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Haas bring upgrades but 2024 car taking priority.
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has confirmed the cars for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix will sport upgrades – albeit with the focus on 2024.
Wednesday 23rd August, 2023 - 1:34pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
The team has so far struggled this year with its VF-23 which has become renowned for relatively strong qualifying performances, particularly from Nico Hulkenberg, only to fall through the field on race day due to the car rapidly degrading its tyres.
“The team is working flat out to make some modifications to the car which will be coming later on in the year, and I can’t give an exact timeline because of the shutdown,” said Steiner, referring to the recent two-week break.
“We keep on working, and there are two reasons for this. Firstly, to try and make the car go quicker, as you always do with upgrades but also to know the direction for the VF-24, which is as important, if not more important. There’s a lot of hard work going on. It’s almost as intense as being in December developing the new car.”
‘VF-23 Upgrades’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/23...ades-dutch-gp/
Steiner explains why Haas will continue to develop 2023 F1 car
10:53 Tue, 22 Aug 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has explained the side will continue to bring upgrades to its 2023 Formula 1 car in a bid to understand the direction needed for next season’s package.
“We have got some upgrades coming for Zandvoort, on the brake ducts and front wing, but the team is working flat out to make some modifications to the car which will be coming later on in the year and I can’t give an exact timeline because of the shutdown,” he said.
Haas rounded out a disappointing first half of the year without a points finish on a Sunday in seven rounds, dating back to Kevin Magnussen’s 10th place in Miami in May. It marks the worst run of any team, with F1’s latest entry only adding to its points tally courtesy of Hulkenberg recording a sixth-place finish in the Austrian Sprint Race.
‘Continue to develop 2023 F1 car’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...p-2023-f1-car/
Ferrari theory explored as mystery surrounds ‘very weird’ tyre problem at Haas
22 Aug 2023 3:45 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Dealing with a tyre-eating VF-22, Guenther Steiner says while Haas need to examine if their issue is linked to Ferrari’s, he doesn’t believe they are the “same problem”.
Blighting the first half of Haas’ season, the German driver accepted after the Belgian Grand Prix that the tyre issue won’t be a quick fix for Haas, saying: “Fixing it and bringing loads of performance, it doesn’t just lay on the street, it’s a bit more complex.
“I think we can still improve the situation this year. To what extent, that’s TBC, it’s down to us, and we have to prove it. But yeah, it’s a longer-term thing.” A thing Haas are working hard at with Steiner revealing they’re still flat-out on this year’s car in an attempt to resolve the issue before they carry it over into 2024’s car.
‘Very weird tyre problem’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-t...uld-be-linked/
Hulkenberg not ‘bitter or frustrated’ over no-F1 podium record
11:51 Fri, 18 Aug 2023.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport
Nico Hulkenberg insists he is not “bitter or frustrated” at the fact he remains without a podium finish in his decade-long Formula 1 career. Arguably his best shot at a podium came in Brazil 2012 when he led for more than 40 laps before colliding with Lewis Hamilton whilst battling for the lead.
But when asked if he was ever frustrated at the lack of silverware over his 10 seasons in F1, Hulkenberg stressed he was at peace with his career. “That’s stating a fact there,” Hulkenberg said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“I’m here in the current Formula 1 season, working day-in, day-out and trying to maximise the season,” he said. “I have to maximise what I have. And the opportunities in the past, unfortunately they didn’t work. Of course, that was very frustrating at the time, but that is what it is.”
‘Not bitter or frustrated’;
https://readmotorsport.com/2023/08/1...podium-record/
Steiner explains why Haas will continue to develop 2023 F1 car
10:53 Tue, 22 Aug 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has explained the side will continue to bring upgrades to its 2023 Formula 1 car in a bid to understand the direction needed for next season’s package.
“We have got some upgrades coming for Zandvoort, on the brake ducts and front wing, but the team is working flat out to make some modifications to the car which will be coming later on in the year and I can’t give an exact timeline because of the shutdown,” he said. “We keep on working, and there are two reasons for this.”
“Firstly, to try and make the car go quicker as you always do with upgrades but also to know the direction for the VF-24, which is as important, if not more important. There’s a lot of hard work going on, it’s almost as intense as being in December developing the new car.”
‘Continue to develop’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...p-2023-f1-car/
Hulkenberg ‘ruining’ Magnussen’s F1 career
08:27 Mon, 21 Aug 2023.
