redwash

n. a series of repeated victories of the Ferrari Formula 1 car racing team, with driver Michael Schumacher, to the exclusion of almost all other teams. Subjects: English, United Kingdom, Automobiles & Transportation, Entertainment, Money & Finance, Sports & Recreation

Editorial Note: Usually scornful. Etymological Note: red (the racing color of the Ferrari team) + whitewash ‘a defeat in which the losing team fails to score,’ influenced by the notion of the Ferrari, with its vast financial resources, buying the best gear and teams, and, thus, an inordinate number of victories.

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Citations: 2002 David Tremayne @ Barcelona Independent (U.K.) (Apr. 28) “Schumacher earns the last laugh with irresistible punch line” p. 9: Everyone came to the Circuit de Catalunya expecting the red cars to do what they had done in San Marino two weeks ago, but when only four-tenths of a second separated Rubens Barrichello, Nick Heidfeld, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Jenson Button on Saturday morning, hope stirred cautiously. Perhaps, just perhaps, it wasn’t going to be a Ferrari redwash. 2003 Martin Brundle Express (U.K.) (Mar. 9) “Punter-friendly threat to safety” p. 85: More changes are on the cards but already I fear that we could be in for another Ferrari redwash in 2003. The hope was that with new rules we might see Michael fighting his way through the pack after a poor qualifying session but I suspect it will be when he is lapping the rest. 2004 Sarah Edworthy Telegraph (U.K.) (July 10) “Brain and Brawn are behind Schumacher’s dominance”: In a season which has added the word “redwash” to motorsport vernacular, Ferrari have been exorcised from the competitive equation in the consciousness of the opinion-makers.

Posted 15 Jul 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend