Perry McCarthy Reflects on F1’s Legends and Controversies: A Sports Illustrated Exclusive

In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, Perry McCarthy delved into the legacies of F1 icons and the controversial conclusion of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His candid opinions shed light on a pivotal moment in F1 history, sparking discussions about fairness and the evolution of the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• McCarthy’s Respect for Schumacher: McCarthy expressed deep admiration for Michael Schumacher, discussing the F1 legend’s significant impact on the sport and his personal experiences with him. His fondness for Schumacher was clear as he talked about the seven-time world champion’s extraordinary achievements.
• The Abu Dhabi GP Controversy: The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s dramatic ending, which saw Lewis Hamilton narrowly miss out on his eighth world title, was a focal point of the interview. McCarthy openly stated his belief that Hamilton should have been the champion, highlighting the contentious decisions made during the race.
• Evolving Standards in F1: McCarthy reflected on how Formula One has evolved since Schumacher’s era. He noted the changing standards and expectations, mentioning how current champions like Lewis Hamilton are pushing the boundaries and shaping the future of the sport.

In a revealing conversation with Sports Illustrated, Perry McCarthy, former Formula One driver and the original Stig from Top Gear, shared his perspectives on some of the most influential figures in F1 and one of its most debated races.

“Every time I saw [Michael Schumacher], I liked to think he liked me. I may be wrong on that, but we often had a chat about a few things,” McCarthy reminisced, his respect for the 7-time world champion evident as he discussed Schumacher’s unparalleled achievements and his impact on Formula One.

The discussion then turned to the recent drama at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race was marked by controversy due to decisions in the final laps, notably the safety car deployment following Nicholas Latifi’s crash. Race director Michael Masi’s decision to allow only some lapped cars to un-lap themselves and to resume racing for the final lap played a crucial role in deciding the championship’s outcome. Max Verstappen, with fresher tires, overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, snatching the championship from him under contentious circumstances.

“Actually, don’t get me started on that,” Perry told me, expressing his opinion that Hamilton should have been the eighth world champion.

Reflecting on the evolution of Formula One since Schumacher’s era, McCarthy noted the significant changes in the sport, with current champions like Hamilton setting new standards.

“When Michael set all these records, I don’t think anybody ever thought that seven would be equalled, let alone possibly eclipsed. But that was Michael, and what he brought to his approach to Formula One was really an evolution of what we’d seen from even the best people before that,” McCarthy added.

As the tenth anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s skiing incident approaches, Perry’s emotional tribute to Schumacher was a poignant reminder of the deep respect and admiration he holds for the F1 legend. This sentiment is shared by many in the racing world and beyond, underscoring the lasting legacy of Michael Schumacher in the realm of motorsports.

Special thanks to OLBG for arranging this insightful interview.