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news
Nico Hulkenberg is in the process of “ruining” Kevin Magnussen’s Formula 1 career. That is the view of former F1 driver Marc Surer, referring to the way in which 35-year-old Hulkenberg has dominated Haas incumbent Magnussen in 2023.
“Magnussen ruined Mick Schumacher’s F1 career and now Hulkenberg is ruining Magnussen’s career,” the Swiss told formel1.de. “I expected Magnussen to be at Hulkenberg’s level, and he’s doing that in the race but not in qualifying. Obviously, Hulkenberg has a natural talent.”
“Kevin is a good driver, no doubt, but he lacks something extraordinary, and I don’t think it’s motivation. Although if the car is not progressing, as seems to be the case, it is quite problematic to stay fully motivated,” Surer added.
“Magnussen ruined Mick Schumacher’s F1 career and now Hulkenberg is ruining Magnussen’s career”;
https://grandpx.news/hulkenberg-ruin...ens-f1-career/
Steiner: Haas rollercoaster weekends 'difficult to digest'
22/08/2023 at 13:51
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Haas team boss Guenther Steiner says the chronic tyre degradation issues impacting its 2023 car have led to "rollercoaster" race weekends that are "difficult to digest" for the US outfit. This season, the second year of F1's ground-effects regulation, Haas' VF-23 has demonstrated impressive speed on Saturdays, with Nico Hulkenberg qualifying among the top-ten in four of the last six races.
However, it's been a different story for the American outfit on Sundays, with tyre degradation systematically undermining both Hulkenberg and teammate Kevin Magnussen's efforts. Haas' engineers have been on their car's case for months, but elaborating a solution has turned into a long-haul process. In the interim, Steiner admits that race weekends are a frustrating succession of highs and lows.
‘Haas rollercoaster weekends’;
https://f1i.com/news/484182-steiner-...to-digest.html
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Piastri prepared for Zandvoort challenge.
It will be the Australian's first visit to the circuit in his racing career. Oscar Piastri says he has been preparing for his first Formula 1 outing at the Zandvoort circuit in the McLaren simulator.
22 August 10:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
The Dutch Grand Prix circuit is one of the tracks on the calendar that Piastri did not race at, during his time rising through the F1 feeder championships. With it now his 13th race in F1 and 12 months on from his contract saga, Piastri said: "I'm looking forward to getting back to racing after some time off for the summer break.
"I had a nice time away on holiday, enjoying the sun and I feel recharged ahead of going into this second half of the season. Next up is the Dutch GP. Zandvoort is a new track for me, so I’ve been working hard in the sim with the engineers to get as prepared as possible for the weekend.”
"I'm feeling ready and excited to get back into the car and see all the Papaya fans in the stands. Let's bring home good results."
‘Zandvoort challenge’;
https://racingnews365.com/piastri-pr...oort-challenge
Piastri happy with Webber support amid ‘whirlwind’ rookie F1 season
15:48 Tue, 22 Aug 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri says he is happy to have manager Mark Webber “in my corner” whilst he encounters a “whirlwind” rookie season in Formula 1. Speaking on Virgin Radio recently, Piastri has credited the important role Webber, a nine-time F1 race winner with Red Bull in his time, has played in his career to this stage.
“He’s good,” Piastri acknowledged. “The first few years we worked together he did a lot behind the scenes for me – he still does a lot behind the scenes for me now. Obviously he’s got a wealth of F1 experience, racing experience, and now that I’m in F1 myself, he’s got heaps of ideas and questions.”
‘Whirlwind rookie F1 season’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...kie-f1-season/
Eliminating mistakes the focus for Piastri
Monday 21st August, 2023 - 5:30am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Oscar Piastri is aiming to eliminate mistakes in the final 10 races of the 2023 F1 once the season resumes at the end of the month. Speaking with Speedcafe, Piastri gave himself just a ‘B’ for the opening 12 races of the season, reasoning he’s made too many mistakes.
Heading into the year, his stated focus was to allow himself time to learn the sport and blow off some of the cobwebs after a year out of competition. “I think it’s the same; try and continue to build on getting quicker,” Piastri told Speedcafe of his aims for the second half of the season, “having complete races and just eliminating some of those mistakes.”
