Feb.17 (GMM) Imola has put itself forward as a potential substitute for the postponed Chinese GP this April. The former F1 venue has admitted for some time that it would like to return to the calendar, and sees the coronavirus crisis as a potential opening. “We have indeed submitted an application to the FIA and […]
‘No options’ for Alonso comeback – Coulthard
Feb.17 (GMM) Fernando Alonso can probably forget about returning to Formula 1 in 2021. That is the view of his former contemporary David Coulthard, who told Spain’s EFE news agency that he cannot see where the two-time world champion could slot back into the grid. “I know he wants to come back, but he seems […]
Alpha Tauri eyes Honda driver Tsunoda
Feb.17 (GMM) A Japanese driver could be fast-tracked into Formula 1 later this year. It is no secret that Honda would like a home-grown talent for its F1 programme, and the leading contender at present is Yuki Tsunoda. In his first season out of Japan last year, the 19-year-old impressed in Formula 3 and, with […]
Gasly keeps eye on Red Bull return
Feb.17 (GMM) Pierre Gasly admits he is still keeping one eye on a potential return to Red Bull. Although praised for his recovery after being demoted by the senior team mid last year, the Frenchman says he still wants to win races and the title. “It’s too early to talk about it, but of course […]
Alpha Tauri ‘six months behind’ Red Bull – Marko
Feb.17 (GMM) Now officially called Alpha Tauri, the former Toro Rosso outfit will benefit from many of “sister team” Red Bull’s technology by mid-season. That is the news from Dr Helmut Marko, who said the Faenza based team’s spectacular re-branding means Alpha Tauri is no longer the junior squad but the “sister team”. “They are […]
Mercedes reserve Vandoorne to focus on Formula E
Feb.17 (GMM) Stoffel Vandoorne says his main focus will be on Formula E in 2020. The former McLaren driver may now be a frontrunner in the electric series, but he has just been signed up as Mercedes’ new F1 reserve. “It’s very nice to go a step up within in the Mercedes family,” the Belgian […]
Hamilton expects top drivers to stay put in 2021
Feb.17 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has hit back at what he sees as “a sign of weakness” in his likely title challenger in 2020. While always noting the six-time world champion’s talent and achievements, Red Bull-Honda driver Max Verstappen has often pointed out that a big part of Hamilton’s recent dominance has been his Mercedes car. […]
Renault denies being late with 2020 car
Feb.14 (GMM) Cyril Abiteboul has denied that Renault is behind schedule with its 2020 car. Heads were scratching this week when team figures and the world’s media assembled in Paris for the ‘launch’ event – but the actual 2020 car was missing. Boss Abiteboul explained that because the car was being assembled, he did not […]
Combining F1 with DTM will be ‘difficult’ – Kubica
Feb.14 (GMM) Robert Kubica admits he will have a very busy year in 2020. On Thursday, it was announced that with the Pole’s sponsor PKN Orlen, he will combine his Alfa Romeo reserve driver role with a full race seat in the German touring car series DTM. Kubica, 35, will race a BMW car run […]
Sainz wants new McLaren contract
Feb.14 (GMM) Carlos Sainz has indicated that he wants to extend his McLaren contract. After years in the Red Bull junior program and then a one-off season at Renault in 2018, McLaren signed the 25-year-old Spaniard on a two-year deal starting last year. “Obviously, it’s not a secret that I’m very happy here in McLaren,” […]
Red Bull quiet about 2020 car ‘nostrils’
Feb.14 (GMM) Red Bull is not letting out the secret about a new pair of distinctive ‘nostrils’ on the nose of its 2020 car. “It’s to make sure Max (Verstappen) is cool enough,” Dr Helmut Marko joked to Auto Bild. But when pressed for an explanation about what designer Adrian Newey has in mind for […]
Ocon to tell Renault some Mercedes ‘secrets’
Feb.14 (GMM) Esteban Ocon says he will not reveal to Renault all of Mercedes’ “secrets” this year. After being dumped by Force India, the Toto Wolff-backed Frenchman became Mercedes’ official reserve driver at every grand prix for 2019. But he has now been signed by Renault for his 2020 return, and Ocon admits he will […]
Vettel denies being Ferrari ‘number 2’
Feb.14 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he is not heading into 2020 with the feeling of now being ‘number 2’ at Ferrari. Last year, the quadruple world champion was the Italian team’s declared number 1, but Charles Leclerc’s performance and new contract until 2024 changed that. However, 32-year-old German insists has not swapped status with the […]
Abiteboul thinks Renault will stay in F1
Feb.14 (GMM) Renault looks set to stay in Formula 1 “in the long term”, according to team boss Cyril Abiteboul. Rumours of an exit ramped up in 2019 as the works team’s car struggled, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn was brought down by a scandal, and interim replacement Clotilde Delbos said a departure from F1 at […]
Renault admits Ricciardo could leave
Feb.14 (GMM) Renault may not be able to convince Daniel Ricciardo to stay in 2021 based on the team’s performance this year alone. That is the admission of Renault advisor Alain Prost, who said there is a risk the Australian driver will not extend his expiring contract. The F1 legend said talks with Ricciardo will […]
Teams to ‘monitor’ potential Vietnam GP axe
Feb.14 (GMM) F1 teams are going to “monitor the situation” amid speculation the inaugural Vietnam GP could be the next victim of coronavirus. As deaths surge to almost 1400, F1’s Chinese round in April has already been postponed. But with Vietnam just across the border from China, there are also doubts about the viability of […]
Norris to portray more ‘focused’ image
Feb.14 (GMM) Lando Norris says he will portray a more “focused” image in 2020. On social media, in PR activities and in his jovial relationship with Carlos Sainz and his sim racing hobby with Max Verstappen, the 20-year-old has attracted a happy-go-lucky image. But as McLaren unveiled its 2020 car on Thursday, the British driver […]
Abiteboul defends ‘no car’ Renault launch
Feb.13 (GMM) Cyril Abiteboul has defended the decision to proceed with Renault’s 2020 ‘launch’ without even revealing an actual car. Just days before Wednesday’s event in Paris, the French team admitted that the 2020 car would not actually be “physically present” in the room. Indeed, only obvious renderings of the 2020 car were shown on […]
Another Indy team says no to Alonso
Feb.13 (GMM) Another Indycar team has turned down the services of Fernando Alonso, as the Spaniard’s Indy 500 dream collapses for 2020. The former F1 driver had reportedly agreed a deal to attempt the final victory of his ‘triple crown’ with the top Andretti team. But engine supplier Honda, still reeling from Alonso’s highly critical […]
Vettel has ‘enough time’ to discuss F1 future
Feb.13 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he and Ferrari have “enough time” to talk about a 2021 contract. Actually, the German is racing awkwardly into the new season, as his young teammate Charles Leclerc has gained equal number 1 status and a new contract through 2024. Team boss Mattia Binotto said he will begin to seriously […]