Nov.11 (GMM) Max Verstappen has become “very mature”. That is the view of FIA race director Charlie Whiting. Earlier in 2018, the Red Bull driver struggled with a series of mistakes. But after that, Verstappen’s form surged. “True, after Monaco, things changed. I would say that the last 12 races have flowed very well,” he […]
Mercedes wheel controversy continues in Brazil
Nov.11 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton may be on pole, but a dispute about the wheels on his Mercedes continues to rage. In Austin and again in Mexico, the reigning champion team voluntarily stopped using the controversial rims because Ferrari was threatening to protest. And now Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said from Brazil that Mercedes may […]
Sponsor says Force India budget to ‘triple’
Nov.10 (GMM) A Force India sponsor says the Silverstone based team’s budget is tripling for 2019. The team almost collapsed this year, but was rescued by billionaire Canadian fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll. “Next year, Force India wants to get into the top three. It’s a very strong team,” said Sergey Belousov, boss of the data […]
F1 considering mandatory winter shutdown
Nov.10 (GMM) F1 is considering installing a mandatory winter shutdown period. Already, factories must close for a period during the summer calendar gap in August, to cut costs but more importantly give hard-working staff a break. It comes after the F1 calendar swelled to its current 21 races, with Liberty Media planning more races in […]
Lauda to be back by Melbourne 2019 – Wolff
Nov.10 (GMM) If an Abu Dhabi comeback does not work for Niki Lauda, the Mercedes team chairman should be back in the paddock by Melbourne next year. That is the claim of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, reacting to news that 69-year-old F1 legend Lauda in fact wants to be back in action after his long […]
Verstappen not interested in third place
Nov.10 (GMM) Max Verstappen says he has no interest in being ‘best of the rest’ in 2018. The Dutchman is back on form after a difficult start to the season, and now within striking distance of tackling Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen for third overall in the drivers’ standings. But he says that isn’t a […]
Renault ‘desperate’ to keep fourth – Steiner
Nov.10 (GMM) Renault is “desperate” to hang onto fourth place in the constructors world championship. That is the claim of Haas boss Gunther Steiner, whose small American outfit is immediately behind the French works team in the standings with two races to go. “We’re fighting Renault who should be a lot better than us,” Steiner […]
Raikkonen, Kvyat to test for new teams in Abu Dhabi
Nov.10 (GMM) Two drivers will get their 2019 campaigns off to a flying start after the Abu Dhabi finale. It is believed Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen has received permission from Ferrari to test for Sauber in the post-race test after the final race of the season late this month. And Ferrari has also released test driver […]
Kubica set to claim second Williams seat
Nov.10 (GMM) Robert Kubica looks to have secured the second race seat at Williams for 2019. The Pole was also reportedly weighing up a long-term Ferrari test role, but a British publication claims Kubica has instead accepted the offer from Williams. He claims he is “close to a decision” about his future. But boss Claire […]
2019 McLaren to be ‘much better’ – Alonso
Nov.9 (GMM) Fernando Alonso thinks McLaren will have a “much better” car in 2019. After four bad seasons with the Woking team, the Spaniard is finally ending his long F1 career. But he says that isn’t because McLaren has no potential. “Next year McLaren will have a much more competitive car,” said Alonso, who is […]
‘No excuses’ as Marko targets 2019 title
Nov.9 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has told Red Bull there are “no excuses” why the world championship cannot be the goal in 2019. Actually, while optimistic, top driver Max Verstappen is also cautious. “I don’t think we will be the strongest at least early in the season, but we need to be as good as […]
Verstappen not excited about Dutch GP yet
Nov.9 (GMM) Max Verstappen is not getting excited about reports the Netherlands could return to the F1 calendar. It is reported that Zandvoort has been offered a potential place on the 2020 calendar by Liberty Media. But Dutchman Verstappen said in Brazil: “There is nothing concrete yet. “Of course it would be very nice if […]
Abu Dhabi return for Lauda ‘unlikely’ – Hamilton
Nov.9 (GMM) Niki Lauda may need more time before he is ready to return to F1. That is the view of Lewis Hamilton, after Bernie Ecclestone said F1 legend Lauda’s “secret plan” is to be back from a long layoff in Abu Dhabi late this month. According to Lauda’s doctors, the Mercedes team chairman will […]
Smedley exit won’t hurt Williams – Sirotkin
Nov.9 (GMM) The departure of Robert Smedley will not overly hurt Williams. That is the view of Sergey Sirotkin, the British team’s Russian driver who says he is not sure if he is staying for 2019. “I think every driver will always say he deserves another year,” he said in Brazil. “Hopefully I will get […]
GPDA to discuss F1 future in Brazil
Nov.9 (GMM) The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association will get together in Brazil. According to France’s Auto Hebdo, the meeting is a reaction to the drivers’ concerns about F1, including fuel saving, the Pirelli tyres, and other aspects of the ‘show’. “We have a meeting after the drivers briefing with all members of the GPDA and […]
Wehrlein linked with Ferrari test role
Nov.9 (GMM) More pieces of the 2019 jigsaw puzzle could be about to fall into place. It is believed Robert Kubica’s future could be decided in Mexico. He is reportedly tossing up between signing as a Ferrari test driver or waiting for Williams’ second race seat decision. Also in the running for a Ferrari test […]
Ricciardo plays down Mexico frustration
Nov.9 (GMM) Daniel Ricciardo has played down the frustration he expressed after the recent Mexican grand prix. The Red Bull driver says 2018 has been tough mentally, but he was surprised his outburst after retiring in Mexico was taken so seriously. “Honestly, I was more frustrated after Austin,” Australian Ricciardo, who is switching to Renault […]
Marko says Stewart claims about Vettel ‘nonsense’
Nov.9 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has hit out at F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart for comments made about Sebastian Vettel. Stewart suggested that Vettel’s title loss this year, as a result of driver errors, indicates the Ferrari driver is past his prime. “Vettel’s mistakes were not about mental weakness,” Marko, the Red Bull driver manager […]
Sainz not expecting big McLaren boost in 2019
Nov.8 (GMM) Carlos Sainz is not expecting to make a big leap up the F1 grid in 2019. In fact, the Spaniard said that even if McLaren improves, he should be not be any higher in the field than he is at the wheel of his Renault this year. Sainz told EFE news agency that […]
Brazilian ready for McLaren reserve role
Nov.8 (GMM) Sergio Sette Camara says he is ready for formula one. The 20-year-old Brazilian driver, who will stay in Formula 2 next year, will also be a McLaren test driver in 2019. He is backed by team sponsor Petrobras but insists Brazilian drivers are still “taken seriously” in F1. “We are recognised as a […]