2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

How Tsunoda's "P1" gamble was ruined by F1's red flag rules.
Tsunoda lost out under red flag conditions at Interlagos as rivals earned free tyre changes.
Nov 6, 2024
Ewan GaleOleg Karpov
Motorsport.com

"I think what we did, switching to extreme, that was good," explained Tsunoda. "Just the safety car and the red flag came out, that was the point that went very down. If the red flag didn't come out, probably I would, at some point, have overtaken a lot of cars and maybe P1, but it just didn't come towards us."

Lawson also scored points as RB locks into a fight for sixth in the constructors' standings, albeit losing ground to double podium-scoring Alpine. Having stressed the importance of the result for the Faenza-based team, Tsunoda added: "It wasn't easy conditions. If you lose concentration, [it can have] a lot of consequence.

"I enjoyed the last stint, good fight with Oscar [Piastri]. I tried to be within 10 seconds. You know, could have done a lot of things wrong, but kept it clean and tried to score P7, which is good."

‘Tsunoda's "P1" gamble’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tsunoda-p1-gamble-ruined-f1-red-flag-rules/10671078/


[B]‘A lot of things didn’t come towards us’ – Tsunoda on dropping from third to P7
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in third place, but ultimately crossed the line on race day in P7.

‘Didn’t come towards us’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/a-lot-of-things-didnt-come-towards-us-tsunoda-on-dropping-from-third-to-p7.1814727756973332451


Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround as he bags career-high F1 start in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Yuki Tsunoda hailed RB’s turnaround as he secured his highest-ever starting position in Formula 1 with third place during a wet qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Yeah, very happy, obviously,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week.

“At the same time, it’s going to be a long race. It’s going to be today as well, so I have to refocus. But definitely, overall, the team did a fantastic job, especially good turnaround from yesterday.”

“It just felt weird throughout the week so far, and we made a lot of changes to the car. I think it’s hard to compare between yesterday and today because of rain and dry, but I think the car got much better.”

‘Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/03/yuki-tsunoda-hails-rb-turnaround-as-he-bags-career-high-f1-start-in-brazil/


F1 - 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Qualifying Press Conference Transcript
03.11.24
FIA.com

Q: Congratulations, Yuki. Top three start here in São Paulo. Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions. Just walk us through your session and the challenge of getting that perfect lap in those tricky conditions. Yuki TSUNODA: Yeah, it was very tricky. Certainly, I enjoyed it. I think we had a good pace from straightaway. Had a couple of mistakes, but yeah, had a bit of luck as well. I think overall as a team, including Liam as well, we did a really, really good job.

Q: Yuki, as a driver, how tough is it to balance that risk versus reward, especially when you're seeing other drivers crash, have incidents when you know the Grand Prix is just in a few hours, and that a big incident could eliminate you from even starting the race?

YT: Yeah, I mean, this track especially, probably is one of the trickiest tracks. Once you start building confidence and you try to over-push a little bit, you have massive consequences like we saw with multiple cars today. And I had one big moment, and luckily I was away from the barrier, but, yeah, it's certainly also the track you want to nail it. But, yeah, I feel much better than yesterday. The car felt good. I think we had a good pace in the rain as well, so it's a good place to start for today.

‘Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-sao-paulo-grand-prix-post-qualifying-press-conference-transcript


‘We did a very good job as a team’ – Tsunoda beaming after taking P3 on the grid in Sao Paulo
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda put in a stellar performance to take third on the grid in a wet and chaotic qualifying session at Interlagos on Sunday morning.

‘Stellar performance’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we-did-a-very-good-job-as-a-team-tsunoda-beaming-after-taking-p3-on-the-grid-in-sao-paulo.1814705842555879568


Russell and Norris fined, Tsunoda and Lawson escape penalty for aborted start
4 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Lawson and Tsunoda escaped any sanction as the stewards reckoned that "although the drivers breached the regulation this was influenced by the driver ahead of him and as such he was not predominately responsible for the breach. As such the stewards decide to take no further action having held the driver immediately ahead of him at fault."

‘Influenced by the driver ahead”;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25777

[Fortitude]

Piastri: Brake issues led to a “tough day” at Interlagos.
Oscar Piastri says braking issues and an overall lack of speed in the latter stages contributed to a “tough day” at Interlagos that saw the McLaren driver finish in eighth place.
7 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

“The first half of the race, we seemed very quick. Lando was stuck behind George. I was stuck behind Liam. I got Liam out of the way, not really in the way I intended. But yeah, I think the second half of the race, after the red flag, we were just slow. think both of us just struggled with pace, and that was a pretty tough 30 laps.”

Regarding the clash with Lawson he said: “I went for a move. I was stuck behind him for a long time. Didn’t really get far enough alongside, and I spoke to him about it, and he said he didn’t see me either, which, in those conditions is fair enough. But I think it was clearly my mistake. And the penalty was deserved. So just a tough day.”

“Tough day”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/07/piastri-brake-issues-led-to-a-tough-day-at-interlagos/


‘Fair enough’: What Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson did in the pit lane after Sao Paulo Grand Prix collision
3 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The race stewards deemed Piastri responsible for his crash with Lawson in the Sao Paulo GP, so slapped the McLaren star with a 10-second time penalty as well as two penalty points on his licence. Piastri also holds his hands up despite Lawson admitting he did not see the dive.

“I was stuck behind [Lawson] for a long time,” Piastri shared, via Auto Action. “I didn’t really get far enough alongside. I spoke to him about it and he said that he didn’t see me either, which in those conditions is fair enough. It was clearly my mistake and the penalty was deserved, it’s just a tough day.”

‘Fair enough’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/oscar-piastri-reveals-what-liam-lawson-told-mclaren-driver-after-their-sao-paulo-grand-prix-crash/


‘Can’t race like this’: Piastri’s desperate radio plea as Aussie cops penalty over rare blunder
Nov 4th, 2024
Fox Sports (Australia)

It was a day to forget in Sao Paulo for Oscar Piastri and his team, McLaren. The Australian finished eighth as world championship leader Max Verstappen stunningly pushed through the field to claim victory after starting from 17th, and widen the gap on Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris in the title race.

Mid-race, the New Zealander was spun by the Australian in a little trans-Tasman showdown at the first turn. Piastri accepted full responsibility for the incident post-race. “[The penalty] was deserved. I didn’t get far enough up. I apologised in the red flag. Just one of those days,” he said.

“It was tricky, just trying to stay on track at some points was very tough.” Visibility was low and the track saturated as the downpours which plagued the weekend made life tough for drivers.

‘Can’t race like this’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/i-cant-race-like-this-piastri-accepts-blame-for-tangle-with-kiwi-but-slams-wet-conditions/news-story/834429c0342848d6f7e63fe0bf991ff5


This is how Oscar Piastri felt after gifting Lando Norris the sprint win
3 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Oscar Piastri has explained he was "fine" with handing over the sprint race victory to Lando Norris in Brazil. McLaren applied team orders to help Norris reduce the gap to Max Verstappen by one extra point in the World Championship. The gap now stands at 44 points with four Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining.

"It's not as fun as winning, but I think I know the position that we're in. We've been talking about this for months now and this is really the first time that we've had to enforce it. So, yes, I would have preferred to have won. But, again, it's a sprint. It's the same points for the team. And, being realistic, I don't have much to fight for in the driver's standings. So, we knew this is something that could and probably would happen at some point. But, I was fine with it," Piastri said.

‘How Oscar Piastri felt’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/310912/how-did-oscar-piastri-feel-after-giving-sprint-race-win-to-lando-norris.html


'I can hear': What David Croft noticed in Oscar Piastri radio after Lando Norris team orders at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
2 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

David Croft senses Oscar Piatri’s ‘disappointment’ after Brazilian Grand Prix team orders. After the chequered flag, Piastri’s engineer Tom Stallard applauded him for his ‘massive support’ and urged him to be ‘proud’ despite missing out on the victory. He accepted it was a ‘good day for the team’.

But speaking on Sky Sports F1, commentator David Croft could sense the ‘disappointment’. Before Saturday, Piastri was the last driver not named Verstappen to win a Sprint, having done so in Qatar last year. However, Croft fully understands the decision. McLaren maintained their 15-point haul amid their constructors’ battle with Ferrari, and also benefitted Norris in his pursuit of Verstappen.

‘Disappointment’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/what-david-croft-noticed-in-oscar-piastri-radio-after-lando-norris-team-orders-at-sao-paulo-grand-prix/


Mark Webber could now ask McLaren for one thing in contract talks after Oscar Piastri team orders
2 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

A bonus for Piastri may be an extra incentive for the Australian to aid Norris’ championship challenge in the closing stages of the year. Chandhok explained that Webber may want to negotiate a deal for his driver after Piastri’s selfless act in Brazil.

He said: “Yeah, absolutely. He’s pulled another two on Verstappen, hasn’t he? That’s the important equation for him. I wonder if Mark Webber will still negotiate the bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that. He should.”

Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator David Croft then responded saying Webber may want to talk directly to Norris. He added: “I’m sure he’ll go and see Lando Norris and have a little chat going, ‘my man deserved that one’.”

“Bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that.”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mark-webber-could-now-ask-mclaren-for-one-thing-in-contract-talks-after-oscar-piastri-team-orders/

[Fortitude]

Liam Lawson ninth in chaotic F1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
New Zealander Liam Lawson has equalled his best Formula One result after finishing ninth in wet conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen drive to victory from 17th place.
4 Nov 2024
Radio New Zealand

Lawson was largely pleased with his performance. "Two cars in the points is good, it's great for the team. I think obviously from where we started it's a bit of a shame. I think our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around at the start but I think obviously then we boxed for extremes. It was tough but honestly the survive was hard enough, it was a very brutal race," Lawson said.

‘Ninth’;

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/532759/liam-lawson-ninth-in-chaotic-f1-brazilian-grand-prix


Lawson left with mixed feelings after ‘brutal race’ in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Liam Lawson finished P9 for RB at Interlagos but felt he could have done better had he not been tagged into a spin at the start.

‘Mixed feelings’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/lawson-left-with-mixed-feelings-after-brutal-race-in-brazil.1814727587092319859


Liam Lawson relieved to not crash ’10 times’ in F1 Brazil GP
8 Nov 2024
Harry Whitfield
Motorsport Week

RB driver Liam Lawson felt fortunate to only have spun off the track once and not crash out on 10 occasions throughout the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “We obviously lost a lot of time in the red flag, that was just really unlucky timing, Alpine made the right call there by staying out.”

“Honestly, I didn’t think we would have made another lap on the inters, it was so wet, so fair play to the guys who did stay out but, obviously, something I’ll learn from. I think, initially, I probably jumped the gun a little bit and thought it was too wet but, I’ll learn from that going forward.”

He added: “I nearly crashed the car probably 10 times, It was very sketchy but the most important thing was staying on the track and, fortunately, we were able to do that.”

‘Relieved to not crash’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/08/liam-lawson-relieved-to-not-crash-10-times-in-f1-brazil-gp/


Lawson “almost crashed the car 10 times” in treacherous Sao Paulo GP
Liam Lawson has admitted he came close to crashing out of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on multiple occasions.
4 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Lawson crossed the line ninth in Sunday’s race in Interlagos to score two valuable points for RB. He spent the latter laps battling with Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez, seeing both off to retain his equal best result of the season. That followed a career-best qualifying position after he started fifth.

It was a result achieved despite treacherous conditions in both qualifying and the race – the former interrupted by five red flags, and the latter halted once. That came for Franco Colapinto, who crashed under the Safety Car after it had been deployed for worsening conditions.

‘Treacherous Sao Paulo’;

https://speedcafe.com/lawson-almost-crashed-the-car-10-times-in-treacherous-sao-paulo-gp/


Lawson in 'survival mode' during brutal' Brazilian GP
Liam Lawson banked another points haul for RB in a wet and wild Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
6 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Liam Lawson has described how survival was "hard enough" in the rain-hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in which he finished ninth. "Our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around [by Piastri], and then we boxed for extreme [wet] tyres, but it was tough and honestly, to survive was hard enough.”

"It was a very brutal race, we struggled a little bit at the end for pace, but the start was strong, so maybe we used a bit too much of the tyre. We will have a look." Lawson also touched on the battle for sixth in the constructors', which RB was in a fight with Haas over, but Alpine 33 point haul for a double podium result with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly lifted the team up to sixth, who are now three points ahead of Haas and five of RB.

"It is a shame, but obviously Alpine made the most of a race like this, and it is great for them so congratulations," said Lawson.

'Survival mode';

https://racingnews365.com/lawson-in-survival-mode-during-brutal-brazilian-gp

[Fortitude]

Hamilton's final Mercedes season can't end soon enough.
Hamilton's 10th place, after a shock Q1 exit and a frustrating race that ended with a long final stint stuck between RB driver Liam Lawson and Red Bull's Sergio Perez, is a far cry from the mid-season peak of two wins in three grands prix.
Nov 4, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm, Edd Straw
The Race

When it was put to him by The Race that, with Mercedes still struggling with an inconsistent car and not being as fast as the top three teams, he may be keen to get to the end of a season that is clearly not ending well, Hamilton replied: "No, it can't come soon enough."

"It's devastating to have these bad races in the second half of the season," said Hamilton. "But all I can say is we're trying. It's definitely not acceptable, it's definitely not good enough. And we have to take accountability, I have to take accountability.”

"But I am doing the best with what I've got. The car has been the worst this weekend. I don't know what it is, we're going to have to find out what it is." Not for the first time, Hamilton alluded to a difference in the quality of the equipment at Mercedes.

“It can't come soon enough";

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-final-mercedes-season-devastating-f1-form/


Unheard Lewis Hamilton radio message reveals tough opinion on Mercedes W15
4 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t holding back as he told Mercedes that his W15 was the “worst” it had ever been as he completed the Brazilian Grand Prix in 10th place. Hamilton had a difficult start to the weekend, complaining of pain during Friday’s FP1 as he struggled with bouncing.

Speaking to the media as his team-mate George Russell contested Q3 and qualified up on the front row of the grid, Hamilton said: “The car I have right now, it’s the worst I’ve ever driven.” It was a complaint he reiterated to Mercedes at the end of the 71-lap Grand Prix.

“That was a disaster weekend, guys,” he radioed to Mercedes after taking the chequered flag in 10th place. “That’s the worst the car’s ever been. But thank you for continuing to try, great job. To all the guys that are p*ssed off, if this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful to you.”

‘The “worst” it had ever been’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/unheard-lewis-hamilton-radio-message-reveals-tough-opinion-mercedes-w15


Mercedes baffled by Lewis Hamilton’s cryptic radio message – but have Ferrari signed a busted flush?
Seven-time champion hinted ’disaster of a weekend’ in Brazil would be his last race of the season but he has three left before jumping ship
4 Nov 2024
Tom Cary
The Telegraph

A cryptic radio message from Lewis Hamilton to his team, which was not broadcast until after Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, has prompted speculation that the 39-year-old may have driven for Mercedes for the final time.

In the message, which took place on Hamilton’s warm-down lap after he finished 10th at Interlagos, the seven-time world champion, who is joining Ferrari next season, concedes he has had a “disaster of a weekend” and describes his car as “the worst it has ever been”.

Hamilton then adds: “But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop. If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Mercedes were said to be surprised by the enigmatic message, with the team insisting there were no plans for Hamilton to step down for the final triple-header.

‘The enigmatic message’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/11/04/mercedes-lewis-hamilton-radio-cryptic-ferrari/


Lewis Hamilton lambasts Mercedes F1 car as ‘worst ever’ after Brazil GP ‘disaster’
Hamilton finished 10th after a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix as his time at Mercedes nears an end
3 Nov 2024
Kieran Jackson
Independent

Lewis Hamilton insists his Mercedes car during the Brazilian Grand Prix was his “worst ride ever” as the seven-time F1 world champion finished 10th in Sao Paulo.

Starting 14th on the grid, the seven-time F1 world champion struggled for grip on the wet Interlagos track and dropped back early on.

After the mid-race red flag, Hamilton progressed to occupy 10th – the final points position – and kept off the challenge of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez behind him.

‘Worst ever’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-f1-brazil-ferrari-b2640667.html


Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen on “amazing” F1 Sao Paulo GP win
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have congratulated Max Verstappen on his impressive F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory.
4 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen on winning the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 17th on the grid. The seven-time world champion responded to Verstappen’s celebratory Instagram post, commenting: “Amazing drive, congrats” which was accompanied by a fist bump emoji.

Verstappen and Hamilton were seen having a brief chat ahead of the national anthem on the grid. While their on-track rivalry in 2021 was intense as they battled for the drivers’ championship, the pair’s respect for each other seems to be at its highest.

Hamilton endured a difficult race at Interlagos as he finished a disappointing 10th. The 39-year-old beamoned the handling of his W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”. Hamilton will have three more races with Mercedes before he switches to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season alongside Charles Leclerc.

‘W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”.’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1059831/1/lewis-hamilton-congratulates-max-verstappen-amazing-f1-sao-paulo-gp-win


In photos: Driving Senna's McLaren is an 'honour' - Lewis Hamilton
Nov 3, 2024
ESPN
ESPN.com

Lewis Hamilton said driving Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/5B at Interlagos was "very emotional" and "the greatest honour of my career." Hamilton said afterwards: "It's very emotional. I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching Ayrton race here as a kid, hearing that sound and watching him drive here and winning in that race.

"I just couldn't believe that I just had that chance to do that. And it was really the greatest honour of my career to do it in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil who stood out in the rain all day yesterday, and have been here since 4:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. this morning."

Hamilton, who had a special white race suit and helmet made for the occasion, said it was an honour to get the opportunity: "I really love Brazil and I really love the people and I'm so grateful. To even have my citizenship here is such a huge honour. So I hope Senna can be proud. That was the best drive of the whole weekend.”

"Very emotional";

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/42169599/hamilton-driving-senna-mclaren-honour


Hamilton on driving Senna's car: 'Greatest honour of my career'
Nov 03, 2024
TSN

“It is very emotional, naturally,” said Hamilton as he held the Brazilian flag on his back. “I was revisiting my childhood as I watched Ayrton racing here. I can't believe I am having this opportunity. “It is the greatest honor of my career to do it in front of this amazing crowd in Brazil,” said Hamilton, who in 2022 became an honorary Brazilian citizen by a motion of the country's congress.

“I won my first championship here, had my best ever drive here, and now to be in this country as an honorary citizen driving my hero’s car is almost too much to comprehend. It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “It’s a massive honour and one that I’ll look back on as one of the highlights of my life.”

Luciane D'Angelo, 45, was one of the tearful fans watching Hamilton drive at Interlagos. As a child, she used to watch F1 races with her father, who currently suffers from a serious disease she did not disclose. “I cry because Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void. He made children of that time enjoy their Sundays with their families even more. He wasn't only one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, but also a person that every Brazilian learned to admire,” she said.

“Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void”;

https://www.tsn.ca/auto-racing/lewis-hamilton-on-driving-ayrton-senna-s-car-greatest-honour-of-my-career-1.2199626

[Fortitude]

'Absolutely': Karun Chandhok agrees ‘100%’ with angry Sergio Perez message in Sao Paulo GP qualifying.
Chandhok felt Perez was right and also questioned Red Bull’s tactics considering the improvements made by other drivers in the session.
3 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Sergio Perez was not happy with his Red Bull team after being eliminated during qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Both Perez and Max Verstappen will start outside of the top ten with the Mexican down in P12, while the latter will take a five-place grid penalty which puts him P17 on the grid.

Sergio Perez criticises team for Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying error. Q2 had already been stopped due to a crash from Carlos Sainz at the Senna ‘S’ which is why Red Bull was faced with the decision of when to send their cars back out. Most teams were already queuing at the end of the pit lane and Red Bull decided to send them out at the back of the queue, however that meant the tyre temperatures dropped as they built up a gap in the pit lane.

Perez felt they should have kept him and Verstappen in the garage where they could have put the tyres under the blankets, and was livid over team radio when speaking to engineer Hugh Bird.
Driver Engineer
Perez: “What’s the time left in the session?”
Bird: “45 seconds.”
Perez: “Come on guys, we need to do a better programme!”
Bird: “Unfortunately, with where we are in the pit lane…”
Perez: “That’s not an excuse mate! We should’ve waited. If everyone is waiting at the end of the pit lane, why would we go?”
“I agree with Checo, he’s absolutely right because we saw Ferrari wait a minute with Charles Leclerc. He went out and did a 1:26.097s and got himself into P6 and into Q3. So I 100% agree with Perez,” said Chandhok.

‘Chandhok felt Perez was right’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/karun-chandhok-agrees-100-with-angry-sergio-perez-message-in-sao-paulo-gp-qualifying/


Perez hints at Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP
Sergio Perez finished 11th in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a difficult afternoon.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Perez, who started from 12th, explained how a rare Red Bull trackside error meant he started the race on cold tyres, which helped induce a first-lap spin before finishing in 11th. "It was a disaster because we didn't know at the time that we could change tyres until the very last minute - and there was no time to change them," Perez told media including RacingNews365.

"We started the race with very cold tyres and then, as there was no one ahead of me, I went into a wall of water, so the start was a total disaster. We were making progress, but unfortunately, we pitted at the red flag, and then at the restart, the visibility was zero, but we were making some progress.”

“We came all the way up to Liam [Lawson], and we touched a bit in Turn 1, and then I went straight at Turn 4 and lost the position to Lewis [Hamilton]. It was a total disaster and nothing really worked."

‘Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-hints-at-red-bull-error-in-disaster-of-brazilian-gp


Perez admits ‘nothing really worked’ in Sao Paulo GP as Horner brands Mexican’s first-lap spin ‘annoying’
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Sergio Perez was left to rue that “nothing really worked” during his eventful afternoon at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with the Mexican having to fight his way back to P11 following a first-lap spin branded “annoying” by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

Giving his assessment on the Grand Prix afterwards, Perez reflected: “It was just… nothing really worked today. We started the race with very cold tyres, because we didn’t know at the time we could change them like everyone else did.”

“And then not having a car in front [on the grid], I [lost] the clutch and went into a massive amount of wheelspin, and then I ended up spinning into Turn 10 – it was a disaster. Then we pitted before the red flag, so nothing really worked!”

‘Nothing really worked’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/perez-admits-nothing-really-worked-in-sao-paulo-gp-as-horner-brands-mexicans.1orz42qcs2X5lcKtEfFKwS


Sergio Perez calls out Red Bull in furious team radio after Brazil GP qualifying nightmare with F1 future in serious doubt
Perez was knocked out in second qualifying again.
3 Nov 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible

Sergio Perez was left furious with his Red Bull team after being knocked out of Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying in the second session. During a rain-interrupted qualifying, both Perez and team-mate Max Verstappen went out, in 13th and 12th respectively, after a red flag was brought out following Lance Stroll's crash.

There have been claims that this weekend's Grand Prix in Interlagos could be his last as a Red Bull driver, with team principal Christian Horner refusing to offer reassurances after Perez finished in last at his home race in Mexico. But Perez stated that he was not worried about his future, telling reporters on Thursday: "You will see me in Vegas. You will see me next year. I'm not the one that worries about it."

‘Furious team radio’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/sergio-perez-brazilian-gp-qualifying-team-radio-engineer-635195-20241103


Horner puts his arm around Perez with chassis change explanation
1 Nov 2024
Cas van de Kleut
GPblog.com

Sergio Perez had a disastrous weekend in Mexico. This weekend he is driving a different chassis in a bid to improve his performance. Christian Horner elaborated on Perez's situation in a conversation with Sky Sports.

After free practice in Brazil, Horner said, "We're doing our best to try and help rebuild his confidence. He had a horrible weekend in Mexico. We've changed his chassis this weekend. It's an older chassis that we've put him into just to give him that, hopefully, extra boost of confidence."

The Red Bull Racing team boss continued, "Sergio is a seasoned campaigner. He's been around long enough that he knows that this is a results-based business. He knows that this season has been under par for him. Nobody's more acutely aware of that than Sergio but we're doing our best that we can to support him."

‘Chassis change explanation’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/310443/christian-horner-addresses-disappointing-performance-of-sergio-perez.html


Sergio Perez given final three-race target before big Red Bull decision
8 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Christian Horner says Sergio Perez is “wise” enough to know F1 is a “results-based business”, and the one big result he can contribute towards is the Constructors’ Championship. Formula 1, as we know, is a results-based business,” Horner told TalkSPORT, “and Sergio is very, very aware of that. And you know, he’s not happy with how the season has gone for him, as you would expect. So, he’s big enough and old enough and wise enough to recognise that.”

Scoring a solitary point in Brazil where he was P8 in the Sprint race while Max Verstappen brought in 31 including the Grand Prix win, Perez has scored just eight points in the last five races. In that time Red Bull have not only lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in Baku, but they also dropped behind Ferrari in Mexico.

With 544 points on the board, the reigning World Champions trail McLaren by 49 points and Ferrari by 13. Perez’s future could be determined by whether or not he’s able to help Red Bull wrestle back control in the teams’ standings as that’s still very much one of Red Bull’s big goals in the final three races of the season – and perhaps the final three in Perez’s Red Bull career too.

“Results-based business”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-given-final-three-race-target-big-red-bull-decision


Report: What Christian Horner said about Sergio Perez’s future when addressing Red Bull factory this week
7 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Christian Horner told Red Bull staff Sergio Perez had to ‘up his game’. According to Formula Passion, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the Red Bull factory earlier this week. This was likely a routine event on the back of the USA-Mexico-Brazil triple-header. For the most part, Horner was focused on celebrating Verstappen’s unbelievable victory at Interlagos. His charge from 17th ranks as one of the best wins in Red Bull history.

However, Horner also dropped a ‘hint’ about the future of Perez. He’s made it clear that driver number 11 is ‘safe’ for now, with no ‘lightning replacement’ planned for the last three races. But echoing the message he’s delivered in public, he acknowledged that ‘Perez must step up his game and improve his performances’. Fail to do so by the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, and a promotion for Lawson ‘could quickly gain traction’.

‘Addressing Red Bull factory this week’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/what-christian-horner-said-about-sergio-perezs-future-when-addressing-red-bull-factory-this-week/

[Fortitude]

‘Trying not to die’… Unheard Oliver Bearman radio messages highlight Sao Paulo Grand Prix difficulties.
Unheard team radio transcripts posted to social media website X show Bearman could be heard over team radio frantically telling race control to suspend the race as the rain increased before the red flag.
5 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Oliver Bearman’s frantic radio messages as rain hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Bearman was speaking to his engineer Mark Slade throughout the race about the conditions, updating him on whether it was enough to switch to the full wet tyre. The Briton went into the race having studied the onboard of Verstappen from his race in 2016, which was also affected by rain.

He could be heard frantically trying to get the FIA to stop the race due to visibility concerns, with him nearly running off track exiting the Senna ‘S’ without knowing where he was going.

Driver Engineer
Bearman: “How are we allowed to race like this? Someone is going to crash big time.”
Slade: “Perez coming up behind you on his full wets.”
Bearman: “Guys I can’t even see in front.”
Slade: “You’re doing a great job Ollie.”
Bearman: “Yeah but, come on. Talk to the FIA. I’m just trying not to die.”

“I’m just trying not to die”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/trying-not-to-die-unheard-oliver-bearman-radio-messages-highlight-sao-paulo-grand-prix-difficulties/


‘Too many mistakes, too many time losses’ – Bearman gives brutal verdict on his Sao Paulo super-sub performance for Haas
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Haas super-sub Ollie Bearman didn’t know he would be partaking in the Sao Paulo race weekend until Friday morning, but went on to tackle his most challenging Formula 1 outing yet – and revealing that he learned plenty of valuable lessons in the process.

Bearman had never raced at Interlagos before or in such adverse weather conditions at this level, so faced a number of difficulties during the Grand Prix. Despite Haas’s strong pace over recent races, he was knocked out in the first stage of a rain-affected qualifying, going on to start the race from P15 after Max Verstappen’s grid penalty was applied.

“It was a tough race,” he summarised. “Too many mistakes from my side and that really compromised our race. I think on one side, we finished P12 quite close to the points, despite the amount of mistakes I made. On the other side, too many mistakes, too many time losses and stuff like that. It was a really tough day. I learnt a lot, that’s for sure, for the next time.”

‘Brutal verdict’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/too-many-mistakes-too-many-time-losses-bearman-gives-brutal-verdict-on-his.32GIYdxfaQI1VJcsBxMv86


F1 driver feared dying during Brazilian GP and warned 'this is really dangerous'
F1 stars had to navigate torrential rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix, with one driver fearing for his life.
Nov 6, 2024
Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express

F1 star Ollie Bearman feared for his life during the Brazilian Grand Prix as the torrential rain made for a perilous driving environment. The 19-year-old faced the worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career after standing in for Haas ace Kevin Magnussen in Sao Paulo.

Bearman found himself just outside the points at the Brazilian Grand Prix as he finished in P12, one position lower than he lined up on the starting grid following the qualifying session. He was one of only 15 drivers to finish the race, with five others failing to make it to the end.

There were five red flags throughout the chaotic race after the rain had postponed the qualifying session until Sunday morning. And the teenager was forced to navigate horrendous conditions as the heavens opened part-way through the race.

‘Worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1972437/Ollie-Bearman-F1-Brazilian-GP


Bearman admits he made ‘too many mistakes’ in Sao Paulo GP
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Oliver Bearman had several tussles with other drivers and a late spin off the track in Brazil as he finished 12th on his latest sub appearance for Haas.

‘Too many mistakes’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bearman-admits-he-made-too-many-mistakes-in-sao-paulo-gp.1814726085282097980


What Bearman's first real F1 stumble means for him and Haas
Nov 8, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Ollie Bearman having one of Formula 1’s only 100% point-scoring records in 2024 inevitably had an asterisk attached given it related to just two race appearances. It stood as a marker of the quality of his super-sub appearances for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and Haas in Azerbaijan but is no longer valid even though it was only being used ironically.

Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur described it as a “more than difficult” weekend to step into but was “a good lesson, a good experience”, and Bearman’s Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu went even further. “This is a priceless experience for him, and for us,” said Komatsu. “Yes, the pain is that we should have, still with this car, scored points, but we didn't. But that's the price we paid, right?”

“Ollie’s incredibly talented. He's an incredibly fast learner. But you cannot expect to throw him in last minute – I mean, what he did on Friday was remarkable. Remarkable. I don't think I can expect him to deal with these conditions and score points. Still the potential he showed was great.”

“Friday was remarkable. Remarkable”;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/ollie-bearman-haas-brazilian-gp-first-struggle/


Bearman questions F1 penalty after unusual circumstances
Ollie Bearman had a scrappy day in Brazil, and picked up a "harsh" time penalty.
7 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

On lap four in the tough conditions at Interlagos, Bearman, deputising for the unwell Kevin Magnussen, tapped the back of Colapinto's Williams at Turn 9 in the infield, spinning himself as the Argentine continued unimpeded. For the incident, Bearman was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision and received two penalty points on his superlicence.

The stewards felt he was "wholly" to blame, but Bearman has questioned the decision. "I hit him, but hardly touched him and nothing happened to him," Bearman told media including RacingNews365. "I lost 10 seconds [with the spin], and then I got a 10-second penalty for losing 10 seconds, so it was really harsh.”

"But racing with other cars was much more useful than a test, and I got to learn a track which I wasn't going to be able to do without this race. The conditions were tough, but I definitely learned a lot."

“It was really harsh”;

https://racingnews365.com/bearman-questions-f1-penalty-after-unusual-circumstances

[Fortitude]

Bottas brands Sao Paulo GP ‘one of the most difficult races in my career’.
With the tricky wet track and changeable weather, Valtteri Bottas reckons Sunday’s race in Brazil was one of the toughest he’s had in F1. He finished 13 as Sauber’s season-long points drought continued.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘One of the toughest’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bottas-brands-sao-paulo-gp-one-of-the-most-difficult-races-in-my-career.1814727904202713503


Bottas highlights tyre degradation as ‘big issue for us’ after the Sprint
2 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Valtteri Bottas started the Sprint in 15th but slipped back a place at the flag on another difficult day for Sauber.

‘Tyre degradation’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bottas-highlights-tyre-degradation-as-big-issue-for-us-after-the-sprint.1814624410522207623


Bottas on Sauber's F1 downfall: 'When Vasseur left, it all fell to pieces'
1 Nov 2024
Motor Sport
Motor Sport Magazine

Since the departure of team principal Fred Vasseur, Sauber's Formula 1 team has crumbled — leaving Valtteri Bottas to struggle for a return to the front of the grid. In an exclusive interview with Motor Sport, published in our latest December 2024 issue, Bottas identified one key moment when his and Sauber’s fortunes changed: the departure of Fred Vasseur to Ferrari.

“Things changed a lot because when I joined it was a three-year project,” says Bottas. “As we spoke with Fred [Vasseur, Sauber team principal until the end of 2022], we agreed on certain targets. Year one was good, especially the first part of the year, but Fred left and the whole idea of the project changed.”

“Obviously, I don’t blame Fred because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Ferrari and he is doing a great job. That changed my situation quite a bit.” Vasseur’s reputation has soared since joining Ferrari at the end of 2022. The Frenchman has transformed the Scuderia back into a winning machine, in contention for the constructors’ championship in 2024.

‘Sauber's F1 downfall’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/bottas-on-saubers-f1-downfall-when-vasseur-left-it-all-fell-to-pieces/?nowprocket=1#


Sauber announces Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou exit
Sauber has announced neither Valtteri Bottas nor Zhou Guanyu will be part of its driver line-up for 2025.
6 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Bottas had hoped to remain with the organisation for a fourth campaign, having joined from Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season. Zhou will also not continue with the team, leaving Sauber with an all-new pairing for 2025. “A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” admitted Bottas.

“But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met. These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”

“I’m grateful for the joint experiences as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.” Sauber boss Mattia Binotto added: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together.”

‘Exit’;

https://speedcafe.com/sauber-announces-vallteri-bottas-guanyu-zhou-exit/


Bottas to leave Sauber after F1 2024; Mercedes reunion expected
Finnish driver will drop off the F1 grid but is set to accept a new role with his former team, Mercedes
Nov 6, 2024
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com

Sauber's decision means Bottas's current F1 racing career will likely be capped at 10 wins from 246 races, come the end of the current campaign in Abu Dhabi next month. But he could yet see more action with his former team, after saying returning to what he called the "Mercedes family" at Interlagos was "for sure one option and I would consider it".

Motorsport.com understands that discussions between Mercedes and Bottas have been going on for several weeks, with the squad set to field a team made up of drivers it has supported all the way to F1 – George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli – in 2025. Although the path back to the full-time racing driver from a reserve role is difficult, F1 has had a surge in super-sub appearances in recent years.

‘Mercedes reunion expected’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-leave-sauber-mercedes-reunion/10670847/


Valtteri Bottas reveals reason behind impending Sauber F1 exit
6 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Valtteri Bottas has explained that talks regarding him remaining in Formula 1 with Sauber beyond 2024 broke down as the “conditions to grow together were not met”. Bottas had been in discussions with the team about an extension to his expiring deal amid his hope to be present once it morphs into a works Audi operation in 2026.

However, Sauber has chosen to head in an alternative direction as current Formula 2 points leader Bortoleto has been signed to complement Hulkenberg’s experience. Mattia Binotto, who was appointed over the summer to lead the Sauber/Audi venture, has insisted that the choice not to continue with Bottas was a “mutual” decision.

“After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil,” Mattia Binotto concluded.

‘Alternative direction’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/06/valtteri-bottas-reveals-reason-behind-impending-sauber-f1-exit/


Valtteri Bottas tipped to rejoin Mercedes as reserve driver for F1 2025 season
6 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Speaking to the media including PlanetF1.com last month, the 10-time Grand Prix winner said he could return to his former team Mercedes. “I’ve got to look at all the alternatives including going back to the Mercedes family,” he revealed.

Should he return to the Brackley squad it would be as a reserve driver as Mercedes have already confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for next season. Bottas has reportedly been in talks with Mercedes for several weeks as he looked at his B-plan options should Sauber opt for an all-new line-up for F1 2025.

“Got to look at all the alternatives”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtteri-bottas-tipped-rejoin-mercedes-reserve-driver-f1-2025-season

[Fortitude]

Fernando Alonso demanded medical attention after brutal back pain at Brazilian GP.
“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics; they did a great job today, but my back is really hurting. This bouncing is not normal,” Alonso said over the radio, expressing both gratitude and frustration.
Nov 3, 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport

Speaking with DAZN after the race, Alonso explained further, saying, “In normal conditions, I wouldn’t have finished, but I did it for the mechanics, for the people from Valencia, and for everyone facing tougher situations than mine with this bouncing.” For Alonso, the decision to keep going reflected his commitment to the team that had made every effort to keep him on the track.

A Physically Taxing Race for Alonso. The instability of Alonso’s car wreaked havoc on his body throughout the race, with constant impacts exacerbating his back pain. At one point, Alonso even asked for medical attention: “Call a medical car. I’ll follow you. I’ll come with you when I finish.” Fighting off the pain as he battled with Saubers during the closing laps, Alonso’s discomfort grew, turning every turn into a gruelling ordeal.

Reflecting on the day, he shared that “We had a better car this morning, but we had to change parts, and it got worse during the race. We had brake issues—Lance [Stroll] at the beginning, and I during the restarts.” Alonso’s finish, though out of the points, highlighted the relentless physical strain he endured for his team.

“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics”;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-fernando-alonso-demanded-medical-attention-brutal-brazilian-gp-2024/


Fernando Alonso left in 'agony' and needs medical treatment after Brazilian Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso was left feeling the effects of the bouncing of his Aston Martin car in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 3, 2024
Charlie Malam
Daily and Sunday Express

Kravitz said: "Fernando Alonso, car number 14, 14th today and I believe he had to go to the medical centre or seek some sort of physio after the race ended because he was in absolute agony with his back. He said so on the radio. He said he was going to finish the race for the mechanics." Alonso had said over his team radio: "I'm going to finish the race for the mechanics, who did an incredible job today, but my back really hurts, guys. This bouncing is not normal."

"It was like pulling the handbrake in the corners. So you could say it wasn't an ideal race in that sense. We have to improve for the next race." Alonso's team-mate Lance Stroll meanwhile crashed out on the formation lap in an unusual incident. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said: "A trip to a special motorsport venue but a weekend to forget for our team. A point-less and brutal triple-header which takes its toll on the team working trackside and back at the AMRTC.

"Looking for the positives it was a Herculean effort by both car crews, with a reduced schedule, to get both cars onto the grid just in time today. Also a special mention for the FIA and F1 for being pragmatic and flexible with the schedule to allow the drivers and teams to put on a show for the passionate South American fans.”

'Agony';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1971094/Fernando-Alonso-Brazilian-Grand-Prix-F1-news


How Alonso fought “painful” back to reward Aston mechanics
5 Nov2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Fernando Alonso had to overcome a painful back and brake issues to bring his Aston Martin AMR24 home in 14th place after a difficult Sao Paulo GP. “It was a lot of bounce and a lot of porpoising in the second half of the race,” he said when asked by this writer about the back problem.

“I don’t know why. So yeah, it was a tough race. We were out of the points. I think in any other circumstances, probably I will stop. But the mechanics did an incredible job before the race to put the car ready on the grid, so I had to finish for them. It was a difficult race. After this morning, we had to go back to a less performing package on the car. So the race was a little bit slower pace from our side. And then we had the brake issue.”

“I think Lance had the brake problem in the formation lap, and I had the brake issue after all the restarts, where all the brake balance goes completely rearwards. It’s like a braking with a hand brake. So it was all-in-all a nightmare out there. We need to get better for the next three.”

“Like a braking with a hand brake”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/05/how-alonso-fought-painful-back-to-reward-aston-mechanics/


Fernando Alonso close to tears in heart-wrenching interview after Brazilian GP
Fernando Alonso was second-last of the finishers at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 5, 2024
Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Fernando Alonso had tears in his eyes while discussing the back pain which blighted his Brazilian Grand Prix. The 43-year-old nursed a bouncing Aston Martin home in 14th place and out of the points, rounding off a nightmare weekend for the team in fitting fashion.

The two-time world champion required a trip to the medical centre after the race. And a bleary-eyed interview told the whole story about his uncomfortable afternoon. "Some back pain and a lot of bouncing today in the second half of the race," he told Sky Sports. "I think Lance had a brake problem on the formation lap, I had the same problem in some of the restarts as well.”

‘Close to tears’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1971869/fernando-alonso-brazilian-grand-prix-aston-martin


Stroll explains ‘really strange’ formation lap crash as Alonso says Aston Martin ‘need to regroup’ after tough Sao Paulo GP
5 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Lance Stroll, admitted that his spin during the formation lap had been “really strange” as he pointed to a potential brake issue as the cause.

“As soon as I touched the brake I just had a huge rear lock and then I was a passenger from there,” the Canadian explained. “I’ve never felt that in the car, so maybe there was a brake failure problem and we have to look into it.”

Reflecting on what could have been – with Stroll known to have performed well in wet conditions previously – he continued: “For sure in a race like this anything’s possible, so to be out on Lap 1 really sucks – but we have to look into what happened.”

‘Potential brake issue’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/stroll-explains-really-strange-formation-lap-crash-as-alonso-says-aston.7fpJRZx5UGbzjFCPxM8WU2


Aston Martin uncovers trigger for Alonso and Stroll’s Brazilian GP struggles
A post-race review has revealed what caused problems for Alonso and Stroll in the Brazilian GP
Nov 7, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Speaking about what Aston Martin has found out since Brazil, team principal Mike Krack thinks a combination of elements came together to leave both its drivers with a car that was ultra nervous. “It was clear that both drivers were battling a car that was incredibly difficult to drive during Sunday's race," he said. "Our post-weekend analysis has highlighted several factors that explain this.”

“Following both car’s accidents in qualifying, we had to replace a lot of components with a different specification due to availabilities at the end of a triple-header. This is allowed by the Sprint Event regulations, and you declare your shortages and replacement options to the FIA before the event. [But] you aren’t allowed to change the mechanical set-up of the cars. This meant we could neither check nor adjust the set-up of the cars, which negatively affected aerodynamic behaviour and performance.

“Add in treacherous wet conditions, along with an incredibly bumpy track, and you begin to understand that both drivers had the odds stacked against them. Both cars were highly susceptible to wheel-locking, and we can see in the data that this is what caused the issues for both Lance and Fernando."

‘What caused problems for Alonso and Stroll’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-uncovers-trigger-for-stroll-and-alonsos-brazilian-gp-struggles/10671386/

[Fortitude]

Sauber apologise to Zhou for “not acceptable” qualifying blunder.
Sauber apologised to Zhou Guanyu after sending him out at the end of qualifying too late to complete his final run.
2nd Nov 2024
RaceFans

Zhou repeatedly asked his team whether they had enough time left, and was told each time they did. But as he reached the timing line to begin his final run the lights had already turned red.

“To be honest, it was quite a disaster session because to be the only driver not doing the last lap, crossing the line with fully red [lights] was just not so acceptable,” he told the official F1 channel. “But that’s how it is at the moment.

“We completely messed up the timing for the final run. We’re sat in the garage too long and we go out last, couldn’t do the lap so, game over.”

“Not acceptable”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/sauber-apologise-to-zhou-for-not-acceptable-qualifying-blunder/


How the dramatic Sauber killed Bottas' and Zhou's F1 careers
10 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

For Guanyu Zhou, his Formula 1 adventure will come to an end after the current season. Sauber, who will be Audi in the future, have chosen Gabriel Bortoleto as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate, leaving the Chinese driver and his teammate Valtteri Bottas without a seat for 2025. What Zhou will do next? The Chinese driver acknowledges how competitive the current market is and that finding a place in an appealing series will be extremely difficult.

"Another category probably will be quite difficult because a lot of categories when they contacted me before, it was that I have to make some decisions very soon," Zhou reflects, knowing that those teams have also made other choices. "But I'm definitely looking for quite a bit of alternative options. Either being a reserve role or doing something else there’s still some good options available. So we need to look more into that."

‘What Zhou will do next?’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312239/a-bad-sauber-was-part-of-the-reason-for-zhou-losing-f1-seat.html


Uncompetitive car making it hard to show the gains I’ve made, says Zhou
25th Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans

The team started the year with a more competitive car, said Zhou, but missed out on points-scoring opportunities due to a series of slow pit stops. “I still remember – because it felt a lot better – the first few races of the season. Of course, we struggled with other things – in the pits – but the car was actually performing quite competitively together with the people around the midfield battle.”

“You really felt you could show what you have gained or what experience you have learned over the course of two-and-a-half years. You are getting better experience, better knowledge with everything and also get more understanding about what you need to go quicker. But then in that period right now it’s quite difficult, of course, to accept as a driver.”

‘Hard to show the gains made’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/25/uncompetitive-car-making-it-hard-to-show-the-gains-ive-made-says-zhou/


'So disappointed': What Zhou Guanyu’s camp are privately saying about Sauber after Formula 1 exit
8 Nov 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer

While his results have lacked, speaking on The Fast and the Curious Podcast, Jennie Gow revealed that Zhou’s management have been left ‘so disappointed’ that their driver could not show his true potential, as the team have not been able to give him a competitive car over the last three years.

“I feel like he never really got into it. and it was just bad timing this year I think, and last year at Sauber,” she said. “They haven’t had a car which is competitive, and you speak to the guys who represent Zhou, and they’re so disappointed that he never got to shine.”

“I think it’s just one of those things. You get a Colapinto, gets put in the car and shines, and Zhou didn’t ever really get to shine.” Zhou could end up joining Alpine following the news that they will be ditching their engines to become a customer Mercedes team come 2026, and the 25-year-old’s financial backing could help him secure the seat.

'So disappointed';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/what-zhou-guanyus-camp-are-privately-saying-about-sauber-after-formula-1-exit/


Zhou chases new F1 challenge
Nov 8, 2024
China Daily

Zhou Guanyu, China's first Formula One driver, released a statement on his personal social media account on Wednesday officially announcing his impending departure from Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.

"This has been a difficult season, but I am still putting all my effort into the remaining races. I care about my future and want to stay here as long as possible, so I am fighting for it. The opportunity is still there," the 25-year-old wrote.

"I am delighted with the achievements I have made amid the fierce competition of F1, including scoring points on my debut, setting the fastest lap in treacherous conditions at the Suzuka Circuit and executing some exciting offensive and defensive maneuvers on the track. I am full of confidence in the future, and focused on truly showcasing my abilities."

‘New F1 challenge’;

http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2024-11/08/content_117534191.htm


'Will update': Zhou Guanyu now shares how he plans to stay in F1 after being released by Sauber
Wed 6 November 2024 09:15
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Zhou has issued a statement on social media thanking his team and confirming that he is exploring options to stay in the F1 paddock for the future.

“I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in F1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap, and some memorable battles throughout the grid. Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of. I’m now discussing a number of options to stay in the F1 paddock, will update you all soon.”

‘Exploring options’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/zhou-guanyu-now-shares-how-he-plans-to-stay-in-f1-after-being-released-by-sauber/


Zhou Guanyu speaks out on Sauber exit after ‘conditions not met’ for renewal
6 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he is “discussing a number of options” to remain in the F1 paddock after being dropped by Sauber for the F1 2025 season. Former Ferrari and Alpine junior Zhou, who is known to bring significant sponsorship, has been linked with remaining in F1 in a reserve driver role. And he has confirmed that “a number of options” are on the table to remain in the sport in some capacity in F1 2025.

‘Conditions not met’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-return-zhou-guanyu-audi-sauber-exit


Zhou Guanyu looking to stay in F1 amid Sauber departure
6 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Zhou Guanyu is actively discussing his future within the Formula 1 paddock following the news that he will leave Sauber at the end of 2024. Zhou Guanyu is ‘positive’ about life after Sauber.

‘Positive’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/06/zhou-guanyu-looking-to-stay-in-f1-amid-sauber-departure/

[Fortitude]

Sainz apologises to Ferrari for ‘two crashes that honestly I cannot explain very well’.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz promised to ‘turn the page and come back stronger’ after he crashed out of the Grand Prix in Brazil.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Sainz apologises’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/sainz-apoligises-to-ferrari-for-two-crashes-that-honestly-i-cannot-explain-very-well.1814727234759306639


Sainz reveals Ferrari weakness after Brazilian GP ‘nightmare’
Carlos Sainz has admitted a new weakness for him and Ferrari this season, after describing his Sao Paulo Grand Prix as a "nightmare" having crashed twice in one day.
4 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

"Oh, just two very strange, unfortunate crashes today," he reflected with media including RacingNews365. "A bit of a nightmare day. Honestly, the two of them, no sign of me crashing, so I couldn't do anything to avoid them.”

"But at the same time, it was not easy out there to overtake, so starting from the pit lane, it was always going to be difficult to make it to the points. Apologies to the whole team for the two crashes. I hope we can come back strong."

"Nightmare";

https://racingnews365.com/sainz-reveals-ferrari-weakness-after-brazilian-gp-nightmare


Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo
05/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he crashed twice, with no clear explanation for either of his accidents. The unexpected crashes left Sainz searching for answers about his Ferrari's wet-weather handling. Known for his confidence in wet conditions, Sainz was frank about how out of place he's felt with the SF-24 in the rain.

"I've always been a very strong driver in the wet, but for some reason, ever since I tried this car [the Ferrari SF-24] in the wet this year, I've never had a good feeling with it, I have noticed. I don't know if we just don't put energy into the tires, we run it too steep in medium-to-high speed or what it is, but it's clear that it's very unpredictable and very difficult to drive."

‘Puzzled’;

https://f1i.com/news/524063-sainz-left-puzzled-by-double-crash-drama-in-rainy-sao-paulo.html


Sainz ‘cannot explain’ Sao Paulo crashes as Leclerc admits weekend was 'damage limitation' for Ferrari
4 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Carlos Sainz says he “cannot explain” how he crashed twice on Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as both he and Charles Leclerc labelled the SF-24 as difficult to drive in wet conditions.

Sainz crashed out of Q2 at Turn 2 at Interlagos on Sunday morning and was forced to start the race from the pit lane after Ferrari had to undertake component changes outside of the parc ferme regulations.

The Spaniard made gradual progress through the course of the race but spun into the wall at Turn 8 on Lap 38, bringing his afternoon to a premature conclusion, one weekend after dominating the Mexico City Grand Prix from pole position.

'Damage limitation';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-cannot-explain-sao-paulo-crashes-as-leclerc-admits-sao-paulo-was.il6XaXBGLr7lkmstHuSol


Why Sainz created a dangerous situation in Brazilian GP
Carlos Sainz was called to the stewards for alleged dangerous driving in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol

The full stewards verdict into Sainz is available below. "The driver crashed on his own. The marshals were quickly on the scene to recover the car," read the report. "The driver removed the steering wheel indicating to the marshals that he was abandoning the car. The team then informed the driver that they thought the car was safe to continue. The driver replaced the steering wheel while the marshals had started to feed the recovery loop through the roll hoop of the car.”

The driver admitted that he was not aware that the marshals had commenced the recovery procedure. "The marshals recognizing that the driver was going to attempt to restart aborted the recovery attempt just as the driver drove the car away. The driver admitted that he did not know that the marshals had started the recovery procedure and accepted that removing the steering wheel was a clear indication of his intention to abandon the car.”

‘Called to the stewards’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-sainz-created-a-dangerous-situation-in-brazilian-gp


Sainz's verdict: Can Ferrari still win the constructors title?
9 Nov 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

McLaren still leads the Constructors' Championship, but Ferrari and Carlos Sainz are still hopeful that they can snatch the title off of their rivals. Sainz's good run of form was snapped in Brazil. The Spaniard had finished in second in Austin before winning in Mexico. His retirement cost him, but, are Ferrari still in with a shot?

"Yeah, and we will be alive until the very end. Three weekends now coming up that are going to be obviously important for the whole team. And now we need to refocus. We regroup and see how we can approach these last three races in the best possible way." Sainz concluded. Before his exit from the Italian team at the end of the year, a constructors victory will leave a good taste in the mouth before he joins the Williams project in 2025.

‘They can snatch the title’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312029/f1-carlos-sainz-reveals-if-ferrari-can-still-win-constructors-title.html


Carlos Sainz Should Bounce Back From Brazil’s Harrowing Result
Nov 6, 2024
Dev Tyagi
F1 Chronicle

Dust has settled over the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2024. It was a race to forget not just from Carlos Sainz’s point of view, but even from Ferrari’s point of view. Not even a podium and then, a top five finish with Charles Leclerc bagging a low-key fifth was perhaps not the best of weekends for the Italian stable.

However, what was most saddening from a Ferrari point of view was their most recent Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz jr. ending his Interlagos weekend with a DNF next to his name. Certainly not the type of race weekend that Carlos Sainz, also race winner at Australia earlier this year (lest it is forgotten) would have expected.

Speaking of the next F1 Grand Prix, that is precisely what Carlos Sainz would expect, especially with the desire to score more since his Mexico win but unfortunately race retiring at the Senna-land. Having said that, where it might get a little tricky for the Madrid-born Spanish driver is that where it comes to the destination that is next on our calendars, Carlos Sainz would do well to remember him at the Las Vegas.

‘Bounce Back’;

https://f1chronicle.com/carlos-sainz-bounce-back-brazils-harrowing-result/?nowprocket=1


Carlos Sainz concedes being overlooked for top 2025 F1 seat ‘hurt’ his ego
10 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Sainz, who has since signed a multi-term contract with Williams, has admitted that it was hard to come to terms with not being considered for those seats at the time. “I’ve definitely come to peace, and I am a true believer that if I’m not going there, it’s because life just doesn’t want me to be there,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1.

“There’s something else coming after that, that will actually turn out to be good. It hurt at the time, we all have egos, and I have a driver ego, and I couldn’t understand it at the time. I still personally cannot understand certain choices that people have done,” he continued. “But at the same time, it creates even more of a challenge in me, and it even makes me more excited for Williams.”

“Williams is the one that has invested in me, that have backed me up from the beginning, the ones that came to me a full year ago, and that actually makes me super excited,” he added. “I said, ‘I want to give to these guys what they’ve given to me. Give back to them this trust and this belief in me’. I cannot wait to go there and, together with them, build something good.”

‘Hurt’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/10/carlos-sainz-concedes-being-overlooked-for-top-2025-f1-seat-hurt-his-ego/


Sao Paulo GP: Carlos Sainz admits 'it would hurt' if Ferrari compete for drivers' championship next year
3 Nov 2024
Sky Sports

With Carlos Sainz set to leave Ferrari at the end of this season, the Spaniard admits it would be painful to see his former team challenging for the drivers' championship next year without him after the 'influence' he has had there.

'It would hurt';

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13247568/sao-paulo-gp-carlos-sainz-admits-it-would-hurt-if-ferrari-compete-for-drivers-championship-next-year

[Fortitude]

‘A small mistake with a huge consequence’ – Hulkenberg on his black flag in Brazil.
Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg was out of the Sao Paulo race after receiving the black flag for getting a push from the marshals when he beached his car in the gravel trap.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Black flag’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/a-small-mistake-with-a-huge-consequence-hulkenberg-on-his-black-flag-in-brazil.1814723325248598624


Hulkenberg makes unusual claim about F1 marshals after disqualification
Nico Hulkenberg became the first F1 driver in over 17 years to be disqualified during a race in the Sao Paulo GP.
5 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

"We were going okay, it wasn't dreadful but wasn't amazing either, but just after a pit-stop, our race finished pretty quickly," Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365.

"[The marshals] came out, they pushed me off and they were really happy with themselves, they were partying and pushing me on and saying: 'Come on, let's go, the race isn't finished!'.”

"At that moment, you don't really think, you don't care, you just continue and deal with the consequences later."

'Come on, let's go, the race isn't finished!';

https://racingnews365.com/hulkenberg-makes-unusual-claim-about-f1-marshals-after-disqualification


Hulkenberg: Brazil GP marshals "partying" after rescuing Haas driver before black flag
Hulkenberg was disqualified after getting illegal aid following a spin
Nov 6, 2024
Ewan Gale Oleg Karpov
Motorsport.com

Nico Hulkenberg has revealed how the marshals at Turn 1 for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix were "partying" after illegally helping the Haas driver rejoin the race after an off. The German spun out in difficult conditions at Interlagos and although he failed to reach the barriers at the first corner, he became beached on a crest in the run-off area, with his rear wheels in the air.

This led to the use of the virtual safety car - one which brought race-defining pit stops - but instead of Hulkenberg retiring, he was pushed off the ledge and continued. But the use of outside assistance contravened F1 regulations and saw Hulkenberg disqualified - the first driver shown the black flag since the Canadian Grand Prix in 2007.

Having made it to the pits under the red flags before being told of his disqualification, Hulkenberg dealt with the worst of the weather and insisted: "Definitely amongst the toughest conditions that I've raced in. "Incredibly low grip, a very, very narrow window, very hard to make no mistakes. It was very tough."

"Partying";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hulkenberg-brazil-gp-marshals-partying-after-rescuing-haas-driver-before-black-flag/10671033/


Nico Hulkenberg: Marshals celebrated aiding Haas driver before Brazil black flag
8 Nov 2024
Harry Whitfield
Motorsport Week

Hulkenberg had ended up on a crest off the track with his rear wheels in the air, needing assistance from the marshals to move his car. However, once the 37-year-old was freed, he continued back onto the track thus resulting in his disqualification from the race for receiving assistance from the marshals.

The Haas driver found out whilst the race was paused due to a red flag brought out by Franco Colapinto’s crash amid the extremely wet conditions.
Reflecting on his race, he said: “I think it was going OK on the inters actually; I was in a train with Pierre [Gasly] and Fernando [Alonso] for a long time, before we pitted,” he told media including Motorsport Week.

‘Brazil black flag’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/08/nico-hulkenberg-marshals-celebrated-aiding-haas-driver-before-brazil-black-flag/


Nico Hulkenberg causes McLaren team orders confusion in unearthed Brazil GP footage
05 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Hulkenberg pulled to the side of the track to retire on Lap 20 of 24, with the incident upping the urgency for McLaren to make the swap happen before the Virtual Safety Car – under which no overtaking is allowed – was deployed.

The sight of Hulkenberg’s stationary car resulted in Piastri’s engineer Tom Stallard instructing his driver to swap places with Norris. Stallard said: “Oscar, if possible, swap position with Lando.”

However, television pictures then showed Hulkenberg’s car crawling at low speed in the run-off area, potentially removing the need for a Virtual Safety Car, with Stallard quickly backtracking on his request. “No, Hulkenberg is getting going,” Stallard added. “Do not swap position. Do not swap position.”

‘McLaren team orders confusion’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-team-orders-nico-hulkenberg-brazil-gp-footage


Former F1 team boss can't understand it: 'I'd choose Schumacher'
7 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Former F1 team boss Franz Tost believes Sauber (soon to be Audi) have missed an opportunity to sign German driver Mick Schumacher for the 2025 Formula 1 season. On Wednesday, Sauber confirmed they will put Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hulkenberg in 2025. Tost himself would never choose Bortoleto because he is "a risk factor".

Tost, who was a longstanding team boss at Red Bull's sister team, explains why they should've gone for Schumacher. "Mick is still young and has won both crucial junior classes, something Bortoleto has not yet achieved. In addition, he is very fast, has constantly improved during his two years with the Haas team and now, in his role as a test driver, has a lot of mileage experience with the current Formula 1 cars," Tost said. Bortoleto won the F3 title in his debut season, and currently leads the F2 championship as a rookie.

‘Can't understand it’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/311836/franz-tost-would-choose-mick-schumacher-and-not-bortoleto.html

[Fortitude]

Colapinto “very sad” after crashing twice on dire day for Williams.
Williams suffered a dire day at Interlagos as they endured what team principal James Vowles called “three incredibly large crashes in just a few hours.”
3rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Franco Colapinto did take the start but suffered another heavy crash during a Safety Car period. He said afterwards he was “very sad for the team. They did an amazing job to put the car back on track on the race and I destroyed it again,” he told the official F1 website. “So I’m very sorry for them.”

“It was a very tough day for us, honestly, things didn’t go our way today. I think we had a quick car and we boxed to put the inters on and there was a lot of rivers. I was pushing to get the tyre temps up and I just lost the car on that big river. So not a good day for us.”

“Very sad”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/03/colapinto-very-sad-after-crashing-twice-on-dire-day-for-williams/


Colapinto apologises to his team after race-ending crash in the Sao Paulo GP
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Williams rookie Franco Colapinto had a second crash of the day on Lap 32 of Sunday’s Grand Prix to end his race and bring out the red flags.

‘Colapinto apologises’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/colapinto-apologises-to-his-team-after-race-ending-crash-in-the-sao-paulo-gp.1814722629602347096


'Very clear': Peter Windsor tells people why they need to ‘be careful’ about Franco Colapinto
5 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Peter Windsor compares Franco Colapinto to Carlos Sainz. Colapinto will not have a seat at Williams next year, owing to the team already deciding to employ Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon for the 2025 season. Windsor believes the recent run of races for Colapinto should remind people that the Argentine is still a rookie, despite making an impression in his first couple of races.

“We need to be careful here with Colapinto because he’s good, but at this stage of his career he’s nothing like what Carlos was at this stage of his career,” said Windsor. “It was very clear that Colapinto is a Liam Lawson-type driver. He’s an oversteer and reflex-type driver, and we saw a lot of those guys who are not short corner drivers all making quite serious errors where if you touch the white line with load, you’re off.”

‘Be careful’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/peter-windsor-tells-people-why-they-need-to-be-careful-about-franco-colapinto/


Brazilian GP: Toughest of days for Williams Racing
Nov 4 2024
Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters

James Vowles, Team Principal: "The nature of Formula 1 is that you can have some of the most incredible feelings and results, as well as some of the lowest moments that you can feel within a sport. I think it's fair to say this weekend is the second of those two.”

“We've had three incredibly large crashes in just a few hours from one another and have a tremendous amount of work to get ourselves back on top of our spares situation before we go to Las Vegas in just a few weeks’ time.”

‘Toughest of days’;

https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st206573.htm


Report: What James Vowles was seen doing on Williams pit wall after Franco Colapinto crash at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
6 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix was perhaps the worst weekend of the year for Williams. They’ve had plenty of scoreless races in 2024 – including the previous round in Mexico – but this was uniquely damaging. ESPN Deportes have offered a glimpse of what happened behind the scenes at Williams when Colapinto crashed out on lap 31 of the race. The accident was highly unusual because it came under safety car conditions.

However, Colapinto had been involved in a ‘radio dispute’ with the team beforehand, asking for full wet tyres rather than new intermediates. However, Williams ‘ignored him’, having seen frontrunners George Russell and Lando Norris favour new interest. Colapinto lost control of his car on the ascent towards the start/finish straight, spearing into the barriers. With Albon already sidelined, Vowles duly left his post on the pit wall and headed for the engineering office.

At the back of the Williams garage, Colapinto’s managers ‘leaned on the trolleys’ that carry the tyres and ‘stared into space’. The mechanics ‘hid their faces behind their hands’ as they faced yet another repair job. The bigger concern for James Vowles is that Williams racked up a seven-figure damage figure in Brazil. That will make it considerably harder for them to meet F1’s budget cap at the end of a crash-filled season.

‘Vowles duly left his post on the pit wall’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/what-james-vowles-was-seen-doing-on-williams-pit-wall-after-franco-colapinto-crash-at-sao-paulo-grand-prix/


Franco Colapinto’s manager got ‘angry’ after what he said about Williams merchandise
7 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Franco Colapinto has rapidly become one of the most popular drivers on the Formula 1 grid. The combination of immense pace on track and charisma off it makes him a highly marketable athlete. Will Buxton says Colapinto’s support was ‘astounding’ in Sao Paulo last time out. It was by far the closest race to his homeland Argentina, and legions of his fellow countrymen flocked to the circuit.


Franco Colapinto receives a ‘scolding’ for telling fans to buy fake Williams merchandise. One reason fans have embraced Colapinto so quickly is his authenticity. In a sport where so many drivers stick to the media script, they feel he shows his true personality. At times, of course, this can be to his own detriment. Speaking to Corazon de F1 last month, he joked that ‘not even Cristiano Ronaldo can afford’ the merchandise prices set by Williams’. To avoid ‘eating rice for two months’, they should ‘buy the fake stuff’. Realising this was ill-judged, Colapinto said ‘Williams are going to kill me’.

In an interview with Carburando, his manager Maria Catarineu admitted that she had to ‘scold’ him for these remarks. It wasn’t an effective rebuke, because Colapinto knew she agreed with the sentiment. “There, I have to say, yes I got a little angry,” she said. “I scold him, but he’s not very convinced that I am scolding him because he says I share it and I understand the reason why he says it.”

‘Not even Cristiano Ronaldo can afford the merchandise prices set by Williams’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/franco-colapintos-manager-got-angry-after-what-he-said-about-williams-merchandise/

[Fortitude]

'Unsustainable' run of damage leaves Williams uncertain of car spec for Vegas.
Williams is evaluating its spares situation after series of crashes has left it short after the Brazilian GP.
Nov 7, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Speaking in his regular post-race review on the Williams App, Vowles said that work at the squad was still ongoing to finalise what shape it would be in for Las Vegas.

Asked about the spares situation in light of the crashes, Vowles said: "There's no team on the grid that can cope with five major accidents in two race weekends. Simply the matter of spares we carry are not sufficient to carry that amount of attrition.

"Vegas, I have high hopes for. We were fast there last year, and I'm confident the car will work well in those conditions. So we will do our absolute utmost to get two cars to the best specification they can be, with sufficient spares around us to make that happen.”

'Unsustainable';

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/unsustainable-run-of-damage-leaves-williams-uncertain-of-car-spec-for-las-vegas-gp/10671331/


Williams ‘hurting’ as team counts the huge cost of three Brazilian GP crashes
6 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Formula 1 recorded its biggest crash damage bill of the 2024 championship in Brazil, the grand total standings at over €5 million, and almost half of that belonged to Williams. Causing over €800,000 worth of damage according to F1Maximal.nl, Williams did not have the time to fix Albon’s “extensive damage” and he was forced to sit out the race.

The team did repair Colapinto’s car in time but alas his race ended on lap 32 when he crashed while the field was running behind the Safety Car. He lost control of the Williams in the wet, spun and hit the barrier with the front left of his car.

His tally went from one front wing and nose, rear wing, front suspension, rear suspension to double while the FW46’s sidepods were also damaged. All in all, approximately €1,490,200. On a weekend in which the entire field racked up a reported €5,030,800 in repair bills, Williams’ alone was €2,296,800.

‘Biggest crash damage bill of the 2024 championship’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-counting-huge-cost-three-brazilian-gp-crash


‘On the table’: What Alex Albon left ‘on the table’ with Williams driver’s ‘expensive’ Sao Paulo GP crash
5 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Williams endured a difficult weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after neither Franco Colapinto or Alex Albon saw the chequered flag. The rain over the weekend caused qualifying to be moved from Saturday to Sunday morning before the Grand Prix.

This put added pressure on the drivers to not crash and force their mechanics into repairing the cars, risking not starting the race. Albon was incredibly fast in qualifying and made it into Q3 before crashing at the Senna S and destroying his Williams. His teammate Colapinto also hit the wall in qualifying and Williams would only get the Argentinian’s car ready in time for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

‘Expensive’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/what-alex-albon-left-on-the-table-with-williams-drivers-expensive-sao-paulo-gp-crash/


Where another brutal F1 crash streak leaves Williams
Nov 8, 2024
Josh Suttill
The Race

With the biggest damage bill of the season and its relatively small - if ever-expanding - size, it's feeling the effects worse than any team in the paddock. One possible scenario is that Williams will focus on building up Albon’s car to the latest specification and then see what parts are left to get Colapinto up to the as close a spec as possible.

But the team’s still working out what’s feasible and the three-week gap to Las Vegas has come at a handy time, even if shipping the cars back out again to North America means it's not a full three weeks, and the cars and parts also had to travel back from Brazil. If Las Vegas would have been the weekend after Brazil, it seems near impossible that Williams would have fielded two cars at the latest spec.

Handing Colapinto’s car to Albon on Sunday morning for the grand prix was never an option after Albon crashed in Q3. The team would have needed to swap in all of Albon’s engine components and with only a few hours between the end of qualifying and the grand prix, this wasn’t impossible even if Williams had wanted to.

‘Brutal F1 crash streak’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/where-another-brutal-f1-crash-streak-leaves-williams/


Williams reveals scale of repair work after Brazil F1 crashes
5 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Williams boss James Vowles has revealed that the crippling blow has granted the team an uphill task to have the repairs sorted in time for the next race in Las Vegas. “The nature of Formula 1 is that you can have some of the most incredible feelings and results, as well as some of the lowest moments that you can feel within a sport,” Vowles said.

“I think it’s fair to say this weekend is the second of those two. We’ve had three incredibly large crashes in just a few hours from one another and have a tremendous amount of work to get ourselves back on top of our spares situation before we go to Las Vegas in just a few weeks’ time.”

