Apr.27 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has played down the possibility that F1 could fill in the gaps in a cobbled-together 2020 calendar with ‘reverse’ races. Charles Leclerc said last week that he likes the idea of heading to a circuit and racing on it several times – including in the opposite direction to normal. But former […]
Fan-less races ‘better than no races’ – Magnussen
Apr.27 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen has confirmed reports that he and Haas teammate Romain Grosjean have agreed to pay-cuts amid the corona crisis. “It was our way of showing solidarity with the team,” he told BT newspaper. “That we were all in the same boat. And it was appreciated.” The Dane didn’t want to say by […]
‘Pay drivers’ could take over F1 seats – Magnussen
Apr.27 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen says there is a risk drivers like him will be excluded from Formula 1 if the coronavirus changes the sport dramatically. Teams are scrambling merely to survive amid the current global lockdown, with F1 business journalist Christian Sylt reporting that the McLaren Group’s shareholders have just released an extra $370 million. […]
‘All requirements met’ for Austria plan – Marko
Apr.27 (GMM) Red Bull is pushing ahead with its plan for back-to-back spectator-less races in Austria held on consecutive weekends in July. “Two races, each on Sunday, on July 5 and 12,” Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko told public radio O3. Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner said it is a “positive target for the […]
Media should not be barred from ‘ghost races’
Apr.24 (GMM) It would be a mistake to lock the media out of any ‘ghost races’ that take place amid the corona crisis. That is the view of respected Auto Motor und Sport editor Michael Schmidt, who suspects that even the actual broadcasters may have to simply accept their exclusion from the races. “Imagine that […]
F1 eyes radical wind tunnel time idea
Apr.24 (GMM) F1 is reportedly considering a radical proposal to help smaller teams catch up with their bigger rivals. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the plan would involve restricting wind tunnel time for those teams who are doing the best in the constructors’ championship. “The first three would be allowed to use the wind […]
Circuit designer to try ‘virtual’ Zandvoort
Apr.24 (GMM) Having overseen Zandvoort’s transformation, circuit architect Jarno Zaffelli says will now have to try driving it – in the virtual world. Dutch GP promoters admit the country’s ban on mass events through September could mean that a grand prix is not held at all in 2020. “The entire circuit is ready – everything […]
‘Too early’ to contemplate 2021 drivers – Steiner
Apr.24 (GMM) It is “too early” to look ahead to Haas’ 2021 driver lineup, according to team boss Gunther Steiner. Both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean are out of contract at the end of 2020, but Steiner says he is currently preoccupied with the corona crisis. “I don’t even think about what is going to […]
Marko wants support races at 2020 Austria GP
Apr.24 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says the first F1 ‘ghost race’ in 2020 should also feature support events. Red Bull is central to F1’s plans to get racing again, as it owns the Austrian GP venue in Spielberg and the government is beginning to relax the country’s shutdown. “Austria as a country is starting to […]
Leclerc ‘happy’ if Vettel stays at Ferrari
Apr.24 (GMM) Charles Leclerc says he would be “definitely happy” if Ferrari keeps Sebastian Vettel on board for 2021. It is rumoured that quadruple world champion Vettel has turned down Ferrari’s initial offer of a one-year contract extension with a big pay cut. Leclerc, though, said in a video interview: “I’m very happy with Seb, […]
Binotto ‘in denial’ over quit threat – Brown
Apr.24 (GMM) Ferrari has moved to downplay boss Mattia Binotto’s warning that the Maranello team could pull out of Formula 1. Binotto had warned that a reduction in the budget cap below $145 million could mean “having to look at other further options for deploying our racing DNA”. A Ferrari spokeswoman denied that the comment […]
Liberty admits ‘zero races’ possible in 2020
Apr.24 (GMM) Liberty Media has reshuffled its finances to free up a $1.4 billion fund to rescue Formula 1 amid the corona crisis. The F1 owner is quoted by Forbes’ F1 business journalist Christian Sylt as outlining how the complex transaction gives it the ability to use the money “for F1 in event of continued […]
Wolff hits reverse over budget cap – Marko
Apr.24 (GMM) Toto Wolff has “suddenly” hit reverse gear on a drastic reduction of the 2021 budget cap. That is the claim of Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko, who said the Mercedes team boss was earlier a supporter of moves to significantly drive down the number amid the corona crisis. “A few weeks ago Wolff […]
Contract ‘review’ must precede audience-free French GP
Apr.23 (GMM) Paul Ricard would only be open to considering a race behind closed doors if F1 conducts a “review” of its contractual arrangement with the circuit. That is the view of Nicolas Deschaux, president of France’s motor racing authority Federation Francaise de Sport Automobile (FFSA). After the nine postponements and cancellations, France’s 28 June […]
Monza now open to spectator-free Italy GP
Apr.23 (GMM) Monza may be willing to consider hosting a grand prix behind closed doors in 2020. That is the news from Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Italian automobile club Aci. “The situation is complex, also because we do not have certainties,” he is quoted by Italy’s Sky Sport, referring to F1’s shutdown for […]
Alonso has ‘renewed energy’ for future
Apr.23 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says his Formula 1 sabbatical has given him “renewed energy” for the future. In the past hours, the Spaniard has been linked with a potential return to Ferrari, after the Maranello team offered Sebastian Vettel only a one-year deal and a huge pay-cut for 2021. “In terms of ten years from […]
Lundgaard on pole for Renault race seat
Apr.23 (GMM) Renault may turn to a teenager if Daniel Ricciardo leaves the team for 2021. Ricciardo, whose contract runs out this year, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and he also says one should “never say never” to a return to Red Bull. If the Australian does go, 18-year-old Christian Lundgaard appears […]
‘Possible’ Vettel will accept one-year deal – Schumacher
Apr.23 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher thinks it is “possible” Sebastian Vettel will ultimately accept Ferrari’s rumoured offer of a one-year contract for 2021. Earlier, it was claimed that the quadruple world champion had turned down the offer, which reportedly involved a substantially slashed retainer. But former F1 driver Schumacher says Vettel may ultimately accept the deal. […]
Verstappen’s ‘reckless’ reputation unfair – Kubica
Apr.23 (GMM) Robert Kubica says Max Verstappen does not deserve his reputation for “recklessness”. The Pole was asked about the Red Bull driver’s reputation for racing aggression, but he said Verstappen is in fact “very strong in every area”. “I disagree with the criticism he receives for his so-called recklessness,” the Alfa Romeo reserve driver, […]
Big teams also threatened by pandemic – Popov
Apr.23 (GMM) Even the big teams might disappear from Formula 1 amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Russian commentator Alexey Popov. To date, the focus of the worries has centred around the survival of the smallest teams like Williams. “Unfortunately, I think they are not alone,” Popov told Match TV. “Even Mercedes and Red Bull […]