you.
Whether you’re into the old-school grit or the modern polish, Spa remains one of the last great proving grounds. But if the action keeps falling flat, maybe Mirage F1s will be the new go-to for adrenaline.
