Cutting into those twenty spots is close to impossible, even for drivers who have impressive resumes from other carting and racing events.
If you do manage to secure aplace, you must ensure that you perform strongly; if not, someone else will be ready to take your spot.
We have the rookies, who are the new drivers entering their first season. They usually spend the first few years adjusting to their team, teammates, and circumstances. If they underperform, they will likely be reassigned to a different racing category.
It can be brutal considering how young some of the drivers are, but they also understand that this sport can be harsh.
At the opposite end of that scale are the veterans, the drivers who have been in the sport for many years. They’re typically popular among fans and the media, providing great entertainment even if they don’t perform as strongly on track as they did in their prime.
Then there are the favourites who compete for the world championship title.
Usually, these drivers have several years of experience and are signed to the strongest teams. Most media outlets focus primarily on them, hoping to uncover big stories and secure exclusive scoops.
However, getting an interview with them is can be challenging.
Everyone wants their attention, and as stars, they typically don’t have much time to spare. They fulfil the interviews and press duties required by their contracts, but rarely anything extra.
As a reporter, I’d like them to spend more time with the media, but I understand how exhausting it can be.
Additionally, the media is known to twist words to create more engaging stories that drive more clicks. I’ve promised myself to never be the type of reporter who exploits people to sell a story.
I prefer fewer hits if the stories attached to my name are genuine. I want to focus on on-point, sharp analyses based on performance, not social drama and scandals.
An article featuring Luke Hastings catches my eye, as he is the so-called golden boy of Formula 1 this year.
According to the article, Luke has been dominating pre-season testing for BMW. Although his results soared at the end of last season, it was too late for the championship.
This year, BMW seems determined to win, going all out for victory. I pause at a photo of him; he truly embodies the golden boy image with his striking hazel eyes and mischievous smile. Luke comments in the piece about being ready to fight forthe championship from the season’s first race in Baku, which is about three weeks away.
I’ve researched and followed F1 over the past few years, and while there are plenty of attractive drivers, there’s something special about Luke.
Beyond his looks and physique, he consistently comes across as humble and driven in interviews, or perhaps it’s just his natural charm in front of the camera.
As his performance has improved, he always makes a point of thanking his team for making it possible. Most drivers highlight their team’s efforts during interviews, but some drivers with big egos focus mainly on their own skills rather than showing gratitude to the teams working for them.
Luke seems like a man who appreciates the people around him, making him all the more intriguing.
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On Thursday, I’m prepared for my digital meeting with Anne. When her video connects, I’m greeted by a kind smile. She appears to be in her mid-fifties and serves as the executive producer in the F1 department at Star News.
“Hello Jessica, nice to finally meet you,” Anne says, and Ifeel my nerves start to ease. From our first email exchange, I’ve formed an impression of Anne as a gentle woman, so I’m relieved that this seems to be right.
“Hello Anne, it’s nice to finally meet you too. I’m so excited about the opportunity to do my internship with your team at Star News,” I tell her before Anne starts going over some general information regarding the internship.
I will be traveling with the Star News team for the duration of the F1 season, with all my travel expenses covered by the scholarship program I have received through my studies.
I will start by conducting research and preparing notes for the reporters who will be conducting interviews. With time and experience, I hope to move into more hands-on production work and eventually work in front of the camera.
I’m happy to start in a background role, eager to learn from an experienced team like Star News.
Anne explains that the typical week begins with travel days on Monday and Tuesday, with varying lengths depending on the distance.
When we arrive at the paddock, we’ll stayin something resembling a tour bus that artists use on tour, where I’ll have my own little room.
The team consists of about ten people traveling during the season; some come and go depending on other responsibilities, but the permanent staff includes Anne, the head reporter; Andrew, the cameraman; Steve, the editor; and now me.
These are the key people I will be working with, according to Anne.
