Nov.19 (GMM) Formula 1’s plans for an all-female support category is already attracting early speculation. With the ‘W Series’ having packed up early in 2022 due to financial problems, Liberty Media-owned F1 on Friday announced the launch of a new women’s category – F1 Academy. Existing Formula 2 and F3 teams will run five three-car […]
Ricciardo not replacing Perez in 2023 – Marko
Nov.19 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko moved to put an early stop to wild rumours that Daniel Ricciardo could stay on the Formula 1 grid next year – in Sergio Perez’s place. The rumours were fuelled by the 79-year-old Austrian’s admission on Sky Deutschland ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale that Ricciardo will be the Red […]
Sainz wants F1 rule for deliberate crashes
Nov.18 (GMM) Red Bull touched down in Abu Dhabi determined to move on from a major spat between its two Formula 1 drivers. In a statement, the dominant 2022 team insisted it had “not agreed a strategy” prior to the race that involved Max Verstappen moving over for Sergio Perez. “This put Max, who has […]
Ocon ‘surprised’ by Alonso’s criticism
Nov.18 (GMM) Esteban Ocon says he is “surprised” that his relationship with departing Alpine teammate Fernando Alonso is ending badly. The pair appeared to have gotten on well throughout their two years together since Alonso returned to Formula 1. But the two-time champion’s rhetoric changed markedly more recently, and after a clash in Brazil Alonso […]
Commenting on Binotto rumours ‘unnecessary’ – Sainz
Nov.18 (GMM) Carlos Sainz told reporters in Abu Dhabi, the last race of 2022, that he doesn’t want to speculate about Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto’s future. Authoritative Italian media sources, including the prestigious La Gazzetta dello Sport, think Ferrari and Stellantis president John Elkann has decided to oust Binotto and replace him in January by […]
Next move for Schumacher ‘private’ – Steiner
Nov.18 (GMM) Gunther Steiner says he doesn’t blame Mick Schumacher for Haas’ struggles in 2022. It was finally confirmed on Thursday that the 23-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher will be replaced next year by the more than decade-older Nico Hulkenberg. “Experience,” team boss Steiner said when asked why Hulkenberg is a better choice […]
Magnussen reveals ‘strange’ adventure in Brazil
Nov.18 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen has revealed the alarming struggle he faced simply to return to the Formula 1 paddock last Sunday at Interlagos. The Haas driver was punted into a crash by Daniel Ricciardo at the start of the Brazilian GP – and then spent the entire rest of the afternoon trying to get back […]
Haas news to kick off busy 2022 finale
Nov.17 (GMM) A busy weekend lies ahead as Formula 1 rounds out the long and intense 2022 season in Abu Dhabi. Haas looks set to kick off the intrigue by confirming the departure of Mick Schumacher – to be replaced by the 12-years older fellow German Nico Hulkenberg. A press announcement has been scheduled for […]
Perez moves to end Verstappen spat
Nov.16 (GMM) Sergio Perez says his spat with Red Bull teammate and world champion Max Verstappen is “behind us” now. Some were wondering if the spat, triggered by Verstappen refusing to obey a team order in Brazil to bolster Perez’s chances of beating Charles Leclerc to second overall in the championship, had rendered their partnership […]
Another F1 name linked with Binotto’s job
Nov.16 (GMM) Ferrari has hit back at rumours that Mattia Binotto could be ousted as boss – just as a second familiar name is linked with the top job at Maranello. Multiple authoritative Italian media sources, including the notable sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, claim Italian Binotto will be ousted in January after the […]
Hulkenberg signing 2023 Haas contract on Tuesday
Nov.15 (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg is signing on the dotted line of his 2023 race contract on Tuesday, according to multiple authoritative sources including Bild newspaper. According to the reports, which include Italy’s leading sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport and the German broadcasters Sky and RTL, the 35-year-old German’s return to Formula 1 will then […]
F1 should ‘thank Max Verstappen’ – Ecclestone
Nov.15 (GMM) Formula 1 should “thank Max Verstappen” rather than criticise him, according to the sport’s former long-time supremo Bernie Ecclestone. The 92-year-old no longer attends races after being ousted by Liberty Media in 2017, but he was back in the paddock at Interlagos – as he lives nearby with his Brazilian wife and child. […]
Shwartzman admits F1 dream may be over
Nov.15 (GMM) Robert Shwartzman admits his dream of racing in Formula 1 could be over. This year, the Russian – who kept his motor racing career alive amid the Ukraine conflict by switching to an Israeli license – has been the full-time reserve driver at Ferrari. But the 23-year-old says the way the 2023 grid […]
Red Bull driver episode is ‘personal’ – Lammers
Nov.15 (GMM) The best Formula 1 drivers always have “some sharp edges”, according to former F1 driver Christijan Albers. He was commenting after fellow Dutchman Max Verstappen, the back-to-back reigning world champion, inexplicably refused to let teammate Sergio Perez past in Brazil so the Mexican can secure second overall in the drivers’ standings. “I understand […]
Vasseur linked with Binotto’s Ferrari job
Nov.15 (GMM) There is “a lot of talk” about Mattia Binotto’s future at Ferrari. That is the view of the highly authoritative Italian media source Leo Turrini, who told Formula Passion that Ferrari president John Elkann will be alarmed that Mercedes sped ahead of the Maranello team in Brazil. According to team boss Binotto, Ferrari […]
Schumacher looks to ‘restart’ F1 career in 2024
Nov.14 (GMM) It is now all but official – Mick Schumacher will not be on the Formula 1 grid in 2023. Haas boss Gunther Steiner says he is ready to complete the small American team’s 2023 driver lineup, with the big paddock buzz in Brazil suggesting it will be Nico Hulkenberg. An announcement is expected […]
Alonso wants to drive ‘green car’ in Abu Dhabi
Nov.14 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says he is heading to Abu Dhabi this week with one colour on his mind – green. That is despite the fact that he will actually be wearing Alpine blue when the 2022 season finale kicks off, as he looks forward to bidding farewell to the Renault-owned team after a troubled […]
Hamilton says 2021 title outcome ‘manipulated’
Nov.14 (GMM) As Formula 1 prepares to return to the scene of the ultra-intense 2021 championship finale, Lewis Hamilton has ripped the bandaid off the wound. The seven time world champion sat down in Brazil for an interview with Sky Deutschland conducted by former F1 driver Timo Glock. Today, Glock is perhaps best remembered for […]
Ferrari team order to help Leclerc ‘too risky’
Nov.14 (GMM) It was too “risky” to impose a team order and boost Charles Leclerc’s chances of finishing second overall in the 2022 drivers’ standings. That was the explanation of Ferrari’s team bosses after Leclerc – now dead even on points with Sergio Perez with just the Abu Dhabi finale to go – admitted his […]
‘Something bigger’ behind ‘selfish’ Verstappen move
Nov.14 (GMM) As tempers eased after an eventful Brazilian GP, all the talk was about Max Verstappen’s refusal to help Sergio Perez finish second in the drivers’ standings. Former driver Ralf Schumacher said it was incomprehensible why the back-to-back world champion didn’t take the perfect opportunity to obey and team order as “payback” for his […]