“We must go to every single one of these weekends now and deliver everything possible, whilst making sure we are still looking ahead towards 2025 and 2026 because that, as I’ve said all along, is where our goal is truly set. It’s all about getting the foundations right as we go towards that ‘26 region. That doesn’t make today any less painful. Far from it, I’m hurting right now.”

‘Scale of repair work’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/05/williams-reveals-scale-of-repair-work-after-brazil-f1-crashes/


Williams counting 'brutal' cost of five major accidents in 10 days
Williams cars were decimated in Mexico City and São Paulo. The financial burden 'no one can sustain on the grid'.
7 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

"The Brazilian weekend was probably the most brutal that I can remember across my entire career," said Vowles, speaking on his post-race debrief, the 'Vowles Verdict' on the Williams website.

"In the space of seven days, a little bit more than that, we had five major accidents. In Brazil alone, between qualifying and the race, three. That's an amount that, near enough, no one can sustain on the grid, and it hurts as a result of it."

Williams assessing spare parts for Las Vegas. It leaves Williams counting the cost, estimated to run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds, and piecing together cars for the next race in Las Vegas that spearheads the season-concluding triple-header, with grands prix to follow in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

‘Brutal';

https://racingnews365.com/williams-counting-brutal-cost-of-five-major-accidents-in-10-days


Williams scrambling to recover after devastating F1 crash run
08/11/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Williams has been left reeling after a crash-laden two-week run in Mexico and in Brazil that has decimated the team’s reserve of spare part, leaving it in a race against time to rebuild and prepare its cars for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. Vowles’ task has now shifted to ensuring the team can bring both of its cars to Las Vegas with enough replacement parts in reserve while also running them within the optimal specification.

"So we will do our absolute utmost to get two cars to the best specification they can be, with sufficient spares around us to make that happen. What that looks like is difficult to predict. We're still getting the items back from Brazil and determining what we have to do in terms of construct and build in order to give ourselves the best possible scenario."

Beyond the logistical pain of damage control, last weekend’s events in Brazil also delivered a psychological blow to the team. Albon’s Q3 crash, which occurred just as the car was showing promising pace in the wet, was particularly hard to take. Adding salt to the wound, Williams' hard-earned position in the Constructors' Championship slipped, as Alpine took a double podium finish in Brazil.

‘Scrambling’;

https://f1i.com/news/524225-williams-scrambling-to-recover-after-devastating-f1-crash-run.html

[Fortitude]

‘We know what we want to do’ – Magnussen issues update on talks over still working with Haas after 2024.
Kevin Magnussen has given an update over potential plans to continue working with Haas after his impending exit from the race team at the end of 2024, with the Dane admitting that he and the team “know what we want to do” going forwards.
13 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Team Principal Ayao Komatsu voiced his hope that the two parties could “find a way to keep working together in some capacity”, citing Magnussen’s “special relationship” with the team. Asked during the recent triple header of races if there had been any progress on this front, Magnussen responded: “Yeah, we’re still working on [it]. “We’re not really stressing – in a triple header it’s just busy, you’re trying to do your best on track. Since there’s no stress and we kind of know what we want to do, it’s no rush.”

When speaking later about what his racing future might hold, the 32-year-old – who was forced to miss the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to illness – admitted that his focus is currently on maximising the remaining races in 2024 and helping Haas to stay ahead of their rivals in the constructors’ championship.

“It’s a tight battle with our main competitors in the championship and it can swing around quickly, so we really need to stay focused and do a very good job to beat [RB],” said Magnussen. He continued: “I’m thinking about this championship, finishing as high as possible for the team and focusing race by race. I know in this sport it only matters how well you do on track.”

‘We know what we want to do’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/we-know-what-we-want-to-do-magnussen-issues-update-on-talks-over-still.5zSU0ZI5QtC8ZW1dLUwfQD


Why Kevin Magnussen regrets putting Oliver Bearman forward to replace him in Brazil
9 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Kevin Magnussen missed his second Formula 1 race of 2024 in Brazil. He was present for Thursday’s media duties, but then became ill overnight. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu duly turned to Oliver Bearman. Bearman had replaced Magnussen in Azerbaijan, when the Danish driver was banned for accumulating 12 penalty points in the space of a year.

Kevin Magnussen would have raced in Brazil if he knew a rainstorm was coming. Magnussen revealed on his ‘Debrief’ show for Viaplay Denmark that he’d actually put Bearman forward for the Brazil weekend. When he felt too unwell to race, he urged Komatsu to turn to the youngster.

He showed formidable pace on a dry Friday, outpacing Hulkenberg and reaching SQ3. However, he struggled in his first wet F1 outing, making a series of errors in the race after a Q1 exit. Magnussen says he would have been more inclined to race if he knew that it was going to rain so heavily. This isn’t necessarily a slight on Bearman; he’ll see it as a missed opportunity for a big result.

‘Regrets’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-kevin-magnussen-regrets-putting-oliver-bearman-forward-to-replace-him-in-brazil/


Kevin Magnussen reveals previous talks with Sauber over 2025 F1 seat
11 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Outgoing Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has revealed that he had contact with Sauber over a potential Formula 1 switch for 2025 when Andreas Seidl was at the helm.

However, the Dane has admitted that discussions with Sauber over a possible move hadn’t taken place since Mattia Binotto replaced Seidl in charge over the summer.

“When Seidl was there I heard from them, but I haven’t heard from them since,” Magnussen told media including Motorsport Week in Brazil.

‘Contact with Sauber’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/11/kevin-magnussen-reveals-previous-talks-with-sauber-over-2025-f1-seat/


'Yelling and screaming': Kevin Magnussen loved ‘awesome’ Max Verstappen move that left the FIA ‘crying’
9 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Max Verstappen has received support from some of his fellow F1 drivers amid recent criticism over his driving style. The reigning world champion was involved in three controversial incidents in the triple-header. Kevin Magnussen was delighted by Max Verstappen’s Mexico lunge on Lando Norris.

Kevin Magnussen has now joined Ocon in publicly defending Verstappen. He was speaking on his Viaplay ‘Debrief’ show in Denmark. The Haas driver is known for being one of the most aggressive on the grid. In September, he became the first to receive a race ban under the penalty points system after racking up 12 in the space of the year.

Rewatching footage of Verstappen’s turn-eight move on Norris in Mexico, Magnussen called it ‘awesome’. He delighted in the backlash that the 27-year-old had received. He said: “The reason why I think it is awesome, is because it is p*****g off so many people, they are yelling and screaming, and the FIA is crying about it. Relax.”

'Yelling and screaming';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/kevin-magnussen-loved-awesome-max-verstappen-move-that-left-the-fia-crying/


Magnussen offers FIA a solution for clear racing rules
10 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

No doubt everyone within Formula 1 agrees with Magnussen's perception of the current racing standards. "I think it's pretty messy, the way things are at the moment. I think the FIA is aware of that and looking to make changes. They can see that it’s not great at the moment. There's too much room to exploit these guidelines. They need to rethink it a little bit, go back to basics," he states.

Is there even a solution? Magnessun shares his view, "The tracks make it incredibly hard because there's all this run-off and you don't even feel you go outside. So racing each other, it's too easy to just hang on to the outside and then you try and have your front wing ahead at the apex and again at the exit. Then try to make it look like you got pushed out. So it's all like it's not real. You're trying to make it look certain ways rather than just trying to get past."

Magnussen knows the solution. This the root of the problem, according to the Danish driver, "If you don't get far enough ahead, the inside car will have the natural power to push you outside. Whereas if you get ahead enough on the braking and into the apex, he just won't be able to push you outside. He will damage his front wing and stuff. So there is a natural dynamic to racing that I think should excel and take the lead in this case. Whereas now, because of the tracks, we have to put all these different guidelines and rules in place and I just think that's a shame."

‘Solution’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312231/magnussen-appeals-to-fia-after-verstappen-case-back-to-basics.html

[Fortitude]

Horner Gives Go-Ahead For Perez Sponsors In 2025.
Powerful commercial interests look set to cement Sergio Perez in place at Red Bull Racing for 2025.
12 Nov 2024
F1 Chronicle

Already this week, it is rumoured that one of Perez’s sponsors, which also backs the team, has organised a TV series that will focus on the 34-year-old’s 2025 F1 campaign. “That’s one of the reasons why they are still persisting with him,” said Dutch racing driver Renger van der Zande on Ziggo Sport.

And now, according to the Spanish sports newspaper Marca, multiple “new sponsors for 2025” have now signed up with Red Bull. In response, team boss Christian Horner is said to have just given the green light to start production of 2025-spec team clothing and merchandise featuring the new sponsors’ names.

“The name of the new sponsor is not yet known, but it would join Claro, Telcel and Infinitum, all of which are part of Carlos Slim’s group, as well as Interproteccion, a global brokerage firm that has been with the driver for years,” said correspondent Marco Canseco. Other Perez-linked sponsors are Banorte, ESPN, Jalisco and Uber.

‘Powerful commercial interests’;

https://f1chronicle.com/horner-gives-go-ahead-for-perez-sponsors-in-2025/?nowprocket=1


Sergio Perez: Sponsors could help secure 2025 Red Bull seat
Nov 12, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Red Bull could retain the status quo. According to a recent report from MARCA, a fresh wave of sponsorship could help Sergio Perez stay at Red Bull in 2025. The Spanish outlets suggests that Perez brings $30 million of sponsors to the team – a massive figure. Although this will not be the only factor Red Bull are taking consideration, finances certainly play a role.

‘Status quo’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/11/12/sergio-perez-sponsors-could-help-secure-2025-red-bull-seat/


Sergio Perez has told Red Bull how much it would cost to buy him out of his contract before next season
13 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez is insistent that his time in Formula 1 isn’t about to come to an end. N Sergio Perez has had a glittering F1 career spanning more than a decade.

A report from F1 Insider has now shared how much Perez would demand if Red Bull were going to buy out his contract. Alongside the cost of finding a replacement and the loss in value from his personal sponsors, it makes an already difficult decision even harder.

Sergio Perez to demand £15.7m fee to walk away from 2025 Red Bull contract. Perez will want to concentrate on the final three races of the season as much as possible, knowing that a sudden upturn in form could help Red Bull in their quest to win the Constructors’ Championship.

‘£15.7 Million’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/sergio-perez-has-told-red-bull-how-much-it-would-cost-to-buy-him-out-of-his-contract-before-next-season/


Horner has clear message for Perez: "We need Checo, he recognises that"
12 Nov 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

Christian Horner once again underlined that Sergio Perez has to improve his performance at the end of this season. That is not only for himself or to help Max Verstappen in his quest for his fourth title, but also for Red Bull Racing to have a chance at winning the constructors' championship this season.

"Formula One, as we know, is a results-based business. And Sergio is very, very aware of that. And he's not happy with how the season has gone for him, as you would expect. So, yes, he's big enough and old enough and wise enough to recognise that," the team principal told talkSport.

"We need Checo”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312442/christian-horner-has-clear-message-for-sergio-perez.html


‘The truth is’: Sergio Perez has ‘laughed at’ what he’s read about his future at Red Bull in ‘European media’
13 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Sergio Perez laughs at European reporters for ‘inventing’ Red Bull stories
Speaking to Banorte, one of his sponsors in Mexico, on Instagram, Perez addressed the speculation over his future. He repeated his accusation that members of the European press lack professionalism. Perez ultimately accepts the scrutiny that comes with his position. But he also ‘laughs’ when he reads ‘invented’ stories.

His camp have been consistently bullish. Perez’s father has hinted that he’ll stay at Red Bull, while the driver himself has maintained that Horner and Marko will honour his contract. Perez said: “With humour, the truth is, I laugh at everything that is invented, what is said. Some, the truth is, I think not all, there are very professional journalists who do their job very well.”

“In the end, [some] understand it, you have a bad career and you have to talk about it, and as an athlete sometimes it is difficult to understand it, but you also have to be honest and know that perhaps you did not have the best career, not everyone is going to make the best decisions. But there is also an excess of, let’s say, a lack of professionalism in many European media.”

‘The truth is’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/sergio-perez-has-laughed-at-what-hes-read-about-his-future-at-red-bull-in-european-media/

[Fortitude]

Williams could be forced to miss 2024 Las Vegas GP.
Crash damage has gone beyond cash allocations at Williams.
13 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Williams could be forced to miss the 2024 Las Vegas GP as the team struggles to find the parts needed for Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto’s cars following a series of crashes at the Mexico GP and Brazilian GP in Formula 1’s triple header. Albon found the barriers at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez twice, firstly in FP1 and again on Lap 1 of the Grand Prix, before adding a huge shunt in Sao Paulo during qualifying that ensured he could take no part in the race.

Whilst Colapinto also found the wall in qualifying at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) before adding a significant crash under safety car conditions on Lap 32, ensuring his afternoon was done too. And although the British racing team are known for being low budget, James Vowles revealed the damage has gone beyond cash allocations and is now a simple case of logistical issues as he declares no other competitor on the grid would be able to take that hit.

‘Williams could be forced to miss the 2024 Las Vegas GP’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-williams-miss-2024-las-vegas-gp-crash-damage/


Williams reveal Las Vegas spec conundrum with spare parts shortage
11 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Five big crashes in 10 days have Williams facing a conundrum ahead of Las Vegas as the team has yet to tally their remaining spare parts and could be forced to mix and match.

Williams have had a crash-strewn run in the last two races, Mexico and Brazil, with three crashes for Alex Albon and two for Franco Colapinto.

The run of crashes has not only hit Williams’ pocket hard, but also their stock of spare parts. It had team boss James Vowles revealing they don’t yet know what specs either FW46 will feature at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

‘Conundrum’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-reveal-las-vegas-spec-conundrum-with-spare-parts-shortage


'I remember': James Vowles shares what he did during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Franco Colapinto’s crash
4 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Williams was the only team not classified at the end of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a dismal day at Interlagos. The team suffered an early setback when Alex Albon threw away a potential front-row start in qualifying when he crashed at high speed heading into the Senna ‘S’ section.

James Vowles watched the rest of Sao Paulo GP despite Williams double retirement. Vowles said he was ‘hurting’ after the race, especially considering Alpine’s result now drops them down to P9 ahead of pointless Sauber in the standings.

'I remember';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/james-vowles-shares-what-he-did-during-the-sao-paulo-grand-prix-after-franco-colapintos-crash/


Williams issues 'frustration' plea after series of F1 crashes
Williams has endured a difficult handful of weeks with multiple on-track incidents and falling to ninth in the constructors' championship.
13 Nov 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

“I came here to win races with Williams,” Vowles said. “I came here to watch Williams, a championship team that is the second most successful team in the sport, come back to the front. So a weekend like this is a blip.”

“It's part of a journey, but it is not our destination. I said all along that 2023, 2024 and 2025 don’t have the material impact on us as a team. 2026, 2027 and 2028 do.”

“It's a long way away, but it's investment in the future, and it's making sure we're doing the right things for the continued success of the team rather than one race weekend.”

‘2026, 2027 and 2028’;

https://racingnews365.com/williams-calls-on-team-to-use-frustration


'Unsustainable' run of damage leaves Williams uncertain of car spec for Vegas
Williams is evaluating its spares situation after series of crashes has left it short after the Brazilian GP
Nov 7, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Williams has admitted that the five major shunts from the last two Formula 1 race weekends have caused an 'unsustainable' run of damage to leave it short on spares.

The run of incidents has burned through Williams' spare parts and team principal James Vowles has admitted that it is now facing a race against time to work out what can be done to put it in the best possible shape for the race in Las Vegas.

The team will not only need to ensure it has enough spares to get through the weekend but also that it is running with its car in the best possible configuration of upgrades.

'Unsustainable';

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/unsustainable-run-of-damage-leaves-williams-uncertain-of-car-spec-for-las-vegas-gp/10671331/


Colapinto Red Bull move will ‘destroy him’, says F1 pundit
The Argentinian racer has impressed in his first races for Williams
Nov 10, 2024
James Fiorucci
FormulaNerds

Sky Sports F1 commentator Karun Chandhok believes that Colapinto shouldn’t join Red Bull if he has any regard for his future. “If they put him in a Red Bull alongside Max, it could destroy him, I think it’d be too soon,” concluded Chandhok.

The television pundit offered an alternative career path for Colapinto, that would allow him to gain further confidence before joining one of the faster teams on the grid. He continued: “I think it’s too early, I think if they were talking about putting him in an RB, I think that’ll be a good, sensible choice and a career progression for him.”

‘Red Bull move will ‘destroy him’, says F1 pundit’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/colapinto-red-bull-move-will-destroy-him-says-f1-pundit/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

Axed F1 race director accused of deliberate move to hamper Max Verstappen title bid.
Niels Wittich, whose exit as Formula 1 race director was announced by the FIA this week, has been accused by Eddie Jordan of deliberately using a red flag to hamper Max Verstappen.
15 Nov 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror

Eddie Jordan asserted Max Verstappen was not given "a fair deal" as he accused former Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich of trying to hamper the Dutchman in his title fight with Lando Norris. The FIA announced this week that Wittich has been replaced as F1 race director. The governing body's statement to the media suggested the German has chosen to leave his post, but he refuted that claim soon after and insisted he did not resign.

While several other cars had the time to finish the flying laps they were on, the Red Bull racer was one of those who did not and it meant he suffered an early exit which consigned him to 17th on the grid. With title rival Norris on pole, both Verstappen and his boss Christian Horner were furious.

You know the gods are in Lando's hands. They want Lando to win this championship. But he is not going to, because Max has outfoxed him. That is it." Coulthard replied to say he was not sure whether he agreed that was true, prompting another retort from Jordan. The Irish businessman said: "The red flag was wrong, it was a mistake - he f***** up, didn't he?"

‘Deliberate move to hamper Max’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/verstappen-red-flag-brazil-wittich-34115114


Eddie Jordan launches attack at FIA over hindering Max Verstappen deliberately in Brazil
"Was he dealt a fair deal when the red flag came out six cars, seven cars later?"
15 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has launched an attack at former FIA race director Niels Wittich over his handling of the red flag in qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Coulthard started the discussion by saying: “I think it’s kind of found its natural place now where the luck of where the Safety Car comes out is the luck of the racing gods. “We have to assume that the race director never looks at things like where cars are as to whether…”

Jordan quickly stated: “Of course he does! Of course he does! Are you telling me that Max was dealt a fair deal? Was he dealt a fair deal when the red flag came out six cars, seven cars later? Come on David, don’t be stupid.”

‘Eddie Jordan launches attack at FIA’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060053/1/eddie-jordan-launches-attack-fia-over-hindering-max-verstappen-deliberately


Jordan backs Verstappen: 'They want Norris to win from him!'
15 Nov 2024
Cas van de Kleut
GPblog.com

Jordan defends Verstappen: When Coulhard, in the Formula for Success podcast, raised the idea of banning a pit stop during a [virtual] safety car, Jordan reacted indignantly: "Are you telling me that Max was dealt a fair deal? Was he dealt a fair deal when the red flag came out six cars, seven cars later? Come on, David, don't be stupid. You know the Gods are in Lando's hands. They want Lando to win this championship, but he's not going to because Max has outfoxed them. That's it."

‘Jordan backs Verstappen’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312881/eddie-jordan-protects-max-verstappen-after-david-coulthard-comments.html


Perez under the impression FIA Race Director Wittich was "sacked"
15 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Sergio Perez believes former FIA Race Director Niels Wittich was sacked. In an announcement earlier this week, the FIA thanked Wittich for his work as Race Director in Formula 1 after he himself decided to take up a challenge elsewhere. The German seemed to suggest he was sidelined, and now Red Bull driver Perez seems to be under the impression that Wittich was sacked.

A story on Wednesday said Wittich's poor relationship with the drivers was the reason for his departure. For instance, he reportedly insisted on severely punishing drivers who swore, talked about fireproof underwear, and were not allowed to wear jewellery. These issues were also reflected in the GPDA's statement, which was published as an open letter. Perez gave his thoughts on the open letter.

"I think that’s [GPDA statement] good. The truth is that we are making it more public because in the end we are in a generation where we understand how important we are. We are, in the end, only 20 drivers in the world and it is important that we are heard as drivers. Formula 1 has grown a lot. Everyone is looking out for their interests and, in the end, they have neglected the driver a lot," Perez made his thoughts clear on the issue.

‘Sidelined’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312833/sergio-perez-claims-fia-race-director-wittich-was-sacked.html


Villeneuve stands up for Perez: 'Stop saying that!'
14 Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Jacques Villeneuve is known for not shying away from saying what's on his mind about Formula One. The 1997 world champion now stood up for Sergio Perez, saying that the Mexican has a contract signed for next season.

According to Jacques Villeneuve however, Perez will remain at the team for the 2025 season. "Colapinto deserves a race seat. But there might not be one available. It's very simple. Everybody is saying he will take the Perez seat. But Perez is there and he's under contract. It’s been 10 months now that people have been saying Perez is out at the next race. Stop saying it. He has a contract," he began to Grosvenor Sport.

Villeneuve believes there is no reason to let Perez go, given everything the Mexican brings to the table. "He brings sponsorship, and stability to the team. Verstappen is happy with him. And who knows how much of the difference is because Perez is a bit lost right now, which can happen or just Verstappen being so amazing."

‘Villeneuve stands up for Perez’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312776/jacques-villeneuve-defends-sergio-perez-red-bull-seat-verstappen-happy.html


'Unless something crazy happens': Growing confidence Sergio Perez will stay at Red Bull because of one ‘weird’ issue
15 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Sergio Perez’s ‘weird’ contract extension should keep him at Red Bull. Perez came into 2024 approaching the end of his contract. Had Red Bull stayed patient, it’s highly likely that they would have parted with the Mexican at the end of the season.

But, to quote Saunders, they made the ‘weird’ decision to extend his contract in June, just a third of the way through a 24-race season. While they hoped that clarity would benefit Perez, they’ll surely regret their premature move at this point. “Honestly, the more I talk about it, the more I’m convinced Perez will stay next year,” Saunders said. “Unless something crazy happens at the end, I think that Red Bull backed themselves into a weird corner by signing him to a new deal.”

Without a specific break clause, Red Bull could face a huge payout. They would also lose out on some of F1’s largest commercial incentives. Telmex have pumped £103m into Red Bull since Perez joined at the start of 2021.

‘Growing confidence’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/growing-confidence-sergio-perez-will-stay-at-red-bull-because-of-one-weird-issue/


Perez explains retaliation to F1 retirement speculation
Sergio Perez has detailed why he responded to F1 retirement speculation with use of a pop culture reference on social media.
14 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez has explained his now-infamous use of a clip from The Wolf of Wall Street to disavow the rumour he would announce his retirement from F1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix. "Well, I just felt like it's been every year for the last two years or so that someone creates this rumour," the six-time grand prix winner told media, including RacingNews365.

"Then everyone picks it up, and then all my fans - I was very conscious that there was a lot of people coming to support me at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and they probably might have been expecting something that is not true."

"I felt the need to just say, 'Look...'," he added. "It's just not correct to spread rumours like this without knowing the facts."

‘Why he responded’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-explains-bite-back-moment-during-f1-retirement-drama

[Fortitude]

Norris’s 12 errors which cost him far more than his 62-point deficit to Verstappen.
The fight for the Formula 1 drivers’ championship is all over bar the shouting. Unless Max Verstappen suffers a series of bizarre misfortunes akin to Montgomery Burns’ all-star baseball team, his name will go on the trophy for the fourth year in a row.
14th Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

What makes it so unlikely Verstappen will let his shot at the title slip is he has been so effective at gathering the maximum points available when his car hasn’t been quick enough to win. There have been few occasions when Verstappen finished lower than his car looked capable of, and not once has his team mate Sergio Perez finished in front of him.

The same cannot be said of Verstappen’s closest championship rival, Lando Norris. The McLaren driver has had a breakthrough season, claiming his first three grand prix wins. But more often than not points have slipped through his fingers.

Sometimes he’s been plainly unlucky. On other occasions his team have slipped up. And Norris has squandered points through his own mistakes as well. But can any of these be singled out as the main reason why his championship bid is set to fail?

‘Norris’s 12 errors’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/14/norriss-12-errors-which-cost-him-far-more-than-his-62-point-deficit-to-verstappen/


The key ‘five races’ that really cost Lando Norris the World title
15 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Although Brazil 2024 will go down in F1’s annals as the day Lando Norris lost the World title, Karun Chandhok says one has to look at the first five races of the season and McLaren’s deficit for the real cause.

McLaren admitted before the start of the 2024 championship that some of 2023’s weaknesses remained, team principal Andrea Stella saying: “There were a few projects that we had started, that had potential, but just we couldn’t finalise them in time to have it on the launch car, so they will very likely become updates for the early part of the season.”

But while the team nailed those with their Miami Grand Prix upgrades as the MCL38 emerged as the car to beat, by then Norris was 62 points off Verstappen’s lead. It’s a deficit that at its highest grew to 81 points and at its lowest dropped to 44. McLaren may have lost the World title but they are still on track for the Constructors’, up on Ferrari by 36 points with Red Bull a further 13 off the pace.

‘Five races’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/key-five-races-that-cost-lando-norris-f1-world-title


McLaren’s slow start pinpointed as moment Lando Norris lost 2024 F1 title
16th Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Ex-Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has claimed that McLaren’s deficit in the opening five races will be the reason that Lando Norris‘ title bid comes up short in 2024.

“I think realistically, they could be proud of the season he’s put together,” Chandhok told the Sky F1 podcast. “The championship battle wasn’t lost on Sunday in Brazil, it was lost in the first five races.”

‘McLaren’s slow start’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/16/mclarens-slow-start-pinpointed-as-moment-lando-norris-lost-2024-f1-title/


‘Very odd’ McLaren ‘said the weirdest thing’ after Brazilian GP defeat
14 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Jacques Villeneuve believes McLaren’s championship claims after Brazil are “very odd”, and questioned the team’s winning mentality. McLaren boss Andrea Stella responded to Max Verstappen’s dramatic win in Brazil by stating that, for his team, the result changed nothing because “the Constructors’ Championship was always our priority.” 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who reflected on the dramatic weekend in Brazil during an interview with Grosvenor Sport.

“Lando Norris’ luck turned halfway through the race in Brazil because of what happened with the Safety Car (in Brazil),” he said. “There’s a flaw in the regulations and he paid a heavy price and that was extremely bad luck – there was nothing he could have done with that. Then the pace that Verstappen had in the second half of the race came out of nowhere which was incredible. It’s not in Lando’s hands anymore. All he can do is race hard and fast and hope that the Red Bull doesn’t score. That’s all.”

“McLaren said the weirdest thing after Brazil, and that was the team’s priority, which was not the Drivers’ Championship but the Constructors’ title. That is very odd. That’s what teams that don’t win say,” Villeneuve said. “Ok, the Constructors’ title brings you money. But nobody cares about the Constructors’. People only remember who the World Champion driver was and the team was linked to that world champion.”

“That’s what teams that don’t win say”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jacques-villeneuve-mclaren-said-weirdest-thing-after-brazilian-grand-prix


Lando Norris has scrapped one hobby that stopped him sleeping on F1 race weekends
14 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Lando Norris rather suddenly became a Formula 1 title contender this year. While that bid looks destined to end in failure, it has no doubt taught him a great deal. Norris spent the first two years of his career in the upper midfield with McLaren. By 2021, they were on the periphery of the frontrunner status.

Lando Norris no longer plays video games when he’s at a Grand Prix. Norris has always been an enthusiastic gamer. He was involved in the coverage of Formula 1’s E-sports series (pictured below) before he joined the grid and his Quadrant brand is also part of that space. During his early years in F1, Norris would bring his PlayStation to race weekends and play for ‘hours’. That, in turn, would cost him much-needed sleep.

Speaking to tech YouTuber Austin Evans, he revealed that he’d now left this hobby at home. It’s part of his efforts to be more ‘disciplined’ and focused on racing. He said: “I used to have the PlayStation. I used to carry that around with me everywhere. I would play on flights and I would spend hours and hours. The thing is, I wouldn’t sleep because I love doing these things so much. I would spend too much time doing that, I wasn’t disciplined enough. I probably think I am now.”

‘Scrapped one hobby’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lando-norris-has-scrapped-one-hobby-that-stopped-him-sleeping-on-f1-race-weekends/


Ex-F1 star reveals Verstappen and Norris are no longer friends
The pair have been involved in bitter F1 2024 title fight since the Miami GP in May.
14 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Ralf Schumacher has cast doubt on whether Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are still friends as the ex-Formula 1 star suggests their intense battle for the 2024 F1 season may have fractured their bond following a series of controversial incidents.

The former Williams driver, and brother of Michael, pointed to recent behavioural changes and tense on-track incidents as signs of a growing rift between the two drivers as the pair no longer fly to Grand Prix races together.

“I’m not at all sure that the friendship really exists even now,” Schumacher told formel1.de.com. “I was surprised. They used to always fly together, but that’s stopped recently. I can understand it, though. It’s hard to stay friends when you’re fighting for the championship and top positions as fiercely as they are.”

‘It’s hard to stay friends’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/ex-f1-star-reveals-verstappen-norris-no-longer-friends/

[Fortitude]

'Far outweighs': McLaren may have used an ‘old school trick’ to develop race-winning F1 car this season.
The MCL38 started off the season as second-best to the Red Bull RB20, but key developments have enabled the team to win more than one race in a season for the first time since 2012.
11 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

McLaren has been on a big recruitment drive which has led to some key personnel members from rival teams join them, including Red Bull aerodynamicist Rob Marshall. The MCL38 has drawn attention from some rivals, with Red Bull recently leading a protest of their rear wing design following their win at Azerbaijan. They are employing an ‘old school trick’ when it comes to car development according to F1 technical journalist Matt Somerfield when speaking on the Missed Apex podcast.

McLaren has been able to use a new wind tunnel facility that came online last year, and they have put it to good use with their front wing designs according to Somerfield. “They [McLaren] might have started out with the high, medium and low downforce wings that they will never use again because they’re from the first family and now they have a better configuration with the second family,” said Somerfield.

“Their development on that side of things far outweighs any team on the grid. This makes you question their development and understand how to get the best out of these regulations because in reality, that’s more of an old-school trick we used to see, whereas we haven’t seen that trick through this regulation set. Only Red Bull had done it in the early phases through beam wings rather than rear wings.”

‘Old school trick’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mclaren-may-have-used-an-old-school-trick-to-develop-race-winning-f1-car-this-season/


This surprising F1 stat shows how Lando Norris' chance slipped away
16 Nov 2024
Cas van de Kleut
GPblog.com

It is clear that the Red Bull car has long since ceased to be the car it was. At the beginning of the season the team was still winning races comfortably. At times, the McLaren car won by a large margin. Verstappen, however, managed to limit the damage as much as possible.

After the summer break, it became clear that Red Bull's problem was really big. At Zandvoort, Norris won overwhelmingly, and in Italy, too, the RB20 was simply not fast enough. Red Bull has since improved Verstappen's car's balance.

Norris failed to make gains: Yet Verstappen managed to limit the damage. Since the summer break, Verstappen has scored 116 points. That is only 16 points less than Norris. This means that the Briton made up an average of just 2.29 points per Grand Prix since the summer break. Leclerc scored 130 points since the summer break, meaning he made up an average of only 2 points per race weekend.

‘Norris failed to make gains’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312749/max-verstappen-lost-few-points-to-lando-norris-after-summer-break.html


Lando Norris given extra motivation as Las Vegas GP chiefs plan Max Verstappen party
Lando Norris has a chance to be the spoiler this weekend.
Nov 14, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Lando Norris has the chance to spoil the party - literally - at the Las Vegas Grand Prix next weekend, with organisers planning a celebration event should Max Verstappen confirm his fourth World Championship.

Renee Wilm, CEO of the event, told Autosport: “I'm sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities. When you consider the properties on the Strip - Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality.

“Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers. There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion [crowned].”

‘Chance to spoil the party’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1975841/Lando-Norris-Max-Verstappen-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix


Lando Norris admits he's 'split' after Max Verstappen question as tensions rise
Tensions have reached boiling point between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen this year.
Nov 16, 2024
Fraser Watson

Speaking to Will Buxton on F1 TV, the 25-year-old was asked if the pair’s relationship had been affected. “I don’t know, I’m split,” he replied. “In some ways, you kind of think how someone can be personally and how you can get along with people can be so different to how you are on track.”

“It’s such a different world there on the track to here doing this in the paddock. It’s my first time being in this situation, and time will tell how that changes. But for now I still respect Max, I think he respects me, but maybe ask me again at the end of the year.”

‘Tensions have reached boiling point’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1976892/Lando-Norris-Max-Verstappen-McLaren-Red-Bull-title


Herbert expects McLaren driver dynamic to ‘swap over’ in 2025
14/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ex-F1 driver and current FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes the 2025 season will bring a thrilling shift in McLaren’s internal dynamics, with Oscar Piastri free to challenge teammate Lando Norris head-on for supremacy. When asked about Piastri’s potential to fight Norris for top billing within McLaren, the former Grand Prix driver was unequivocal, noting that the young Aussie has proven he’s more than ready for the challenge.

“If we go to Abu Dhabi and the championship is done and it is not possible for Lando to win [the drivers' title], that will already have changed," Herbert told Vision4Sport. "That will be letting Oscar be allowed to go out there and win the race if he can. The whole dynamic will swap over very quickly this year and will continue into 2025."

‘McLaren driver dynamic’;

https://f1i.com/news/524556-herbert-expects-mclaren-driver-dynamic-to-swap-over-in-2025.html

[Fortitude]

Vasseur issues Ferrari instruction to end F1 title drought.
Ferrari is currently in second place in the standings, 36 points behind McLaren and 13 ahead of Red Bull with three rounds and 147 points remaining on the board.
17 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Ferrari is challenging for a first F1 world championship in any form since 2008 with the constructors' fight against McLaren. Frederic Vasseur has told his Ferrari team that it must look back at its failures in the F1 season if it wants to capture the constructors' championship.

"I don't think we've lost so many points on the strategy, but for sure, you have frustration when you look at the complete season," he told media including RacingNews365. "We made mistakes as a team, had some issues, but I think that is true for everybody.”

"If you look at that, everybody can say that: 'if I didn't do this or this and at the end, with the kind of fight with three or four teams where it is close, everybody can be world champion'. But the most important thing is to avoid racing with 'if', because everybody can win races, but we need to focus on what we are doing to try and improve.”

‘Ferrari instruction’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-issues-ferrari-instruction-to-end-f1-title-drought


Ferrari success shows it has taken ‘right approach’ in F1 2024
15 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Asked whether Ferrari had given up time in qualifying in 2024, Ferrari Senior Performance Engineer Jock Clear told media including Motorsport Week: “Yes, I think so. I think we’ve mentioned before that this year we had changed our focus a little bit.”

“It was clear for people to see that certainly two, three years ago we were the kings of qualifying and really struggled on a Sunday. But even last year, the balance was not quite right.”

“I think this year, the encouraging thing is that wherever the drivers qualify, they sort of get out of the car at the end of qualifying and think, ‘yeah, but I know that I can race tomorrow’, which for the drivers is a really strong mentality.”

‘Right approach’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/15/ferrari-success-shows-it-has-taken-right-approach-in-f1-2024/


Ferrari: Focus on race day competitiveness fueled 2024 success
16/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ferrari senior performance engineer Jock Clear says the Italian outfit’s strong performances this season are the result of the team switching its focus to improving its race day competitiveness. At the heart of Ferrari's turnaround lies a conscious strategic decision to move away from its historical emphasis on one-lap pace, as Clear explained.

“I think we’ve mentioned before that this year we had changed our focus a little bit,” said the British engineer, quoted by Motorsport Week. “It was clear for people to see that certainly two, three years ago we were the kings of qualifying and really struggled on a Sunday. But even last year, the balance was not quite right.”

‘Focus on race day competitiveness’;

https://f1i.com/news/524653-ferrari-focus-on-race-day-competitiveness-fueled-2024-success.html


‘Going to be difficult’: Charles Leclerc admits Ferrari decision could make the Las Vegas Grand Prix ‘difficult’
15 Nov 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

Charles Leclerc took pole position and fought to win the debut Las Vegas Grand Prix, but he concedes Ferrari might have made life more ‘difficult’ for themselves in 2024. Ferrari were quick to adapt to the unique circumstances that greeted the Formula 1 field for the inaugural Las Vegas GP in 2023. A local start time of 22:00 on the Saturday night made it one of the coldest events on the calendar, causing extremely low levels of grip all weekend.

Early forecasts offer lows of 41-42°F (5-5.5°C) for the air temperature in Las Vegas over the Grand Prix weekend. Leclerc is not convinced Ferrari are as well-equipped to deal with lower temperatures as they were at the 2023 Las Vegas GP having refined their tyre management. “I think on paper it’s a track where we should be performing well,” Leclerc noted, via Marca.

“However, the fact that we’ve improved a lot in tyre management this year probably means that on a track where it’s so cold, it’s going to be difficult to get the tyres into the right temperature and in the perfect window. But, on paper, it still looks positive – maybe not as positive as last year. But, still looking at how close everything is, I think we’ll have a chance to win it.”

‘Going to be difficult’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/charles-leclerc-admits-ferrari-decision-could-make-the-las-vegas-grand-prix-difficult/


Ferrari ‘expected’ to make surprise move for Zhou Guanyu – report
16 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

According to Italy’s Corriere Della Serra, Ferrari could turn towards current Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu next season. The Chinese driver has been with Sauber for three years but will not be part of the Swiss squad’s driver line-up for next year, as the team has signed Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bartoleto for its final year before evolving into Audi.

Signing Zhou would strengthen its position in the market, enabling Ferrari to use the popular driver in its commercial strategic marketing and attempt to address this slump. “After Ollie Bearman’s move to Haas, Ferrari is expected to bring in Chinese driver Zhou (dumped by Sauber) as a reserve for next year,” read a short report in the Italian newspaper.

‘Surprise move for Zhou Guanyu’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-zhou-guanyu-f1-2025-reserve-driver-role-report


F1 News: Zhou Guanyu in talks to become Ferrari reserve driver
Nov 16, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Zhou has been exploring alternatives for some time. As the 25-year-old explained earlier this year, staying active in the F1 paddock is his priority: “At the moment, I don’t want to be in other series yet,” he explained in Monza.

“Because I feel like I’m still in a period that if I can stay in F1, or make a comeback if I don’t have a seat. There will still be chances to show what I’ve got.” Zhou Guanyu is understood to be negotiating with Ferrari to become their reserve driver from 2025. A new report from Corriere.it reveals that Fred Vasseur’s team could welcome the Chinese driver into their ranks next season.

Considering that it was Fred Vasseur who signed Zhou to Sauber in 2022, there is already a strong platform for negotiations. Even as securing a Sauber contract extension became increasingly unlikely, Zhou was confident that other options were at his disposal. In this sense, it is not a complete surprise there is clear path forward has been established.

‘Ferrari reserve driver’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/11/16/f1-news-zhou-guanyu-in-talks-to-become-ferrari-reserve-driver/


Sainz handed early Ferrari release
Carlos Sainz has been allowed to leave Ferrari ahead of his contract expiration at the end of the year.
16 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

The Spaniard has been cleared to drive for his new team, Williams, at part of the post-season test in Abu Dhabi next month. Sainz will join Alex Albon at Williams next season after Ferrari opted to sign Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc.

“Williams Racing is pleased to announce today that Carlos Sainz will join the team for the upcoming Abu Dhabi end-of-season test, marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season,” Williams confirmed.

‘Early Ferrari release’;

https://speedcafe.com/sainz-handed-early-ferrari-release/


Ferrari to release Carlos Sainz early for Williams testing in Abu Dhabi
NOV 16, 2024
The Straits Times

LONDON - Carlos Sainz will get a jump start on his transition to Williams, with Ferrari agreeing to release the Spaniard early from his commitments with the team so Sainz can participate in the end-of-season test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.

“This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship,” Williams said in a statement. “The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment, and he will drive the FW46 for the first time.”

‘Integrating’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/ferraris-carlos-sainz-to-join-williams-for-f1-post-season-test-in-abu-dhabi

[Fortitude]

Hamilton looks forward to GP in Las Vegas: 'It will be even better than in '23''.
“One of the cool things is, I feel like I maybe play a tiny role in these races that appear," said the Mercedes Briton.
16 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was one that has gone down in the history books. Of course, there were the problems on the opening day, when covers came loose and destroyed Carlos Sainz's Ferrari, for example. Only deep into the night and with no fans could FP2 be completed. But that was offset by a great Grand Prix on Sunday, with Max Verstappen winning.

According to Hamilton, lessons were learned after the first edition. "I think what happened with the fans and I can't remember exactly, but it wasn't the smoothest of weekends, but the race was incredible. And so going back now, I think they would have made so many changes and it would be even better. But yeah, definitely dancing under the nightlights was just incredible."

‘Cool’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312924/f1-hamilton-looks-ahead-to-grand-prix-las-vegas.html


Report: Why Mercedes has blocked Lewis Hamilton from taking part in post-season test with Ferrari in Abu Dhabi
13 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

With Lewis Hamilton switching to Ferrari for the 2025 season, the possibility of him running for the team in a post-season Abu Dhabi test lingered. Beyond a filming day, a run in a 2025 or 2024 car outside of official tests is forbidden to F1 teams prior to the test in Bahrain next year.

Ferrari had plans to run Hamilton in one of their cars to bed himself in the team before making his full race weekend debut, however, this looks set to be postponed after Mercedes decided to block the seven-time world champion.

According to a report from Autosport, this looks set to happen at the start of next year with an appearance in the Abu Dhabi post-season test also ruled out. This means Ferrari will need to wait until next year when it plans to run him in a 2022 car as part of the ‘Testing of Previous Cars’ rules set out in the regulations.

‘Mercedes has blocked Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-mercedes-has-blocked-lewis-hamilton-from-taking-part-in-post-season-test-with-ferrari-in-abu-dhabi/


Mercedes announce special Lewis Hamilton livery plans for final race together
14 Nov 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes are giving fans the chance to have their name on the W15 driven by Lewis Hamilton as he contests his final race with the team. 150 fans to have their name on Mercedes W15 of Lewis Hamilton

‘150 fans’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-lewis-hamilton-final-race-150-fan-names-livery


Mercedes drop hint of what’s next for Valtteri Bottas after Sauber axe
Bottas has been a part of the team since 2022 but will leave at the end of the 2024 season
15 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

What’s next for Valtteri Bottas? But he may not be out of the sport for long with a move to back to the Silver Arrows potentially on the cards as a reserve and development driver to offer some vital experience and technical input that the 26-year-old Russell and 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli may lack.

And it seems as though the link could be true, as Mercedes drop a cryptic hint on social media of a reunion with the man who helped guide them to five consecutive constructors’ championships between 2017-2021.

‘Mercedes drop hint’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-mercedes-drop-hint-next-valtteri-bottas-after-sauber-axe/


‘Not good enough’… The moment Toto Wolff felt ‘embarrassment’ as the team principal of Mercedes
12 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The 2023 Formula 1 season didn’t go to plan for Mercedes and team principal Toto Wolff. After winning the Constructors’ Championship in 2021 but cruelly missing out on helping Lewis Hamilton win his 8th title in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes set about tackling the next era of regulations in F1.

Author Matt Whyman followed the Brackley-based team for his book Inside Mercedes F1 and shared what happened in the briefing after pre-season testing in Bahrain. He shared what Wolff told the team ahead of the campaign and the ‘embarrassment’ he felt when comparing Mercedes’s performance to their rivals.

After pre-season testing, Mercedes are debriefing ahead of the season’s opening race. Hamilton’s race engineer Pete Bonnington said: “It wasn’t long ago that we were kings of winter testing, It feels like we’ve slipped.” Wolff injected and said: “This is just not good enough. We need to feel a certain degree of embarrassment here. We blame the problem not the person, but nevertheless…come on!”

‘Not good enough’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/not-good-enough-the-moment-toto-wolff-felt-embarrassment-as-the-team-principal-of-mercedes/

[Fortitude]

Slow Car Led To Dan Fallows’ Aston Exit.
Dan Fallows lost his job at Aston Martin because of the team’s performance struggles, according to Ralf Schumacher.
Nov 18, 2024
Media
F1 Chronicle

Fallows only started work as the Silverstone-based team’s technical director in 2022, having been poached from the ultra-successful Red Bull. Aston Martin had a meteoric start to the 2023 season, but car development then stalled. The team also started quite strongly this year, but Fernando Alonso now thinks Aston Martin has one of the slowest cars of all.

1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve picked up the theme in conversation with Grosvenor Sport: “It is no surprise that Dan Fallows is leaving Aston Martin, if you look at the development of that car. It just gets worse and worse,” he said. “Fallows left Red Bull to claim this better role, but I can imagine that it was not a good fit between him and Aston Martin. And now Adrian is arriving.”

Schumacher admits he isn’t sure if Newey, who worked closely with Fallows at Red Bull, asked for his former colleague to be ousted. “I don’t know what happened,” said the German, “but I will ask Adrian when I see him next.” Indeed, Schumacher and Newey both often spend time in South Africa along with Eddie Jordan.

‘Slow Car’;

https://f1chronicle.com/slow-car-led-to-dan-fallows-aston-exit/?nowprocket=1


Aston Martin outline F1 direction after major team restructure
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has detailed how the Silverstone squad is addressing the development of its team, outlining a preference for longer-term thinking.
17 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RcingNews365

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack says that re-building the Silverstone squad is a task that must be assessed from a long-term perspective.

When speaking to media including RacingNews365, Krack was asked if the internal structure at Aston Martin had become too complex and if that has led the team from punching above its weight to punching below it. "You have a team to develop, and you have a car team," he replied. "And you must be careful not to mix them too much.”

"When it is the car is very short term. We speak [in] zero to eight, or 10 or 12 weeks; when you develop a team, [it is] maybe months and years. You need to isolate them, not mixing them too much, because very often you can be influenced by a bad result, but also you can be influenced by good results."

‘Re-building’;

https://racingnews365.com/aston-martin-outline-f1-direction-after-major-team-restructure


Alonso relentlessly driven by ‘hope’ amid Aston Martin’s struggles
17/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso says his belief that his experience and feedback will help Aston Martin turn around its fortunes is the main fuel powering his motivation as his team navigates its way through a difficult period.

Speaking to the media recently, Alonso reflected on what keeps him motivated even when competing for positions far below his aspirations. “It's the hope that is always there,” he said, quoted by Motorsport Week. “Obviously, in terms of positions and efforts, you will say that it's not worth fighting for P12,” he admitted.

“But if that P12 gives the team any insight into what we are missing, if you are fighting with other cars and you see some weaknesses, some strengths, you can feed back to the team and you can improve for the next race or next year.”

‘Relentlessly’;

https://f1i.com/news/524697-alonso-relentlessly-driven-by-hope-amid-aston-martins-struggles.html


How Aston Martin went from podium to slowest in only a year
Nov 17, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Few would have imagined, even when the peak of Aston Martin’s stunning podium-laden start to 2023 had long since passed, it would have the slowest Formula 1 car at some point in 2024. Its decline since has been persistent and is best illustrated by having the slowest car at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, just 12 months on from its most recent podium finish - although the reality of that podium was more an opportunistic, well-executed race weekend by Aston Martin and some Fernando Alonso heroics than the car being genuinely that fast by the end of 2023.

But it is important that whatever Aston Martin is able to get right in 2025 doesn’t just repeat the cycle of developing well with a good lead time for a new season and then slipping back once it begins. Especially as 2025 will mark the arrival of two major recruits: Enrico Cardile as chief technical officer and Adrian Newey as technical managing partner.

Such arrivals are the elephants in the room where Fallows is concerned. There are two people already slotting in above where he was in the food chain, and that’s without factoring in Andy Cowell recently arriving as Group CEO and Bob Bell joining earlier in 2024 as executive director - both with much wider remits than the day-to-day technical leadership.

‘Podium to slowest’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/aston-martin-podium-to-slowest-in-only-a-year-explained/


After sacking its technical director, Aston Martin is all out of excuses in pursuit of F1 greatness
Nov 15th, 2024
Michael Lamonato
Fox Sports (Australia)

It’s an unusual time for a team to be making big personnel changes with the end of the season so near on the horizon, but Aston Martin has no time to wait.

It’s why it released technical director Dan Fallows, once heralded as a defining acquisition from the clutches of Red Bull Racing, via a no-fuss press release this week with just three rounds to go for the season.

“I would like to thank Dan for his contribution to Aston Martin in the last two years,” Aston Martin group CEO Andy Cowell said in an extremely brief statement. “Dan led the team to the success of the AMR23 which secured eight podiums last season.”

‘Out of excuses’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/after-sacking-its-technical-director-aston-martin-is-all-out-of-excuses-in-pursuit-of-f1-greatness/news-story/393e9246b2c44b636c8fb7d1222d83a3


Why Fallows' farewell at Aston Martin was already in the air
12 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

How many captains can you have on the same ship? Aston Martin apparently came to the conclusion that there are now too many bright minds to head the technical departments of the ambitious British team. Dan Fallows has fallen victim to this, with news emerging earlier on Tuesday that the Brit will leave his post as technical director this month.

The departure of Fallows - who will take up another, as yet unknown, position within the Group - is certainly not unexpected. A few months ago, Aston Martin announced that Enrico Cardile was coming over from Ferrari to take up the role of chief technical officer, meaning that Fallows would report directly to the Italian.

Lawrence Stroll, the (co-)owner of the Aston Martin F1 team, has never made a secret of aiming for the highest goals with his team, looking for Grand Prix victories and even championships. Apparently, Fallows was not seen as the man who could bring that next step to the team. The current season did not help his cause either, with a brilliant 2023 season in which Aston Martin seemed a regular on the podium becoming a failed 2024 season, unable to capture a single trophy.

‘Already in the air’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312491/analysis-on-the-departure-of-dan-fallows-from-aston-martin-f1.html


The ‘superteam’ of geniuses Adrian Newey will lead at Aston Martin
Adrian Newey will form part of a 'superteam' technical department when he joins Aston Martin in F1 2025.
12 Nov 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Adrian Newey will work with several esteemed F1 figures when he joins Aston Martin’s technical line-up.
Andy Cowell: One of those is former Mercedes engine mastermind Andy Cowell, who will join Aston Martin as their new group chief executive officer on October 1.

Enrico Cardile Another major coup for Aston Martin was the signing of Enciro Cardile - a key pillar of Ferrari’s F1 technical team.
Bob Bell: The capture of Bob Bell marked another highly experienced signing for Aston Martin after the F1 veteran left his advisory role for the struggling Alpine team earlier this year.

Tom McCullough: Unlike the above arrivals, Tom McCullough has been a core member of Aston Martin’s technical department for years, having initially joined the team under their previous Force India guise a decade ago.
Luca Furbatto: Former Sauber chief designer Luca Furbatto was signed by Aston Martin as their new engineering director ahead of the 2022 season

‘Superteam’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1055274/1/superteam-geniuses-adrian-newey-will-lead-aston-martin

[Fortitude]

Jeremy Clarkson delivers free Hawkstone to Alpine F1 team.
And this week he congratulated Mr Gasly in person when he turned up at the team's Enstone headquarters, a few miles from Diddly Squat Farm, with a sports car full of crates of Hawstone.
15 Nov 2024
Miranda Norris
Oxford Mail

Jeremy Clarkson has delivered a fresh batch of beer to the Oxfordshire-based Alpine F1 team to celebrate their success in the Brazilian Grand Prix. French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third respectively in a rain-soaked, chaotic and crash-strewn race in Sao Paulo.

The two drivers scored more than twice as many points as in all their previous 20 races. Alpine is based in Enstone. Mr Clarkson, who lives in nearby Chipping Norton, publicly stated after the race: "Brilliant work from Alpine in Brazil today.

"Fantastic result for the Chipping Norton people." While inspecting cars in the team's HQ, he said: "While the entire Alpine team is distracted by their free Hawkstone beer I thought I'd give their car a new sponsor."

‘Crates of Hawstone’;

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24727100.jeremy-clarkson-delivers-free-hawkstone-alpine-f1-team/


Briatore urges underpowered Alpine to field ‘better car’ in 2025
18/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has made clear to the French team that it must develop a significantly improved chassis for 2025 to compensate for its Renault engine’s current three-tenths-per-lap power deficit.

To bridge this gap, Briatore emphasizes the need for a significant improvement in the car's aerodynamic performance and tyre management. “In the wet the discussion relating to engine power is reset, so even in 2025 we will have to make up for these three tenths that we are missing by making a better car,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We must not worry because we know that it is like this, and we will have to try to do well using better aerodynamics and studying the tyres. Without feeling sorry for ourselves.”

‘Aerodynamic performance and tyre management’;

https://f1i.com/news/524766-briatore-urges-underpowered-alpine-to-field-better-car-in-2025.html


Clarkson’s beer run: A malty Alpine tradition
17 Nov 2024
F1i.com

The occasion? Celebrating Alpine’s sensational double-podium finish in São Paulo.

This malty tradition began after the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023, when Clarkson marked Esteban Ocon’s podium with the delivery of 1,000 pints to the team, vowing to repeat the gesture for every Alpine top-three finish.

True to his word, the former Top Gear UK star shared a celebratory toast with Pierre Gasly—because nothing says ‘team spirit’ like beer and banter. If Alpine keeps up its Brazilian form, Clarkson might need to trade his trailer for a tanker!

‘Double-podium finish’;

https://f1i.com/images/524706-clarksons-beer-run-a-malty-alpine-tradition.html


FIA could not 'twist Renault's arm' over 2026 F1 quit decision
Renault has become the first 2026 power unit supplier to withdraw from F1.
16 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

FIA single-seater technical chief Nikolas Tombazis insists it would not "twist somebody's arm" to stay as an F1 power unit manufacturer after Renault's withdrawal. Tombazis feels that despite the work Renault had put in to help design the rules, the FIA could not make it stay in F1 if it wanted to leave.

"We discussed when we defined the registration process that the registration was intended to cover the FIA costs of policing the PU manufacturers in creating these regulations," Tombazis told select media including RacingNews365. "But they are not intended to twist somebody's arm to continue to work in the sport.”

"It is 120, 130, 140 million and taken over five years, it is approaching a billion, and I don't think the FIA would ever constrain an OEM to having a $1 billion investment because they've registered and paid a small registration fee. It was always possible for anybody to pull out, and we want people to stay because they want to, not because we are forceful."

‘$1 billion investment’;


https://racingnews365.com/fia-could-not-twist-renaults-arm-over-2026-f1-quit-decision


Alpine ready to fire Jack Doohan to land Franco Colapinto
Doohan’s Formula 1 career could be over as few as five rounds into the 2025 season.
14 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Briatore is not sold on the ex-Formula 2 driver and reports suggest his contract includes a five-race probationary period, allowing the team to make a swift change if his performances fall short of expectations

Alpine are said to be ready to fire Jack Doohan just a handful of races into the 2025 Formula 1 season to land Franco Colapinto, as Flavio Briatore remains unconvinced by the 21-year-old Australian driver.

His interest in Colapinto stems from the Argentine driver’s impressive late-season performances for Williams, where he replaced Logan Sargeant, and scored points twice in six races as he mirrors the pace of Alex Albon.

‘Five-race probationary period’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-alpine-ready-fire-jack-doohan-land-franco-colapinto/


Alpine confirm Mercedes F1 engine deal from 2026 season
Team to stop producing engines at end of 2025 having manufactured power units at French base since 1977.
Nov 13, 2024
Cian Brittle
BlackBook Motorsport

The Alpine Formula One team have confirmed their long-rumoured engine supply deal with Mercedes from the 2026 season. Mercedes will supply the Enstone-based outfit with power units until the 2030 season and the agreement also includes a supply of Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season.

It won’t be the first time that the Enstone-based outfit has been supplied by Mercedes engines, having agreed a one-year deal back in 2015 when the team ran under Lotus branding. Ultimately, it is hoped this move will provide significant cost savings for a team that saw profits fall 70 per cent to UK£7.8 million (US$10.4 million) in 2023, which will likely drop further when its 2024 financial results are confirmed next year.

It also makes Alpine a more attractive proposition for a sale if Renault Group executives lose patience with the entire programme, although de Meo previously ruled this out in June.

‘Manufactured power units at French base since 1977’;

https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/alpine-f1-mercedes-engine-supply-2026-renault-group-november-2024/


Alpine being prepared for F1 team sale says Plooij
Dutch F1 journalist Jack Plooij thinks Alpine is clearly being prepared for sale.
NOV 18, 2024
GrandPrix.com

“The Alpine team is going to be transferred to Hitech”, Plooij predicts to Ziggo Sport. “There was a lot of unrest, and it is clear that something is happening, thanks to Flavio Briatore”, he added, suggesting Alpine will now be much more attractive to buyers and investors.

Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers agrees. “It looks like Renault are slowly preparing an exit”, he said. “They're not leaving all at once, but first the team switched from Renault to Alpine, now Alpine is getting a Mercedes engine. This exit is happening in a filtered way.”

‘Being prepared’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpine-being-prepared-for-f1-team-sale-says-plooij.html

[Fortitude]

Komatsu: Haas has to “regroup” after losing place to Alpine.
Haas Formula 1 boss Ayao Komatsu says his team has to “regroup” and “refocus” after a frustrating weekend in Brazil saw it lose a place in the constructors’ championship lost to Alpine.
17 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Komatsu accepted that a big score for a midfield team in a chaotic race was always a possibility. “This can happen any time,” Komatsu told me. “Of course, I wasn’t expecting a double podium from any of our rival teams, as in Alpine, RB and Williams. But it happened, so it is what it is.”

“We’ve got three races left, we’ve got to really regroup and refocus, and then just try to do the best job we can for the last three races. So congratulations to Alpine, they were quick, really quick.”

“Regroup”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/17/komatsu-haas-has-to-regroup-after-losing-place-to-alpine/


Romain Grosjean lauds Ayao Komatsu for Haas revival: ‘The team is back to a better level’
"It almost makes me feel like I want to race for them again!"
15 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Ex-F1 driver Romain Grosjean has hailed Ayao Komatsu for the job he’s done as Haas team principal in 2024. He told F1’s official website: “I’m so proud of Ayao and what he’s been doing with Haas, bringing the team back to a much better level – just making the most of it and working as he does.”

“I was lucky to know before the official announcement [that Komatsu would become Haas’s team boss]; I got a text from Ayao. I told him that I was very proud of him, very proud of everything he’s done, and very happy for him.”

‘Better level’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060071/1/romain-grosjean-lauds-ayao-komatsu-haas-revival-team-back-better-level


Haas hits out at planned customer team clampdown
NOV 18, 2024
GrandPrix.com

The boss of F1's smallest team, Haas, has hit out at a proposal to limit the way the outfit operates. And according to Auto Motor und Sport, a proposal in the 2026 regulations is that when 'customer teams' like Haas and RB finish fifth or higher in the constructors' standings, that team then has three years to become a full F1 constructor.

The rule is not set in stone, but it is expected a majority vote will push it through. “It would be a killer for the small teams”, Haas boss Ayao Komatsu insists. “If Formula 1 wants as many teams as possible to be competitive, then we will all reject this rule. What better thing could happen to the sport than David winning against Goliath?”

‘Not set in stone’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/haas-hits-out-at-planned-customer-team-clampdown.html


Report: Toyota secured key clause in Haas deal putting Bearman and Ocon under instant pressure
16 Nov 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

Toyota returned to Formula 1 after 15 years by securing a technical partnership with Haas, which also puts Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon under immediate pressure. Toyota can veto Haas’ future driver moves after securing a technical partnership.

The American-owned squad will unleash a new driver line-up for the 2025 season after Haas signed Bearman and Ocon to replace Nico Hulkenberg plus Kevin Magnussen. Both agreed to multi-year contracts as the Briton graduates to F1 and the Frenchman joins from Alpine.

But for how long Ferrari Driver Academy prospect Bearman and one-time Grand Prix winner Ocon stay at Haas could be up in the air following the team’s partnership with Toyota. That’s because Formu1a.uno reports that Toyota also secured a veto on Haas’ future driver moves.

‘Veto’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/toyota-secured-key-clause-in-haas-deal-putting-bearman-and-ocon-under-instant-pressure/


No rush to decide non-racing Haas role for Magnussen
NOVEMBER 18, 2024
18 Nov 2024
GrandPrix.com

It is emerging that Valtteri Bottas, having lost his Audi-Sauber seat for 2025, may return to Mercedes next year to be reserve driver and special advisor to Toto Wolff.

Magnussen, not retained by his current team Haas, could have a similar role at the Ayao Komatsu-led outfit. In July, the Haas boss admitted he was looking to “find a way to continue working together in some way.”

Four months on, Komatsu is quoted as saying by France's Auto Hebdo: “Yes, we are still working on it.”

‘No rush’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/no-rush-to-decide-non-racing-haas-role-for-magnussen.html

[Fortitude]

VCARB make major Red Bull change ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix.
VCARB will be running with an updated rear on its car for the final three races, taking on components from Red Bull’s RB20 for the rest of the season.
11 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

With Red Bull and VCARB becoming more closely technically aligned, the VCARB01 will receive the rear suspension and gearbox from the Red Bull RB20 for the final three races of the F1 2024 season.

With VCARB having had a season of sporadic form in 2024, the final trio of races represents the last chance for the Faenza-based squad to secure sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship – a formidable challenge as Haas and Alpine are each within five points, and ahead of VCARB.

For the final triple-header, VCARB will repeat last year’s assimilation of current Red Bull components. Known as AlphaTauri in 2023, the AT04 received the rear suspension of the dominant RB19 from the Singapore Grand Prix – with an uptick in form immediately ensuing.

‘Updated rear on its car’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/vcarb-red-bull-gearbox-suspension-las-vegas-grand-prix


Tsunoda reveals life event happened between races in Brazil and Las Vegas
18 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Yuki Tsunoda reports he has moved house between the Brazilian Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Formula 1 had two off weekends, separating the two triple headers, which will end the 2024 F1 season. The Japanese driver has also explained how he worked on the simulator to prepare for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"The slightly longer break since Brazil means I’ve had time to move house and I also had a couple of simulator sessions to prepare for this final triple-header of the season," Tsunoda said. "It’s an unusual track, very long for a street circuit, with mainly slow corners, so the car set-up is a compromise between having enough downforce to help with heavy braking at the end of the three long straights and to have good traction out of the turns, while also not having so much drag it affects your top speed on the very fast straights," the Japanese driver continued.

‘Couple of simulator sessions’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/313155/yuki-tsunoda-life-event-between-f1-races.html


Yuki Tsunoda: Red Bull promotion unlikely, despite strong results
Nov 9, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Motorsport Week

For several seasons, the Japanese driver has performed at a consistently high level for VCARB. Even before comfortably dispatching of Nyck De Vries in the first half of 2023, Tsunoda was already matching Pierre Gasly in their second season as teammates.

The 24-year-old’s progression is difficult to dispute. His outstanding P3 result in Brazil qualifying (followed by P7 on race day) is the latest evidence of his growth. However, none of this information is relevant in Red Bull’s current perception.

Even at the beginning of this season, when Tsunoda was regularly outperforming Daniel Ricciardo, the disparity between the two drivers was not seen as a triumph for Tsunoda – but instead a failure on Ricciardo’s behalf. In a similar way, Yuki Tsunoda finds himself in a lose-lose scenario against Liam Lawson.

‘Red Bull promotion unlikely’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/11/09/yuki-tsunoda-red-bull-promotion-unlikely-despite-strong-results/


Yuki Tsunoda gives verdict on Red Bull’s Franco Colapinto interest
14 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Yuki Tsunoda has admitted that Red Bull’s interest in Franco Colapinto is not a “surprise” amid rumours the two could become team-mates in Formula 1 at RB in 2025. “I mean, he’s definitely doing a good job,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week. “To be honest, I don’t know much about those things. I didn’t see much.

“If it’s not an option, I’ll be surprised, right? Because he’s doing well and he don’t have a seat so far for next season. And if he’s fast, I’m thinking for all the teams he will be an option who don’t have selected a seat yet for next year. So yeah, I think so.”

‘Verdict’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/14/yuki-tsunoda-gives-verdict-on-red-bulls-franco-colapinto-interest/


'Don't know what game': Juan Pablo Montoya criticises Liam Lawson approach that might impact his Red Bull chances
10 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Liam Lawson drew some attention to his Formula 1 comeback when he got into a few on-track skirmishes with Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez. The 21-year-old first got into a heated battle with Fernando Alonso on track during the US GP weekend, which led to a moment in parc ferme between the pair.

Lawson would next get into a battle on track with Sergio Perez at the Mexican GP, whereby the Red Bull driver made contact with him and damaged his sidepod. This effectively ruined his race, with Perez voicing his anger at Lawson over team radio. Juan Pablo Montoya has criticised Lawson when speaking on W Radio Columbia, outlining why he thinks it was not a smart move to race Perez hard.

Juan Pablo Montoya says Liam Lawson is costing Red Bull points. “I don’t know what game Liam plays. I understand that he wants to show that he is better than Checo, but the only thing Liam is doing is taking points from Red Bull,” said Montoya.

'Don't know what game';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/juan-pablo-montoya-criticises-liam-lawson-approach-that-might-impact-his-red-bull-chances/

[Fortitude]

Williams masterpiece: How were their two cars rebuilt in record time?
The cars had to be brought back to the UK, and now they have to be shipped to the US. In such a short amount of time, Williams worked day and night for five days.
19 Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

The last Grand Prix, which was hosted in Sao Paulo, did not go as planned for Williams. Over the course of that Sunday, Alexander Albon and Franco Colapinto have both completely destroyed their cars, that the team had to rebuild in extremely short time. In a video, the team now show the enormous work that has been completed to repair their cars.

In large crates, the pieces were returned to Groves, where mechanics examined each part and decided on what could be reused, and afterwards, the new parts had to be manufactured at their factory. Just in time, the team finished ahead of the Las Vegas GP, that is scheduled to be hosted this weekend. A report of five days of hard work was posted by Williams' YouTube channel.

‘Williams masterpiece’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/313288/f1-cars-albon-and-colapinto-repaired-by-williams-after-crashes-in-sao-paulo.html


Here’s How Williams Rebuilt Two Trashed F1 Cars In Time For The Las Vegas Grand Prix
Both Williams Formula 1 drivers suffered enormous crashes in Brazil that destroyed their races, now the cars have been repaired and are ready to race once again
19 Nov 2024
Owen Bellwood
Jalopnik

The team has lifted the lid on how it repairs and rebuilds cars that are destroyed on a race weekend. The process begins with crates and crates of parts arriving at the Williams base. From there, the fragments of F1 car are sorted into piles of parts that can still be used and parts that belong in the trash. Mechanics haul hastily packed fragments of carbon fiber out of a huge crate, and others hold up exhaust pipes to show the damage they sustained. From an outsider’s perspective, it looks like almost everything is destined for the trash.

That’s not the case, though, and engineers sort through the piles to uncover components that can be checked over and returned to the car. Other parts are also put to one side to be repaired before they can race in anger once again. “We’re trying to separate what can be salvageable just to help us until the end of the year,” says Rob Clayton, car assembly supervisor at the team. “That’s where we come into our own.”

While the salvaged parts are sorted, serviced and made ready for the next race, the two crashed chassis are also inspected to check that they are safe to run once again. To do this, teams remove all the damaged components from the frame, such as suspension arms, and the crash structures are thoroughly inspected. To complete this task, Williams engineers have just three days as once it’s signed off as safe it has to be fitted with the gearbox, fuel cell and seat ready to go racing in Las Vegas.

‘Rebuilt Two Trashed F1 Cars’;

https://jalopnik.com/here-s-how-williams-rebuilt-two-trashed-f1-cars-in-time-1851702613


Williams clarify participation at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix amid crash damage rumour
Crash damage is felt but Williams set the record straight
17 Nov 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Williams have rejected claims that they could miss next weekend’s F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. “I’ve just chatted to Williams,” F1 reporter Lawrence Barretto confirmed on social media. “They tell me there’s no truth to the chatter they won’t be in Vegas after sustaining massive damage via three crashes in Brazil.”

“They say they’ll have both cars ready to race in Nevada. That’s an incredible effort from the team and suppliers.” Commentator Will Buxton added: “Seems James Vowles’ honesty in the knock on effects of the Brazilian GP have been taken to some ridiculous extremes over the past few days. “Team won’t miss Vegas. Team will have both cars.”

‘Williams clarify participation’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060263/1/williams-clarify-participation-f1-las-vegas-grand-prix-amid-crash-damage-rumour


'All night': Williams chief makes Las Vegas claim after damaging ‘nearly all parts’ in Brazil
18 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Williams chief mechanic claims they are in a better position for Las Vegas despite crashes Rumours suggested that Williams might have to skip the race in Las Vegas amid a shortage of spare parts, however, it has turned out not to be the case. Williams staff have worked around the clock to make repairs to parts that were damaged in Sao Paulo, while their composites department has made a new chassis for Colapinto in time for the final triple-header.

