Jun.29 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen has played down a wild rumour linking him with Ferrari. Although it seems more likely that Ferrari would replace Kimi Raikkonen with Charles Leclerc, the paddock grapevine said impressive Haas driver Magnussen could also be a contender. Dane Magnussen said he and Haas, the Ferrari ‘B team’, are actually “close” to […]
Leclerc admits Ferrari switch ‘a dream’
Jun.29 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has admitted he would jump at the chance to switch from Sauber to Ferrari. Already a member of the Ferrari driver academy, the rumour mill is hinting strongly that the impressive 20-year-old rookie is being lined up to replace Kimi Raikkonen. “It’s nice to see such a talented young driver developing […]
Vettel says crash criticism ‘normal’
Jun.29 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he has arrived in Austria feeling “relaxed”. That is despite a barrage of criticism since his first lap crashes in Paul Ricard a week ago that cost him the championship lead. “No, criticism in such a situation is normal. It’s normal for everything to be questioned very quickly these days,” […]
Red Bull ‘closer’ to Ricciardo deal – Marko
Jun.28 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko says Red Bull is getting “closer” to re-signing Daniel Ricciardo for 2019. The Australian has been linked with potential moves to Ferrari, Mercedes or even McLaren or Renault. But now that Red Bull’s Honda engine deal is in place, team consultant Marko said efforts are now moving onto getting Ricciardo’s […]
McLaren sidesteps Raikkonen rumours
Jun.28 (GMM) McLaren has sidestepped reports that Kimi Raikkonen might be in the team’s sights for 2019. It is already rumoured that Daniel Ricciardo is being lined up as a potential replacement should ‘number 1’ Fernando Alonso leave at the end of the year. Press Association is now reporting that former McLaren driver Raikkonen, who […]
Red Bull will remain strong with Honda – Alonso
Jun.28 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says Red Bull will remain a strong team even after switching to Honda power. Alonso had a bad experience with works Honda engines with McLaren between 2015 and last year. But he says Red Bull will remain F1’s best chassis maker. “There is always a reference team with its chassis and […]
F1 set to announce new engine rules
Jun.28 (GMM) F1 looks poised to announce its new engine regulations for 2021. It is expected that the FIA and Liberty Media will simplify the rules and attract new manufacturers like Porsche by, among other things, dropping the MGU-H unit. “It’s a very complicated process with lots of meetings and the manufacturers discussing every detail,” […]
Hockenheim not on 2019 calendar
Jun.28 (GMM) There will be no German grand prix at Hockenheim in 2019. The circuit is hosting a race next month, but organisers have been unable to reach a new deal with F1 owner Liberty Media. “We are not surprised but of course it’s a great pity,” Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler told Sport Bild as […]
Mercedes deciding announce date for Hamilton contract
Jun.27 (GMM) Mercedes is simply determining the right time to announce Lewis Hamilton’s new contract. Multiple media sources are now reporting that Lewis Hamilton has finally put pen to paper on a new $45 million per year deal for 2019 and 2020. “Mercedes has become like my family,” the quadruple world champion told Sport Bild. […]
Paul Ricard unsure over Mistral chicane axe
Jun.27 (GMM) Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair sounds unsure about whether the French grand prix venue should axe its controversial ‘Mistral chicane’. Many drivers called on the FIA and circuit officials to leave the long Mistral straight unimpeded next year for a high-speed spectacle and extra character. The FIA has vowed to consider the idea […]
Vettel reaction made Verstappen ‘angry’
Jun.27 (GMM) Max Verstappen has admitted that the reaction of journalists to Sebastian Vettel’s messy French grand prix made him “angry”. In the official post-race press conference at Paul Ricard, the Red Bull driver told reporters: “I think next time you see Seb you should ask him to change his style. “Because honestly, it’s not […]
‘Nervous’ Vettel still favourite – Fittipaldi
Jun.27 (GMM) Emerson Fittipaldi thinks Ferrari is still in the box seat to win this year’s world championship. Sebastian Vettel lost his narrow 1-point lead and dropped to 14 points behind Lewis Hamilton at Paul Ricard, following a messy, crash-strewn early phase of the race. “From the first laps Vettel was too aggressive and then […]
No grid girls ‘a puppet show’ – Mateschitz
Jun.27 (GMM) They may not be on the grid, but there will be ‘girls’ in Austria this weekend. Dietrich Mateschitz, the Red Bull magnate and owner of the venue of this weekend’s Austrian grand prix, is no fan of Liberty Media’s decision to ban grid girls. “An incredible puppet show,” he blasted, speaking to Kronen […]
Leclerc ‘has heard’ Ferrari rumours
Jun.27 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has admitted he hears the rumours about his future in formula one. Many are tipping the 20-year-old reigning GP2 champion, under contract to Ferrari’s driver academy, to replace Kimi Raikkonen next year. Sebastian Vettel would prefer if Raikkonen stays, but the German did admit that Monaco-born Leclerc has been impressive at […]
Red Bull will not re-brand Honda engines
Jun.26 (GMM) Red Bull will not re-brand its engines next year. Recently, the energy drink owned brand has worked with title sponsor Aston Martin and re-branded its customer Renault engines as Tag-Heuer. But that is changing from 2019. Red Bull has signed up with new works partner Honda, who intend to run the Honda brand […]
Red Bull refusing to use new Renault MGU-K
Jun.26 (GMM) Red Bull will not use a new ‘MGU-K’ unit supplied by Renault this weekend in Austria. Marca reports that Renault has been using the 2017 version of the energy recovery component so far this year, but that the new specification is finally ready. However, fitting the new unit will result in penalties for […]
Newey scoffs at Renault switch rumours
Jun.26 (GMM) Adrian Newey has scoffed at rumours that suggest he could switch to Renault. The Red Bull technical boss, who is arguably the most famous F1 designer of all time, told Auto Bild: “That will not happen.” Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko agrees, saying Newey in fact wants to stay put for a longer […]
Alonso undecided about F1 future – Brown
Jan.26 (GMM) Zak Brown has admitted that Fernando Alonso might not race an orange car in formula one next year. Spaniard Alonso won Le Mans recently, and he now wants victory at the Indy 500 to complete the elusive ‘triple crown’. At the same time, he is obviously disenchanted with his lack of a competitive […]
Win won’t change me as driver – Raikkonen
Jun.26 (GMM) Kimi Raikkonen has denied that he desperately needs a grand prix win. The 38-year-old Finn is not commenting on widespread speculation that Ferrari intends to replace him for 2019 with rising talent Charles Leclerc. Raikkonen’s form has been up and down over the past seasons, including a solid start in 2018 that now […]
Italy slams Vettel for ‘amateur error’
Jun.26 (GMM) The Italian press has lashed out at Sebastian Vettel for his “amateur error” in the French grand prix. The Ferrari driver had a one point lead heading into the Paul Ricard race, but Vettel admitted he was to blame for a crash with Valtteri Bottas that means he left France with a 14-point […]