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Writer's pictureBehind Track Limits

A Love-Hate Relationship

Vanessa gives her own personal insight into her relationship with sport....



Sport is a beautiful thing. My love for it started when I was just three years old, with my grandmother telling me which Football Team I had to cheer for. At this Point I didn’t understand the Emotion behind the joy and the pain Sport can bring into your day to day life. I just liked watching the different Players running around the on the Pitch. At the same time I was starting to watch F1 with my mother. In Germany we of course supported Michael Schumacher und saw him conquering the podiums of the world. So in those early years of me stepping foot in the emotional world of sports I only got to know the good. The cheers. The happy and joyful moments. But that soon had to change. Bring on the year 2006. Football World Cup semi Final: Italy against Germany. Those few minutes at the end of the match showed me the other side. The pain. The devastation. The utter frustration that brings tears to your eyes even though you’re not even part of the match. In that moment I knew what being a sports fan really meant. And honestly I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Because those moments make the good times even sweeter. Without the negative we wouldn’t appreciate the good.

And that brings me to Monza.

As a McLaren Fan (don‘t come for me) two weeks ago I was over the moon. After that amazing weekend. That 1-2, Daniel finally seeming to be comfortable in the car and racing Max. Lando holding up a seven time World Champion in a McLaren. I was flying like the cars were around the circuit. Finally I thought, We are getting back to where we once were. The emotions were so high, they made the whole week special. And made me really excited for Sochi.


I was being realistic. Not expecting another win or a podium. But I was excited for the race and to see what the weekend would bring. I wasn’t prepared. Practice was alright. Nothing too extraordinary happening there. Mercedes dominating the track as always. Nothing new to see. Then came qualifying after a very rainy Saturday morning. I knew rainy conditions meant chaos. But I also know about Lando Norris in the rain. Excitement was building quickly. And the last few seconds didn’t disappoint one bit. Seeing his Name going purple at the very top. Seeing Daniel come in in fourth place. I really thought I was dreaming. After Monza. Do they really have the chance at a back to back win? I was optimistic. I believed in the team and they didn’t disappoint. That whole race was amazing. The battles. Lando overtaking Carlos and getting that P1. Daniel holding off Perez, Hamilton you name them, they weren‘t getting through. I was in awe again. Bouncing in my seat, having the biggest grin on my face.

And then it started to rain.

Rain is a funny thing in Racing. It brings action, excitement and surprise. I was excited for the rain and even more excited for that gap between Norris and Hamilton getting bigger again. Up until the point I saw Lando slipping and saying he doesn‘t want to pit. I saw Lewis pitting and having a 30 second gap to Lando with 3 laps to go. I really wanted to believe he can do it. But he kept slipping off, going slower and slower and I saw that win literally slipping from under his tyres. At that moment there was devastation and pain. The worst side of racing came out to play. I was speechless. Couldn’t comprehend what happened in those last few laps. I hated it. Listening to his radio. Watching him sitting in the car, not wanting to get out and seeing his face in the interviews after the race. Everything felt really bad. That high from Saturday was gone in a few minutes. Simply vanished.

Now a day later, it still hurts. But I remember once again. Those moments, the devastion of yesterday will make the next win sweeter. More exciting.

So I guess what I want to say is: Even in the worst moments, the love for the sport only grows. The bond to your favorite team grows stronger and the next time success is around the corner it will all be worth it.

Because remember after rain there is always sunshine again. And I heard the sun is out a lot in Istanbul ;)

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