Vladimir Putin – F1 and the politics of a tough-guy:
Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin is the Ernest Hemmingway of world politics. His macho CV includes working for the KGB, rescuing Russia from economic oblivion, becoming a judo expert, shooting tigers in Siberia, horse-back riding half-naked across
the Russian Steppe, whale-hunting with a crossbow in the Pacific, diving to the bottom of Lake Baikal in a mini-submarine, and controlling Russian politics from behind the scenes.
Given this lavish array of daring exploits, one would assume that Putin has reached the upper limit of showcasing his masculine bravado. However, on Sunday November 7, wearing a helmet emblazoned with the doubled-headed eagle of Russia, the fifty-eight
year old Prime Minister burned rubber on a racing circuit outside of St. Petersburg in a Formula One car, reaching speeds of 240 km/h.
Adorned in full racing overalls and squeezing into the cockpit of the yellow Renault, Putin quipped through his visor that his “old Zaporozhets had more space," referencing the Soviet-era cars that were not exactly known for their leg room.
Regardless of the cramped conditions, Putin roared onto the track and spent several hours performing laps. At one point he pushed his car so hard that he overcooked a corner and ended up spinning to a halt.
Putin’s high-speed session on the track, unthinkable for less virile world leaders, was his latest demonstration of machismo. As the 2012 elections loom over the horizon, many speculate Putin is trying to cement his tough-guy image before making another
bid for the Kremlin.
The escapade in the Renault also carried rich economic symbolism. The French auto giant has a 25 percent stake on Russia's largest carmaker Avtovaz. The Prime Minister is clearly sending the message to the French company that business is booming.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, in a move heavily championed by Putin himself, Russia is preparing to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in 2014. As a result, the Prime Minister is leading by example – raising the profile and the excitement of
racing across the country.
For this reason alone, and on behalf of F1 fans everywhere, I say thank you Mr. Putin. Or, as you would say, “Spasiba”.
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