Jun.30 (GMM) Robert Kubica says he is still hoping to secure a formula one race seat for 2019 — but says it doesn’t have to be with Williams. The Pole and former BMW and Renault driver was signed up as Williams’ reserve and occasional Friday driver this year. At the same time, Williams has entered […]
Month: June 2018
Alonso admits 2018 could be last F1 season
Jun.30 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has admitted that this season could be his last in formula one. The Spaniard, once a two-time champion, is still acknowledged as one of the best on the grid but seemingly no longer able to attract the attention of the top three teams. In recent years, he has spread his wings […]
FIA approves new Mercedes mirror design
Jun.30 (GMM) The FIA has shown a green light to Mercedes’ controversial new mirror design. The reigning champions brought a substantial upgrade package to Austria, and the aerodynamically-styled mountings of the mirrors attracted attention in the pitlane. “This is illegal,” Ferrari technical boss Mattia Binotto is quoted by Auto Bild. FIA technology boss Jo Bauer […]
Mercedes to announce drivers ‘soon’ – Wolff
Jun.30 (GMM) Toto Wolff says Mercedes will announce its 2019 driver lineup “soon”. It is now widely known that Lewis Hamilton has inked a new two-year deal, and has asked for Valtteri Bottas to be retained for the same 2019-2020 period. “When will the contracts be done? Soon,” team boss Toto Wolff told Corriere della […]
Hulkenberg doubts Renault can catch top teams
Jun.30 (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg doubts Renault can catch up with the top three teams in 2018. The German driver admitted that Renault is now clearly ‘best of the rest’ behind Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, but thinks that will stay the same this year. “I am quite satisfied with the updates this year,” Hulkenberg said. […]
Leclerc signs EUR 5 million Ferrari contract
Jun.30 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has put pen to paper on a two-year Ferrari deal. That is the claim of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the authoritative Italian sports daily with sources close to the Maranello team. The newspaper claims Leclerc, who currently drives for Sauber, will earn EUR 2 million next year, rising to 3m in […]
Renault confirms engine ‘party mode’
Jun.29 (GMM) Renault has confirmed that it will finally have a ‘party mode’ for its engine from this weekend in Austria. Until now in the ‘power unit’ era, only Mercedes and Ferrari have had the crucial extra power boost in qualifying sessions. “We’ll have to wait and see what it brings us,” Red Bull’s Max […]
Verstappen tips Ricciardo to stay
Jun.29 (GMM) Max Verstappen thinks he will have the same teammate in 2019. At the moment, Daniel Ricciardo is linked with potential moves to Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren or Renault, and he hopes his decision will be clear by the summer break. Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko is confident the Australian will stay. “We have recently […]
Hamilton not commenting on contract rumours
Jun.29 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton would not be drawn on speculation that his Mercedes contract for 2019 and 2020 is now signed and ready to announce. “It’s nice for you guys to have something to talk about make up,” Germany’s Sport1 quotes the Briton as saying. Multiple authoritative media sources last week reported that, following a […]
Media exaggerating McLaren crisis – Alonso
Jun.29 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says the media is exaggerating the severity of McLaren’s problems. Some sections of the media say the once-great British team is in crisis, as it struggles for performance and stands down a potential staff revolt. “There is a lot of exaggerated tension in the media,” Alonso said in Austria. “They have […]
Magnussen plays down Ferrari rumour
Jun.29 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen has played down a wild rumour linking him with Ferrari. Although it seems more likely that Ferrari would replace Kimi Raikkonen with Charles Leclerc, the paddock grapevine said impressive Haas driver Magnussen could also be a contender. Dane Magnussen said he and Haas, the Ferrari ‘B team’, are actually “close” to […]
Leclerc admits Ferrari switch ‘a dream’
Jun.29 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has admitted he would jump at the chance to switch from Sauber to Ferrari. Already a member of the Ferrari driver academy, the rumour mill is hinting strongly that the impressive 20-year-old rookie is being lined up to replace Kimi Raikkonen. “It’s nice to see such a talented young driver developing […]
Vettel says crash criticism ‘normal’
Jun.29 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he has arrived in Austria feeling “relaxed”. That is despite a barrage of criticism since his first lap crashes in Paul Ricard a week ago that cost him the championship lead. “No, criticism in such a situation is normal. It’s normal for everything to be questioned very quickly these days,” […]
Red Bull ‘closer’ to Ricciardo deal – Marko
Jun.28 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says Red Bull is getting “closer” to re-signing Daniel Ricciardo for 2019. The Australian has been linked with potential moves to Ferrari, Mercedes or even McLaren or Renault. But now that Red Bull’s Honda engine deal is in place, team consultant Marko said efforts are now moving onto getting Ricciardo’s […]
McLaren sidesteps Raikkonen rumours
Jun.28 (GMM) McLaren has sidestepped reports that Kimi Raikkonen might be in the team’s sights for 2019. It is already rumoured that Daniel Ricciardo is being lined up as a potential replacement should ‘number 1’ Fernando Alonso leave at the end of the year. Press Association is now reporting that former McLaren driver Raikkonen, who […]
Red Bull will remain strong with Honda – Alonso
Jun.28 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says Red Bull will remain a strong team even after switching to Honda power. Alonso had a bad experience with works Honda engines with McLaren between 2015 and last year. But he says Red Bull will remain F1’s best chassis maker. “There is always a reference team with its chassis and […]
F1 set to announce new engine rules
Jun.28 (GMM) F1 looks poised to announce its new engine regulations for 2021. It is expected that the FIA and Liberty Media will simplify the rules and attract new manufacturers like Porsche by, among other things, dropping the MGU-H unit. “It’s a very complicated process with lots of meetings and the manufacturers discussing every detail,” […]
Hockenheim not on 2019 calendar
Jun.28 (GMM) There will be no German grand prix at Hockenheim in 2019. The circuit is hosting a race next month, but organisers have been unable to reach a new deal with F1 owner Liberty Media. “We are not surprised but of course it’s a great pity,” Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler told Sport Bild as […]
Mercedes deciding announce date for Hamilton contract
Jun.27 (GMM) Mercedes is simply determining the right time to announce Lewis Hamilton’s new contract. Multiple media sources are now reporting that Lewis Hamilton has finally put pen to paper on a new $45 million per year deal for 2019 and 2020. “Mercedes has become like my family,” the quadruple world champion told Sport Bild. […]
Paul Ricard unsure over Mistral chicane axe
Jun.27 (GMM) Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair sounds unsure about whether the French grand prix venue should axe its controversial ‘Mistral chicane’. Many drivers called on the FIA and circuit officials to leave the long Mistral straight unimpeded next year for a high-speed spectacle and extra character. The FIA has vowed to consider the idea […]