“I’m obviously able to get quite close to Lando [Norris] in most sessions, but I want to be able to take that next step and really be able to challenge him. I want to try and continue to improve myself. I’m happy with the level I’m at but I feel like there still can be more, so just getting the most out of that.”
‘Eliminating mistakes’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/21...s-for-piastri/
McLaren boss unveils pivotal ambition that will stop rivals snatching Lando Norris
22 Aug 2023 8:15 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says proving to Lando Norris that his and the team’s title ambitions can be achieved together is key to keeping him, with very positive momentum being made towards that. “I think it’s been massively important for all of us. It shows we can do it,” Brown told ESPN regarding McLaren’s performance spike.”
“That being said, we haven’t won one with [Norris] yet. He loves McLaren, it’s been his family, so there’s no doubt in my mind his number one choice is to win a World Championship with McLaren. I think the best thing we do to retain him is to demonstrate to him we’re a team capable of doing that.”
‘Pivotal ambition’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...tion-progress/
McLaren: Proving team is title-worthy key to retaining Norris
22/08/2023 at 08:34
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Zak Brown says that proving to Lando Norris that McLaren is a team capable of winning the F1 world championship will be key to retaining the young Briton's services in the future. On the back of McLaren's spectacular gains this summer, which allowed Norris to score successive P2 podiums in Britain and in Hungary, the 23-year-old reiterated his long-term commitment to his team.
"I want to achieve my success and I want to achieve my goals with McLaren," he said in Spa. "That’s been my target since I’ve come here, since I’ve entered Formula 1 with this team. I guess I’m a loyal guy from that point of view, that I’ve joined the team, they gave me a chance in Formula 1 and I want to deliver and achieve success for them."
‘Proving team is title-worthy’;
https://f1i.com/news/484159-mclaren-...ng-norris.html
McLaren has no more "big holes" to fix as it targets F1 titles - Brown
11:56 Tue, 22 Aug 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com
McLaren Formula 1 boss Zak Brown believes the team has no more "big holes" to fix and now has everything in place to win championships following major infrastructure upgrades. Over the winter, newly promoted team principal Andrea Stella led a thorough review of the Woking design department.
It subsequently let go of technical chief James Key, restructured its leadership, and hired David Sanchez from Ferrari and Red Bull veteran engineer Rob Marshall.
With elements of that revised set-up in place, McLaren upgraded its current MCL60 from what was a backmarker car in the early races to then scoring podiums in the British and Hungarian Grands Prix plus a top-three finish in the Spa sprint immediately before the summer break.
‘No more "big holes" to fix’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...rown/10510193/
Zak Brown admits ‘pointless’ to build up McLaren pre-season expectation
20 Aug 2023 8:30 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Zak Brown said it would have been “pointless” for McLaren to build up pre-season expectations knowing how far behind their car was. The 2023 car looked the worst McLaren had produced since the dark times of 2017 but the turnaround has been quite staggering in not only its effectiveness but the speed of it.
Since Austria, McLaren have gone from one of the slowest cars on the grid to in the pack competing behind Red Bull but Brown has revealed why he did not want to talk up the team’s chances heading into the season. “It would have been pointless to talk up the launch, knowing what we were going to see 30 days later, so we were just transparent because our data said we were not where we need to be,” he told Motorsport.com.
“We knew changes were in the works, and then data was telling us things were going to start looking up in Austria and Silverstone and they have. So. that’s given us a lot of confidence that what we’re seeing in data is correlating to the track, whether that’s good data or bad data.”
“Turnaround has been quite staggering”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/zak-br...en-pre-season/
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All eyes on Max Verstappen at Zandvoort with Sebastian Vettel's nine in a row record in sight.
Max Verstappen could equal Sebastian Vettel’s record for nine straight victories at his home race this weekend.
22 Aug 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Red Bull are invincible in 2023, winning all 12 races so far this season. More importantly, they’ve rarely been challenged on raw pace - perhaps only Monaco with Fernando Alonso was where they were under the most threat.
Verstappen has won the last two Dutch Grands Prix, overtaking Lewis Hamilton following the Safety Car in 2022. Reliability aside, it’s hard not to see anything but a Verstappen victory.