“We got the chassis back out from composites last night. All freshly painted, new bits on there which are all done. The guys in composites have worked all night to get the chassis for Franco ready. It’s been crazy. After last week, it was a bit daunting as we damaged nearly all the parts that we had and it wasn’t realistic to get everything ready,” said Howard. “But it’s been amazing, the bits that have turned up, we’ve had an abundance of them, and everybody has worked throughout to push the boundaries. I think we will turn up in Vegas in a better state than we did in the last event, so it’s credit due to everybody.”

‘Worked around the clock’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/williams-chief-makes-las-vegas-claim-after-damaging-nearly-all-parts-in-brazil/


Williams F1 team suffered $161.6 million loss in 2023
19 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Williams have reported a huge financial loss in 2023, but the company’s financial director Matthew Savage confirmed that the company’s losses have increased compared with 2022, but it has not been surprising.

The lower revenue and the higher costs translated into a gross operating loss of AUD $153.95 million (£80.298) and a post-tax loss of AUD $161.59 million (£84.286m). It was significantly higher than what Williams recorded the year before as it was only $34.31 million in 2022. (£17.894m).

The British company also reported increased payments due to creditors, with liabilities of AUD $127.94 million the sharpest increase was due to accruals, which totalled AUD $76.64 million (up from AUD $38.1 million in 2022). Despite the significantly higher loss, wage costs increased by 10 percent, with the squad’s average salary rising from £78,000 to £85,500.

‘$161.6 million loss’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25586


Williams reveals reason it missed out on Adrian Newey F1 return
19 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

While Newey’s track record indicates recruiting him guarantees success, Vowles has insisted that Williams does not possess the facilities to maximise his talents. “It has nothing to do with the money, even if there was a bidder competition at the end, in which we did not want to participate,” Vowles told Auto Motor und Sport.

“I want people who believe in our project. Williams wasn’t ready for someone like Adrian yet. We still need to do so much reconstruction before we can provide the right environment for one of his class.”

“He would have overwhelmed our team, and that could have achieved the opposite effect. He would have been frustrated in the end. Furthermore, I do not want to build an infrastructure that depends on a person. Williams is not about me, a driver or an engineer.”

“We did not want to participate”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/19/williams-reveals-reason-it-missed-out-on-adrian-newey-f1-return/

[Fortitude]

How Sauber lost “greatest opportunity” to end points drought in Brazil.
Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi admits that the chaotic wet Sao Paulo GP represented the “greatest opportunity” that the Swiss Formula 1 outfit has had to score points this season.
17 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

“It’s very difficult to say and to admit, but I think we lost the greatest opportunity that we had this season to score points,” Alunni Bravi told me. “Because of the excellent qualifying session done by Valtteri, and the position that was a P9 for us at the start.”

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace to keep the position. The biggest problem for us was to have proper temperatures in the tyres at the beginning of each stint. And this, of course, jeopardised all the opportunities and the possibility for Valtteri and Zhou to defend and attack any position.”

“We have seen in the second part of each stint that the situation was improving, and when the tyres were working in the correct range of temperature, we were competitive. But this doesn’t cancel the big disappointment, because it was a very tough day for us. Of course, we have mixed feelings, qualifying was very positive, especially with Valtteri. But at the end what matters are points, and the race result on Sunday.”

‘ “Greatest opportunity” lost’;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/17/how-sauber-lost-greatest-opportunity-to-end-points-drought-in-brazil/


Binotto on Sauber's difficult choice to boot Bottas: 'Young driver needed'
12 Nov 2024
Corwin Kunst
GPblog.com

In 2025, Valtteri Bottas will no longer be in action for the Stake Sauber F1 Team. The team chose Gabriel Bortoleto as his replacement. The young Brazilian currently leads the F2 championship and will be taking the 10-time F1 winner's seat. Speaking to RACER, Mattia Binotto explained why it was chosen not to renew Bottas' contract.

The former Ferrari team principal has since explained his choice to replace Bottas: “We know that the next one will be a difficult season as a team, as a journey towards the Audi F1 transformation. It’s a long journey. I think on the duration is where we mainly reflected together a lot, and it’s where I came to the conclusion that maybe we will need to have a young driver with us.”

“More than that, I would like to underline I think he has certainly been a very strong candidate. I know he’s very fast. I know that he has proven to be very fast until today, very fit, he knows the team. Certainly, he is very highly rated here, and he’s very highly rated in the paddock." The Italian concluded

‘Difficult choice’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312390/mattia-binotto-explains-why-sauber-is-going-for-bortoleto-and-not-bottas.html


"What's next?" for Bottas; Finnish driver teases future after F1
16 Nov 2024
Ben Stevens
GPblog.com

Bottas started these social media posts three days after the announcement, with the first captioned "In-villa-ironman. What's next?" with the accompanying video showing the Finnish driver, who has 10 Formula One wins, completing an ironman from his house. This includes a 3.9km swim, a 180.2km bike ride, and a 42.2km run.”

The second post Bottas shared was of him and his partner Tiffany Cromwell in front of a Noah's Ark sign, with the simple caption of "What's next?". The next showed Bottas and one of his friends getting a tattoo together, captioned once again with just "What's next?". The most recent bared the same caption, and showed Bottas cycling through some rocky hills.

"What's next?";

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/312958/valterri-bottas-teases-future-after-formula-one.html


Report: Mattia Binotto told Sauber staff he wasn’t hiring Mick Schumacher for bizarre reason
12 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The report from F1 Insider says that Binotto ‘explained internally’ that Sauber went with Bortoleto over Schumacher as their second driver as he thought having two German drivers would be ‘too many’.

It’s a strange reason not to bring in a driver and hardly makes sense given how Audi are keen to be a truly German team in the paddock. Teams have regularly used two drivers from the same country – such as Alpine and Mercedes this season – but other factors might be at play in this call from Binotto.

‘Too many’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mattia-binotto-told-sauber-staff-he-wasnt-hiring-mick-schumacher-for-bizarre-reason/


Binotto divulges Alonso influence in Bortoleto F1 decision
Gabriel Bortoleto will join the F1 grid next year, partnering Nico Hulkenberg at the Stake team ahead of its transition to Audi.
16 Nov 2024
Fergal Walsh & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Asked by media including RacingNews365 about how involved Alonso was in talks, Binotto replied: “The answer is very easy: Very little, if nothing. I know very well Fernando from past experience. We met in the paddock but he never influenced [the decision].”

“He never tried really to come to me with a convincing argument because I think what convinced me was Gabriel, nothing else. So not with Fernando. Yes, I had one chat, but really, very, very little.”

“Very little, if nothing”;

https://racingnews365.com/binotto-divulges-alonso-influence-in-bortoleto-f1-decision

[Fortitude]

Verstappen outlines main focus for Las Vegas GP.
Max Verstappen believes tyre management will play a critical role at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, given the low temperatures expected at night in the desert city.
19 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

"[Las] Vegas is the start of the final triple header of the year so this is the final push for everyone," the 62-time grand prix winner said. "We performed well here last year and it is a really fast circuit, with long straights and a lot of opportunities to overtake and go racing.”

"Once again, the temperatures look quite low so it will be about managing the tyres. We are taking each race as it comes and are looking forward to the final races of the season."

"Brazil was an incredible race for us and a really special moment for myself and the team," the three-time F1 drivers' champion reflected. "It was great to see us back to the form we were before; the team did an amazing job and we are hoping to continue this into the next few races."

‘Main focus’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-outlines-main-focus-for-las-vegas-gp


Lando Norris brutally waves off Red Bull threat ahead of crucial Las Vegas GP
20 Nov 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

After Lando Norris saw his F1 2024 title hopes likely crushed in Brazil, the title chase goes on for McLaren in the teams’ standings with Norris abruptly playing down Red Bull as a threat. “After Miami, I already said back then our challenge is not with Red Bull, it’s with Ferrari,” said Norris.

“I’ve said it many many times since, and it was very clear, for a long time, that Ferrari were going to be our biggest contenders over Red Bull. So no, there’s almost no focus on Red Bull. There’s focus on executing our own programme, executing our own potential, the rest should take care of itself.”

The ‘focus on ourselves’ approach may come across as a little cliché, but Norris questions what there it to gain focusing on others. “But people get hung up too easily on teams,” he continued. “What can you do? How can focusing on a team change anything? It doesn’t.

“Challenge is not with Red Bull, it’s with Ferrari”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-red-bull-non-factor-constructors-title


Why is the Las Vegas Grand Prix on a Saturday? The reason behind the change of day as Max Verstappen can wrap up championship this weekend
Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place at 10pm local time on Saturday
Max Verstappen can wrap-up the championship should he finish ahead of Lando Norris in the points
European fans will have an early wake-up call on Sunday morning should they want to watch the race
20 Nov 2024
SONNY COHEN
MailOnline

It will be the third race this season to take place on a Saturday after the season-opening Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were moved due to Ramadan. But the race in Vegas has been moved for a very different reason, as they look to capitalise on the surroundings. Wanting to accommodate as many viewers as possible as well as their desire to see the track lit up by the Las Vegas strip. Due to the latter, race organisers have decided the race should take place at 10pm local time.

As a result, Saturday night was chosen in the hopes that they can accommodate both their American and European audiences as F1 aims to grow their base in the USA. There are a number of ways that Max Verstappen can wrap-up the World Drivers' Championship in Sin-City. The simplest method would simply to be to finish ahead of title rival, Lando Norris with them both scoring points.

That would be enough to see the Dutch driver lift his fourth-consecutive title in what has been a historically dominant spell. F1 officials in Las Vegas are tentatively putting together plans in the event the 27-year-old seal the title.

‘10pm local time on Saturday’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-14105037/Why-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix-Saturday.html


Las Vegas Grand Prix looks to win over locals after rocky start
20 Nov 2024
The Straits Times

"We had eight months building a circuit and lining the barricades and all that, and so it was an amazing accomplishment what Liberty Media and the Formula One folks did," said Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "But it was tough on the city."

The installation of the vast grandstands along the route that block iconic views like the Bellagio Fountains began later this year, and traffic lane disruptions did not start until early October as opposed to mid-April last time.
Organizers have also responded to complaints that the race was pricing out locals by adding more than 10,000 general admission tickets, while also launching community outreach events.

"It just wears you out after a while, but this year is not last year. We've really not heard concern," he said. "It needs to work for everybody. It needs to work for the businesses, the sponsors of the race, the resort community and it needs to work for the community itself. This year I think we are much closer to that balance than we were last year.”

‘Looks to win over locals’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/las-vegas-grand-prix-looks-to-win-over-locals-after-rocky-start


Las Vegas GP Is ‘Not That Great’ – Marko
Nov 20, 2024
Media
F1 Chronicle

“Things are actually not looking too bad for us,” Red Bull team advisor Marko told Osterreich newspaper. “Our car was fast in the dry in Brazil, although Max was in a class of his own in the rain.”

“If we win the title again this year, it will be mainly down to Max. With his exceptional driving skills, he has covered up the phases in which the car was really not good.”

When asked if Red Bull will have ‘world champion t-shirts’ on standby just in case, the 81-year-old smiled: “Knowing him, Max’s manager will definitely have them in his luggage. I’d gladly accept the extra hustle and bustle in Las Vegas for that.”

“Not looking too bad for us”;

https://f1chronicle.com/las-vegas-gp-is-not-that-great-marko/?nowprocket=1


Las Vegas Grand Prix: How to Watch, Full Schedule and What to Expect
19 Nov 2024
Zach Koons
Sports Illustrated
Rock Hill Herald

Las Vegas still does follow a rather unorthodox schedule due to its position in the Pacific time zone and the desire from race organizers to have the event take place at night. Instead of the actual Grand Prix taking place on Sunday, the race will begin on Saturday night in local time-the only such event to do so on the calendar this season. That means the race starts very early on Sunday morning on the east coast of the United States and between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. local time for the bulk of the European audience.

‘Unorthodox schedule’;

https://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article295813824.html#storylink=mainstage_card


Start time for the 2024 F1 Las Vegas GP
From Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place. Check here for all the F1 start times in Las Vegas.
20 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

The schedule of the F1 GP in Las Vegas is automatically adjusted to your time zone.
Timetable Las Vegas GP

Session Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 22 November 03:30 - 04:30
Free practice 2 Friday 22 November 07:00 - 08:00
Free practice 3 Saturday 23 November 03:30 - 04:30
Qualification Saturday 23 November 07:00 - 08:00
Race Sunday 24 November 07:00 - 09:00

‘Start time’;

https://racingnews365.com/start-time-for-the-2024-f1-las-vegas-gp


What time is the Formula 1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix and how can I watch it?
19 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

‘Global Race Start Time’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-time-is-the-formula-1-2024-las-vegas-grand-prix-and-how-can-i-watch-it.5ruWAKbqbllajddZD3dEnT


Las Vegas Grand Prix weather forecast: Cold conditions on the way
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is hosting its second race around the Strip Circuit this weekend - but what weather conditions can we expect?
20 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Our friends at WeerOnline.nl state the conditions will reach as low as 11°C or 12°C during the practice sessions that take place on Thursday evening/night. The temperatures will drop from the mid-20s that are expected during the day.

On Friday, the day during which qualifying is held, the all-important grid-setting session is predicted to see a temperature of 9°C - making it one of the coldest qualifying outings of the year.

The grand prix itself is set to be somewhat similar, with temperatures of 9°C - however, with increased cloud cover during the day, it could sit slightly higher at 11°C.

‘Weather forecast’;

https://racingnews365.com/las-vegas-grand-prix-weather-forecast-cold-conditions-on-the-way

[Fortitude]

How Max Verstappen Can Win His Fourth F1 World Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen has been under immense pressure in 2024, but after a breathtaking win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, he has firmly planted himself at the top of the Formula One drivers' standings.
Nov 20, 2024
Zach Koons
Sports Illustrated
The Fresno Bee

86 points remain up for grabs for the drivers across the final three race weekends. To achieve maximum points, a driver would need to win the Grands Prix in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, post the fastest lap time in each of those three races and win the sprint race in Qatar.

Given that Verstappen already has a 62-point advantage, he doesn't need to be perfect down the stretch. In fact, all he needs to do is beat Norris head-to-head in Las Vegas and he would retain his world title.

Additionally, if Norris is unable to outscore Verstappen by at least three points at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, then the Red Bull driver would still win the championship. That includes a scenario in which Verstappen fails to score, meaning that Norris would need to finish eighth in the race, or ninth while also earning the point for fastest lap.

‘Beat Norris head-to-head in Las Vegas’;

https://www.fresnobee.com/sports/article295873874.html#storylink=mainstage_card


'A process': Las Vegas Grand Prix chief explains ‘new protocols’ to prevent another Carlos Sainz drain cover incident
21 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

F1 will be keen to avoid any further disruptions to the race weekend this year, after identifying that it was a loose water valve cover that caused significant damage to Sainz’s Ferrari. While the Las Vegas GP promoter changed the timings of practice and qualifying this year, Miller explained that new protocols are in place for this year to prevent any similar problems from disrupting the weekend.

“Due to what occurred last year, we do have, in fact, a protocol and a process that we’ve gone through over the last five months to secure the lids, even to the point where we will do three or four visual checks of what’s going on in the roadway before and after a race event,” said Miller.

“You can never guarantee that nothing is going to happen. But you can certainly have the mitigating efforts in place to reduce the risk, and that’s what we’ve done.”

‘New protocols’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/las-vegas-grand-prix-chief-explains-new-protocols-to-prevent-another-carlos-sainz-drain-cover-incident/


‘Unwritten guarantee’: John Watson’s Las Vegas Grand Prix prediction for F1’s ‘unwritten guarantee’ is set to come true
20 Nov 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

The inaugural Las Vegas GP marked the penultimate round of the 2023 campaign but F1 had already crowned both champions. Max Verstappen lifted his third drivers’ championship in a row at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix after Red Bull also won the team’s title at the Japanese GP. So, Watson predicted F1 would want a Las Vegas title decider before the maiden running as the 2023 race lacked tension. Instead, a drain cover destroying Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari in FP1 dominated the headlines before Verstappen overcame a penalty and won the Las Vegas GP.

Yet just a year on from Watson’s bold prediction about F1 seeking an ‘unwritten guarantee’ for a title decider at the Las Vegas GP, the Briton could see it come true as Verstappen is on course to win the title again. He is 62 points clear of Lando Norris and must leave 60 ahead.

“Those races in 1981 and 1982 had the advantage of being title deciders. This one doesn’t,” Watson told the Daily Mail ahead of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. “It was decided three or four races ago. So, it means the event does not quite have the same spotlight on it. They love blood, sweat and tears in America, certainly tears and joy. And if I were Formula 1, I’d have an unwritten guarantee that the world championship is decided in Las Vegas.”

‘Unwritten guarantee’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/john-watsons-las-vegas-grand-prix-prediction-for-f1s-unwritten-guarantee-is-set-to-come-true/


Perez to finally be given ‘Verstappen upgrade’ by Red Bull
Sergio Perez is to finally be able to race Max Verstappen on an equal-footing from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
21 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez will finally receive Red Bull's floor upgrade in the Las Vegas Grand Prix - putting him on an equal footing with Max Verstappen. "I will be, as far as I know, going to the spec that Max has had in the last few races with the floor," Perez told media including RacingNews365.

"I'm going to that spec for this weekend, and it makes me feel confident that going onto the different spec of floor, we can be in the mix for the weekend. At the end of the day, the team knows exactly what they get out of me, they have so much data and information, it is as simple as that and there was a reason they renewed me in the year.”

"The season has been quite difficult, we took different parts and had a difficult period, but that is just part of racing and hopefully we can close these final three races on a high."

‘Equal-footing’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-to-finally-be-given-verstappen-upgrade-by-red-bull


Toto Wolff renews Mercedes commitment to Lewis Hamilton on eve of Las Vegas GP
20 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Speaking ahead of the resumption of the F1 2024 season in Vegas, Wolff insisted that Mercedes are still determined to end their time with Hamilton on a happy note.

He said: “We head to Las Vegas ready to tackle the final three races of the season. We are focused on ending this year as strongly as possible and providing some more highlights as we close out 2024.”

“We are looking forward to the races ahead, to ending our incredible journey with Lewis on a high and to building momentum for 2025.”

‘Mercedes commitment to Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-renew-commitment-toto-wolff-statement


Williams rebuild effort for Las Vegas proves ‘what team is made of'
20/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets has hailed the team's herculean effort to rebuild two wrecked cars in time for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, calling it a testament to what the Grove-based squad “is made of.”

Against the odds, the cars were rebuilt and shipped to the US in time for this weekend's round of racing in Vegas, the first event of the F1 season's closing triple header. “Everybody has worked day and night to get us back into a good position for the last three races of the season. “It shows what this team is made of.”

“We are looking forward to racing in Las Vegas where we should be competitive,” the Belgian added. “It's a track that gives plenty of opportunities, and we are sure that both drivers will be very motivated to fight for points.”

‘What team is made of';

https://f1i.com/news/524883-williams-rebuild-effort-for-las-vegas-proves-what-team-is-made-of.html


F1 Driver Yuki Tsunoda Nearly Denied Entry Into The United States For Las Vegas Grand Prix
NOV 21, 2024
CLAY SAUERTIEG
BroBible

Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda made a surprising revelation on Thursday when he told members of the media that he was nearly denied entry into the United States for Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. Tsunoda said that he had no issues when F1 came to the U.S. earlier this season for the Miami and United States Grands Prix in Austin.

Tsunoda, 24, said that he was traveling alongside his personal trainer but that the two were separated when going through customs. He then said that he was taken aside for individual questioning which included several rounds of discussions.

“And suddenly he [the official] just put me in the room and when I had a conversation I was like: can I bring the person that I’m going to travel with? Maybe he can help a little bit to explain a bit more about myself and the situation in Formula 1? But they didn’t allow me to bring them or even call anyone. I wanted to call the team as well, or maybe F1 so they can help me. But in that room, you can’t do anything.”

‘Surprising revelation’;

https://brobible.com/sports/article/formula-1-driver-yuki-tsunoda-denied-entry-us-las-vegas-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

HIGHLIGHTS: Hamilton and Russell lead the field ahead of Norris in slippery FP1 for Las Vegas GP.
Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in a tricky first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, leading the way from his Mercedes team mate George Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris.
22 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Following a disheartening Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton set the pace with a time of 1m 35.001s as he got the better of Russell by just under four-tenths of a second.

Norris found himself even further back as Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz narrowly slotted in behind – the latter temporarily went fastest but had a close call with the Williams of Franco Colapinto.

The lower half of the top 10 saw Fernando Alonso ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez rounding it out after setting their quickest laps on the soft tyres.

‘HIGHLIGHTS’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/highlights-hamilton-and-russell-lead-the-field-ahead-of-norris-in-slippery.3FeBq0ZG2ZFdlhJWanaydZ


Las Vegas GP: Free Practice 1 Results
Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
22 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 25 1:35.001
2 63 George Russell Mercedes 28 1:35.397 0.396
3 4 Lando Norris McLaren 26 1:35.954 0.953
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 26 1:36.007 1.006
5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 24 1:36.038 1.037
6 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 26 1:36.218 1.217
7 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 24 1:36.262 1.261
8 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 25 1:36.451 1.450
9 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 23 1:36.478 1.477
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 24 1:36.536 1.535

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/las-vegas-gp-free-practice-1-results/


Hamilton leads Mercedes domination in Las Vegas dustbowl
A show of intent from Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
22 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell surprisingly dominated the first practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Hamilton's final lap in the closing seconds was a 1:35.001s, still a second slower than the leading time in practice from last year, set by Russell.

But the fact Hamilton was 0.953s ahead of third-quickest Lando Norris in his McLaren was a real statement of intent from a Mercedes team that has been off the boil since F1 returned from its summer break in late August.

‘Mercedes domination’;

https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-leads-mercedes-domination-in-las-vegas-dustbowl


Mercedes dominates opening Las Vegas GP practice
Nov 22, 2024
The Race

Mercedes was comfortably fastest in first practice for Formula 1's Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton's pacesetting 1m35.001s lap nearly one second faster than the best non-Mercedes.

The caveat to its performance is that the first Thursday night session on a dusty track may not be especially representative for the rest of the weekend.

But in practice one at least, Mercedes held a 1-2 for most of the session, only really losing it when others went for soft tyres and regaining it when Hamilton and George Russell did likewise.

‘Mercedes dominates’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/las-vegas-grand-prix-practice-one-results-2024-mercedes-dominates/


Las Vegas GP: Norris keeps title hopes alive as Hamilton tops FP1
22 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes 1-2, a whopping 0.4s up on George Russell in Practice One for the Las Vegas GP where drivers struggled with low grip. Meanwhile, the deck may be stacked against Lando Norris in Sin City as he trails Max Verstappen by 62 points, but he kept his hopes alive as he finished P3 with the Red Bull driver fifth fastest.

Making the switch to the soft Pirellis, Leclerc went quickest followed by Carlos Sainz before Lando Norris pipped the Ferrari team-mates with a 1:35.9. Verstappen went sixth, 0.8s down. He upped his pace, closing the gap to Norris to six-tenths but remained P6.

Hamilton came through with a late lap to take P1 with a 1:35.001 with Russell second. As for the title rivals, Norris was third while a late burst from Verstappen saw him finish P5, but only 0.08s down on Norris.

‘Title hopes alive’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/las-vegas-grand-prix-2024-fp1-report


F1 2024 Las Vegas GP – Free Practice 1 Results
Lewis Hamilton leads the way at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit on Friday, November 22 but what is the gap to the rivals around him?
22 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Mercedes proved to be the team to beat in FP1 at the F1 2024 Las Vegas GP as both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell looked strong whilst Max Verstappen found himself miles off the pace as Lando Norris looks to have the chance to claw some points back in the title battle. Here are the results from the session.

The Silver Arrows set a very tough time to beat on the medium tyres, even good enough to repel Ferrari‘s first efforts on the softs, before the 39-year-old Hamilton laid down a strong warning to the rest of the grid with a 1:35.001 to clear his teammate by just shy of four tenths around the Strip Circuit.

Known for preferring the cooler temperatures throughout 2024, Toto Wolff‘s team look like the only outfit who have turned up for the Grand Prix weekend after clearing McLaren‘s Norris in third by almost a second, as well as a similar margin to Charles Leclerc and Verstappen with the trio looking closely-contested as they duel for championship position.

‘Lewis Hamilton leads the way’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2024-las-vegas-gp-free-practice-1-results/

[Fortitude]

Hamilton sets Mercedes a challenge after shock turnaround.
Lewis Hamilton has… …called on Mercedes to work overnight to ensure it can maintain its pace.
22 Nov 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Speaking after running on Friday, a buoyant Hamilton reflected positively on his efforts. “It's the first time that I've actually had a day like that this year. So the car was feeling really good in FP1 - FP2 less so,” he said.

“So we've got some work to do overnight, but it's difficult to know exactly where we are or why we are where we are. But I’m really enjoying driving the track and we'll see if the car is still the same tomorrow.” Hamilton conceded his race pace was lacking, making him wary over his chances of a strong result on Sunday.

“Hot conditions are a little bit worse for us but the race pace is not that great,” he said. “So the work we've got to do overnight is to try and figure out how we can have better race pace without losing actual pace throughout the lap.”

‘Work we've got to do overnight’;

https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-sets-mercedes-a-challenge-after-shock-turnaround


Las Vegas GP: Free Practice 2 Results
Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
22 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 24 1:33.825
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 24 1:33.836 0.011
3 63 George Russell Mercedes 28 1:34.015 0.190
4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 28 1:34.105 0.280
5 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 27 1:34.313 0.488
6 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 29 1:34.651 0.826
7 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 19 1:34.686 0.861
8 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 25 1:34.798 0.973
9 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 23 1:34.818 0.993
10 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 22 1:34.997 1.172

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/las-vegas-gp-free-practice-2-results/


Hamilton narrowly fastest in frosty FP2 as Verstappen struggles in Las Vegas
Lewis Hamilton remains the man to beat in Las Vegas after the first day of F1 action
22 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Mercedes continued their good form through the opening exchanges of the F1 2024 Las Vegas GP as Lewis Hamilton topped a frosty FP2 by 0.011 ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell, whilst Max Verstappen struggled for grip and pace under the bright lights of the iconic Strip.

Hamilton was living dangerously in Sin City by kissing the wall with his rear-left tyre he continues to drive like he personally has a point to prove after Toto Wolff recently suggested he is losing his touch, seemingly part of why he leaned towards hiring Kimi Antonelli for 2025.

So the 39-year-old was pushing to the limit ahead of his move to Ferrari, and perhaps senses the chance for a final Grand Prix victory with the Silver Arrows, who looked extremely strong through both the long runs and qualifying simulations to build on a successful FP1 on November 22.

‘Toto Wolff: “Losing his touch” (Not!)’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/hamilton-narrowly-fastest-in-frosty-fp2-as-verstappen-struggles-in-las-vegas/


Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice
22/11/2024
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las Vegas, pipping McLaren's Lando Norris to the top spot by a slender 0.011s in the nighttime FP2 session.

George Russell was best of the rest in third ahead of Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with a strong performance from Pierre Gasly putting Alpine up in sixth place by the end of the hour.

Max Verstappen was down in 17th after drifting wide on his one flying lap attempt before the session was briefly red-flagged for Alex Albon coming to a stop with a fuel system issue on the Williams.

‘Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time’;

https://f1i.com/news/525043-las-vegas-gp-hamilton-continues-on-top-in-second-practice.html


Lewis Hamilton bounces back with exciting practice double at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton completed an impressive practice double at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as the Mercedes driver bounced back from his Brazil horror show.
Nov 22, 2024
Philip Duncan
Daily and Sunday Express

Hamilton, set to join Ferrari next season, confessed he considered ending his 12-year stint with Mercedes, which has brought him six of his seven world titles, after a challenging race in Brazil.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged Hamilton's emotional response, saying: "We all know that Lewis wears his heart on the sleeve. It was such a bad experience for him, that whole race weekend in Brazil, and particularly the Sunday, he said something that wasn’t, in a way, unusual.”

"Now, this time was probably particularly bad. There are three races to go. He announced at the beginning of the year that he was joining Ferrari, and I am proud how we have achieved to maintain the professional relationships and we have given him a tool that is not good enough."

‘Lewis Hamilton bounces back’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1979206/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix


2024 Las Vegas GP FP2: Albon stops on track to trigger red flags
Nov 22, 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Alex Albon was kept in the garage until almost 40 minutes had passed of FP2, only for his Williams to grind to a halt and stop out on track as soon as he left the pits.

‘Albon stops on track’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-las-vegas-gp-fp2-albon-stops-on-track-to-trigger-red-flags.1816406201293833394


Lewis Hamilton paces both F1 practices on opening day of Las Vegas Grand Prix
22 Nov 2024
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MailOnline

"I didn´t really want to come back," Hamilton said in Las Vegas of his Brazil performance, where he struggled with the handling of his car, called it "undriveable" and "the bumpiest ride ever" after finishing 10th. "If this is the last time that I get to perform, it´s a shame it wasn´t great, but (I´m) grateful for you," Hamilton said on his team radio after the race.

Hamilton clarified those remarks in Las Vegas, explaining how frustrated he was by the Brazil performance. "In the moment, that´s how I felt," he said. "I didn´t really want to come back after that weekend, but I think that´s only natural.”

“It´s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I´m pretty sure I won´t have again, or at least I´ll work towards not having again. It wasn´t a great feeling in that moment but I´m here, I´m standing strong, and I´m going to give it absolutely everything for the last few races."

"In the moment, that´s how I felt";

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14113593/Lewis-Hamilton-paces-F1-practices-opening-day-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix.html

[Fortitude]

Mercedes 'have failed Lewis Hamilton' claims Toto Wolff at Las Vegas Grand Prix.
"I have clearly remarked he’s the greatest driver of all time and if we’re able to give him a quick car he’s going to be able to win," said Wolff. "He’s able to fight for a championship but we have failed in doing so."
Nov 22, 2024
Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Toto Wolff believes Mercedes have failed Lewis Hamilton in his bid to win an eighth Drivers' Championship title. The 39-year-old has only won two races in the last three seasons, with the Silver Arrows no longer the unstoppable force they once were. Though he still bullishly added: "We finished third two years ago, we finished second last year, bearing in mind we haven't won a race, and we won three this year. So that is not all a failure. That was a pretty good spell for Mercedes and for Lewis.

"And we will be trying to do it better. We are trying to do it better every single day, every single weekend. And the same will be next season and then the big one in '26." It remains to be seen if Hamilton will finally win his eighth title at Ferrari. They look set to be one of the fastest teams on the grid next year, having come on leaps and bounds in recent campaigns.

‘Mercedes have failed Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1979240/Mercedes-Lewis-Hamilton-Toto-Wolff-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix


Las Vegas GP data: Huge Red Bull RB20 loss discovered as big unknown identified
22 Nov 2024
Pablo Hidalgo
PlanetF1.com

After a very cold and low-grip night in the US state of Nevada, Friday practice for the Las Vegas GP has left us with several clues for the rest of the weekend including an apparent ‘wrong’ choice of rear wing spec for Red Bull for this race.

Helmut Marko’s comments have set alarm bells ringing about Red Bull‘s performance for the rest of the weekend in Las Vegas. And it’s true that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have looked out of sorts in the first two Free Practice sessions.

Marko revealed after FP2 that the team had made the wrong choice with their rear wing spec for this race and that a different configuration with less downforce would not arrive in time for qualifying – something that certainly on the fast Las Vegas circuit can be key in determining the overall performance of the car.

‘Huge Red Bull RB20 loss discovered’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/las-vegas-gp-practice-f1-data-red-bull-rb20-unknown


Red Bull admit to huge blunder at F1 Las Vegas GP as team stuck with WRONG car part
Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen could clinch the Formula 1 world title this weekend.
22 Nov 2024
Marcus Chan
SPORTbible

As reported by Auto Motor und Sport, the Red Bull cars are losing more than half a second on the straights due to the blunder. The team's senior advisor, Helmut Marko, was asked whether they would fly in a new version before qualifying, he said, as per Planet F1: "No. We don't have another rear wing, a smaller rear wing, as we see it on our competitors. It would be more helpful, for sure."

Speaking about the car's overall performance, Marko added: "On the short run we didn't go out with a soft tyre, and the long run was only partly good. Some laps were competitive, but then the rear tyres were disappearing. There were flashes of speed. We just have to get consistency into it."

He continued: "We need more balance. On the single lap we can improve. But on the long run, the tyre wear is a problem at the moment. Tomorrow is a different day. You maybe saw it a lot of times. People will be fastest on Friday or Thursday, but it doesn't mean that they are fast in the race. We will, for sure, make a reasonable step."

‘Huge blunder’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/red-bull-las-vegas-grand-prix-max-verstappen-223881-20241122


Max Verstappen told to stop ‘whining’ after fresh Las Vegas GP complaints
22 Nov 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

“The problem for me is mainly the time difference between Vegas and Qatar,” Max Verstappen told Motorsport-Total.com. “If we do triple-headers, we have to make sure that they are a bit closer together. That would make more sense to me.”

“At the end of the season you are simply tired, and you can easily catch a flu. The long flight does not help with that.” Verstappen’s comments did not drum up much sympathy with former Caterham F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who argues that the drivers are not the ones worst affected.

“It doesn’t matter,” he said on De Race Show. “If you’re immediately World Champion, you’re not interested. You’re going to sleep for 18 hours on the plane. Come on man. You can just whine about it. It’s too cool to race in Las Vegas. It’s more a tough one for the mechanics, who really goes into the last weekend with bags under his eyes.”

‘Whining’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-las-vegas-gp-complaints-whining-giedo-van-der-garde


‘Lot of pain’: David Croft worried about Fernando Alonso after he made one Aston Martin request at Las Vegas Grand Prix
22 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Fernando Alonso has endured a frustrating season at Aston Martin as the team have continued to flounder in the midfield. The Spaniard has struggled to score points since the summer break, as the midfield is incredibly competitive. Alonso said: “I think you need to change the setup, a lot of bouncing.” Before Croft added: “For a man who was in a hell of a lot of pain in at Interlagos with the bouncing in his Aston Martin.”

Aston Martin are in no man’s land in the Constructors’ Championship as they sit fifth in the standings behind the top four teams. They are a distant fifth and should have enough of an advantage over Alpine with their 37-point lead with three rounds to go. A fifth place finish in the standings will provide more prize money than sixth although it is a step backwards from last season.

“Need to change the setup”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/david-croft-worried-about-fernando-alonso-after-he-made-one-aston-martin-request-at-las-vegas-grand-prix/


Danica Patrick tells James Vowles to look away as he’s shown brutal Williams footage at Las Vegas Grand Prix
22 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Vowles sarcastically thanked the British broadcasters for forcing him to relive the weekend. The former Mercedes strategist took over at the start of 2023 and this was perhaps his biggest setback yet. Pundit Danica Patrick told him not to ‘look’ lest it bring back those emotions. But on a more serious note, Vowles expressed his pride at the team’s rebuilding job back at the base.

“Thank you for playing it back to me!” Vowles said. “I feel done now. Oh good, you’ve got all of them.” Patrick joked: “Don’t look!” Vowles added: “What I’m so proud of is Williams pulled together. Proper kicks in the stomach – you can see every single one of them here. And the team in Grove – the race team – just pulled together to build two cars at the right spec.”

“I feel done now”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/danica-patrick-tells-james-vowles-to-look-away-as-hes-shown-brutal-williams-footage-at-las-vegas-grand-prix/


TECH DEBRIEF: Ferrari ditches experimental floor at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
22 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Ferrari had been expected not to introduce any new parts in the remaining three races of the season, which meant that it was surprising to see the Scuderia submit a new upgrade before the action kicked off at Las Vegas with the first practice session.

Commenting on the changes, Ferrari noted: "Not event specific, this update features reworked front floor fences targeting an improvement of the losses travelling downstream. The front floor body volume has subsequently reoptimized, together with the floor edge loading and vortex shedding into the diffuser."

Speaking of the changes, Ferrari senior engineer Jock Clear said that motivation for Ferrari to run a new floor is to test windtunel-to-track correlation. “It is literally [for] FP1 so it will come off [after]. We’ve only got one of them. It doesn’t bring performance, it’s just a very localised test. It’s just with a view to correlating the tunnel. Obviously, that has implications for ’25 because that’s the tool you’re developing everything on but it’s very much a correlation process," concluded Clear.

‘Experimental floor’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25852


Driver hit with five-place grid penalty at Las Vegas Grand Prix as F1 nightmare continues
Changes are already being made to the Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid.
Nov 22, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Valtteri Bottas has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after taking a new energy store. This new power unit component breached the FIA’s allowance for the season, landing him a handicap for Sunday’s race.

Four other drivers made changes to their cars as Sergio Perez and Alex Albon applied new exhaust systems, along with the VCARB duo of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. However, these new components fell within the teams’ allocations for the season, so no penalties were handed out.

This news comes as another blow to Bottas, who is still trying to show off his talents to prospective new employers for the 2025 season. The Finn’s departure from Sauber was confirmed after the Brazilian Grand Prix, along with team-mate Zhou Guanyu.

‘Five-place grid penalty’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1979238/Valtteri-Bottas-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix-grid-penalty

[Fortitude]

Las Vegas GP: Russell keeps Mercedes on top in final practice.
George Russell upheld Mercedes’ dominant Las Vegas form in FP3 on Friday, the Briton topping a session that was cut short by a late red flag triggered by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.
23/11/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Russell outpaced McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 0.215s while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was third, but once again, the cool low-grip track conditions were a handful for drivers.

Behind the leading trio, championship rivals Lando Norris and Max Verstappen rounded off the top five, with the Red Bull charger lingering at the bottom of the timesheets for most of the session until an improved set-up and a late flyer on the soft tyre propelled him into the upper tier.

‘Mercedes on top’;

https://f1i.com/news/525191-las-vegas-gp-russell-keeps-mercedes-on-top-in-final-practice.html


Las Vegas GP: Free Practice 3 Results
Full results from Free Practice 3 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
23 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 3 from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 63 George Russell Mercedes 17 1:33.570
2 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 13 1:33.785 0.215
3 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 15 1:33.918 0.348
4 4 Lando Norris McLaren 13 1:34.008 0.438
5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 16 1:34.137 0.567
6 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 16 1:34.341 0.771
7 23 Alex Albon Williams 14 1:34.407 0.837
8 43 Franco Colapinto Williams 14 1:34.723 1.153
9 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 13 1:34.883 1.313
10 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 14 1:34.905 1.335

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/las-vegas-gp-free-practice-3-results/


Las Vegas GP: Mercedes secure practice hat-trick in a red-flag interrupted FP3
23 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

George Russell wrapped up the practice hat-trick for Mercedes in Las Vegas, guaranteed the P1 by a late red flag as Lance Stroll’s AMR24 shut down with the Canadian coming to a halt on the side
of the track.

After a busy Thursday night, it was a slow start to Friday’s final practice with only one driver setting a lap time in the first 15 minutes. That was Sergio Perez, who got the timesheet rolling with a 1:41.1, but reported that the track conditions were “miles off” compared to yesterday. Liam Lawson had the same complaint as he returned to the VCARB garage after a single lap.

Several teams, including Mercedes, Aston Martin and VCARB, sent their drivers out for a lap or two, potentially to scrub tyres for the race. Max Verstappen was the second driver to post a time, but was slower than Perez after a lock-up on his out-lap and a moment at Turn 14 as he struggled for grip. Getting heat into his tyres and finding grip, Verstappen went quickest on the medium tyres. Worryingly for Red Bull, he reported that his front was “dead” after just six laps.

‘Mercedes secure practice hat-trick’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/las-vegas-grand-prix-2024-fp3-report


FP3: Russell leads Piastri and Sainz in final Las Vegas GP practice
23 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Mercedes driver George Russell led the way during Friday’s third and final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, slotting ahead of McLaren rival Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz before a late red flag. In similarly cold and slippery conditions to Thursday practice, a handful of drivers emerged in the early stages to build up speed and get back into a rhythm – albeit with Sergio Perez reporting that his first run was “miles off” given the low levels of grip.

Mercedes then wound themselves up for another run on softs, bringing a 1m 34.475s from Russell and a 1m 34.341s from Lewis Hamilton – restoring their early-weekend one-two formation as times edged closer to the 1m 33.825s benchmark in second practice. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s troubles rumbled on as the Dutchman reported that his car was “only getting worse” and becoming “undriveable”. Running harder tyres, and referencing a problematic left-front, he added: “I can’t drive it. I’m going to crash.”

‘Russell leads Piastri and Sainz’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/fp3-russell-leads-piastri-and-sainz-in-final-las-vegas-gp-practice.3QijlmsyeHZygC7eHRyFe5


George Russell tops final practice for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix ahead of Oscar Piastri
George Russell was fastest in final practice for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
23 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.net

George Russell made it a clean sweep for Mercedes in practice for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix as he set the fastest time in FP3. Russell’s 1m33.570s put him just over 0.2s ahead of Piastri ensuring Mercedes have topped all three practice sessions ahead of qualifying in Sin City.

Mercedes are surely the team to beat, with Lewis Hamilton showing strong pace earlier in the session. The seven-time world champion failed to improve on his second set of tyres, leaving him sixth in the order overall.

Carlos Sainz completed the top three for Ferrari, although he was around four-tenths off Russell’s pace. Ferrari were fastest in the race runs in FP2 - but their one-lap pace seems to be lacking relative to Mercedes.

‘Clean sweep for Mercedes’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060594/1/george-russell-tops-final-practice-f1-las-vegas-grand-prix-ahead-oscar-piastri


Max fifth in final practice for Las Vegas GP
23 Nov 2024
Misha van der Kroon
Verstappen.nl

Max Verstappen concluded the third and final free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in fifth position. While grip was initially hard to find on the slippery Las Vegas circuit, Verstappen seemed to improve in the closing stages on soft tyres.

With an outside temperature of 15 degrees, and a track temperature of 17, it is cool at the start of the third free practice session at the 6.201-kilometer long Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Zhou Guanyu, in his Sauber, is the first to head to the track, soon joined by Sergio Perez, who sets the first timed lap.

As the track conditions get betters, Verstappen progressively improves his lap times. However, while other drivers are significantly faster on the soft tyres, Verstappen struggles with an undrivable car, expressing his frustration over the team radio. Eventually, he returns to the pits. At that moment, he is at the bottom of the leaderboard.

‘Max fifth in final practice’;

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5663/


Norris: ‘I could drive a road car quicker’ at Las Vegas amid low-grip surface
The McLaren driver was left unhappy with his team's long run pace, struggling to deal with the low-grip track conditions
Nov 22, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Lando Norris was unhappy with McLaren’s long-run pace, claiming he could drive a road car quicker in the low-grip conditions. The 25-year-old was left frustrated after the opening two practice sessions of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite finishing third and second in FP1 and FP2 respectively, the Briton described McLaren’s long-run pace as “shocking”.

The second practice session saw Norris finish only 0.011 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton at the top. However, his frustrations vented towards his team’s high fuel pace, despite the low fuel being competitive. The low track temperature caused many drivers to lock up their front tyre and go deep into a corner. Norris said that he had been struggling with front graining, which is impacting his long-run performance. The McLaren driver said:

“It’s just very difficult, super low grip. “I feel like I could drive a road car quicker than we drive at the minute… “I think the low-fuel stuff has been okay,” he explained. “The high-fuel, that was shocking. So, yeah, plenty of things to look into. This kind of combinations of things, and when we struggle with the front graining and stuff like that, I’m just not very good at it. So it’s always a bit of a struggle for me. But we’ve a good amount of time to work on it. So yeah, two halves really. Good low-fuel and difficult high-fuel.”

‘I could drive a road car quicker’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/norris-i-could-drive-a-road-car-quicker-at-las-vegas-amid-low-grip-surface/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

George Russell on pole for Las Vegas GP, Max Verstappen qualifies ahead of Lando Norris.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will claim the drivers’ championship title if he finishes the race anywhere ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Nov 23 2024
The Irish Times

George Russell put Mercedes on pole for the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Max Verstappen moved a step closer to a fourth successive Formula One title by qualifying ahead of Lando Norris. Red Bull's Verstappen, who will retain his crown with two rounds to spare if he beats Norris on Saturday, secured fifth place on the grid with his McLaren rival sixth.

“We are still in front of McLaren, which for me is a bit of a surprise but I’m quite happy with how qualifying went and my laps,” said Verstappen. Norris must score three points more than the Dutch driver in Sunday’s race to continue the title battle in Qatar next weekend.

‘George Russell on pole’;

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2024/11/23/george-russell-on-pole-for-las-vegas-gp-max-verstappen-qualifies-ahead-of-lando-norris/


Las Vegas GP: Qualifying Results
Full results from Qualifying from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
23 November 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Pos Num Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Diff
1 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:33.186 1:32.779 1:32.312
2 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:33.484 1:32.711 1:32.410 0.098
3 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:33.691 1:32.879 1:32.664 0.352
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:33.446 1:33.016 1:32.783 0.471
5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:33.299 1:33.085 1:32.797 0.485
6 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:33.592 1:33.099 1:33.008 0.696
7 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 1:33.789 1:33.089 1:33.029 0.717
8 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:33.450 1:33.024 1:33.033 0.721
9 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 1:33.920 1:33.114
10 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:33.225 1:32.567

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/las-vegas-gp-qualifying-results/


George Russell claims dramatic pole for Las Vegas Grand Prix - but it's a dark night for Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton - as champion-in-waiting Max Verstappen finishes fifth
• Russell put in an inch-perfect lap while the seven-time champion finished 10th
• Franco Colapinto delayed qualifying with an enormous smash-up in Q2
23 Nov 2024
JONATHAN MCEVOY
MailOnline

George Russell took a blistering pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix – but it was another dark night for Lewis Hamilton. The tale of the old and the new, the young and the old, saw Russell put in an inch-perfect lap while Hamilton made two errors to qualify a bleak 10th.

Hamilton was 15.7sec behind Russell – a distorted figure, because the much-garlanded multiple world champion failed to set a time, but a wounding one. Some excessive hoopla celebrated Hamilton’s first places in practice yesterday as they were the Second Coming rather than a hopeful flicker of a possible upturn after a puzzlingly poor string of form.

When it came down to it, Hamilton ran wide on his first flying lap of Q3 and then another error in the decisive final blast. ‘I didn’t do the job,’ Hamilton admitted. ‘The car felt different in Q3 and stability was not there for some reason. I had stability before. But, ultimately, I didn’t put the laps together.’

‘George Russell claims dramatic pole’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-14117209/george-russell-mercedes-pole-las-vegas-grand-prix.html


Daring George Russell takes Las Vegas GP pole as Ferrari take advantage of McLaren woes
George Russell waited until the last possible moment to take pole at the 2024 Las Vegas GP
23 Nov 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

George Russell snatched pole position for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix at the last possible moment, edging out Carlos Sainz by less than a tenth in qualifying while Pierre Gasly will start a heady third after splitting the Ferraris.

Lando Norris knows he must beat Max Verstappen by at least three points to keep the Formula 1 drivers’ championship alive and starts alongside the Dutchman on the third row of the grid but behind his rival by just 0.014 seconds.

However, it was a desperately disappointing for Lewis Hamilton who topped FP1 and FP2 but fell apart in Q3, locking up on his first run and also failing to set a competitive time to take the chequered flag, finishing 10th.

‘Daring George Russell’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/daring-george-russell-takes-las-vegas-gp-pole-after-huge-williams-shunt/


Verstappen chasing down the title, and a wide open battle for victory – What To Watch For in the Las Vegas Grand Prix
23 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

From a wide open race at the front to the potential crowning of a world champion, and from Franco Colapinto’s recovery from a heavy crash to unusually low temperatures for drivers to be racing in, here are five things to watch out for under the lights in Las Vegas on race day…

1. Anyone from the top six taking the win
Ahead of qualifying, Christian Horner said that any driver on the front three rows would fancy their chances of winning on Saturday night, and there’s little reason to disagree with him after the session.

‘Verstappen chasing down the title’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-chasing-down-the-title-and-a-wide-open-battle-for-victory-what-to.1zARYpeyiUyiRM9JZ1rTxR


Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying delayed after Franco Colapinto's nasty crash leaves track covered in debris
23 Nov 2024
JAKE FENNER
MailOnline

Towards the end of the Q2 session, Colapinto was making his way through turn 16 on the Las Vegas street circuit when he lost control of his car in the left side wall.

Colapinto's car then skidded across the track colliding with the opposite wall before continuing to slide down the circuit before coming to a complete stop. The 21-year-old driver was able to get out of the car completely fine - telling his garage 'I'm ok'.

The wreck left plenty of debris all over the track as carbon fiber and one of Colapinto's tires were left behind him. Additionally, the impact of the wreck forced marshals to examine the barriers for any damage that might have needed repairing.

‘Qualifying delayed’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-14117173/franco-colapinto-crash-qualifying-las-vegas-grand-prix.html


Franco Colapinto participation in jeopardy after 50G Las Vegas GP quali crash
23 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Franco Colapinto has escaped serious injury in a frightening crash in qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but isn’t certain to race. The Williams driver was involved in a heavy crash at the end of Q2 in qualifying for the Las Vegas GP.

Colapinto was attempting to escape the elimination zone at the end of Q2 and was approaching the end of his final flying lap when he turned in slightly too early for the high-speed Turn 15. Realising his error, Colapinto briefly turned away before recommitting to the apex, but was still too early – he glanced the inside wall and knocked off his front-left wheel.

The impact was enough to throw Colapinto into the wall on the outside, enduring a heavy impact with onboard replays showing Colapinto’s head bouncing around the cockpit. The car skittered down the track minus all of its corners, with Colapinto unable to bring it under control as he waited for the Williams to dissipate its momentum.

‘50G Las Vegas GP quali crash’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/franco-colapinto-qualifying-crash-2024-las-vegas-grand-prix

[Fortitude]

Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull or… Alpine? Carlos Sainz picks Ferrari’s biggest threat in 2024 Las Vegas GP.
No driver got within a quarter of a second of the front row of the grid in the 2024 Las Vegas GP as George Russell and Carlos Sainz set the pace for Mercedes and Ferrari
23 Nov 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Carlos Sainz predicted Ferrari will be fighting Mercedes for victory in the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, though didn’t rule out any teams in the top six after a hectic qualifying delivered shocks up and down the grid.

The Silver Arrows have led every session of the weekend so far and George Russell took pole position ahead of the two Ferraris sandwiching Pierre Gasly, while the last two remaining title contenders line up together on the third row of the grid led by Max Verstappen.

Mercedes have had a track record of overperforming in free practice compared to the competitive sessions in 2024 but while Lewis Hamilton fell to last place and 15 seconds off the pace in Q3, Russell showed no such qualifying dip in Las Vegas.

‘Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull or… Alpine?’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/mercedes-mclaren-red-bull-or-alpine-carlos-sainz-picks-ferraris-biggest-threat-in-2024-las-vegas-gp/


George Russell admits 'my body is all over the place' after Las Vegas Grand Prix pole
Nov 23, 2024
Philip Duncan
Daily and Sunday Express

The first attempt saw Russell clipping the wall at Turn 5, resulting in a need for a new front wing. However, undeterred, the English driver – who impressively leads Lewis Hamilton with a 17-5 qualifying advantage this season – composed himself and on his second try, edged past Sainz by a margin of 0.098 seconds.

Crossing the finish line at exactly 11:24pm local time, Russell later disclosed: "I got 45 minutes sleep before qualifying. The body is all over the place. I sleep when I can and I listen to my body.

"I normally try and meditate as opposed to sleeping. I close my eyes and listen to waves crashing against the sea, or do breathing exercises, box-breathing, it relaxes my mind and takes the pressure off. It is challenging working what is an effective night shift so sleeping when I can is working for me."

‘0.098 seconds’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1979750/george-russell-admits-my-body-all-over-place-after-las-vegas-grand-prix-pole


I should have taken pole, winning is “out of the question” now – Hamilton
23rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Lewis Hamilton said his chances of winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix are non-existent after he qualified 10th on the grid for tomorrow’s race. “Things didn’t work when it mattered,” Hamilton admitted after the session. “I tried, it didn’t come off. I should have been on pole,” he told the official F1 channel. “But at least I’ve got pace, which is a good showing over the weekend, that’s the positive to take away.”

Hamilton does not believe he can get into the fight for victory from the fifth row of the grid. "Not really, I think the race is kind of done,” he said. “Obviously the win is out of the question. But just a great job from George.”

“Non-existent”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/23/i-should-have-taken-pole-winning-is-out-of-the-question-now-hamilton/


Vasseur wants to avoid 2023 scenario: 'I want to win!'
23 Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, is determined to be have one of their cars on the top step of the podium at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. A scenario like last year is out of the question, according to the French team principal.

When Vasseur was asked about the SF-24's race pace on Sunday, the Frenchman joked: "Yes, I hope that we won't be the faster on Sunday" (in Las Vegas, the Grand Prix will begin on Saturday local time), he told F1TV.

He then continued on a more serious note. "It's true that from the beginning of the season we had the probably a better car on the race pace, and not the qualifying pace. It's probably the consequence of what [we did] last year, that we put a lot of effort on the race pace and you have always a downside to everything, it means that we have to make some compromise on the qualifying."

'I want to win!';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314301/fred-vasseur-wants-to-win-and-avoid-2023-scenario-with-verstappen.html


Pierre Gasly hails ‘incredible’ Alpine turnaround to qualify third for F1 Las Vegas GP
23 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

“Yeah, it’s absolutely incredible, you know, as a team,” Gasly exclaimed. “Exactly as you mentioned, we started Bahrain on the last row with both cars, and all of a sudden, the last few weeks have been quite a change.”

“I’m really happy and pleased with the work the team has been doing in a season where everything looked impossible, just to still stick together and put some more performance in that car.”

“Going into qualifying today, I must admit we never thought we’d be in a position to actually you know get in that top three, but yeah, I managed to have a very special lap at the right time on that last set in Q3 and uh yeah it’s a it’s a very nice surprise.”

“It’s absolutely incredible”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/23/pierre-gasly-hails-absolutely-incredible-alpine-turnaround-amid-p3-qualifying-performance/


Gasly credits “aggressive” set-up for Alpine’s best performance this year
23rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

In the last five races, the team has produced three of its strongest performances in terms of one-lap pace. They’ve been 0.92% off the pace on average over that time, a huge improvement over the same five-race spell at the beginning of the year, where their deficit stood at 1.97% – more than twice as much.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” grinned Gasly after qualifying today. “We started Bahrain on the last row with both cars, and all of a sudden, the last few weeks have been quite a change. I’m really happy and pleased with the work the team has been doing in a season where everything looked impossible, just to still stick together and put some more performance in that car,” Gasly continued. “Going into qualifying today, I must admit we never thought we’ll be in a position to actually get in that top three, but I managed to have a very special lap at the right time on that last set in Q3 and it’s a very nice surprise.”

He credited the result to the team’s set-up for the high-speed circuit. “We went with a pretty aggressive package in terms of downforce, so we are running very little downforce around this track,” said Gasly. “We try to maximise the straight lines, we obviously make our lives slightly harder in the corners.”

‘Running very little downforce’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/23/gasly-credits-aggressive-set-up-for-alpines-best-performance-this-year/


Horner expects exciting race in Las Vegas: 'The top eight can win!'
23rd Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

It was an interesting qualifying session for Red Bull Racing in Las Vegas. While Sergio Perez got eliminated in Q1, Max Verstappen managed to outqualify his title rival Lando Norris and finished in P5. Team principal Christian Horner reacted to qualifying in Las Vegas, where the Dutch driver could secure his fourth F1 title in less than a day's time.

"A tricky qualifying," Horner began after the session, Red Bull report. "The low temperatures and track are challenge with our tyres. Our performance has been improving with each session and we are starting to find where we have lost but the window for the tyres is still quite small," he then continued with the challenges the Las Vegas track causes for his team.

"Max managed to lay down a good time and I know he was hoping to be higher up the grid but this track, you can definitely overtake at and the way the tyres behave between qualifying and the race are totally different challenges, anybody in the top four rows can win this race and it will be very exciting to see how it plays tomorrow," Horner concluded.

'The top eight can win!';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314309/christian-horner-reacts-to-red-bull-las-vegas-qualifying.html


Horner explains Red Bull rear-wing issue: 'We did not forget'
It seems the cost cap has a lot to answer for.
23 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner said: "I don't know quite where it came from. We don't have a specifically designed wing for very low downforce, which is potentially here and Monza.”

"The money involved in creating that within the cost cap, you've got to pick and choose where you're going to spend it. The wing that we have, you end up trimming the wings to achieve a top speed, and that's what many of the teams have done. But we didn't forget our rear wing."

'We did not forget';

https://racingnews365.com/horner-explains-red-bull-rear-wing-issue-we-did-not-forget


Reviewed: Williams' painful multi-million dollar crash list
23 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Williams' recent crash misery in F1 has continued with a heavy accident for Franco Colapinto in qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. It is the seventh major incident for the team since the United States Grand Prix.

With a damage bill now totalling millions, RacingNews365 takes a look at every crash sustained by the team in 2024, whilst estimating that the total stands at around the $20 million mark, if not more.

‘Multi-million dollar crash list’;

https://racingnews365.com/reviewed-williams-painful-multi-million-dollar-crash-list

[Fortitude]

George Russell cruises to Las Vegas GP victory ahead of champion Max Verstappen and resurgent Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell led an unlikely Mercedes 1-2 at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton stormed from tenth to the podium, while fifth-placed Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive world championship with a calculated drive.
24 Nov 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

The Dutchman joins an elite group of just five other legendary drivers to win more than three Formula 1 titles, and held the net lead over his only rival Lando Norris throughout the race.

But the race itself was all about Mercedes, who recorded their first 1-2 since the 2022 Brazilian GP with Russell barely challenged aside from a brief push from Leclerc in the first stint.

With the hard tyre going unused in free practice, heavier graining than expected turned it into a two-stop that put Verstappen into second at one stage, before Hamilton and the Ferraris surged in the final stint with the Dutchman focussing on his championship battle.

‘George Russell cruises’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/george-russell-cruises-to-las-vegas-gp-victory-ahead-of-champion-max-verstappen-and-resurgent-lewis-hamilton/


Las Vegas GP: Race Results
Full results from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
24 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps/Diff
1 63 George Russell Mercedes 50
2 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 7.313
3 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 11.906
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 14.283
5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 16.582
6 4 Lando Norris McLaren 43.385
7 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 51.365
8 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 59.808
9 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 62.808
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 63.114

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/las-vegas-gp-race-results/


George Russell cancels flight and shares Las Vegas Grand Prix party plans with Toto Wolff
George Russell won the Las Vegas Grand Prix and plans to celebrate in style.
Nov 24, 2024
Jack McEachen
Daily and Sunday Express

George Russell announced that he would be cancelling his flight out of Las Vegas to celebrate long into the night, having taken the race win with Lewis Hamilton behind in a Mercedes one-two. The Brit won his second race of the season in relative ease, as attention was drawn elsewhere with Max Verstappen holding Lando Norris off to claim a fourth consecutive title.

There will be two parties in Sin City tonight, one led by Russell and he promised to include Silver Arrows team principal Toto Wolff after axing his schedule to leave hours after the Grand Prix. "I was planning on flying in a couple of hours," he said in his post-race interview. "But I'm definitely not getting on that flight! I will enjoy this evening with all my team. It's been a dream of a weekend. I don't know how I've been so quick but I'm just enjoying this ride right now.”

‘Cancels flight and shares Las Vegas Grand Prix party plans’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1979928/George-Russell-Las-Vegas-GP-Mercedes-party


Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix
23 Nov 2024
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MailOnline

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship on Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip.

He ended the race up 63 points over Norris with two events remaining this season. "Max Verstappen you are a four-time world champion," team principal Christian Horner said on the radio. "That is a phenomenal, phenomenal achievement. You can be incredibly proud of yourself as we are." Verstappen, only the sixth driver in F1 history to win at least four titles, sounded unusually emotional on the radio. "Oh My God, what a season. Four times. Thank you, thank you guys," he said. "We gave it all."

‘Historic fourth F1 drivers' title’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14118991/Same-glitz-glamour-Las-Vegas-Grand-Prix-Verstappen-championship.html


George Russell wins F1 Las Vegas GP as Max Verstappen ends Lando Norris title hopes
Max Verstappen needed to finish ahead of Lando Norris to secure the championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix though both started a few places back from pole-sitter George Russell
24 Nov 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror

George Russell dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix to take victory on the day Max Verstappen secured his status as a four-time F1 champion. Russell qualified on pole and led the race from start to finish. And Mercedes pulled off a strategy masterclass to help Lewis Hamilton cut through from 10th on the grid to finish second, ahead of Carlos Sainz.

It was also a red-letter day for Verstappen who only finished fifth but it was a result good enough to secure his status as a four-time F1 champion. Lando Norris finished one place behind in sixth which was not good enough to keep his slim title hopes alive.

The Red Bull racer joined the top three finishers in a special car ride from parc ferme round to a specially-constructed podium in front of the Bellagio hotel, which put on a lights show using its famous fountains to celebrate the end of another entertaining Las Vegas race.

‘George Russell wins’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-las-vegas-gp-result-34175329


2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Max Verstappen clinches title number four under the Las Vegas lights
• 24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Max Verstappen crosses the line in fifth place to seal his fourth consecutive drivers’ title.

‘Title number four’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-las-vegas-grand-prix-max-verstappen-clinches-title-number-four-under-the-las-vegas-lights.1816588871133004980


2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Perez pulls off brilliant double overtake to take two cars in one corner
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Sergio Perez pulled off a superb move on Lap 38 to overtake Liam Lawson and Kevin Magnussen in one corner, to move up to P12 for Red Bull.

‘Perez pulls off brilliant double overtake’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-las-vegas-grand-prix-perez-pulls-off-brilliant-double-overtake-to-take-two-cars-in-one-corner.1816587664485120540


Brad Pitt 'faints' on track at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix as remarkable footage emerges
A-List actor Brad Pitt was at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to film scenes for his new movie about Formula 1 and footage has emerged of the 60-year-old 'fainting' while on the track
23 Nov 2024
Matthew Cooper
The Mirror

Hollywood star Brad Pitt 'fainted' while at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the actor filming scenes for his new Formula 1 movie ahead of the race. George Russell sealed pole position for the race in Vegas, Pitt was out on the track to film a scene as his character Sonny Hayes.

In footage captured by fans at the circuit, Pitt was seen hobbling away from the scene of a crash before collapsing onto a padded mat on the ground. APX GP, the fictional team Pitt's character drives for, even released a mock statement addressing the crash. "During qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation," it read.

"Incidents of this magnitude are always taken seriously, and Sonny's health remains our top priority. While Sonny is otherwise stable, he will not participate in tomorrow's race as he focuses on recovery. The entire team stands behind him, and we'll provide updates when available. Joshua [Pearce, played by Idris] will race solo tomorrow, carrying the team forward."

‘Remarkable footage emerges’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/brad-pitt-faints-f1-lasvegas-34175017

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen pays tribute to Red Bull as ‘I’m still hungry’ vow made.
Max Verstappen paid tribute to the Milton Keynes-based squad which has made him a quadruple World Champion.
24 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

“It’s been a long season,” Verstappen said after the chequered flag. “We started off amazing, it was almost like cruising but then we had a tough run. But, as a team, we kept it together.”

“We kept working on improvements, and we pulled it over the line. I’m incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me. To stand here as a four-time world champion is something that I never thought was possible. So I’m just feeling relieved, in a way, but also very proud.”

“I mean, we have been through a lot together, and all these highs that we are achieving right now is just very, very special to do that with all the group of people that we have here at the track and back at the factory that they’re continuously pushing flat out to give me the car to fight for a title and to do that four times in a row is very special.”

‘Tribute to Red Bull’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-pays-tribute-red-bull-im-still-hungry-vow-las-vegas-grand-prix


Domenicali congratulates Verstappen on world title: 'He is a great man'
24 Nov 2024
Sandy van Wijngaarden
GPblog.com

Max Verstappen won his fourth world title in Las Vegas. Immediately after the Grand Prix, the Dutchman was congratulated by Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1's CEO.

Verstappen finished fifth, but beat his closest rival to become a four-time world champion. The Formula One CEO had some nice words for the Red Bull Racing driver in a statement. "I want to congratulate Max on an incredible season and his fourth world title," Domenicali said.

"He is a true great of this sport and has so much more to look forward to in his impressive career. This season has been thrilling and 2025 looks set to be even closer. Congratulations Max and congratulations to all the team at Red Bull," the statement concluded.

'He is a great man';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314545/stefano-domenicali-congratulates-verstappen-on-fourth-world-title.html


‘They had’: The ‘lovely’ Lando Norris and Max Verstappen moment in the media pen after the Las Vegas Grand Prix
24 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen share touching moment at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris finished one position behind Verstappen but did clinch the fastest lap for McLaren which could prove pivotal in the Constructors’ Championship.

As Norris didn’t finish on the podium, he only saw Verstappen in the media pen and F1TV journalist Lawrence Barretto shared the moment they met on social media. He said: “Lovely moment in the pen when Norris came in to congratulate Verstappen. They had a hug and a little chat.”

Verstappen then spoke about that moment with Barretto and said: “It’s very nice that he came back into the pen to congratulate me and I think that’s how it should be. “We’ve had a lot of moments together and of course, these things we discussed already, I told him your time will come one day, you have to be patient.”

‘Norris came in to congratulate Verstappen’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-lovely-lando-norris-and-max-verstappen-moment-in-the-media-pen-after-the-las-vegas-grand-prix/


Verstappen relieved to seal fourth world championship
Max Verstappen was relieved to claim his fourth Formula 1 world drivers’ championship after finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
24 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Needing to cede fewer than three points to Lando Norris to wrap up the title in Vegas, Verstappen instead outscored his rival to seal his fourth crown. It’s a result that comes after a strong start to the year in which he netted seven wins from the opening 10 races. However, he then went winless from the Spanish Grand Prix in June until the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix in October.

“It’s been a long season,” said Verstappen, who secured the title at Round 22 of 24. We started off amazing, it was almost like cruising, but then we had a tough run. But as a team, we kept it together. We kept working on improvements.”

“I mean, got to be proud of everyone, what they have done for me. To stand here as a four-time world champion is, of course, something that I never thought was possible. So yeah, at the moment, just feeling relieved in a way, but also very proud.”

‘Relieved’;

https://speedcafe.com/verstappen-relieved-to-seal-fourth-world-championship/


Norris left in awe of Verstappen: 'He has no negatives'
24 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Lando Norris is in awe of Max Verstappen, who can't find a way to fault the Dutchman. The Red Bull driver secured a fourth (consecutive) World Championship by beating Norris in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Brit claims Verstappen's season was "relatively easy".

"Massive congrats to him. He's deserved it. He's not put a foot wrong really the whole year. That's a strength of his. He has no downsides. He has no negatives. When he's had the quickest car, he dominated races. When he's not in the quickest car, he's still been just behind us and almost winning the races anyway. He's just not had a bad side to him. He's not had any bad races the whole year. He's just drove as Max has always driven, which is perfectly, and can't fault him anyway," Norris told GPblog and others in Las Vegas.

'He has no negatives';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314567/lando-norris-in-awe-of-max-verstappen-after-f1-title-win.html


Heartbreak for Gasly: Engine breaks and ruins chance of a good result
24 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Pierre Gasly expected a positive result with a P3 start in qualifying, but he was let down by his Renault engine, which broke just before the halfway point in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. A puff of smoke was seen coming out of the Alpine car, and that was met with a frustrated radio message from the Frenchman.

Gasly became the first driver to retire from the race. The Alpine driver started from P3 and looked set to score crucial points in the 'Sin City'. Alpine lifted themselves up to P6 after a double podium in Brazil but face stern competition for the prize money. Gasly's teammate, Esteban Ocon, is sat firmly outside the points after 20 laps in the United States.

‘Heartbreak for Gasly’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314485/pierre-gasly-retires-from-las-vegas-grand-prix.html


Toto Wolff calls for car understanding after ‘crushed everyone’ Las Vegas victory verdict
24 Nov 2024
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

“It’s really nice if one would understand these cars, because today we really crushed everyone, dominant,” Wolff told Sky F1 after the race.

“We could have gone easily faster. We were at times two seconds quicker than everybody else, and I’m really happy – the team deserves it. We’ve worked so hard in Brackley and in Brixworth and here at the race team, so that’s a great day.”

When asked if that meant Mercedes did not understand why they were so fast in Las Vegas this weekend, Wolff replied: “No, we do, I think it’s just when you design a car and you put it on track, generally, you try to have it good at every track.

‘Car understanding’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mercedes-w15-understanding-crushed-everyone-las-vegas-gp


Lance Stroll blighted by unusual problem at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Lance Stroll and Aston Martin forced to react on the fly
24 Nov 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Aston Martin and Stroll were forced to react on the fly when it became clear his communication tool was not functioning. “I don’t know whether the transmission didn’t work. I am sure that the helmet was fine,” Kravitz said.

