If you are not an ardent motorsport follower, you probably are not familiar with the names Santino Ferrucci and Arjun Maini. Well, they are the drivers for Formula 2's Trident team, and also the reserve drivers for Haas F1 team. Throughout the season it has been evident that these two do not get along, but have been somehow sticking together almost because they have a larger goal and have no other option. Things took a turn for the worse during the weekend at Silverstone. It started even before the race began. Ferrucci was seen driving his car with one glove off because apparently, he had a phone in hand and was reportedly using Snapchat (the social media app), both of which are violations of FIA rules as it clearly states that a driver must wear protective gear while being in the car for his own protection and the rules also strictly prohibit the use of electronic devices in the car. Was that it? No, Ferrucci was just getting started.
During the race, Maini attempted an overtaking move on Ferrucci and Ferrucci clearly pushed the Indian driver off the track, deliberately and no, he was not done. After the chequered flag was waved, in the cool down lap, he deliberately rammed into Maini's car from behind, damaging his own front wing in the process which led to Maini saying over the radio, "I think there is something wrong with my teammate's brain". Well, you can't blame me for agreeing with Maini here.
If all that was not enough, Ferrucci was as a result of his antics summoned by the stewards for a meeting, which he did not turn up for and left the circuit without any prior information to the stewards. Are you waiting for an action to be taken against him? Me too. Well, now it begins. After his failure in attending the stewards' meeting, he was immediately fined £66,000 and was banned for 4 races.
In the days following the race, it was discovered that Arjun Maini was bullied by Santino Ferrucci and his father who are also accused of making fun of Maini by mocking his accent. Racism? Probably. The fact that Ferrucci wanted to print a Donald Trump slogan on his car, which is again clearly against the FIA rules which do not allow any kind of political advertising on cars might help you decide. Trident team has made an official apology to Maini stating that they were sorry for the 'uncivilized' behavior that Maini had to endure from both the Ferrucci's and that never in the last 12 years had they seen something like this. As of yesterday, Trident has sacked Ferrucci and Haas is expected to follow suit.
Coming to my personal opinion, I seriously have to wonder how he even got into Formula 2. As for Ferrucci, he should be thanking the Gods that motorsport is not nearly as popular as cricket in India because if it had been, well, Ferrucci would have faced things he has never seen in his life, you know, it's not easy to have 1.3 billion people breathing down on your neck, but the good thing is, it's not. You have to feel for Maini though, the guy has been outscoring Ferrucci and has clearly been the better driver in the team this season, and as of now, we are not fully aware of what kind of implications this entire incident might have on him, mentally. We hope Maini can get back to his best as soon as possible and start scoring points for his team. Trident is expected to announce the replacement soon.
If you ever need to learn how to destroy your racing career in one weekend, Santino Ferrucci is your teacher.
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