Girls Just Wanna Watch Sports

Professional fangirl, writer, & podcaster. Host of Grid Chat Podcast 🏎️ probably seen me talking about car go fast somewhere @marissakumari

[marissakumari]

Heated Rivalry is the latest hockey romance to rock the world. But the hockey itself is more important than you think. I'm breaking down all of the hockey context in Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander's relationship from episode two, how their rivalry wraps up into their romantic relationship, and how it would be impossible for them to ever ignore each other. We'll go through all of the NHL parallels, how each person in Shane and Ilya's life would factor in, and of course, their Winter Olympics debut.

[marissakumari]

Heated Rivalry has taken the internet and the hockey world by storm. But is there really any hockey in it? (Spoiler alert: yes). The hockey in heated rivalry may not be the focus, but it's used in such an incredible way to enhance Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov's love story. This is all the hockey context you might need if you're new to the sport, what the show can teach you about hockey, and why it matters so much to fans that have been under represented in this space. And, why this show can actually make real and lasting change in the NHL.

[marissakumari]

In Vegas, I had a chance to chat with Abbi Pulling, 2024’s F1 Academy champion and one of the big stars of Netflix’s F1: The Academy. We chatted about life after the series, how her career changed forever after winning F1 Academy, and the growth of the series in just one year after she left.

[marissakumari]

Aurelia Nobels was the only girl racing at her track in Brazil when she first started. Now, she's in her second year with F1 Academy, racing under the Puma livery, and surrounded by young women chasing the same dream as her: to make it to Formula 1, the highest level of motorsport.

Ahead of her race weekend in Zandvoort, Aurelia and I spoke about getting her start, her Brazilian fans, and what changes she's already seen at the track thanks to F1 Academy.

[marissakumari]

Come along with me to a paddock, pit lane, and truck tour at spa!

[marissakumari]

how your email finds me

[marissakumari]

F1 The Movie has been largely anticipated and hotly debated by movie fans and Formula 1 Fans alike. I had a chance to attend an early screening with WB and Apple Original Films, and as the Brad Pitt film hits theaters this week, this is my honest review.

Things that work: the innovations made to cameras to film cars on track, action sequences that make you feel like you're in the car yourself, the closest mainstream audiences will ever get to being in a Formula 1 car, highlighting racing series like the 24 Hours of Daytona and Baja, F1 cameos, most of the jokes, and the return of the summer blockbuster.

Things that don't: the way women are portrayed in the film, cutting Simone Ashley, and some required suspension of disbelief.

We're breaking down the accuracy of the film, what you can learn about Formula 1 from it, the creative team behind the movie, and whether I think it will create new F1 fans, and if you should see it as a F1 fan.

[marissakumari]

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been locked in a championship title fight, which finally came to a collision point at this week's Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. Max Verstappen came into the weekend one penalty point away from a mandatory race suspension, and George Russell threw comments around after taking pole for the second year in a row at this circuit. And, Kimi Antonelli takes his first podium in his Formula 1 career, making him the third youngest driver in history to do so. 

Plus, Williams' troubles continue with a DNF for Alex Albon and a Q1 exit for Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda face starting grid penalties, and Franco Colapinto fights for his future with Alpine.

And, storylines and predictions for our next race in Austria. 

Buckle up while we recap the F1 Canadian Grand Prix! 

[marissakumari]

Max Verstappen is one penalty point away from a race ban after the Barcelona Grand Prix incident, involving George Russell (again). Today, we're walking through how the penalty point system works, when it was established, other drivers that have received race bans, and how Max got here in 11 months. Plus, what happens if he does receive a race ban next week, the revival of his beef with George Russell, and who might step up next in the house of Red Bull Racing.

[marissakumari]

🗣️ Lewis Hamilton never left ‼️ imola recap

Imola had on track incidents, safety cars, and teammate battles. One thing it wasn't was boring.

