May 18 (GMM) Hermann Tilke has hit back at one of the main criticisms made about the circuits his company designs for Formula 1. “Sometimes I feel the urge to respond to criticism,” said the German, who has inked many of the current tracks including Bahrain, China, Abu Dhabi and others. “We are always criticised […]
Category: Recent stories
Safety car driver not paid during crisis
May 18 (GMM) Many in Formula 1 and motorsport are living without an income at present, according to safety car driver Bernd Maylander. He told Auto Motor und Sport that he is one of those people who needs the races to actually take place before being paid. “I am a freelancer,” said the German. “I […]
F1 must organise enough races in 2020 – Marko
May 18 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says it is crucial that Formula 1 manages to organise a minimum number of races amid the corona crisis in 2020. A draft calendar featuring 19 races between July and December is currently doing the rounds on the internet, but there are doubts about how many of them will […]
F1 plan sent to Austrian government for approval
May 15 (GMM) The fate of the planned 2020 ‘season opener’ in Austria should be known within days. The news agency Austria Presse Agentur reports that the full written plan for dealing with back-to-back races in July amid the corona crisis has been sent by promoter Red Bull and Formula 1 to the Austrian government. […]
Alonso looks set for F1 return with Renault
May 15 (GMM) At the end of a sensational ‘silly season’ week for Formula 1, it now emerges that Fernando Alonso looks to be returning to the sport and Renault next year. Sources report that the deal is almost done, with Renault, Alonso and his manager Flavio Briatore all dropping photographic hints on social media […]
Ferrari tester says Sainz ‘not number 2 driver’
May 15 (GMM) Opinions are split as to whether Carlos Sainz is an obvious ‘number 2’ driver for Charles Leclerc. Some believe the fact that Sebastian Vettel is departing, and that Daniel Ricciardo was not the one to replace him, demonstrates that Ferrari wanted a driver for a supporting role alongside new clear number 1 […]
Giovinazzi not yet ready for Ferrari – Binotto
May 15 (GMM) A Ferrari race seat would have been “too much responsibility” for Antonio Giovinazzi. Those are the words of team boss Mattia Binotto, as he explained why 25-year-old Carlos Sainz – a driver developed by Red Bull – has been chosen to be Charles Leclerc’s 2021 teammate. 25-year-old Italian Giovinazzi, on the other […]
Vettel’s next career move unclear – Binotto
May 15 (GMM) Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says he isn’t sure what Sebastian Vettel will do beyond 2020. The parties are splitting up after the current unusual ‘season’, with quadruple world champion Vettel now linked either with retirement or a move to Mercedes or Renault. “I believe that the decision, with transparency and clarity, shows […]
McLaren switch ‘a risk’ for Ricciardo – Salo
May 15 (GMM) Jumping ship to McLaren is “a risk” for Daniel Ricciardo. That is the view of former F1 driver Mika Salo, after Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul slammed Australian Ricciardo for not renewing his contract with the works team. “In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment […]
Lack of ‘understanding’ caused Vettel divorce – Ferrari
May 14 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has clarified yet again that there is no room for Red Bull’s former champion Sebastian Vettel alongside Max Verstappen next year. The Austrian team official admits there has been contact with the quadruple world champion, but “We can’t afford to have two superstars on our team”. “We don’t want […]
‘Mercedes or nothing’ for Vettel in 2021 – report
May 14 (GMM) Reports that Sebastian Vettel is set to sign for McLaren for 2021 are apparently wide of the mark. Shortly after the four-time world champion’s Ferrari exit was announced, Auto Bild claimed a new deal with countryman and McLaren boss Andreas Seidl was on the cards. “McLaren and Vettel would be a mega […]
Alonso set to replace Ricciardo for 2021
May 14 (GMM) Daniel Ricciardo looks set to leave Renault. Melbourne’s Age newspaper said an announcement to that effect is expected early on Thursday. It is rumoured that he will replace the Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz at McLaren for 2021. Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul hinted that the French team needs to save money on drivers for […]
Ferrari hints ‘young driver’ to replace Vettel
May 14 (GMM) Ferrari is eyeing “another young driver” to be Charles Leclerc’s new teammate for 2021. That is the admission of Ferrari vice chairman Piero Ferrari, who is the late Enzo Ferrari’s son. This week, the Maranello team announced that Sebastian Vettel will depart at the end of the year. The leading candidate to […]
Spa shown green light to re-open circuit
May 14 (GMM) Spa-Francorchamps has been given a tentative green-light to re-open the Belgian GP venue. It comes after race boss Vanessa Maes said last week that Spa is waiting for authorities to allow preparations for its original August 30 grand prix date to resume amid the corona crisis. Currently, mass events in Belgium are […]
Ferrari seat would boost Bottas’ chances – Lehto
May 14 (GMM) Another name has been added to speculation about who might replace the departing Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari in 2020. Although it is believed Carlos Sainz is close to a deal or may even have signed one already, others including Daniel Ricciardo and Antonio Giovinazzi have also been mentioned. But former F1 driver […]
Four races in 2020 would be ‘worse’ than none – Abiteboul
May 14 (GMM) Only managing to race a few times in 2020 would be the “worst” outcome for struggling Formula 1 teams. That is the view of Cyril Abiteboul, the boss of the works Renault team who tells Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport that the French marque’s F1 project is “not on the brink” amid […]
F1 has public ‘obligation’ to race again – de la Rosa
May 13 (GMM) Formula 1 has a “very big obligation” to get back up and racing, according to former driver Pedro de la Rosa. The sport is planning its first back-to-back ‘ghost races’ for July, beginning in Austria with a range of intense safety measures including regular coronavirus testing. “I think that, little by little, […]
No ‘hype’ means no German F1 drivers – Schumacher
May 13 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher thinks a reduction in motor racing “hype” in the country could mean that not a single German driver is on the grid in 2020. There is speculation Sebastian Vettel, who is definitely leaving Ferrari, may actually now retire. He is currently the only German driver in F1. But ten years […]
Father admits Sainz to Ferrari rumours ‘accelerating’
May 13 (GMM) The announcement of Sebastian Vettel’s post-2020 departure from Ferrari means one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1 is now up for grabs. “It’s definitely not me,” Max Verstappen smiled in the hours following the announcement on Tuesday. The leading candidates are actually Verstappen’s old Toro Rosso teammate Carlos Sainz, and […]
Vettel linked with three teams for 2021
May 13 (GMM) Amid speculation he may retire, Sebastian Vettel is already being linked with three potential new teams for 2021. Prior to Ferrari’s confirmation that he is leaving the Maranello team after this year, rumours were already suggesting Renault or McLaren could be potential alternatives for the quadruple world champion. “For me it is […]