“But Lance didn’t have radio for the whole race. That was a bit of a problem when you consider that he started down the grid, and needed to get back. They had to communicate with Lance with the old way - with a pit board, to tell him when to come in and change various buttons that they needed him to change.”

‘Blighted by unusual problem’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060713/1/lance-stroll-blighted-unusual-problem-f1-las-vegas-grand-prix

[Fortitude]

Why Verstappen's 2024 Title Success Is His Greatest Yet - F1 Las Vegas GP Analysis.
Max Verstappen is your 2024 Drivers's Champion! Following a tough start to the weekend for Red Bull, Max fought hard to claim his 4th consecutive title from Lando Norris, whilst Mercedes finished in Las Vegas in style claiming a 1-2 finish, closely followed by Carlos Sainz.
24.11.24
Motorsport.com

But what makes this title Max's greatest one so far? And what does this mean for the rest of the F1 2024 season?

‘Greatest Yet’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/why-verstappens-2024-title-success-is-his-greatest-yet-f1-las-vegas-gp-analysis/657157/


F1 - 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Post-Race Press Conference Transcript
24.11.24
FIA (Press Release)

Q: There's no better place to celebrate a big win than Vegas. Any plans tonight? George RUSSELL: You tell me! I'm sure where you're going, it's going to be a good party. So I was planning on flying in a couple of hours, but I'm definitely not getting on that flight. And I'm going to enjoy this evening with all my team. It's been a dream of a weekend. I don't know how we've been so quick, but I'm just riding this wave right now.

Q: Lewis, obviously yesterday, it was a tough one to swallow, I'm guessing. You've been quick all weekend. But then starting P10, chasing down George at the end, it was fun. We were biting our nails. There was some action out there. Lewis HAMILTON: That was great. Well, firstly, I've got to say a big congratulations to Max, winning the championship, still with several races to go. And if I'd done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today. but it's OK, I had fun coming from the back, coming from 10th and the team did a fantastic job. We don't know why we were so quick this weekend but that's the nice. That's the best the car has ever felt, so I'm grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point.

Q: Carlos, congratulations. That looked like an interesting race. We didn't really know what was going on with the tyres. I'm guessing it was just as difficult for you guys, graining on both sets of tyres. The unusual pit entry, not pit entry. How did it end up for you? Carlos SAINZ: Yeah, it was a bit of a shock, you know, the Mediums. I was expecting to be quite strong on this tyre, but I think it lasted something like eight, nine laps on me. And then from there onwards, it was just a damage limitation race. You know, I was not comfortable with the car, not strong today. I wish I would have been a bit quicker and would have been fighting with George for the win, but we just simply didn't have it in ourselves today. So we came back with a P3, a podium that is not enough for what we expected, but the maximum that we could do today.

Q: Time for the world champion, Max Verstappen. Listen, first of all, you know, you were my introduction into F1 in Budapest, and I'm hooked forever. And how does this feel, man? I mean, this great accomplishment you've done today. Talk to us right now. Max VESRTAPPEN: Yeah, it's been a long season. And of course, we started off amazing. It was almost like cruising, but then we had a tough run. But as a team, we kept it together. We kept working on improvements. And yeah, we pulled over the line. I mean, incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me. And to stand here as a four-time world champion is of course something that I never thought was possible. So yeah, at the moment, just feeling relieved in a way, but also very proud.

‘Press Conference Transcript’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-las-vegas-grand-prix-post-race-press-conference-transcript


Las Vegas Grand Prix in pictures: Late nights, champagne, glitz & glamour
Nov 24, 2024
ESPN

LAS VEGAS -- After weeks of controversy, angry local feedback and even criticism from reigning world champion Max Vertstappen himself, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix produced the best race of the 2023 season. Not only that, it delivered the most financially lucrative weekend in Sin City's long and storied history, eclipsing even February's Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.

The eye-watering numbers were historic. A Clark County report issued in April totaled the economic benefits from the first race race at $1.5 billion, while $77 million was generated in tax revenue. To give those staggering figures some context, Super Bowl LVIII totaled overall economic impacts at $1 billion, with $33.6 million generated in taxes.

Outdrawing America's biggest sporting event was not something F1 had dared predict 12 months ago. It was a massive vindication on a project that cost the series an estimated $400 million. Most impressive to those on the Las Vegas side is that the debut race managed to do something previously considered impossible: generating big bucks the weekend before Thanksgiving, traditionally the leanest on the calendar in terms of revenue.

‘Most financially lucrative weekend in Sin City's long and storied history’;

https://www.espn.com/racing/f1/story/_/id/42528514/already-commercial-success-f1-vegas-gp-deliver-more


‘Magnificent’: David Croft loved ‘vintage’ Sergio Perez moment during Las Vegas Grand Prix amid Red Bull pressure
24 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was another tale of two drivers for Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive championship by finishing ahead of Lando Norris and giving his Red Bull colleagues an excuse to enjoy Las Vegas on Saturday night. Unfortunately, teammate Sergio Perez had another difficult weekend as he snuck into the top 10.

As Perez was trying to make his way through the midfield, he came across a battle between Liam Lawson and Kevin Magnussen. Perez and Lawson have had run-ins before, but on this occasion, he used the slipstream from both drivers going into turn 11 to pass both drivers. Reacting to the move, Croft said: “There goes Sergio Perez, down the inside, three into one corner doesn’t normally go, it does this time!”

“Thank you, Sergio Perez, that was absolutely magnificent! That’s what we want to see from you, he’s up into 12th place ahead of Lawson and ahead of Magnussen and Alonso ahead of Ocon a little bit earlier. That was vintage Sergio Perez there!” Brundle replied: “Tremendous driving yeah, they were busy squabbling and he just eased off the brakes and went up the inside and kept it together. Lovely driving from Sergio Perez.”

‘Magnificent’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/david-croft-loved-vintage-sergio-perez-moment-during-las-vegas-grand-prix-amid-red-bull-pressure/


Real reason behind why Brad Pitt ‘fainted’ on track at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
F1 fans saw Brad Pitt 'collapse' at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
24 Nov 2024
Anish Vij
LADbible

All has been explained after F1 fans were shocked to see Brad Pitt 'faint' on the track at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. A number of Hollywood A-listers and celebs attended the highly-anticipated showdown on Saturday (23 November), which is a pretty normal thing at big sporting events. But after George Russel secured the top spot in Vegas, the 60-year-old made his way out on to the track and seemingly fell over.

However, the actor was indeed only acting for his new F1 movie. The Fight Club star has attended multiple races this year, taking on the role of fictional driver Sonny Hayes. APX GP, the fictional team Pitt's character drives for, even released a statement following the 'incident'.

"During qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation," it read. Incidents of this magnitude are always taken seriously, and Sonny's health remains our top priority. While Sonny is otherwise stable, he will not participate in tomorrow's race as he focuses on recovery. Fans were concerned for the actor (X) "The entire team stands behind him, and we'll provide updates when available. Joshua [Pearce, played by Idris] will race solo tomorrow, carrying the team forward." The upcoming movie will be led by Joseph Kosinski, known for directing Tom Cruise's Top Gun: Maverick.

‘All has been explained’;

https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/brad-pitt-faint-f1-las-vegas-grand-prix-487390-20241124


“Extreme” changes cured McLaren’s lack of race pace – but it was too late
24th November 2024
Keith Collantine

The Las Vegas Grand Prix looked like being McLaren’s least competitive outing since the Japanese Grand Prix back in April. Two-thirds of the way through the race, at which point the front-runners had all completed their first two pit stops, the leading McLaren of Lando Norris was already the best part of half a minute of eventual winner George Russell in his Mercedes.

But Norris’s third stint was significantly more competitive. Within a few laps he was quicker than Verstappen and he was soon gaining on the Ferrari drivers as well. As the stint wore on Norris was the fastest driver on-track at times. Team principal Andrea Stella said McLaren tried some drastic changes when Norris replaced his hard tyres, which paid off.

“Coming to Vegas we expected it to be a bit of a struggle,” he told Sky after the race. “This concern materialised in qualifying and in the race. In the race, in the first two stints, we were just fighting front graining. There was no way that we could stop this phenomenon happening.”

“Extreme”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/24/extreme-changes-cured-mclarens-lack-of-race-pace-but-it-was-too-late/

[Fortitude]

Horner thanks Red Bull for late nights after Verstappen's fourth title.
"I am incredibly grateful for all the work and late nights that went into this success and everyone back in Milton Keynes can be proud of their hand in this championship.” Christian Horner
25 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Commenting on Verstappen's fourth F1 drivers' title, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said that the Dutchman has impressed him by how he worked together with the engineers to try to find a remedy for the RB20's issues.
"This marks the culmination of an epic campaign and a fantastic win for Max. Not just today but throughout an uncompromising year and at times without the necessary tools at his disposal. He has inspired in the cockpit but out of it also. The way he has conducted himself and the way he has worked with the engineers and wider team has been phenomenal.”

"Together with 2021, this was one of the toughest years the Team have experienced. But Max has once again elevated himself to another level of exceptionalism. He’s won more than double the races of any other driver, mounting a formidable campaign and at times having to overcome insurmountable margins. On the days when we didn’t deliver a win or when he had everything thrown at him, he has still delivered points. He has been extraordinary.”

‘Incredibly grateful’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25892


Horner feared Verstappen's fourth F1 title was slipping away in Monza
September's Monza weekend was Red Bull's lowest point of 2024, before Max Verstappen stabilised his lead over Lando Norris
Nov 25, 2024
Filip CleerenRonald Vording
Motorsport.com

Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner admitted he felt Max Verstappen's fourth world championship was looking like a tall order by September's Italian Grand Prix, in the face of McLaren's resurgence. When asked if he agreed with Verstappen's assessment that, for 70 percent of the year, Red Bull didn't have the quickest car, Horner replied: "I would say it's about right. Since Miami, I would say that was a turning point.”

"The car was very difficult to drive, but he was able to adapt and get the most out of it. I think we've improved it in latter races, but certainly around Monza time, it looked like the championship was slipping away. There was still a long way of the championship to go, and we had a significant disadvantage to McLaren, Ferrari and even the Mercedes at that point."

"The engineers have worked tirelessly, and the men and women behind the scenes have worked long hours, early mornings, weekends to keep getting performance to the car," he said. "For me, a real turning point was Austin, getting a sprint race victory there, getting on the front row for the grand prix, the podium that he scored there. And then, of course, Brazil…”

‘Monza weekend was Red Bull's lowest point of 2024’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/horner-feared-verstappens-fourth-f1-title-was-slipping-away-in-monza/10676298/


Dutch media showcase Verstappen: 'A Dutch hegemony in Formula 1'
Nov 25, 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

The Algemeen Dagblad: "And that's four!" the Algemeen Dagblad wrote. The front page of the sports section features a Verstappen holding a large gin and tonic. The morning newspaper first starts with a quote from the Red Bull driver himself and then explains the photo. "Not bad eh? Max Verstappen toasts his fourth world title and puts his grand achievement into words with great sense of understatement. A Dutch hegemony in Formula 1, what a wealth."

De Telegraaf: De Telegraaf also published the Monday newspaper with Verstappen prominently on the first page. "Max celebrates fourth!" was the headline on the front page. Below that, the text continued about the Dutchman in the top class of motorsport. "World champion! For the fourth season in a row, Max Verstappen leaves no doubt who the best driver in Formula 1 is: the 27-year-old Limburger from Red Bull Racing."

The Volkskrant: De Volkskrant also had Verstappen on the front page in its sports section. "Four in a row," the odds headline read. "Max Verstappen made history on Sunday by becoming world champion for the fourth consecutive year in the most important racing class, Formula 1. Why was it unexpectedly difficult this year?", referring to the sports section article.

‘Dutch media showcase Verstappen’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314764/verstappen-dutch-media-morning-papers.html


Dutch Royal Family issue statement after Max Verstappen wins another F1 title
Max Verstappen has received some royal praise after his crowning moment.
Nov 25, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

The Dutch Royal Family issued a statement in the wake of Max Verstappen’s title-winning moment at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, congratulating the 27-year-old on his fourth Drivers’ Championship crown.

In a statement released on social media, the Dutch Royal Family wrote: “With great pleasure, we congratulate Max Verstappen on the fourth consecutive world title in Formula One!”

“Despite a difficult start this weekend in Las Vegas, he drove a solid race and stayed well ahead of his closest competitor. Together with his team, he showed experience and quality. With two races to go, he has already extended his world title. Congratulations again on this impressive achievement!”

‘Dutch Royal Family issue statement’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1980215/Max-Verstappen-Dutch-Royal-Family-F1


'A beast': Gianpiero Lambiase highlights one thing that F1 rivals must find ‘frightening’ about Max Verstappen
25 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Reflecting on their fourth title-winning year together, Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has highlighted one thing that his rivals will find ‘frightening’ when speaking to Viaplay. Lambiase, who has worked with Verstappen since he joined Red Bull in 2016, has highlighted why he thinks his rivals will find it tough to beat him when the field converges even more in 2025.

“This is the problem for the other drivers, about Max, he is a beast that just keeps on improving year on year,” said Lambiase. “Just when you think he’s reached his peak he takes another step. That must be frightening for everyone up and down the grid.”

'A beast';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/gianpiero-lambiase-highlights-one-thing-that-f1-rivals-must-find-frightening-about-max-verstappen/


'Emergency measures': Red Bull used ‘crude solution’ to help Max Verstappen win the F1 title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
25 Nov 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Red Bull completed rear wing ‘bodge job’ in Las Vegas. Faced with the prospect of losing up to six-tenths per second every lap on the straights, Red Bull brought a dramatic solution to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Due to cost cap reasons, Red Bull doesn’t have a low downforce specification rear wing, which is important at a circuit like Vegas.

They decided to cut parts of their normal rear wing off to reduce drag, at the cost of less DRS efficiency and downforce, which The Race’s Scott Mitchell-Malm went into more detail about on their YouTube channel. “It came with an unusual bodge job on his car,” he said. “Red Bull has been on the back foot a lot over the second half of 2024 and performed plenty of on-site troubleshooting across many races.”

“But, it took emergency measures to a new extreme in Vegas with a crude solution to the glaring rear wing problem it encountered on the first day of practice. Red Bull’s rear wing was too big for the demands of the track layout.”

‘RB20B… …B for ‘Bodge’!’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/red-bull-used-crude-solution-to-help-max-verstappen-win-the-f1-title-at-the-las-vegas-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull battle for F1 constructors' championship with two weekends to race.
With two grands prix and one sprint race remaining in the longest season in F1 history, there are still three teams in contention for the world championship.
25 Nov 2024
Michael Doyle
ABC Online

McLaren holds a 24-point lead over Ferrari... While Stella has confidence the final two rounds — in Qatar and Abu Dhabi — will be favourable to their car, the competitiveness of this season between McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes, which picked up a 1-2 in Las Vegas, means nothing is certain. "Qatar and Abu Dhabi should be more suitable ground for the MCL38 but there are four teams in contention for victory all of the time," he said.

"That's great for Formula 1 but it means we have to be performing at our absolute best if we are to win the constructors' championship." There is a maximum of 103 points a constructor can win in the final two race weekends. Qatar will hold a grand prix and a sprint race this weekend, before Abu Dhabi's season finale grand prix the following weekend.

‘24-point lead’;

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-26/mclaren-ferrari-and-red-bull-battle-f1-constructors-championship/104645274


Piastri concedes Ferrari’s Las Vegas points haul is ‘not ideal’ in tight constructors’ battle
25 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has admitted that Ferrari’s strong showing in Las Vegas wasn’t what the team were hoping for in the tense fight for the constructors’ title, but believes that “it could have been worse”.

“We knew that this would probably be a trickier track for us and we expected Ferrari to be strong,” Piastri explained after the race. “It’s of course not ideal that they’ve gained some points on us but I think we expected it could have been worse. Let’s see – it’s obviously going to be tight to the rest of the year but hopefully Qatar’s a good weekend for us.”

‘Not ideal’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/piastri-concedes-ferraris-las-vegas-points-haul-is-not-ideal-in-tight.4dwNkl1bKFRV9vzWB5GG2j


"It could have been worse" - Oscar Piastri expected bigger Ferrari gain in Las Vegas
"It’s of course not ideal that they’ve gained some points on us but I think we expected it could have been worse."
25 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Oscar Piastri felt that McLaren would have lost out more in the F1 constructors’ championship to Ferrari at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Ferrari were only able to finish third and fourth amid Mercedes’ surprise return to form in Sin City. Mercedes took a dominant 1-2 finish with George Russell controlling the race from pole position.

For Piastri, it was a tough weekend. He was out-paced comprehensively by Norris in the race, although his chances of a better result were thwarted by a five-second penalty for a false start. “I didn’t think I was that far forward but clearly I must have been. I don’t think it changed much,” he added. “Yes, it made the early part and the middle part of the race a bit more difficult, but I don’t think it affected the result. We just weren’t quick enough, so some things to look at for sure.”

‘Gained points on us’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060743/1/it-could-have-been-worse-oscar-piastri-expected-bigger-ferrari-gain-las-vegas


McLaren "thanks" Mercedes for holding Ferrari off in Vegas
McLaren escaped a major blow to its constructors’ championship hopes in Las Vegas...
Jonathan Noble
Mark Mann-Bryans
Motorsport.com

McLaren says it is thankful Mercedes dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as that prevented main rival Ferrari from slashing too much into its constructors' championship lead. McLaren boss Andrea Stella said: "It's disappointing that we lost 12 points in the championship."

"But at the same time, considering how much we struggled this weekend, somehow, we really have to thank Mercedes for having performed so strong and secured the P1, P2 position. Otherwise, Ferrari would have been an even bigger threat in the constructors' championship."

"Thanks";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-thanks-mercedes-for-holding-ferrari-off-in-vegas-/10676380/


Sainz expected better performance in Las Vegas race
24 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Carlos Sainz had high hopes of challenging for the victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but he was left disappointed after unexpected tyre issues in the early stages of the 50-lap race. "Considering the pace Mercedes had today I think we maximised the team's points, and even without the misunderstanding at the pit entry on my second stop I don’t think we would have been able to stay ahead of Lewis.”

"I was expecting to be more competitive after what we had seen in practice but we struggled quite a lot with graining today.Considering the pace Mercedes had today I think we maximised the team's points, and even without the misunderstanding at the pit entry on my second stop I don’t think we would have been able to stay ahead of Lewis.”

‘Expected better’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25908


Leclerc unleashes f-bomb rant after Vegas frustrations
A frustrated Charles Leclerc unloaded on his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
25 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

“Carlos has been told to not overtake but it is really close, you might be just in front,” Bozzi told Leclerc over the radio. He has been told to not put you under pressure. So just take care of your tyres.” However, Sainz soon passed Leclerc, prompting a sarcastic response from the Monegasque driver. “Maybe try in Spanish,” he said.

Following the race, Bozzi issued some standard cooldown lap instructions, including reminding Leclerc to pick up marbles.
That quickly descended into a profanity-laden rant from the 27-year-old.
Bozzi: “Pick up please.”
Leclerc: “Yes, whatever you want, as always.”
Bozzi: “Charles, you did your job. Okay. Thank you.”

Leclerc: “Yeah I did my job. But being nice f**ks me all the f**king time. All the f**king time.
“It’s not even being nice, it’s just being respectful, I know I need to shut up but at one point is always the same so…
“Oh my f**king god.”

‘F-bomb’;

https://speedcafe.com/leclerc-unleashes-f-bomb-rant-after-vegas-frustrations/


Sainz denies any tactics against Leclerc, and cities "graining" as the Monegasque's biggest enemy
24 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Following his on-track misunderstanding with his team-mate Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz has denied that he deliberately acted against what the Scuderia asked from him after the last round of pit stops. Sainz said that it was down to "messy" radio communication.

"We just simply didn't execute in general. We just didn't execute a very good race. I think we stayed out one lap too late on Mediums, two laps too late on Hards. And by the time I was going to pit, we had this messy radio communication in the pit entry, which probably made me lose that lap that I was completely grained and I had to let pass Charles plus the two or three seconds that I lost in the pit entry.”

"That means a lot of race time that maybe would have meant we could have ended up fighting Lewis. But yeah, it just shows that in this sport, you need to do things perfectly week in, week out. We've been doing things really well in strategy and on race management all year around. But today wasn't our day. We just didn't do things well and we will have to learn from it and make sure we come back in Qatar stronger," concluded Sainz.

"Graining";

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25902


New Ferrari data helps uncover true culprit in Leclerc v Sainz war
25 Nov 2024
Pablo Hidalgo
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari exploded again in Las Vegas at a key moment of the season for the Italian team, which has not won a title since 2008. Unexpectedly out-paced by Mercedes, the race management with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was also very poor which triggered the Monegasque’s brutal anger against his teammate without the Spaniard really being guilty of anything at all.

Sainz did what was asked of him over the radio to help Charles when he could within a competitive logic and took another podium finish without indulging in the submission that many people expect of him both inside and outside the team.

A submission that when he has it is always criticised for lack of competitiveness and when he doesn’t have it it is also criticised because he is considered a bad teammate. It seems that whatever he does, Sainz will never be judged in a positive light unless he has a perfect weekend like he did in Mexico or Australia.

‘Uncover true culprit’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ferrari-data-uncover-true-culprit-charles-leclerc-carlos-sainz-war


‘He’s damaged’: Martin Brundle stunned by what Charles Leclerc did at the Las Vegas Grand Prix that ‘ruined’ his race
24 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Martin Brundle criticises Charles Leclerc’s tyre management at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Talking about the Monegasque driver, Brundle said: “Karun [Chandhok] telling me at race control that Leclerc’s been told that he’s got to stay out longer, he’s damaged the tyre, but you can’t come in yet. We don’t know how far the hard compound tyre will go. So, too aggressive from Charles Leclerc. He either needed to make that move instantly or settle back behind George Russell. It’s ruined, certainly the first part of his race.”

‘He’s damaged’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/martin-brundle-stunned-by-what-charles-leclerc-did-at-the-las-vegas-grand-prix-that-ruined-his-race/

[Fortitude]

Alonso aiming for ‘revenge’ in Qatar after just missing out on points in Las Vegas.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso says he and his team “deserved” points in Las Vegas, after he came home in P11.
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Revenge’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/alonso-aiming-for-revenge-in-qatar-after-just-missing-out-on-points-in-las-vegas.1816593642466150177


Alonso expects more “pain” in final races as Aston Martin are slowest in Las Vegas
23rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Aston Martin’s downward spiral is continuing at the Las Vegas Grand Prix where they are Formula 1’s slowest team for the first time this year. “It was tough, but no surprise,” Alonso admitted. “We’ve been struggling the last four or five months with the performance of the car and sometimes we managed to make some progress in Q1, sometimes we don’t. Today, unfortunately, we didn’t.”

Aston Martin began last season in great shape, Alonso taking six podium finishes from the first eight grands prix. However they have slipped back since then, and prior to this weekend’s race announced technical director Dan Fallows had parted company with the team.

Alonso sees little prospect for any improvement in the team’s performance tomorrow or over the remaining rounds at Losail and Yas Marina. “It’s a tough race in front of us,” he said. “We are 17th and 20th and we want to improve, but I think this year it’s unlikely.”

“Pain”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/23/alonso-expects-more-pain-in-final-races-as-aston-martin-are-slowest-in-las-vegas/


Stroll reveals he lost team radio on Lap 1
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Lance Stroll finished 15th in Las Vegas for Aston Martin, but explained after the race that he’d run the entire Grand Prix without a working radio.

‘Lost team radio on Lap 1’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/stroll-reveals-he-lost-team-radio-on-lap-1.1816590864252510388


Alonso makes 'gold' claim as Aston Martin struggles continue
Fernando Alonso has failed to score a point in the last four Formula 1 races.
26 Nov 2024
Nick Golding & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Fernando Alonso has claimed that "every point is gold" for Aston Martin currently, with the team continuing to struggle on a consistent basis.

Aston Martin have endured a challenging campaign, with Alonso wanting to reward the team for its efforts by scoring points. When asked by select media including RacingNews365 whether his frustration to lose a point summarised Aston Martin's season, Alonso answered: "Yeah, definitely.”

"I think every point is gold for us at the moment, even if we are not fighting for many important things, I think it's good to give something back to the mechanics and to everyone in the team, after all the struggles. Only two races left this year, but there is a lot of trust in the team, and a lot of new people and new ideas that will come in the future. So, yeah, looking forward."

"Every point is gold";

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-makes-gold-claim-as-aston-martin-struggles-continue


Adrian Newey Can Help Fix Aston Martin ‘Mistakes’ In 2025
Nov 26, 2024
F1 Chronicle

Aston Martin is eagerly looking forward to the arrival of Adrian Newey early next year, team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa admits. Although the team’s performance has utterly collapsed since a strong early start to 2023, Lawrence Stroll is still investing heavily in Aston Martin.

“That’s what we’re here for,” team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, a former F1 driver, told DAZN, “to change the future a little, to improve with the 2025 car, to improve many of the mistakes that have been made in the design of this car. Above all, we are looking forward to the addition of Enrico Cardile and Adrian Newey,” he added.

‘Arrival of Adrian Newey’;

https://f1chronicle.com/adrian-newey-can-help-fix-aston-martin-mistakes-in-2025/?nowprocket=1


Alonso vows to learn from Verstappen: 'He was the best'
25 Nov 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

Max Verstappen has become Formula 1 world champion for the fourth time in a row. The Dutchman is receiving congratulations from his rivals for his achievement, including from Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso. The Spaniards speak highly of the Red Bull driver's performance in a car that often wasn't the fastest.

"Congrats. I think he's driven for four years now at an incredibly high level. I think this year he just dominated whenever he had a dominant car, and then he didn’t do mistakes and maximised the points that he could get with a less performing car and just did whatever he had to do in every race and congrats because he clearly deserves it," Sainz said.

Alonso also complimented the number-one driver. "Big congratulations. This one has to feel very special to him, I imagine, because the car is not maybe as dominant as last year. I think he did an incredible performance this year to put the car in a position that it was not maybe realistic. The best example is Brazil one weekend. This is all down to him, I think this year and he was the best. Always things to learn from a driver like him in this kind of performance this year," Alonso said.

‘Alonso vows to learn from Verstappen’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314812/carlos-sainz-and-fernando-alonso-with-high-praise-for-max-verstappen.html

[Fortitude]

Hulkenberg ‘very pleased’ as Haas reclaim P6 while Magnussen left to regret Las Vegas strategy calls.
Nico Hulkenberg’s eighth place finish in Las Vegas was all Haas needed to take P6 back from Alpine in the constructors’ standings, but it was a “very challenging” race for the American team as they struggled to maximise their tyre performance.26 November 2024
26 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Pierre Gasly’s devastating retirement after qualifying in P3 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix helped Haas to eke out a one-point advantage over Alpine as Hulkenberg finished in the top 10, with Kevin Magnussen down in P12.

Like most of the grid, the pair struggled with tyre degradation affecting their race pace, but nevertheless now have 50 points compared to their French rival’s 49 points in the increasingly tight battle for sixth.

Although Hulkenberg managed to pass Yuki Tsunoda in the latter stages of the 50-lap race, RB are still firmly in the mix, just four points behind Haas – with every point crucial for the three teams in the remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

‘Very pleased’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hulkenberg-very-pleased-as-haas-reclaim-p6-while-magnussen-left-to-regret.6hGzI4yKbzFKLYcvVyibvB


Hulkenberg hails Haas’ Las Vegas GP performance
The German driver finished in the point scoring positions for the fourth time in five races on Sunday
Nov 27, 2024
Freddie Cotton
FormulaNerds

Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix earlier this month, Haas sat sixth in the World Constructors’ Championship Standings, ten points ahead of seventh place RB. However, astonishing podium finishes from both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in Interlagos meant that the American outfit were leapfrogged in the standings by Alpine who claimed an impressive 35 points over the course of the weekend.

To make matters worse for Haas, it looked as though the French team were on course to put further daylight between the rivals in Nevada as Gasly qualified P3 for Sunday’s grand prix. On the contrary, Hulkenberg and teammate Kevin Magnussen had only set the ninth and 12th quickest times respectively in Saturday’s session. However, following Gasly’s race retirement on lap 16 due to an engine failure, fortunes quickly changed for the American team.

“I’m very pleased. P8 I think was the best we could achieve today – fifth best team so very happy about that. Clean race, good execution. As expected, it was very challenging on the tyre side with graining on the front axle especially, so I think that kept everyone occupied and busy. We came through that well and offset ourselves a little bit to our main competition. I think that worked well and the pace was also decent.”

“P8 I think was the best we could achieve today”;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hulkenberg-hails-haas-las-vegas-gp-performance/?nowprocket=1


‘It was good and fair racing’ – Hulkenberg relished fight with Tsunoda for P8
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Nico Hulkenberg ultimately got the better of Yuki Tsunoda to seal a P8 finish for Haas in Las Vegas.

‘Good and fair’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/it-was-good-and-fair-racing-hulkenberg-relished-fight-with-tsunoda-for-p8.1816593063826261792


Magnussen rues one stop strategy after missing out on points
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Kevin Magnussen said it “didn’t feel like we got the best out of it” after finishing 12th for Haas in Las Vegas.

‘Missing out on points’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/magnussen-rues-one-stop-strategy-after-missing-out-on-points.1816589930909792798


Las Vegas Grand Prix: Race Recap
Nov 24, 2024
Haas F1 Team - Official Site

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal: “I think that’s the best P8 we’ve ever achieved. It wasn’t an easy race to manage, but what I’m so happy about is that nobody panicked, and everyone stayed calm. Everyone, including the team back at the factory, did their bit, and to have that strong two-stop race with Nico to get P8 is great.”

“With Kevin, after the first lap was losing position etc. the only way we could get him back into the game was one-stop. His team did as well as they could in that scenario, nearly getting back to P10. I think it was a huge team effort, and back up into P6 in the Constructors’. After that terrible result in Brazil, it’s been an amazing reaction, and it gives people confidence, so I couldn’t be happier.”

‘Race Recap’;

https://www.haasf1team.com/news/las-vegas-grand-prix-race-recap-0


Hulkenberg praises Verstappen: 'What a guy, huge respect for that'
26 Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

While Max Verstappen somewhat stole the show in Las Vegas with winning the drivers' championship. Nico Hulkenberg also scored important points for Haas in the battle for P6 in the constructors' championship. With the German finishing in P8, they have now overtaken Alpine in the standings. Hulkenberg also congratulated Verstappen in the 'Sin City'.

"Incredible. What a guy!", Hulkenberg first reacted to Verstappen winning his fourth title. "He's just so strong, so quick all the time regardless of the temperature, the conditions. Hardly makes any mistakes and always just maximises what he can, even if he doesn't have the winning car or the best car. Huge respect for that, and many congratulations to him. He did incredibly well again," he told GPblog among others.

"You never know, but every point is important," Hulkenberg said of how important that overtaking move on Tsunoda could be at the end. "You never know, but every point matters for sure. For now, just happy that we maximised the opportunity today. We had the pace, but it was certainly a tough and challenging race with the tyres and with graining."

“Always just maximises what he can”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/314939/nico-hulkenberg-praises-max-verstappen-after-another-world-title.html

[Fortitude]

Gasly says Las Vegas retirement after stunning P3 in qualifying ‘a tough one to take’.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly lamented a disastrous Saturday evening at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the Frenchman retiring from the race after qualifying a stunning third 24 hours previously.
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

“It’s a very tough one to take because we had such a high yesterday,” said Gasly, “and obviously today it was the [worst] outcome possible. I think we did well, we knew the cars around us at the start were faster, so Max [Verstappen] and the McLarens, Norris and Hamilton got past us.”

“But then I think we were on for a good fight with Yuki [Tsunoda] for best of the rest, to fight for some important points for the championship. It’s just very disappointing from one day to another to have this happen.”

Asked if there were positives he could take from his strong pace at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Gasly replied: “I’m pretty pleased with the performance. Right now it’s more frustrating, but obviously it’s been very, very positive yesterday. “Today as I mentioned, we were in the fight with Haas and [RB] and hopefully we can carry that on into Qatar.”

‘A tough one to take’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/gasly-says-las-vegas-retirement-after-stunning-p3-in-qualifying-a-tough-one.1z3H9wFWKlgA6AQfJbbyGa


2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Gasly forced to retire after losing power
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Pierre Gasly was one of the heroes of qualifying after he took P3 on the grid, but his race was over on Lap 16 when his Alpine lost power and he was forced to retire.

‘Alpine lost power’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-las-vegas-grand-prix-gasly-forced-to-retire-after-losing-power.1816591771599018802


Gasly: Vegas DNF ‘a tough one to take’ after career-best qualifying
26/11/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Pierre Gasly’s Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, beginning with a career-best qualifying performance with Alpine and ending in frustration and disappointment after an early race retirement due to an engine failure.

“It’s a very tough one to take because we had such a high yesterday,” commented Gasly. “And obviously today it was the [worst] outcome possible. I think we did well, we knew the cars around us at the start were faster, so Max [Verstappen] and the McLarens, Norris and Hamilton got past us.

“I’m pretty pleased with the performance,” he said. “Right now it’s more frustrating, but obviously it’s been very, very positive yesterday.” He expressed hope that Alpine could build on their current pace and carry it forward. “Today, as I mentioned, we were in the fight with Haas and [RB], and hopefully we can carry that on into Qatar. Now we just need to get out of this place, and we’re already focused on next week.”

‘A tough one to take’;

https://f1i.com/news/525699-gasly-vegas-dnf-a-tough-one-to-take-after-career-best-qualifying.html


Gasly: Las Vegas retirement “a slap in the face” for Alpine
26 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Gasly had to retire early after a PU issue: Pierre Gasly says his retirement from the Las Vegas GP was “a slap in the face” for his Alpine Formula 1 team after he stunned the pitlane by qualifying third. The Frenchman lost places to quicker cars in the early laps, but he was still set for a healthy haul of points.

The team is still investigating the cause of the PU issue. “We need to review exactly,” said Gasly. “But for me, it was pretty clear when it happened. I just lost all the power, I could not achieve downshift. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I’m not too sure, but when we know how important these points are, especially in the championship, it’s going to cost us big time today.”

“A slap in the face”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/26/gasly-las-vegas-retirement-a-slap-in-the-face-for-alpine/


'Didn't issue': The ‘particular scenario’ that led to Esteban Ocon’s bizarre extra Las Vegas Grand Prix pit stop
25 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

How it played out on Esteban Ocon’s team radio. Team radio transcripts from the incident appear to show Ocon was suffering from tyre degradation towards the end of the stint and wanted to pit. His engineer, Josh Peckett, appeared to confirm they were ready for him in any scenario on the lap that he initially came in (Lap 11) but Ocon was left to drive through the pits.

Driver Engineer
Peckett: “Okay, Esteban, how are the tyres, please?”
Ocon: “Degrading. A little more each lap.” Peckett: “Copy that. Esteban, box this lap. Opposite Hulkenberg in front. Box this lap, opposite Hulkenberg in front.”
*Ocon pits but no mechanics waiting for him*

Peckett: “Okay, Esteban, I need you to clear errors, please. double-press ‘OK’.”
Ocon: “F—… what happened? I didn’t see the board?”
Peckett: “It’s okay, mate. Just drive through. Drive through.”
Ocon: “F—— hell…” Peckett: “Okay mate. Okay. It’s alright. Settle down. So car behind Tsunoda, at the moment.”

It was a disappointing end to Alpine’s weekend after a strong Sao Paulo GP, as the double non-points finish put him behind Haas in the Constructors’ standings. Each spot can be worth approximately £8 million, meaning that could impact them at the end of the season in the prize money distribution.

‘Bizarre extra Las Vegas Grand Prix pit stop’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-particular-scenario-that-led-to-esteban-ocons-bizarre-extra-las-vegas-grand-prix-pit-stop/


‘It’s a shame’ – Ocon frustrated after pitstop mix-up rules him out of points contention
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Esteban Ocon finished 17th in Las Vegas – but reckoned he could have been in the fight for points had there not been a mix-up with his Alpine crew around his first pit stop.

‘It’s a shame’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/its-a-shame-ocon-frustrated-after-pitstop-mix-up-rules-him-out-of-points-contention.1816592097910649453

[Fortitude]

'There is no point': RB boss admits what’s ‘frustrating’ about Yuki Tsunoda’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Yuki Tsunoda scored Visa Cash App RB two crucial points in the Las Vegas Grand Prix but team principal Laurent Mekies found one part of his race in Sin City ‘frustrating’.
26 Nov 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

The Las Vegas GP could have gone even better for RB as well had Hulkenberg not overtaken Tsunoda in the closing stages. Mekies admits it was ‘frustrating’ to lose P8 to Haas with five laps left as two extra points in the constructors’ championship slipped through their fingers.

Tsunoda went defensive into Turn 14 to try and hold Hulkenberg back on Lap 45 of 50 in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. But the German had too much pace with the aid of DRS for the Honda junior star to retain eighth place. Hulkenberg went on to finish the race three seconds clear.

Mekies noted after the Las Vegas GP: “After a very solid qualifying performance to start P7, Yuki had a busy race with some great overtaking moves, battling with our rivals all race long. “Of course, it is frustrating to lose a place with just five laps to go. But, overall, he showed a good race pace in bringing home two very important championship points.”

‘Frustrating’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/rb-boss-admits-whats-frustrating-about-yuki-tsunodas-las-vegas-grand-prix/


Tsunoda left ‘pretty annoyed’ despite points finish in Las Vegas
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth in the Grand Prix – but was frustrated to have been passed for P8 by Nico Hulkenberg in the Haas.

‘Pretty annoyed’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/tsunoda-left-pretty-annoyed-despite-points-finish-in-las-vegas.1816590821420379090


Tsunoda left frustrated at ‘annoying’ Las Vegas race that saw Haas extend constructors’ advantage over RB
26 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Yuki Tsunoda drove well in Las Vegas to score two points for his team with a ninth place finish, but it wasn’t enough to prevent RB slipping further behind Haas in the constructors’ championship. Despite starting ahead of rival Nico Hulkenberg, Tsunoda finished one place behind the German in Vegas as Haas climbed up to sixth in the standings.

“It wasn’t an easy race today but we maximised all that we could, and I think as a team we made such a good step forward throughout the weekend,” said Tsunoda. “Obviously, I’m happy with finishing in the points today, but at the same time, it is pretty annoying as we lost a few points for the constructors’ championship. I was feeling good and confident in the car, which is important, especially in a circuit like this, so I’m definitely happy with that and with the strong race pace we showed.”

‘Tsunoda left frustrated’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tsunoda-left-frustrated-at-annoying-las-vegas-race-that-saw-haas-extend.3AauOax3jspPUbFCLcDEcu


The potential role Yuki Tsunoda played in Pierre Gasly’s Las Vegas Grand Prix engine failure
26 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

How Yuki Tsunoda may have played a role in Pierre Gasly’s retirement. Gasly was running directly behind Tsunoda’s Visa CashApp RB fighting for P15 having made his first pit stop of the day. The Alpine driver was entering the slipstream of the Japanese driver, when he reached speeds of up to 224mph in the DRS zone.

According to the data, Gasly’s power unit reached 12,937rpm in eighth gear and then lost all power. Cut to the camera shots of smoke coming out of the back of his Alpine just moments before he retired. While it’s not a definitive answer, it gives some insight into what might have happened given teams were close on cooling due to the long straights and not wanting to sacrifice straight-line speed.

‘12,937rpm’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-potential-role-yuki-tsunoda-played-in-pierre-gaslys-las-vegas-grand-prix-engine-failure/


Formula 1: Liam Lawson has near-miss with teammate Yuki Tsunoda during practice session in Las Vegas
23 Nov, 2024
NZ Herald
New Zealand Herald

During the final practice session ahead of qualifying this afternoon, Lawson was heard complaining about Racing Bulls teammate Yuki Tsunoda getting a little too close for comfort during the session – in which the pair were among the five slowest times posted.

“Mate, Yuki just about rear-ended me,” the Kiwi could be heard telling his race engineer over the team comms. Addressing the moment on the broadcast, former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandok said Lawson had to take some of the blame, but suggested the team itself was at fault.

“You were dawdling on the racing line,” Chandok said after Lawson’s complaint. Actually, I blame the team. You should never have that situation between your two cars.”

‘Near-miss’;

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/motorsport/formula-1/formula-1-liam-lawson-has-near-miss-with-teammate-yuki-tsunoda-during-practice-session-in-las-vegas/VFQW5WAHJZCWHP5G5Q6IN4575I/


Formula 1: Liam Lawson’s Red Bull hopes take a hit – what we learned from Las Vegas Grand Prix – Alex Powell
24 Nov, 2024
Alex Powell
Online Sports Editor·NZ Herald·
New Zealand Herald

When Red Bull do make their decision as to who partners newly-crowned world champion Max Verstappen next year, Kiwi motorsport fans should hope the Las Vegas Grand Prix doesn’t hold too much weight.

While Liam Lawson has impressed on his return to Formula One in , Nevada wasn’t as kind. A 16th placed finish aside, Lawson struggled for pace all weekend…

‘Red Bull hopes take a hit’;

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/motorsport/formula-1/formula-1-liam-lawsons-red-bull-hopes-take-a-hit-what-we-learned-from-las-vegas-grand-prix/NXAJVXLM55FRHAA4CWBBK3JFTY/


Lawson nonplussed after ‘tough’ run to P16 in Las Vegas
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Liam Lawson finished 16th in Las Vegas in a race that he said was always going to be difficult given he started well out of the points in P14.

‘Lawson nonplussed’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/lawson-nonplussed-after-tough-run-to-p16-in-las-vegas.1816592699140024595

[Fortitude]

Williams Could Be Down To One Car In Qatar, Abu Dhabi.
“The team has suffered eleven total car write-offs this season,” reported Auto Motor und Sport. “Four each for Alexander Albon and Franco Colapinto, and three for Logan Sargeant.”
Nov 24, 2024
F1 Chronicle

Williams is at risk of not being able to field two race cars at the final two grands prix of 2024 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Even before Franco Colapinto’s huge Q2 crash in Las Vegas, initially putting in doubt his health for the race on Saturday, the team struggled to put two complete cars together for this weekend.

Team boss James Vowles admits that one more crash could limit Williams to a single-car operation. “We can’t rebuild another car this late in the season,” he said. “We are already fully focused on the 2025 car.” He also confirmed that another problem is that Williams simply doesn’t have any money left in the budget cap for more serious repair damage.

“The situation is a real problem for us,” said Vowles. “There are other teams that have also had more accidents than expected this year and are perhaps in a similar situation to us,” he added. “To cushion something like this, I think every team should be allowed two major accidents within the cost cap. I think everyone would agree with that.”

‘Williams is at risk’;

https://f1chronicle.com/williams-could-be-down-to-one-car-in-qatar-abu-dhabi/?nowprocket=1


Colapinto: Vowles “wasn’t very happy” after huge Vegas Q2 crash.
“He wasn’t very happy, but he has been always very, very supportive,” he said.
NOV 28, 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Franco Colapinto admits that James Vowles “wasn’t very happy” after his huge crash in Q2 in Las Vegas – but says that the support of the Williams boss helped him to bounce back on race day. Colapinto had his third crash in two race weekends when he went off in Q2 while trying to break into the top 10. He was able to start the race from the pitlane in the spare chassis, and had a solid race to 13th place at the flag.

The crash added to the strain on resources that the team has experienced with the high level of crash damage this season, and Colapinto concedes that it wasn’t easy to face Vowles afterwards. “I always take out of every bad moment very positive things, and it’s every time because of James, his thinking and his mentality and his way of moving forward as a team leader and as a team.”

“Wasn’t very happy”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/28/colapinto-vowles-wasnt-very-happy-after-huge-vegas-q2-crash/


Colapinto admits Vowles ‘wasn’t very happy’ after Vegas Q2 crash
28/11/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Franco Colapinto’s young career in Formula 1 hit another rough patch during last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, as the young Williams driver endured his third brutal crash in two race weekends.

Starting from the pitlane in a spare chassis on Saturday evening, Colapinto prioritized a clean race, focusing on recovery rather than outright performance. However, his struggles were evident early on. “The idea was to have a clean race,” he said. “I think it was not ideal after such a big crash to go straight in the race. And I wasn’t feeling so comfortable in the first stint there."

Colapinto detailed his struggles with car balance and tyre management during the opening stint. “I was really, really struggling with the balance. I had a lot of oversteer, very difficult to manage the tyres. And just not in a good window. I think as the car kept running and the track also kept getting a bit better, it came a bit more towards us."

‘Another rough patch’;

https://f1i.com/news/525798-colapinto-admits-vowles-wasnt-very-happy-after-vegas-q2-crash.html


Colapinto reveals Vowles' reaction to latest Williams smash
Franco Colapinto has detailed James Vowles' reaction to his latest smash at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
27 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

After a strong effort to rebuild both cars for Vegas, Colapinto accident was the 15th big accident suffered by Williams this season as crash damage repairs sky-rocket for the team. After admitting that facing his Williams mechanics was "the hardest part" of the accident, Colapinto detailed Vowles' reaction.

"Well, he wasn't very happy, but he has always been very, very supportive, and I take out of every bad moment some very positive things," Colapinto told media including RacingNews365. "And this is every time because of James and his thinking, his mentality and his way of moving forward as a team leader and as a team, and I think I learned a lot from him.”

‘Vowles' reaction’;

https://racingnews365.com/colapinto-reveals-vowles-reaction-to-latest-williams-smash


Alex Albon left Vegas frustrated after another point-less weekend
Williams suffered through another difficult weekend with Colapinto's qualifying crash and Albon's DNF.
Nov 27, 2024
Fleur Rogerson
FormulaNerds

Alex Albon expressed his frustration with the results of the weekend, telling F1TV: “I feel like we’ve had a terrible, terrible time of it as of late. It’s just frustrating. I was excited about the race, I felt like [we could score] great points hopefully.”

Although Albon was disappointed with the result, he admitted that the pace had been good across the weekend. He noted, “I was kind of – not cruising, [that] would be the wrong word – but I was a little bit and had a strong pace advantage to the cars around me. We were fighting through the field, we made a lot of positions up but, yeah, anyway.”

‘Frustrated’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/alex-albon-left-vegas-frustrated-after-another-point-less-weekend/?nowprocket=1


Unseen Zhou Guanyu overtake on Franco Colapinto leads to expletive radio message
Zhou Guanyu made his feelings clear over team radio at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Connor McDonagh
27 Nov 2024
Crash.Net

Zhou Guanyu pulled off an impressive overtake on Franco Colapinto in the closing laps of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Unsurprisingly, given it was P13, the battle wasn’t picked up by the TV cameras as Max Verstappen clinched his fourth F1 drivers’ championship.

The Sauber driver was pumped up by the overtake, saying over team radio: “See you fucking later Colapinto”. It’s unclear whether Zhou was simply feeling the adrenaline of his awesome last lap pass or Colapinto’s comments in the media caught the attention of the Chinese driver.

In an interview with his sponsor Quilmes, Colapinto insinuated that Zhou is perhaps the worst driver on the grid. Colapinto said: “I don't care who I have next to me [as a teammate], whether it's Verstappen or Zhou, I want to beat them and be ahead of them.” Both drivers are without a seat for next year.

‘Expletive radio messa’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060787/1/unseen-zhou-guanyu-overtake-franco-colapinto-leads-expletive-radio-message

[Fortitude]

‘I was able to fight’ – Zhou pleased with improved Sauber speed in Vegas.
Zhou Guanyu wasn’t able to break Sauber’s points duck in Las Vegas, but he was encouraged by the team’s improved pace as he finished P13.
24 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘I was able to fight’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/i-was-able-to-fight-zhou-pleased-with-improved-sauber-speed-in-vegas.1816590763496015030


‘It’s been a while’ – Zhou praises encouraging signs for Kick Sauber after upturn in Las Vegas
27 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Zhou Guanyu was left feeling more positive after delivering one of his best drives of the season in Las Vegas, though Kick Sauber are still yet to score in 2024.

“Today was a good race for me,” Zhou said post-race. “It’s been a while since we fought in the mid-pack near the top 10, and today, I feel we finally had a real chance. I believe we maximised the result we could have had with our pace, especially considering there was not a lot of drama happening ahead.”

“It's encouraging to be back where we were this weekend. It’s a step forward and it gives us confidence; things are looking more promising as we head to Qatar for the next round.”

‘Encouraging signs’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-been-a-while-zhou-praises-encouraging-signs-for-kick-sauber-after-upturn.6KOpvkcyQmQaOyOGjEcyBO


Valtteri Bottas confirms 2025 drive after being axed by Sauber
Valtteri Bottas was not offered a contract extension by Sauber
Nov 27, 2024
Daniel Moxon

Valtteri Bottas, who recently lost his spot on the Formula 1 grid, has signed up for next March's Race of Champions. Sauber has replaced the Finnish driver with an entirely new line-up for 2025, featuring rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg.

Despite losing his seat, Bottas will still be seen in racing action next March in Australia. A week before the F1 season kicks off in Melbourne, he will be competing at the Race of Champions in Sydney, approximately 500 miles to the north-east.

The team event is scheduled for Friday, March 7, followed by the individual competition the next day. The 35-year-old won't be the only big name vying for the 'Champion of Champions' title. Retired four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, who will once again represent Germany alongside Mick Schumacher, has also been confirmed for the competition. Schumacher, like Bottas, missed out on a seat on the 2025 grid.

‘2025 drive’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1981622/Valtteri-Bottas-2025-drive-Sauber


Valtteri Bottas nears a return to Mercedes as F1 reserve after Mick Schumacher leaves
28 Nov 2024
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MailOnline

Valtteri Bottas says he is nearing an agreement to return to Mercedes as its reserve driver for next year after Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, announced he was leaving. "We're talking and it's going well. Still a bit of work to do but we're talking," Bottas said ahead of this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix.

"If I end up there, I think I would have a lot to give for a rookie driver who has not raced in Formula 1 yet," Bottas said. "That would be, for sure, one part of my role, to give my input and try to share my knowledge as much as I can."

‘Return to Mercedes as F1 reserve’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14137073/Valtteri-Bottas-nears-return-Mercedes-F1-reserve-Mick-Schumacher-leaves.html


Bottas set for homecoming as Mercedes reserve in 2025
25/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

F1 veteran Valtteri Bottas, who heads into his final races with Sauber, looks set to rejoin Mercedes as the Brackley squad's reserve driver for 2025. While no deal has yet been finalized, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff clearly cast a positive view on Bottas' potential homecoming.

“Nothing is signed, nothing is done, but if we were to have him back in the family, we would all be full of joy,” the Austrian told Viaplay last weekend in Las Vega. “I mean, what you can say is that if you have the opportunity in having a driver like Valtteri back in the Mercedes family, with his ability, with his most recent experience of these modern cars, you can call yourself super lucky.”

‘Homecoming’;

https://f1i.com/news/525660-bottas-set-for-homecoming-as-mercedes-reserve-in-2025.html


'First and foremost': Nico Hulkenberg gives main ‘benefit’ he can bring to Audi over rookie driver
27 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Nico Hulkenberg will be joining Sauber next season in anticipation of their switch to Audi for the big regulation changes that will hit F1 in 2026. The German driver will be entering his 13th full-time season in F1 having spent the last two with Haas, in which he stands a chance of achieving a highest place of 10th in the Drivers’ Championship this season.

Nico Hulkenberg says experience most important factor in Sauber drive. The German is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid along with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, which means he will have a lot to offer Audi when they take over the Sauber project and become a full works team.

Hulkenberg will also be paired with F2 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be making the step up following a strong season in the feeder series. His experience will no doubt be an important asset to the Brazilian among other factors. “But I think experience brings a whole range of benefits, when you talk about team building, car development, setup work, and it’s just something I have. That’s certainly a benefit over some rookies.”

'First and foremost':;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/nico-hulkenberg-gives-main-benefit-he-can-bring-to-audi-over-rookie-driver/

[Fortitude]

The ‘sick’ Max Verstappen prediction that’s now been proven right as Nico Hulkenberg misses Qatar GP media day.
Max Verstappen deserves an apology after being told to ‘stop whining’.
28 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Nico Hulkenberg has had to withdraw from his media day duties ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. The Haas team say their driver is nursing a cold ahead of the race. They have called it a preventative measure, indicating that they still expect him to race. Oliver Bearman will be on hand if needed.

Max Verstappen predicted F1 drivers would get ‘sick’ before Nico Hulkenberg Qatar Grand Prix illness. While Hulkenberg’s illness doesn’t sound like anything serious, it justifies Max Verstappen’s concerns. The world champion was critical of the decision to run Las Vegas and Qatar as back-to-back races. It takes around 18 hours to travel from Nevada to Lusail. Verstappen was worried drivers would get ‘sick’ due to the resulting fatigue.

‘Deserves an apology’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-sick-max-verstappen-prediction-thats-now-been-proven-right-as-nico-hulkenberg-misses-qatar-gp-media-day/


FIA's embarrassing crisis deepens ahead of F1 Qatar GP
Nov 28, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

The embarrassing saga engulfing Formula 1 regulator the FIA has deepened with fresh significant exits adding to an exodus of senior personnel from the FIA, tied to president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. FIA F1 race director Rui Marques, who only replaced Niels Wittich in the role for last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, will have to manage Formula 2 sessions in Qatar alongside his F1 responsibilities.

The high-pressure double-up is a result of Marques’ successor, Janette Tan, being stood down before she even performed the F2 race director role. The Race has been told this relates to Tan’s role as director (race operations) for the Singapore Grand Prix. It has emerged at the same time Tim Mayer, a long-serving FIA contributor as an unpaid steward and delegated in the US, was told by text message his services were no longer required.

A drivers meeting is due to take place on Thursday evening in Qatar with FIA race control and stewards, for an annual review that will also include a follow-up conversation to the discussion in Mexico regarding adapting F1’s controversial racing guidelines. The news of further turnover in the FIA ranks is an escalation in a concerning public narrative for the organisation and its president. It is exacerbated by Mayer’s decision to go on the record with a candid interview with the BBC.

‘Crisis’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-embarrassing-crisis-deepens-ahead-of-f1-qatar-gp/


IT’S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
27 Nov 2024
Chris Medland
Formula One - Official Site

Fresh from the lights of Las Vegas, it’s time to switch continents for two more night races in the Middle East. Off the back of another thrilling race on Saturday night, there are plenty of talking points that are likely to come up as the paddock arrives in Qatar.

Max Verstappen might have tied up the drivers’ championship with his fifth place in Las Vegas, but the battle to be constructors’ champions remains as close as ever.

Three teams enter the penultimate round of the season separated by just 53 points, and with it being a Sprint weekend in Qatar there is a maximum of 59 on offer across the two races. That means any one of McLaren, Ferrari or Red Bull could be leading by the time the chequered flag falls on Sunday.

‘5 storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-2024-qatar-grand.73pOXMBMvF4N9TkI3C2YPS


Perez gives big compliments to Verstappen: 'Made a huge step'
28 Nov 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

"This is the best Max I have seen, the way he pushed the team and how hard he worked during this year. There were a lot of periods during the year where we looked really far [away] and he would push the team in all the areas, in all the aspects. I think Max has made very big steps out of the car. I think his talent and his speed has been there since day one, but how he reads the races, how he works with the team, how he pushes the team, I think that's the biggest step that he has done in these past years," Perez told the press conference before the Qatar Grand Prix.

"We’re working as a team, especially the last few months we've had similar issues with the car, so we're pushing in similar directions to try and improve the car, and at the end of the day, we are working as a team. The team knows exactly what we've done, where we are, and I think we're working well together," he concluded.

‘Big compliments’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/315340/sergio-perez-huge-praise-for-max-verstappen.html


Vasseur hands Ferrari unusual instruction ahead of key Qatar GP
Ferrari is in the mix to win the constructors' championship - and Fred Vasseur has a rather unusual instruction for his team.
28 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Looking ahead to the weekend, Vasseur just wants Ferrari to fully focus on delivering performance at the sprint weekend instead of using its abacuses to evaluate the points situation.

"The Qatar GP is the last Sprint weekend of the year which, as always means the work the teams carry out back at base takes on greater importance than usual, as there is only one free practice session," Vasseur explained. "There are 59 points up for grabs, but this isn’t the time to start doing the maths. All we can do is execute everything perfectly to ensure that Charles and Carlos can squeeze every last drop of performance out of the SF-24.”

"We have seen, especially in recent races, that Formula 1 as a whole is operating at a very high level right now, with the slightest detail often making the difference, turning the accepted status quo on its head. It’s time for one last push over these next two weekends and our drivers, engineers and everyone in the team, both at the track and in Maranello are ready to give it our best shot."

“It’s time for one last push”;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-hands-ferrari-unusual-instruction-ahead-of-key-qatar-gp


Mercedes are 'cautiously optimistic' for another victory in Qatar
28 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

Mercedes technical director James Allision believes a second win in a row is possible at the Qatar Grand Prix. After last week's dominant Las Vegas one-two, the Brackley-based team has touched down in Qatar, where the penultimate Grand Prix of the season is taking place. A great result wouldn't be turned down by Mercedes this weekend, but Allison highlights that his team have instead been focusing future for a while.

Mercedes' technical director, Allison, says his team has been focused on next season 'for ages'. The last update for the current car was introduced in Austin at round 19 in October. "The lion's share of our efforts have been on next year for some time. A growing amount of our efforts are even looking further afield to 2026. But these last two races are important, nevertheless, because they teach you things," stated Allison, who's using these last races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to learn for 2024.

'Cautiously optimistic';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/315226/james-allison-f1-cautiously-positive-about-mercedes-chances-in-qatar-gp.html


FIA and Pirelli make changes to avoid repeat F1 Qatar GP fiasco
28 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

The FIA and Pirelli have collaborated to avoid a repeat of the tyre fiasco that plagued the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.
Last year’s F1 return to Qatar brought with it a tricky tyre conundrum. A series of sharp 50mm raised surfaces on kerbs, colloquially referred to as pyramid kerbs caused microscopic separations on the sidewalls of the F1 Pirelli tyres.

The high-speed corner configuration of the layout meant F1 drivers were attacking kerbs more than usual, and an 18-lap maximum stint length was brought in to ensure the safety of all involved. While this did introduce an intriguing three-stop GP, it is a situation that F1’s governing body has sought to avoid.

What makes things tricky is the fact that the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar is homologated by the FIA and FIM for both four and two-wheeled racing, so any changes must be a compromise to suit all series. Pirelli has revealed that the 50mm raised edges of the pyramid kerbs have been rounded off at Turns 4 and 10 as well as Turns 12 through 14.

‘FIA and Pirelli make changes’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/28/fia-and-pirelli-make-changes-to-avoid-repeat-f1-qatar-gp-fiasco/


What time is the Formula 1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix and how can I watch it?
27 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

It's almost time for the final Sprint weekend of the season, as the F1 circus heads to Qatar for the penultimate race of 2024.

The event will begin with FP1 and Sprint Qualifying on Friday, November 29, followed by the Sprint itself and qualifying on Saturday, November 30, and then the 57-lap Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, December 01.

‘What time’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-time-is-the-formula-1-2024-qatar-grand-prix-and-how-can-i-watch-it.1axyzXHHOivIvAv0Ns22xH

[Fortitude]

F1 - 2024 Qatar Grand Prix - Thursday Press Conference Transcript.
PART ONE – Charles LECLERC (Ferrari), Pierre GASLY (Alpine), Fernando ALONSO (Aston Martin).
PART TWO – Sergio PÉREZ (Red Bull Racing), Zhou GUANYU (Kick Sauber), Alex ALBON (Williams).
28.11.24
FIA (Press Release)

Q: Charles, perhaps we could start with you. Very good to see you. Now, you cut a frustrated figure after the race in Las Vegas at the weekend. What were your main frustrations? Charles LECLERC: I don't want to go back to what happened in Vegas. Yeah, I mean, last two races of the season and we need to do absolutely everything in order to get that Constructors' Championship. That's all that matters. And whatever happened in Vegas, we discussed about it and we are all good, which is the most important thing. I had no doubts about that because we've always had a really good relationship with Carlos and we've had races where sometimes things don't go exactly the way we want, but the most important thing is that we discuss about it and we go forward.

Q: Alright. Charles, thank you for that. Pierre, let's come to you now. Disappointing end in Vegas, but let's look at the positives, that brilliant P3 on the grid. Do you and the team understand where that performance came from now? Pierre GASLY: Yeah, it was a pretty nice qualifying. I think, overall, the last few weekends have been… We've been in a better shape since Austin. We brought some new parts, we've managed to get to Q3 the last four weekends and it seems like we found quite a nice flow. I think in Vegas we just made the best out of the conditions. It was quite tricky, street track, very cold. Got in a nice place with the car. And when we got to Q3, we had a single lap, but we really managed to put everything to it. And yeah, it put us in a great place. So it was a great achievement, especially looking back at Bahrain, first race of the year, I lined up in 20th, you know. We were absolutely nowhere. So when you look at all the evolution and development, it definitely shows we're heading in the right direction and it's definitely positive.

Q: Fernando, let's come to you. Talking of building foundations, something you said before the summer break was that you wanted to use the second half of 2024 to put the foundations in place for a better ‘25. Do you feel you've done that? Fernando ALONSO: Yeah, it goes up and down for everybody. Difficult to be sure of that, but I think we didn’t manage to improve the car much throughout the season. So we started quite strong, but we are now in a position that we're struggling to be in Q3 on some occasions. But yeah, at the same time, all those difficulties, I think, probably are teaching us a lot of lessons, which we will apply into next year's car. And that will be probably the biggest positive aspect of the second part of the year, you know, that even if we didn't succeed in putting much performance on the car, I think it's well understood what we are struggling with at the moment. So that will be applying in 2025.

Q: Alex, you're closest. Now, it's been a tough couple of races for Williams. Just how tough? Alex ALBON: Yeah, not smooth for sure. I think being especially tough more for the mechanics and for the people at the factory. Obviously, we had a few crashes, not always our fault, but in the end, they add up. And testament to everyone who's worked so hard to get them back, we still got two cars that are at the track that are more than capable to score points and back to fighting fit, at least the cars are. It's been tough, but everyone's been very strong, very optimistic, and I think that's Williams. I think everyone's very optimistic.

Q: Zhou, let's come to you. Great to see you back in Q2 at the weekend. Was it track specific or do you think the upgrades are really making a difference? Zhou GUANYU: For me, I think it's more about the upgrades. These upgrades, I think, we wanted for a while now. And, obviously, finally to have that for both cars for the first time in a while as well in Vegas, that was a pretty good step on the team. And, yeah, it's clearly, we saw in terms of numbers, it's probably the biggest one we had this season for all this new stuff we had. And it's clearly worked like we hoped. Is it enough or not? We will find out a little bit more this weekend and also Abu Dhabi. But I think it's clearly a very positive step in the right direction. Tried them in FP2 had a good comparison from P1 and everything just seems to be working in the right direction. and yeah had a good weekend I think after a very difficult last couple of weeks.

Q: Checo let's come to you. Now, you said after the race in Vegas that you feel close to turning things around. Vegas in particular, where do you feel the car made improvement? Sergio PÉREZ: I think in Vegas mainly the main issue we had was qualifying. We were out in Q1. Straight away after qualifying we understood why. We saw it, it was very clear in the data. But then we were on the back foot and then going on to the race, with the degradation that we had, we were not expecting it to be so severe, especially in the beginning. So we went for the Hard tyre. which I also degraded the Hard tyre and that meant that I had to spend quite a lot of the race on the Medium, so it compromised the race a lot, but we did have some good pace during the race.

‘Press Conference Transcript’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-qatar-grand-prix-thursday-press-conference-transcript


Start time for the F1 Qatar GP sprint qualifying 2024 today
Today, the sprint qualifying for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix will take place, determining the starting grid for the sprint. Check here for the start time of the sprint qualifying session.
29 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

The schedule of the F1 GP in Qatar is automatically adjusted to your time zone.
Timetable Lusail GP

Session
Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 29 November 14:30 - 15:30
Sprint qualifying Friday 29 November 18:30 - 19:14
Sprintrace Saturday 30 November 15:00 - 16:00
Qualification Saturday 30 November 19:00 - 20:00
Race Sunday 1 December 17:00 - 19:00

‘When is the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix’;

https://racingnews365.com/start-time-for-the-f1-qatar-gp-sprint-qualifying-2024-today


Piastri reveals major threat for Qatar GP
Oscar Piastri expects McLaren’s greatest challenge to come from Mercedes at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
29 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

McLaren heads the constructors’ championship from Ferrari with two rounds remaining, the two operations split by just 24 points. And while they’re both expected to feature towards the top of the timesheets, Mercedes has emerged as a renewed threat.

“Definitely a good one,” Piastri began when asked how great an opportunity Qatar will be to put some points on Ferrari ahead of Abu Dhabi next week. “I think it’s a circuit that we were strung out last season. It’ll be interesting to see who’s quick this weekend. I think Mercedes will definitely be in the picture, for sure.”

‘Major threat: Mercedes’;

https://speedcafe.com/piastri-reveals-major-threat-for-qatar-gp/


Mercedes chief optimistic for Qatar Grand Prix after what he saw in Lewis Hamilton and George Russell data
28 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Can Mercedes repeat their Las Vegas feat in final two races? The final two races of the 2024 F1 season see the championship jetting off to the Middle East for the Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuits shouldn’t really favour the W15 as the Mercedes prefers higher tyre temperatures in much cooler conditions, but track temperatures will likely reach season highs this weekend.

Allison is hoping that the high-speed nature of the Lusail circuit, which features several sweeping corners that run into each other, will play to Mercedes’s strengths. “The corner we were mighty in Las Vegas was Turn 3. There is a lot of Turn 3-type corners in Qatar and there isn’t a huge amount of slow stuff so we should be able to get the car in its window. But we’ve been wrong before, so we’re going there cautiously optimistic,” said Allison.

McLaren and Red Bull are likely to be strong while Ferrari was unexpectedly off the pace in Las Vegas due to the tyre graining, they should bounce back in the final two rounds. A lot is at stake for the top teams as they are fighting for the Constructors’ Championship, with McLaren leading the way from Ferrari by 24 points.

‘Optimistic’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mercedes-chief-optimistic-for-qatar-grand-prix-after-what-he-saw-in-lewis-hamilton-and-george-russell-data/


Max reflects in Doha: 'So many people have meant something to me in my career'
28 Nov 2024
Stefan Meens
Verstappen.nl

“Last week was incredible”, beamed the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver. “It was a great season with a lot of difficult moments, so it was great to win the title in Las Vegas. I’m really proud of what we achieved, and I never thought I would win four championships. It was always the aim to be world champion, but to win it four times is something I’m really happy with.”

The Dutchman received a lot of plaudits and congratulations from not only those in Red Bull, but also from the rest of the Formula 1 paddock and further afield. “It’s incredible, so many people have meant something and contributed to my career. To receive messages from them, other drivers, team mates, team bosses, families and friends is all special in their own ways.”

“Last week was incredible”;

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5673/

[Fortitude]

Leclerc strikes the first blow against McLaren by topping FP1 in Qatar.
Charles Leclerc has topped the first and only free practice session for the Qatar Grand Prix. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both threatened to trouble Leclerc's time but couldn't beat it.
29 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

A few drivers dipped tyres in the gravel and runoff areas, with turn five being a common place for an adventure. But it never caused any serious problems for the drivers, as they experienced clear running in the first 30 minutes. Leclerc topped the timesheets but used harder tyres than the rest of the field, which indicated an unrealistic pace picture. He was nearly two-tenths faster than second-placed Verstappen.

Leclerc and Sainz continued to push on the hard tyres, while others were happy to continue using mediums. The Spanish driver moved up to P2 with 25 minutes left on the clock and soon after took P1 from his teammate. Norris moved up to P3, and Sergio Perez was impressed. The Red Bull driver stated over the radio: "That McLaren is flying". Red Bull are trying to hunt down McLaren in the Constructors' Championship, but face an uphill battle with Ferrari also in the fight during the final two weekends of the season.

‘The first blow’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/315519/charles-leclerc-tops-fp1-in-qatar.html


Qatar GP: Free Practice 1 Results
30 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 29 1:21.953
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 23 1:22.378 0.425
3 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 25 1:22.425 0.472
4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 29 1:22.535 0.582
5 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 26 1:23.045 1.092
6 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 28 1:23.064 1.111
7 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 23 1:23.099 1.146
8 63 George Russell Mercedes 26 1:23.160 1.207
9 23 Alex Albon Williams 27 1:23.161 1.208
10 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 25 1:23.188 1.235

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/qatar-gp-free-practice-1-results/


Qatar Grand Prix: F1 Free Practice 1 Results
Nov 29, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Verstappen quickly snatched the top spot, setting a 1:26.338 on th medium tyre also. The Dutchman’s team-mate Sergio Perez set a time 1.117 seconds behind him on the same compound. However, the four-time world champion was not happy with his helmet, saying “a lot of air was coming in”. The Dutchman suggested that a helmet change was necessary.

