Nov.12 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton admitted Mercedes was grappling with bigger problems when rumours of a likely engine change and grid penalty were swirling in the Interlagos paddock. “The engine isn’t even here,” said the seven time world champion. “That’s why I can’t comment on it.” Indeed, Formula 1 was dealing with an almost unprecedented crisis […]
Category: Recent stories
Aston Martin’s Szafnauer linked with Alpine move
Nov.11 (GMM) Otmar Szafnauer looks set to leave Aston Martin. Rumours in the past few days indicated the 57-year-old, the current team principal who also had leading roles in the team’s Racing Point and Force India guises, might be replaced by new Aston Martin recruit Martin Whitmarsh. Whitmarsh, the long-time top McLaren official, is just […]
Flight delays leave F1 teams without equipment
Nov.11 (GMM) Multiple Formula 1 teams are missing key equipment after a logistics delay in the few days between the Mexican and Brazilian grands prix. Some, including Fernando Alonso, have questioned the wisdom of the current international ‘triple header’ of races across continents and timezones as F1 dashes from Mexico to Brazil and then Qatar […]
Verstappen’s ‘nerves’ better than Hamilton’s – Berger
Nov.11 (GMM) Max Verstappen has “better nerves” for the 2021 finale than fellow championship protagonist Lewis Hamilton. That is the view of F1 legend Gerhard Berger, who was boss and co-owner of Verstappen’s first team in Formula 1 – Toro Rosso. He told ORF: “I think Max is the cooler of the two. He has […]
Verstappen should have ‘sewn up’ 2021 title
Nov.11 (GMM) Max Verstappen and Red Bull “should have the title sewn up” by now, according to George Russell. The British driver, 23, will become Lewis Hamilton’s new teammate at Mercedes next year. It’s a “challenge” he insists he is looking forward to as Hamilton is “the greatest driver of all time”. “To be honest, […]
Monza facing uncertain F1 future post-2025
Nov.11 (GMM) A cloud is hanging over historic Monza’s long-term future on the Formula 1 calendar. With Imola shaping up to be Italy’s second full-time spot on the bustling annual schedule, Monza’s regular place is only currently secure until 2025. “Monza is and will always be the place for the Italian GP,” said Italian automobile […]
Italian official says Alfa Romeo ‘penalised’ Giovinazzi
Nov.11 (GMM) Another Italian official has blasted Alfa Romeo for “penalising” its own Formula 1 driver in Mexico. As the Sauber-run outfit counts down the days before announcing Valtteri Bottas’ teammate for 2022, Italian Giovinazzi admitted he was angry with his incomprehensible race strategy last Sunday. “We had a good talk with Antonio after the […]
Mazepin denies being ‘kicked out’ of nightclub
Nov.11 (GMM) Nikita Mazepin’s representatives have hit back at claims the Russian driver was kicked out of a nightclub in Mexico last Sunday. Video footage has emerged of the controversial Haas rookie arguing with staff as he attended the club with Haas mechanics and fellow F1 drivers George Russell and Alex Albon. Reports suggested Mazepin […]
Verstappen wants to win last four races – Marko
Nov.10 (GMM) Max Verstappen is not going into ‘cruise’ mode to simply manage his 19-point championship lead over Lewis Hamilton for the last four races of 2021. “He will drive for victory in every race,” declared Dr Helmut Marko, who revealed that he is recovering from a case of gastrointestinal ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’ after Verstappen’s most […]
Alfa Romeo to announce Bottas’ teammate in days
Nov.10 (GMM) Alfa Romeo is now counting down the days before completing the 2022 grid by announcing the identity of Valtteri Bottas’ teammate. The Sauber-run outfit is also making plans to give Bottas an early taste of life at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo with a run at the post Abu Dhabi-test. “We are […]
Easier for British driver to win F1 title – Alonso
Nov.9 (GMM) Fernando Alonso thinks it is much easier for a British driver to win a world championship after a close head-to-head duel. This year, the two-time champion has made several statements questioning the impartiality of those in charge of Formula 1, including the stewards. He now says a British driver like Lewis Hamilton – […]
Triple-header ‘on the limit’ for F1 teams – Alonso
Nov.9 (GMM) Formula 1’s current ‘triple header’ of races through three separate and distant international countries is “on the limit” for team staff. That is the view of two-time champion and F1 veteran Fernando Alonso, who joins those who are complaining about the odd and arduous logistics of the late-season schedule. “Obviously only Verstappen and […]
‘Cheap’ to blame Bottas for Mexico flop – Verstappen
Nov.9 (GMM) Max Verstappen says it’s “pretty cheap” to point the finger at Valtteri Bottas after the Mexican GP. Both Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team boss Lewis Hamilton were critical of the way Bottas failed to robustly defend his position before Verstappen soared into the lead on lap 1. Wolff suggested the Finn, who is […]
Elkann says Alfa Romeo ‘harming’ Giovinazzi
Nov.9 (GMM) Antonio Giovinazzi’s Formula 1 career with Alfa Romeo appears to be going down in flames. Not long after fuming at the Italian for ignoring a team order in a previous race, the Sauber-run team was publicly denounced with a sarcastic radio message after the chequered flag in Mexico. “Hey guys, thanks for the […]
Still ‘a lot to do’ to complete Saudi circuit
Nov.9 (GMM) There is still “a lot to do” to get the new Jeddah street circuit ready for the forthcoming and inaugural Saudi Arabian GP. Days ago, race boss Martin Whitaker responded to speculation following the emergence of footage depicting the circuit as resembling a construction site. Saudi Arabia is set to be the next […]
Porsche could win ‘immediately’ with Red Bull
Nov.9 (GMM) Porsche would “win immediately” in Formula 1 if the Volkswagen brand teams up with Red Bull from 2026. That is the claim of Dr Helmut Marko, amid rumours that while another VW brand – Audi – might be eyeing McLaren, Porsche is taking a look at a potential collaboration with Williams. According to […]
Giovinazzi, Mazepin, hit out at F1 teams
Nov.8 (GMM) Two Formula 1 drivers are leaving Mexico at odds with their respective teams. The most significant incident occurred at Alfa Romeo, who according to speculation are preparing to replace Antonio Giovinazzi for 2022. “Hey guys, thanks for the great strategy,” the Italian driver said as he crossed the chequered flag on Sunday. Some […]
Red Bull hits reverse after Tsunoda blame
Nov.8 (GMM) Red Bull has hit reverse gear and absolved Yuki Tsunoda of the blame for Max Verstappen’s missed pole position in Mexico. The Japanese rookie, who races for Red Bull’s development team Alpha Tauri, was slammed as a “dumb idiot” by Verstappen for running off the track in the decisive moments of Q3. Red […]
World title ‘inevitable’ for Verstappen – Ricciardo
Nov.8 (GMM) It is “inevitable” that Max Verstappen will eventually be world champion. That is the view of the Dutchman’s former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo, speaking in Mexico after Verstappen extended his lead over Lewis Hamilton to 19 points with just four races now to run. “How do I feel?” top Red Bull chief […]
McLaren plays down talk of Audi deal
Nov.7 (GMM) Andreas Seidl has dismissed as “pure speculation” claims McLaren could be set for a sensational engine supplier switch. The Volkswagen Group’s interest in entering Formula 1 under the new engine regulations in 2026 is no secret, with Porsche linked to Red Bull and another VW brand – Audi – said to be eyeing […]