My Race Day: Alex Goldschmidt

Motor Racing – Formula One Testing – Test Three – Day 1 –  Barcelona, Spain

The sharp and insightful FIA and ITR-accredited motorsport journalist, who’s specialising in Formula 1 and has been an automotive professional for over 14 years, Mr Alex Goldschmidt, opens up about his typical F1 Sunday.

Off to the track early. It’s always best to get on site before the traffic surrounding any circuit gets more than just overwhelming. It also means that there is the proverbial “calm before the storm” upon arrival. Getting there early also helps to take in the morning’s serene and rather peaceful atmosphere, amidst those huge hospitality marquees the teams provide for guests and the media. This is as well as catching up with other fellow journalists about the previous day’s happenings.

Preparing for the big day. Even though the past three days have been a blur to an extent, reading over the content that myself and my colleagues have produced so far helps to keep the context in the here and now. It also gives me a chance to fine-tune the work that I’ve done, as an eye for detail is always required to make sure that it is all of a very high standard. Keeping tabs on the media schedules also can help to plan your day, especially if there are several drivers that may be of interest when the chequered flag falls. And, of course, it’s always wise to try and keep those energy stores replenished as the day goes along, so a stop off in the Scuderia Ferrari media hospitality suite for their lovely breakfast is a great way to kick things off.

Leading up to the race. Sometimes, it helps to step away from the busy nature of the paddock and just watch the people that make up this busy world, which is full-throttle for them from the word go. It puts everything into perspective, especially when I take a trip out of the paddock to look at the crowds that have come into their droves to watch the biggest motorsport series in the world. The fans make the sport what it is, which means that even though my role as a journalist is a conduit to provide an insight into the world of Formula 1, it makes me remember my times as someone on that same side of the fence. It is a feeling of privilege to be in the paddock and speaking to drivers that have millions of supporters around the globe.

During the race. I’m there in the media centre watching the race as it happens via a set of TV monitors, which provides the timing information, race control updates, radio transmissions and the FOM live video feed. The fact that there are so many different sources that are at your disposal, means that there is a possibility that one small piece of information to one person could be very useful in my eyes. There is no let up in concentrating on what is going on, and just like everyone out there cheering and clapping for their favorites, sometimes there are those moments where everyone just appreciates the skill of those that are risking their lives every time they get behind the wheel.

After the race. The first twenty minutes or so after the race are frantic, as every keyboard that belongs to every journalist is being pummeled to within an inch of its life, as the race to get the reports on line begins with aplomb. Following that, there is then the customary press conference call, after the live TV conference has concluded. It’s worth sitting in, as you can see the drivers that have topped the podium first hand after what they have achieved. Their veins are still filled with the adrenaline that has been coursing through their systems for the last 90 minutes or so, but the mental clarity they all show is second to none.

Then further transcribing takes place before the last barrage of media sessions for the teams and drivers conclude the race weekend itself. The teams have already started packing away the equipment to be sent back to base. Walking along the perfectly-lined up trucks whilst this happens is just a part that we don’t see that often, which shows how dedicated all the personnel are, leaving family and friends behind to do what they love, and what they are a part of.

After finishing up some more work until later that evening, I head back to the hotel for some well-deserved food and a beer, before taking a bath and then bed after an eventful time at the track. The following day is travelling back home at a leisurely pace, so as to reflect and take in what happened over the past four days without interruption.




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