Esports Week 6 - Final F1 Race of 2024
Happy New Year! Let's kick off 2025 with a quick rundown of the race our F1 team took part in right before the end of last term.
We were lucky enough to have Jacob in the room filming some clips for his media project. He's captured some great action from the race, but you can watch the best clip below. While Jacob was setting up for some pre-race shots, he quietly turned his camera on and captured some lovely moments in the room: James sharing a joke with Mac and Cody, keeping them relaxed and smiling; Zach discussing the race with Ihor and Carrie, analysing the different tactics for the two tracks.
When I talk about Q-Esports, I often focus on the results, because I can't do these moments justice. Everyone's part of #TeamQE, and we all fight for each other. The atmosphere on match day is electric. Every captain is constantly in my ear—talking about how the other teams have done, what we can do to support them, and ways to improve. They fight tooth and nail for their own teams, of course, but that's only the part everyone sees. The work behind the scenes—the constant support, mentoring new players, and ensuring everyone feels included — that's the real story.
That's why I love that Gates has become such an integral part of the tour for prospective families. To walk into the room at random is to witness one of the countless small moments that make Q-Esports, just two years in, one of the best places in the country to study and play Esports.
Incidentally, watch Cody's face at the 12-second mark as he looks back to the screen: the joke's over; it's all business. The second clip shows the atmosphere is eerie—deathly quiet, allowing for 100% focus. The team communicates only what's necessary, and they do so brilliantly.
There's actually very little to say about the races themselves: Cody finished 3rd, extremely comfortably, in both. Four races this season and three podium finishes. When I pointed that out to him after the race, he grimaced and replied, "If only I hadn't mucked up that corner in Italy, then I'd have 100% podium finishes instead of just 75%." Classic Mr. Perfectionist.
Mac was solid throughout his race. His superb defending in 4th made life easier for Cody in 3rd—a fantastic team effort. Special mention to Zach: he qualified 8th, the best he’s ever qualified for us. That alone would have been enough for an accolade, but then he raced out of his skin. Up to 6th, then 5th... and finally 4th. Cody visibly relaxed when he realised Zach had settled in behind him. From that point on, the race showcased the incredible synergy we see from the team at every training session.
In ever single race this season, we’ve scored points —a huge improvement from last year, when we managed that in just 20% of the races. Three podium finishes in four races, compared to zero last season. When I start listing our achievements, I try to tone it down because, honestly, how can I not sound like I’m bragging? The team is incredible.
Our world-class equipment, team-building exercises, rigorous training, and a deep sense of racing for Team QE have propelled us into the top 25% of teams in the country. The stakes are higher now, with tougher opponents. For context, three teams that finished above us in the league last year are currently sitting in 30th, 31st, and 32nd places, while we’re in 15th. Teams below 30th will be eliminated next month. That’s how tight the margins are—and how grateful we are to be the best we can be with the resources we have.
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