Summary

A self-described "blonde on the sidelines" reporter has developed a passion for Formula One racing, appreciating the personalities and drama of the sport, while also following soccer, particularly the Liverpool team, due to her partner's influence.

Abstract

The author, who initially disliked sports, discovered an affinity for Formula One after watching the Netflix series "Drive to Survive." Despite recognizing the series' dramatization, she was drawn in by the personal stories of the drivers, leading to a deep interest in the sport. She now follows F1 closely, favoring Ferrari and McLaren teams, and has developed opinions on various drivers. Her newfound enthusiasm for F1 has somewhat eclipsed her earlier interests in ice skating and hockey, and she enjoys the sense of community and the thrill of the races.

Opinions

The author has a strong preference for Formula One over other sports, particularly appreciating the personalities and stories behind the drivers.
She is critical of Lewis Hamilton's absence from the "Drive to Survive" series, which she believes contributed to a lack of connection with new fans.
The author has a fondness for the Ferrari and McLaren teams, with particular admiration for drivers Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Lando Norris.
She expresses a dislike for the Mercedes team, despite acknowledging the talent of their drivers, due to their previous dominance in the sport and the perceived poor treatment of Valtteri Bottas.
The author makes light-hearted jabs at Canadian drivers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi, questioning their intelligence.
She admits to a crush on driver Sebastian Vettel and praises the sport's new car updates for creating a more competitive playing field.
The author identifies herself as a storyteller, emphasizing the importance of the human element in her enjoyment of sports.

BLONDIE ON THE SIDELINES

I Found My Sport. It’s Fast, It Has Hot Men, And It Makes Me Feel Young Again

I’m a Ferrari gal. And sometimes McLaren. Really, anyone except Mercedes

Hi, boys.

I’m your super ordinary blonde on the sidelines reporter (well — half blonde, half silver…who am I kidding? But let’s not break up the illusion here) giggling to you with half-hearted awareness to advise you on sports — everything sports. Goooo Team!

I hate sports.

Hate them.

Except for ice skating and hockey. I grew up in the north. Sue me. And don’t start with me on the “ice skating isn’t a sport.” It is too. What the hell would Brian Boitano do? If he’s good enough for South Park, he’s good enough for you.

Anyway.

Aside from a couple of football lovers along the way, I was quite happy in my ignorant bliss for most of my adult life — avoiding the male heathenism of sports shit. Until I met the man I now live with. We met five years ago where many people of the elder years meet — at work. His sport’s obsession was a new one for me. Soccer. Which, to be honest, frightened me…as that seemed to be most boring of them all.

Premier League, all the way. Liverpool. I won’t lie — I watch it with him. I like participating with him. Making breakfast and watching the games in the morning wearing my awesome thick red Liverpool robe. Don’t get me wrong…I multitask and write or play idiotic games on my iPad, but I make my Predict Addict guesses and I root for Liverpool and can name most of the players and many others on other teams. And I’m wicked in love with Jürgen. In fact, my fantasy league name is Mrs. Jürgen Klopp.

But this isn’t about Liverpool.

This is about the first sport I discovered and obsessed over on my very own, in my own big girl panties, without a man holding my hand and teaching me about it.

Formula One.

It was the smartest thing they did, really. I fully admit — I came on board with the first season of Drive to Survive. I recognize die-harders out there are probably cringing. I cringe myself now at the newbies and at how phony the series actually is.

But it was my introduction. What hit home for me, and why it appealed to me, is that it introduced the characters first. I’m a storyteller. So I got to know the men behind the cars before I ever saw them race. The concept was fucking genius.

You have these hot, young men (most who could be my sons) who they are lining up with fake dramas that frickin’ blonde women on the sidelines LOVE, they are making fun YouTube videos, I mean. Magic.

And who isn’t participating? Hamilton. So a lot of you old school guys wonder why we noobs don’t like him? It’s because he didn’t play along. He seemed so smug and so standoffish. He didn’t lend himself to us when we were getting to know the fun cast of characters.

Do I recognize how absolutely stupid and amateur this sounds? Of. Course.

I’ve followed Formula One now for a few years.

I’m obsessed. I read about it daily. I don’t miss a qualifying session or a race. I don’t have a specific favorite driver exactly — I have a few favorites. My team is Ferrari. My runner up team is McLaren.

I love Leclerc and Sainz as a team — I love them both equally, although I’m really hoping Charles takes it this year. He was outstanding his freshman year and he has started this year off with a bang.

I love Norris.

I didn’t think I’d like Alfonso, but I really do now.

I’m routing for Bottas because I think he was treated so shitty by Mercedes and he’s a really good driver with a kick ass dry sense of humor.

I really like Russell, but I have a conflict because I hate Mercedes so much. But I’m happy for him.

I call Lance Stroll “Patrick Starr” because he always sounds like he is as dumb as a box of rocks. Latifi also sounds like he has the IQ of a shoe size. What’s up with these Canadian drivers? (Sorry, BichoDoMato.)

And, like any woman of my advanced age — I’d marry Sebastian in a heartbeat.

I like the car updates this year — it has really balanced out things well. It is so much better seeing teams have more of an even ground than just Mercedes and Red Bull so far ahead of the pack.

I don’t even know who ice skates anymore. Last one I paid any mind too was Johnny Weiss, and I’m pretty sure he’s a commentator now.

But F1 — it has even more speed anyway. And the men, and the cockiness, and the attitude. And, dudes…I love it.

This is KiKi Walter — your Blondie on the Sidelines, signing out. XO