In most group situations in life, whether it be families, workplaces, parties or sport, there are always the specific groups, most commonly referred to as ‘cliques’. These cliques are most prominent in high schools with movies like ‘Mean Girls’ or ‘High School Musical’ being centred around the troubles of these. Of course, F1 is no exception to these groups, especially with all these teams travelling in such close quarters for the majority of the year. So, I got to thinking, what would each team be is they were a high school clique?
McLaren – The Populars
The group that is at the centre of the social scene with all of the ‘cool’ kids that everyone want to be. I think that that applies to McLaren as ever since they started doing well, they have grossed the most new fans with many of them being young and, well, cool.
Ferrari – The rich, glamorous legacy kids
Old money. Prom Royalty. Absolutely Stunning. All trying to live up to the family name and pressures put upon them. One little group that everyone is always watching as drama falls within. Sounds familiar.
Mercedes – The Jocks
No one hates them, they are overall nice to everyone and are mainly dedicated to their main aim of sports. They rarely get involved with drama unless it’s about relationships (or drivers in Mercedes’ case).
Red Bull – The Bullies
No one really likes them but they are too successful and influential to get rid of. They aren’t afraid to be aggressive to get to the front and are heartless with people’s feelings. They are the epitome of ‘peeked in high school’ and will soon realise they are nothing without a good car.
Williams – The Glow-Ups
They got picked on for years for being ‘smaller’ and less ‘accomplished’ as the rest. They have the history with the populars but was left behind. Now they are coming back stronger than ever after their mindset has changed and personality has been restored.
Haas – The Try-Hards
They never are quite good enough for the smart kids or cool enough for the popular kids. They never quite make the cut or get those wins but they are there at every club meeting and dining room conversation with a smile of consistency and determination. Maybe one day they will achieve their goals.
Racing Bulls – Floaters
They are the forgotten ones, everyone likes them and they are very unproblematic/drama free. They are the dumping ground for unwanted people and never really belong as they are in Red Bull’s shadow. Everyone waits out there with a dream of being with the popular kids.
Kick Sauber – The NPCs
They don’t really have much of a personality and are always left behind or forgotten about. They try to keep up with the trends and what other people are doing but just don’t have the success to show for it.
Aston Martin – The Preps
The polished, wealthy and image-conscious group that has the money, the look, and the legacy but not necessarily the substance to show for it. They are considered to be relatively popular and are stereotypically seen as up in the social ladder, even if they do things like MUN or student council which aren’t seen as very cool. Aston Martin have the financial backing, a good driver and a very nice livery, they are seen as one of the best teams and yet find themselves second last in the championship.
Alpine – The Disappointed Honours Students
Supposed to be good and at the top but keep failing with a bad mindset. They have the right tools but can’t stop self-sabotaging. Alpine should be a good team, a top of the midfield team but with the inconsistency, driver changes and leadership changes, they are at the bottom of the championship.
So, those are my opinions on the F1 teams as high school cliques. Comment if you have any other ideas!
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Trackside Talk 