Tsunoda responded to Verstappen’s time. The Japanese driver set a 1:25.970 with the medium compound – the first driver into the 1:25’s. Back-and-forth time was occurring between Verstappen and Tsunoda. The Red Bull driver went quickest, setting a 1:25.612.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc then went to the top. The Monegasque set a 1:25.486 on the hard compound tyre. Mercedes driver George Russell then beat the Ferrari driver’s time, setting a 1:24.901 on the medium compound – Norris slotted into second, only 0.076 seconds behind the Mercedes driver on the same compound of tyre.

‘F1 Free Practice 1 Results’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/qatar-grand-prix-f1-free-practice-1-results/?nowprocket=1


Qatar GP: Charles Leclerc P1 as Ferrari take first blood in McLaren Constructors’ clash
29 Nov 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari put down the first marker in Qatar on a crucial weekend in the Constructors’ title race. Leclerc’s 1:21.953 blitzed the McLaren competition in FP1, giving Ferrari the advantage as they continue their bid to deny McLaren the Constructors’ title.

On his first flying lap since becoming a four-time World Champion, Verstappen put down a 1:26.3 as the early benchmark for rivals to chase as the sun set in Doha, though the Dutchman promptly requested a change of helmet with too much air getting in, while Valtteri Bottas found himself stuck in “traffic paradise”.

The pace continued to ramp up and with 20 minutes gone, Leclerc was out front, his 1:23.702 putting him a shade under two-tenths up on Verstappen with Pierre Gasly continuing to impress in P3. After the opening runs mostly took place on the Pirelli medium tyres, that compound remained the go-to as the next push laps began with the session at its halfway point. Leclerc’s P1 time withstood the test, Norris settling into P2 and Piastri P3, before the Monegasque made a statement by increasing his buffer to four-and-a-half tenths.

‘Ferrari take first blood’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/qatar-grand-prix-2024-fp1-report


Why Ferrari suspects Qatar GP will be ‘biggest challenge’ to late-season F1 charge
29 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

“On paper the biggest challenge that we’re going to face since I think we’ve introduced these upgrades to the car that have made us perform better,” Sainz told media including Motorsport Week.

“Look at Mexico Sector 2, Austin Sector 1, Vegas Sector 1: whenever there’s been high-speed corners in a sector we haven’t been, out of the top 4 cars, we’ve never been fast. So if you join the fact that this track is smooth, it’s cold and it’s only those kind of corners then on paper we should struggle.”

“At the same time, one thing is to struggle on performance one thing is the amount of points that you come out of the weekend and we need to make sure we maximise that. It could still be a tough weekend in terms of performance but then it could be a good weekend in terms of points.”

‘Biggest challenge’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/29/why-ferrari-suspects-qatar-gp-will-be-biggest-challenge-to-late-season-f1-charge/


'Got quite emotional': Ted Kravitz explains why Lewis Hamilton got ‘teary’ in interviews before Qatar Grand Prix
29 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton became emotional as he recapped conversation with Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnington. According to Sky Sports F1 presenter Ted Kravitz, Hamilton became ‘teary’ during his media duties on Thursday. It’s just over a week until he bids farewell to Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi GP.

Hamilton lifted the lid on a conversation with engineer Peter Bonnington where it dawned on him that the end was near. He got ’emotional’ as he recounted this conversation to the press. “Lewis getting quite teary actually talking about how it’s his last two races with Mercedes,” Kravitz said on Ted’s Podbook. “He sat down with Peter Bonnington, his engineer, today and said ‘oh this is it Bono, last two together’, and actually got quite emotional when he was recounting it to the media.”

'Got quite emotional';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ted-kravitz-explains-why-lewis-hamilton-got-teary-in-interviews-before-qatar-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix - Sprint qualifying results.
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Qatar sprint, at the Lusail International Circuit. The Briton set a mighty 1:21.012, to top a McLaren one-three.
29 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Oscar Piastri was just under two tenths adrift in third, behind George Russell who completed the front row in second.

It was a disappointing sprint qualifying for Ferrari, as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured fourth and fifth, respectively. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed sixth.

Sergio Perez will start the Qatar sprint from 16th, following yet another exit in the first part of a qualifying session.

‘Sprint qualifying results’;

https://racingnews365.com/2024-f1-qatar-grand-prix-sprint-qualifying-results


Qatar GP: Sprint Qualifying Results
Full results from Sprint Qualifying from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.
30 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Sprint Qualifying from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.

Pos Num Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Diff
1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:21.356 1:21.231 1:21.012
2 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:22.021 1:21.488 1:21.075 0.063
3 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:22.218 1:21.548 1:21.171 0.159
4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:21.838 1:21.809 1:21.281 0.269
5 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:22.156 1:21.818 1:21.308 0.296
6 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:22.033 1:21.784 1:21.315 0.303
7 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:22.151 1:21.734 1:21.474 0.462
8 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:22.586 1:22.352 1:21.978 0.966
9 30 Liam Lawson RB 1:22.705 1:22.393 1:22.082 1.070
10 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 1:22.569 1:22.318 1:22.088 1.076

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/qatar-gp-sprint-qualifying-results/


Qatar Grand Prix: F1 sprint qualifying results
Nov 29, 2024
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

Final classification of sprint qualifying: Norris secures P1 for the sprint race tomorrow, with Russell, Piastri, Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Gasly, Hulkenberg, and Lawson rounding out the top 10. The RB driver had his lap time deleted at the end of the session, which dropped him to the end of the top 10. With the constructors’ championship on the line, its advantage McLaren going into Saturday, but the two Ferraris aren’t too far behind. Red Bull will be fighting with one hand tied behind their back with Perez down in P16.

‘F1 sprint qualifying results’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/qatar-grand-prix-f1-sprint-qualifying-results/?nowprocket=1


Impressive Lando Norris pips George Russell to Qatar sprint pole
Lando Norris dominates Qatar GP sprint qualifying to take pole ahead of George Russell.
29 Nov 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

McLaren’s Lando Norris pipped Mercedes’ George Russell to claim pole position for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix sprint race. Norris, who saw his title hopes end last time out in Las Vegas, was in peerless form in sprint qualifying as he topped all three sessions on his way to edging Russell to pole by just 0.063 seconds.

McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri was third, 0.159s slower than Norris. "It’s tough, because it’s so quick around here," Norris said. "It feels like the quickest circuit of the year. I mean, the final sector just feels like you’re hanging on.”

"Great qualifying today, especially to bounce back from where we were last time out in Vegas, it’s a nice thing to do. Happy, it was a decent lap, I made too many mistakes on my second. But we were coming here to get pole, and we did that, so job done for today."

‘Lando Norris dominates Qatar GP sprint qualifying’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060910/1/impressive-lando-norris-pips-george-russell-qatar-sprint-pole


F1 team-mates' qualifying battles: Qatar GP
Here's how things stand in 2024 team-mate duels following sprint qualifying at Formula 1's Qatar Grand Prix.
Nov 29, 2024
Ben Vinel
Motorsport.com

‘Qualifying battles’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-team-mates-qualifying-battles-qatar-gp/10677506/

FYI: Due to other commitments, both the Sprint Race Results and the Qualifying Results will be posted LATE on Saturday.

[Fortitude]

Lando Norris went against McLaren to "return the favour" to Oscar Piastri in Qatar sprint.
Lando Norris explains his decision to hand Oscar Piastri the sprint race victory in Qatar.
30 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lando Norris has revealed he rejected instructions from McLaren as he let Oscar Piastri take the sprint race victory at the F1 Qatar Grand Prix. On the approach to the finish line, Norris lifted off and allowed Piastri to overtake, giving the Australian an unlikely victory.

It seems Norris’ decision to hand Piastri the win stems from a similar situation in the Brazil sprint race. “It was probably a bit closer than what I was wanting, but I planned to do it since Brazil, yeah, just what I thought was best, probably a bit sketchy,” Norris explained.

“The team told me not to do it, but I thought I could get away with it and we did, so honestly I don’t mind, I’m not here to win sprint races, I’m here to win races and a championship – but that’s not gone to plan you know, so I did the best we could and I look forward to tomorrow.”

"Return the favour";

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060952/1/lando-norris-ignored-mclaren-instructions-give-oscar-piastri-win-qatar-sprint


Qatar GP: F1 Sprint Results
Full results from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.
1 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps/Diff
1 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 19
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 0.136
3 63 George Russell Mercedes 0.41
4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1.326
5 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 5.073
6 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 5.65
7 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 8.508
8 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 10.368
9 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 14.513
10 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 15.485

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/qatar-gp-f1-sprint-results/


Oscar Piastri Wins Qatar Grand Prix Sprint As McLaren Widen Gap On Ferrari
Oscar Piastri was gifted victory by his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in Saturday's sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Nov 30, 2024
Agence France-Presse

Oscar Piastri was gifted victory by his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in Saturday's sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix as the British team consolidated their bid for the constructors' title for the first time since 1998 with a 1-2 triumph. In an example of perfect teamwork, Norris led from pole to flag before slowing to allow Piastri to win by 0.136 seconds ahead of Mercedes' George Russell in third.

The result secured 15 points for McLaren in their bid to resist Ferrari, extending their advantage to 34 points with two Grands Prix remaining. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz finished fourth ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes and Haas' Nico Hulkenberg, Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Kevin Magnussen in the second Haas.

‘McLaren Widen Gap On Ferrari’;

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/oscar-piastri-wins-qatar-grand-prix-sprint-as-mclaren-widen-gap-on-ferrari-7142614


How McLaren can clinch F1 constructors' title at the Qatar GP
Nov 30, 2024
The Race

McLaren will head into Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix with its first shot at sealing the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' title. The McLarens will start third (Lando Norris) and fourth (Oscar Piastri) on Sunday, behind a front row of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell.

After Piastri and Norris finished first and second in Saturday's Lusail sprint, McLaren heads Ferrari by 30 points and Red Bull by 67 points (with 88 points available).

Only a total Sunday meltdown from McLaren would get Red Bull anywhere near in range to be still in contention for Abu Dhabi. And while Ferrari is in a much better position to keep this title fight going until the final round, McLaren holds all the aces and could seal the deal at Lusail.

‘Clinch F1 constructors' title’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/how-mclaren-can-clinch-f1-constructors-championship-qatar-gp/


Verstappen: "Rally car" Red Bull was undriveable in Qatar GP sprint
Recently crowned F1 world champion joked he'd have more luck competing with father Jos at this weekend's Spa Rally
30 Nov 2024
Jake Boxall-Legge
Ronald Vording
Motorsport.com

Speaking about his low-key race, Verstappen stated that his balance was out of the window and that he particularly struggled at the start with cold tyres. "I just had no grip. The balance is terrible. On cold tyres you suffer even more from that. It felt like a rally car," Verstappen told Viaplay.

"I think I would have been better off competing with my father [Jos] at Spa in a rally - we would have had a better chance of being competitive over there, I think. It's really terrible, it was undriveable.”

"We can change a lot of things [before qualifying], but we can't fix the problem. I don't know. We will change some things, but I don't expect miracles."

“Undriveable”

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-rally-car-red-bull-was-undriveable-in-qatar-gp-sprint/10677955/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen hit with one-place grid penalty for Russell incident during qualifying for Qatar GP.
Max Verstappen has lost his pole position starting spot for the Qatar Grand Prix after being hit with a one-place grid penalty by the stewards following an incident with George Russell during the final part of qualifying in Qatar.
30 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

The Dutchman’s lap time was good enough to award him his first pole since the Austrian Grand Prix, but the stewards have opted to penalise him for driving unnecessarily slowly ahead of the Mercedes.

The Mercedes driver said: “I ended up going through the gravel all over the floor, so it felt like the floor was scraping over that kerb and through the gravel so I hope it didn’t damage it. “Maybe that’s the reason we didn’t improve – I don’t know, but it was a bit of a hairy one, two corners before we started the lap.”

‘One-place grid penalty’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-verstappen-hit-with-one-place-grid-penalty-for-russell-incident.udi2rmsZdfGoAqxiluF2b


Adjusted starting grid for 2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix after Verstappen penalty
Check out the full starting grid for the 2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix from Lusail!
30 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Check out the starting grid below!
NOTE: Grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.
Full starting grid for 2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix
Position Driver Team
1st George Russell Mercedes
2nd Max Verstappen Red Bull
3rd Lando Norris McLaren
4th Oscar Piastri McLaren
5th Charles Leclerc Ferrari
6th Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
7th Carlos Sainz Ferrari
8th Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
9th Sergio Perez Red Bull
10th Kevin Magnussen Haas

‘Grid remains provisional’;

https://racingnews365.com/full-starting-grid-for-2024-f1-qatar-grand-prix


Horner after Saturday Qatar GP: 'Important qualifying for the team'
30 Nov 2024
Coen Versteeg
Verstappen.nl

Christian Horner, CEO and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said after the sprintrace and qualifying of the Qatar Grand Prix: "We changed a lot of things on the car and we have given Max a car that he has been able to go out and deliver the pole in. That’s our first official pole since Austria, so that is fantastic for everyone and a great team effort.”

“Checo made similar set-up changes to Max, his were a little less aggressive and it was good to see him in Q3. It was an important qualifying for the team and it is great to be starting from the front for the race tomorrow. Hopefully the changes we made to the car for qualifying can play out in the race as well and we have a successful Sunday."

'Important qualifying for the team';

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5678/


Norris admits McLaren simply ‘not quick enough’ in Qatar GP qualifying after losing out to Verstappen and Russell
30 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Lando Norris gave credit to Max Verstappen and George Russell after the McLaren driver settled for third position in Saturday night’s qualifying session at the Qatar Grand Prix. Asked about that moment, and how the session unfolded, Norris said: “Oh, I went in the gravel a little bit. We weren’t quick enough today and I had to push too much to get something out of the car, which we didn’t have. Just pushing the limits, nothing more.”

“It didn’t cost me anything after. I still feel like I got everything out of the car today. I’m happy, I feel like I couldn’t have done a much better lap, just the car was not quick enough comparing to the other two [ahead].” Asked if he’s hopeful of taking the fight to Russell and Verstappen in the race, he added: “I think so. I think George has been quicker probably the whole weekend. I think they were quicker even today in the Sprint. It’s tough.”

‘Not quick enough’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-admits-mclaren-simply-not-quick-enough-in-qatar-gp-qualifying-after.5bBDH6BiiDbUca86XBxGp1


'Left out': Naomi Schiff points to Mercedes ‘engineering meetings’ that may have hurt Lewis Hamilton at Qatar Grand Prix
30 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton is enduring a frustrating end to his career at Mercedes as he hasn’t consistently challenged for race wins since 2021. The Brackley-based team haven’t mastered the current generation of ground effect cars that were introduced in 2022. The Mercedes car may be being developed towards George Russell’s style. Naomi Schiff explained on Sky Sports F1 that meetings in and around the weekend may be playing a part in his struggles before moving to Ferrari.

Schiff explained Hamilton’s lacklustre end to his time at Mercedes before switching teams is difficult and it isn’t quite clicking on the track. “Just a shame because he’s only got really the rest of this weekend and next weekend to seal off a wonderful era with Mercedes.”

“To be feeling so negative at this point is a little bit sad, I would say. I think maybe one other thing it could have to do with when he’s saying, a factor is out of his control is maybe because he’s decided to go to Ferrari, he’s being left out of more and more engineering meetings, maybe this car is slightly being developed more towards George’s driving style.”

'Left out';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/naomi-schiff-points-to-mercedes-engineering-meetings-that-may-have-hurt-lewis-hamilton-at-qatar-grand-prix/


Sauber gunning for points, McLaren in the title hunt, and fun at Turn 1 – What To Watch For in the Qatar GP
30 Nov 2024
Chris Medland
Formula One - Official Site

From the constructors’ title being up for grabs to Lewis Hamilton looking for answers, and from robust overtaking moves to drivers facing a physical challenge, here are five things to keep an eye out for when we go racing in Qatar…

1. A chance at another championship: McLaren’s Saturday started in almost perfect fashion, with a one-two finish in the Sprint moving them even closer to winning the constructors’ championship. Outscoring Ferrari by six points in the 19-lap Saturday dash, McLaren are now potentially within one result of securing their first team title since 1998.

‘What To Watch For’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sauber-gunning-for-points-mclaren-in-the-title-hunt-and-fun-at-turn-1-what.Xk0WPYwsOKClTwNiNqgSz


‘It just sucks’: RB driver Liam Lawson rages at F1 rival for ‘purposefully’ ruining his quali at Qatar Grand Prix
30 Nov 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

Liam Lawson failed to get out of Q1 for the first time this year during qualifying for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, leaving the Visa Cash App RB driver to rage at one rival driver.
Slender margins split the rear of the field in the first phase of qualifying for the Qatar GP this Saturday. Williams star Alex Albon and RB pilot Lawson narrowly missed out on a place in Q2 by only 0.026 and 0.047 seconds respectively to Yuki Tsunoda in the second VCARB 01 car.

Liam Lawson incorrectly rages at Fernando Alonso in Qatar Grand Prix qualifying. Lawson felt Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso was partly responsible for ruining his Q1 in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, as well. However, Lawson’s race engineer Pierre Hamelin instantly corrected the Kiwi for blaming Alonso as Lance Stroll caused his frustrations in Q1. “Alonso purposefully slowed up through [Turns] 9 and 10 when he aborted his lap,” Lawson vented over RB’s radio. “It just sucks, man.”

‘Rages’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/rb-driver-liam-lawson-rages-at-f1-rival-for-purposefully-ruining-his-quali-at-qatar-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Why Verstappen Lost His Pole Start At The Qatar GP.
There's an immediate reaction to the news that Max Verstappen's pole position was removed; with the Dutchman demoted to second via a controversial penalty for driving unnecessarily slowly with George Russell in Q3, with the British driver now inheriting pole as a result.
1st Dec 2024
Motorsport.com

Jonathan Noble and Stuart Codling review all the action.

Readers Comments: David_Brent
It's really pathetic that Noble is trying to justify this penalty for Verstappen. "You can't have people blocking others even on an outlap", is his opinion. If Noble actually has looked at every single race up until now, this was pretty standard. Hence, keeping the order on an outlap was a "Gentlemen's agreement" according to some.

The dangerous precedent set here is that other drivers can now accelerate others into a foul. It's the equivalent of a "schwalbe" in football. George really played dirty here, unsportsmanlike even.

“It's really pathetic that Noble is trying to justify this penalty for Verstappen”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/why-verstappen-lost-his-pole-start-at-the-qatar-gp/657303/


Verstappen’s demotion to inside of the grid could prove a double blow in Qatar
2024 Qatar GP pre-race analysis
1st Dec 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans

The Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit will almost certainly be the lowest-attended round of the season – but that does not meant those who have bought tickets are any less invested, knowledgeable or passionate as those who have shown up to any of the previous 22 rounds so far this season.

Despite the drivers’ championship, the primary point of intrigue for any F1 season, being done and dusted, Formula 1 has still managed to court controversy with the latest stewarding scandal involving Max Verstappen. Penalised for driving unnecessarily slowly on his final build up lap in Q3 and getting in the way of Russell’s Mercedes – who was also on a build up lap – Verstappen has lost his first pole position since Austria and must now line up behind Russell rather than in front of him.

Although this seems like a blow to Verstappen’s chances of victory, the world champion is driven as much by the need to spite those he perceives as trying to hold him down as much as he is by victory. And compared to other grid penalties he has overcome in recent years to win, a single place is nothing. But it would be wrong to assume that it’s all going to be about Verstappen versus Russell for victory. There has been no consistent order at the front of the field over the first two days of the weekend, and newly-inherited pole sitter Russell expects the same today.

‘Verstappen’s demotion’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/01/verstappens-demotion-to-inside-of-the-grid-could-prove-a-double-blow-in-qatar/


George Russell explains disadvantage Max Verstappen suffers with F1 Qatar GP grid demotion
1st Dec 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Max Verstappen will start from the dirty side of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix grid and George Russell explained how great a disadvantage this will be. Verstappen initially beat Russell to pole position at the Lusail International Circuit by just 0.055s, but the tables would later turn.

The Red Bull driver was summoned to the stewards for slowing unnecessarily in front of his Mercedes rival on a cool-down lap and was demoted one place on the grid for Sunday’s race. Prior to learning of his promotion to pole position, Russell explained that starting from second on the pit-wall side of the grid was a significant challenge.

“Those inside starting positions were really tricky [in the Sprint],” Russell said. “I think every driver on the right-hand side made a poor start and that ultimately cost me the chance to fight with Lando [Norris].” Indeed, in the Sprint, starting from second, Russell ultimately lost out to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri who he failed to pass for the remainder of the 19-lap race.

‘Disadvantage Max Verstappen suffers’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/01/george-russell-explains-disadvanatge-max-verstappen-suffers-with-f1-qatar-gp-grid-demotion/


Verstappen has the tyre advantage over the rest of the grid in Qatar
1st Dec 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com

Max Verstappen may have lost his pole position that he took on Saturday at the Qatar Grand Prix, but despite dropping to P2 on the grid, he still holds an advantage over the rest of his rivals. The Dutchman will have more newer tyres at his disposal for Sunday's Grand Prix in the Middle East, giving him an edge over everyone else when the lights go out.

Despite this, the Red Bull Racing driver still holds an advantage with his tyre allocation for the Grand Prix over the rest of his rivals. Out of the big teams, Verstappen is the only one to have a new set of softs available for the race. He also has a new set of medium tyres at his disposal, as does Lewis Hamilton Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, while teammate Sergio Perez has two sets of yellow-walled tyres for the Grand Prix.

With the hard tyres, it's Ferrari who are at a disadvantage to the rest of the grid, with both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz only having one new set of tyres at their disposal, while both Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren drivers have two new sets of white-walled tyres available to them.

‘Tyre advantage’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316110/max-verstappen-has-the-tyre-advantage-at-the-qatar-grand-prix.html


'Marginally': Helmut Marko believes Red Bull have just solved their ‘Achilles’ heel’ at the Qatar Grand Prix
1 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Following a miserable Sprint race, Red Bull achieved an impressive comeback while qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen will start from the front row having been stripped of his pole position by the stewards for driving unnecessarily slowly and impeding Mercedes driver George Russell.

Red Bull’s improved tyre warm-up helped Qatar turnaround: Verstappen only used a single set of soft tyres during his final run in Q3 having topped Q2 with an impressive lap, owning to Red Bull’s improved tyre warm-up phase. Red Bull were by far the weakest of the top teams, but the turnaround also enabled Sergio Perez to get into Q3 and up to P9 on the grid.

“It all worked fine and the tyres came up to temperature well. The small working window of the car is our Achilles’ heel. We changed a few things between the sprint race and qualifying, including with warming up the tyres,” Marko told Motorsport Magazin. “In the end, we drove a total of three laps with one set of tyres. In the second fast lap, you could see that a used tyre was marginally slower than a new one.”

‘Solved their Achilles’ heel’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/helmut-marko-believes-red-bull-have-just-solved-their-achilles-heel-at-the-qatar-grand-prix/


David Coulthard shares Christian Horner ‘quick chat’ details after Max Verstappen’s ‘remarkable’ Qatar GP lap
1 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Red Bull Racing wouldn’t have expected Max Verstappen to briefly be on pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix. However, Red Bull are all too aware that Max Verstappen is capable of achieving what many would never expect from him. Verstappen’s performance in Sao Paulo was incredible and virtually guaranteed his fourth world championship.

The Qatar Grand Prix wasn’t expected to be particularly positive for Red Bull, with McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari all expected to have an advantage over them. That appeared to be the case in the Sprint Race when Verstappen qualified and finished sixth.

Christian Horner shares why Max Verstappen was much quicker during Qatar Grand Prix qualifying. Talking about Verstappen’s performance in qualifying, Coulthard said: “I find it just remarkable as you remember well prior to qualifying, I sort of parked Red Bull as not even being in the hunt. Having a quick chat with Christian just off the back of that session, he said they made some adjustments, loaded up the car and then suddenly it’s come into a window where he’s able to exploit his talent and deliver in what was an incredibly close qualifying session.”

‘Suddenly it’s come into a window’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/david-coulthard-shares-christian-horner-quick-chat-details-after-max-verstappens-remarkable-qatar-gp-lap/


Max Verstappen ‘done with all this’ after unusual Qatar GP grid penalty
01 Dec 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Verstappen and pole position rival George Russell were both on preparation laps for their final attempts when Russell approached the slow-moving Verstappen near the apex of Turn 11, Russell calling it “super dangerous” over team radio after taking evasive action.

And ahead of the verdict being cast, Verstappen was not best pleased with the situation. “We were all just driving slowly. I wouldn’t know what I could have done differently,” he said. “The fact that I have to go [to the stewards’ office] is already very strange to me. Otherwise, next time I’ll just drive flat out too and pretend to crash [into the other car].”

“He should have braked. I braked. Just like the cars in front of me. And I don’t want to screw them. I’m honestly a bit done with all of this at the end of the season.” Verstappen returned to the topic in the post-qualifying press conference, where Russell – who “got excited” as Verstappen put it – was also in attendance.

‘Next time I’ll just drive flat out too and pretend to crash [into the other car]’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-done-with-all-this-qatar-gp-grid-penalty

[Fortitude]

Lambiase tells Verstappen 'karma is wonderful' after Qatar GP victory!
Ahead of the Qatar GP, Max Verstappen was relegated to P2 on the grid thanks to a one-place grid penalty. The Dutchman ended up winning the race, and received a happy radio message from his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase!
1 Dec 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Lambiase speaks of karma after Verstappen victory: "Karma is a wonderful thing. You definitely did not drive unnecessarily slowly today. Great job," Lambiase began after Verstappen's victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen replied cheerfully: "Simply lovely, guys. Yes, yes, yes. What an unbelievable race again. That was really fun!"

"Simply lovely, guys. Yes, yes, yes”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316249/gianpiero-lambiase-speaks-of-karma-after-max-verstappen-victory.html


Qatar GP: Race Results
Full results from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.
2 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps/Diff
1 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 57
2 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 6.031
3 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 6.819
4 63 George Russell Mercedes 9.104
5 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 16.782
6 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 17.476
7 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 19.867
8 24 Zhou Guanyu Sauber 25.36
9 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 32.177
10 4 Lando Norris McLaren 35.762

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/qatar-gp-race-results/


Max Verstappen wins chaotic Qatar Grand Prix: 'Very proud of the team'
1 Dec 2024
Kees-Jan Koster
Verstappen.nl

After the race, a jubilant Verstappen reflected: "It was a very good race. The car already felt a lot better in qualifying yesterday. Today, the first stint was very fast. Lando Norris and I were within 1.8 seconds of each other the whole time, pushing each other, that was a lot of fun out there. This track has a lot of grip, and this year the tyres were really holding on, so it was a lot of fun to push the tyre.”

“We went really long in the first stint, and then there were a few safety cars, which you had to take care, but I am very happy. It has been a while in the dry to be this competitive. I am very proud of everyone in the team for turning it around within a day. They definitely deserve this victory."

'Very proud of the team';

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5681/


Qatar GP: Penalty chaos in Lusail as Verstappen overcomes rare FIA punishment
1 Dec 2024
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen took victory in a chaotic Qatar Grand Prix that saw a broken wing mirror prompt a portion of the action, when it was run over and brought out the Safety Car. Russell admitted ahead of the race the Red Bull driver told him he was even more fired up for the race as a result, with a long run down to Turn 1 to potentially draw alongside the Mercedes driver.

And he did exactly that on the way down to Turn 1, holding the inside line and getting ahead of the Mercedes by the time they braked, with Lando Norris able to follow him through, demoting Russell down to third.

At the front, it was serene going for Verstappen as he claimed a ninth victory of the season, while there were 10 crucial points for Alpine in their Constructors’ battle for P6, with Zhou jubilant with his P8 finish and Magnussen adding two points to Haas’ total, leaving it all to play for in the Constructors’ standings as we head to Abu Dhabi.

‘Penalty chaos’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/qatar-grand-prix-2024-report


George Russell fumes at Mercedes in sweary rant as Qatar GP erupts into chaos
George Russell was unimpressed with Mercedes in Qatar.
Dec 1, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

When Valtteri Bottas ran over an errant wing mirror from Alex Albon's car, the debris triggered a second safety car and gave Mercedes an opportunity to bring Russell in for a second stop of the race. The Silver Arrows opted to bolt on hard compound tyres, leaving Russell fuming. He dialled into the radio, yelling: "Why have we put hards on? Why have we put the f***ing hards back on? They're s***."

His Mercedes team-mate endured even more misery. Lewis Hamilton picked up a puncture from the debris caused by the Bottas incident, and at that point, he had already picked up a five-second time penalty for a false start. Then, the Brit was slapped with a drive-through penalty for failing to follow the pit lane speed limit, ending any lingering hopes of scoring points at the Lusail International Circuit.

‘Sweary rant’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1983190/George-Russell-Mercedes-Qatar-Grand-Prix


Lewis Hamilton threatened to 'switch off' the car during Qatar Grand Prix meltdown
Lewis Hamilton was furious with his team in Qatar on Sunday.
Dec 1, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

The seven-time world champion's miserable end to the season took another turn for the worse in Doha. After picking up a five-second time penalty for a false start, he went on to pick up a puncture as a result of debris from Alex Albon's wing mirror. This combination left Hamilton on the outside of the points looking in heading into a late safety car restart, and the Brit was then hit with another bombshell - a drive-through penalty.

For Hamilton, this was the straw that broke the camel's back. "Retire the car," he fumed to race engineer Peter Bonnington. "Retire the car." The Mercedes engineer replied: "Negative," before Hamilton hit back: "I'm switching off [the car] when I get in there, mate. I'm switching off."

Bonnington recognised his driver's frustrations but warned: "That's fine if you want a five-second penalty next race. We only need to do one more lap but drive through." Hamilton's final season as a Mercedes driver has been nothing short of miserable and with George Russell once again finishing ahead on track, the seven-time world champion is now braced for a P7 finish in the Drivers' Championship.

‘“I'm switching off." "That's fine if you want a five-second penalty next race.”’

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1983207/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Qatar-Grand-Prix


Jenson Button concerned Lewis Hamilton has driven last Mercedes race after what he saw at Qatar Grand Prix
1 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton endured one of the most painful races of his Mercedes career at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time this season. He’d previously recorded DNFs in Australia and the United States, but this was the first time he’s crossed the line outside the top 10. Hamilton eventually came home 12th.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Hamilton’s former teammate Jenson Button expressed concern that the 39-year-old wouldn’t attend the Abu Dhabi GP. If so, he would already have driven his final laps in a Mercedes before his Ferrari move. Button says Hamilton is clearly in a ‘tough place’ after a ‘soul-destroying’ weekend. He’d said after Sprint qualifying that he simply wasn’t ‘fast’ anymore.

“I hope that [Abu Dhabi] is his last race for Mercedes,” Button said. “I really do. I hope we see Lewis back in Abu Dhabi. This is mentally such a tough place for him to be in. [For] one of the greatest, if not the greatest ever in this sport, to be in this position, it’s soul destroying. I really feel for him. A couple of races ago, that was his mindset. But I hope he has his last race in Abu Dhabi. We know how great he is. And we know how great he is around that track. And I want to see that.”

‘Tough place after a ‘soul-destroying’ weekend’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/jenson-button-concerned-lewis-hamilton-has-driven-last-mercedes-race-after-what-he-saw-at-qatar-grand-prix/


2024 Qatar Grand Prix: Norris drops from P2 to last after being handed 10 second stop/go penalty
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Lando Norris was battling Max Verstappen for the lead in Qatar on Lap 46 when he was handed a 10 second stop/go penalty for failing to slow for yellow flags earlier in the race. It dropped him to 15th and last.

‘Failing to slow for yellow flags’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-qatar-grand-prix-norris-drops-from-p2-to-last-after-being-handed-10-second-stop-go-penalty.1817261418175396382

[Fortitude]

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Zhou gets your vote after securing Kick Sauber's first points of 2024.
It's been a long time coming, but in Lusail Kick Sauber finally scored their first points of the season and Zhou Guanyu was the man who delivered.
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

The Chinese driver followed up his excellent P12 qualifying performance with an even better P8 after a highly eventful race, in his penultimate Grand Prix outing for the team. Here’s how the voting broke down…
Zhou Guanyu - 29.7%
Max Verstappen - 17.5%
Charles Leclerc - 9.8%
Lando Norris - 8.6%
Pierre Gasly - 7.4%

‘DRIVER OF THE DAY: Zhou’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/driver-of-the-day-zhou-gets-your-vote-after-securing-kick-saubers-first.68JFCAwlAcQ80hpSgHJ69e


Sauber Collect First Points in 2024 at the Qatar Grand Prix
Dec 1, 2024
Emma Fisher
Last Word On Sports

One of two outgoing drivers, Zhou Guanyu had a stellar drive to the finish line for the Swiss team. After a gruelling season of near-misses and disappointments, Sauber finally got on the Drivers’ and Constructors’ scoreboards at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. Zhou Guanyu‘s remarkable performance earned him P8 and four points alongside the title Driver of the Day, as fans celebrated the Chinese driver’s pace.

This could also help him in his quest to find a role within F1 next season as he and teammate Valtteri Bottas will depart from the Swiss team.
Securing the first points of the season for Sauber ��
Zhou Guanyu take a bow �� pic.twitter.com/tQcwrKyAew
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 1, 2024
Outgoing Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who is stepping up from F2, will replace them.

The points scorer: Speaking to Sky Sports after the GP, Guanyu said: “Great race, the pace was strong as well. I didn’t know I was driver of the day until I got to the TV pen, so thank you to the fans for that. Mentally, it has been a really draining season for me, for Valtteri and for the whole team. This was our best opportunity after an amazing Saturday performance and we wanted to show what we can do. Today’s race was very clean and executed well, I think. There is a lot of work done that people don’t see behind the scenes to just continue to be there every weekend, just hoping we will see a return. And today is the day!” – Zhou Guanyu.

“And today is the day!”;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/12/01/sauber-collect-first-points-in-2024-at-the-qatar-grand-prix/


‘A big relief’ – Zhou beaming after ending Sauber points duck
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Zhou Guanyu ensured Kick Sauber won’t end the season point-less after scoring four points with a P8 finish in the Qatar Grand Prix.

‘A big relief’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/a-big-relief-zhou-beaming-after-ending-sauber-points-duck.1817262553837832284#


Qatar Grand Prix Talking Points: Sauber finally break through as questionable race calls return
2 Dec 2024
Ben Waterworth
The Roar

Sauber finally break drought: Did we just witness the greatest moment of 2024 with Zhou Guanyu finishing in eighth at the Qatar Grand Prix? Sure, there have been some epic races and epic moments across the year, but who doesn’t love a true underdog story and seeing a back running team finally breakthrough for their first points of the season?

Last week in Las Vegas, Zhou was tracking well to possibly score Sauber’s first points for 2024 but ultimately fell back to finish the race in 13th place. This time around he held on to claim four very valuable points for the team. And it was so close to being a double points finish for the team, with Valtteri Bottas running in the points late in the race before ultimately being passed by the fast-finishing Norris recovering from his penalty.

No matter how you classify great moments across a season, there is no doubting seeing Sauber finally getting some points on the board in the penultimate race has to be in the conversation, particularly given how much they have been struggling across the year. And as they enter their final year on the grid as Sauber before switching into Audi, it will give the famous team a massive boost heading into 2025.

‘???the greatest moment of 2024 with Zhou Guanyu finishing in eighth???;

https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/12/02/qatar-grand-prix-talking-points-sauber-finally-breakthrough-as-questionable-race-calls-return/


2024 Qatar Grand Prix: Zhou crosses the line to seal Sauber’s first points of 2024
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Kick Sauber hadn’t scored points all year – but that all changed when Zhou Guanyu finished eighth in Qatar to seal four points for the Swiss squad.

‘Sauber’s first points of 2024’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-qatar-grand-prix-zhou-crosses-the-line-to-seal-saubers-first-points-of-2024.1817264676035095348


Zhou Guanyu an early candidate to join Cadillac F1
Dec 1, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

Why Zhou is well-positioned to negotiate with Cadillac F1 ahead of 2026. Like most drivers without a seat for next year, Zhou Guanyu welcomed the news of an 11th team in F1. Heading into the 2026 season, Cadillac will be in negotiations with several drivers wanting to join their line-up.

As a driver with several years of F1 experience, Zhou is already a feasible option. His latest result in Qatar (which came after a strong race in Vegas) was a reminder of what the 25-year-old is capable of in competitive machinery. However, there is another critical factor that could boost his chances.

Zhou on Cadillac’s radar for 2026: According to Swiss outlet Blick, Graeme Lowdon is set to become Cadillac F1’s team principal. This is significant for Zhou, because Lowdon is part of his management team. Should Lowdon (who was formerly Marussia’s team principal) take the helm at Cadillac, this would be a massive boost for Zhou’s chances of returning to F1.

‘Early candidate’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/12/01/zhou-guanyu-an-early-candidate-to-join-cadillac-f1/

[Fortitude]

F1: Ferrari happy to still be gunning for constructors title.
"We are still in the running, anything is possible with a 21 point gap on McLaren," Vasseur said.
2 Dec 2024
Ansa

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has expressed satisfaction that the Italian glamour team is still in the running for the Formula One constructors' title going into next week's season-ending Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi after Sunday's race in Qatar.

McLaren's lead cut to 21 points before season-ending Grand Prix: "It's nice to get to Abu Dhabi in this position. The circuit there should favour us a little more. With Verstappen and Mercedes competitive again, the outcome is unpredictable".

"We are still in the running”;

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/sports/2024/12/02/f1-ferrari-happy-to-still-be-gunning-for-constructors-title_7760e7f3-a7bb-4df9-976b-71e1791add10.html


Leclerc: Qatar GP podium a surprise for “lucky” Ferrari
2 Dec 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Leclerc admitted that the team had exceeded its own expectations. “Yes, we did, because to be honest, we knew that it would be very difficult pace-wise,” he said.

“We expected McLaren to be very strong in terms of race pace. We maybe did not expect Max to be that strong, but he was super strong today. However, finishing second after such a weekend, where the track characteristics are very far off from the optimal of the track characteristics we need for our car, is a surprise.”

“We got a little bit lucky, obviously, on my side. A bit unlucky with Carlos and his puncture. But as a team, it’s been a positive weekend. So yes, we exceeded our expectations because coming into the weekend, I kind of expected to lose a bit of points compared to McLaren here. However, we recovered some, so that’s good.”

‘Exceeded our expectations’;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/12/02/leclerc-qatar-gp-podium-a-surprise-for-lucky-ferrari/


‘We did everything perfect’ – Leclerc ‘very very happy’ after P2 in Qatar
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc wasn’t expecting to close the gap to McLaren in Qatar so was thrilled to cut down Ferrari’s points deficit in the constructors standings at the penultimate race of 2024.

‘Everything perfect’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we-did-everything-perfect-leclerc-very-very-happy-after-p2-in-qatar.1817263270944172439


Leclerc "surprised" by Ferrari's strong pace in Qatar
2 Dec 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

"We expected this to be a difficult weekend for us so I’m happy with how the race went today, having made up some points on McLaren. We had some luck on my side and a bit less on Carlos’ with the puncture.”

"We may have been able to finish second and third had it not been for that, which is a shame teamwise, but overall, it was positive to be this competitive here. We knew that it would be very difficult pace-wise. We expected McLaren to be very strong in terms of race pace. We maybe did not expect Max to be that strong, but he was super strong today.”

"However, finishing second after such a weekend, where the track characteristics are very far off from the optimal of the track characteristics we need for our car, is a surprise. We got a little bit lucky, obviously on my side. A bit unlucky with Carlos and his puncture. But as a team, it's been a positive weekend. So yes, we exceeded our expectations because coming into the weekend, I kind of expected to lose a bit of points compared to McLaren here. However, we recovered some, so that's good.”

‘Exceeded our expectations’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25966


'Why aren't they': Peter Windsor blames Ferrari for ‘bizarre’ problem which hurt Charles Leclerc’s Qatar Grand Prix
2 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Leclerc was forced to compete in this year’s Qatar Grand Prix without his drink, after a mistake when hooking it up. Last year, that would have been unsurvivable, but he pushed through this year to reach the podium and secure a crucial result in the constructors’ championship battle. Peter Windsor has criticised the Scuderia for their mistake though, insisting that it isn’t something that should be going wrong.

“You think they would have sorted all that out long before they get in the race car, wouldn’t you? He was going on about how it’s a double-fastening, and they’ve got to make the single-fastening. Why aren’t they doing that stuff at Fiorano or somewhere? It seems bizarre to me that that would be a problem.”

Why Leclerc needs to deliver another miracle in Abu Dhabi. The upcoming season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will decide whether McLaren or Ferrari will end 16-year championship droughts. The papaya outfit lead the way by 21 points, which means that Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz need to produce some magic.

‘Bizarre’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/peter-windsor-blames-ferrari-for-bizarre-problem-which-hurt-charles-leclercs-qatar-grand-prix/


Charles Leclerc ‘did not drink’ in F1 Qatar GP due to bottle issue
1 Dec 2024
Jack Oliver Smith
Motorsport Week

Charles Leclerc revealed that he “did not drink” in the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix due to an issue with the bottle inside his car.

“Yes, I did not drink,” he said, “but honestly, I don’t think it was that much of an issue for this race. Last year would have been a really, really big issue. I think I wouldn’t have finished the race without my drink, but this year it was actually pretty chill.”

Leclerc was of course referring to the extreme heat plagued drivers in last year’s corresponding Grand Prix, which was held in October.
Many drivers suffered in the oppressive conditions, including Logan Sargeant, who was forced to retire his Williams with exhaustion and suspected heatstroke.

‘Did not drink’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/01/charles-leclerc-did-not-drink-in-f1-qatar-gp-due-to-bottle-issue/


Sainz left satisfied with recovery after Qatar puncture as Leclerc celebrates podium finish amid constructors' battle
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Carlos Sainz managed to recover to score a strong points haul for Ferrari after suffering a detrimental puncture in the Qatar Grand Prix, crucially helping to keep the team in the battle for the constructors’ title. “I think we got a bit of the worst of everything,” the Spaniard said.

“We had a puncture around the last corner which meant that when I arrived to Turn 1 I was already punctured. This meant that we had to do a full lap on a punctured tyre, losing loads of seconds of race time. Then we came in, we had a slow pit stop obviously due to the puncture.”

“As soon as I’m coming out of the pits, a Safety Car comes out and all of our rivals take the Safety Car to box, and they don’t lose any time. A very terrible kind of scenario that unravelled for me. At the same time, I started the race [P7] and finished P6 with all that happened, so it cannot be too terrible an outcome. I feel like today we were on for a top-four, top-three even, and it couldn’t happen.”

‘Satisfied with recovery’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-left-satisfied-with-recovery-after-qatar-puncture-as-leclerc.4wZzkUFU1nUIB9LkGVyMET

[Fortitude]

"I am not an idiot", claims Norris after his race-deciding mistake in Qatar.
The three-time F1 race winner commented: "I am not an idiot. If I knew there was a yellow, I would have slowed down."
3 Dec 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Reflecting on his race in which he displayed eye-catch performance on both the medium and the hard compound, Norris has emphasized that he did not deliberately fail to slow down in a bid to gain a potential competitive advantage to Verstappen.

"The team gave me a great car today, it was the quickest out there, so I'm disappointed we haven’t been able to secure maximum points in Qatar. I know the rules around Yellow Flags, but I missed it. I have to take that on the chin. I can only apologise to the team.”

"We have one more weekend to go now and we’ll head to Abu Dhabi with the same mindset as any other weekend, and that’s wanting to win."

"I am not an idiot";

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25973


“Lando did not lift”: How Verstappen and Red Bull lobbied for Norris’s penalty
2nd Dec 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Lambiase Info, I believe Lando has a free shot at DRS. Yep, Lando on DRS this straight.
Verstappen Check if he lifted for the yellow.
Verstappen There was a yellow in the middle of the straight.
Lambiase Yep, there was, we’ll have a look, make sure he lifted.
Lambiase Max if you see Safety Car or VSC you can pit. Otherwise, stay out.
Verstappen Is there still a yellow or not?
Verstappen Yep it’s still yellow. Stay on the racing line.

Lambiase Lando did not lift, Max.
Verstappen Report that, then.
Lambiase Track is clear. And yes, we reported it, Max. Still no reply.

Lambiase Just to be clear that was wide-open throttle, on DRS, to the braking zone at turn one.
Verstappen Yeah there was double waved yellows there on that lap.
Lambiase Roger that.

Verstappen Anything on that yellow flag? Or you can just go flat-out through a yellow?
Lambiase Literally just speaking about it now, Max. Stand by.

Lambiase Just information at this stage, Max, but race control now investigating the incident with Lando.
Lambiase Lando has been given a 10-second stop-go penalty, 10-second stop-go penalty, which he needs to serve within two laps.
Lambiase Lando in pit lane, Max. So car behind Leclerc, gap 3.2.

“Lando did not lift”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/02/lando-did-not-lift-how-verstappen-and-red-bull-lobbied-for-norriss-penalty/


McLaren criticise ‘dust-covered book’ decision in Norris penalty call
Lando Norris was issued a costly penalty during the Qatar Grand Prix and dropped to 10th in the order.
2 Dec 2024
Fergal Walsh & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has suggested Lando Norris' penalty in Qatar was applied with a too simplistic judgement using a “dust-covered book”. “We checked all the data,” Stella told media including RacingNews365. “Lando enters the sector when the yellow flag is displayed. But fair enough, the requirement is very clear. When there's a yellow sector, you are required to slow down, and this is the responsibility of the driver. So I think the penalty was deserved in that case.”

The Italian engineer asserted the FIA did not give consideration to the severity of the circumstance when judging Norris' actions. “Giving a penalty, it’s two important concepts - one is proportion, and the second one is specificity,” he said. “The application of the penalty lacks both requirements. Is there an immediate danger for somebody? Is there a crash scene? The specificity leads to the proportion.”

‘McLaren criticise ‘dust-covered book’ decision’;

https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-criticise-dust-covered-book-decision-in-norris-penalty-call


How eagle-eyed Max Verstappen earned big FIA punishment for Lando Norris
02 Dec 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

An eagle-eyed Max Verstappen alerted his Red Bull team to the possibility that Lando Norris did not slow for yellow flags during the Qatar Grand Prix. Speaking to media including PlanetF1.com in the post-race press conference, Verstappen revealed that his suspicions arose after he noticed that Norris had closed the gap at the exit of Turn 1, the corner immediately following the yellow flag zone.

And he went on to suggest that he would have found himself immediately under investigation by the stewards had he committed the same offence as Norris. He said: “I knew that I lifted because I saw the double yellow. And I know that, of course, if I wouldn’t have lifted, it would have been investigated straight away.”

“So you’re just on it. I asked if he lifted because he had a DRS, I think, from a backmarker at the same time as well. And then, of course, when we came out of Turn 1, I saw that he was a lot closer, so I just asked the team to check it. It was just a normal question. And I know, of course, with double yellows, they’re quite strict.”

‘Eagle-eyed Max Verstappen’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-team-radio-fia-punishment-lando-norris-penalty


Verstappen explains why he called 'foul' on Norris in Qatar GP
It was a mistake by Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen saw it straight away.
3 Dec 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen has explained it was his 'check call' to Red Bull that led to Lando Norris falling foul of the regulations and landing a heavy penalty during the Qatar Grand Prix.

Norris was hammered with a 10-second stop-go penalty for failing to slow under double-waved yellow flags. Although the decision to penalise the McLaren driver was correct, there was a feeling that the punishment did not fit the crime.

The FIA later explained that the penalty was 'in accordance with the penalty guidelines circulated to the teams on 19 February this year', and that 'a double-yellow flag infringement is considered a serious compromise of safety, which is why such offences carry such a severe penalty'.

‘Eagle-eyed Max Verstappen’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-explains-board-radio-about-foul-norris


Drivers had ‘zero indication’ of harsher penalties in seven Qatar GP punishments
2 Dec 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Dishing out seven in-race penalties in Qatar, including a race-wrecking 10-second stop-go penalty to Lando Norris, George Russell says there was “zero indication” for the weekend that the stewards would turn to the most severe punishments.

Russell, the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, says the drivers weren’t given any warning that the stewards intended to be harsher than usual in penalising infringements. “There was zero indication that they wanted to be much harsher,” he told the media including PlanetF1.com. “I don’t even know what all the penalties were for, I need to review that now.”

“I don’t even know what my penalty is for, it’s something to do with the Safety Car, but I don’t know when or how or why. So, yeah, I’ll have a look and see.”

‘Zero indication’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-zero-indication-harsher-penalties-seven-qatar-gp-punishments


‘Hysterical’ George Russell subject of more Red Bull criticism after penalty call
3 Dec 2024
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com

After securing pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was handed a perplexing one-place grid penalty for impeding George Russell. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has some concerns.

“Let’s just say he wasn’t enamored with the decision,” Horner said of Max Verstappen, speaking to media including PlanetF1.com. “It was a very strange decision, because obviously the circumstances of qualifying, both cars were on slow laps, and I did feel that George and Mercedes made a big meal out of it.”

Horner noted that it was “unprecedented” for a driver to be penalized on his slow lap during qualifying; he also pointed out that “one could argue that perhaps George was driving a little too quickly on a slow lap with two cars in front of him. Maybe he was driving recklessly.”

‘Hysterical’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-makes-hysterical-george-russell-claim-in-gamesmanship-plot

[Fortitude]

“Am I dead last now?” Unheard radio from Hamilton’s disastrous Qatar GP.
Lewis Hamilton’s penultimate grand prix as a Mercedes driver was a miserable affair.
3rd Dec 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

“Am I dead last now, yeah?” Having fallen a lap behind under the Safety Car, Hamilton was anxious that he should get the chance to un-lap himself and rejoin the rear of the queue before the restart. He made it with only seconds to spare. Soon after the race restarted it was neutralised once more, this time due to Sergio Perez spinning to a stop.

Hamilton Am I a lap down now?
Bonnington Traffic on exit.
Bonnington We’re go strat mode one. Affirm, Lewis, Verstappen ahead race leader.
Hamilton Am I dead last now, yeah?
Bonnington Negative. We’re currently showing P16, out of 17 runners though.
Hamilton Is this Safety car going to let us past, or…?
Bonnington It will have to wait until the pack has formed. But that should be the case.

‘Negative’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/03/am-i-dead-last-now-unheard-radio-from-hamiltons-disastrous-qatar-gp/


Wolff admits Qatar ‘not such a good day in the office’ as Mercedes go backwards in Grand Prix
3rd Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Team boss Toto Wolff was quick to acknowledge what went wrong – and why the blame needed to go more on the car than on his drivers. “That was not such a good day in the office, we lost all the balance in the car from yesterday to today, horrific understeer with both of them and simply the pace was gone which was weird to understand,” he said afterwards.

“The race was bad, I think the car was super difficult for both of them to drive. It just didn’t turn, like I said when the grip kicks in, the understeer – there’s an unbearable understeer and both of them suffered with that.” Wolff offered an explanation for Hamilton’s struggles and why he might be finding life in the cockpit of the W15 more difficult than Russell.

“It came to a point where it almost didn’t make any sense to continue. But if you park the car, you carry [the penalty] into Abu Dhabi, that’s why we had to take it,” Wolff explained. “I think one of [Hamilton’s] strengths is the way he’s able to break late and attack the corner and that car can’t take it… it is clear when you are very strong on the brake, you need a car that is very strong on turning in and you just hit the throttle, you needs lots of traction and when the car is not giving you any of that, it is very difficult to drive around.”

‘Blame needed to go more on the car’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/wolff-admits-qatar-not-such-a-good-day-in-the-office-as-mercedes-go.1OhYNaBY4RojAonQtpb4AO


‘Nobody’ in Mercedes can explain Lewis Hamilton struggle compared to George Russell
3 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult second half to his 2024 season with Mercedes having struggled to produce the same results as teammate George Russell. Although Hamilton took a stunning victory at the British Grand Prix earlier this year, his record ninth time winning the race, the seven-time world champion has struggled to recapture the glory years with Mercedes.

Mercedes lost as to why Lewis Hamilton struggling more than George Russell in W15. Hamilton’s race in Qatar was marred by a series of rookie errors, including a start infringement whereby he anticipated the lights too quickly and triggered the grid sensor. According to Benson, there is ‘nobody’ at Mercedes who knows why Hamilton is struggling more than Russell in the W15 which has proven to be a tough car to get into the right operating window.

“The fact he has been comprehensively out-paced by team-mate George Russell in qualifying, and his general struggles with the car, have been a surprise. And nobody – not Hamilton, not Mercedes – seems to really be able to explain why Hamilton has had these problems,” said Benson. “What’s certain is that he has simply not got on with this year’s Mercedes car, which he finds unpredictable, and he’s not been able to cope with its idiosyncrasies as well as Russell.”

‘Nobody at Mercedes who knows why Hamilton is struggling’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/nobody-in-mercedes-can-explain-lewis-hamilton-struggle-compared-to-george-russell/


Toto Wolff wants to end “present chapter” with Lewis Hamilton “in the right way”
A week of "celebration" ahead for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
3 Dec 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Toto Wolff says the season-ending F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is “a celebration” as Lewis Hamilton drives for Mercedes for the final time. “Six Drivers' World Championships. Eight Constructors' titles. 84 wins. 78 pole positions. 153 podium finishes. The most successful driver and team partnership in F1 history. Many highs that we have enjoyed. Some crushing lows that we've overcome together.”

“Our relationship has meant so much more than just numbers and statistics, though. It is a legacy that transcends our sport, with a lasting impact beyond the racetrack. One that has strived to increase diversity in our sport. To fight for inclusion.”

“Lewis has been the catalyst for so much of this and we have been honoured and proud to work hand-in-hand with him. That work won't stop at the end of this year. But it began because of the impetus led by Lewis.”

“A celebration”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061129/1/toto-wolff-wants-end-present-chapter-lewis-hamilton-right-way


Why Lewis Hamilton has been left in a ‘negative spiral’ during his final F1 season at Mercedes
3 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton’s swansong season with his beloved Mercedes has been a mixed affair throughout, from victories to disappointments – it has been quite the ride. In the first instance, it’s beautiful that he got to sign off from the Silver Arrows by taking multiple victories with them before leaving.

Speaking to F1-insider.com’s YouTube channel, Ralf Bach believes that the little incidents that have hampered Hamilton this season have led him to spiral. “Hamilton’s completely on the losing road right now, but it’s definitely not because he’s lost basic speed,” he said.

“Somehow he changes the team, then you’re in a negative spiral, then something happens, then something happens again and sometimes it’s little things that happen. The sum just leads to this negative spiral you notice he is really happy when he can end his Mercedes life and then set off for new shores, namely Ferrari.”

‘The sum just leads to this negative spiral’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-lewis-hamilton-has-been-left-in-a-negative-spiral-during-his-final-f1-season-at-mercedes/


Toto Wolff calls out ‘crazy, made-up conspiracies’ about Lewis Hamilton
3 Dec 2024
Oliver Harden
Crash.Net

Toto Wolff has shot down the “crazy, made-up conspiracies” circulating online about Mercedes’ treatment of Lewis Hamilton during the F1 2024 season. Hamilton’s poor performances have fuelled wild suggestions online that he has been given inferior equipment by Mercedes in F1 2024.

In June, an anonymous email from someone claiming to work for the Mercedes team was sent to members of the F1 media, alleging that Hamilton has been the victim of “systematic sabotage” by the Brackley-based team. Wolff confirmed at the Spanish Grand Prix later that month that the individual responsible was not an employee of Mercedes, with the police launching an investigation over the matter.

Wolff told media including PlanetF1.com in Barcelona: “When we are getting these kinds of emails, and we’re getting tonnes of them, it is upsetting, particularly when there is somebody talking about death and all these things.”

‘Crazy, made-up conspiracies’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-conspiracy-theory-made-up

[Fortitude]

Alonso thrilled to score points in Qatar despite car issue while Stroll gives his take on ‘unintentional’ Albon clash.
Fernando Alonso was delighted to leave the Qatar Grand Prix with points after ending the race in seventh place – especially as he had to overcome a technical problem with his car – while Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll suffered an early exit following a Lap 1 collision with Alex Albon.
3 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

When asked after the race if he was happy with the outcome, Alonso responded: “Yeah, definitely. The final result is great, P7, six points for the team is very good at this part of the championship. At the beginning we had some issues, it’s a well-known problem. “We’re struggling with something on the car, I think it’s deployment of the energy or something after the Safety Car – the car is still thinking that we are behind the Safety Car, so we don’t deploy all the energy and the electrical power.”

“We are lacking a little bit of top speed and we are vulnerable at that part of the race. But yeah, after that obviously we capitalised on some DNFs and penalties, so we were ready and there to take it. As I said, [I’m] happy for the team, and hopefully we finish on a positive note also in Abu Dhabi [for] this championship.”

‘Thrilled’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alonso-thrilled-to-score-points-in-qatar-despite-car-issue-while-stroll.MtI3h5dt5nkAKDfdwFTFR


Alonso reveals he suffered with deployment problem en route to P7
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Fernando Alonso was very pleased to pick up six points for Aston Martin in Qatar – especially as he was having trouble with his car during the race.

‘Trouble with his car’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/alonso-reveals-he-suffered-with-deployment-problem-en-route-to-p7.1817262747411185822


Fernando Alonso Says He Can Be ‘Too Confident’ In F1
Dec 2, 2024
F1 Chronicle

Dec.2 (GMM) With rumours swirling about Lewis Hamilton’s pace, age and motivation, F1 veteran Fernando Alonso insists he does not personally suffer from crises of confidence.

For two-time champion Alonso, he is struggling in one of the slowest cars this year – the Aston Martin – but insists he never struggles for confidence. “Of course you have to feel competitive from time to time,” said the 43-year-old Spaniard, “but I do not doubt myself. Actually, I am probably a little too confident when it comes to my abilities to need a result to believe in it.”

“If we are competitive and I’m fighting to get out of Q1, it’s not because I got slow overnight. It’s because the car needs to be improved,” Alonso added. “But it is good to have some good results from time to time so that the team doesn’t lose confidence.”

“I do not doubt myself”;

https://f1chronicle.com/fernando-alonso-says-he-can-be-too-confident-in-f1/?nowprocket=1


Alonso never doubted himself amid Aston Martin struggles
Fernando Alonso says return to form in Qatar qualifying proves he has not become slow overnight
1 Dec 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Fernando Alonso says his unexpected Q3 performance in the Qatar Grand Prix shows why he was right never to doubt himself amid Aston Martin’s recent struggles. The Spaniard, who is Formula 1’s oldest driver, has endured a challenging run of races off the back of his squad’s backward step with a new floor that arrived at the United States Grand Prix.

Its difficulties have left it as the eighth or ninth fastest team at times, with concerns it could even slip behind the Sauber squad that has recently delivered a step forward with a new floor. But after a stronger-than-expected performance for Aston Martin in Qatar compared to recent outings, Alonso says that the result is proof that recent difficulties have been more about the car than the driving.

‘Alonso never doubted himself’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-never-doubted-himself-amid-aston-martin-struggles/10678225/


Fernando Alonso reveals new tactical plan after Verstappen grid penalty precedent
3 Dec 2024
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com

Countless perplexing penalties were issued in Doha during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend — and some drivers are already looking for ways to game the system. It should come as no surprise that the ever-tactical Fernando Alonso is one such driver. After Max Verstappen’s one-place grid penalty, he’s discovered a way to put his rivals on the back foot.

“I only read the news that it was a one-place penalty for, I don’t know,” Alonso said. “He was slow, but George was on a slow lap as well. So in Abu Dhabi, if I’m in a slow lap, I will push crazy to the car in front to have penalty I guess, if he’s impeding me.”

It was a tongue-in-cheek joke fr0m the Spaniard, but it still centers in on the big concern with Verstappen’s penalty: Setting that precedent allows for a cynical interpretation of the rules. Why not speed up behind a driver you think will out-qualify you, in hopes that he earns a penalty for impeding?

‘New tactical plan’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-reveals-new-tactical-plan-after-verstappen-grid-penalty-precedent


Alonso sides with Verstappen: 'In Abu Dhabi I can do the same as Russell'
2 Dec 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

Fernando Alonso disagrees with the punishment Max Verstappen received for the incident with George Russell during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. Like Verstappen, the Aston Martin driver fears the decision sets a dangerous precedent.

The FIA once again came under scrutiny during the Qatar GP. A number of heavy penalties were handed out, including a stop-and-go penalty and a drive-through penalty to Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton respectively. There was also much talk about the decision not to deploy a safety car for the detached mirror that was on the straight.

"Max’s penalty yesterday, I don't know. I only read the news that it was one place penalty for… I don't know. He was slow, but George was on a slow lap as well. In Abu Dhabi if I'm on a slow lap, I will push crazy to the car in front to have a penalty, I guess if he's impeding me. That's the only thing that we need to be careful," he continued.

‘Do the same as Russell’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316409/max-verstappen-gets-support-from-fernando-alonso-after-fia-penalty.html


What was behind Alonso’s “cannot ******* believe it” radio message
The Aston Martin driver vented his frustration in the early stages of the Qatar GP
Dec 2, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Oleg Karpov
Motorsport.com

Fernando Alonso has explained his “cannot ******* believe it” radio message that he issued in the early stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. In a radio message that was broadcast on the international feed, Alonso said: “I cannot ******* believe it man. Two years with the same ******* problem on the straights.”

Reflecting on the radio message, Alonso, who went on to finish seventh, said: “It's not the first race that we are lacking top speed in the first lap of the race, or after the safety car.”

“I think the car is confused that still thinking that we are behind the safety car, so we don't deploy the energy properly out of the last corner when it's a green flag. That obviously is very costly if you don't deploy the energy when you have all the cars around you.”

“Cannot ******* believe it”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/what-was-behind-alonsos-cannot-believe-it-radio-message/10678605/

[Fortitude]

Esteban Ocon breaks silence in emotional statement after being replaced with one race left.
Esteban Ocon was released by Alpine with a race to go in the 2024 Formula One season.
Dec 3, 2024
Sam Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

“I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport, climbing the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil. It was also an honour to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022.”

“I know how much all of those moments meant for everybody and feeling that sense of achievement and joy alongside the team is what I am taking away with me. It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons. I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100 per cent every single session. Like I always have.”

“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able [to] come see you in person and have a proper farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

‘Breaks silence’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1984133/esteban-ocon-breaks-silence-alpine-f1


‘This is not how I wanted things to end’ – Ocon shares emotional farewell to Alpine after ‘especially difficult’ season
3 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Reports that Ocon would prematurely leave the Enstone outfit emerged in the paddock after the Qatar race, and Alpine then officially confirmed a deal on Monday that will allow him to drive for Haas in the Abu Dhabi post-season test, but which means he won't be racing in the final Grand Prix of the year.

He was already set to join the American team next year, but in a statement shared on Instagram he revealed that his sudden departure was not how he “wanted things to end”, despite team boss Oliver Oakes previously explaining that the move was in the best interests of all parties.

‘Emotional farewell’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/this-is-not-how-i-wanted-things-to-end-ocon-shares-emotional-farewell-to.XUOx2kM5WjY99EU8tdOdw


Haas confirm early Ocon debut after Alpine exit
Esteban Ocon will not race in Abu Dhabi this weekend - but he will not have to wait long before jumping back behind the wheel of an F1 car.
4 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

The Haas F1 team has confirmed Esteban Ocon will make his debut for the squad next week at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. A one-day test on December 10th will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit following the season finale this weekend.

The outing often creates the opportunity for drivers who are switching teams to get a headstart in their new environment ahead of the following season. Haas announced in July earlier this year that it had signed Ocon for the 2025 campaign, with the Frenchman set to partner Oliver Bearman.

Ocon's tenure with Alpine came to an early end as the team confirmed he departed the squad after the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend, with Jack Doohan stepping in for Abu Dhabi.

‘Haas confirm early Ocon debut’;

https://racingnews365.com/haas-confirm-early-ocon-debut-after-alpine-exit


‘Broken down’: Karun Chandhok shares why Alpine had to release Esteban Ocon amid behind the scenes ‘mess’
4 Dec 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer

Ocon’s early departure from Alpine seemed to be in the works for some time after the relationship between the two parties had ‘completely broken down’, according to Karun Chandhok. The Frenchman has come to blows with teammate Pierre Gasly on numerous occasions and this is said to have caused tensions between Ocon and Alpine which reached breaking point in Qatar.

Naomi Schiff thinks it’s a ‘big risk’ putting in Doohan at Alpine in Abu Dhabi, but for Chandhok, the driver change ‘makes sense’ as Ocon’s relationship with the team was fractured and had to be released to Haas. “I actually think it’s a good move all round. I think for Alpine, it makes sense really,” he told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.

‘In the works for some time’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/karun-chandhok-shares-why-alpine-had-to-release-esteban-ocon-amid-behind-the-scenes-mess/

[Fortitude]

“It screwed us:” Safety Car period had major championship consequences for Haas.
With the Safety Car deployed, every driver who hadn’t changed tyres yet headed for the pits. Magnussen was among those who suffered the most.
3rd Dec 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

“I’m super gutted with the Safety Car coming out,” said Magnussen afterwards, “it completely ruined the day for me. It was going well and we had a good beginning to the race, but I just wish that Safety Car hadn’t come out because it really screwed us. There’s still one race to go and we’ll go into it giving everything.”

“I’m super gutted”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/03/it-screwed-us-safety-car-period-had-major-championship-consequences-for-haas/


Qatar Grand Prix: Race Recap
Dec 1, 2024
Haas F1 Team - Official Site

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal: “Today, with Nico coming from P18 it was always going to be difficult, and unfortunately, we didn’t get anything. Kevin, from his side, drove well again but we just didn’t get the philosophy right. He was unlucky with the safety car, but we could’ve covered ourselves a bit better than we did today.”

“The good thing is the deficit is only five points and in Abu Dhabi we really need to focus on getting both of our drivers into points-scoring positions. P8, and P9 – that’s six points – so it’s still all to play for, we need to learn from our mistakes, regroup and focus on doing our best in Abu Dhabi to try and get P6 back.”

‘Race Recap’;

https://www.haasf1team.com/news/qatar-grand-prix-race-recap-1


Hulkenberg rues ‘messy’ DNF in Qatar as Magnussen promises Haas will go ‘guns blazing’ in Abu Dhabi
3 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

With Pierre Gasly crossing the line in fifth, Hulkenberg’s lack of points in Qatar has helped Alpine to take a five-point lead over Haas in the battle for sixth in the constructors’ standings. “Turn 1 – it was messy,” the 37-year-old admitted after the race. “There was contact, I honestly can’t remember. It was all happening very quickly – I don’t know if I got hit first or touched someone. Then a long stint in traffic, then kind of unlucky with the Safety Car because the others got a free stop.”

His team mate Kevin Magnussen left Qatar on a more positive note as he netted two points for Haas in P9, profiting from Lando Norris’s stop/go penalty to secure the team’s ninth points finish in the last 10 races. “We had a good beginning to the race and everything was going well – just wish that Safety Car hadn’t come out,” Magnussen said after the race. “That really screwed us but anyway, there’s still a race to go and we’ll go in there guns blazing.”

“We deserve better but luck unfortunately hasn’t been on our side recently. We’ve just got to do what we can. As I said, still a round to go – five points’ deficit is not the easiest of tasks, but still all to play for.”

‘Guns blazing’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hulkenberg-rues-messy-dnf-in-qatar-as-magnussen-promises-haas-will-go-guns.5ge407enjPCbPYHSTtTsLa


Pietro Fittipaldi shares what’s ‘allowing’ Kevin Magnussen to ‘maximse his potential’ ahead of F1 exit
3 Dec 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Haas brought some upgrades to the floor and bodywork of the car ahead of the United States Grand Prix as they push for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. The American team have been consistent contenders in the midfield and taken a step forward from last season which was more of a struggle.

These additions have seen Magnussen score points twice since the event at Circuit of the Americas, and he may have been in contention in Brazil before he had to withdraw. Formula 1 cars are so refined that they have a very narrow operating window which can make them difficult to drive.

Haas test and reserve driver Fittipaldi explained the upgrades give the car more rear security, which has given the Dane more confidence. He said: “Every driver has certain driving styles that if you really maximise it, they can really extract more potential. I believe with these new upgrades we have in the car, which has given us a lot more rear security in the car, it’s allowing Kevin to really maximise his potential.”

‘Upgrades give the car more rear security’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/pietro-fittipaldi-shares-whats-allowing-kevin-magnussen-to-maximse-his-potential-ahead-of-f1-exit/

[Fortitude]

‘Done well’: How Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull sim times compare to Max Verstappen’s amid 2025 promotion talk.
A lot has been made of the fact that in his four years as a Formula 1 driver, Tsunoda has never been given the chance to test for Red Bull.
4 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

That will change in the post-season test after the race in Abu Dhabi when – after some pressure from his primary backers Honda – Tsunoda will finally get his chance in the RB20.

