Aug.22 (GMM) F1 engineers are worried the precise regulations for ‘Halo’ are arriving too late for 2018. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the cockpit protection device is not just aesthetically challenging, but will have a major impact on the design of next year’s cars in terms of aerodynamics and weight. “But the precise Halo […]
‘No intention’ of breaking contract – Sainz
Aug.15 (GMM) Carlos Sainz says he is happy tensions with his Red Bull and Toro Rosso bosses have calmed after an intense recent period. As the current August break approached, the Spaniard appeared at odds with his bosses as a he reportedly rebelled against his 2018 contract and fought over an on-track clash with teammate […]
No ‘trend’ in Ferrari vs Mercedes battle – Binotto
Aug.15 (GMM) It is not possible to say that either Mercedes or Ferrari has the edge at the mid-season point in a close battle for 2017 spoils. Prior to Hungary, where Ferrari scored a one-two finish and Sebastian Vettel pushed out his points lead over Lewis Hamilton, it seemed clear that Mercedes had gained the […]
Wind tunnel problems hurt Red Bull – Horner
Aug.15 (GMM) Christian Horner says problems at the factory caused Red Bull’s early-season problems in 2017. The former champions are now getting closer to title protagonists Mercedes and Ferrari, but only after a hard push to identify the problem and close the gap. “The race track didn’t show what our tools had promised,” team boss […]
Drivers unhappy with extra Halo weight
Aug.14 (GMM) While most focus on the aesthetics, it is another feature of the controversial ‘Halo’ system that might actually have a more significant impact on F1. The fact the carbon-titanium cockpit protection system will be mandatory on all cars next year has sparked a furious debate. But while some rail against the questionable aesthetics […]
Bottas ‘the perfect driver’ – Rosberg
Aug.14 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas might be close to being “the perfect driver”. That is the view of the Finn’s Mercedes predecessor, Nico Rosberg. Rosberg suddenly quit at the end of last season, plunging Mercedes into a desperate search to replace him. The German admits his decision might have hurt Mercedes. “I wouldn’t exactly say that,” […]
Rosberg physio backs Kubica comeback
Aug.11 (GMM) Yet another respected figure in the F1 paddock has backed Robert Kubica’s return to F1. Last year, Daniel Schlosser was Nico Rosberg’s physiotherapist as the now retired Mercedes driver raced to the title. Now, Schlosser works with Force India tester Nikita Mazepin, but it’s former grand prix winner Kubica that he publicly backs […]
Massa recovers from Hungary illness
Aug.11 (GMM) Felipe Massa looks to be on track for his return to action after the August break. The Brazilian veteran sat out the Hungarian grand prix recently with an illness that caused dizziness. But already last weekend, the 36-year-old posted on Instagram a photo of himself out running with his trainer. And now, as […]
Leclerc ‘would be useful’ for Sauber – boss
Aug.10 (GMM) Rumours the Swiss team Sauber could become a junior platform for Ferrari are gaining strength. New boss Frederic Vasseur’s first task at Sauber was scrapping the planned 2018 engine deal with Honda, replacing it instead with a new arrangement to use the up-to-date Ferrari power unit next year. At the same time, Ferrari […]
McLaren set for Indycar return in future
Aug.10 (GMM) McLaren may not be heading back to Indycar this year, but the future is another matter entirely. That is the claim of Mark Miles, the boss of the premier American open wheeler series. Earlier this year, Fernando Alonso sat out Monaco as both he, McLaren and Honda teamed up with the Andretti outfit […]
Honda wants to pass Renault in 2017
Aug.10 (GMM) Honda is aiming to leave behind the dubious honour of being F1’s least powerful engine supplier by the end of the season. Despite swirling speculation about the future of the McLaren-Honda collaboration, the Japanese manufacturer has vowed to keep improving its 2017 power unit. McLaren-Honda had a good, technical trouble-free weekend and post-race […]
Rosberg tips Mercedes to beat Ferrari
Aug.10 (GMM) Nico Rosberg is not sure Ferrari has the ability to stay ahead of Mercedes in 2017. A year ago, it was the now-retired German who was en route to the world championship for Mercedes, but now he is merely watching as former teammate Lewis Hamilton pushes to catch title leader Sebastian Vettel. “Ferrari […]
No rush to add more American races – Carey
Aug.9 (GMM) Chase Carey says he will not rush to set up a second race in the United States. Currently, the annual US grand prix is held in Austin, Texas. But after the Liberty Media buyout, there have been claims Bernie Ecclestone’s successor, American Carey, has prioritised the adding of a second or even third […]
McLaren denies Alonso to skip Singapore
Aug.9 (GMM) McLaren executive Zak Brown has slammed suggestions Fernando Alonso may miss another grand prix this year. In May, the Spaniard sat out Monaco in order to contest the fabled Indy 500. Now, rumours are circulating that Alonso could return to the wheel of an Indycar for the American series’ finale at the Sonoma […]
Kvyat can’t take Toro Rosso seat for granted – Petrov
Aug.9 (GMM) Daniil Kvyat cannot take his place in formula one for granted. That is the view of the Russian youngster’s countryman Vitaly Petrov, who some years ago became the first Russian to race in F1. Now, 23-year-old Kvyat is flying the flag for Russia and, according to Red Bull chiefs, stands a good chance […]
Pundit defends Magnussen amid criticism
Aug.9 (GMM) A leading F1 correspondent has backed Kevin Magnussen amid criticism of the Haas driver’s racing style. Magnussen won internet infamy with his “suck my b-lls” retort after Hungary, but Nico Hulkenberg had triggered the insult by accusing the Dane of being an unsporting driver. Subsequently backing Hulkenberg in their assessment of Magnussen were […]
Kubica had ‘no problem’ with 2017 car – engineer
Aug.9 (GMM) A Renault engineer has raised expectations Robert Kubica might indeed be heading back to F1. Dozens of Polish media and thousands of his fans cheered the 32-year-old as he got to grips with Renault’s 2017 car in the recent Hungary test, notwithstanding his permanent injuries sustained in a crash six years ago. Ricardo […]
Domenicali enjoying F1’s ‘open’ 2017 season
Aug.9 (GMM) Former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali has admitted he is crossing his fingers the Maranello marque can end its decade-long title drought this year. The Italian was Ferrari team principal for six years until 2014, and now heads Lamborghini. Red Bull boss Christian Horner has linked Lamborghini with a future move into F1, and […]
Legal issues forced Halo introduction – Horner
Aug.9 (GMM) Mercedes backed the FIA into a corner over the issue of cockpit protection in F1. That is the view of Red Bull chief Christian Horner, who is no advocate of the governing body’s decision to mandate the controversial ‘Halo’ solution for 2018. A debate is raging about whether ‘Halo’ is good or bad […]
F1 ‘at crossroads’ over future engine – Horner
Aug.9 (GMM) The swarms of carmakers flocking to Formula E is a chance for F1 to think about going back to the future with its next engine. That is the view of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, as the sport looks to move on from the controversial ‘power unit’ era post 2020. Talks about the […]