‘Invincible’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/103...w-record-sight
Verstappen bracing for 'temperamental' weekend in Zandvoort
23/08/2023 at 10:53
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Max Verstappen will be aiming next weekend for his ninth consecutive F1 win this season, but the dominant Red Bull driver says his home race at Zandvoort could be a soggy affair due to area's forecasted "temperamental" weather.
Barring an unforeseen event, the 25-year-old will in all likelihood celebrate his third world title before the end of F1's 2023 campaign and perhaps as early as the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
In the interim, Verstappen will attempt to uphold his 100% win rate on home ground, having never been defeated at Zandvoort – either in qualifying or on race day – since F1's return to the legendary venue in 2021.
'Temperamental weekend’;
https://f1i.com/news/484218-verstapp...zandvoort.html
F1's run of wet weekends could continue in Zandvoort | 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weather
08:07 Tue, 22 Aug 2023.
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Teams may have to get the intermediate tyres out as soon as Friday. There is a moderate 40% risk of showers on Friday afternoon at present, scheduled to clash with the second practice session of the day.
Saturday’s qualifying day is currently on track to be the driest of the three days of the race weekend. It is forecast that Saturday will be cloudy, with the biggest risk of rain being in the morning – although much lower than Friday.
For the grand prix on Sunday, however, the chances of rain picks up again. Systems currently predict another 40% chance of rain on Sunday, although again that risk is at its highest in the morning, when Formula 2 and the Porsche Supercup races will be taking place.
‘2023 Dutch Grand Prix weather’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/22/...-in-zandvoort/
Reserve driver Shwartzman will take up Ferrari's FP1 rookie outings in 2023 starting in Zandvoort
23 August 2023
Formula1.com
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed that reserve driver Robert Shwartzman will get behind the wheel of the SF23 in both the team’s allocated rookie FP1 sessions this year – starting this weekend at the Dutch GP.
Shwartzman has been a part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2017, and since leaving Formula 2 at the end of the 2021 – where he finished as the runner-up to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – he has been serving as the Scuderia’s reserve driver.
Explaining why Zandvoort was one of the tracks chosen, Vasseur said: “Because it was the choice of the driver. I gave them the choice to do it, where they want to do it.” Vasseur also explained why the decision on which tracks to give rookies a run out is so difficult to make. He said: “I know that it is not an easy situation but Carlos… it’s not so easy to decide.”
‘Ferrari rookie FP1 session’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...2cKzjqQX0.html
Zandvoort wants beach visitors to come after noon during Grand Prix to avoid peak times
Monday, 14 August 2023 - 15:35
NL Times
Visitors who will not attend the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort are requested to postpone their visit to the seaside town until after 12 p.m. during the race weekend. The Zandvoort municipality wants to ensure a well-managed distribution of crowds.
"Will there be any beach visitors? People are welcome. Just come and experience the atmosphere, but do come outside the entry and exit times. Don't come at the moment everyone wants to be on the circuit," said the spokesperson. The municipality has made no changes to the mobility plan for this year. Trains will operate every five minutes between Amsterdam Central and Zandvoort aan Zee.
Traditional routes remain accessible to visitors, including the boulevard that passes various stalls and stages within the village. In the village, however, there are additional stages this year to better spread the crowds: on the Raadhuisplein, Badhuisplein, and Kerkplein. Zandvoort is closed to car traffic during the race weekend.
‘Beach visitors avoid peak times
https://nltimes.nl/2023/08/14/zandvo...oid-peak-times
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Dutch Grand Prix - five things.
AFP Sport looks at five things ahead of the 13th race of a season dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
Issued on: 24/08/2023 - 05:00
Zandvoort (Netherlands) (AFP)
France 24
Vettel's record in jeopardy: Max Verstappen has a significant milestone in his sights on his home patch. 'Golden' Red Bull: The 2023 season may be turning into a bit of a relentless grind for the non-partisan fan, but unsurprisingly that view is not shared at Red Bull.
Mercedes 'recharged': Mercedes approach the second half of the season "recharged" says boss Toto Wolff after a challenging campaign so far… The chasing pack: Unlikely as it is, if Verstappen comes unstuck in the Dutch dunes, which teams aside from Mercedes are best placed to capitalise?
Alpine turbulence: Pierre Gasly's sprint third place at Spa was a much needed pick-me-up for the beleaguered Alpine-Renault outfit.
