In case you haven't noticed since 2007 F1 has had a new competition running - how often can the 'proud parent' get themselves on camera. Points aren't just awarded for how often but also for style and content. This season in 2011 we have an almighty scrap for the title going on. Let me list some of the contender.
Anthony Hamilton:
Double Dad Champion(2007, 2008) Anthony Hamilton returns to the F1 Dad's fold after adopting Paul Di Resta. Many doubted he could return to the form of his title days but after seeing him there in the Force India garage, ear defenders on, cold steel stare pretending he doesn't know he's on camera it was like he'd never been away.
John 'Pinky' Button:
Easily took the title in 2009 and very nearly made it a double in 2010. Is the dad who has taken most advantage of the F1 Forum - not only utilising knowing Eddie Jordan to get screen time but also does a great job of being in the background during interviews with other drivers. Really showed the other dad's the way by adopting the easily recognisable standard shirt. Has been strangely quiet this season.
Alan Webber:
Came out of nowhere last year to take the 2010 Dad's championship and has already put in some good 'on the pit wall looking worried' performances this season. His son has been in F1 since 2002 but it was only when he started winning races that Alan decided to start coming. He may look like an accountant but boy does he know how to sqeeze into shot.
Norbert Vettel:
This years fave who despite not being able to speak english still got interviewed on the BBC F1 Forum. Now that Norbert is on the scence directors have an alternative to cut away too when Seb is leading and we don't always have to look at Christian Horners jiggling feet
Luiz Antonio Massa:
With his slight ressemblence to Mario the plumber Luiz Antonio is most famous for his aborted celebrations in Brazil 2008 but was that because Felipe failed to win the title or because he knew with Lewis winning he'd lose the Dad's title as Anthony Hamilton would make sure he was in the background of every shot of the title winner gurning? who knows. His career has kinda of faltered like his son's but still is the top dad in that Ferrari garage - not that thats difficult - are we even sure Alonso has a dad?
Оксана Косаченко:
Much to the annoyance of the other family members Okcaha has sneaked into the championship by pretending to be Vitaly Petrov's mum - actually his manager she thought she could be an awesome interloper this year when managing to get into nearly every shot during Petrov's podium celebration. She even continued this form with a 'oh my god I'm shocked' cut away when Petrov took off over that curb in Malaysia.
Rumours that Ross Brawn is officially adopting Michael Schumacher in order to compete in this competition are yet to be confirmed.
Have you seen a Dad(or an family member) sneaking into shot to take some limelight? Which one of them does the best 'I'm pretending I don't know the camera's are on me" look? and which one's do you find always fight their way to the front of the crowd during a podium?
Anthony Hamilton:
Double Dad Champion(2007, 2008) Anthony Hamilton returns to the F1 Dad's fold after adopting Paul Di Resta. Many doubted he could return to the form of his title days but after seeing him there in the Force India garage, ear defenders on, cold steel stare pretending he doesn't know he's on camera it was like he'd never been away.
John 'Pinky' Button:
Easily took the title in 2009 and very nearly made it a double in 2010. Is the dad who has taken most advantage of the F1 Forum - not only utilising knowing Eddie Jordan to get screen time but also does a great job of being in the background during interviews with other drivers. Really showed the other dad's the way by adopting the easily recognisable standard shirt. Has been strangely quiet this season.
Alan Webber:
Came out of nowhere last year to take the 2010 Dad's championship and has already put in some good 'on the pit wall looking worried' performances this season. His son has been in F1 since 2002 but it was only when he started winning races that Alan decided to start coming. He may look like an accountant but boy does he know how to sqeeze into shot.
Norbert Vettel:
This years fave who despite not being able to speak english still got interviewed on the BBC F1 Forum. Now that Norbert is on the scence directors have an alternative to cut away too when Seb is leading and we don't always have to look at Christian Horners jiggling feet
Luiz Antonio Massa:
With his slight ressemblence to Mario the plumber Luiz Antonio is most famous for his aborted celebrations in Brazil 2008 but was that because Felipe failed to win the title or because he knew with Lewis winning he'd lose the Dad's title as Anthony Hamilton would make sure he was in the background of every shot of the title winner gurning? who knows. His career has kinda of faltered like his son's but still is the top dad in that Ferrari garage - not that thats difficult - are we even sure Alonso has a dad?
Оксана Косаченко:
Much to the annoyance of the other family members Okcaha has sneaked into the championship by pretending to be Vitaly Petrov's mum - actually his manager she thought she could be an awesome interloper this year when managing to get into nearly every shot during Petrov's podium celebration. She even continued this form with a 'oh my god I'm shocked' cut away when Petrov took off over that curb in Malaysia.
Rumours that Ross Brawn is officially adopting Michael Schumacher in order to compete in this competition are yet to be confirmed.
Have you seen a Dad(or an family member) sneaking into shot to take some limelight? Which one of them does the best 'I'm pretending I don't know the camera's are on me" look? and which one's do you find always fight their way to the front of the crowd during a podium?