Oct.22 (GMM) Daniel Ricciardo could be headed to Mercedes for 2019. It is believed one of the reasons Red Bull was so keen to extend Max Verstappen’s deal through 2020 is that Ricciardo is – in Helmut Marko’s words – “on the market” for a new team after his current contract expires late next year. […]
Binotto to replace Arrivabene as Ferrari boss – report
Oct.21 (GMM) Maurizio Arrivabene looks set to be the victim of Ferrari’s terrible end to its 2017 championship challenge. After consecutive car failures, Sebastian Vettel arrived in Austin needing a clean sweep of wins until the Abu Dhabi finale next month to stand a chance of beating Lewis Hamilton. But his US grand prix weekend […]
Hartley in running for 2018 seat – Marko
Oct.21 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has admitted for the first time that Brendon Hartley is in the running for a 2018 seat at Toro Rosso. Officially, the New Zealander, Le Mans winner and works Porsche driver is simply filling in this weekend for Pierre Gasly, who is in Japan fighting for the Super Formula title. […]
No talks with other teams – Massa
Oct.21 (GMM) Felipe Massa has admitted that if Williams ousts him, he will leave formula one completely. Although Williams has been testing Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta, and is reportedly also considering Pascal Wehrlein for 2018, 36-year-old Massa says he wants to stay. Asked about the recent Kubica-di Resta shootout test, Massa told the […]
Engine plans key to Verstappen deal – Marko
Oct.21 (GMM) Max Verstappen has not denied that his new Red Bull contract includes higher pay. Amid obvious interest from Mercedes and Ferrari, the energy drink company announced in Austin that the 20-year-old is staying put until 2020. Asked how many cans Red Bull will need to sell to pay him, team boss Christian Horner […]
Red Bull wants Ricciardo for 2019 and 2020
Oct.21 (GMM) Red Bull has now set its sights on extending Daniel Ricciardo’s contract. In Austin, although it was believed the Dutchman was already under contract until 2019, Red Bull announced that Max Verstappen is staying put until 2020. Earlier, both drivers had hinted they might leave Red Bull given the team’s slow start to […]
Official meets Tilke over Rotterdam plans
Oct.21 (GMM) Rotterdam has sped into pole position to secure a Dutch grand prix in the future. Earlier, Max Verstappen expressed scepticism amid reports Rotterdam or Amsterdam could host formula one on the city streets. But Rotterdam-based sports promoter Herman Vaanholt told the local Formule 1 publication that he met with F1 circuit designer Hermann […]
F1 eyes Netflix deal for 2018
Oct.21 (GMM) F1 could be set to team up with the popular internet streaming service Netflix. Germany’s Welt newspaper reports that Liberty Media is in talks with the American internet company, with a deal having the potential to revolutionise how F1 is broadcast. “Liberty Media has been trying to expand the presence of formula one […]
Alonso, McLaren deny contract for one year only
Oct.21 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has denied his new McLaren contract is for one year only. The Spaniard and the British team announced in Austin that the new deal “underlines Fernando’s long-term ties to the organisation”. But at the same time, there are rumours that only Alonso’s presence in 2018 is guaranteed. “We don’t talk too […]
Verstappen unmoved by Dutch street race reports
Oct.20 (GMM) Max Verstappen says he is not getting excited about reports F1 could be heading to the streets of his native Holland. Earlier this month, we reported that off the back of the Red Bull driver’s huge popularity, Liberty Media was open to approving a street race in either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. But Dutch […]
Hamilton decides against ‘taking a knee’
Oct.20 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton says he will not ‘take a knee’ before Sunday’s US grand prix. Earlier, as American football players protested during pre-game renditions of the national anthem, the Mercedes driver hinted he could also kneel in solidarity before F1’s only race in the United States. “I will have to think about it,” Hamilton […]
Massa interested in Liberty Media role
Oct.20 (GMM) Felipe Massa says he would be interested in a role with Liberty Media once his F1 career ends. After 16 seasons on the grid, the 36-year-old is fighting for his Williams cockpit against 2018 contenders Robert Kubica, Paul di Resta and Pascal Wehrlein. Although he retired at the end of last season only […]
Wehrlein hopes to know future before Abu Dhabi
Oct.20 (GMM) Pascal Wehrlein has admitted his future could remain in doubt for some time. The German arrived in Austin fresh from celebrating his 23rd birthday, amid rumours he is hoping to be retained by Sauber next year. “I’d rather be 25,” Wehrlein joked, according to Germany’s Auto Bild. He is referring to rumours a […]
Verstappen would prefer to avoid top team switch
Oct.20 (GMM) Max Verstappen has suggested he would prefer to stay at Red Bull rather than switch to a rival team. The Dutchman remains under contract until 2019, but rumours he is being wooed by F1’s top two teams Mercedes and Ferrari are constant. Clearly, Red Bull wants the newly 20-year-old to stay, with boss […]
Vettel urges against big changes at Ferrari
Oct.20 (GMM) Amid rumblings of looming changes, Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari should actually stay the course. Recently, as his title campaign crumbled amid reliability problems, president Sergio Marchionne said “organisational changes” are now on the cards. And Germany’s Bild newspaper has reported that team boss Maurizio Arrivabene’s job could be in doubt. But Vettel thinks […]
Kvyat unsure if Austin is last F1 race
Oct.20 (GMM) Daniil Kvyat admitted in Austin that he is not sure if he will remain in his Toro Rosso seat beyond Sunday’s US grand prix. The Russian was recently sidelined by team owner Red Bull to make way for Pierre Gasly. But Gasly is in Japan this weekend completing his Super Formula season. So […]
Hartley not ruling out longer F1 adventure
Oct.20 (GMM) Brendon Hartley says his future is unclear beyond Sunday’s US grand prix. The New Zealander, who last tested an F1 car for Mercedes in 2012, has been drafted into Toro Rosso’s Austin lineup by his former backer Red Bull. But there is speculation that when Pierre Gasly returns from his Super Formula duties […]
Rosberg not eyeing job as team boss yet
Oct.19 (GMM) Nico Rosberg is not ruling out a future as a motor racing team boss. Last weekend, Team Rosberg – founded by the reigning world champion’s father Keke – won the DTM championship with Rene Rast at the wheel. But although he is now retired, Rosberg said he is not involved with the team. […]
Pressure on Hamilton’s shoulders in Austin – Glock
Oct.19 (GMM) The pressure has switched from Sebastian Vettel to Lewis Hamilton’s shoulders ahead of the US grand prix. That is the view of Timo Glock, a former F1 driver who will be in the Austin paddock this weekend as a television pundit. The German, who now races in DTM, is referring to the fact […]
Hartley prepares for ‘big step’ in Austin
Oct.19 (GMM) Brendon Hartley has admitted getting up to speed straight away in Austin will be difficult. Toro Rosso owner Red Bull has signed the New Zealander and Le Mans winner to replace Pierre Gasly this weekend, as the Frenchman is racing in Japan. Hartley, a former Red Bull reserve driver who has never raced […]