Watching Formula One in an Irish Pub

Last weekend, we watched the Australian Formula One race in an Irish pub.  As most of the tables and booths were taken, a waiter carried in a small table from the outside dining area, and placed it right up in front of the big screen TV.  A waitress brought us our drinks, and we settled in to watch the race.  A cold breeze blew in from the open door, as employees and musicians carried in musical instruments to play later, but after they finished, they closed the door, and I was able to shed my jacket.

It was interesting to watch Formula One with a crowd.  People cheered, whistled, or clapped when a pass was made, particularly when Fernando Alonzo or Lewis Hamilton were involved.  Sebastian Vettel led in his Red Bull during the first stage of race, then after awhile, Adrian Sutil in his Force India became a factor.  The latter was unexpected, as Sutil lost his ride at the end of 2011, sat out last year’s championship, and Force India is a midfield team. 

During this period, I noticed Kimi Raikkonen climbing the order in his Lotus Renault.  I wondered if, as with last year’s race in Abu Dhabi, he could maintain his pace.  Sure enough, he took the lead, made one less pit stop than the majority of the field, and managed the Super Soft tires better than anyone else. 

More hooting, hollering, and expressions of acclaim filled the crowded pub when he crossed the finish line in first place.  One patron offered everyone a shot of an alcoholic drink from Finland, Kimi’s home country.  I didn’t wallop back mine like everyone else, but I raised the little glass to toast Kimi’s victory with everyone else.  Then I sipped it slowly, savoring the drink’s warmth, and its rich, licorice flavor.  As the top three racers mounted the platform, the Finnish national anthem played.  The man from Finland sang along in his native tongue, and the bartender turned down the TV’s volume so we could hear the lyrics in his native tongue.

Kimi Raikkonen celebrates (2nd from right)

I’ve written extensively on Kimi’s character and past, so I won’t reiterate that here.  Suffice it to say that I was glad to see him win again.  Formula One drivers often speak their mind, and sometimes their personalities and opinions outshine their results.  It was nice to see a modest, private man like Kimi quietly get on with his job, and accomplish something truly memorable.  To be able to celebrate his win with others, in an Irish pub full of Formula One fans, was a real pleasure.

Dragon Dave

P.S.  If you live in the United States, and you can't watch Formula One in an Irish pub, you can catch it on NBC's network of stations.

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Understanding Kimi Raikkonen: Part 1