So there I was, standing outside this seafood restaurant at a quay side in Singapore, still mourning the fact that I missed out on the first ever night race and Fernando's first win of the 2008 season when a colleague walked up to me with excitement. "Fernando's signed two more years with Renault!" he said. There we go! Finally, the confirmation and the end to the uncertainty. Funny that while it has almost been certain in my heart since Japanese Grand Prix, the confirmation is a sigh of relief.
I am happy that he will be staying another year at least, and I hope that the second half of 2008 has signalled the Renault Renaissance and next year will be a jubilant one for the partnership. All I want is to see Fernando where he deserves - on the podium. Of course the best place should be at the top of the podium, but I would settle for a consistent podium finish all year in 2009.
My trip to Singapore this time is not just for work - I have been privileged to attend a wonderful session with Dr. Paul Stoltz, the person responsible for "Adversity Quotient" and it is all about harnessing adversity to our advantage. While it is apt for me to be attending this session given the current economic uncertainty, it did not escape me that Fernando has done just that with 2008. He has actually harnessed adversity and turned them to his favour. At the start of the season, he was almost the butt of joke for a gleeful media conspiracy, all targeted towards making him look immature, untalented, bitter person who could not cope with a "faster," rookie partner. The R-28 was a lame horse, poorly developed, it looked impossible to drive - after each race it was clear that it would be a feat to even obtain 1 point.
At this juncture, he could have proved his detractors right and say - "Oh well.. this season's over. My car is impossible. Let's just get on with the season as best as we can and try not to finish behind Force India." Instead, to lag behind was never an option. He mobilised the team to innovate and improve. He pushed the car to get the optimum drive possible, at times over driving the car and ended with DNF. I believe that he pushed himself to walk away from the past, to look forward, to hope and in the process found the drive and passion that he lost at McLaren. Instead of saying, "I can't see myself driving F1 for another 6 years," he began saying that he is in F1 for the long haul.
Wonderful!
I loved the way the season ended for Fernando. Up at the podium, comforting a visibly upset Massa. He gave up his youngest WDC record gracefully. 2007 was his year of adversity, and since then, he has more than grown in stature. He has gained respect for his talent, his leadership qualities, his sportsmanship. His credibility has never been higher.
Now as I look outside the hotel window to the beautiful view of the "Durian" shaped Esplanade, the Singapore River and the Merlion, I am glad that I heard the good news of him staying with Renault when I was in the city where he created history as the first ever night race winner.
Have a great winter break to all F1 fans - and most importantly, congratulations Fernando, for facing adversity square in the face and conquering your mountain. I am proud to be your fan! Keep on ascending!
