Atlantic crossing: Toronto and Austin

It was great to finally get back home to Canada last weekend, and spend a few days with family, relax at home and catch up with friends.

I’d been away for about a year and a half because of the restrictions, and as it was my girlfriend’s first time in Canada I was happy to give her the full tourist tour of Toronto!

I also headed back to my old school, which I attended from age 7 to 16, to collect an award in recognition of my racing. It was a special feeling to visit my old campus and see some familiar faces again. The memories of my time there came flooding back.

So, this weekend is the US Grand Prix, and it’s good to have a race on this side of the Atlantic after such a long time away. Austin is as close to a Canadian home race as I will get this year, even if Texas has its own, unique, identity.

Austin is one of my favourite F1 events. I was there in 2018 and 2019 – but not racing. The city is very cool, there’s a great vibe, and the track itself looks great. I say ‘looks great’ because I have only driven a lap and a half of it in a Formula 1 car. That was during FP1 in 2019 when conditions were very cold and unrepresentative – just before a gearbox problem brought my session to a premature end. I’m very much looking forward to having a proper go at COTA this time.

It’s also the first time on US soil for the Williams team under Dorilton’s ownership – and in that sense almost a second home race for the team. After a long run of limited numbers at races, there will be a packed house at the weekend, with my parents and family and friends finally able to come along.

It’s going to be a great atmosphere and I hope to give everyone a good show on Sunday.

That’s all for now. Don’t forget to keep an eye on my social channels for updates during the weekend.