Journalist Tim Hauraney was speaking on the Nailing The Apex Podcast about Tsunoda’s future and how he’s performed behind the scenes at Red Bull and said: “At the end of the day, Verstappen chews up and spits out teammates

“When have we seen a driver really hold their own aside from Daniel Riccardo against Max Verstappen? And even then we can argue that Daniel may not have been able to really hold his own because he left.”

‘Yuki Tsunoda’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/how-yuki-tsunodas-red-bull-sim-times-compare-to-max-verstappens-amid-2025-promotion-talk/


Tsunoda reveals confusion over misheard “beaver” radio message
Yuki Tsunoda did not hear properly a warning from his RB Formula 1 team about a loose mirror on the track during the Qatar GP
Dec 1, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Yuki Tsunoda revealed he misheard a radio message warning about a loose mirror on the track during the Qatar Grand Prix and thought he'd been told there was a beaver.

Asked by Motorsport.com if he had seen the mirror, Tsunoda said: “Was it mirror? I heard beaver. My engineers said: 'There's a beaver.' But why is there a beaver in the Middle East? Like how is it possible a beaver is in the Middle East?”

“But okay, maybe there's a surprise with global warming - kicking a lot of interesting things in the Earth.” Red Bull boss Christian Horner joked afterwards about the difference between hearing mirror and beaver: “That is quite a change….”

“I heard beaver”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tsunoda-reveals-confusion-over-misheard-beaver-radio-message/10678483/


Why Red Bull’s 2025 car might not be ‘technically suitable’ for Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda
4 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

2025 Red Bull car may not be ‘technically suitable’ for Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda. The problem with Red Bull’s car and the reason why they have struggled to lock down a regular second driver over the years comes down to one thing.

Their car is simply geared towards one man – that is four-time champion Verstappen and his exact driving style, which makes it tricky for others to adjust to. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have all failed to match him on a regular basis over the last five years and now it appears that someone else will get a go.

‘Red Bull’s 2025 car’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-red-bulls-2025-car-might-not-be-technically-suitable-for-liam-lawson-or-yuki-tsunoda/


Helmut Marko suggests factors behind Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull F1 omission
3 Dec 2024
Motorsport Week

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has indicated Yuki Tsunoda being overlooked for a promotion in Formula 1 has derived from him lacking both “continuity and stability”. Tsunoda appears not to have done enough to convince Red Bull to promote him, despite emerging as RB’s standout driver this season with 30 of the team’s 46 points.

Asked whether he believes he is a serious option to replace the struggling Perez, Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week: “I don’t know.
“Please could you interview them and find out? To be honest, I don’t know. Even whatever they say in the interview, even they say, ‘Yuki is in the mix’, I don’t know if that’s the truth or not to be honest.”

“So, yeah, I hope I’m in that mix, and if not, I don’t know what I should do more than this, to be honest. I’ll just keep pushing and things I can control. And those things, the Red Bull seat, they decide everything. I’m sure if I’m in the seat, I can fight for a higher Constructors’ Championship [position] and what they want. But, other things, politics things. They decide what they want.”

“Please could you interview them and find out?”

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/03/helmut-marko-suggests-factors-behind-yuki-tsunodas-red-bull-f1-omission/


Lawson: “Nothing’s changed” on future after frustrating Qatar GP
4 Dec 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Liam Lawson insists that a scrappy Qatar GP won’t impact his future prospects despite it coming just as Red Bull makes up its mind about who will replace Sergio Perez in 2025. Lawson spun at the first safety car restart in Qatar, forcing Valtteri Bottas off the road. He subsequently received a 10-second penalty.

Later in the race both he and team mate Yuki Tsunoda were switched to soft tyres in an attempt to find some performance. However that gamble didn’t pay off, and they finished 13th and 14th, with the Japanese driver ahead.

“Nothing’s changed”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/12/04/lawson-nothings-changed-on-future-after-frustrating-qatar-gp/

[Fortitude]

Williams “very short on components” after 17th crash of season.
Williams team principal James Vowles admits the team is facing a serious shortage of parts heading into the final race of the season.
5th Dec 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Williams is flying extra staff to Yas Marina, scene of this weekend’s final race, to help repair their FW46s after both cars were damaged again in Losail. “You’d expect three large accidents, maybe, at the upper end, in a year,” said Vowles in a video released by the team. “Yet we’re here looking at 17 accidents, total, in 23 races.”

“The damage with Franco [Colapinto], unfortunately, is large. The chassis was impacted and we have a team going out to Abu Dhabi that will be there shortly working through the night in order to make sure we’re back up and racing. The gearbox was impacted in damage on both cars from incidents and then there’s floor damage, rear suspension damage and other miscellaneous components as well. Normally in a season you can sustain that. But race, after race, after race – we are getting very short on components.”

‘Williams is flying extra staff to help repair their FW46s’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/05/racefans-round-up-05-12-7/


Williams crash damage impact: 'very much in a low part situation'
5th Dec 2024
Jenny Garnett
GPblog.com

After suffering from 17 incidents in 23 races, Williams have had a very costly season for their repairs budget. Team Principal James Vowles explains the impact of the crashes on the team's parts supply and their approach to the season's finale in Abu Dhabi.

Reflecting on the weekend in The Vowles Verdict, Vowles spoke on the incidents in Qatar, “It will have repercussions on what we have available in Abu Dhabi. We’re now very much in a low part situation.”

Following Colapinto’s Turn 1 collision with Ocon and Hulkenberg, Vowles shared that the young Argentine’s car has sufferd severe damage including to the car's floor, rear suspension and other miscellaneous components.

'Very much in a low part situation';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316845/james-vowles-explains-williams-crash-damage-impact.html


Qatar GP: More misfortune for Williams Racing
Dec 2, 2024
Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters

Sven Smeets Sporting Director: "A difficult evening for the team today. At the race start we immediately lost Franco as he was hit by Ocon who in turn was hit by Hulkenberg. There was nothing Franco could do other than to retire in lap 1. After a few laps it was clear that with Alex we had to change our strategy and decided to run as long as possible. When the Safety Car came out because some cars were having punctures, we decided to put Alex on the Soft tyre and not onto the Hard.”

“We knew it was a gamble but at one point we were running up in 9th place. Unfortunately, our decision didn’t pay off today and Alex had to make another stop just before the end. A tough day for the team again but we are going to Abu Dhabi to fight for points in the last race of the season."

‘More misfortune’;

https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st206672.htm


‘My fault, lost control’ – Albon holds his hands up after Magnussen clash
1 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Alex Albon made contact with Kevin Magnussen as the pair were fighting for position in Qatar. Albon ultimately finished 15th and last for Williams.

‘My fault, lost control’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/my-fault-lost-control-albon-holds-his-hands-up-after-magnussen-clash.1817261925594950035


Axed F1 driver lands new job after classy reaction to being dropped
A former F1 driver has been handed a new job after being axed from the sport.
Dec 4, 2024
Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express

Logan Sargeant will feature for Genesis Magma Racing in the European Le Mans Series after being handed his first role since his F1 departure. The American was axed by Williams in favour of Franco Colapinto after crashing out of the Dutch Grand Prix in August, with Carlos Sainz joining the team to partner Alex Albon next season.

‘New job’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1984562/Logan-Sargeant-F1-Williams


Sargeant lands sportscar drive after Williams F1 exit
Logan Sargeant joins Jamie Chadwick in the 2025 European Le Mans Series as Genesis ramps up its sportscar programme
Dec 4, 2024
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Former Williams Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant has agreed to drive in the 2025 European Le Mans Series, joining Jamie Chadwick at the new LMP2 entry run by Genesis and IDEC Sport. The 23-year-old will be joined by three-time W Series champion and Indy NXT race winner Jamie Chadwick, as well as young French talent Mathys Jaubert.

It is set to be Sargeant's first competitive drive since losing his WIlliams F1 seat midway through the 2024 season, being replaced by Franco Colapinto for September's Italian Grand Prix after 18 frustrating months with the squad.

‘Sargeant lands sportscar’;

https://www.motorsport.com/elms/news/sargeant-2025-elms-campaign-first-move-after-williams-f1-exit/10679205/

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen launches new attack on George Russell ahead of Abu Dhabi GP as ugly F1 row escalates.
He joked to Sky Sports' David Croft: "I'm going to go flat out on my cooldown lap and act like I'm going to crash into everyone!”
5 Dec 2024
SPORTbible

Max Verstappen has addressed the fallout from his comments on George Russell ahead of F1's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - and launched a fresh attack on his rival.

"It has nothing to do with him being head of the drivers' association [Grand Prix Drivers' Association, of which Russell is a director]. He simply lied about what he was or wasn't doing, and certainly influenced the stewards.”

"I see someone flying when I look in my rearview mirror, acting like it's most dangerous situation in the world or like I almost killed him. I don't know how they [the stewards] came to that conclusion. It was very disappointing to me."

‘F1 row escalates’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/max-verstappen-george-russell-f1-abu-dhabi-gp-307792-20241205


Häkkinen predicts tenth win in 2024 for Verstappen in Abu Dhabi
5 Dec 2024
Jenny Garnett
GPblog.com

Despite issues in the middle of the season, Max Verstappen seems to have found pace in his RB20 once again as the 2024 season comes to a close. The Dutch driver has won Grand Prix in Sao Paulo and Qatar, and Mika Häkkinen expects him to do the same again in Abu Dhabi.

Max Verstappen 's record currently stands at nine wins this season after the Qatar Grand Prix. In Las Vegas, the Dutch driver already managed to cash in on his fourth world title, but he has made his desire to win in Qatar and Abu Dhabi no secret.

The Red Bull Racing driver has already taken one step towards this goal after winning the Qatar Grand Prix. This weekend, Formula 1 touches down in Abu Dhabi at a track that suits Verstappen as he has won here four times before.

‘Häkkinen predicts tenth win’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316823/mika-h-kkinen-expects-max-verstappen-to-win-in-abu-dhabi.html


Montoya warns McLaren against Verstappen: 'He is going to dive bomb'
5 Dec 2024
Jenny Garnett
GPblog.com

Juan Pablo Montoya has made a bold prediction for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Colombian driver stated that Max Verstappen could be tempted into creating big problems for drivers fighting in the Constuctors' Championsip. "I expect Verstappen to impact the Constructors Championship," the 49-year-old told Vision4Sport. "I think the constructors’ championship is pretty exciting. Max Verstappen could change that championship pretty quickly."

"He wants to win it and if he's going against McLaren, he's going for it. Because the McLaren needs to get out of the way if they are to win the Constructors'. And I think McLaren, in their mind, knows they just got to run around and bring the cars home."

"With Lando especially, and the McLaren guys in Abu Dhabi, if Max is behind them, he is going to dive bomb in there and if they turn, they're going to crash. But they cannot crash because they need the points. And Max knows that," Montoya said.

'He is going to dive bomb';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316819/juan-pablo-montoya-makes-bold-prediction-for-abu-dhabi-gp.html


Jos Verstappen pinpoints Red Bull requirement for Perez success
Jos Verstappen has advised how Red Bull can remedy its unequal driver line-up, advocating for a "neutral car" to vault Sergio Perez - or whoever comes next - into contention at the sharp-end of F1.
3 Dec 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

Statistics as such underline the gulf between the two drivers, something Verstappen Sr. says is up to Red Bull to address - both for Perez and more generally.

"That's not up to us, that's really up to the management of the team," the 52-year-old told The Coen and Sander Show on Dutch radio.

"But I'm also sure that if Red Bull builds a neutral car that everyone can handle, Checo will be there at the front again. But we actually have little to do with that."

‘How Red Bull can remedy its unequal driver line-up’;

https://racingnews365.com/jos-verstappen-pinpoints-red-bull-requirement-for-perez-success


Why Eddie Jordan thinks Max Verstappen must take some ‘blame’ for Sergio Perez’s downfall at Red Bull
5 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Max Verstappen must take ‘blame’ for demanding Sergio Perez as his teammate. Verstappen has a history of trouncing his Red Bull teammates, just look at how he managed to destroy both Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon in quick succession.

Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan says that Verstappen needs to take some blame for the way Perez’s career has faltered. “I would say that it’s not a chance. But I put some blame on the team and I put some blame on Max because I know and you know that Max put pressure on Christian – he did not want Carlos Sainz in the car.”

“He wanted Checo in the car because he knew he could beat him. To be fair, Max has to just think about that a little bit. Christian has to think about that, they will deny it.”

‘Eddie Jordan thinks’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-eddie-jordan-thinks-max-verstappen-must-take-some-blame-for-sergio-perezs-downfall-at-red-bull/


Antonio Perez comes out with clear statement towards 'lying' journalists
5 Dec 2024
Sandy van Wijngaarden
GPblog.com

Sergio Perez's father has once again made himself heard on social media. The Mexican gave a hint about his son's future with a striking post. He has also given a clear message for 'lying' journalists.

Rumours have again circulated in the media in recent weeks that Perez is working on his last race weekend. It seems Antonio Perez has made a clear statement in response. "The lying journalists are already looking for me. Promise me to publicly apologise whoever the liars are. They or yours truly. On Monday, I will publish the list of lying journalists and lying media," his message read.

‘Clear message’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/316821/antonio-perez-hints-at-sergio-perez-s-future-in-f1.html


Guanyu Zhou To Drive Red Bull TPC Program?
4 Dec 2024
F1 Chronicle

A second Formula 1 team has entered the frame to secure the services of Guanyu Zhou in 2025. The magazine claims Red Bull is particularly interested in the Chinese commercial backing, which has been estimated in the tens of millions per year, that Zhou can bring.

Zhou’s money would then help to fund a new ‘TPC’ test program for Red Bull – with TPC standing for ‘Testing of Previous Cars’. The regulations allow F1 teams to test on track, but only if the cars are at least two years old.

Auto Motor und Sport says Red Bull wants to prepare a 2023-spec Red Bull, explaining that the team has refrained from organising a TPC program until now “because Honda charges a considerable amount of money for the use of its engines”.

‘Guanyu Zhou To Red Bull’;

https://f1chronicle.com/guanyu-zhou-to-drive-red-bull-tpc-program/?nowprocket=1


Emotional Goodbyes: Why the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP Will be Emotional for Teams and Drivers
Dec 5, 2024
Vyas Ponnuri
Last Word On Sports

Lewis Hamilton to bid adieu to Mercedes after over a decade

Carlos Sainz parts ways with Ferrari after four seasons in red

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen to leave Haas

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu bid goodbye to KICK Sauber

‘Emotional Goodbyes’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsports/2024/12/05/emotional-goodbyes-why-the-2024-abu-dhabi-gp-will-be-emotional-for-teams-and-drivers/

[Fortitude]

F1 driver handed huge penalty by FIA for Abu Dhabi GP that could decide Constructors' Championship battle.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has been handed a potentially season-defining penalty by the FIA ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
6 Dec 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible

Ferrari are in a battle for the Constructors' Championship with McLaren, and enter the final race of 2024 a total of 21 points behind their rivals. The Scuderia were anticipating the Yas Marina circuit to be more positive for their car than Qatar, which saw them finish second and sixth.

And Leclerc topped the timesheets in first practice despite limited track time, underlining the car's pace. But the Monegasque driver spent much of the session pacing around his garage as Ferrari worked on his car - and the FIA have now confirmed the exact issue in giving Leclerc a devastating penalty. He has received a 10-place grid drop for Sunday's race after exceeding his allocation of energy store components, meaning he can start the Grand Prix from no higher than 11th place.

If Leclerc does not finish in the points, McLaren would only need to collect six points to secure the title - though Ferrari will hope their driver can quickly climb up the field regardless of his starting position. An FIA document confirming the component change reads: "The energy store used by Charles Leclerc is the third of the two new energy stores allowed for the 2024 Championship season and this is not in conformity with Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations."

‘Potentially season-defining penalty’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/f1-abu-dhabi-gp-grid-penalty-constructors-championship-268497-20241206


Abu Dhabi GP: Free Practice 1 Results
Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
6 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 18 1:24.321
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 24 1:24.542 0.221
3 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 26 1:24.806 0.485
4 63 George Russell Mercedes 26 1:25.165 0.844
5 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 23 1:25.333 1.012
6 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 22 1:25.373 1.052
7 43 Franco Colapinto Williams 23 1:25.382 1.061
8 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 24 1:25.444 1.123
9 34 Felipe Drugovich Aston Martin 21 1:25.471 1.150
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 25 1:25.483 1.162

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-free-practice-1-results/


Abu Dhabi GP: Leclerc tops FP1 but Ferrari suffers blow
06/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Charles Leclerc topped Friday’s opening practice at Yas Marina despite a delayed start to his FP1 caused by a battery issue.

Unfortunately, adding a new energy store to the Monegasque’s inventory of hardware will mean a 10-place grid penalty for Leclerc on Sunday, a catastrophic setback for Ferrari’s championship ambitions.

McLaren’s Lando Norris clocked in second, 0.221s behind Leclerc while the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ended the session third and fourth.

‘Charles Leclerc topped Friday’s opening practice’;

https://f1i.com/news/526786-abu-dhabi-gp-leclerc-tops-fp1-but-ferrari-suffers-blow.html


FP1 Highlights: 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
06/12/2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Watch highlights from first practice at the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

‘FP1 Highlights’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/fp1-highlights-2024-abu-dhabi-grand-prix.1817691801514902719


Ferrari suffer huge F1 title blow as Charles Leclerc slapped with Abu Dhabi GP penalty
Charles Leclerc suffered car problems in first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which required fixing and led to a penalty which hampers Ferrari's F1 title bid
6 Dec 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror

Ferrari's Formula 1 title chase took a huge blow on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with news of a grid penalty for Charles Leclerc. And that issue looks to have inflicted a significant blow on the Scuderia's title hopes. A change of battery was required, which takes Leclerc over his annual allowance and so triggers and automatic 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's Abu Dhabi race.

Despite missing a significant part of the session, Leclerc used FP1 to demonstrate that he may have the pace to beat the McLarens at the Yas Marina Circuit. His best effort was more than two-tenths of a second than the quickest lap Lando Norris could muster.

Lewis Hamilton was third quickest but almost half-a-second behind his future team-mate Leclerc. And George Russell, in the other Mercedes, was the only other driver who could record a time that was within a second of the Ferrari man.

‘Ferrari suffer huge F1 title blow’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/leclerc-grid-penalty-abu-dhabi-34261632

[Fortitude]

Abu Dhabi GP: Lando Norris piles pain on Ferrari with McLaren 1-2 in FP2.
Although McLaren led the way on the medium tyres, Ferrari were able to mix it up with them but didn’t have the pace on the soft Pirellis to challenge their Constructors’ rivals. McLaren have a 21-point lead over Ferrari heading into Sunday’s finale.
6 Dec 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

In a busy start to the session, Liam Lawson, Charles Leclerc and then Lando Norris sat up in P1 in the first 10 minutes while George Russell reported “quite a lot of vibrations” with his opening gambit eight-tenths down.

Norris upped his pace to a 1:24.3, putting two-tenths between himself and Sainz who is contesting his final Grand Prix weekend in red. McLaren and Ferrari dominated the top positions on the timesheet in the opening 20 minutes with Leclerc third ahead of Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen was sixth fastest, almost a full second down on Norris and told Red Bull: “No power, still the understeer is ridiculous.” He pitted for a front wing adjustment, and took P5 off Russell.

‘Lando Norris piles pain on Ferrari’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2024-fp2-report


Abu Dhabi GP: Free Practice 2 Results
Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
7 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 24 1:23.517
2 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 27 1:23.751 0.234
3 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 27 1:23.979 0.462
4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 27 1:24.099 0.582
5 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 27 1:24.119 0.602
6 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 27 1:24.201 0.684
7 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 23 1:24.230 0.713
8 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 24 1:24.235 0.718
9 23 Alex Albon Williams 21 1:24.269 0.752
10 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 27 1:24.497 0.980

‘Free Practice 2 Results’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-free-practice-2-results/


Lando Norris leads McLaren 1-2 in second practice for F1 Abu Dhabi GP
Lando Norris topped the timesheets in second F1 practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
6 Dec 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lando Norris headed the timesheets in second practice for the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. McLaren were the team to beat in second practice, with Norris leading his teammate by just over two-tenths.

The Woking-based outfit could clinch their first F1 constructors’ title since 1998 - they sit 21 points ahead of Ferrari going into Sunday’s race. The odds are firmly stacked in McLaren’s favour, particularly as Charles Leclerc will take a 10-place grid penalty for an engine component change.

‘McLaren 1-2’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061284/1/lando-norris-leads-mclaren-1-2-second-practice-f1-abu-dhabi-gp


F1 Full Results | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2: Norris and McLaren dominate
6 Dec 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com

Lando Norris dominated proceedings in the second free practice session of the weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, topping the timing sheet for the majority of the session. His teammate Oscar Piastri was next in P2, giving the British team 1-2 as they look to seal the constructors' championship in the Middle East, their first since 1998. A brilliant lap from Nico Hulkenberg meant he rounded out the top three

Coming into this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, it was all about McLaren and Ferrari as they battle it out for the constructors' championship. The Italian team topped the first session with Charles Leclerc, but FP2 was all about Norris, who was rarely threatened on the timing sheet. With FP2 also resembling the conditions that will be seen for qualifying and the Grand Prix, it was a big statement from McLaren.

‘Norris and McLaren dominate’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317206/f1-full-results-from-fp2-at-the-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2024.html


Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: F1 Free Practice 2 Results
Who will be the happiest of the drivers after the penultimate practice session of the year?
Dec 6, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Light turns green: RB driver Yuki Tsunoda was the first driver to exit the pit lane for the penultimate practice session of the season. The Japanese driver set a 1:26.308 on the medium compound before Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu quickly beat his time with a 1:26.179.

Tsunoda’s RB team-mate Liam Lawson went quickest, setting a 1:25.527 on the medium compound. However, it wasn’t for long as the Ferrari driver went a tenth quicker than the Kiwi driver.

McLaren driver Lando Norris responded, going over four-tenths quicker than the Monegasque. The Briton set a 1:25.020 on the medium compound. The 25-year-old further improved his lap time to a 1:24.332 on the same compound – Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz slotted into second, two-tenths behind.

‘F1 Free Practice 2 Results’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-f1-free-practice-2-results-2/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

Sky commentator contradicts Russell: 'Verstappen didn't swear!'
Sky Sports commentator David Croft has refuted a comment made by George Russell live on air. The Brit claimed that Max Verstappen was 'standing around swearing' in the stewards' office after they were both brought in for a meeting to discuss their incident in Qatar last weekend.
6 Dec 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

Croft calls those accusations "serious" and says Verstappen has the right to respond because, according to his information, it is not true. Croft contradicts Russell: "There was a claim by George Russell that Max was swearing in the steward's room. Our indication is that there wasn't any swearing going on in the stewards room from Max Verstappen. He needs a right to reply because it's quite serious the comments that George was making."

This is what Russell said: According to Russell, Verstappen had a real tantrum during the meeting and even cursed and ranted at the stewards. "We went into the stewards, and for the first five minutes, I didn't say a word because they were only talking to Max, and he was already angry and swearing at the stewards," he claimed in a conversation with Viaplay.

David Croft: 'Verstappen didn't swear!'

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317240/sky-commentator-on-serious-allegations-against-max-verstappen-f1-news.html


Russell’s Verstappen Spat Could Be Political
7 Dec 2024
F1 Chronicle

The spotlight is shining ever more brightly on George Russell in the wake of his public spat with Max Verstappen. The saga, in which the Mercedes driver furiously accused Verstappen of threatening him with “violence” and a crash in Qatar over a qualifying penalty, has now completely pulled in their respective F1 team bosses.

Toto Wolff (Mercedes) accused Red Bull’s Christian Horner of “yapping” like a “little terrier” for calling Russell “hysterical”. In response, Horner said in Abu Dhabi on Friday: “I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf.” It was Russell, though, who accused quadruple world champion Verstappen of being a “bully” and threatening to “put me on my f—— head in the wall” at the start in Qatar.

‘Spat Could Be Political’;

https://f1chronicle.com/russells-verstappen-spat-could-be-political/?nowprocket=1


Verstappen questions Russell role as F1 drivers' mouthpiece
George Russell is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association - and Max Verstappen has suggested his recent comments do not reflect kindly on his position.
7 Dec 2024
Gerd Jansen & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen has moved to question George Russell's position as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) amid their recent public war of words. Addressing Russell's role within the GPDA, Verstappen highlighted the poor impression the 26-year-old's comments create.

“Well, that's kind of disappointing to see,” Verstappen told select media including RacingNews365 regarding Russell's recent comments. “I don't think that's the best example to show either to the FOM or the FIA, to be like that.”

‘Verstappen questions Russell role’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-questions-russell-role-as-f1-drivers-mouthpiece


Christian Horner tells ‘wound-up’ Russell how to fix Verstappen conflict
7 Dec 2024
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com

As Max Verstappen and George Russell duke it out in a war of words through the media, Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner has some advice for the best way to handle it. In fact, Horner thinks that rather than speaking to media, a “wound-up” Russell should simply speak to Verstappen “face-to-face.”

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner first set out to defend his World Champion by saying Verstappen has “no reason to lie. He’s never lied before. He’ll tell you straight.” Horner was referring to a hotly debated situation in the stewards room while assigning the penalty.

Russell alleges that Verstappen told him he would put his head into the wall via an intentional crash, while Verstappen claims otherwise. “And of course, Max wasn’t the only one in that steward room,” Horner told Sky. “Both the guys that were with him on our side came back, and they were a bit, ‘Wow. That was pretty punchy’ of how George approached that.”

“Face-to-face”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-tells-wound-up-russell-how-to-fix-verstappen-conflict


Horner says Verstappen 'doesn't forget anything!' amid row with Russell
7 Dec 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

There has been much talk about Max Verstappen and George Russell in Formula 1 in the past few days. The two drivers got into a 'tiff' in Qatar, which has now spread to Abu Dhabi. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner mentioned to reporters that he thinks they should 'battle it out' on the padel court.

"Do these things rather than doing it through through the media or through you guys or whatever. Just go and have a conversation. Talk about it man-to-man, face-to-face. If you got something to say, say it. And and rather than ‘he said, she said,’ far better to address it that way. And i think you know they've raced each other since they were they were kids. they know each other a lot as these drivers many of them do. And I think many situations are often dealt with better on the paddle court." the Red Bull Racing team principal told reporters.

Horner then compared Verstappen to an elephant. "And I'll tell you what, Max is like an elephant. And he never forgets".

'Tiff';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317320/christian-horner-compares-max-verstappen-to-animal-after-george-russell-row.html

[Fortitude]

Pace-setter Norris sure McLaren’s rivals are a real threat after another strong start.
At the end of the 24th Friday of the 2024 season, it was hard not to feel as though Ferrari’s difficult prospects of somehow overcoming a 21 point deficit in the constructors’ championship were now looking even slimmer.
6th Dec 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans

While Leclerc was battling food poisoning he also had to stomach something much worse – a ten-place grid penalty for Sunday’s grand prix after Ferrari confirmed that he would have to take his third energy store of the season to make it through the final weekend of the year. Having gone 23 rounds without exceeding his power unit allowance, now he would be hit by a penalty at the worst possible time.

Leclerc therefore faces an exceptionally tough task to reach the kinds of high points-scoring positions the team needs from him to beat McLaren for their first constructors’ championship since 2008. Not to mention overhauling the two MCL38s. “The McLarens seem to be quicker, unfortunately,” Leclerc admitted at the end of he day. “So for now, they’ve got the upper hand.”

“We know that it can swing one way or the other very quickly and we’ve got to stay on top of everything. It won’t be finished until the very end. As we’ve seen, unfortunately, today on our side, we’ve had a problem. I’m not wishing a problem to anybody else, we’ll just focus on ourselves and try to do an amazing recovery on Sunday.”

‘Pace-setter Norris’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/06/pace-setter-norris-sure-mclarens-rivals-are-a-real-threat-after-another-strong-start/


‘Even with the penalty’: McLaren boss ‘would not be surprised’ if Charles Leclerc does one thing after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix penalty
7 Dec 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

McLaren boss Andrea Stella backs Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to recover from Abu Dhabi GP grid penalty. Ferrari face a hard task to take the teams’ title in the Abu Dhabi GP, as they trail McLaren by 21 points. It is a two-horse race in the constructors’ championship between their pairings of Leclerc and Carlos Sainz against Norris plus Piastri, with Red Bull’s defence of their title over.

The challenge facing the Scuderia at the Yas Marina Circuit also got that little bit harder after Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty for the Abu Dhabi GP. Ferrari fitted his third battery of the year during FP1, which exceeded the Monegasque’s allowance of two for the season. “Not at all,” Stella explained on Friday during the team principal’s press conference at the Abu Dhabi GP. “Even with the penalty, I would not be surprised if we see them fighting for the top spots very quickly. So, nothing changes.”

‘Even with the penalty’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mclaren-boss-would-not-be-surprised-if-charles-leclerc-does-one-thing-after-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-penalty/


Leclerc reveals fear at nearly missing out on rare F1 event
Charles Leclerc and his brother Arthur made F1 history at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
7 Dec 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc has revealed his fear at near-missing out on a unique opportunity with his brother Arthur at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For the first time in F1 history, two brothers were team-mates in an official session as Arthur deputised for Carlos Sainz to fulfill the mandatory rookie FP1 session.

"Unfortunately, as soon as we fired up the car, we saw that there was a problem with the energy store," he explained. "There were lots of things going through my head like 'am I going to drive with my brother?' which was a unique opportunity and obviously also the championship. That makes our weekend a lot more difficult, but it doesn't demotivate me at all.”

"McLaren seem to be quick, unfortunately, and so for now, they've got the upper hand, but we know it can swing one way or the other and we've got to stay on top of everything, and it won't be finished until the very end. Unfortunately, on our side, we've had a problem, and I'm not wishing a problem on anybody else, but we will just focus on ourselves and try to do an amazing recovery."

‘Nearly missing out’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-reveals-fear-at-nearly-missing-out-on-rare-f1-event


2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview: Season's final race
6 Dec 2024
Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Motor Authority

• The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the 2024 F1 season, which features a record 24 races
• Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen has already claimed the 2024 Drivers' title
• The battle for the 2024 Constructors' title is still ongoing, with McLaren in the lead
The final round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship takes place this weekend in Abu Dhabi, but Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen was already crowned this season's champion in November at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The battle for the Constructors' title is still very much alive, with McLaren leading and Ferrari a close second.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been held annually since 2009, always at the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit, which received some minor layout changes in 2021 to improve the action. These changes provide more overtaking opportunities and also increase speeds and loads through some corners. The circuit is one where mistakes are costly, as the walls are close, making the Safety Car or a red flag frequent occurrences. The track measures 3.3 miles and features a relatively smooth surface. This, combined with a majority of flowing, high-speed corners, means stress on the tires is low.

‘Season's final race’;

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145221_2024-f1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-preview


Abu Dhabi GP: Friday's action in pictures
06/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

‘Check out our collection of pictures from Friday at the Abu Dhabi GP’;

https://f1i.com/news/526852-abu-dhabi-gp-fridays-action-in-pictures-7.html


Start time of qualifying for the 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi GP today
The qualifying session for the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place today. Find out what time the qualifying starts in Abu Dhabi right here!
7 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

The F1 schedule for Abu Dhabi is automatically adjusted to your time zone.

Timetable Abu Dhabi GP
Session
Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 6 December 10:30 - 11:30
Free practice 2 Friday 6 December 14:00 - 15:00
Free practice 3 Saturday 7 December 11:30 - 12:30
Qualification Saturday 7 December 15:00 - 16:00
Race Sunday 8 December 14:00 - 16:00

‘The F1 schedule for Abu Dhabi’;

https://racingnews365.com/start-time-of-qualifying-for-the-2024-f1-abu-dhabi-gp-today

[Fortitude]

Ferrari 'nowhere' in F1 title fight with dominant McLaren.
McLaren looks very handy in Abu Dhabi after scoring another one-two in the final practice session of the season.
7 Dec 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc described Ferrari as "nowhere" after witnessing McLaren score another one-two in the final practice session of the season ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After Lando Norris spearheaded a one-two after Friday practice, it was team-mate Piastri who instead led the way following FP3 with the quickest lap of the weekend to date, a 1:23.433s, finishing two-tenths of a second ahead.

As for Ferrari, ideally needing to score a one-two in the grand prix to put pressure on McLaren in the fight for the constructors' championship, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were fifth and ninth on the timesheet at the end of the hour-long run at the Yas Marina Circuit. The closest rivals to the McLaren duo were Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, albeit with both four-tenths of a second adrift of Piastri's pace.

‘Charles Leclerc described Ferrari as "nowhere"’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-nowhere-in-f1-title-fight-with-dominant-mclaren


Abu Dhabi GP: Free Practice 3 Results
Full results from Free Practice 3 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
7 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 3 from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 15 1:23.433
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 14 1:23.626 0.193
3 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 17 1:23.823 0.390
4 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 16 1:23.844 0.411
5 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 20 1:23.871 0.438
6 63 George Russell Mercedes 17 1:24.075 0.642
7 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 14 1:24.093 0.660
8 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 13 1:24.094 0.661
9 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 19 1:24.098 0.665
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 16 1:24.283 0.850

‘Free Practice 3 Results’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-free-practice-3-results/


Abu Dhabi GP: Piastri and Norris keep McLaren on top in FP3
07/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

McLaren bolstered its chances for qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by topping the final practice session of the year on Saturday, with Oscar Piastri edging teammate Lando Norris by 0.193s.

There was no challenging team papaya’s contenders, with Lewis Hamilton concluding FP3 in third place, 0.193s adrift from Piastri, but ahead of the much improved Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

Ferrari’s odds of taking its elusive title fight to McLaren on Sunday took another hit, with Carlos Sainz clocking in only fifth while Charles Leclerc was a lowly ninth

‘McLaren bolstered its chances’;

https://f1i.com/news/526943-abu-dhabi-gp-piastri-and-norris-keep-mclaren-on-top-in-fp3.html


FP3: Piastri leads Norris and Hamilton during final Abu Dhabi GP practice session
07/12/2024
Formula One - Official Site

Oscar Piastri has topped the timesheets in third and final practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the Australian leading team mate Lando Norris in a McLaren one-two as the squad aim to seal the constructors’ championship on Sunday.

The drivers were again greeted by sunny and warm conditions as FP3 got under way at 1430 local time, a session that would offer a final chance to prepare for qualifying later on Saturday. Fernando Alonso was one of the first out on track, with the Aston Martin man in a positive frame of mind as he radioed in: “I think it’s going to be a good day.”

‘McLaren one-two as the squad aim to seal the constructors’ championship on Sunday’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/fp3-piastri-leads-norris-and-hamilton-during-final-abu-dhabi-gp-practice.7wiRJR8Lhyi8kgfHcdkzPD


F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Piastri leads McLaren FP3 1-2 as Ferrari is "nowhere"
Piastri and Norris topped the leaderboard as Ferrari was left "nowhere" in final practice
Dec 7, 2024
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com

Oscar Piastri headed another McLaren 1-2 in third practice for Formula 1’s season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton third and Max Verstappen fourth.

Charles Leclerc declared Ferrari “nowhere” in its battle with McLaren for the constructors’ championship, with the Monegasque driver – who will take a 10-place grid drop from wherever he qualifies later on Saturday at Yas Marina – ninth and 0.665s off the pace.

‘Piastri leads McLaren FP3 1-2’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-abu-dhabi-gp-practice-three-report-/10680154/


'Ground running': Anthony Davidson explains why ‘benign’ McLaren trait gave them Constructors’ lead
7 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

McLaren is close to achieving their first Constructors’ Championship since the 1998 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Woking squad started off the season as the second-best car to Red Bull, but after making key upgrades they slowly emerged as title contenders. Lando Norris battled with Max Verstappen but a series of errors ultimately cost him a shot at the Drivers’ Championship, with the team switching focus to the Constructors.

McLaren’s ‘benign’ MCL38 has enabled them to lead Constructors’ Championship. McLaren’s rivals have often headed into weekends battling a specific problem with the car, with Red Bull notably needing to make big setup changes in Qatar that resulted in them turning around their fortunes.

Mercedes also has to often battle with problems during a weekend, having been largely puzzled as to why they were so quick in Las Vegas. Davidson has highlighted a key factor that has enabled McLaren to be consistent throughout this 24-race campaign. “Once again, McLaren comes to another circuit and it hits the ground running. That’s why, for me, it’s leading the Constructors’ Championship. It’s so benign it works pretty much everywhere for both drivers,” said Davidson.

‘Benign McLaren trait’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/anthony-davidson-explains-why-benign-mclaren-trait-gave-them-constructors-lead/

[Fortitude]

Norris wants to defeat 'Ferrari in style' after taking pole position!
As CEO Zak Brown celebrated McLaren's one-two finish in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi GP with a giant roar on the pit wall, Lando Norris was also satisfied with taking pole position for his team.
7th Dec 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

"A perfect day for us. Probably a bit tougher than we were hoping for. We are pleased with a one-two. Just a bit trickier than we would like. My lap in the end was strong. Just how we wanted to end today," the driver said immediately after jumping out of his car on the grid.

The British driver would not settle to just finish ahead of Ferrari tomorrow, he underlined. "We have to beat Ferrari but we want to do it in style. We want to win, I want to win. We know what we have to do. We are keeping our heads down and staying focused. We are here to win every race possible. Tomorrow we will have a good chance."

‘Giant roar on the pit wall’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317542/lando-norris-reacts-to-pole-position-abu-dhabi-mclaren.html


Abu Dhabi GP: Qualifying Results
Full results from Qualifying from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
8 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Qualifying from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

Pos Num Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Diff
1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:23.682 1:23.098 1:22.595
2 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:23.640 1:23.199 1:22.804 0.209
3 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:23.487 1:22.985 1:22.824 0.229
4 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 1:23.722 1:23.040 1:22.886 0.291
5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:23.516 1:22.998 1:22.945 0.350
6 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:23.548 1:23.086 1:22.984 0.389
7 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:23.678 1:23.283 1:23.132 0.537
8 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:23.794 1:23.268 1:23.196 0.601
9 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 1:23.481 1:23.341
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 1:23.559 1:23.379

‘Full results from Qualifying’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-qualifying-results/


Norris leads all-McLaren front row, Hulkenberg beats Verstappen to fourth
2024 Abu Dhabi GP qualifying report
7th Dec 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans

Lando Norris heads a front row lock-out for McLaren in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Carlos Sainz Jnr starting third behind Oscar Piastri. McLaren will head into the constructors’ championship deciding race with a considerable advantage over rivals Ferrari, with Sainz third and Charles Leclerc starting 19th on the grid following his ten place grid penalty after he was eliminated from Q2 in 14th.

Nico Hulkenberg is set to start fourth but is under investigation for overtaking in the pit exit road against the race director’s instructions. Max Verstappen will start fifth, with Lewis Hamilton set to start his final race for Mercedes 16th after he was eliminated from Q1 in 18th.

‘All-McLaren front row’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/12/07/norris-leads-all-mclaren-front-row-hulkenberg-beats-verstappen-to-fourth/


Disaster for Ferrari's championship's hopes as Leclerc eliminated in Q2
7th Dec 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

Charles Leclerc will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from last place after getting eliminated from Q2. The Monegasque exceeded track limits at turn one, which meant his lap time, which was more than good enough to get into Q3, was deleted. It's disastrous for Ferrari, who is 21 points behind McLaren in the championship battle. The Italian team need an extraordinary weekend in order to beat their rivals, but it's looking unlikely at this point.

A snap of oversteer for Charles Leclerc nearly put him in the wall in sector three. Although the Monegasque escaped unscathed, his time was only good enough for tenth place. Therefore, he took to the track once again to try and improve. He did manage to, but his lap time was deleted. With his 10-place grid penalty added on, it means that he will start from last place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in what was a disaster for Ferrari.

‘Disaster for Ferrari's championship's hopes’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317524/charles-leclerc-f1-out-in-q2-for-abu-dhabi-grand-prix.html


2024 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying: Hamilton knocked out in Q1 after getting bollard stuck in his car
7th Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

On his final flying lap in Q1 Lewis Hamilton ran over a bollard on track which got stuck in his car. The seven-time champ was then unable to set a quick enough time to get through to Q2 and was knocked out in P18.

‘Bollard stuck in his car’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2024-abu-dhabi-gp-qualifying-hamilton-knocked-out-in-q1-after-getting-bollard-stuck-in-his-car.1817795625095234739


‘Ouch’: Lewis Hamilton sparks instant 14-word reaction from Martin Brundle to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying shocker
7 Dec 2024
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton will start his final race for Mercedes from his lowest-ever grid spot for an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after only registering the 18th fastest time during qualifying. Martin Brundle issues ‘ouch’ reaction to Lewis Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying. Hamilton was up on his delta time entering the last sector of the Yas Marina Circuit while he pushed for a place in Q2. But Haas’ Kevin Magnussen flicked a bollard onto the racing line as the Dane tried to get out of the Mercedes star’s way at the end of the first part of qualifying.

Magnussen made extreme measures to try to prevent impeding Hamilton and cut the inside kerb at Turn 14. But, in doing so, he clipped the bollard intended to prevent exceeding track limits. It got wedged under Hamilton’s skid block, ruining the aero balance of his Mercedes’. “Ouch, where did that pace go?” Brundle said on Sky Sports F1 (07/12, 14:19). “He looked really fast through the practice sessions.”


“Ouch, where did that pace go? He looked really fast through the practice sessions”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lewis-hamilton-sparks-instant-14-word-reaction-from-martin-brundle-to-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-qualifying-shocker/

[Fortitude]

Hulkenberg hit with three-place grid penalty for Abu Dhabi GP.
After producing his best qualifying result of the season in Abu Dhabi, Nico Hulkenberg has been hit with a three-place grid drop for failing to follow the race director's instructions by overtaking two cars on the pit exit road.
7 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

In a document published by the FIA, the stewards explained: "The driver did not dispute during the hearing that he did not follow the Race Director’s instructions, but stated that he had no other option but to breach the rules in order to get a lap in.”

"Whilst the Stewards acknowledge that the position of the team’s garages limits their options to send the cars out on track, this can never be used as an excuse to breach any regulations.”

"The prohibition of overtaking in certain areas as the pit lane or, in this case, the pit exit, is implemented to prevent potentially dangerous situations and therefore the Stewards determine that a grid drop is warranted in this case."

‘Three-place grid penalty’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-hulkenberg-hit-with-three-place-grid-penalty-for-abu-dhabi-gp.7f9H9fwHYeWQ7VCUwLYVo0


Adjusted 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting grid after multiple penalties
Check out who starts where for the final race in the 2024 F1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix!
7 Dec 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

NOTE: Grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.

Adjusted 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting grid
Position Driver Team
1st Lando Norris McLaren
2nd Oscar Piastri McLaren
3rd Carlos Sainz Ferrari
4th Max Verstappen Red Bull
5th Pierre Gasly Alpine
6th George Russell Mercedes
7th Nico Hulkenberg - penalty Haas
8th Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
9th Valtteri Bottas Stake
10th Sergio Perez Red Bull

‘Grid remains provisional’;

https://racingnews365.com/adjusted-2024-f1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-starting-grid-after-leclerc-penalty


Abu Dhabi GP: Starting Grid
Provisional starting grid for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
8 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
F1 Oversteer

Provisional starting grid for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

1. Lando Norris
McLaren
2. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
3. Carlos Sainz
Ferrari
4. Max Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
5. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
6. George Russell
Mercedes
7. Nico Hulkenberg
Haas
8. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
9. Valtteri Bottas
Sauber
10. Sergio Perez
Red Bull Racing

‘Provisional starting grid’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-starting-grid/


Nico Hulkenberg handed three-place grid penalty for F1 Abu Dhabi GP
7 Dec 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg has received a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, dropping him to seventh on the grid. Hulkenberg had a sensational qualifying for Haas, setting the fourth-fastest time in the top-10 Q3 shootout.

The performance was vital as Haas trails Alpine by five points in the battle for sixth in the F1 Constructors’ standings and their best qualifying effort was sixth courtesy of Pierre Gasly.

However, Hulkenberg was summoned to the stewards post-qualifying after he overtook two cars in the tunnel that comprises the pit-lane exit at the Yas Marina Circuit.

‘Three-place grid penalty’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/07/nico-hulkenberg-handed-three-place-grid-penalty-for-f1-abu-dhabi-gp/


'Go backwards': Anthony Davidson details his ‘only concern’ for Haas after what he spotted at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
7 Dec 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Haas are fighting for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but need to outscore Alpine. The American team sit in seventh place in the standings and need to overturn their rival’s five-point advantage in the final round of the season.

They were sliding throughout the final few turns as the rear tyres overheated, which doesn’t point to a balanced car over a race distance. They kept up the good performance in qualifying, as Hulkenberg broke into the top 10 to set the seventh-quickest time on the grid.

Magnussen had a slightly more difficult day as he could only manage 15th place during his final weekend for the Haas team. He hit a bollard in the first part of qualifying, which damaged the floor and overall performance.

‘Doesn’t point to a balanced car over a race distance’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/anthony-davidson-details-his-only-concern-for-haas-after-what-he-spotted-at-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Furious Toto Wolff spotted ‘angrily yelling’ at key Mercedes chief after Lewis Hamilton Q1 exit.
Wolff was spotted on TV cameras ‘angrily telling’ at Shovlin after Hamilton failed to make it through to the second session of qualifying in Abu Dhabi.
8 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The report from F1 Insider highlights that Wolff couldn’t control his emotions in the garage.

Wolff apologised to Hamilton after the session and when speaking to the press, he said: “We need to apologise to Lewis and everyone in the team who has worked so hard to deliver a great final weekend for him here in Abu Dhabi. Lewis was then additionally compromised by a bollard becoming stuck under his car. Without that, he would likely have got through, but we shouldn’t have been risking so much in Q1.”

“He has been quick across all three practice sessions and was looking good for a strong result tomorrow. Sadly, we totally let him down at the end of Q1. We made the mistake of not sending the drivers out early enough. That compromised both their out laps and then their final push laps as they wrestled through traffic.”

‘Angrily yelling’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/furious-toto-wolff-spotted-angrily-yelling-at-key-mercedes-chief-after-lewis-hamilton-q1-exit/


Mercedes boss slams team over 'inexcusable' Hamilton flop
Abu Dhabi (AFP) – An irate Toto Wolff slammed his own Mercedes team on Saturday for an "inexcusable" decision that led to seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton flopping in qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
07/12/2024
France 24

"I just need to apologise to Lewis," said Wolff. "And also to everyone in the team that worked so hard in making it a great end for him. He was the quicker guy with the set-up we chose. We totally let him down. An idiotic mistake not to go earlier. Inexcusable, inexcusable! I’ve rarely been so down about what has happened.”

"Maybe it summarises the last races we’ve had with him, but this is the worst part of it because it was just idiotic. Maybe without the bollard, it would have worked. You don't risk so much in Q1, where we easily had the pace to make it out there.”

"Our most valuable racing driver ever, the most valuable, greatest driver of this sport goes out in Q1 because we make a mistake. It doesn’t ruin the legacy we have, but I can only say sorry to him."

‘Mercedes boss slams team over 'inexcusable' Hamilton flop’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241207-mercedes-boss-slams-team-over-inexcusable-hamilton-flop


Emotional Wolff furious after dramatic final Hamilton qualifying
Mercedes team principal was furious following qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit with Lewis Hamilton robbed of a fairytale after being knocked out in Q1.
7 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff has lamented the "inexcusable" decisions at Mercedes that led to Lewis Hamilton being eliminated in the first part of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Austrian was clearly aggrieved by the situation, with the British driver only finishing Q1 in P18. He will be elevated to P16 due to grid penalties for Alexander Albon and Charles Leclerc.

The seven-time F1 drivers' champion will head to Ferrari at the end of the year, with the events that unfolding at the Yas Marina Circuit putting a dark mark on his farewell weekend.

‘Emotional Wolff furious’;

https://racingnews365.com/emotional-wolff-furious-after-dramatic-final-hamilton-qualifying


Toto Wolff apologises to Lewis Hamilton after Mercedes made ‘idiotic’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying mistake
7 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Toto Wolff has apologised publicly to Lewis Hamilton after his Mercedes team made an ‘idiotic’ mistake that forced him to exit qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix early.

The seven-time world champion was eliminated at the end of Q1 after failing to improve his final lap time, leaving him 18th fastest. Hamilton was sent out late by his Mercedes team to complete his final run but was caught up in a lot of traffic, with a mix of cars completing their runs and on slow-down laps.

Lewis Hamilton hopeful for comeback to send off Mercedes career. Hamilton and Mercedes conclude their 11-year partnership in Abu Dhabi, which has seen them win six world championships and 84 race victories. The Mercedes driver is expected to start from 16th place on the grid with the penalties from both Williams drivers and Charles Leclerc applied.

‘Lewis Hamilton hopeful for comeback’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/toto-wolff-apologises-to-lewis-hamilton-after-mercedes-made-idiotic-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-qualifying-mistake/


Wolff acknowledges Mercedes let Hamilton down in Abu Dhabi qualifying
8 Dec 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Following a promising performance across the practice session, Lewis Hamilton endured a shock elimination in Q1, prompting Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff to say that his outfit has let the seven-time world champion down.

"It will be very difficult for Lewis to get back to where he should have been racing tomorrow. Nevertheless, I know he will be giving it absolutely everything to do so. That is his character and always has been.

"With George starting P7, we will also be looking forward, but we must be realistic. The cars ahead of him have looked quick and it will be challenging to make progress. Hopefully we can enjoy a better day than today though and end the season on a high," concluded the Austrian.

‘Mercedes let Hamilton down’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/26048


'That was bad!': Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff bemused after bizarre bollard mix up during Q1 in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
7 Dec 2024
Sky Sports

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff were left bemused after a bollard scuppered his lap during Q1 in Abu Dhabi, leaving him 18th for Sunday's Grand Prix.

'That was bad!';

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13268684/lewis-hamilton-and-toto-wolff-bemused-after-bizarre-bollard-mix-up-during-q1-in-abu-dhabi-grand-prix

[Fortitude]

F1's $20million battle is set to upstage Ferrari vs McLaren.
With over $10million extra in prize money per position in the constructors’ championship, the midfield battle is set up to be the most dramatic and high-stakes of tomorrow’s race given the sting has been taken out of the tail of the McLaren versus Ferrari fight in qualifying.
Dec 7, 2024
Edd Straw
The Race

he edge may have been taken off Nico Hulkenberg’s qualifying performance by a three-place grid penalty, but the pace of the “in the sweet spot” Haas in Abu Dhabi means the team remains a threat in the battle for sixth in the constructors’ championship with a potential $20million-plus prize money swing at stake.

It is on course to be a bigger draw on Sunday than the actual constructors' title fight, McLaren versus Ferrari, if only because in that duel the team that's ahead in the standings is ahead by a lot more, will have a better position on the grid and looks faster.

Hulkenberg’s penalty drops him from fourth to seventh on the grid, but while the starting position is worse that doesn't change the fact the Haas has been seriously fast this weekend. Dropping behind Alpine spearhead Pierre Gasly, who now starts fifth, is a blow, but Hulkenberg could still prevail in the midfield fight in tomorrow’s race.

‘F1's $20million battle’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/haas-alpine-abu-dhabi-gp-f1-2024-fight/


The $20m fight behind McLaren-Ferrari F1 title showdown
Behind F1's constructors' title battle another huge fight brews, writes Lewis Larkam in Abu Dhabi.
8 Dec 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

The F1 constructors’ championship duel between McLaren and Ferrari will understandably capture most of the attention during Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For McLaren, who hold a 21-point advantage and a front-row lockout going into the race, it would be their first constructors’ triumph since 1998, and a first title of any form since 2008. Glory for Ferrari would end a 16-year wait for the teams’ title.

However, slightly further back on the grid, there is another massively important battle for constructors’ championship honours. That is the tussle to secure P6 in the championship. Alpine currently hold the coveted spot but are just four points clear of Haas. RB are not mathematically out of contention - 13 points further adrift - but they would need a seemingly unlikely points swing, especially given both their drivers start outside the top-10 and behind their rivals.

As such, the attention is on the Alpine-Haas battle. Pierre Gasly starts fifth for Alpine, with Nico Hulkenberg just two places behind in seventh. The German had turned in a stunning lap on Saturday night to grab P4 on the grid, only to be hit with a three-place penalty.

‘$20m fight’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061377/1/20m-fight-behind-mclaren-ferrari-f1-title-showdown


McLaren to remind drivers ‘the first interest is the team’ in Abu Dhabi F1 title showdown
8 Dec 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

McLaren boss Andrea Stella will remind his drivers that the “first interest is the team” as it aims to clinch the Formula 1 Constructors’ title in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “When we deal with drivers, we always need to be very conscious that they are wired to win races,” said Stella. “They grow from karting thinking like that.”

“They always think like that, and then at some stage in their career, you tell them, like, ‘Oh no, here is not about you guys winning. Here is about the team winning.’ So first of all, awareness. We are very aware.”

“During the season, we already had a conversation, more than one conversation with our two drivers, and we said to them that this is the only situation in which the interests of us three is not the same. So we cannot face something just staying totally united because the two drivers: each of them wants to win.”

“First interest is the team”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/08/mclaren-to-remind-drivers-the-first-interest-is-the-team-in-abu-dhabi-title-showdown/


How “painful” experience of 2010 Abu Dhabi defeat shaped Andrea Stella
8 Dec 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella admits that losing the 2010 World Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi was the “most painful day” of his career – but the defeat helped him became the leader he is today.

Stella was Fernando Alonso’s engineer at Ferrari at the time, and the Spaniard arrived at the finale leading from Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

However a bad strategy call by the team saw Alonso trapped behind Renault driver Vitaly Petrov and unable to better seventh place – allowing race winner Vettel to snatch the title.

“Painful”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/12/08/how-painful-experience-of-2010-abu-dhabi-defeat-shaped-andrea-stella/


Sainz: Abu Dhabi GP last chance of winning in F1 ‘for a few years’
08/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz is gearing up for a final push at glory with Ferrari in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi, a race that will bring an end to his four-year tenue with the Scuderia and which he admits will likely be his last chance of winning in F1 “for a few years”.

“I felt like I did some very good, very clean laps in Q1 and Q2,” commented the Spaniard after the session, quoted by Motorsport Week. “Probably finding the limit of the car very early on in qualifying and then giving myself and giving maybe the team a bit of hope that we could fight for pole position. But I think as soon as these two guys started putting, I think, a good lap together in Q3… I think my lap was pretty good.”

“Obviously, there’s always little things here and there that you would like to change. But when Lando talks about that he didn’t quite nail Turn 9 or he did a small mistake, then you realise that it’s the same for everyone. We’ve been a weekend three to four-tenths behind. I’ll take being two-tenths off in quali and hopefully we can match their race pace and get in the fight tomorrow.”

‘Final push at glory’;

https://f1i.com/news/527109-sainz-abu-dhabi-gp-last-chance-of-winning-in-f1-for-a-few-years.html


One last ‘papaya rules’ fight for Piastri after Ferrari flop; Aussie’s debut misleading - F1 Talking Pts
Dec 8th, 2024
Michael Lamonato
Fox Sports (Australia)

Ferrari has taken the constructors championship down to the wire and is doing its best to trip itself up over it. Needing to overhaul a 21-point gap, Ferrari will start third and 19th behind a McLaren front-row, with Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri. The mountain has never looked so steep, and Ferrari now needs a miracle to climb it.

With Carlos Sainz starting third behind a McLaren front-row lockout, Ferrari will need either deep misfortune to befall Norris and Piastri or what would have to be the most remarkable race of the season to win the championship from here. Or, of course, a miracle. “I believe in miracles,” Leclerc said, per ESPN.

“It makes our life very difficult, that’s for sure, but with the 10-place grid penalty, it was always going to be difficult. But I see an opportunity to do something very special, and I’ll do my best to do it. My goal remains the same: it’s to win the constructors championship. I still believe in it as much as I did yesterday, even though on paper obviously it’s going to be hard. I’ll believe in it until the very last lap. Anything can happen.”

“I believe in miracles”;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/leclerc-eyes-title-miracle-after-quali-disaster-aussies-q1-exit-explained-f1-talking-points/news-story/ddf5299ec78fa997389e0c2232355cfa

[Fortitude]

Norris takes fine victory in Abu Dhabi to seal McLaren constructors' title.
Lando Norris took a fine victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that sealed McLaren's first constructors' championship since 1998. That victory meant the papaya-coloured team just held on to the title, with the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc rounding out the podium to close the gap in the standings, but ultimately unable to claw the 21-point deficit before the race began.
8 Dec 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com

McLaren were first and second on the grid before the Grand Prix got underway at the Yas Marina Circuit, but as a result of a collision between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, it saw the Australian tumble all the way down the field and to the back of the grid. A ten-second penalty was then given for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto and that meant the chance to score a good haul of points to seal the title was gone, putting huge pressure on Norris and McLaren.

However, the Brit did not waver, holding onto the lead of the race from the first to the last lap, showing great poise and race pace over the Ferraris, with the tyre degradation of the Scuderia letting them down in the second phase of the race. Sainz took P2, while Leclerc drove a sublime race to finish on the podium after starting in P19. In his final race with Mercedes, before he moves to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton went from P16 to P4 with a great drive, with teammate George Russell finishing behind in fifth after being overtaken on the last lap.

‘Just held on to the title’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317856/lando-norris-wins-the-abu-dhabi-gp-as-mclaren-win-the-constructors-title.html


Abu Dhabi GP: Race Results
Full results from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
9 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps/Diff
1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 58
2 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 5.832
3 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 31.928
4 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 36.483
5 63 George Russell Mercedes 37.538
6 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 49.847
7 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 72.56
8 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 75.554
9 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 82.373
10 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 83.821

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/abu-dhabi-gp-race-results/


McLaren seal F1 Constructors’ title as Lando Norris wins Abu Dhabi GP
8 Dec 2024
Motorsport Week
Motorsport Week

Lando Norris converted pole position into the win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to clinch the Formula 1 Constructors’ title for McLaren, despite Ferrari’s double podium.

Norris aced his start to remain unopposed into the opening turn, but there was chaos behind him as Max Verstappen clashed with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren on the exit. The stewards noted the collision between the two and Verstappen, who was now down in 11th place, was given a 10-second time penalty much to his dissatisfaction.

Sergio Perez headed into the race with speculation mounting over his position and his potential final Red Bull appearance ended in a retirement with a clash at Turn 6. Valtteri Bottas, who had qualified his Sauber up inside the top 10, turned Perez around at the chicane when Kevin Magnussen’s Haas had come charging up his inside.

‘Pole position into the win’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/08/mclaren-seal-f1-constructors-title-as-lando-norris-wins-abu-dhabi-gp/


Abu Dhabi GP: Norris breaks Ferrari hearts as McLaren return to title glory
08 Dec 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Lando Norris clinched the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory to hand McLaren a first Constructors’ title since 1988, the Briton having to fly the flag alone after Oscar Piastri’s early drama. McLaren’s two car hunt was reduced to one when Piastri was hit by Max Verstappen out of Turn 1 and spun out of contention. But for McLaren, Norris’ victory ahead of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc was enough to give McLaren by 13 points.

Norris into the final lap of the championship eight seconds ahead with the Constructors’ Championship victory within his grasp. He took the chequered flag, his fourth win of the season and sealed the teams’ title for McLaren. Sainz was second ahead of Leclerc while a late pass from Hamilton put him P4 ahead of Russell.

Verstappen was sixth ahead of Gasly, Hulkenberg, Alonso and Piastri with a solitary point. Jack Doohan finished P15 on his Alpine debut as he prepares for his first full campaign in F1 2025. There was late drama for Lawson as his smoking VCARB broke down on the final lap.

‘Norris breaks Ferrari hearts’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2024-race-report


Perez hands Red Bull defiant message after season-ending shunt
Sergio Perez is not backing down to Red Bull's supposed wishes as the situation teeters precariously close to a contract stand-off between the two parties.
8 Dec 2024
Samuel Coop & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Speaking to media including RacingNews365 after his retirement for the race, the six-time grand prix winner struck a defiant tone, reiterating that he holds a contract for 2025 and beyond. "Well, at the moment, I don't know," he said when asked about the situation for next year.

"I just know that I've got a contract to race next year, and unless something changes in the coming days, that's going to be the situation for next year. When it was then queried with him as to why the Red Bull bosses were holding talks with other drivers, he replied: "That's something you need to ask them."

"Like I said, we're going to be talking in the coming days and we will discuss the situation from both parties, and see if we are able to reach an agreement," he explained. "If not, like I said, I've got a contract for next year." When asked if he was considering resigning from his race seat, he replied: "No." At no point did he mention retirement from F1.

“I've got a contract to race next year”;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-hands-red-bull-defiant-message-after-season-ending-shunt


Why should they let Perez go? Montoya thinks Red Bull should keep him
8 Dec 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

Rumour has it that it is very likely that Sergio Perez will be driving his last Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing this Sunday. Maybe even the last of his career, as it is well known that Helmut Marko and Christian Horner are evaluating the Mexican's performance after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Juan Pablo Montoya spoke to Vision4Sport and told them what his thoughts were on the whole ordeal.

The former F1 driver has not failed to notice that Red Bull Racing will finish third in the constructors' championship despite Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen winning the Drivers' championship. Montoya thinks Red Bull doesn't care at all. That they have a long-term vision. "Funnily enough, by them finishing third, they're going to get more wind tunnel time and everything for the 2026 car," says Montoya.

'No two captains on the same ship'. The Colombian asked aloud, "So, is it that bad having Checo there? They have the world champion, and they have more wind tunnel time! What they're losing by not winning the constructors, they're probably making up with Checo’s merchandise, Red Bull sales, and the money he's bringing. So where is the downside? And you have a team dedicated to one driver."

‘Montoya thinks Red Bull should keep Sergio Perez’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317671/montoya-thinks-red-bull-should-keep-perez-because-they-already-have-verstappen.html

[Fortitude]

Norris admits F1 title was “not looking as likely” after Piastri spin.
Lando Norris admitted that the thought the World Championship was “not looking as likely) after team mate Oscar Piastri was nudged into a spin by Max Verstappen on the first lap in Abu Dhabi.
Dec 9, 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

The incident left Norris on his own out front with no margin for error while Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were set to bag big points. In the end victory for Norris was enough to secure the championship despite the Ferrari drivers securing the other podium places.

“Today was a very special day for all of us,” said Norris. “It was ours to lose today and I’m sure at certain moments people thought that it was not far away from being lost. Two Ferraris up there, and Charles doing a great job to get back to the podium.

“It was ours to lose today”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/12/09/norris-admits-f1-title-was-not-looking-as-likely-after-piastri-spin/


Mark Hughes: How McLaren narrowly avoided Ferrari title upset
Dec 8, 2024
Mark Hughes
The Race

In the end it was pretty straightforward for Lando Norris and McLaren to win the race and the constructors' title respectively on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Even with the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri being spun out of contention in the opening seconds after contact with Max Verstappen. But it wasn't always that way.

A further early lap incident - hitting Franco Colapinto - for Piastri after rejoining at the back, for which he received a penalty, meant Norris didn’t ever have a rear gunner to aid his task, as Carlos Sainz tracked him.

But Norris didn’t need one, as it turned out. He always had enough of an edge to keep the Ferrari out of range, an advantage which only increased in the second stint as most traded their mediums for hards. But there were a few tense moments, not least when Norris was struggling in dirty air when lapping backmarkers with eight laps to go.

‘McLaren narrowly avoided Ferrari title upset’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-how-mclaren-narrowly-avoided-ferrari-f1-title-upset/


Norris battled nerves in Abu Dhabi GP after Leclerc opening lap
08/12/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Lando Norris admitted that Charles Leclerc's stunning recovery from the back of the grid in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix rattled the McLaren team. The Ferrari driver’s incredible charge through the field, gaining 11 places in the opening lap, inevitably added a layer of tension to McLaren's title defense.

"I was watching the TV screens and I saw Charles was P8 after lap one, so I was a little bit nervous!" Norris recalled. "But I knew I just had to focus on myself, put my head down. Carlos was never far away,” he added. “I think the biggest I got the gap to was, like, 4.2 seconds in the first stint, and that's not a very nice gap in my opinion. It's a bit too close to my comfort.”

"So, it was still a tricky race, and I'm sure there was probably a lot more nervous people on the pitwall and in the garage, knowing what was at stake. I’ve got the adrenaline of the car and focused on that. For them, they're just sitting and watching the screens, and they have a lot more time to think about what can go wrong and all of that.”

“I was a little bit nervous!";

https://f1i.com/news/527215-norris-battled-nerves-in-abu-dhabi-gp-after-leclerc-opening-lap.html


Norris: Leclerc's lightning start made McLaren "nervous" over title bid
A chaotic first lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix handed Ferrari an outside chance of defeating McLaren after all
Dec 8, 2024
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Lando Norris said Charles Leclerc's miracle recovery in Formula 1's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix made McLaren more nervous as it battled the Scuderia for the constructors' championship.

Norris said he was "incredibly proud" to play a part in McLaren getting back to winning ways for its first constructors' trophy in 26 years, while paying tribute to the team's staff across its many departments at the track and at its Woking headquarters.

"The bigger picture of us winning a championship for the first time in 26 years, you wouldn't have thought that when you say the name McLaren," he added. "It feels wrong to say that they've not won a championship in 26 years. But for me to be part of that, for Oscar to be part of it, is something we're incredibly proud of.

‘A chaotic first lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix handed Ferrari an outside chance’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-leclerc-lightning-start-made-mclaren-nervous-over-title-bid/10680794/


Brown jokes that Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was "the worst two hours of my life"
8 Dec 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com

Speaking to Sky Sports right as the Grand Prix finished, an ecstatic Brown said: "I love everyone in Woking! What an awesome team effort, all the men and women at McLaren! Amazing! That was stressful." He was then asked about Norris delivering for the team, saying: "Man he did! Yes he did!"

The CEO then joined the Brit on the podium to celebrate the success of his team, shouting loudly in celebration. He joined the Sky Sports crew once again after celebrating in the McLaren garage, joking about the stress of the race: "That was the worst two hours of my life, by far. Lando drove brilliantly. Unfortunate what happened to Oscar at the start, but the team was flawless. They executed, the pit stop was great. I think I was the only one that was about ready to have a heart attack for two hours."

Again, the American was extremely complimentary of Norris: "In that race, he carried us. To not make any mistakes, we were worried about safety cars, I was worried about everything. He drove flawlessly, as he's done. So next, try and repeat Constructors and get the Drivers. I'll let Oscar and Lando figure that one out!"

"In that race, he carried us”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317931/zak-brown-reaction-to-mclaren-constructors-title-at-the-abu-dhabi-gp.html

[Fortitude]

Vasseur: Mid-season missteps cost Ferrari ‘80 or 90 points'.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has singled out missed opportunities rather than outright pace as the primary factor behind the Scuderia's narrow defeat to McLaren in the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors' Championship.
10/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

“A good one (season), but not enough,” commented Vasseur after last Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi. “I think that if you compare with one year ago, it’s a huge step forward – pit stops, strategy, reliability… we improved everywhere, even in terms of pure performance,”

“It’s true that at the end, 14 points are missing, and I think if you are 80 or 100 points behind, you don’t feel the frustration. Tonight, I had tons of races in my mind where we lost 14 points this season, but it is like it is. McLaren also had some issues, and we have to do a better job next year, but I’m also quite proud of the step that we did.”

“I don’t want to do the list, but Canada we came back,” Vasseur recalled. “I think on paper, Canada was a good one for us, and we came back from Canada with a double zero—that was a bit harsh. Then we had three or four races in a row with the upgrade when we struggled a little bit. This period I think we lost something like 80 or 90 points on McLaren.”

‘Mid-season missteps’;

https://f1i.com/news/527456-vasseur-mid-season-missteps-cost-ferrari-80-or-90-points.html


Four moments that cost Ferrari the 2024 F1 world title
Just 14 points separated Ferrari from a sensational world championship, leaving the team to wonder what could have been
9 Dec 2024
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Canada: Ferrari's only double retirement: Both Charles Leclerc and Sainz were dumped out of Q2 after they couldn't find late improvements on old soft tyres, with the pair starting from 11th and 12th. Ferrari's weekend went from bad to worse in the race, with Leclerc retiring due to an electronical issue on the power unit while Sainz spun out in wet conditions…

Spain: Flawed new floor sends Ferrari down a development rabbit hole: A new floor launched at the Spanish Grand Prix turned out to introduce bouncing in high-speed corners. That not only cost it performance outright but also derailed its development programme as the Maranello squad first had to find and understand the root cause before it could come up with a tweaked design.

Baku: Sainz loses possible podium after late Perez clash: Sainz looked on for a recovery onto the podium until a late clash with Sergio Perez, sending both cars into the wall. Those 15 points for third would have gone a long way, with the caveat that behind them Norris moved up to score four extra points too.

