Imagine this scenario: Every morning the 20 current Formula 1 drivers – as they put the final touches on their visage before departing home for ‘work’ – ask the fabled Magic Mirror staring at them: “Who’s the best F1 driver of us all?”
And of course, the Magic Mirror, which never lies, gives the lads a daily dose of reality check regarding the current situation in the 2023 F1 World Championship, not shy to fling honest advice to the driver reflection it replies to.
You can imagine in 2021, for instance, the Magic Mirror must have had a hard time when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen literally slugged it out for the F1 title. Some mornings the Mercedes driver would get the nod, much to the pain of the Red Bull driver, and vice versa on other days Lewis had to face the fact that Max had edged him, like a yoyo all season long.
Then in 2022, the Magic Mirror had it easy. Verstappen got the call every morning since he snatched the abovementioned F1 title from his great rival – Hamilton – at ‘that’ Abu Dhabi race.
However, that’s water under the bridge now (right?) the new F1 rules in effect from the start of 2022, were exactly what Adrian Newey and his design team needed to conjure up two of the finest cars in F1 history which the RB18 and current RB19 are.
Hence no surprise when Max contemplates his reflection, stares hard and asks:
Magic Mirror who’s the best in F1 right now? The answer is a prompt: “Max Verstappen. No contest. Making F1 boring. [Big smile from Max.]
What does the Ol’ Mirror have to say to the others chasing Max?
Hence of the 20 drivers who question the Mirror, only one is left happy, right now it is the RBR guy cruising to F1 title number three without much challenge if the first seven races are anything to go by. As for the others here goes:
Sergio Perez: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Obviously. Beat Max then we’ll talk.
Logan Sargeant: Magic Mirror on the wall, who’s the best Formula 1 driver of us all?
MM: Not you. Nicolas Latifi was better. Up your game son this is F1.
Alex Albon: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. But you are doing better, so keep it up. Do you feel you can beat Max? Not yet? Thought so.
Nyck de Vries: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Up your game instantly because Monza does not maketh an F1 career.
Yuki Tsunoda: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you…
YT: F@ck you. It’s me! (Sprays shaving cream all over the mirror)
Nico Hulkenberg: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. But welcome back.
Kevin Magnussen: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Le Mans, WEC and IMSA are mega cool. Ask your Dad. Just saying.
Valtteri Bottas: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Actually, are you still on the grid? Hardly see you these days during GP weekends.
Zhou Guanyu: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Beat Valtteri more often.
Lando Norris: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. But maybe with a half-decent car. Meanwhile, stop overdriving.
Oscar Piastri: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Cheeky to ask! You are a rookie. Focus. Get experience. Beat Lando often. Then we speak.
Esteban Ocon: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Consistency required monsieur.
Pierre Gasly: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Red Bull gave you wings. Find them at Alpine.
Charles Leclerc: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Enough speed but not enough consistency.
Carlos Sainz: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Enough consistency but not enough speed.
Fernando Alonso: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: Not you. Nearly you. Vamos #WIN33!
Lance Stroll: Magic Mirror on the etc
MM: LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Lewis Hamilton:
MM: Not you. Music. Extreme-X WTF? Burgers joints, Shakira etc. Focus Champ.
George Russell:
MM: Nearly you. Beat Lewis regularly. Up your close-quarters game. Pray your ‘new’ Merc works ASAP.
