Nov.17 (GMM) Norbert Haug has backed Nico Rosberg to put the lid on his first world championship next weekend in Abu Dhabi. A third place will seal the 2016 crown for the German, but former Mercedes boss Haug thinks that although Lewis Hamilton is finishing in top form, Rosberg will deserve his title. “Nico has […]
Vandoorne future safe despite Dennis exit
Nov.17 (GMM) A Belgian F1 expert has played down rumours Ron Dennis’ departure from McLaren will endanger Stoffel Vandoorne’s future. Team supremo Dennis has been ousted after a bitter shareholders’ dispute, just one race before Vandoorne is set to replace Jenson Button as Fernando Alonso’s 2017 teammate. Belgian Vandoorne is a protege of Dennis’. But […]
Manor’s F1 future once again under cloud
Nov.16 (GMM) A dark cloud has reportedly moved back over the future of the F1 backmarker Manor. Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat claims there are rumours the team, which almost collapsed at the end of 2014, is now once again in danger of running out of steam. Germany’s Auto Bild is reportedly similarly, saying the financial […]
Boullier could have factory job in 2017 – report
Nov.16 (GMM) The executive reshuffling at McLaren could leave Eric Boullier with a factory-based job in 2017. That is the claim of Spain’s Marca, during a week in which Ron Dennis was ousted as group CEO by his fellow McLaren shareholders. But that’s not the only reshuffling taking place at the famous British team, after […]
Brown must decide between McLaren, F1 offers
Nov.16 (GMM) Well-known F1 sponsorship mogul Zak Brown is in the running to become McLaren’s new group CEO. On Tuesday, the famous British team and the 69-year-old confirmed that long-time chief Ron Dennis has been ousted. “McLaren Technology Group is now in the process of seeking a new chief executive officer,” McLaren declared in a […]
Axed Dennis slams McLaren decision
Nov.16 (GMM) McLaren supremo Ron Dennis has slammed his fellow shareholders’ decision to oust him. Rumours became fact on Tuesday as the 69-year-old confirmed that he has been axed from the company he built up over the past 35 years. In a statement, he said the decision to “force through” the change by fellow co-owners […]
Renault flags third driver role for Sirotkin
Nov.15 (GMM) Sergey Sirotkin could move up to the position of third driver at Renault next year. The Russian began 2016 as the French works team’s test driver, but third driver Esteban Ocon has since stepped up to the grid. Russian GP2 driver Sirotkin drove Renault’s car in Friday practice at Interlagos, and team boss […]
Senna-Verstappen comparison is right – Berger
Nov.15 (GMM) Gerhard Berger agrees that comparisons between the legendary Ayrton Senna and F1 teen sensation Max Verstappen are appropriate. The Senna comparisons have been made since even before the young Dutchman debuted. But they are back with a bang after Brazil, where Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko said Verstappen’s race reminded him of Senna’s […]
Brawn plays down Schumacher improvement quote
Nov.15 (GMM) Ross Brawn has hit reverse gear after commenting on the mysterious health condition of F1 legend Michael Schumacher. As one of the few people still let into the embattled former Ferrari and Mercedes driver’s inner circle, the media recently seized on his quote that Schumacher has shown “encouraging signs” amid his recovery from […]
2017 rules should improve rain races – Verstappen
Nov.15 (GMM) Max Verstappen hopes F1’s 2017 regulations will mean the sport can return to racing properly in wet weather. In Brazil, paying spectators booed and jeered at the multiple and lengthy safety car and red flag periods triggered by the rainy conditions. “I believe the (Jules) Bianchi case is a factor,” German-language pundit Marc […]
Ecclestone cool on internet streaming idea
Nov.15 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has given a cool reception to some of Liberty Media’s apparent plans for the future of F1. One rumoured change is that the sport will move into the realm of internet streaming, even though the commercial success of F1 was built on the F1 supremo’s insistence that exclusive TV rights be […]
Ecclestone hints at buying Interlagos
Nov.15 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has admitted the future of the long-running Brazilian grand prix at Interlagos remains “absolutely” uncertain. With the Sao Paulo race having only a provisional date on the 2017 calendar, the F1 supremo met with new Brazilian president Michel Temer last week. When asked why the Interlagos race is under a cloud, […]
Gutierrez plays down Steiner altercation
Nov.15 (GMM) Esteban Gutierrez has denied his relationship with Haas is breaking down. After the parties confirmed the Mexican is being replaced by Kevin Magnussen next year, Gutierrez was spotted in a heated garage exchange with boss Gunther Steiner during the Brazilian grand prix. Footage showed a furious Gutierrez being grabbed by the arm by […]
Ecclestone admits supporting Nasr for 2017
Nov.15 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is not sure if F1 will have a Brazilian driver on the grid next year. It is reported that, to safeguard the important Brazilian television market, the F1 supremo has been actively campaigning for Sauber’s Nasr to find a 2017 seat. But with Felipe Massa retiring, it is […]
Wehrlein not denying Sauber rumours
Nov.15 (GMM) Pascal Wehrlein has not denied that he is now in the running to switch to Sauber for 2017. With Felipe Nasr reportedly having sponsor trouble, it is reported the Mercedes-backed Wehrlein could be a contender to replace him at Sauber. German Wehrlein, 22, admitted that he was disappointed to be overlooked for the […]
Wolff fears tech trouble will decide title
Nov.15 (GMM) Nico Rosberg will still deserve the 2016 title even if Lewis Hamilton extends his winning streak to four races in Abu Dhabi. After a spate of technical troubles this year, Mercedes’ Hamilton is having to fight back while Rosberg nurses his points lead to the Abu Dhabi finale next weekend. “I am happy […]
Ron Dennis exit ‘a shame’ – Ecclestone
Nov.15 (GMM) F1 and McLaren this week look set to farewell Ron Dennis. Reports have circulated for some time that the Woking team’s ‘supremo’ has lost a power struggle with fellow shareholders and will be imminently ousted. Britain’s Daily Mail claims the 69-year-old will be told on Tuesday that he must accept a lesser role […]
Nasr boosts 2017 chances with million-dollar result
Nov.14 (GMM) Felipe Nasr gave his F1 career a definite boost on Sunday by scoring Sauber’s first points of 2016. Near the end of an almost catastrophic season for the Swiss team, Sauber now appears back on track with tenth place in the championship to add to its recent rescue by investors linked with Marcus […]
Federal gov’t backs Brazil GP future
Nov.14 (GMM) The federal government has vowed to help Brazil secure its place on the F1 calendar. Amid the country’s economic recession, and delayed upgrade works at the Interlagos track, the race in Sao Paulo has been granted only a provisional date on the 2017 schedule. On his way to the race venue, F1 supremo […]
Rain stoppages ‘not worthy of F1’ – Lauda
Nov.14 (GMM) The 2016 world champion will only be crowned after next weekend’s Abu Dhabi finale. Although teammate Nico Rosberg is the favourite, Lewis Hamilton has kept himself in the hunt with three consecutive wins in the US, Mexican and now a rain-soaked Brazilian grand prix. But a mere podium finish will guarantee German Rosberg […]