Oscar Piastri took pole after a shocking qualifying, which included both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, being knocked out in Q2, alongside hometown hero, Kimi Antonelli. Safety in engineering became apparent throughout the weekend, especially with Yuki Tsunoda's crash in qualifying. And while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battled, Max Verstappen sailed to a beautiful victory.

As the championship battle heightens, we kicked off the triple header with a thrilling race -- and Williams points.

Plus, we break down your questions, hot takes, and predictions for our next race in Monaco. Buckle up while Tiggy Valen from Paddock Project joins me to recap the Imola Grand Prix!

[marissakumari]

In Formula 1, your biggest competition is your teammate. Now that we're a quarter of the way through the 2025 season, let's break down the stats between all of our driver pairings.

Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri at McLaren, George Russell vs Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, Max Verstappen and three drivers, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Isack Hadjar at Red Bull & VCARB, Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, Alex Albon vs Carlos Sainz at Williams, Esteban Ocon vs Ollie Bearman at Haas, Lance Stroll vs Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin, Pierre Gasly vs Jack Doohan at Alpine, and Nico Hulkenberg vs Gabriel Bortoleto at Kick Sauber.

In this episode, we'll compare qualifying positions, points, race pace and more to see which drivers come out on top against their teammates. Plus, we'll compare the 6 rookies to each other, and see who's really thriving.

[marissakumari]

I interviewed Toto Wolff!!

You can find out more about how this came together and watch the interview now 🤭

[marissakumari]

Miami was full of inclement weather, a sprint race shocker, safety cars, and tense team radio.

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest pole sitter in any format in Formula 1 history when he took pole position for the sprint race, and despite unlucky performances, made everyone understand why he was chosen for the Mercedes seat. Lewis Hamilton had an incredible sprint race result, giving him another podium, but Ferrari as a whole fell apart in the Grand Prix. Between tense radio messages and poor strategy, things just can't seem to gel with Charles Leclerc and the new team.

And, Williams radio revealed ignored team orders, with an impressive finish for both cars as they continue to climb with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

And, Oscar Piastri increases his championship lead over his teammate, Lando Norris.

Plus, we break down your questions, hot takes, and predictions for our next race in Imola. Buckle up while we recap the Miami Grand Prix!

[marissakumari]

jsyk I interviewed Toto Wolff on Saturday

You can watch it here

[marissakumari]

Jeddah was an incredible race from start to finish. Max Verstappen is back in the running, battling it out with a close call and costly penalty on the first lap with Oscar Piastri, and we saw a red flag at the very beginning of the race with Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly making contact. And, with close racing, the first Ferrari podium of the season, and strong team work from Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon at Williams, the field is closing in more every week.

We're breaking down driver swaps, rumors for next year, and just how dominant McLaren really is.

Plus, we break down your questions, hot takes, and predictions for our next race in Miami. Buckle up while we recap the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix!

[marissakumari]

Bahrain was a stark contrast from Suzuka, with wild passing, audacious pit stop strategies, and the ever growing battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With strong drives from George Russell and Ollie Bearman, to disappointment for Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, the weekend was never short on excitement.

We're breaking down Ferrari upgrades, safety car calls, and Yuki bringing the first points to the second Red Bull seat in half a year.

Plus, we break down your questions, hot takes, and predictions for our next race in Bahrain. Buckle up while we recap the Bahrain Grand Prix!

[marissakumari]

Yuki Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson ahead of Yuki's home race in Japan, Lando Norris continued to fight against his own team for a championship, and Max Verstappen reminded everyone why he's a four time world champion.

While the race itself wasn't the most exciting -- the top 10 remained largely unchanged from qualifying to race end, with Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar swapping positions -- there's plenty to break down.

We're talking driver swaps, the history of Red Bull Racing's culture as a team, Kimi Antonelli vs Isack Hadjar for Rookie of the Year, and more.

Plus, we break down your questions, hot takes, and predictions for our next race in Bahrain. Buckle up while we recap the Japanese Grand Prix!

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