Oct.7 (GMM) F1’s current covid restrictions are a blessing for Mick Schumacher ahead of his race weekend debut at the Nurburgring. That is the view of the young German’s manager Sabine Kehm, who fulfilled a similar role for Schumacher’s famous father Michael. Now, Kehm is returning to the paddock this weekend as the manager of […]
Alonso to test 2020 Renault next week
Oct.7 (GMM) Fernando Alonso looks set to make his debut in Renault’s 2020 car next week. According to the Spanish broadcaster Movistar, the Spaniard will be in the cockpit for a ‘filming day’ in Barcelona next Tuesday – October 13. After that, a half-day test in Renault’s two-year-old car is also on the cards, Spanish […]
Carey says F1 race deal reached with Rio de Janeiro
Oct.7 (GMM) Chase Carey has confirmed that Rio de Janeiro is on course to join the Formula 1 calendar. There have been rumours for some time that a new permanent circuit in Deodoro, a neighbourhood in Rio’s west zone, could replace Sao Paulo as F1’s Brazilian GP host. Now, O Diario Motorsport, a specialist Brazilian […]
No ‘engine clause’ in Verstappen contract – Horner
Oct.7 (GMM) Christian Horner has played down rumours Red Bull could lose Max Verstappen in the wake of Honda’s shock decision to quit Formula 1. On Tuesday, the Dutch driver broke his silence after Honda’s announcement of last Friday by admitting the Japanese manufacturer’s looming departure is “a shame”. But Verstappen said that “at the […]
Mateschitz will decide engine solution – Horner
Oct.7 (GMM) Red Bull wants “clarity” about its engine solution for 2022 before the end of the year. That is the news from team boss Christian Horner, who admitted that reuniting with Renault might even be a possibility for 2022. Last Friday, Honda stunned the Formula 1 world by announcing that it will quit the […]
Mercedes committed to F1 after Honda exit news
Oct.7 (GMM) Mercedes has reiterated its commitment to Formula 1, allaying fears that the sport may be about to lose more teams or manufacturers. Honda – Red Bull’s works engine partner – stunned the F1 world last Friday by announcing its decision to quit. And with other teams in obvious distress amid the covid crisis, […]
Uncle ‘amazed’ Mick Schumacher’s talent questioned
Oct.6 (GMM) Mick Schumacher’s uncle has hit back at doubts about the young German’s talent. Ralf Schumacher’s famous brother is Michael, whose son Mick will drive the Alfa Romeo in Friday practice this weekend amid strong speculation about a full race debut for 2021. But last week, another former F1 driver – Marc Surer – […]
Nurburgring hopes to stay on F1 calendar
Oct.6 (GMM) The boss of the Nurburgring is unsure whether this weekend’s race will be a one-off for the former Formula 1 venue. Alongside Mugello, Portimao, Imola and Istanbul, the German circuit is among those who are filling in the gaps in F1’s hastily-compiled ‘corona calendar’. One criteria for the inclusion of some of those […]
Verstappen would enjoy Hamilton-like dominance
Oct.6 (GMM) Max Verstappen says he would enjoy dominating Formula 1. Amid Lewis Hamilton’s dominance in 2020, the Mercedes driver and six-time world champion said recently that he would prefer “wheel to wheel racing” because “that’s what gets me up in the morning”. “This is not the championship fight I would have hoped for,” the […]
F1 ‘will return’ to Melbourne in 2021
Oct.5 (GMM) Formula 1 “will return” to Melbourne, according to race organisers. The season-opening Australian GP was the first race cancellation of 2020, triggering the sport’s long shutdown. In recent days and weeks, the likelihood that F1 will return in 2021 had appeared unlikely, as Melbourne is still subject to strict and controversial restrictions following […]
Red Bull not ruling out Perez, Hulkenberg
Oct.5 (GMM) Red Bull is no longer ruling out replacing Alex Albon. Until very recently, the energy drink-owned marque has been strongly backing the British-born Thai driver amid calls for him to be replaced. But now, top drivers Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg are on the market, just as Albon’s recent improvement hit a snag […]
Verstappen hopes covid era ‘will soon be over’
Oct.5 (GMM) Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull driver Max, says he hopes the corona crisis “will soon be over” in Formula 1. Seven months and ten races into the sport’s covid era, F1 has now recorded its highest tally of positive infections in a single week – 10 cases. All of them were […]
Three Ferrari rookies in 2021 ‘not possible’
Oct.5 (GMM) Ferrari’s sporting boss Laurent Mekies has played down hopes that all three high-profile academy driver members will be in Formula 1 next year. Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott will make Friday practice appearances for Alfa Romeo and Haas respectively at the Nurburgring, while Robert Shwartzman will get his chance later this season. All […]
Vettel might buy Aston Martin shares – Wolff
Oct.5 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel might buy shares in Aston Martin. That is the view of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss who caused a stir recently by buying into Lawrence Stroll’s new Aston Martin project with a minor stake. Wolff had also actively encouraged departing Ferrari driver Vettel to switch to Racing Point for 2021, […]
Haas ‘not for sale’ amid Mazepin rumours
Oct.5 (GMM) Haas is reluctant to comment amid rumours the F1 team could be sold. The small American outfit has already admitted that both of its current drivers could be replaced for 2021. Sergio Perez is one strong option, but rumoured in the past days is that also in the running is Nikita Mazepin, a […]
McLaren happy with new Mercedes-like nose
Oct.5 (GMM) A Mercedes-style nose design is the “right way forward” for McLaren. That is the view of team boss Andreas Seidl, who admits that Racing Point and Renault will challenge the British outfit for third place in the constructors’ championship this year. Recently, McLaren began testing a new nose, which is shaped more like […]
Red Bull capable of making own engine – Schumacher
Oct.5 (GMM) Red Bull can build its own engine for 2022 and beyond, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. At Sochi, prior to Honda’s shock decision last Friday to quit Formula 1 at the end of 2021, Schumacher had declared: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Porsche in F1.” But amid speculation Red […]
Red Bull eyeing ‘all options’ for 2022 engine
Oct.5 (GMM) “All options” are being considered as Red Bull looks to race on without Honda from 2022. Honda, one of just four engine manufacturers in F1’s ‘power unit’ era, shocked the racing world on Friday by announcing its decision to quit at the end of next year. “As a group, we will now take […]
Honda shows ‘middle finger’ to F1 – press
Oct.5 (GMM) Honda’s shock decision to quit Formula 1 is a “middle finger” to the sport. That is the view of Juuso Taipale, just one journalist who has reacted to Friday’s news that Red Bull and Alpha Tauri are now on the hunt for a new supply of engines for 2022 and beyond. “Honda’s decision […]
Steward Salo admits Hamilton penalties ‘harsh’
Mika Salo has admitted he thought Lewis Hamilton’s penalties at Sochi were “harsh”. The former F1 driver, who was a FIA steward at the Russian GP, came under fire after Hamilton and his fans accused the governing body of unfairly targeting the six-time world champion. Salo was also criticised for allegedly leaking information about the […]