Jul.16 (GMM) Now that he has ‘come out’, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher says he won’t be making a big deal about his sexuality. Being openly gay is still somewhat taboo in male-dominated sports like F1, but the 49-year-old revealed on Instagram this week that he is in a same-sex relationship. He told the […]
Month: July 2024
Mick Schumacher says F1 return now ‘within reach’
Jul.16 (GMM) Mick Schumacher sounds upbeat about his chances of returning to the Formula 1 grid. The F1 race career of the 25-year-old son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher ended after just two relatively lacklustre seasons for Haas, following a sustained period of criticism from his own then-boss, Gunther Steiner. For 2023, Schumacher became Mercedes’ […]
2026 sim laptimes still ‘much too slow’ – Wolff
Jul.16 (GMM) Formula 1 risks becoming “much too slow” with the debut of the 2026 regulations as currently written, Toto Wolff admits. Many are tipping Mercedes to once again ace the forthcoming rule changes, but even boss Wolff admits he is worried about the laptimes currently emerging from simulations. “What we need are cars that […]
Audi snatches Alpine-Renault’s F1 oil brands
Jul.16 (GMM) The signs are growing that Renault’s Formula 1 engine program could be wrapped up. Toto Wolff admitted at Silverstone recently that he has had “exploratory discussions” with Alpine officials about a potential customer Mercedes engine deal for the new regulatory period starting in 2026. “Only when they have taken the strategic decision, do […]
Mike Krack linked with shock Audi-Sauber switch
Jul.15 (GMM) Mike Krack is reportedly being head-hunted to leave Aston Martin and lead Audi’s new works Formula 1 project. The rumours actually emerged just before the recent British GP, and were just the latest raft of reports suggesting all is not well behind the scenes in the wake of Volkswagen brand Audi’s takeover of […]
Marko says Perez ‘mentally battered’ at Red Bull
Jul.15 (GMM) Sergio Perez is “mentally battered”, as Dr Helmut Marko refuses to deny raging speculation that Red Bull may decide to oust the struggling Mexican driver within 2024. Rumours are also still swirling that Max Verstappen might make a shock switch to Mercedes next year, but Red Bull F1 consultant Marko insists that is […]
Steiner plays down Haas resurgence since exit as boss
Jul.15 (GMM) Gunther Steiner has played down the big step forward made by the Haas team in 2024. As team boss, Steiner was instrumental in setting up the unique structure at the small American outfit – leading to his ousting by owner Gene Haas at the end of last year. The two sides are now […]
Sargeant ‘satisfied’ with his driving in 2024
Jul.15 (GMM) Logan Sargeant insists he is “satisfied” with his own driving this year – even though Williams appears to definitely be planning for his 2025 successor. Team boss James Vowles’ top pick to be Alex Albon’s new long-term teammate from next year was clearly Carlos Sainz – but the Ferrari refugee may now have […]
Alonso was ‘not interested’ in Mercedes seat
Jul.12 (GMM) Fernando Alonso was “not interested” in becoming Lewis Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes. That’s the claim of team boss Toto Wolff, who is still yet to name George Russell’s teammate for 2025 as he waits for the unlikely scenario of Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull. Wolff’s own 17-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli is the […]
Verstappen admits ‘visibility problems’ since 2021
Jul.12 (GMM) Max Verstappen has revealed he has been grappling with “visibility problems” ever since his huge crash at Silverstone in 2021. At the height of their ultra-intense world championship battle, a tap from Lewis Hamilton at immense speed sent the Red Bull driver spearing into the barriers. Verstappen, now a triple world champion, was […]
Film-makers deny ‘F1’ costing $300 million
Jul.12 (GMM) The makers of the 2025 film called ‘F1’ and starring Brad Pitt have hit back at reports the movie’s budget tipped the scales at an incredible $300 million. If true, the immense budget would almost put the movie, which has been filmed during Formula 1 race weekends with modified F2 cars, in the […]
Haas quiet on ‘speculative’ Toyota F1 reports
Jul.12 (GMM) Haas is staying quiet for now amid speculation the small American team could be Toyota’s route back into Formula 1. Late last year, rumblings that the Japanese car giant might be contemplating a return were connected to the McLaren team, as Toyota-sponsored Ryo Hirakawa became a test driver. But now, it was the […]
Magnussen deserves to lose Haas seat – Steiner
Jul.12 (GMM) A gaggle of current and highly experienced Formula 1 drivers should be worried about their futures on the grid. That is the view of former Haas boss Gunther Steiner, who this week already declared that he thinks Red Bull should drop the underperforming Sergio Perez. But he also thinks speculation that one of […]
Lawson secures yet another F1 test outing
Jul.12 (GMM) Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 career is clearly shifting into a higher gear, as yet another on-track test looms for the hopeful New Zealander. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has described Sergio Perez’s current form as “unsustainable”, but also at risk of losing his seat is Daniel Ricciardo at the junior outfit RB. […]
Trailing Norris in 2024 ‘helps me improve’ – Piastri
Jul.11 (GMM) Oscar Piastri says he is not getting downbeat even though teammate Lando Norris is currently the most competitive McLaren driver in 2024. Many are now regarding Norris as a true contender to take on Max Verstappen for this year’s drivers’ title, while Australian Piastri – although impressive in just his second year in […]
Red Bull’s Hungary upgrade ‘has to work’ – Marko
Jul.11 (GMM) Red Bull is pinning its hopes to another upgrade package that is set to debut next weekend in Hungary. At Silverstone, Max Verstappen got exclusive use of the team’s new floor, with Sergio Perez to also be equipped with the improvement in Hungary. But championship leader Verstappen has only won two out of […]
Two drivers say Lawson should replace struggling Perez
Jul.11 (GMM) Two former Formula 1 stars have named the driver they think should urgently replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull. Despite his recently-extended contract, the Mexican’s place alongside Max Verstappen is still in doubt due to performance clauses, given the extent of his current slump. McLaren CEO Zak Brown even senses an opportunity to […]
Newey ‘not house-hunting’ in Italy, says friend Clarkson
Jul.11 (GMM) Adrian Newey does not seem to be headed to Ferrari after all, according to well-known former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Newey was back in Red Bull team wear at Silverstone last weekend, despite the gradual reduction in his technical involvement ahead of his eventual departure. The 65-year-old has been strongly linked with […]
Bottas not interested in one-year Mercedes deal
Jul.11 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas says he would not be interested in returning to Mercedes next year if all he is offered is a one-year deal. It seems almost certain that the Finn will leave Sauber at the end of the year, with new team owner Audi apparently not seeing Bottas, 34, as part of the […]
McLaren considers switch to Red Bull power for 2026
Jul.11 (GMM) McLaren is exploring its options for a potential move away from customer Mercedes power for the next regulations period beginning in 2026. Just last November, the Woking based team extended its deal with Mercedes all the way until 2030. But with Alpine now considering axing its works Renault engine program, Mercedes is the […]