‘Five things’;
https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...ix-five-things
What to expect from the 2023 F1 Dutch Grand Prix
23 August 4:20PM
RacingNews365
How many drivers get a chance to equal an all-time record in front of their home Formula 1 fans? That is the opportunity presenting itself to Max Verstappen at this weekends Dutch Grand Prix, which takes place for the third time since its return in 2021 at Zandvoort.
Behind Red Bull there is a tight battle for second in the Constructors' Championship, after McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari managed to catch up to Aston Martin. Further behind Alpine look to be in no-mans land on 57 points, with incumbent Team Principal Bruno Famin targeting at least a top five finish.
Then the battle gets closer between Williams and Haas for seventh, with the pair both on 11 points. Further back is Alfa Romeo on nine points, while AlphaTauri hope Daniel Ricciardo can change their fortunes as they sit last on three points.
‘What to expect’;
https://racingnews365.com/what-to-ex...tch-grand-prix
Aston Martin get development boost after ‘working tirelessly’ on Dutch GP upgrades
23 Aug 2023 6:52 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Aston Martin technical director Dan Fallows has confirmed the team will be bringing upgrades to their car this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, having been “working tirelessly” to understand why their performance has dropped off in relation to others.
“We’ve been working tirelessly to develop our understanding of the AMR23. We believe we now have a good understanding of the car’s weaknesses and we’re taking steps to address them.”
“We hope that the performance of the car at Zandvoort, with our latest updates, will confirm we are heading in the right direction and help Lance and Fernando fight for points this weekend.”
“We’ve been working tirelessly”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-...lopment-boost/
Max Verstappen unbothered by Dutch GP jeopardy
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is looking to continue his string of strong outings around Zandvoort.
23 August 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News
As Max Verstappen readies himself for his home Grand Prix at Zandvoort, he’s not only aiming for a record-equalling ninth consecutive win this season, but he’s also keeping a watchful eye on the area’s fickle weather forecast.
Verstappen’s stronghold on his home turf remains unassailable, as he has never been bested at Zandvoort since F1’s return to the iconic track in 2021.
His unbeaten streak extends to both qualifying and race day. Expressing his excitement about returning to the track, Verstappen mentioned, “It’s an amazing track and of course, the fans are incredible there, so I’m definitely excited to get back on track.”
‘Home turf remains unassailable’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/max-verst...h-gp-jeopardy/
Dutch GP protest disruption looks more certain
23 August 3:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
A protest for the Dutch Grand Prix looks more certain as tensions grow between race organisers, local authorities, and taxi drivers over access to the track.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reports drivers have become more frustrated after they found out other drivers outside of Zandvoort have managed to obtain permits. The municipality of Zandvoort explained that a number of taxis have parking permits within the area, which made them eligible for the proper access permit.
Taxi drivers are unhappy with this and it increases the chance of protest action, which is most likely to take place on Saturday and Sunday. A resolution is reportedly trying to be reached, which could take until as late as Friday.
‘Dutch GP protest disruption’;
https://racingnews365.com/dutch-gp-p...s-more-certain
Dutch Grand Prix faces potential blockade by taxi drivers due to access permit dispute
Wednesday, 23 August 2023 - 20:00
NL Times
Angry taxi drivers from Haarlem are committed to blocking roads leading to the Formula One event in Zandvoort this weekend, the Noordhollands Dagblad reported on Wednesday. The taxi drivers are currently in a dispute with the municipality of Zandvoort over access permits during the race weekend.
The conflict began last week when about 150 taxi drivers in the Haarlem region were informed they will not be granted access to the vicinity of the circuit during the race weekend without a special permit, as only taxi companies from Zandvoort and Bloemenaal will be eligible for the access permit.
‘Angry taxi drivers’;
https://nltimes.nl/2023/08/23/dutch-...permit-dispute
Dutch GP’s 2025 Future Uncertain, Admits Race Boss
August 23, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
Jan Lammers, the Dutch GP boss and former Formula 1 driver, has confessed that the future of the Dutch Grand Prix within the Formula 1 grid remains uncertain. The current contract for Zandvoort’s race will expire after next year, and Lammers acknowledges that negotiations with Formula One Management (FOM) might prove challenging.
“FOM knows what they want and we know what we want,” he stated to Viaplay, anticipating the upcoming event this weekend. When you see countries like Saudi Arabia committing 900 million for ten years to their grand prix, we can’t compete with that,” he accepted.
