“WE GO ON THE GRID TOGETHER. »
It was a bit early (9:57 a.m.), we thought, for such an enthusiastic text message. But let’s not ruin the moment of this colleague whose name we will keep silent. After this more or less ironic inscription on the list of volunteers to access the track, it was no longer time to back down.
So here we are, around 1 p.m. The ambient excitement increases as the cars move into place. The smell of gasoline sets in and won’t go away.
The crowd is also growing. The staff of the stables gets to work, while people who have paid dearly for their presence on the scene stroll quietly. Among them, some celebrities invited by the teams – less than in the past, we are told. Photos, selfies or not, are taken by the hundreds.
” Have you seen [nom d’un DJ connu] ?!?
– Uh no. »
Nevertheless, let’s take a look at this selection of notables of varying renown. Ah, Gordon Ramsay is here! “Didn’t work, huh, the Laurier BBQ?” we don’t ask him. Here he is, hey, hugging Jacques Villeneuve. The world is small, after all.
Who else, who else… Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs forward, is like a fish in water at Red Bull, while the mechanics are busy around Max Verstappen’s single-seater. It is nice to listen, impossible to determine if the discussion revolves around the new direction of the Leafs or the new contract of Auston Matthews.
Who else, who else… Guy Laliberté, no surprise. Patrice Brisebois, of course. John Alessi. As you walk towards the back of the grid, the onlookers are less and less numerous, much more interested in the big teams and the best known drivers, at the front. The hierarchy of Formula 1 will therefore be respected until the end.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, THE PRESS
John Alesi
The personality that doesn’t get the love it deserves? This mechanic Williams, magnificent and imperial, whose blond mane would flutter in the wind… if it were windy.
PHOTO SIMON-OLIVIER LORANGE, THE PRESS
A mechanic from the Williams stable and his protruding hair
Because it is finally rather hot, on this asphalt surface, which one guesses more recent than that of the streets of the Villeray district. The long-sleeved sweater was a bad idea. The bottom of the air, however, seemed cool.
It must also become bitter in the stands, where thousands of people watch this funny scene, which is certainly not very interesting seen from above. Or really from below, in fact, although to see the single-seaters so close, it doesn’t happen often.
So let’s take our bow.
“Aren’t you staying for the national anthem?”
– Uh no. »
No choice to play the character of the grump until the end. Direction the exit of the track.
Although… Come on, a little video for Sonny. It will take a lot of evidence to illustrate this day spent in The cars.
Okay. It was kinda cool, though…