Jul.8 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has confirmed that Jos Verstappen’s step into the background in recent races has been deliberate. Until his shock mid-season graduation from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, teen sensation Max Verstappen was always side-by-side with his famous father, former F1 driver Jos. But Marko, the architect of Red Bull’s driver programme, […]
Category: Recent stories
Wehrlein could get second year at Manor
Jul.8 (GMM) Pascal Wehrlein has said it is possible he will stay at Manor for a second season in 2017. The rookie German but also his backers at Mercedes were relieved in Austria when Wehrlein, the 21-year-old reigning DTM champion, finally had a standout weekend performance in Austria, resulting in a rare point for the […]
Perez leaving Ferrari future open
Jul.8 (GMM) Sergio Perez is still leaving the door open to a move away from Force India for 2017. The Mexican is in top form this year, triggering widespread speculation that Ferrari could buy him out of his contract with the Silverstone based team. “I’ve said several times that I have not decided my future […]
Sauber has secured its F1 future – Kaltenborn
Jul.8 (GMM) Sauber has “found a solution” to its financial woes that almost sunk the Swiss F1 team. That is the news from team co-owner and boss Monisha Kaltenborn, amid rumours and reports that Marcus Ericsson’s Swedish backers are buying the team. “I will not comment on rumours, but I can confirm that we have […]
Mercedes duo hears ‘firm’ new crash rules
Jul.8 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg face harsh penalties should Mercedes’ “final warning” about in-race collisions not be listened to. After their Austrian clash, the pair met with a stern Toto Wolff early on Thursday where a mysterious set of consequences for more crashes was laid out. “Both know the consequences. They listened carefully […]
Mallya determined to enjoy rare GP appearance
Jul.7 (GMM) Vijay Mallya says he is determined to soak up the British grand prix this weekend, having been unable to attend a single race in 2016. The former billionaire had his passport revoked by the Indian government amid the mess and huge debts associated with his failed airline Kingfisher. It means he has been […]
Family still wants ‘privacy’ for Schumacher – manager
Jul.7 (GMM) Michael Schumacher’s manager says there is no change for now in the decision to keep the F1 legend’s recovery from brain injuries completely private. Sabine Kehm and the seven time world champion’s family have been criticised by some for refusing to publicly update fans about the mysterious state of his health, some two […]
Palmer aware 2016 could be only home GP
Jul.7 (GMM) Jolyon Palmer says he will savour his home race at Silverstone this weekend, because it could be his only shot at racing in a British grand prix. But the 25-year-old rookie said “crappy” recent rumours of his demise were actually been greatly exaggerated. “It’s not nice to see but I know myself that […]
Honda’s progress best in F1 – Alonso
Jul.7 (GMM) Fernando Alonso insists he is “happy” with his life, despite the fact a full decade has passed him by without adding a third title to his tally. Once, the Spaniard admitted he would give his right arm for another world championship, but ahead of the British grand prix he declared: “I’m very happy.” […]
Button not thinking British GP to be last
Jul.7 (GMM) Jenson Button insists he is not heading into the British grand prix thinking it could be his last home race. But the F1 veteran, who is F1’s longest-serving active driver, admitted that it bothers him that Silverstone is one of the only tracks on the calendar on which he has never even scored […]
Mercedes clash ‘a racing incident’ – Massa
Jul.7 (GMM) Felipe Massa has played down the furore surrounding the Mercedes drivers’ latest crash, saying what happened in Austria was just a “racing incident”. Before Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg headed to Silverstone on Thursday, they started the day at Mercedes’ nearby Brackley HQ for a stern meeting with boss Toto Wolff. It is […]
Lauda hits reverse over Hamilton comments
Jul.6 (GMM) Niki Lauda has hit reverse on his comments about world champion Lewis Hamilton. On Tuesday, footage of the Mercedes team chairman speaking on Austrian broadcaster Servus TV emerged during which Lauda alleged Hamilton trashed a hospitality room after crashing in Baku qualifying. Lauda also said Hamilton “lied” about the positive nature of his […]
Pirelli, Ferrari set date for 2017 tyre test
Jul.6 (GMM) The first date for Pirelli’s track testing for its bigger and wider 2017 tyres has reportedly been set. Speed Week reports that the first of 24 days in total with specially-modified test mules will take place at Ferrari’s own Fiorano track on August 2. “We agreed with Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes that […]
F1 could lose Brazil GP, drivers – Massa
Jul.6 (GMM) Felipe Massa has warned it is possible Brazil will fall out of formula one altogether at the end of 2016. Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the Interlagos race is endangered, while F1 veteran Massa himself is out of contract at Williams. Also ending is fellow Brazilian Felipe Nasr’s deal at Sauber, including the […]
Wolff to meet Mercedes drivers on Thursday
Jul.6 (GMM) Toto Wolff will sit with Mercedes’ two drivers to decide the next steps after their Austria run-in — whether Lewis Hamilton wants to or not. That is the claim of team chairman and F1 legend Niki Lauda, after the German newspaper Bild quoted Hamilton as saying he had no intention of discussing the […]
F1 must be ‘careful’ with next safety steps – Lauda
Jul.6 (GMM) Niki Lauda thinks F1 needs to learn lessons from its recent past, balancing safety against safeguarding “the DNA” of the sport. The F1 legend and Mercedes team chairman thinks that after a few difficult and less popular years for the pinnacle of motor sport, “We are now back on the road to the […]
Hamilton trashed room in Baku – Lauda
Jul.5 (GMM) World champion Lewis Hamilton destroyed a hospitality room after crashing in Baku qualifying. F1 legend and Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda made the revelation on Austrian television Servus TV, also claiming Hamilton “lied” about having a good relationship with Nico Rosberg. “The more Rosberg is in front, the wilder Lewis gets,” Lauda said, […]
Rumours link Wehrlein with Force India seat
Jul.5 (GMM) Rumours are linking Pascal Wehrlein with a potential move to Force India for 2017. In Austria, after the rookie German qualified his Manor in 12th place and then secured an ultra-rare point for the backmarker team, Toto Wolff said any lingering doubts that Wehrlein is “very special” had been erased. Wolff, the Mercedes […]
‘Westschleife’ won’t be ready for 2017 – Marko
Jul.5 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has played down rumours next year’s Austrian grand prix could be held on a new layout at the Red Bull Ring. Heading into last weekend’s race at the picturesque Spielberg venue, reports emerged that team owner Dietrich Mateschitz was looking into reviving the old and audacious ‘Westschleife’ section. But some […]
No celebrations after Max’s podium – father
Jul.5 (GMM) Max Verstappen’s father says there were no celebration parties after the 18-year-old finished second in Austria. That is despite the fact that the young Dutchman’s mentor, Dr Helmut Marko, admitted to raising a glass to the latest triumph. “With a good glass of wine,” he told De Telegraaf newspaper, when asked how he […]