Singapore: Pre-race favourites on the back foot after qualifying: After a disappointing qualifying session in which Sainz crashed in Q3 and Leclerc also didn't set a time, with the pair relegated to the fifth row.

‘Four moments’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/four-moments-that-cost-ferrari-the-2024-f1-world-title/10681032/


'He said': The moment Frederic Vasseur knew Ferrari had ‘messed up’ their Constructors’ Championship chances
10 Dec 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer

Journalist Laura Winter spoke with Vasseur after the race and she says the Ferrari boss was looking back at previous races where they ‘messed up’ their title chances, including the Canadian Grand Prix where Leclerc and Sainz registered Ferrari’s first double retirement since the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Winter said via the F1 Nation Podcast: “I actually saw Fred Vasseur outside the hospitality. I went up [to him] and you have that weird moment where you’re not sure whether to say congratulations or commiserations and I sort of said both to him.”

“And he said, I won’t repeat the word he used but it began with F, it’s not tonight that we ‘messed’ up. He said it was Spain, Canada, Silverstone. He’s already thinking back to where they dropped points, to where they’ve lost this. They’ll be looking ahead to 2025 as well.”

'He said';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-moment-frederic-vasseur-knew-ferrari-had-messed-up-their-constructors-championship-chances/


Ferrari issue ‘14 points are missing’ verdict after McLaren title defeat
9 Dec 2024
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted to having “races in my mind” where points were on the table in 2024, after narrowly missing out on Constructors’ glory to McLaren. “It’s true that, at the end, 14 points are missing, and if you are 80 or 100 points behind, you don’t feel the frustration. Fourteen points, you have, or at least tonight, I have tons of races in my mind where we lost 14 points this season, but it is like it is.”

“McLaren also had some issues, and just that we have to do a better job next year – but I’m also quite proud of the step that we did.” As for where they lost out, Vasseur pointed to the only double DNF the team had of the season, back in Montréal, where they had been expected to be competitive, as a chance for a good points haul.

‘14 points are missing’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-14-points-missing-admission-mclaren-f1-title


Ferrari lost two months in F1 flexi-wing development race
16 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur said the team lost out on “one or two months” developing a flexible front wing as it waited for Formula 1‘s governing body to deem such a device legal.

Teams had been pushing the boundaries of aero-elasticity with front wings coming into the summer break. Mercedes and McLaren were reaping the benefits of flexible front wings in the lead-up to the Belgian Grand Prix, drawing concern from the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull.

“There was frustration because at one stage we were waiting for the decision of the FIA when they installed the cameras [from Spa],” Vasseur told Motorsport.com. “We were convinced that it will go for the ‘no go’. And it went for the ‘go’! So probably we lost one or two months.”

“We were convinced that it will go for the ‘no go’.”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/16/ferrari-lost-two-months-in-f1-flexi-wing-development-race/


'They lost it': Will Buxton pinpoints the ‘catastrophic’ decision which cost Ferrari the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship
Mon 9 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Ferrari lost the 2024 F1 constructors’ title with ‘catastrophic upgrade’ in Spain. Ferrari’s problem certainly wasn’t the way they closed out the season, making the podium at each of the last three races – but more about what they did before that. They spent the early part of the European leg of the season recovering from a poor upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix which hindered their car and pushed them back to being fourth fastest.

Will Buxton pointed out in F1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Post-Race show that it may have been the reason they ended up losing the constructors’ title. “That they held on to second place in the constructors’ championship for as long as they did was a testament to just the relentless drive from them. But, they will rue that mistake, they will rue the correlation errors that led to them putting that thing on the car in the first place.”

‘Catastrophic decision’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/will-buxton-pinpoints-the-catastrophic-decision-which-cost-ferrari-the-2024-f1-constructors-championship/


Ferrari highlights period that cost team 2024 F1 title to McLaren
9 Dec 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Frederic Vasseur had vowed that Ferrari must strive to maximise its points tally more in 2024, having rued squandered opportunities last season which denied it second place. Ferrari must ‘minimise losses’ again in 2025.

However, Ferrari managed an impressive recovery as revisions in Monza and Singapore triggered a return to competitiveness which delivered three wins in nine races. But despite the updated SF-24 hauling Ferrari back into title contention, Vasseur has acknowledged that there were still moments where the team gave up vital points.

“We had a tough weekend like Baku, even if we did a P2 with Charles [Leclerc], but I think we were in a position to do a much better job than only P2,” he added. “Then Singapore was a tough one, with the two cars ninth and 10 in quali. I think we could expect much better, but this is true also for McLaren.”

‘Rued squandered opportunities’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/09/ferrari-highlights-period-that-cost-team-2024-f1-title-to-mclaren/

[Fortitude]

"Lewis would have fought for the victory without the bollard," reckons Toto Wolff.
"Without the bollard getting in Lewis’s way yesterday in Qualifying, I think he could have fought for victory. He was quick throughout today and made the alternative strategy work well. He drove like a world champion.”
10 Dec 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Assessing Hamilton's last dance with the German-British outfit, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believes that the seven-time world could have fought for the victory had the bollard not led to a disappointing result in qualifying.

Although he posted impressive sector times in the opening two segments of the Yas Marina Circuit, he lost a significant chunk of time through the last corners due to the loose bollard. It meant the seven-time world champion only qualified 18th, but he started from two places higher up on the grid due to penalties for Charles Leclerc and Alexander Albon.

"It has been 12 years that we have spent with Lewis. It is not only the longest driver and team partnership in the sport’s history, but it is also the most successful. A relationship of that length and a journey like that creates a bond, trust, and shared values that are rare nowadays.”

‘Without the bollard’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/26072


Wolff leaves Hamilton emotional Mercedes goodbye voice message
Toto Wolff has said some poignant words to Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time F1 champion's farewell from Mercedes
10 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

"Hi Lewis, I’m on the go, so I thought I’d better leave you a voice note - like always," said Wolff. Yeah, the moment is here we all knew was coming. We’ve raced the last lap. The longest and most successful partnership in Formula 1 history. Who would have thought that when we started the journey?”

"It’s been a crazy ride for a boy from Stevenage who had a dream, and who shared this journey with us at Mercedes. So now you’re opening up a new chapter with Ferrari. But most importantly, remember one thing, find your people, not just the ones who work with you or sign your contract. Obviously, we know that's important.”

"But the ones who dream with you, who fight with you, who have your back and your ear; the ones who stand with you and kneel with you; the ones who see you, including the parts you don’t want [to be] seen, who never stop believing, even when you do sometimes. Because when you find your people you don’t just beat the world, you change it. And whatever the future holds, just remember, we will always be your people, because every dream needs a team. You know it.”

"Take care my friend, see you on track. We are really looking forward to it. That’s the most important message I’ve ever sent.";

‘Poignant words’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-leaves-hamilton-emotional-mercedes-goodbye-voice-message


We’ll cheer on Lewis Hamilton if Mercedes can’t win 2025 title – Toto Wolff
9 Dec 2024
pa sport staff
Yahoo! Sport

The Ferrari-bound 39-year-old won six of his seven titles with Mercedes and he departs with Wolff’s goodwill. “If we can’t win, we will cheer for him. He merits an eighth championship,” Wolff told Sky Sports.

“But obviously the team, the drivers, the brand – that is the main priority to win and we will give it everything we can. It’s been 12 years. It’s not only the longest driver-team relationship the sport has ever seen, but one of the longest relationships any sports team has had with a player.”

“And one of the longest relationships personally with a person. Obviously that creates attachment, trust and those values in this day and age are rare. That’s why it’s a period of time we will hold close to our hearts.”

“We’ll cheer on Lewis”;

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ll-cheer-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-135112778.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMuKohIVs_jqUPONLw6HZWy_7QuB csdJoq-YDk-AFj1ewohv_BXdWE_3MgTM2btQUfd8gQoeMuZqrG2kyB2fxa699 GWUudeFI1uO7_KdBLL8ZDK2dioCmsQnwESAJrVp7GmljCeUReY sVQBSJ6rTVu-ScR2OvSJU-XMKY6Ro2DAL


Toto Wolff wants Lewis Hamilton to win at Ferrari if Mercedes can’t
Toto Wolff will "cheer" for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari - if Mercedes are not in contention for wins.
10 Dec 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Toto Wolff says he will “cheer” for Lewis Hamilton to win with Ferrari if Mercedes are not in the F1 championship fight. Hamilton turned in a masterclass recovery drive from 16th on the grid, including a last-lap overtake on teammate George Russell, to claim fourth on his Mercedes farewell at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion is leaving Mercedes after 12 years in order to complete a blockbuster switch to Ferrari, where he will aim to claim a record-breaking eighth world title and end the Scuderia’s long title drought. Despite joining one of Mercedes’ fiercest rivals, team principal Wolff said he would love to see Hamilton win an eighth drivers’ crown with Ferrari.

‘Love to see Hamilton win an eighth drivers’ crown’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061474/1/toto-wolff-wants-lewis-hamilton-win-ferrari-if-mercedes-cant


Toto Wolff makes ‘honest’ claim about McLaren ‘customer team’ after F1 title win
8 Dec 2024
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff admitted that, if Mercedes cannot win the Constructors’ Championship themselves, he’d “much rather be beaten by a customer team” than a factory rival.

“To be honest, if we can’t win as a works team, I’d much rather be beaten by a customer team,” Wolff explained to media including PlanetF1.com. “I have zero problem with that, because it gives shows us where the benchmark is.”

“There’s no discussions about performance levels of the engine, no discussions about drivability of the engine, energy deployment or harvesting. None of that. World Champion is our customer team. They have equal material. We fight on same terms, and if they have a better chassis or better execution or better drivers, then that’s completely fine for us.”
“Shows us where the benchmark is”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-honest-mclaren-customer-team-title-win


'When the driving ends': Toto Wolff shares whether Lewis Hamilton could ‘one day’ return to Mercedes after Ferrari move
11 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Toto Wolff open to having Lewis Hamilton back at Mercedes when he leaves Ferrari. It’s unclear whether Hamilton will still be involved in F1 when he retires. He hasn’t expressed any notable interest in running a team or becoming a pundit, but few of the drivers have.

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Toto Wolff said Hamilton could still be part of Mercedes’ future. He implicitly closed the door on a driving return after promoting 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s teammate. But Wolff hinted that there are other Mercedes ‘adventures’ that may appeal to Hamilton after his F1 career has concluded. The German manufacturer have powered all 18 of the cars he’s driven across 355 races.

“There is no such thing in an end to the relationship Mercedes has with Lewis, neither what we as a team have, nor I and Susie personally,” Wolff said. “I think Lewis has decided to do something else for the last part of his career, which I understand, but he’s always going to be part of that family, and always welcome in the family. One day, maybe when the driving ends, there’s going to be plenty of adventures we’re going to embark on.”

'When the driving ends';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/toto-wolff-shares-whether-lewis-hamilton-could-one-day-return-to-mercedes-after-ferrari-move/

[Fortitude]

Red Bull could be forced to keep Sergio Perez despite ‘wanting to replace’ F1 driver as ‘D-day meeting’ held.
The issue, however, is that Perez is contracted for 2025, having signed a contract extension back in June.
9 Dec 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible

Red Bull may have to keep Sergio Perez for 2025 despite reports that they are considering whether to replace the Mexican driver. Perez has come under increasing pressure over his poor performances and results in the second half of the 2024 season, and a DNF in Abu Dhabi - although not his fault - did little to ease that pressure.

Team principal Christian Horner confirmed that the team would hold talks with Perez about his future after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The issue, however, is that Perez is contracted for 2025, having signed a contract extension back in June. If Red Bull are unwilling to pay an acceptable fee to get Perez out of the contract, the six-time race winner may have an upper hand in talks over his future that could potentially define whether he drives in Formula 1 again.

‘Sergio Perez is contracted for 2025’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/sergio-perez-red-bull-f1-future-update-129370-20241209


'He's not an idiot' - Why Verstappen's still defending Perez
9 Dec 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Max Verstappen says he has “always worked really well with Checo”, who he described as “a great guy”. “Honestly, it’s very rare that you have a team-mate like him,” Verstappen said. “He's always been very good and just a nice guy too.”

In THE RACE COMMENTS Section…

New Realist
·9 Dec
Poor old Checo
Maybe he didn't get it all wrong ....he may have cost RBR the Constructors this year but what he did deliver may come in very handy indeed given that it all changes again for 2026.
120 more wind-tunnel hours for the year
32 more wind-tunnel runs for the year
200 more CFD items for the year .
The RB21 and 22 may just need every ounce of it ...

‘Max Verstappen's still defending Perez’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/hes-not-an-idiot-why-verstappens-still-defending-perez/


Sergio Perez uncovers true cause of Abu Dhabi GP retirement, Red Bull theory dismissed
10 Dec 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

It has emerged that Perez was struggling with a suspected transmission issue, which resulted in his car losing drive on the approach to the chicane. It is thought the technical problem would have resulted in his retirement regardless of the collision with Bottas moments later.

Speaking to DAZN Spain after his DNF, Perez confirmed that the issue slowed him down every time he changed gear at the start of the Abu Dhabi GP. He said: “I think the engine was damaged before the touch [with Bottas]. Every time I changed gear, the clutch slipped.”

“I think the problem came from before because on the straights I was losing a lot of time every time I changed gear. Then I had contact in the back and when I got the car back, the clutch was already engaged.”

“Every time I changed gear, the clutch slipped”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-last-race-retirement-red-bull-theory-culprit


How Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull testing times compare with Sergio Perez’s Abu Dhabi qualifying lap
11 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

It has to be caveated that we’re not aware of the run plans either driver was on and whether Tsunoda was given the opportunity to complete any faster simulations. He was completing Red Bull’s 2025 Pirelli test and was handed next year’s tyres including an experimental C6 compound that would be useful at tracks like the Las Vegas street circuit.

In comparison, Perez’s best time in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was 1:23.264, 1.425 seconds faster than Tsunoda. This highlights that Tsunoda was unlikely to have been given the opportunity to push the RB20 to its limits, given the deficit between them in qualifying this season in different cars has never been that big.

A more accurate comparison might be Perez’s best FP3 time which was 1:24.283, although this is still four-tenths quicker than Tsunoda.
Driver Session Time Gap
Sergio Perez Qualifying 1:23.264
Sergio Perez Free Practice 3 1:24.283 +1.019
Isack Hadjar Post-season test 2024 car 1:24.632 +1.368
Yuki Tsunoda Post-season test 2025 tyres 1:24.689 +1.425

‘Testing times comparison’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/how-yuki-tsunodas-red-bull-testing-times-compare-with-sergio-perezs-abu-dhabi-qualifying-lap/


Red Bull shares group photo with Verstappen, Perez and Horner in England
11 Dec 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

Red Bull Racing shared a group photo with the whole team at its campus in Milton Keynes on Wednesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In the middle is Max Verstappen's RB20. The brand new world champion himself, teammate Sergio Perez and team boss Christian Horner sit on the Dutchman's championship car.

The Red Bull team posed collectively on English soil, at the Milton Keynes campus. "The whole campus together for another team photo in 2024," Red Bull Racing's message on X read. On the ground in the middle was a flag with the text 'four-time world champion M4X', referring to Verstappen's fourth world title in Las Vegas this season.

‘Red Bull shares group photo’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318513/red-bull-share-photo-with-max-verstappen-sergio-perez-and-christian-horner.html

‘Group photo’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318513/red-bull-share-photo-with-max-verstappen-sergio-perez-and-christian-horner.html


Perez points out the best part of 2024: 'The season was looking fantastic!'
11 Dec 2024
Olly Darcy
GPBlog.com

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has named his favourite race of the 2024 season. On Thursday at the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Mexican was asked what his highlight of the year was. Without thinking long, the Mexican driver had his answer ready.

The second part of the season was considerably worse for Red Bull Racing than the strong start, something Perez also acknowledges: "I think definitely the start of the year was very strong. Four races, four podiums, and a couple of one-twos together. The season was looking fantastic. Unfortunately, it took a U-turn. We went south very early and we lost some direction. Then the season started to get just harder and harder," he told GPblog and others.

When Perez was asked which race was the best for him this season, he did not have to think long: "I think Suzuka. Suzuka was a very very nice moment. When the balance was together that I was nearly on pole and then the race, the decision was looking great so I have to say that that was my favourite moment of the year," the Red Bull driver said.

‘Suzuka was a very very nice moment. When the balance was together that I was nearly on pole’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318494/f1-sergio-perez-pinpoints-his-best-race-of-the-2024-season.html


Verstappen: ‘People are too harsh on Perez – He’s not an idiot’’
11/12/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

The four-time world champion went on to sympathize with Perez's struggles, pointing out that the difficulties weren't limited to just one driver or one race weekend. "I do have sympathy for the position he has found himself in. I work with him every weekend, week in, week out, and I find people have been very harsh on him," Verstappen added.

"Of course, there are some weekends that maybe could have been better naturally, but sometimes people have been very harsh on him, because he's not an idiot. He's always been regarded as a great driver, and it's been tough, but it's been tough for everyone in the team because sometimes it was just very difficult to drive," he explained.

“He's always been regarded as a great driver”;

https://f1i.com/news/527626-verstappen-people-are-too-harsh-on-perez-hes-not-an-idiot.html


Juan Pablo Montoya shares what he could see in Sergio Perez’s ‘face’ as he made defiant Red Bull claim
16 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Juan Pablo Montoya says he could tell Sergio Perez was ‘frustrated’ by Red Bull questions. Formula 1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya saw clips from that interview and shared his observations with AS Colombia. He says Perez was visibly ‘frustrated’ with the constant questions and gossip.

“I saw part of it and I found it interesting because you can see how frustrated his face is,” Montoya said. “Red Bull made that decision [to extend his contract] this year. So I see that [Perez leaving] as complicated on one hand. On the other hand, I’ll tell you the truth about the best rumours. It’s always what you deserve.”

ESPN journalist Nate Saunders says there are growing signs Red Bull will keep Perez. The cost, combined with the inexperience of the alternatives, might save him.

‘Defiant Red Bull claim’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/juan-pablo-montoya-shares-what-he-could-see-in-sergio-perezs-face-as-he-made-defiant-red-bull-claim/

[Fortitude]

'Major sponsors will follow Perez out the door if Red Bull oust him'.
Sergio Perez could be staying at Red Bull Racing for 2025. Or so have Marca stated, anyways. Have Perez' sponsors come to his rescue?
13 Dec 2024
Norberto Mujica
GPblog.com

Apparently the Mexican driver has found new sponsors, which in addition to Carlos Slim's backing, have tilted the escales in his favour. Perez has, according to Marca, been given the green light to start working on new apparel for the 2025 season.

The journal claims that Perez' unannounced sponsors are linked to Red Bull Racing for as long as the mexican driver still has a seat at the Austrian team. Meaning that if Perez was to be ousted from the Milton Keynes based outfit, they would follow the Mexican out the door.

‘Have Perez' sponsors come to his rescue?’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318780/sergio-perez-to-remain-teammate-max-verstappen-through-new-sponsors.html


Perez outlines 'biggest step' in Verstappen at Red Bull
Sergio Perez has shared what he feels is the "biggest step" Max Verstappen has made in their time as team-mates at Red Bull.
13 Dec 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez believes 2024 is the "best season" Max Verstappen has put together of the four years they have spent in F1 together at Red Bull. In contrast to 2023, despite starting the season in much the same form, Red Bull has struggled to get on top of the RB20, which has shown itself to be a difficult and uncooperative chassis.

"Max has done his best season I've seen from him in these four years," the six-time grand prix winner told media including RacingNews365. "The way he pushed the team, out of the car, how hard he worked during this year, especially there were a lot of periods during the year where we looked really far and he would push the team in all the areas, in all the aspects.”

“Max has made very big steps out of the car. His talent and his speed has been there since day one, but out of the car, how he reads the races, how he works with the team, how he pushes the team, I think is the biggest step he has done in these past years."

'Biggest step';

https://racingnews365.com/perez-on-verstappen


Sergio Perez’s exorbitant ‘buyout sum’ as Red Bull stand-off continues
12 Dec 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Never mind the 16 million Nico Rosberg spoke of, former Bridgestone engineer Kees van de Grint claims Sergio Perez is holding out for “75 million euros” in his Red Bull stand-off. Although he signed a new contract back in May, Red Bull met on Monday to discuss his future as well as their plans for their 2025 line-ups – both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

The decision has yet to be made public, and Viaplay’s analysts believe that’s because his “buyout sum” is being argued between both Perez and Red Bull’s legal teams. “It is not clear to me yet,” Van de Grint told Viaplay. “I think he is not leaving, he refuses to resign.”

“There are two possibilities, he drives next year or he gets an awful lot of money. The question is what such a buyout amount does to the story. I think the buyout sum is somewhere between 50 and 65 million euros,” said his fellow pundit Allard Kalff. Van de Grint disagrees: “I think it’s even more. 75 million euros seems like a good number to me. You have to buy out two years of his contract.”

‘Red Bull stand-off’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-exorbitant-buyout-sum-red-bull-standoff-continues


Sergio Perez gives unusual gift to 2,000 Red Bull staff days after F1 future meeting
Sergio Perez made an intriguing delivery to Milton Keynes in midweek.
Dec 13, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Sergio Perez delivered 2,000 bottles of Patron El Alto tequila to Red Bull staff at the Red Bull factory as a Christmas gift to his team. The Mexican is currently facing a nervous wait after a meeting with shareholders about his future, which took place after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

‘Unusual gift’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1988184/Sergio-Perez-tequila-delivery-Red-Bull-Milton-Keynes


Sergio Perez sends gift to Red Bull staff amid future uncertainty
13 Dec 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Sergio Perez faced what could yet be his final Red Bull end-of-year celebration, the Mexican driver at least tried to end on a good note – 2,000 bottles of tequila. According to reports, he handed out 2,000 bottles of Patron El Alto. Patron retails for over 200 pounds a bottle, but given Perez is reportedly holding out for “75 million” to walk away from Red Bull, the Mexican racer won’t have to worry about his future going forwards.

While Perez has been insistent throughout the latter part of the championship that he would remain a Red Bull driver in F1 2025 having signed a new contract back in May, he wavered on that after Sunday night’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“Well, at the moment, I don’t know,” he told the media including PlanetF1.com after ending the year with a lap 1 retirement. “I just know that I’ve got a contract to race next year. And unless something changes in the coming days, that’s going to be the situation for next year.”

‘2,000 bottles of tequila. According to reports, he handed out 2,000 bottles of Patron El Alto. Patron retails for over 200 pounds a bottle’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-sends-gift-red-bull-staff-amid-future-uncertainty


Why should they let Perez go? Montoya thinks Red Bull should keep him
8 Dec 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

The former F1 driver has not failed to notice that Red Bull Racing will finish third in the constructors' championship despite Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen winning the Drivers' championship. Montoya thinks Red Bull doesn't care at all. That they have a long-term vision. "Funnily enough, by them finishing third, they're going to get more wind tunnel time and everything for the 2026 car," says Montoya.

'No two captains on the same ship': The Colombian asked aloud, "So, is it that bad having Checo there? They have the world champion, and they have more wind tunnel time! What they're losing by not winning the constructors, they're probably making up with Checo’s merchandise, Red Bull sales, and the money he's bringing. So where is the downside? And you have a team dedicated to one driver."

‘Finishing third, they're going to get more wind tunnel time and everything for the 2026 car’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/317671/montoya-thinks-red-bull-should-keep-perez-because-they-already-have-verstappen.html

[Fortitude]

Fernando Alonso explains ‘miraculous’ change Aston Martin made to reach Q3 at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“We made more changes before this night session and this time we have found a little window where the car is most happy, let’s say, the temperatures, the tyres, everything more in line and the car has revived a little and we have miraculously entered Q3.”
7 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Fernando Alonso explains Aston Martin improvements led to Abu Dhabi top ten. Alonso was heard during FP3 telling his team that he thought it would be a “good day” indicating that the changes they made overnight had immediately made an impression.

The Spaniard explained that they went in a different setup direction, which eventually led to them unlocking a working ‘window’ with the AMR24. “We have improved for qualifying. We have made many changes last night to the car and the truth is that it has not worked very well because in FP3 we were still 17th and 19th [fastest],” said Alonso.

‘Miraculous’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/fernando-alonso-explains-miraculous-change-aston-martin-made-to-reach-q3-at-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/


Fernando Alonso: McLaren F1 turnaround an ‘example’ for Aston Martin to pursue
14 Dec 2024
Motorsport Week

Fernando Alonso has urged Aston Martin to treat McLaren’s turnaround in Formula 1 as a “good example” as the team bids to rebound from an underwhelming 2024.

Alonso has admitted that McLaren’s remarkable comeback has provided a template that should encourage Aston Martin that it can recover from its recent difficulties. “They started last [in 2023] and then won races in the mid-season and we need to learn from them,” Alonso told media including Motorsport Week.

“This is a good example of how things can be done. In Austria they introduced a package, they gained six, seven-tenths or whatever, and that was the beginning of a series of packages that put their car as the fastest. So that Austria package, if we want to call it that, is something we need to work on.”

“Good example”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/14/fernando-alonso-mclaren-f1-turnaround-an-example-for-aston-martin-to-pursue/


Alonso points to 'last chance' for 'dream' third F1 title
Fernando Alonso is approaching 20 years since he won his second F1 drivers' title.
11 Dec 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365

Alonso is excited for Newey's arrival, but recognises that 2026 could be his final season in F1. "Expectations will be high because it is a new car, change of regulations, car made by Adrian," Alonso said. "Probably - or at least to start - it will be my last season in F1. Because my contract finishes at the end of 2026. It is the time of delivering and the time of truth. High expectations."

'Last chance';

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-details-last-chance-for-dream-third-f1-title


Fernando Alonso just used one word to describe his feelings on Adrian Newey joining Aston Martin
11 Dec 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Aston Martin is set to be one of the teams to watch in the future following the arrival of leganadary designer Adrian Newey next year. Newey’s next move was one of the main talking points of the 2024 season, following the stunning announcement that he was set to leave Red Bull at the end of the year.

Alonso is excited for the partnership and explained why he thinks the time has finally come, having missed out on a drive at Red Bull. “Destiny,” Alonso says. “It seems like destiny, always, I was missing the opportunity. But he came now at the end of my career and I will still enjoy as much as I can, try to learn from him.”

“We have this mutual respect. We exchanged some messages and spoke from time to time and it seems like we connected always. We never worked together but we were always in the same frequency when we talked in the past. I am looking forward.”

“Destiny”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/fernando-alonso-just-used-one-word-to-describe-his-feelings-on-adrian-newey-joining-aston-martin/


Alonso ‘ready to go’ in 2025 after 'important points' in Abu Dhabi
12/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso is already looking ahead with enthusiasm to the 2025 Formula 1 season after concluding a challenging 2024 campaign with back-to-back points finishes for Aston Martin.

Speaking after the finale at Yas Marina, Alonso praised the Silverstone-based outfit for their unrelenting effort throughout the season and expressed optimism for the future. “Yeah, they were important,” Alonso said, referring to the points in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. “I think to finish on a positive note in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – two double points – feels good.”

“I think [it’s] well deserved as well because the team here on trackside never stopped working and extracting the maximum from the cars so, yeah, [I] did enjoy today’s race. [There was] quite a lot of action, especially on the first lap and, yeah, ready to go for 2025 with a little bit of a reset on things.”

‘Alonso ‘ready to go’ in 2025’;

https://f1i.com/news/527695-alonso-ready-to-go-in-2025-after-important-points-in-abu-dhabi.html

[Fortitude]

Verstappen predicts 'proper battle' in 2025 as he reflects on 'up and down' year at FIA Awards Ceremony.
The Red Bull driver secured his fourth consecutive drivers' title in 2024 – a season he described as “up and down” during the ceremony in Kigali – with many considering this to be his greatest championship achievement given the competition across the grid.
14 Dec 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Max Verstappen: “This season as you could see was quite up and down,” said Verstappen during the awards ceremony as he collected his trophy for the fourth time. “We had a great start to the year, everything was looking great. I think especially from the outside, of course, as a team you always understand your limitations and what you want to work on.”

“The competition did a great job, they improved their cars a lot and made it a lot more difficult for us – especially in the constructors’. We had a bit of a tough run in the middle of the season but even when we were under pressure, and having tough times, I think the team really stuck together. We didn’t panic, which could easily be done I think in those kinds of situations.”

"At the end of the day I’m just very proud of everyone in the team as well. Of course we’re not standing here as constructors’ champions but, in a way, I do think we deserved a little bit more in that championship. I tried my very best and we also know a lot what we have to work on for next year. I’m very excited about that as well because it does look like it’s going to be a proper fight between a lot of teams.”

‘Greatest championship achievement’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-predicts-proper-battle-in-2025-as-he-reflects-on-up-and-down-year.7etu1LQkbkYDrbogx99xl4


Max receives trophy for fourth world title in Formula 1: 'Proud'
13 Dec 2024
Florence Cobben
Verstappen.nl

On Friday afternoon Max Verstappen received his fourth world championship title. In a hall filled with motorsport greats in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Max received his fourth championship trophy during the FIA Awards Ceremony 2024.

On the podium, trophy in hand, Max reflects on the past racing year, where he won nine Grands Prix and collected 437 points: “All of (the championships) are very different, which I think makes it always very special. For us it’s been quite a challenging year, so to be standing here, still winning the title… I’m very proud. We didn’t have the best middle of the season., but the end of the season was a bit more competitive.”

'Proud';

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5695/


FIA praises Verstappen's service: 'He gives back to the community'
14 Dec 2024
Savannah Lenz
GPblog.com

Before the annual FIA gala, Max Verstappen completed his community service. As part of the punishment he received for swearing during a press conference, Verstappen worked with young drivers in Rwanda. After completing his community service, the FIA took to X to thank him.

FIA thanks Verstappen for his community service. After he completed his visit, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile thanked him for his efforts via X: "Giving back to the community. Thank you, Max." Along with the tweet, the FIA also shared pictures of Verstappen with FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem and the young drivers who were present.

Verstappen received many compliments from the FIA president who was pleased that Verstappen completed his community service. Ben Sulayem also mentioned that perhaps in the future, it did not have to be a punishment; it should become a mandatory part of the super license for Formula 1 drivers.

'He gives back to the community';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318994/fia-thanks-max-verstappen-after-completing-his-community-service-sentence.html


Marko warns Verstappen: Penalty points could risk 2025 title bid
14/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has issued a clear warning to Max Verstappen, reminding the freshly crowned F1 world champion that he will head into the 2025 season with the threat of a race ban looming.

Marko also addressed Verstappen's blunt radio rant in Abu Dhabi, when he voiced his frustration after learning of his 10-second penalty for clashing with Piastri, sarcastically telling his race engineer: “Can we ask for 20 seconds? “Stupid idiots!” Marko acknowledging the intense emotions that come with racing at the highest level but suggested Verstappen would have been better inspired by applying more restraint.

“That wasn't very diplomatic,” the Austrian said. “It's the emotions, and at that moment, you don't think very diplomatically. Maybe you shouldn't broadcast everything. In football, not everyone has a microphone hanging around their neck; “I don't want to know what kind of comments are being made.”

‘Penalty points could risk 2025 title bid’;

https://f1i.com/news/527779-marko-warns-verstappen-penalty-points-could-risk-2025-title-bid.html


Why Verstappen is 'frightening' for F1 rivals
Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has called Max Verstappen a "beast" who keeps reaching new heights, despite already being on a run of four-consecutive F1 drivers' championships and counting.
15 Dec 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen's Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has explained why the Dutchman "must be frightening" for the rest of the F1 paddock. The 44-year-old claimed that his driver is a "beast" due to his ability to keep pushing his peak past its current point.

"I think this is the problem for the other drivers about Max, is he is a beast that just keeps improving year on year," Lambiase said to Viaplay. "Just when you think he’s reached his peak, he makes another step. "And that must be frightening for everybody up and down the grid." The increasing strength of McLaren and Ferrari - and Mercedes - has contributed to many contending that 2024 is Verstappen's most impressive championship, with Red Bull's fall to third punctuating that point.

However, to Lambiase, it does not quite have the edge on his first title, when the season went down to the wire in 2021 against Lewis Hamilton in an all-time titanic F1 championship fight. "I won't say it was quite as hard as 2021, that was an incredibly intense year," he said. "But it came very close, and it required a lot of dedication, commitment from the whole team, from Max."

‘Frightening’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-verstappen-is-frightening-for-f1-rivals


Max Verstappen’s ‘excellent’ Sergio Perez verdict could now make Red Bull question 2025 line-up decision
15 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Red Bull are still yet to make a clear decision on their 2025 Formula 1 driver pairing with just two weeks of the year to go, but does Sergio Perez have any chance of remaining next to Max Verstappen? Perez made the 2025 Formula 1 entry list this week, suggesting that he may take to the track for Red Bull next season.

Max Verstappen’s ‘excellent’ Sergio Perez verdict could save his Red Bull F1 seat. Speaking to Motorsportcom Italia, Antonio Ghini believes that Verstappen’s praise of the 35-year-old as a teammate last week may do him a favour. “The FIA has published the list of entries for the 2025 world championship, and Red Bull are Verstappen and Perez,” he said. “According to my theory which says that more has also been seen from Verstappen’s statement, [of] Perez is ‘not an idiot, he’s an excellent teammate’. Perez is fine with him, so the whole scenario is still very open.”

‘Max Verstappen’s ‘excellent’ Sergio Perez verdict could save his Red Bull F1 seat’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/max-verstappens-excellent-sergio-perez-verdict-could-now-make-red-bull-question-2025-line-up-decision/


Perez wins something after all! The 'Action of the Year' award
14 Dec 2024
Savannah Lenz
GPblog.com

Despite finishing eighth in the championship, Sergio Perez did not leave the FIA gala empty-handed. Instead, he went home with the 'Action of the Year' award. At the start of the season in Shanghai, there was a four-way battle during the sprint race. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Perez.

The battle was being closely fought especially between Alonso and Sainz. Sainz overtook Alonso, but the former two-time world champion would not accept defeat. Alonso attempted to overtake Sainz but as they were battling it out, Perez seized his opportunity. Both Alonso and Sainz went wide, which gave Perez the space to claim a higher position. Perez ended up taking P3 on the podium in that same place.

Because of this manoeuvre, Perez won 'Action of the Year'. On the social media platform, X, Perez thanked those who voted. He wrote "That was an exciting race! Thanks to everyone for voting!"

'Action of the Year';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318992/sergio-perez-wins-action-of-the-year-in-2024-formula-one.html

[Fortitude]

Rosberg believes Norris will win 2025 world title: 'Got to be favourite!'
"Lando. I mean, he's the favourite for next year now to win the championship," Nico Rosberg began on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
11 Dec 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has picked Lando Norris as his 2025 title winner. The German believes that Norris has demonstrated why he is world championship material, but admits that there are still a few things for the Brit to iron out if he is to beat four-time consecutive winner Max Verstappen.

"There's no reason why he shouldn't be the favourite, right? Because at the end of this year, McLaren was the strongest car. He has been marginally stronger than Piastri within the team. So he should be the favourite," Rosberg believes. Norris is coming off of a positive year with McLaren, where, in glimmers, he has shown that he could be one of the best driver on the grid.

The former Mercedes driver acknowledges the fact that Norris must work on a few aspects if he wants to put in a concrete world title challenge. "What we've still seen are some issues for him. He has some inner demons in his mind, which results in one or other mistakes. The most notable was in Singapore, where he was leading the race by 20 seconds, and he almost crashed out, which was a little bit strange. So he has to work on that a little bit still to reduce one or other mistakes."

'Got to be favourite!';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318429/nico-rosberg-f1-picks-lando-norris-as-his-2025-world-title-winner.html


Next year is my year, says Norris after winning constructors’ title for McLaren
10 Dec 2024
Gulf Today

The Briton won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position, racing untroubled from start to finish as McLaren chief executive Zak Brown endured 58 laps of nervous agony on the pitwall. “You all deserve this. Thank you so much. It’s been a special year,” said Norris over the team radio after taking the chequered flag.

“Next year is going to be my year too.” The 25-year-old expanded on that later in pre-podium comments -- once he had told everyone that he and Brown were going to celebrate by getting “absolutely hammered” with the team.

“We want to win the constructors’, we want to win the drivers’ next year,” he said. “I made my mistakes this year, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve learned a lot from (Red Bull’s four times champion) Max (Verstappen) and my competitors around me. As much as I’m happy now, I’m excited to get next year going.”

“It’s been a special year”;

https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2024/12/10/next-year-is-my-year-says-norris-after-winning-constructors-title-for-mclaren


Guenther Steiner tells Lando Norris who his biggest enemy in 2025 will be – and it’s not Max Verstappen
15 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Guenther Steiner tells Lando Norris that Oscar Piastri could be his ‘biggest enemy’ in 2025. Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner was talking about Norris.

Talking about what he needs to do to potentially become a world champion, he said: “I hope Lando learned a lot about it [winning the championship], but can he next year when getting into it say, get his elbows out because he still has to prove it. He’s said it, but he hasn’t done it, you know? And to do it, what you need to do, you will have some friction with somebody. Can he do it or not? Does he even want to do that?”

“We need to see where this goes, but what is for sure? That Oscar Piastri in the same car will not be sitting there waiting for Lando to win a world championship. Oscar is fast as well as he showed this year. So, I don’t think that McLaren or I’m pretty sure McLaren hasn’t got a number one and number two driver or team orders at the beginning of the year.”

‘Biggest enemy’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/guenther-steiner-tells-lando-norris-who-his-biggest-enemy-in-2025-will-be-and-its-not-max-verstappen/


McLaren battle to continue in 2025? 'We want that problem!'
15 Dec 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

During the 2024 season, (the lack of) team orders at McLaren was a much discussed topic in the world of Formula One. From the team to rivals and media, many reflected on the Woking-based team's decisions. According to Andrea Stella, that is a headache they would like to have next year if Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ends up fighting for the drivers' title.

Asked how McLaren would react to a title battle that involves both Norris and Oscar Piastri, team principal Andrea Stella said: "We do want to have that kind of problem. We work very hard to have a problem of having a car in condition to win races and two drivers in condition to win races. And we know that this one in Formula 1 always comes with some complications, but these are complications that we have already faced this season to some extent."

The Italian underlined that what matters to the team will be the priority. "I think we have always approached that in a cohesive way. Both drivers were always fully aware that we need to find solutions that, first of all, put the interest of the team [first] and then the interest of the drivers [second]. And so far, I think this has been a very positive process. It's a process that we plan to carry over onto next season."

'We want that problem!';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319181/andrea-stella-on-team-order-championship-battle-norris-piastri.html


Peter Windsor concerned Lando Norris is ‘swallowing’ McLaren’s PR line after he lost out on F1 title
14 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Coming into 2024, Norris was taunted as ‘No-wins’ on social media, and he only had one pole position to his name. He ends the campaign with four victories, eight poles and a doubled podium tally (13 to 26).

But there were moments this year when he looked like a legitimate championship contender. After he won the Sprint at the Sao Paulo GP (Piastri moved over upon instruction from the pit wall), he closed the gap to 44 points with four races to go.
YEAR WINS POLES PODIUMS POINTS
2019 0 0 0 49
2020 0 0 1 97
2021 0 1 4 160
2022 0 0 1 122
2023 0 0 7 205
2024 4 8 13 374

“It’s very difficult for Lando now,” Windsor said. “He won’t be taking a 50-thousand-foot view of the 2024 season. He’ll basically be eating, drinking and swallowing the McLaren line, which is that ‘we had a brilliant year, we all worked together, we won the constructors’ championship, we took the drivers’ championship almost to the wire, what a fabulous thing’. Nobody at McLaren, I’m sure, will be saying ‘we really messed up here, because when Red Bull were down, we didn’t do anything like enough to take advantage of it’.”

‘Nobody at McLaren, I’m sure, will be saying ‘we really messed up here…’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/peter-windsor-concerned-lando-norris-is-swallowing-mclarens-pr-line-after-he-lost-out-on-f1-title/


Verstappen's 'P', had a surprise for Lando Norris at Abu Dhabi
13 Dec 2024
Norberto Mujica
GPblog.com

Penelope was at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in support of her stepfather, Max Verstappen. However she did not forget to give Lando Norris this little surprise while she was there.

An assiduous visitor of the F1 paddock, Abu Dhabi was by no means, little P's first Grand Prix, having been present at Australia and Japan earlier this season. In the Yas Marina Circuit podium celebrations she was also spotted shouting Norris' name, 'Lando' as he went on the podium.

However, the two had sweet moment together, as Penelope gave Norris a sticker. In a response of clear gratitude, the four time Grand Prix winner gave the little girl a hug.

‘Surprise for Lando Norris’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318807/f1-verstappen-s-stepdaughter-had-a-surprise-for-lando-norris-at-abu-dhabi.html

[Fortitude]

Leclerc emotional after 'tough to take' title defeat to McLaren.
So that’s it, the 2024 season is finished. Leclerc begins in a message on X. "Third in the Drivers’ Championship and Second in the Constructors’ Championship. We came so close.”
11 Dec 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

It was clear that Leclerc was devastated by the result. After starting from 19th place, the Ferrari driver moved up sss places in a last-ditch effort to help his team steal their first constructors title since 2008. Leclerc seemed dejected after the race on Sunday but now has a more positive outlook on a season where he succeeded more than the last, as it included wins on Monaco and Monza.

He continued: "But I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved as a team this year. We turned a tough start of the season into a good fight for the Constructors Title until the very last lap of the last race. Winning Monaco and Monza has always been a dream of mine and we managed to win both of them this year. It’s something I’ll forever remember." Arguably, those two races are the most important to Leclerc. He won his home race at the Monte Carlo Street Circuit in style, as well as winning at the home of the Tifosi in Monza.

Leclerc also sent a message to Carlos Sainz, whom he had to say goodbye to as his teammate in Abu Dhabi. Since the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sanz has been behind the wheel of the Williams for a filming day and testing. "Carlos, thank you for being a fantastic teammate and always pushing me to improve. It’s been an honour to fight alongside you for Ferrari”. continued the Monegasque, who has spent four seasons with the Spaniard alongside him.

‘Leclerc was devastated’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318410/charles-leclerc-emotional-after-defeat-against-mclaren-f1.html


Leclerc warns against repeated Ferrari mistake
Ferrari is looking to end its F1 title drought as it enters the 2025 campaign after ending this year on a high.
14 Dec 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc has highlighted the importance of starting next year's campaign in a strong position as it seeks to end its F1 title drought. Leclerc pointed to examples in the past when Ferrari was unable to be competitive from the start of the year after a positive end to the previous season.

“We just came up short of the ultimate goal this year but momentum is not a thing,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365. “There’s been quite a lot of examples on our side where we finished a year strong and then the beginning of the year after we've been struggling, so we really need to stay on it. We’ve had quite a few examples.”

Leclerc expressed confidence Ferrari can learn from its weaknesses in previous years to ensure it is in the title hunt in 2025. “We managed to pinpoint what went wrong in that winter break, that we didn't do quite right, and that we paid the price at the beginning of the season after,” he said. “And this is probably the experience that is the most helpful in order to start next year in the best possible way.”

‘Importance of starting next year's campaign in a strong position’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-warns-against-repeated-ferrari-mistake


‘Brave’: David Coulthard pinpoints ‘perfect’ Charles Leclerc moment this season that he absolutely loved
11 Dec 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

David Coulthard hails ‘perfect’ Charles Leclerc after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix opening lap. Leclerc was forced to start the final race of the season from the back row of the grid after a mistake in qualifying and a 10-place grid penalty for installing a new energy store.

David Coulthard was commentating on the race for Channel 4 and witnessed one of the Monegasque driver’s greatest moment on his first tour of the Yas Marina Circuit. Watching Leclerc’s start to the race, he went around the outside of turn 6, overtaking four cars and avoiding Sergio Perez’s collision with Valtteri Bottas in the process.

Looking at a replay, co-commentator James Hinchcliffe said: “Four positions just on the run down to turn 6! Absolutely carving his way through the field, position after position. Eventually ran out of tyres and had to do the undercut on George Russell, but an unbelievable first stint from the Ferrari man.”

‘Opening lap’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/david-coulthard-pinpoints-perfect-charles-leclerc-moment-this-season-that-he-absolutely-loved/


Formula 1: Charles Leclerc Tops Abu Dhabi Post-Season, Carlos Sainz Impresses On Williams Debut
Charles Leclerc ended the 2024 F1 season on a high note, leading the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit for Ferrari. Leclerc set the fastest lap, edging out former teammate Carlos Sainz.
• Dec 10, 2024
• Indo-Asian News Service
NDTV.com

Charles Leclerc ended the 2024 F1 season on a high note, leading the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit for Ferrari. Leclerc set the fastest lap, edging out former teammate Carlos Sainz, who impressed in his Williams debut, and Mercedes' George Russell, who claimed third. The nine-hour test featured both rookies and regular drivers, with teams experimenting with different setups and testing Pirelli's homologated 2025 tyres. While teams like Ferrari and Mercedes worked to refine their packages, the focus was also on significant driver transitions.

‘Charles Leclerc Tops Abu Dhabi Post-Season’;

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/formula-1-charles-leclerc-tops-abu-dhabi-post-season-carlos-sainz-impresses-on-williams-debut-7218395


Leclerc on Hamilton's arrival: 'Thinking more about years with Sainz now'
13 Dec 2024
Norberto Mujica
GPblog.com

After the ruckus originated at the beginning of the year with Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, with the last race of the season now behind us, Charles Leclerc looks back on the missed opportunities of 2024 and at the upcoming season, when he is due to partner the British champion, with extra motivation.

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Leclerc spoke to media present at the paddock, including GPBlog, about the move and his thoughts on it: "Of course, Lewis has achieved so much in the sport and that will be a great motivation."

The driver of the #16 car, however, was still to busy savoring the final moments of his now previous teammate, Carlos Sainz, after their four year tenure racing for the Italian team together: "But right now I'm thinking more about the past year and the years I spent with Carlos. We've had a great relationship. We pushed each other. I really hoped we could end these four years together with a constructors' title. We both gave everything. It wasn't enough. So now the disappointment is obviously here."

‘Charles Leclerc looks back on the missed opportunities’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/318787/charles-leclerc-on-lewis-hamilton-s-arrival-and-carlos-sainz-s-departure.html


Charles Leclerc questions ‘wrong headlines’ over Carlos Sainz Ferrari relationship
17 Dec 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Charles Leclerc has questioned “wrong headlines” that took his comments over his relationship with former Ferrari Formula 1 team-mate Carlos Sainz “out of context.”

I’ve seen some wrong headlines in the past few days,” Leclerc told select media including Motorsport Week. “My words have been put a little bit out of context. Especially in the fact that I won’t miss Carlos.”

“I was just saying that because he’s 20 meters away in the paddock. Honestly, I’ve had an incredible relationship with Carlos. Really, in terms of person, he’s such a good person. We’ve always had a really, really good relationship.”

‘Wrong headlines’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/17/charles-leclerc-questions-wrong-headlines-over-carlos-sainz-ferrari-relationship/


Is Hamilton and Leclerc Ferrari's greatest F1 driver line-up?
Ferrari will enter the 2025 F1 season with a star-studded line-up - but is it the best driver pairing in the team's history?
13 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Next year will mark Charles Leclerc's seventh season as a Ferrari driver and he is arguably set to face his biggest test. The Monégasque will be joined at the Italian squad by seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton who opted to depart Mercedes after 12 historic seasons.

Hamilton joins as the most successful driver in F1 history as he looks to aid Ferrari's push to return to title-winning ways. With eight race wins and 43 podiums, Leclerc is also looking to take the next step and challenge for the F1 title.

‘Ferrari's greatest F1 driver line-up?’;

https://racingnews365.com/is-hamilton-and-leclerc-ferraris-greatest-f1-driver-line-up

[Fortitude]

Sergio Perez reveals Red Bull F1 2025 fate.
Sergio Perez has confirmed he has departed Red Bull Racing after four years with the Milton Keynes squad.
19 Dec 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

The Mexican took to social media to confirm that he would depart the team he joined in 2021 and won five times for. “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing Team,” he said.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.”

“A big thank you to every person in the Team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes, I wish you all the best for the future.”

‘Sergio Perez has confirmed he has departed Red Bull Racing’;

https://speedcafe.com/sergio-perez-reveals-red-bull-f1-2025-fate/


Sergio Perez confirms Red Bull exit but no replacement named
Sergio Perez confirms his departure from Red Bull following the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season.
18 Dec 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Sergio Perez has announced he is leaving Red Bull ahead of the 2025 F1 season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons.

"From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary Team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ championship. His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit.”

"While Checo will not race for the Team next season, he will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”

‘Sergio Perez confirms his departure’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061647/1/sergio-perez-confirms-red-bull-exit-ahead-f1-2025


OFFICIAL: Sergio Perez and Red Bull part ways after poor 2024 F1 season
Perez’s dismal run of form in 2024 was the final nail in the coffin at Christian Horner’s racing team
18 Dec 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Sergio Perez and Red Bull part ways after a difficult 2024 Formula 1 season that saw the 34-year-old finish 285 points behind Max Verstappen, who will be partnered by New Zealand’s Liam Lawson moving forwards.

Perez finished with just 152 points on the board and was without a top three finish since the Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race all the way back in May, with his best result in the following 18 rounds being sixth at Zandvoort for the Dutch GP.

Despite pointing to difficulties with the car’s balance and consistency, his form was part of why Red Bull relinquished their grip on the constructors’ championship and ultimately finished third behind McLaren and Ferrari.

‘Part ways’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/sergio-perez-part-ways-red-bull-poor-f1-2024-season/


Perez announces departure from Red Bull F1 team
The Mexican driver and his squad have agreed to part ways with immediate effect
Dec 18, 2024
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Sergio Perez has announced his exit from the Red Bull Formula 1 team after four seasons with the squad.

As widely expected, the Mexican will vacate the seat alongside world champion Max Verstappen after a tough 2024 campaign in which he struggled for performance and dropped to eighth in the drivers' championship.

While there had been consideration of Perez retaining ties to Red Bull through some form of ambassadorial role, it is understood that this was eventually ruled out.

‘Agreed to part ways’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sergio-perez-red-bull-exit-2024/10683045/


Perez speaks out after Red Bull F1 exit
Sergio Perez's exit from the Red Bull F1 team has formally been confirmed following a disappointing past season.
18 Dec 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Perez issues social media statement: Perez also took to social media to deliver his own message. It read: “Four years ago an opportunity came along that would change my life. In a moment of confusion and frustration came an opportunity that would transform my career.”

“Hand in hand with my first victory, I joined Red Bull. I arrived with all the illusion of returning the team to the top and make my flag fly on the podium. It wasn’t easy but with hard work and determination, the results came. We were champions. Mexico sang with our first podium at home. And of course, we conquered Monaco. We built history with our own hands.”

“Today it’s time to thank Red Bull and move on. I am grateful and honoured to have been part of their history. On a personal note, it’s time to slow down for the first time in my life. But only for a few corners until we know what our next journey is. To all of you who have been with me, I thank you always. And no matter how hard your dreams may seem, always dare to believe. The best is always yet to come. We will meet again.”

“Hand in hand with my first victory, I joined Red Bull”;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-speaks-out-after-red-bull-f1-exit

[Fortitude]

Official! Liam Lawson Signed By Red Bull For 2025!
Liam Lawson, Visa Cash App RB super sub or RB for short, has been confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
19 Dec 2024
World In Sport

After two seasons as RB’s reserve driver, the New Zealand driver has been given a full-time race seat—but not at RB but at Red Bull Racing. “To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver is a lifelong dream for me, this is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old”

Having competed in 11 Grand Prix and only announced as Max Verstappen’s team-mate within 24 hours after Red Bull confirmed Sergio Perez’s exit, this announcement creates a mixture of shock and curiosity amongst the Formula 1 paddock but also the Formula 1 community. Upon the arrival of their 22-year-old driver, Red Bull’s CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner expresses his optimism about his new driver:

“Liam’s performances throughout his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top.”

‘Official!’;

https://worldinsport.com/official-liam-lawson-signed-by-red-bull-for-2025/?nowprocket=1


Why Yuki Tsunoda will be furious when he discovers the timing of Red Bull’s Liam Lawson decision
19 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Yuki Tsunoda has officially lost out in the battle to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull. RB teammate Liam Lawson was confirmed as the team’s newest signing on Thursday morning. It’s a brutal blow for Tsunoda, even if it was widely expected. It once again confirms that the Red Bull hierarchy have little faith in him.

Tsunoda thought he had one final chance to impress Red Bull when they handed him a test outing in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. Remarkably, given his long-term involvement in the programme, it was his first-ever test in their machinery. It appeared to be a successful day. Red Bull tried to keep Tsunoda’s fans calm by denying him a low-fuel, flat-out run, but he logged a mammoth 127 laps. What’s more, Tsunoda impressed engineers with ‘excellent’ feedback on the car’s handling. But, according to F1TV’s Lawrence Barretto, none of this mattered.

Speaking on a live stream on the sport’s official channel, Barretto revealed that Red Bull had opted for Lawson even before Tsunoda had turned a wheel. Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the team’s shareholders held a summit the day after the final race at Yas Marina. “From what I understand, they decided the day after Abu Dhabi – so before Yuki had even done the test on the Tuesday – they had decided that he was the one,” Barretto said of Lawson. “Once they’d done that, there was no going back.”

‘Yuki Tsunoda will be furious’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-yuki-tsunoda-will-be-furious-when-he-discovers-the-timing-of-red-bulls-liam-lawson-decision/


No promotion for Tsunoda: This is how the Japanese reacted to the news
19 Dec 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

Yuki Tsunoda has said for months that he is ready for the move to Red Bull Racing. But at the end of the day, the Japanese remains at Racing Bulls, while his more inexperienced teammate, Liam Lawson, makes the move to Red Bull Racing and becomes Max Verstappen's new teammate, much to Tsunoda's disappointment.

Once that decision was made, Marko personally briefed the Japanese driver. This was not done face-to-face, Marko told F1-Insider. "He is currently in Japan and I spoke to him on the phone. He took the news relatively calmly. I told him to keep pushing at the Racing Bulls and then we'll see. He responded positively."

‘No promotion for Tsunoda’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319845/tsunoda-reacts-to-news-of-missed-promotion-to-red-bull.html


'The wrong decision': Ted Kravitz can’t understand why Red Bull signed Liam Lawson over two-podium F1 driver
19 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Ted Kravitz says Red Bull should have re-signed Alex Albon over Liam Lawson. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast before the news was announced, Ted Kravitz argued that Red Bull had made the ‘wrong decision’. Many have argued that Horner should have re-signed Carlos Sainz, who was available following Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move. Sainz says Red Bull did him a ‘favour’ by overlooking him. But Kravitz believes another former driver was the answer – Alex Albon.

“For me, it’s the wrong decision,” Kravitz said. “I think Alex Albon, actually, strange as this might sound [was the right choice]. I don’t think it would have taken much of a lever to get Alex Albon out of Williams. Williams could have run Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz – perfect. Alex Albon would at least have been a known measure against Max Verstappen. Albon’s so much older and wiser and knows how to handle Max and the whole situation. I don’t know why they haven’t done that.”

‘Should have re-signed Alex Albon’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ted-kravitz-cant-understand-why-red-bull-signed-liam-lawson-over-two-podium-f1-driver/


Was Perez fired by Red Bull Racing? Here's what Perez sr. thinks!
19 Dec 2024
Norberto Mujica
GPblog.com

Sergio Perez's Red Bull Racing stint has come to an end. As of next season Liam Lawson is set to partner Max Verstappen in the Austrian racing outfit. The Mexican driver's father, Antonio Perez Garibay, has reacted to his son's departure from Red Bull - and F1 - for the first time.

The best of 'Checo' Perez is yet to come? "If you ask me what has been the most difficult race for Checo Perez, it was not this last one that he went through or today's, it was at the age of twelve when he was kicked out of the Karting here in Mexico, then he was kicked out of McLaren, then he was kicked out of Racing Point, now he is kicked out of Red Bull, the best of Checo Perez is yet to come," Pérez's controversial father told Grupo Fórmula.

Essential goals not achieved, but he won Monaco. "I think Checo gave everything, he gave everything, two things that he lacked to achieve all his goals that he had were to win the Mexican Grand Prix and to be world champion. There are many drivers in Formula One, you know that they have been world champions and have never won the Monaco Grand Prix. Checo achieved that triumph, a wonderful triumph for Mexico," he concluded.

‘Perez sr.’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319780/antonio-perez-persists-and-responds-to-sergio-perez-dismissal.html

[Fortitude]

F1’s class of 2025 is complete: Here's the grid.
This marked the culmination of a whirlwind driver market, one that saw established names depart and a fresh wave of talent emerge.
20/12/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

The 2025 season promises a thrilling mix of experience and youthful exuberance, with a remarkable six rookies set to line up on the starting grid in Melbourne next March.

This influx of fresh blood includes absolute beginners Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, and Gabriel Bortoleto, alongside Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, and Jack Doohan, who have tasted F1 competition but are yet to complete a full season.

Their arrival signifies a changing of the guard, as Grand Prix winners Perez, Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas, as well as well as Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu depart the grid. The driver market was ignited in February by Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell announcement of his move to Ferrari, ending his storied partnership with Mercedes.

‘Dramatic reshuffling of the grid.’;

https://f1i.com/news/528122-formula-1s-class-of-2025-is-now-complete.html


Oscar Piastri named the F1 driver “with the most to prove” in F1 2025
"I really expected him to step up this year and I am a little surprised he didn’t. I really felt that this year he would be better than Lando"
20 Dec 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya has labelled Oscar Piastri as the driver “with the most to prove” in 2025. Speaking to LuckyBlock, Montoya admitted he expected more from Piastri in 2024.

“Oscar Piastri is the driver with the most to prove next season,” Montoya said. “I really expected him to step up this year and I am a little surprised he didn’t. I really felt that this year he would be better than Lando [Norris]. But Lando took a massive step forward and Oscar didn’t.”

Piastri will have his eyes firmly on winning the title in 2025. However, he’s recognised his need to up his game in qualifying. He said at the end of the year: “I think this season, I feel like I’ve made some good steps forward. “There’s still room to go. I think, you know, the biggest one has been leaving a few too many positions on the table in qualifying.”

“Really expected him to step up this year”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061677/1/oscar-piastri-named-f1-driver-most-prove-f1-2025


Former F1 driver predicts first-time champion for 2025 title success
The 2025 F1 title fight could be a hotly contested affair - but one name has been picked out of the list of contenders by this former driver.
20 Dec 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has backed Lando Norris to win the F1 championship next season. “Lando Norris,” Herbert told plejmo.com when discussing his pick for the 2025 champion. “All he has got to do is use his elbows a little bit more and he will be the complete driver.”

“Oscar maybe won’t help his teammate. Lando has learned his lessons and heard all the chatter that has been going on. Lando at the moment has that ultimate speed which Oscar might not have shown consistently this year. Lando has a massive chance next year.”

"Next year is McLaren's best chance to have a world champion. 2026 is all too up in the air with the new developments,” Herbert said. “There is no reason though why McLaren can’t keep their momentum going. They have a very good infrastructure, one of the best in F1, and a great mix of people throughout the team, not least to cope with the changes coming in 2026.”

‘Use his elbows a little bit more’;

https://racingnews365.com/former-f1-driver-predicts-first-time-champion-for-2025-title-success


Bottas returns to Mercedes as F1 reserve driver for 2025 season
19 December 2024
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MailOnline

"I´m happy to finally answer the question I´ve posed over the past month," the 35-year-old Finn said. "Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what´s next and I couldn´t be more pleased. Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I´ve still got so much more to contribute to F1."

"Returning home to the Mercedes family”;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14211111/Bottas-returns-Mercedes-F1-reserve-driver-2025-season.html


Ferrari reveal launch date for "all-new" 2025 F1 car that will be "99 per cent new"
19 Dec 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has revealed during the Scuderia's usual pre-Christmas media day that the new car will be "99 per cent" new.

“Sometimes you don't feel that you are taking risks and you realise a bit later that was very risky. The car will be a completely new one. I think we have something less than 1% of the common parts that we will carry over. It's a different project, but it's true for everybody," concluded the Frenchman.

The team has now revealed that it will unveil the new car on 19th February, a day after Formula One's inaugural launch event that will take place at London’s 02 Arena. Ferrari's decision to show off their new car a day after F1's launch event means that they will only unveil the 2025 livery on last year's car, while the new one will be revealed only at Maranello.

‘That was very risky’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/26108

[Fortitude]

Liam Lawson reveals what he told his dad in an emotional phone call after signing for Red Bull.
“I’m going to be testing in Silverstone now.’ Just to see his reaction, he was like, What are you saying? And so I said, I got the seat, basically.”
19 Dec 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

The Kiwi revealed how he broke the news to his dad over the phone, which became an emotional call for both of them. He told the Red Bull YouTube channel: “So I FaceTimed him, and I said to him, ‘Oh, dad, I’m just looking at planning my January calendar at the moment. So we’re going to head back to Europe around mid-January towards the end of January.”

“Normally, we have a test with VCARB in Imola, and that was the same last year, and that was planned this year as well. I said to him, ‘I’m actually not going to be testing in Imola right now. I’m going to be testing in Silverstone now.’ Just to see his reaction, he was like, What are you saying?”

“And so I said, I got the seat, basically. It was real funny because he sat on it for probably two minutes, and I could see he just couldn’t really believe it. It is the same for me. And then probably a delay of two minutes, he started reacting and got emotional about it.”

“Sat on it for probably two minutes”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/liam-lawson-reveals-what-he-told-his-dad-after-signing-for-red-bull-in-an-emotional-phone-call/


How Liam Lawson found out he was in: 'Welcome to Red Bull Racing'
20 Dec 2024
Barry Guy
Radio New Zealand

Lawson said while he was well aware of the speculation, his seat was only confirmed by Red Bull boss Christian Horner over the past few days following a meeting with the team.

"I knew a change was on the cards. Christian was kind enough to send me a text, just a heads up that the meeting was good and then he called me with the classic one-liner.... welcome to Red Bull Racing."

The first person he then called was his father. "He was very emotional and I've never really seen him like that which is quite cool. He's been a big part of the mentality I've had growing up and coming into racing, he let me believe as a kid that I could do anything if I believed in it enough and I worked hard enough for it."

'Welcome to Red Bull Racing';

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/537211/how-liam-lawson-found-out-he-was-in-welcome-to-red-bull-racing


New Sergio Perez role confirmed with F1 2025 run plan in place
21 Dec 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Horner has confirmed that Perez will remain involved with the team in F1 2025 by participating in a number of show runs – public demonstrations of old F1 cars, often taking place on the streets of major cities – next year. Asked if Perez has effectively been sacked by Red Bull, Horner told talkSPORT: “No, it’s a little different to that.

“Sergio has been with us for four years and, for the first three years, he played a huge role in the team and certainly that first Drivers’ World Championship. “You’ve only got to think back to Abu Dhabi ’21, the role that he played for the team on that day; Constructors’ Champions in 2022/23; he was second in the Drivers’ Championship last year.”

“He’s just had a really tough year this year and we sat down last week – we’d obviously been talking about it a little bit beforehand – and decided that it was right for both of us, just to step back, for him to step out of the car, take a bit of time with his family, work out what he wants to do. He’s still going to be involved with the team. He will be doing a couple of show runs with us during next year.”

‘F1 2025 run plan in place’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-red-bull-new-role-christian-horner-f1-2025-schedule


'Quite crazy': Liam Lawson admits he was in awe of one Sergio Perez performance that put him ‘on the map’ in F1
20 Dec 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

Perez joined the Formula 1 grid with Sauber in 2011 and had a very good feel for the Pirelli tyres, which were new for that season. The rubber was very fragile, but the Mexican made the tyres last longer than some others. This skill served him well in Malaysia in 2012, when he finished second behind Alonso.

Lawson explained he remembers watching this race and feels Perez’s superb drive made people watch out for him in the future. He told Sky Sports F1: “It goes back to when I was a kid, and I remember watching a race that I think really was one of his big putting on the map was in Malaysia in the Sauber, and he was fighting with Fernando Alonso.

“I remember that race as a kid watching that. To be competing against these guys now anyways, to put things into perspective, it’s quite crazy. I have a huge amount of respect for what he’s done in the sport and what he’s done for this team.”

‘In awe of one Sergio Perez performance’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/liam-lawson-admits-he-was-in-awe-of-one-sergio-perez-performance-that-put-him-on-the-map-in-f1/


Former VCARB boss stresses: 'Lawson shouldn't compete with Verstappen'
20 Dec 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

Liam Lawson has been given some advice by former Toro Rosso and Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost. Tost, who spent 18 years in the team principal role at Red Bull's sister team, believes that Lawson needs to find his feet at Red Bull: "The only thing I can recommend about Liam is that he should do his own thing and never try to measure up to Max Verstappen. Max is one of the all-time greats, comparable to Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. His peak is far from being reached, and his potential is endless," he explained.

According to Tost, Verstappen continues to grow tremendously, as he did last season with elite levels of consistency despite his mid-season winning drought. Now, he has the self-confidence of a four-time champion. "If you start looking at his lap times, it will go wrong. That's why Liam has to think only of himself and work with Max to try to make the car better. Anything else would be fatal to him and doomed to failure," Tost says.

‘Some advice’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319927/advice-franz-tost-to-liam-lawson-to-not-focus-on-max-verstappen-at-red-bull.html


Liam Lawson has realised Max Verstappen’s ex-teammate was spot on about ‘hard to drive’ Red Bull car
20 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Liam Lawson agrees with Alex Albon on ‘Call of Duty’ Red Bull car. Lawson surprised the hosts of the Pitstop podcast when he admitted that the Red Bull was ‘hard to drive’. He’s able to compare it directly to the slower, but perhaps tamer, VCARB 01.

Former Red Bull man Alex Albon likened the handling to playing ‘Call of Duty’ on a video game controller because it’s ‘so sensitive’. Verstappen admits his driving style may be unfavourable to teammates, but the team have committed to building their car around the four-time world champion.

Lawson says the ‘aggressive’ front end demands confidence as well as accuracy from the cockpit. He can understand how his predecessors lost their way. “It’s very different,” he said. “It’s quick but it’s hard to drive. It’s what I would call ‘fronty’. It’s very aggressive. It’s a car that takes confidence. It’s got a lot of front grip, and if you don’t quite get it right, you lose the rear. And if you lose the rear in a Formula 1 car, you just lose all your confidence.”

‘Hard to drive’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/liam-lawson-has-realised-max-verstappens-ex-teammate-was-spot-on-about-hard-to-drive-red-bull-car/

[Fortitude]

Wolff overjoyed with Bottas' "incredibly important" return to Mercedes.
In his first comments after the announcement of the comeback, Wolff directly addresses Bottas: "Welcome home, Valtteri! It's great to have you back."
19 Dec 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

Mercedes' most experienced driver next season will be Valtteri Bottas, but in principle, the Finn will not be in action. Toto Wolff, Mercedes' CEO and team boss, expects Bottas to be of great value to the racing stable. "His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple Grands Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories"

"His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward. Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth," Wolff continued.

‘"Incredibly important" return to Mercedes’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319737/toto-wolff-reacts-to-valtteri-bottas-return-to-mercedes.html


Toto Wolff has already delivered ‘inexcusable’ message Kimi Antonelli must heed ahead of his 2025 F1 debut
17 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 debut – the sort of which hasn’t been witnessed since Max Verstappen burst onto the scene nearly nine years ago. The Silver Arrows are taking a gamble in placing the 18-year-old straight into a seat, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Antonelli won’t and cannot be expected to explode onto the scene.

Netflix’s Drive to Survive team will probably be covering their efforts closely as Antonelli embarks on his first full-time venture. Wolff spoke to them a few years ago during the 2021 season and mentioned what sort of attitude he will not tolerate from a young driver racing for Mercedes like Antonelli will be next year.

“With a young driver, you need to expect mistakes,” he said. “But things that would be inexcusable are arrogance, a sense of entitlement, and an approach of ‘it wasn’t my fault, it was always someone else’s mistake.'” Did Kimi Antonelli deserve the Mercedes Formula 1 seat for 2025? One key example which suggests that it may have been unfair to promote the young Italian so soon lies within his new teammate. George Russell was forced to spend three seasons at Williams developing as a driver at the back of the field before he got an opportunity with the German manufacturer.

‘There’s a lot of hype’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/kimi-antonelli-must-heed-toto-wolff-warning-about-inexcusable-attitude-in-first-mercedes-season/


Toto Wolff expected to go back on his promise to Lewis Hamilton now Ferrari move completed
Toto Wolff made a promise to Lewis Hamilton after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Dec 15, 2024
Sam Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Toto Wolff has been accused of talking “b******* for the cameras” with a promise he made to Lewis Hamilton after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Mercedes chief claimed that he will cheer if the seven-time world champion wins races with Ferrari.

