Nov.21 (GMM) There is no guarantee the controversial ‘Halo’ concept will make its debut as planned in 2018. That is the claim of Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, adding that although the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association is backing the cockpit protection, many drivers are actually not convinced. After becoming one of the latest drivers to […]
Stroll test programme ‘unprecedented’ – Williams
Nov.21 (GMM) Williams kept Lance Stroll’s test programme top secret in order to reduce the pressure on the 2017 team rookie. That is the claim of team deputy Claire Williams, referring to Stroll’s near-unprecedented world tour of tracks in a 2014 car to prepare him for his Melbourne debut next March. When asked about that […]
No temptation for Ferrari return – Costa
Nov.21 (GMM) Aldo Costa says he is not tempted to return to Ferrari. Like many others before him, the Italian left Ferrari in 2011 amid the great Maranello marque’s struggle to win its first title since 2007. Now, Ferrari is in its latest ‘crisis’ following the departure of technical boss James Allison, with Mercedes’ Paddy […]
Rosberg undecided over Abu Dhabi strategy
Nov.21 (GMM) Nico Rosberg is still devising a plan to tackle this weekend’s championship finale in Abu Dhabi. Although the German insists he has been tackling recent races to win, Mercedes bosses admit that Rosberg could afford to be more conservative to protect his significant points lead over Lewis Hamilton. Now, he just needs to […]
Verstappen must be careful on road to greatness – Lauda
Nov.21 (GMM) Max Verstappen is on the edge of future greatness, but he also needs to be “careful”. That is the claim of F1 legend Niki Lauda, when asked by the Diario de Ibiza newspaper to comment on the controversial yet sensational Dutch teenager. Verstappen has been making waves for his undoubted talent but also […]
Ecclestone questions Singapore GP future
Nov.21 (GMM) Singapore has become the latest grand prix with a cloud over its future. Three races have provisional status on the 2017 schedule, others are in doubt for the future and now F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Singapore could be the next to go. The night race has quickly become one of […]
Allison, Lowe rumours on the rise
Nov.18 (GMM) Speculation is rising by the week that James Allison’s future may be at Mercedes. Earlier this year, following the sudden death of his wife, the Briton left Ferrari and has since been linked with a return to a British-based team. The rumours may tie in to reports that Mercedes may soon have a […]
Rob Smedley hints at easing off F1 throttle
Nov.18 (GMM) Rob Smedley has indicated he might follow Felipe Massa’s example by easing off the F1 throttle in the next few years. Smedley and Massa’s careers have been closely linked, with the pair working together as engineer and driver at Ferrari and moving on together to Williams in 2014. But more than that, they […]
Time to stop safety advances – Kvyat
Nov.18 (GMM) F1 is now safe enough that it can think about speeding up and spicing up the show, according to Russian driver Daniil Kvyat. However, many of his rivals support the status quo, where more and more safety advances like Halo and red flags for rainy races are becoming the norm. F1 legend Niki […]
Manor hits back at team collapse reports
Nov.18 (GMM) Manor has hit back at reports the team is once again in danger of collapse. Reports have suggested that with Sauber passing the team for tenth in the all-important constructors’ championship, missing out on the $15 million could mean Manor may collapse. Team boss Dave Ryan, however, congratulated Sauber for Felipe Nasr’s ninth […]
Verstappen ‘aggressive all the time’ – Ocon
Nov.18 (GMM) Esteban Ocon says he does not look back with fondness on his past duels with F1 sensation Max Verstappen. The pair have been wheel-to-wheel since their karting days, and Frenchman Ocon – to step up from Manor to Force India next year – says it has always been intense with Verstappen. “We fought […]
Personal rift, China deal behind Dennis exit
Nov.18 (GMM) A personal rift and a buyout bid by Chinese investors are seemingly behind Ron Dennis’ sudden exit from F1 and McLaren. Although the 69-year-old’s ousting has only now been confirmed, rumours of a falling out between his long-time ally and fellow shareholder Mansour Ojjeh, and McLaren’s Bahraini co-owners, have been circulating for some […]
Giovinazzi to turn down Mercedes offer
Nov.17 (GMM) GP2 championship favourite Antonio Giovinazzi looks set to turn down an offer from Mercedes. The 22-year-old Italian has been linked with an impending move into F1 for 2017, and Auto Motor und Sport claims that he has an offer on his table from Mercedes. Reportedly, if Giovinazzi accepts Toto Wolff’s offer, he would […]
Whiting doubts F1 can have simpler rules
Nov.17 (GMM) Charlie Whiting has played down moves to dramatically simplify the F1 rulebook. F1’s decision-making Strategy Group, featuring Bernie Ecclestone and the teams, met in Geneva this week and vowed to push the FIA to slash the rules that penalise drivers for their racing style. But F1 race director Charlie Whiting said he doubts […]
Verstappen ‘calm’ amid Senna comparisons
Nov.17 (GMM) Max Verstappen says he is determined to keep his feet planted amid comparisons with the great Ayrton Senna. Many believe the young Dutchman’s performance in Brazil was the best in F1 since Senna’s amazing display in similarly wet conditions at Donington in 1993. Indeed, F1 legend Niki Lauda, who is team chairman at […]
Aki Hintsa ‘revolutionised F1’ – Salo
Nov.17 (GMM) Dr Aki Hintsa’s legacy can still be seen up and down the F1 grid, according to former driver Mika Salo. It emerged this week that, after a battle with cancer, the 58-year-old former McLaren doctor has passed away. Dr Hintsa worked with several F1 drivers according to his philosophy of unlocking the full […]
Mayor invites Ecclestone to buy Interlagos
Nov.17 (GMM) New Sao Paulo mayor Joao Doria has confirmed reports F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone could rescue the Brazilian grand prix. With the Interlagos race already under a cloud for 2017, Ecclestone hinted last week that with new mayor Doria looking to privatise the track, he might be the buyer. Doria has now told EFE […]
Small team race seats ‘like auction’ – Nasr snr
Nov.17 (GMM) Felipe Nasr’s father has played down claims the Brazilian may have hurt rather than helped his chances of keeping the Sauber seat in 2017. By passing Manor for tenth in the constructors’ championship in Brazil, Sauber stands to benefit to the tune of dozens of millions — while Manor loses the same amount. […]
Haug backs Rosberg to tie up title
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 […]