However, former Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes his former counterpart was talking “b*******” and will not be cheering if Hamilton earns victories while Mercedes struggle. “He doesn’t wish him that,” the 59-year-old told the Red Flags Podcast. “That was b******* for the camera, this was for the camera.”

Asked if he thought Wolff would be happy if Hamilton wins his eighth world title with Ferrari, Steiner added: “No, because he didn’t win it. There can be only one winner. Why should he be happy? He said, if it is not us, it should be you, yeah, for sure. But if he doesn’t win it, he doesn’t really care who wins it, in my opinion.”

“That was b******* for the camera”;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1989085/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-ferrari


'When the driving ends': Toto Wolff shares whether Lewis Hamilton could ‘one day’ return to Mercedes after Ferrari move
11 Dec 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton said goodbye to his Mercedes team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend. While his final years at Brackley fell short of both sides’ expectations, they will forever have a unique bond. Together, they broke all of the most significant records for a driver/team combination. Hamilton leaves with the most appearances, wins and championships for a single outfit.

Toto Wolff open to having Lewis Hamilton back at Mercedes when he leaves Ferrari. It’s unclear whether Hamilton will still be involved in F1 when he retires. He hasn’t expressed any notable interest in running a team or becoming a pundit, but few of the drivers have. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Toto Wolff said Hamilton could still be part of Mercedes’ future. He implicitly closed the door on a driving return after promoting 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli as George Russell’s teammate.

“There is no such thing in an end to the relationship Mercedes has with Lewis, neither what we as a team have, nor I and Susie personally,” Wolff said. “I think Lewis has decided to do something else for the last part of his career, which I understand, but he’s always going to be part of that family, and always welcome in the family.”

'When the driving ends';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/toto-wolff-shares-whether-lewis-hamilton-could-one-day-return-to-mercedes-after-ferrari-move/


Marko and Wolff reveal trigger of closer relationship
Despite being their teams being rivals, Toto Wolff and Helmut Marko have a close relationship.
17 Dec 2024
Jan van der Burgt & Nick Golding
RacingNews365

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff have revealed that their relationship has gotten closer since the tragic passing of Dietrich Mateschitz. "Look at the year 2021," Marko said in an interview alongside Wolff with ORF. "That was the toughest season ever, both athletically and mentally and everything bordering on that.”

"The outcome satisfied us very much, but Mercedes of course in no way. And that brings emotions. We are full of passion for this sport and that brings a lot, but we are also mature enough to have learned how to deal with loss and how to learn to live with it. That fact actually brings us closer together as people."

Despite Red Bull and Mercedes being fierce rivals, Wolff has huge amounts of respect for Marko and what he has achieved. "At the end of the day, we're both like, 'we're a small group of Austrians with great mutual respect.' But when you're rivals and trying to win with all available weapons, it's hard to grow closer together," said Wolff.

‘Trigger of closer relationship’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-and-wolff-reveal-trigger-of-closer-relationship


'He's got enough': Toto Wolff initially rejected Lewis Hamilton’s ‘support’ proposal after Angela Cullen split
11 Dec 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Toto Wolff rejected Lewis Hamilton’s Stephen Lord proposal after Angela Cullen split. Hamilton is still a genius, and that was proven by recent drives at both the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

But after a shock split from long-time aide and trainer Angela Cullen, he was left searching for some more help in early 2023. He requested the services of Mercedes coordinator Stephen Lord, to which Toto Wolff initially refused, as Lord admitted to F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast.

“Initially, Toto said no, he said Stevo’s got a job, he’s got enough on his plate. By all accounts, Lewis persisted and in the end, Ron Meadows, the sporting director and Toto said ‘Well, look. Stevo will do it if he agrees to do it for two or three races until you find a suitable replacement for Angela.’ I started that side role in Saudi last year and here we are still, which I kind of suspected might happen.”

'He's got enough';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/toto-wolff-initially-rejected-lewis-hamiltons-support-proposal-after-angela-cullen-split/


Toto Wolff swerves question about signing Max Verstappen after row
Toto Wolff asked by Crash.net if he has been put off signing Max Verstappen after George Russell row.
9 Dec 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Wolff unusually appeared at Russell’s side for his news conference on Thursday in a clear show of support for his driver. The off-track drama raised question over whether Mercedes would still want to sign Verstappen in the future after publicly courting him earlier this season.

Wolff somewhat dodged providing a direct response when asked by Crash.net if he had been put off signing Verstappen over his conduct. “George put the line in the sand,” Wolff said.

“There is a relationship between two drivers that needs to stay between the two of them and for them to manage. As a team principle I don’t think I should get involved.”

‘Toto Wolff swerves question’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061457/1/toto-wolff-swerves-question-about-signing-max-verstappen-after-row

[Fortitude]

Timeline identified for Adrian Newey to lead Aston Martin into F1 title fight.
Newey will officially join Aston Martin in March. It means he will have time to influence their 2026 car, the first in the new set of regulations.
21 Dec 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Craig Slater noted that Newey joins an already impressive line-up at Aston Martin. “Nuclear fusion. You have got Andy Cowell here, and Newey. The engine guy and the car guy,” he said.

“They are the two most significant engineers in F1 - in Newey’s case, of the last 30 years. Cowell is the only engineer to supplant him in Mercedes’ period of dominance.” Newey will work with Fernando Alonso - achieving a personal goal - in 2025, and his teammate Lance Stroll.

‘Timeline identified’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1057768/1/timeline-identified-adrian-newey-lead-aston-martin-f1-title-fight


Coulthard makes ‘uncomfortable’ Adrian Newey Red Bull to Aston Martin admission
22 Dec 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

“I do a lot of talking. I’m Irish. Irish people do a lot of talking,” Jordan replied. “But when there’s money involved and you need to keep your trap shut, you do. Invariably.” Jordan went on to do some handing out of praise of his own, aimed at Red Bull.

“In my lifetime, I’ve done some really, really scary deals, deals that have come off, some that haven’t. But I really believe the negotiations I had with Red Bull were the finest and the best caliber. They were incredibly decent and proper people to deal with. They understood exactly the situation, why I was talking to them, and the position of Adrian, having been there 18 years, he was a huge servant to them.”

“He’s won dozens and dozens and dozens of World Championships there, but it was probably one of the greatest deals I’ve ever done in my life, not financially, but mentally. I felt so great about how that’s structured.”

‘When there’s money involved and you need to keep your trap shut’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/david-coulthard-uncomfortable-adrian-newey-red-bull-to-aston-martin-switch


END OF YEAR REPORT: Aston Martin – A season below expectations but with key high-profile arrivals
20 Dec 2024
Alasdair Hooper
Formula One - Official Site

By Aston Martin’s own admissions, 2024 fell significantly short of their expectations. While the season before had brought podium-scoring exploits, this year the on-track performances failed to sparkle on a regular basis. In the end that would result in a relative no man’s land of P5 in the constructors’ – 374 points behind fourth-placed Mercedes. That said, the continued work behind the scenes and key personnel additions – including one particularly high-profile individual – means this is still one of the teams to watch in the months and years to come. Here is their end of year report…

Best finish: Fernando Alonso – 5th in Saudi Arabia
It’s hard to fathom that Aston Martin’s best finish came in the second race of the year – but that’s an indication as to how their season petered out. While Fernando Alonso crossed the line behind the likes of Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri that day in Jeddah it represented one of just a few ultra-competitive events for the Silverstone squad.

To put their campaign into perspective, Aston had scored 73 points by the time we got to the 2024 summer break. After that they only racked up 21 more points, all scored by Alonso. That’s a long, long way from last year’s tally of 280, and shows why Alonso in particular was wishing very openly to see the back of 2024.

‘Significantly short of their expectations’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/end-of-year-report-aston-martin-a-season-below-expectations-but-with-key.DQO6GIyzwVvddsdHpzko7


Alonso finds silver lining in Aston Martin gloom
A difficult season was endured by Aston Martin in 2024 - but there is lots to look forward to, according to Fernando Alonso.
19 Dec 2024
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365

Alonso denied it set its goals too high after its strong uptick in performance from the previous campaign. “No, I don’t think that the expectations were too high,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365. “We did a very strong campaign in 2023, and people were expecting us to fight for bigger things, or at least to be at the level that we were at the beginning of this year. And this is normal.”

“This is Formula 1, and we want to be there as well. You know, we didn’t succeed, you know, the second part of the year. We are aware of that. But we are not ashamed of that.” Alonso moved to point out the positives from its campaign as it continue to upgrade its new factory at Silverstone.

“We are working towards fighting for the championship in the future and the second part of the year we didn’t maybe bring to the circuit what we thought that it was in the pipeline,” Alonso said. “But at the same time, we have finished some of the facilities in Silverstone, with building two and three of the factory, the wind tunnel will be soon operating. And we have Adrian Newey on board, so it was not a bad, 2024.”

‘Silver lining’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-finds-silver-lining-in-aston-martin-gloom


Montoya hints at surprising move Verstappen: 'They'd be pretty happy'
18 Dec 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Juan Pablo would not be surprised to see Max Verstappen end up driving for Aston Martin future, provided that the British team's investments go according to what they planned and they will have a fast car in the competition.

The former F1 driver continued: "If everything lines up well, Aston could be winning in ‘27 or ‘28, not before that. But by 2028, Fernando's going to be 47/48. So, who's going to be there? And by then, does Lance still want to race?" Montoya explains why Verstappen could be welcomed if Lawrence Stroll manages to build up a team capable of fighting for titles.

For the now four-time world champion Verstappen, the most important thing is to have a quick car. However, he has also done that for years together with Adrian Newey and Honda at Red Bull Racing. "It wouldn't be the most surprising thing in the world if Max Verstappen joined Aston Martin, would it? Honda and Newey; they’d be pretty happy to have Max driving the car," the former Williams and McLaren driver concluded.

‘Not be surprised to see Max Verstappen end up driving for Aston Martin’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/319504/max-verstappen-linked-to-surprise-f1-move-by-montoya.html


Formula 1: The next 'understudy' of Fernando Alonso is not who you think
Fernando Alonso’s driver management company, A14, has been getting more attention recently, as Gabriel Bortoleto is set to be their first driver in Formula 1. Who's next?
Dec 24, 2024
Siddharth Bharani-Dharan

When Gabriel Bortoleto won the Formula 2 championship at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi just weeks ago, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso was eagerly waiting to congratulate one of his drivers.

The Brazilian driver headlines the small group of drivers managed by Alonso’s company, A14.

‘The next 'understudy' of Fernando Alonso’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/formula-1-meet-next-understudy-fernando-alonso-01jf6m65djh3

[Fortitude]

Hamilton’s Ferrari bombshell, Newey’s Red Bull exit and more – The key moments of an unforgettable 2024 F1 season.
How do you sum up a season as action-packed and eventful as 2024?
24 Dec 2024
Alasdair Hooper
Formula One - Official Site

January and February are the months where you’re sat wondering what on earth you’re going to write about. This time around there was no such problem. Following on from the huge news that Guenther Steiner had left Haas the month before (which would have been a key moment, but I have to set a limit somewhere) came the absolutely gargantuan announcement that – yes – Lewis Hamilton was moving to Ferrari for 2025.

It’s hard to describe how seismic this was and still is. Not only did it blow the driver market wide open – thanks to the knock-on impact of a vacancy at Mercedes and the fact Carlos Sainz was out of a seat now – but it would bring to an end the most successful driver/team partnership in F1 history. Before 2024 had even got going, the excitement for 2025 was already building.

Adrian Newey leaves Red Bull. After almost 20 years with Red Bull, and numerous more championships added to the design guru’s list of accolades in F1, a bombshell announcement dropped on May 1 – Adrian Newey was leaving the team.

‘Key moments’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/key-moments-2024-f1-season-hamilton-ferrari-newey-red-bull.1cbVhYvgz6GyTmq8RbTfkr


Funniest moment, best radio message and more – F1's 2024 alternative awards
29 Dec 2024
Alasdair Hooper
Formula One - Official Site

Most improved driver – Oscar Piastri. We start with a semi-serious – and subjective – ‘award’ with Oscar Piastri taking the imaginary crown this year. Not only did the McLaren man secure his maiden Grand Prix victories in his second full season, his consistency also helped the team win their first constructors’ championship in 26 years. While an honorable mention could go to Yuki Tsunoda for his best-ever F1 campaign, the fact Piastri moved up three positions in the drivers’ top 10 drivers vote for 2024 gives this added validity.

Unluckiest driver – Alex Albon. Five retirements and one DNS in Brazil – oof. Williams’ Alex Albon comfortably takes this category with his Lap 1 crash in Mexico, from a P9 starting slot, and his DNS in Brazil – having secured P7 in qualifying no less – possibly enough to secure the unluckiest title on their own. What’s more, if we were to have an ‘unluckiest team’ award then look no further than those Williams mechanics…

Funniest moment – Yuki Tsunoda’s ‘brown flag’
Best radio message – ‘You can win this George!’
Best special livery – McLaren’s Senna-inspired Monaco livery
Best special race suits – Ferrari’s blue in Miami

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/funniest-moment-best-radio-message-and-more-f1s-2024-alternative-awards.7zKTpkS7mYJfV02S2h3ZPK


Vasseur says flexi-wing saga impacted 2024 F1 title race
06/01/2025
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has pointed to the controversial use of flexi-wings by rival teams as a decisive factor in the tightly contested 2024 Formula 1 season. Vasseur then elaborated on the difficulties Ferrari faced in reacting to the situation, hampered by the cost cap regulations and the time taken for the FIA's assessment.

"I'm a bit frustrated with this, because it's clear performance, and we wait two months for the decision if it's legal or not," the Scuderia chief explained, quoted by Motorsport.com. "And with the cost cap, you have always to keep in mind the cost cap. It means that you have to be efficient with the budget. It means that if you start to do a development and at the end, it's a no-go, you burn €600,000.”

‘Flexi-wing saga’;

https://f1i.com/news/528769-vasseur-says-flexi-wing-saga-crucial-in-2024-f1-title-race.html


Why Red Bull felt they were ‘pegged back’ by Formula 1 over 2024 ‘grey areas’
6 Jan 2025
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer

Red Bull have a ‘feeling’ that F1 ‘grey areas’ cost them in 2024. Red Bull should have optimism for 2025 after winning 12.5% more races than any other constructor last season. Speaking on a 2025 Formula 1 preview podcast by The Race, Scott Mitchell-Malm mentioned...

“Red Bull is no longer going to have the target on its back that it had due to its early dominance in this ruleset,” he said. It’s definitely, definitely a feeling within that team that it became a very convenient development for Formula 1 if Red Bull could be pegged back some way and others could be given licences to make gains in the grey areas that Red Bull didn’t consider to be so grey.”

“You look back through the year when talking about McLaren. Jon mentioned the step they made in Miami there with their upgrade. Red Bull were convinced that the performance swing through the season could not be explained by normal development alone,” he continued. “The only thing you can infer from that is that Red Bull felt there was a desire or a willingness to be a little bit more lenient for the teams playing catch-up, and not lenient at all on the team that was out in front.”

‘Pegged back’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/why-red-bull-felt-they-were-pegged-back-by-formula-1-over-2024-grey-areas/


Andrea Stella highlights key role FIA played in McLaren F1 2024 title success
4 Jan 2025
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

In 2018, with the FIA moving to introduce regulations to clamp down on any possible disparities – supplied engines must be of identical specification to the manufacturer, and supplied with identical oils, fuels, and software.

“In itself, it’s not particularly satisfying because I think nowadays, thanks to the regulations, thanks to the good work that the FIA have done in terms of creating parity, as to the way the engine is used between customer and works teams,” Stella said in response to a question from PlanetF1.com about winning the Constructors’ crown as a customer team.

Andrea Stella praised the FIA for their work on ensuring parity when asked about the topic by PlanetF1.com. “In itself, it’s not particularly satisfying because I think nowadays, thanks to the regulations, thanks to the good work that the FIA have done in terms of creating parity, as to the way the engine is used between customer and works teams.”

‘Key role FIA played’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-andrea-stella-fia-engine-parity-role-f1-2024-championship-success


How McLaren avoided rivals’ development hurdles in F1 2024
2 Jan 2025
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Houldey detailed how McLaren adopted a studious approach to upgrades throughout 2024. “I can’t answer for any other team and I’m sure there are many different reasons why different teams have been taking parts off, putting parts back on again,” Houldey said.

“The Miami floor was relatively easy, actually. It had so much performance, it was going to be better in every part of the corner, and there was no concern. It may have caused a little bit more bouncing, it might not, but these were going to be small effects with total lap time.”

“The harder one for us was the late season package in Austin where actually the performance wasn’t as high, but we’d been so diligent in ensuring that in every trajectory, every part of the corner, it was still better, that we were still confident that it was going to go onto the car and offer us some lap time. And I think that’s in part because of the way that we have good toolsets, that the CFD and the wind tunnel all give very similar results.”

‘Studious approach’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/02/how-mclaren-avoided-rivals-development-hurdles-in-f1-2024/


Why Toto Wolff branded Mercedes the ‘dirty track champions’ in F1 2024
31 Dec 2024
Motorsport Week

There were countless occasions across 2024 where Mercedes started a race weekend looking in competitive shape as it was on the leading pace in opening practice. However, that nascent promise tended to dissipate once the track grip ramped up, prompting other sides to make a seismic step that Mercedes was unable to unlock.

“I think we are dirty track champions,” Wolff told media including Motorsport Week in Las Vegas, a race that the team would go on to win through George Russell. “FP1 is always great and then the moment the grip kicks in, we’ve seen that the performances deteriorate.”

‘Toto Wolff: “The more you drive, the more you fail, the more you learn. But the competition doesn’t sleep.” ’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/31/why-toto-wolff-branded-mercedes-the-dirty-track-champions-in-f1-2024/


The "self-fulfilling injury" in Williams's 2024 F1 crash-fest
Alex Albon has revealed that one of Williams’s time-saving but weight-adding measures in its 2024 F1 car build process actually meant it suffered more car damage during its early-year crashes
Dec 29, 2024
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com

Alex Albon says Williams suffered a “self-fulfilling injury” with the early season timesaving but weight-adding measures on its 2024 Formula 1 car, which led to additional crash damage.

But the added weight of metal parts meant more force going through a monocoque in a crash, such as when Williams was forced to sideline Logan Sargeant after Albon crashed in Australian Grand Prix practice, his chassis was too damaged to be used again and the team did not have a spare at the time.

‘Williams's 2024 F1 crash-fest’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-self-fulfilling-injury-in-williamss-2024-f1-crash-fest/10685184/

[Fortitude]

Top five most controversial moments from 2024 F1 season.
RacingNews365 has listed the top five most controversial moments from the year, listed in the order they happened!
31 Dec 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

The 2024 F1 season was filled with dramatic and controversial moments - but which instances take our pick?

Opening lap chaos in Monaco: The Monaco Grand Prix was a joyous race for Charles Leclerc as the Ferrari driver finally won on home soil. Long before he reached the chequered flag, however, a major crash on the opening lap of the race sent Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg out of the race.

Verstappen and Norris clash in Austria: It was the moment the drivers' title truly felt alive this year. After battling for several laps, Verstappen and Norris came to blows in the final laps of the Austrian Grand Prix.
McLaren team orders in Hungary: Oscar Piastri captured his first win in Hungary following a tense period on the McLaren pit wall. The Australian took the lead on the opening lap but later fell back behind his team-mate as McLaren opted to pit Norris earlier.

Sainz and Perez's late clash in Azerbaijan: Two laps from the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a highly engaging battle emerged towards the front of the field.
Verstappen’s aggression on Norris in USA and Mexico: As the F1 season reached its final rounds, Verstappen was looking to kill off any remaining hope for Norris in the title fight. In the USA and Mexico, he deployed aggressive tactics in wheel-to-wheel combat as he forced his rival wide on several occasions.

‘Controversial’;

https://racingnews365.com/top-five-most-controversial-moments-from-2024-f1-season


Why George Russell thinks 2024 put Mercedes in good stead for potential F1 title tilt
12 Jan 2025
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

“I feel really pleased with my own personal performance this year,” Russell, who out-qualified Hamilton 19-5 in 2024, told media including Motorsport Week last December.

“I think in qualifying I’ve been performing better than ever. Whenever the car has had a chance of being on pole, we’ve been on pole. Whenever we’ve had a chance of fighting for the victory, especially since Canada [where Russell went from P1 to P3], I think that was the only race that went amiss, we’ve been in that position to take it.”

“That gives me confidence. If we build a car that is capable of fighting for a championship, we’ll be there to achieve it,” he continued. “The few opportunities we’ve had this year, we’ve clinched it. As a team, we’ve won almost as many races as McLaren, which is crazy to think.”

‘Qualifying better’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/12/why-george-russell-thinks-2024-put-mercedes-in-good-stead-for-potential-f1-title-tilt/


Fernando Alonso highlights ‘biggest positive’ to Aston Martin’s 2024 F1 slump
12 Jan 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

“[The season] goes up and down for everybody,” Alonso rued in the penultimate round of the campaign at Qatar. “Difficult to be sure of that, but I think we didn’t manage to improve the car much throughout the season.”

“So we started quite strong, but we are now in a position that we’re struggling to be in Q3 on some occasions. “All those difficulties, I think, probably are teaching us a lot of lessons, which we will apply into next year’s car,” he said.

“And that will be probably the biggest positive aspect of the second part of the year, you know, that even if we didn’t succeed in putting much performance on the car, I think it’s well understood what we are struggling with at the moment. So that will be applying in 2025.”

‘Teaching us a lot of lessons’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/12/fernando-alonso-highlights-biggest-positive-to-aston-martins-2024-f1-slump/


McLaren ‘working a lot’ to address ‘inherent limitations’ prevalent on 2024 F1 car
30 Dec 2024
Motorsport Week

“It’s been a complaint of mine for the last six years and again we’ve still not been able to iron it out and get it out enough from our car,” Norris told media including Motorsport Week. “Some tracks that are more limited or certain things, these issues don’t arise but we’ve always been one of the worst teams for front graining.”

“When we do our front graining, we’re not the quickest car but as soon as the front graining is gone, we have a car that’s quick enough. When you can manage it to a certain extent, we can survive. Today, we couldn’t manage it enough. The problems were way too severe and they’ve been just as bad in many other races even like Montreal. Montreal, we were killing the fronts.”

“A similar case, low grip, street circuit vibe. A similar thing this weekend. There are traits. We have weaknesses in the car. They’re ones I’ve been saying for a while, but they’re ones which are very difficult to get out of our characteristic of a car. It’s something we’re working on a lot.”

‘Working a lot’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/12/30/mclaren-working-a-lot-to-address-inherent-limitations-prevalent-on-2024-f1-car/


Lewis Hamilton’s test set to cause chaos at Ferrari HQ
14 Jan 2025
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

“A kind of Hamilton mania has already started in Italy,” he told the James Allen on F1 podcast. “Since the New Year began, there is a big question mark that Italian Ferrari fans are trying to answer – when will the first test of Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari car take place?”

“I cannot imagine the number of people that will be around the track. I’m expecting the Maranello and Fiorano streets will be filled with people. I’m expecting something that we haven’t seen in years. So it will be hard work for the police in Maranello.”

“But I’m not surprised. All the national media, not only the sports media, are giving a lot of space to the man Lewis Hamilton. The mainstream is telling you who is Lewis, his passion and interest, the story of his career and his desire to end this career driving a Ferrari.”

‘Chaos’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-test-set-to-cause-chaos-at-ferrari-hq


Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari sim session now scheduled ahead of ‘most likely’ F1 test debut date
14 Jan 2025
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Ferrari fans have been waiting for nearly a year now to see Lewis Hamilton in action for the very first time in one of their Formula 1 cars. Lewis Hamilton announced at the beginning of February 2024 that he would be swapping the Silver Arrows for the Scuderia ahead of the final stage of his F1 career.

Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari simulator session to take place next week. The report from Autoracer suggests that there is already ‘optimism and enthusiasm’ about Hamilton starting work at their factory in Maranello. He’s set to meet with his team of engineers in a few days before getting to work in the car. Ferrari won’t officially unveil Hamilton and the SF-25 until February 19, a day after F1’s official launch event in London.

However, by then Hamilton would have already done a significant amount of work behind closed doors. They report that Hamilton’s first session in the Ferrari simulator is scheduled for January 20. Ferrari’s test track at Fiorano is booked out from January 21-23 and they believe the ‘most likely’ date for his debut is January 22. However, Hamilton’s first Ferrari could change dates at the last minute if the weather isn’t good enough. Given he’ll only be allowed to do 1,000km of running in private tests this year, he and the team won’t want to waste it if it’s raining.

‘Optimism and enthusiasm’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lewis-hamiltons-first-ferrari-sim-session-now-scheduled-ahead-of-most-likely-f1-test-debut-date/


Italian police on alert as Lewis Hamilton to cause something 'not seen in years'
Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for his first season at Ferrari after making the switch from Mercedes.
Jan 12, 2025
Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Speaking to the James Allen on F1 podcast, journalist Robert Chinchero claims that Italy is already in 'Hamilton mania'. He added that the streets of Maranello, and around the Fiorano Circuit, will be 'filled with people' to create a spectacle 'not seen in years'.

Chinchero expects it to be 'hard work for the police' if supporters turn out to show Hamilton their passion and hunger to see Ferrari back on top. Kimi Raikkonen was the last driver to win an individual title while driving for the Italian outfit, with his triumph coming nearly 18 years ago.

‘Italian police on alert’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1999303/lewis-hamilton-italian-police-ferrari

[Fortitude]

We all hate repeats on TV but a re-run of the 2024 F1 season in 2025 would be fantastic, for us and Netflix.
F1 is now more popular than it’s ever been. Truthfully, it’s thanks in large part due to Netflix, which has until now done the impossible by transforming otherwise boring seasons into gripping, edge-of-the-seat soap dramas with its Drive to Survive series.
3 JAN 2025
Tom Jervis
AutoExpress

The series’ storyboard artists will have an easy job when reflecting on how to cover the 2024 season, as fans were blessed with not just two drivers’ title contenders, but also three teams fighting for the constructors’ trophy – something we hadn’t seen in a very long while and that I (and the entire F1 fanbase) desperately want repeated in 2025.

With McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull all battling it out until the end of the 2024 campaign, what was one of the most intriguing years in recent times could just be just an appetiser for something even more exhilarating in 2025. A regulations shake-up and Cadillac joining the grid in 2026 are just the icing on the cake.

‘Edge-of-the-seat soap dramas’;

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/formula-one/365485/we-all-hate-repeats-tv-re-run-2024-f1-season-2025-would-be-fantastic-us-and


‘That’s how you get to the front’ – Mercedes address key F1 2024 weakness
14 Jan 2025
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

After a tumultuous 2024 season, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin admits the Brackley squad were “not quick enough” in updating the W15 which put them on the back foot. “The whole thing of development in Formula 1 is fixing problems, and can you fix them quicker than your competitors. And that’s how you get to the front,” he said.

“If you look at when we brought our updates compared to our main competitors, we were often bringing our big package a couple of races later. But if we brought it earlier, it would be a smaller package. So the fact is, on average, over a season, we’ve not been quick enough when we deliver an update, we had a few races where we were competitive, the teams were trying to beat them, bring theirs, and they moved back ahead.”

“Not quick enough”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-address-key-f1-2024-weakness


Lando Norris: McLaren’s overstated pace advantage in F1 2024 a ‘compliment’
16 Jan 2026
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Asked whether he viewed the 2024 season as what might have been, Norris told The Race: “I think that’s quite obvious. Not as many [spurned chances] as people think. And people in general think it’s been a lot worse than it’s been, that we’ve been a lot quicker than we have been.”

“It’s a compliment because it shows how far we’ve come, and I’m proud that in those days, whether Singapore or Zandvoort, I’ve still been the one that’s there and making the most of those opportunities.”

‘What might have been’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/16/lando-norris-mclarens-overstated-advantage-in-f1-2024-a-compliment/


Red Bull threatened to turn Sergio Perez into a ‘show pony’ if he didn’t leave for 2025
17 Jan 2025
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Perez kept repeating that he had a contract in his media appearances as he faced constant questions around his future. It was clear that Red Bull regarded his performance levels as unacceptable. Red Bull’s threat implicitly made it clear that Perez’s position at the team was untenable. The relationship could have become toxic if it continued, which wouldn’t have benefitted either party – particularly when the driver was entitled to pay off anyway.

“Perez was constantly deriding the speculation as fiction and insisting he had a contract,” Mitchell-Malm said. “After his lap-one retirement in the Abu Dhabi season finale, though, Perez’s tune finally changed. He admitted there would be discussions to resolve his situation. “These December negotiations included Red Bull making it clear to Perez that if, he didn’t agree to move aside, his contract would be honoured in 2025 by making him a show pony and glorified reserve driver.”

But there’s also a theory that Perez’s race engineer made things ‘ridiculously difficult’. Viaplay commentator Nelson Valkenburg noticed Hugh Bird repeatedly making judgement errors during qualifying sessions, which were one of the driver’s biggest problems in 2024.

‘Turn Sergio Perez into a show pony’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/red-bull-threatened-to-turn-sergio-perez-into-a-show-pony-if-he-didnt-leave-for-2025/


Sergio Perez’s 2024 F1 season made ‘ridiculously difficult’ by one Red Bull staff member
14 Jan 2025
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Discussing Perez’s season at Red Bull in 2024, journalist Nelson Valkenburg believe there was one staff member who made his life ‘ridiculously difficult’ throughout the year when speaking to RacingNews365.nl.

Sergio Perez’s engineer made life ‘ridiculously difficult’ for Mexican: During qualifying for the Sao Paulo GP, Bird mistimed the final run in Q2 which saw Perez drop out and qualify in P13 despite having the pace for a top ten. Valkenburg believes this was a trend that repeated throughout the year.

“Partly it was in the car. He is often four-tenths off Max Verstappen, but now there were ten cars in between in one go,” said Valkenburg. “But in part I also think his racing engineer made it ridiculously difficult for him in qualifying. You can name five times when he was not helped by his pit box. He didn’t have enough time for another lap, and they just expected him to do the same as Verstappen.”

‘One staff member who made his life ‘ridiculously difficult’ throughout the year’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/sergio-perezs-2024-f1-season-made-ridiculously-difficult-by-one-red-bull-staff-member/


'Perez is an attractive choice for Alpine over Colapinto'
23 Dec 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

Montoya reveals: 'I heard that it wasn't friendly': Montoya first explained some of the details behind Perez's Red Bull exit, revealing that he was actually surprised Perez and Red Bull ended their relationship so soon.

“I tried very hard thinking that they were not going to get rid of him because when they met with the board and saw the numbers, they would have held out for a year and, in the end, removed him at the end of that year," he began on the Colombian AS. "I imagine that the number had to be very high for them to convince him. What I heard from gossip is that it (the departure) was not so friendly,” Montoya reveals.

The multiple-time Indy 500 winner continued: “The story of the sabbatical year must be part of the negotiation so that Checo does not close his career. Publically, it appears that he is going to take a year off to look for options for the following year, that is part of what they have to say," Montoya believes.

“(The departure) was not so friendly”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/320339/f1-juan-pablo-montoya-thinks-that-sergio-perez-should-sign-for-alpine.html


EXCLUSIVE: Aston Martin target Max Verstappen in £1BILLION deal for Red Bull's four-time world champion to turn Formula One on its head - after signing up £20m-a-year star designer Adrian Newey
• Aston Martin are telling potential sponsors that Max Verstappen will join them
• The Dutch four-time world champion’s contract could be worth up to £1billion
• It deal would almost certainly include equity in the Silverstone-based team
16 Jan 2025
JONATHAN MCEVOY
MailOnline

A source with knowledge of the situation said of Slack, Aston’s managing director, commercial and marketing: ‘Jefferson, or Jeff as others know him, has been going around saying Max will be joining Aston Martin. It may be a ploy, adding extra value to the deal he wants to do, but bringing Max in also makes perfect sense.

‘£1BILLION’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-14292255/Aston-Martin-target-Max-Verstappen-1BILLION-deal-Red-Bulls-four-time-world-champion-turn-Formula-One-head-signing-20m-year-star-designer-Adrian-Newey.html


Max Verstappen’s team issue blunt response to Aston Martin speculation
17 Jan 2025
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

GP Blog reached out to Verstappen’s team to comment and a short reply was given: “That’s nice.”
This is in keeping with the Dutchman’s mentality towards a move to Aston Martin, having told Viaplay last year that “I haven’t thought about [Aston Martin] at all.”

“That’s nice”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/17/max-verstappen-team-issue-blunt-response-to-aston-martin-speculation/

[Fortitude]

Coulthard labels Hamilton ‘biggest disappointment’ of 2024.
“I would still point to Lewis as the biggest disappointment,” Coulthard remarked. “I know that’s controversial as he’s a seven-time World Champion and a real winning machine, but I’ve never seen this Lewis in Formula 1.”
08/01/2025
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

“I know that’s controversial as he’s a seven-time World Champion and a real winning machine, but I’ve never seen this Lewis in Formula 1. He was beaten in qualifying, while the greats can always find speed somewhere to squeeze out a qualifying lap when it really matters.” David Coulthard.

‘Biggest disappointment’;

https://f1i.com/news/528898-coulthard-labels-hamilton-biggest-disappointment-of-2024.html


Coulthard slams Hamilton after a tough 2024: 'The biggest disappointment'
1 Jan 2024
Sandy van Wijngaarden
GPblog.com

The 2024 season had its share of highs and lows. After the longest season in F1 history, the winter break offers a chance to reflect. David Coulthard has named Lewis Hamilton as the driver he believes was the biggest disappointment of 2024.

'The biggest disappointment';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/321375/david-coulthard-pinpoints-2024-s-biggest-disappointment-in-f1.html


Flavio Briatore questions Ferrari signing Lewis Hamilton: ‘I wonder if it makes sense’
3 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Flavio Briatore, who is executive advisor for Alpine, cast his verdict on Ferrari’s decision to replace Sainz with Hamilton. “I don’t understand why they split up this great pairing. It’s not my job to judge, but if I had been in a position of responsibility at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.”

I wonder if it makes sense’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061763/1/flavio-briatore-questions-ferrari-signing-lewis-hamilton-i-wonder-if-it-makes


Alpine chief Flavio Briatore explains why he ‘wouldn’t have signed’ Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari boss
2 Jan 2025
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Flavio Briatore says Ferrari already had ‘top’ F1 line-up before signing Lewis Hamilton. Speaking to German newspaper Sport Bild, via sport.de, Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore questioned the wisdom of the Scuderia’s decision. He feels they already had a ‘great’ line-up. He accepts that Hamilton may yet prove him wrong. And he also recognises that it’s ‘good for Formula 1’ to have the legendary driver in the scarlet red car.

‘”Wouldn’t have signed” Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari boss’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/alpine-chief-flavio-briatore-explains-why-he-wouldnt-have-signed-lewis-hamilton-as-ferrari-boss/


Eddie Jordan slams Ferrari for “suicidal” Lewis Hamilton signing over Carlos Sainz
2 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has labelled Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton as “absolutely suicidal”.

Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan and co-host David Coulthard picked out their “FFS moment” of the year. Coulthard said: “It’s the FFS moment, the ‘for f**k’s sake moment of the year’. “So for me, I think the FFS moment of the year was Lewis signing to Ferrari. I just never saw that coming. What was your FFS moment of the year?”

Jordan agreed with Coulthard but gave a more damning verdict on the decision made by Ferrari. The 76-year-old said: “We’re on the same page here, because my FFS is, I say to John Elkann, who’s the chairman of that group, what the f**k was he thinking about in getting rid of Carlos, when he had a very happy, friendly, structured team that knew how to work together. The drivers got on well together.

“Absolutely suicidal”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061743/1/eddie-jordan-slams-ferrari-suicidal-lewis-hamilton-signing-over-carlos-sainz


Eddie Jordan doubts Lewis Hamilton “can match” Charles Leclerc in one crucial area
4 Jan 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Speaking to talkSPORT, Jordan warned listeners that Hamilton will have a tough time against Leclerc in qualifying. “When he goes to Ferrari, well, first of all, he’s got to beat Leclerc,” Jordan said.

“Charles Leclerc is no stooge. Let me please tell you that in a qualifying position, that I will be surprised. I will be surprised if Lewis can match him in the qualifying. But who knows? Lewis is a very dark horse. You just never know what you’re going to get.”

‘Hamilton will have a tough time against Leclerc in qualifying’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1060004/1/eddie-jordan-doubts-lewis-hamilton-can-match-charles-leclerc-one-crucial-area


Hamilton set for impossible Ferrari task
Lewis Hamilton is expected to make his Ferrari debut next week, but faces a daunting challenge when the season gets underway in Australia.
18 Jan 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365

Some of the greatest drivers of all-time have raced for Ferrari, making one record almost impossible for Hamilton to match. To match the record for the fewest Ferrari races before claiming a win, the 40-year-old must win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. That is because Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell all won on their Ferrari debuts.

‘Daunting challenge’;

https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-set-for-impossible-ferrari-task


Hamilton is already in a crucial acclimatisation phase at Ferrari
18 Janu 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

Excitement is reaching fever pitch among Ferrari fans, particularly in Italy, as seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton prepares to drive an F1 car for the iconic Italian team for the first time next week. With high expectations and immense pressure, Hamilton faces a steep challenge. The upcoming month will be critical for Hamilton as he begins this new journey, laying the groundwork for what both he and Ferrari hope will be a championship-winning campaign.

‘Acclimatisation’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/323671/lewis-hamilton-f1-needs-to-succeed-quickly-at-ferrari-will-he-do-it.html


Ferrari about to do one thing for Lewis Hamilton that they haven’t done since Michael Schumacher era
18 Jan 2025
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Ferrari will tailor car to Lewis Hamilton – they haven’t done this since Michael Schumacher years. Ferrari have taken two fundamental risks with their 2025 car. First, they’ve ‘drastically’ changed it from its predecessor, unlike their three main rivals.

Perhaps the biggest tweak is a new front suspension as they shift from push-rod to pull-rod. They have also shortened the gearbox so they can move the engine further back. Second, they reportedly made these changes at Hamilton’s request. He doesn’t like the cockpit being ‘positioned too far forward’.

Thus, this year’s Ferrari will be ‘tailored specifically’ to the 40-year-old. F1-Insider note that the team haven’t taken a driver-centric approach like this since the days of Schumacher. If Hamilton’s 2024 woes are in fact symptomatic of an age-related decline, then the gamble from Fred Vasseur may backfire. It could lower the collective ceiling at Ferrari, with Leclerc potentially unsettled.

‘Ferrari will tailor car to Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ferrari-about-to-do-one-thing-for-lewis-hamilton-that-they-havent-done-since-michael-schumacher-era/


Alesi: Ferrari triumph would make Hamilton a ‘hero forever’
18/01/2025
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Former Ferrari charger Jean Alesi believes a championship win with the House of Maranello would elevate Lewis Hamilton to an unparalleled status – a "hero forever"!

‘Hero forever’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/?search=ferrari+hamilton&lang=en&searchheadlines=1


Why Ferrari can win the F1 2025 titles with Lewis Hamilton on board
9 Jan 2025
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Why Ferrari can win both titles in F1 2025 season. The big question mark at Ferrari is an obvious one – how will Lewis Hamilton adapt to life at Maranello?
A new team, a new environment, a new engine. There are enough variables for it to make you think twice about backing Ferrari for the Constructors’ but on paper they have everything they need to mount a push.
The key factor will be the strength of the car throughout the year and Leclerc could emerge as a leading contender if he hits the ground running.

‘Why Ferrari can win both titles in F1 2025 season’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/why-ferrari-can-win-f1-2025-charles-leclerc-lewis-hamilton

[Fortitude]

The reason Maranello’s mayor has declared ‘a state of emergency’ before Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari test.
Earlier this month, Ferrari were warned that Hamilton’s arrival would be ‘hard work for the police’. And that’s proving to be the case. So much so, the mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency, according to F1-Insider. He’s asked for surrounding communities to dispatch extra officers to help.
21 Jan 2025
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

All the local hotels are said to be fully booked. Ferrari are doing what they can to ease the pressure by keeping Hamilton’s test plans a secret, otherwise fans would flock to Fiorano. Extra officers to help. They will primarily be tasked with regulating traffic around the small town, which may have tipped beyond its capacity amid an ‘onslaught’ of fans. This is arguably the biggest driver transfer in the history of F1.

The main event of the week will be Hamilton’s first test. Fans are desperate for a glimpse of the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of the iconic scarlet red cars. Under the rules, Ferrari are allowed to use the 2022 or 2023 cars for the occasion. Hamilton could also drive the 2025 car before the official pre-season test in Bahrain late next month. The Scuderia haven’t confirmed when his first outing at Fiorano will be. Sensibly perhaps, he’ll drive the car on the simulator first.

‘A state of emergency’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the-reason-maranellos-mayor-has-declared-a-state-of-emergency-before-lewis-hamiltons-first-ferrari-test/


All Eyes On Lewis Hamilton’s First Ferrari Test
Jan 21, 2025
F1 Chronicle

Hotel rooms are fully booked in the region surrounding Ferrari’s Maranello HQ, as Lewis Hamilton gets his red-coloured Formula 1 career underway. An unusually big crowd of Tifosi had gathered in the rain and freezing temperatures to be part of the former Mercedes driver’s first official day as a Ferrari driver. La Repubblica newspaper said the Tifosi had waited “since dawn”.

‘Unusually big crowd of Tifosi’;

https://f1chronicle.com/all-eyes-on-lewis-hamiltons-first-ferrari-test/?nowprocket=1


Lewis Hamilton has already ‘requested’ one adjustment to be made to his 2025 Ferrari F1 car
21 Jan 2025
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The 40-year-old was greeted by plenty of Ferrari fans outside of the team’s factory on Monday after weeks of teasing from himself and the team on social media. Hamilton completed his first duties as a Ferrari driver and met many of the staff members who will be helping him to win an eighth world championship. That’s not going to be easy given how much the grid has converged during the current set of regulations.

Every minute Hamilton and new teammate Charles Leclerc can spend at Maranello working on the 2025 car could prove to be vital. Hamilton has already taken part in his first Ferrari simulator session, although there’s no substitute for examining how the car feels on track. Ferrari’s drivers will have to wait until they officially launch the car in February before they can drive the 2025 machine due to testing restrictions.

Lewis Hamilton has already requested steering wheel changes after first day at Ferrari. It’s not been explained exactly what these changes are, but could be to do with the layout of the buttons on the steering wheel which may be in a different position to when he was at Mercedes. When Hamilton is required to make changes at high speed during races, he won’t want to hesitate and have to think about which button he needs to press, although Ferrari will also expect him to continue adapting to how they go racing.

‘Steering wheel changes’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lewis-hamilton-has-already-requested-one-adjustment-to-be-made-to-his-2025-ferrari-f1-car/


Lewis Hamilton 'reunites with Angela Cullen at Ferrari' as physio makes huge sacrifice
Lewis Hamilton is back with his most trusted paddock companion.
Jan 21, 2025
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen are reportedly working together again after the New Zealander was present alongside the seven-time world champion at his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello facility.

Cullen joined Hamilton's entourage in 2016 as a personal trainer, and while the Brit lost out to team-mate Nico Rosberg in the World Championship that year, she helped guide him back to glory the following year as Mercedes' star man kickstarted a run of four consecutive titles.

The 50-year-old departed the F1 paddock in a mysterious fashion in 2023, but according to a report from the Daily Mail, Cullen has returned to Hamilton's inner circle, moving to Fiorano to aid the seven-time world champion as he adapts to life at Ferrari.

‘Angela Cullen was present at his first visit to Ferrari's Maranello facility’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/2003145/Lewis-Hamilton-Angela-Cullen-Ferrari-reunion


Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari 2025 F1 car run will take place at ‘beautiful’ track before Bahrain testing
20 Jan 2025
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton to drive Ferrari’s 2025 F1 car at Fiorano before Bahrain pre-season testing. Hamilton is only allowed to do 1,000 km of testing this year in Ferrari’s previous cars across four days. He’s expected to do this at Ferrari’s private testing track at Fiorano and later in the month at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Lewis Hamilton will start the 2025 F1 season on the back foot compared to Charles Leclerc. F1’s testing rules mean that Hamilton and Leclerc will have to share Ferrari’s 2025 car over three days of pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit.

It’s likely to give Leclerc an initial advantage as he will be more accustomed to Ferrari’s car and the team’s processes and procedures. Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit will give Hamilton a good indication of his latest car and whether it’s going to be a championship contender or not.

‘On the back foot’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lewis-hamiltons-first-ferrari-2025-f1-car-run-will-take-place-at-beautiful-track-before-bahrain-testing/


Hamilton has special message for Ferrari and Tifosi in Italian
21 Jan 2025
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

Hamilton thanks Ferrari in Italian: "Day one. I’m grateful to John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna and Fred Vasseur for their trust in me and making me part of this family. I’m so excited to start this new era and to meet and work with a hugely talented and inspiring group of people, who have been so welcoming. I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans." Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

‘Special message for Ferrari and Tifosi’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/323993/lewis-hamilton-thanks-ferrari-in-italian-after-first-day-f1.html

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari F1 test day at Fiorano circuit | 22/01/2025 Ferrari SF-23 F1 car.
Lewis Hamilton has made his first appearance as a Ferrari driver at the team’s legendary racetrack Fiorano in Maranello. In today's video you'll get to see his very first test and debut as a Ferrari driver behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-23.
Jan 22, 2025
NM2255 | Raw Car Sounds

@anthonymg8870: The number 44 on a Ferrari, yellow helmet, LH downshifts at corners—BEAUTIFUL SCENES!! Really looking forward to this season

@cabba6915: I am Italian, (pardon the language mistakes), a Ferrari fan since I was a child. Well, what can I say? I am moved. One of the strongest super champions in history choosing Ferrari to end his career makes me proud because it shows how Lewis is still willing to risk his career with a team that, although beloved, has not won anything for almost twenty years. I am proud of him.

@mmm10cr7: We all have to agree this guy got balls.. at this age at the end of his career taking a move like that which can affect your whole legacy and getting out of the comfort zone with aura like that only a man of steel can do that.... Hamilton and ferrari were destined to be together and create some kind of magic that will go down in history books....LH44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dClCZOR3KME


Behind the scenes of Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari drive
Jan 22, 2025
Sky Sports F1

Watch as Craig Slater and Sky Sport Italy's Vicky Piria react to Lewis Hamilton's first day behind the wheel of a Ferrari as a Scuderia driver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUzMWXHnIR8


Lewis Hamilton's First Days At Ferrari
Jan 22, 2025
FORMULA 1

The journey begins for Lewis Hamilton as he arrives at Maranello for his first days at Ferrari. Enjoy a behind the scenes look as the seven-time world champion meets the team and takes to the track for the first time as a Scuderia driver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbE1fmM--Q4


Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari F1 test - what we learned
Jan 22, 2025
THE RACE

Lewis Hamilton's first laps as a Ferrari F1 driver garnered more hype and attention than thought possible for a small test in an old car. But how much could actually be gleaned from this momentous occasion? Quite a lot, according to Scott Mitchell-Malm and Jon Noble.

@seanbeukman9563: I'm finally getting excited. I wasnt sure about FERRARI's ability to deliver but the last 2 seasons show some promise. As far as Lewis is concerned, he looks filled with pride and respect for the Ferrari heritage and prestige. Ferrari IS AN ICON. That alone will power Sir Lewis to his best performances yet. The Tifosi rightfully acknowledge his 7 times world championship status and seem to love him already. Its a golden opportunity deluxe. The fact that Ferrari has moved the seat back specifically for him is amazing and Vasseur knows him from way back is very encouraging. Who knows I may be supporting Ferrari this year! Lol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T9177EJ9XQ


Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton testing at Fiorano circuit with Ferrari SF-23 *Pre-season 2025*
Jan 23, 2025
NM2255 | Raw Car Sounds

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be Ferrari team-mates in the 2025 Formula 1 season! Check them out in action at Ferrari's legendary racetrack Fiorano in Maranello during some pre 2025 season tests!

@E_Dubb21: Its the downshifts/breaking in the corners...I was trying to distinguish the difference in their driving styles and from what can tell Lewis has a faster downshift sequence than Charles into the corners...Lewis has always been a late breaker so that may be why. Time will tell how that will translate in Qualifying form...He looks super comfortable in the car though!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE1gVMvCBNE


Lewis Hamilton Drives First Ferrari F1 Car! | F1 2025
Jan 22, 2025
F1Unraveled

Lewis Hamilton Drives the Ferrari SF-23 For First Time - EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE! | F1 2025 Lewis Hamilton Finally get to achieve a childhood dream of Driving a Ferrari Formula One car today the 22nd January 2025 behind the wheel of the SF-23. It was a very foggy and wet day, but Hamilton still managed to complete 30 laps before his next outing in Barcelona at the end of the Month. Watch Lewis as he get a first taste of what life is going to be like for him during his time being a Ferrari F1 driver in Italy!

@stevenmoore4078: That look and smile between him and his dad was priceless. Even with all of Lewis' accomplishments, it was like they both were saying, "Here we are, can you believe this."

@mahrez3704: Fred looking at him like a proud father... Just to Mention,Fred played the biggest role onto Hamilton's Journey success

@Mast3rMindTalks: Is it me but look how all the personnel are in pure astonishment watching Hamilton get ready lol. You know they are proud to be working with a legend lol

@sandynahar7667: Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari..it's magic. Thank you Mr. Elkann.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2IYm82p7YQ


Lewis Hamilton with his Mom and Dad as he drives for Ferrari 1st time in Maranello
Jan 22, 2025
F1 Chequered Flag

@MiZtErNiCe420: To see him emerge from Enzos home dressed in Scarlett Red is Iconic!

@bustaknutt7729: His Dad is happy to see him at Ferrari... i think there is a lot more about this move we havent heard about yet

@PaulWilliams-pq2cp: I would love to hear what his new engineers thought about his first test… was it quick, slow etc

@MissTaylorMade101: He’s so lucky that he get to spend these important moments with his family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gz_u3zceOQ


Lewis Hamilton meets Ferrari fans in Maranello on 1st day as Ferrari Driver
Jan 20, 2025
F1 Chequered Flag

@p3t3r_waffles: i think this is the happiest ive ever seen him interacting with fans. normally its head down, shades on, looking down, not acknowledging anyone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHew5BloXvg


Lewis Hamilton fans REACT after exciting INTERVIEW
Jan 22, 2025
Pro Football NFL

@evertonnixon5881: Thank you sky sports Italia and the tafozi for showing genuine love and respect for Sir Lewis,I hope he and Charles does well and brings you you the titles you all deserve and again thank you very much for giving him this momentus opportunity. Nuff love and respect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvWG43-8a-I

[Fortitude]

Adrian Newey’s surprise claim over Red Bull F1 2024 setbacks.
Former Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey believes “inexperience” may have played a part in the RB20’s troubled development path last year.
Thomas Maher 30 Jan 2025

The famed designer opened up on where he felt things had gone wrong for his former F1 team during 2024, pointing to how issues had begun to make themselves felt towards the end of the dominant 2023 campaign. “Obviously, part of it was McLaren in particular, and Ferrari developing their cars, and doing a very good job of developing their cars,” he told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

“I think, Red Bull, from what I could see… the 2024 car, and through the very last stages of ’23 as well, I would say, started to become more difficult to drive. Of course, that suited Max, and he could handle that, if you like – it didn’t suit him, but he could handle it. Checo [Perez] couldn’t. So you also started to see more of a difference in performance between the teammates, Max and Checo. That carried into the first part of ’24 but the car was still quick enough to be able to cope with it.”

“It’s something I was starting to become concerned about, but not many other people in the organisation seemed to be very concerned about,” he said. “From what I can see from the outside, but I don’t know, the guys at Red Bull – this is no criticism, but I think they just perhaps, through lack of experience, kept going in that same direction, and the problem came more and more acute to the point that even Max found it difficult to drive.”

‘Surprise claim’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian-newey-inexperience-behind-red-bull-rb20-development-problems-claim


Oscar Piastri explains why one 2024 F1 race was ‘pretty nasty’ despite McLaren’s championship-winning season
23 Jan 2025
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Oscar Piastri says the 2024 British Grand Prix was ‘pretty nasty’ after being injured. The 23-year-old won his first Grand Prix in Hungary but was carrying an injury into the summer break. Piastri broke his rib last year and explaining how it happened, he said: “It was just from driving. So I hurt it around Austria, so Silverstone was a pretty nasty weekend, and the next couple of races as well were a bit sore.”

There wasn’t a notable drop in Piastri’s performances after he suffered the injury. He ended up on the podium in Austria after Norris and Verstappen collided before briefly leading the British Grand Prix he was complaining about in mixed conditions. However, a strategy error meant he missed out on the podium and Norris couldn’t secure victory. Piastri then won in Hungary and finished second again in Belgium before the summer break when he was able to recuperate properly for the final 11 Grand Prix of the season.

The Australian will be aware that he needs to keep improving if he wants to be considered a championship candidate. Piastri has identified qualifying as an area to improve in 2025, with Norris matching Verstappen’s number of pole positions last year, while he continues to search for his first in F1. His race pace can be exceptional and the way he won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from Charles Leclerc proves he can perform under extreme pressure. The trick for Piastri is whether he can begin to do that consistently and get the better of Norris, Verstappen and both Ferrari drivers in wheel-to-wheel racing.

‘Silverstone’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/oscar-piastri-explains-why-one-2024-f1-race-was-pretty-nasty-despite-mclarens-championship-winning-season/


Toto Wolff reveals Mercedes came ‘very close’ to cost cap breach in F1 2024
20 Jan 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Wolff revealed that Russell’s impact in FP2 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez had placed Mercedes in “serious trouble” with the sport’s $135 million spending threshold. The Austrian proceeded to reveal post-race in Mexico that Russell’s errors would cause the team to have to get “creative” with car parts on the W15 over the remaining races.

“I love a driver to push and I’d rather crash him and we know what the car is capable of doing than not,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “The cost cap plan nevertheless is a tricky situation. So these three chunks put us on a back foot. Certainly, the one that happened before yesterday was massive.”

“We had to change, we had to opt for a completely new chassis. There is a tremendous hit in the cost cap and we probably have to dial down on what we put on the car. We have certain limitation on parts where we need to be creative.”

“Serious trouble”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/20/toto-wolff-reveals-mercedes-came-very-close-to-cost-cap-breach-in-f1-2024/


Lewis Hamilton left rival F1 team boss ’emotional’ with one thing he did during 2024 season
25 Jan 2025
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer

Lewis Hamilton left Alpine boss Oliver Oakes ’emotional’ after his win at Silverstone. The Brit grabbed two wins in 2024 – his first since Jeddah in 2021. He inherited the win in Belgium from Russell after his Mercedes was found to be underweight.

Hamilton’s first win of the season came at his home race at Silverstone. After a tense battle with the McLarens and Russell, the 40-year-old came home to win his ninth British Grand Prix. Hamilton left the media pen ‘shaking’ after his overtake on Russell for the lead. His victory marked an incredible moment in 2024, and it left Alpine boss Oliver Oakes ’emotional’. Speaking on the James Allen On F1 podcast, Oakes admitted there was a ‘tear in my eye’ as Hamilton took the win in his final British GP as a Mercedes driver before his move to Ferrari.

“As a fan, out there, I think it’s going to be exciting not only to see the rookies on the grid, seeing Lewis in red,” he said. “I don’t think it’s sad to say but you can’t help but be emotional when he won at Silverstone as an Englishman. “My home track in a way, my Hitech being based there. What he did, I had a bit of a, I’m not ashamed to say it, a tear in my eye because it was a massive win there.”

’Emotional’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lewis-hamilton-left-rival-f1-team-boss-emotional-with-one-thing-he-did-during-2024-season/


[B]James Vowles took Williams to breaking point ahead of 2024 F1 season
18 Jan 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Williams boss James Vowles has admitted he wanted to stress the team’s infrastructure to the point of “breaking” ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Upon developing 2024’s FW46, Vowles was met with an antiquated design and manufacturing process that he and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry sought to rip up. With the shocking revelation that Williams used an Excel spreadsheet to track car parts, Vowles and Fry sought to revolutionise the team’s production processes.

Williams sacrificing 2024 and 2025: “I always said from the beginning, before we started the year, we were going to sacrifice 2024 and 2025,” he explained.
Exacipating Williams issues in 2024 was a series of high-speed, high-dame crashes throughout the season. This is a little bit what the sacrifice looks like, just with a lot more attrition than I expected,” Vowles admitted.

Williams owners have backed Vowles’ strategy: “It was part of the agreement from the get-go when I joined, which is no one, neither side, wants any short-term fixes,” he said. “Everything is doing right for the future. Nothing should be a sticky plaster. Sticky plasters look good, create a veneer, and then it falls over pretty quickly. It could be a year, it could be three years, but it falls over. Do this right that we’re building a team that is successful for many years to come. So in answer to that, it’s mutual buy-in for us.”

‘Breaking point’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/01/18/james-vowles-took-williams-to-breaking-point-ahead-of-2024-f1-season/

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton to ‘win everything’ in bold Ferrari timeline prediction.
“…give it about six or seven races, and if the car is competitive, Lewis is going to win everything.” Juan Pablo Montoya.
2 Feb 2025
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com

Just over a year ago, Lewis Hamilton announced a groundbreaking move to the Ferrari Formula 1 team after being dedicated to Mercedes for over a decade — and not everyone is convinced it’s the right move. But there are others like former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya who are confident that once Hamilton gets up to speed, he’ll be unstoppable.

“Lewis is mature enough to appreciate that in the short-term he is going to struggle a little bit, learning the Ferrari thing,” the Colombian racer stated. “Charles is going to feel like he’s got the upper hand. But give it about six or seven races, and if the car is competitive, Lewis is going to win everything.”

‘Bold Ferrari timeline prediction’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-win-everything-ferrari-prediction


Lewis Hamilton told 2025 is his ‘best chance’ at an eighth F1 title.
David Croft believes it is now or never for Lewis Hamilton as he aims to win a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 World Championship with Ferrari next season.
2 Feb 2025
Harry Whitfield
Motorsport Week

“What I would say is this might be Lewis’ best chance of an eighth World title,” Croft said at the Autosport Awards. “Given the season that it could be in terms of teams won’t be throwing developments week after week after week.”

“Because they’ve got 2026 to think about. I do think Ferrari will be the most keen to get the most out of 2025 of the big four teams because it’s so long since they won something. And they want to prove that Lewis is the right man and or Charles [Leclerc] as well.”

‘2025 is his ‘best chance’ at an eighth F1 title’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/02/02/lewis-hamilton-told-2025-is-his-best-chance-at-an-eight-f1-title/


'Gut feeling': Giedo van der Garde outlines why Ferrari should be ‘very strong’ in 2025 F1 title race
3 Feb 2025
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Giedo van der Garde believes Ferrari will make key changes to their car for 2025. Ferrari will unveil their 2025 challenger on the 19th February, a day after the official F1 75 launch in London. It is expected to be an evolution of last year’s car but with a significant tweak that will put them on par competitively with McLaren and Red Bull according to Van Der Garde.

“He will also be there this year, but my gut feeling just says that Ferrari will be very strong. I think they have already put out that they have a completely new front suspension, also a bit like the philosophy of a McLaren and Red Bull,” said Van Der Garde.

‘Ferrari should be ‘very strong’ in 2025’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/giedo-van-der-garde-outlines-why-ferrari-should-be-very-strong-in-2025-f1-title-race/


Lewis Hamilton gets immediate redemption shot as third Ferrari test approaches
3 Feb 2025
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton will have a chance to put his Barcelona crash behind him this week when he gets a rare chance to drive Ferrari’s 2024 car in a Pirelli tyre test. Hamilton made an impressive start to life at Ferrari last month, receiving a warm reception upon his first official visits to the team’s Maranello factory and Fiorano test track.

His pre-season preparations suffered a setback last Wednesday when he crashed in the final sector during the morning session, with the extensive repair work meaning Leclerc did not take to the track at all. Initial reports from trackside suggested that the incident occurred at Turn 12, the long, winding and relatively slow-speed right-hander turn.

After this week’s test, Hamilton’s next appearance as a Ferrari driver is expected to come at F1’s first-ever collective season-launch event attended by all 10 teams and 20 drivers in London on February 18.

‘Immediate redemption shot’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-pirelli-tyre-test-preview


Cause for Hamilton's Barcelona crash revealed
2 Feb 2025
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Following the incident that derailed the second day of Ferrari's 'TPC' running, it has emerged that a bump may have caused Lewis Hamilton's high-speed crash at the last corner of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Following their on-track activity at Fiorano last Wednesday, Ferrari have headed to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for this week in a bid to complete more running with the two-year-old SF-23 in slightly better weather conditions.

According to the Italian publication AutoRacer, a bump in the third sector was "probably" the cause of the incident which led to Hamilton's high-speed crash that caused significant damage to the car. Notably, in 2023, Logan Sargeant also crashed his Williams due to heavy bumps in the final corner in the final practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix.

“Bump may have caused Lewis Hamilton's high-speed crash’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/26249

[Fortitude]

"From what I can see..." - Max Verstappen's Red Bull future thrown into doubt after damning Adrian Newey admission.
Despite having a contract that runs until 2028, Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull, with the likes of Aston Martin, Mercedes and even Williams all linked.
31 Jan 2025
Marcus Chan
SPORTbible

Max Verstappen will be looking to clinch his fifth Formula 1 world title in 2025. Ahead of the 2025 season, Verstappen will be expected to win the title due to his unmatched ability on the track. However, the question remains whether Red Bull can deliver a car capable of challenging at the front of the grid.

Speaking recently to German news outlet Auto Motor und Sport, former Red Bull chief technical officer Newey explained why he thinks the team suffered a dip in form. “So you also started to see more of a difference in performance between the teammates, Max and Checo That carried into the first part of ’24 but the car was still quick enough to be able to cope with it. It’s something I was starting to become concerned about, but not many other people in the organisation seemed to be very concerned about.”

Could Red Bull struggles lead to Max Verstappen departure? If Red Bull's problems continue in the new season, there will no doubt be rumours swirling around the paddock concerning Verstappen's future. All eyes will be on Red Bull and Verstappen when the 2025 season kicks off in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne.

‘Damning Adrian Newey admission’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/max-verstappen-red-bull-adrian-newey-266456-20250131


Newey: "I felt I wouldn't be true to myself if I stayed at Red Bull"
The legendary designer has no regrets after leaving Red Bull – and reckons the team's engineers underestimated the RB20's issues
Jan 31, 2025
Ben Vinel
Motorsport.com

Newey was also unhappy with Christian Horner's comments in an interview with Motorsport.com in late 2023, when Red Bull's team principal said: "The technical team beneath [Newey] led by Pierre Wache, they're doing a wonderful job and so that they're not reliant on Adrian." In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Newey revealed he had done some soul-searching as he pondered a decision that would lead him to join Aston Martin a few months later.

Newey's departure from Red Bull, which was made official on 1 May, coincided with a sharp decline in performance for the team. Sergio Perez took his last top-five finish of the year at the following race in Miami, while Max Verstappen won 'only' five of the next 19 grands prix on his way to a fourth consecutive world title.

"Already through the very last stages of '23, the car was starting to become more difficult to drive," Newey explained. "Of course that suited Max – he could handle that, if you like. It didn't suit him, but he could handle it. Checo couldn't.”

‘No regrets after leaving Red Bull’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/newey-i-felt-i-wouldnt-be-true-to-myself-if-i-stayed-at-red-bull/10692547/


Ex-F1 star claims ‘not even Max Verstappen can beat’ Lewis Hamilton in ‘fast’ Ferrari
4 Feb 2025
Jack Oliver Smith
Motorsport Week

Former Formula 1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya has claimed that “not even Max Verstappen can beat” Lewis Hamilton should Ferrari produce a “fast car” in 2025. The ‘old Hamilton’ could win in right machinery Montoya, is of the belief that Hamilton’s previous form, one that has cemented his status as one of the all-time greats of the sport, will return if the team are able to provide him with the right car.

“What happened to Lewis Hamilton is what happened to Fernando Alonso,” he told Crash.net. “They still have 100 per cent of their speed, but they will still somehow qualify just in the top 10. If the car is capable of winning, then they would be much higher. If Hamilton has a fast car this season, we’ll see the old Hamilton from a few years ago, the Hamilton that nobody can beat, not even Max Verstappen. But the question for Ferrari is how will they keep him motivated?”

‘Old Hamilton’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/02/04/ex-f1-star-claims-not-even-max-verstappen-can-beat-lewis-hamilton-in-fast-ferrari/


'Not even Verstappen could beat Hamilton if he had the right car'
5 Feb 2025
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

According to Juan Pablo Montoya, there’s no doubt that Hamilton still has the speed to compete at the very top. He cites Fernando Alonso as an example. “They still have 100 per cent of their speed, but they will still somehow qualify just in the top 10. If the car is capable of winning, then they would be much higher," the Colombian told Crash.net.

Therefore, the former F1 driver believes, “If Hamilton has a fast car this season, we’ll see the old Hamilton from a few years ago, the Hamilton that nobody can beat, not even Max Verstappen."

"Ferrari are putting all their eggs in the basket so they can compete this season, Mercedes don’t have to risk much, McLaren have a huge opportunity to keep dominating before the 2026 regulation changes, where they could become average.”

“The Hamilton that nobody can beat”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/326132/this-is-how-hamilton-is-going-to-beat-max-verstappen-with-his-ferrari-f1.html


Steiner on Verstappen/Aston rumors: ‘Max should go for a billion!’
03/02/2025
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has offered his own colorful perspective on the $1 billion price tag Aston Martin is allegedly willing to slap on Max Verstappen to lure him away from Red Bull. “A billion is a big number. Even if Max finishes last, he should go for a billion,” Steiner told F1 website GPblog, undoubtedly picturing Verstappen cruising around among the laggards while laughing all the way to the bank.

A Deal Too Ridiculous to Be Real? Steiner, never one to hold back, thinks the billion-dollar price tag is straight out of a Hollywood script. “The billion? It’s a little bit putting it high because that would set the record, which will never be broken again,” he said. “That’s a bit fictional, but I’m sure Aston Martin will pay a good amount of money for him.”

“Even if Max finishes last, he should go for a billion”;

https://f1i.com/news/530085-steiner-on-verstappen-aston-rumors-max-should-go-for-a-billion.html


Windsor advises Verstappen: 'That will end in tears eventually!'
5 Feb 2025
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com

Former F1 team and sponsorship manager and now F1 journalist Peter Windsor has advised Max Verstappen to not join Aston Martin for the money, as that could "end in tears," after the rumours that the Dutchman had been offered a mammoth £1 billion contract by the British team to prise him away from Red Bull Racing.

Windsor was then asked if he would do it now that the continued success at Red Bull has decreased quite rapidly, among other factors at the Austrian team: "Well, that may be, that may not be, but that's a different question. If Adrian Newey was saying to Max, 'Look Max, I'm going to be in this... I love it here, I'm going to be in it for the next 10 years. I can tell you now, we're going to win a lot of races. If you want to join us, we're going to win a lot of races, a lot of championships, let's go.' If I were Max, I'd probably do it.’
"But the first question was about would I do it for the billion dollars to work for Lawrence Stroll. Two different things. And also, don't forget, if you took the first one, the 1 billion and the Lawrence Stroll, there's no guarantee Adrian's going to be there for the next decade. He is not getting any younger. But not for the money, that's the point I'm making. I think Max is bright enough and has been around long enough to know that that's the way to do it, how to go motor racing with the right people, away from huge, ridiculous sums of money, which inevitably always end in tears," concluded Windsor.

‘Tears’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/326065/peter-windsor-gives-max-verstappen-advice-on-possible-aston-martin-deal.html


Advice to Verstappen: 'Wait a while before possibly leaving Red Bull'
4 Feb 2025
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

One billion pounds is even said to have been set aside to entice the Dutchman to make the switch. To do or not to do, that is the big question in the near future. Guenther Steiner previously indicated that for such a sum, Verstappen should absolutely make the switch to Aston Martin, even if he comes last in every race. But the former Haas F1 team boss also realises that for the Dutchman it is not about money - he instead wants to win and become a champion.

Is Aston Martin the right team for that? Steiner therefore offers some advice to Verstappen during an exclusive interview with GPblog - without forsaking a moment's thought on the money: "Just wait [out] 26! I don't know Max's contract, what is in there, how he can get out. But I assume that he's got the performance clause for the team there. If the team is not good, he can leave after 26 because that's the key."

If Red Bull Racing does hit the nail on the head in 2026 with the new technical regulations, it will be golden times for Verstappen, Steiner believes. "If the car is good in 26, it would be good for another three or four years. If you start on a new regulation, the new concept, the car, it takes you quite a while to get out of it."

"Just wait [out] 26!”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/325997/advice-for-verstappen-on-leaving-red-bull-racing.html