Kees van de Grint, previously an engineer for Bridgestone and Ferrari in F1, believes that it would be absurd if Zandvoort were removed from the calendar due to financial demands. “Money shouldn’t be the most important thing,” he emphasized. “When I see what the Dutch have created, it’s unique.”
‘Dutch GP’s 2025 Future Uncertain’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/dutch-gps-...its-race-boss/
Dutch Grand Prix trophies hark back to historic traits.
Dutch GP trophy design revealed. Following on from 2021's design, the 2023 trophies hark back to a classic era of racing.
23 August 12:30PM
Author Michael Butterworth
RacingNews365
According to designers Studio Piet Boon, this year's trophies represent a redesign of the cup awarded at the 1939 Dutch Grand Prix, and prominently feature the Netherlands' Royal Coat of Arms, complete with heraldic lions in gold for the race winner, red for the second-placed driver, and blue for the third-placed finisher (see below picture).
Piet Boon also modelled the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix trophy after the 1939 cup, though this one was manufactured from recycled beer bottles and engraved with sand from the Zandvoort beach (below right). In 2022, however, the Dutch Grand Prix trophy was designed by Pablo Lucker, who went for an altogether different design in homage to the event's title sponsor.
Careful with that trophy, Max. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Dutch Grand Prix has poked fun at Red Bull's recent propensity for breaking trophies. Referring to the incidents, earlier this week the Dutch Grand Prix account posted its winners' trophy wrapped in bubble wrap, captioned: "Let's break records, not trophies."
‘This year's trophies represent a redesign of the cup awarded at the 1939 Dutch Grand Prix’;
https://racingnews365.com/dutch-gp-trophy-revealed
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After getting on terms with Aston Martin, Ferrari's next target is Mercedes | 2023 Dutch Grand…
There is a big gap in the constructors’ standings between Ferrari in fourth and Mercedes in second, but the former feel they can be Formula 1’s second fastest team on track.
24th August 2023, 07:27
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur insists the Scuderia are “moving forward”, based on their results heading into the summer break. “If you have a look on the first 12 races, it’s clearly up and down, really tight,” he said. Tiny errors make a significant difference in the fight to be closest to Red Bull, and that can make it hard to identify where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
“The most difficult part of the job is to understand what is going well and what is going wrong and where we can improve,” he said. “I think the reaction of the team from the beginning of the season was a good one. They remember that Jeddah was very tough for us and the reaction after Jeddah, for me, was a good one. Everybody was pushing in the same direction.”
“Moving forward”;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/24/...t-is-mercedes/
F1 Form Guide: Dutch Grand Prix
24th August 2023, 09:12
Motorsport.com
Max Verstappen is favourite to celebrate victory with his home crowd this weekend – but further down the pack there is plenty to play for? The top four teams – Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Ferrari – have been consistently filling the top 10 throughout the season. In fact, they took all but 11 of the 100 points-scoring places available in the first 10 races.
On average, that has meant there are just three spaces available in the top 10 for other teams to step into – and Alpine (33/10 for a top 10) could be worth a look as they finished sixth and ninth last year at this track.
The nature of this circuit could help Williams' competitiveness and Alex Albon will be keen to make it back into the points this weekend. Last year he finished 12th, and his odds of a points finish this time are 7/4.
‘Plenty to play for’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...prix/10510171/
Ferrari ready for second half of the season @ Dutch Grand Prix
AUGUST 24, 2023 in Motorsport
Racecars
Frédéric Vasseur - Team Principal: “We have recharged our batteries and are ready to go again. We can do so off the back of a strong showing in Belgium that ended with a well-deserved podium for Charles, which was down to excellent preparation and a race that was well executed in terms of strategy, pace, tyre management and pit stops.”
“Even though we will as usual be focusing on our own efforts, we are well aware that, on a short lap like Zandvoort, the gaps between the teams behind Red Bull will be even closer than at Spa. Qualifying is particularly important at this track and the top ten on the grid will probably be fought out to the thousandth of a second. It will be a very busy weekend and we are aiming for a clean time on track to allow Charles and Carlos to get the maximum out of the SF-23.”
“We have recharged our batteries and are ready to go again”;
https://www.racecar.com/news/98985/m...tch-grand-prix
What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix?
24 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
F1’s official tyre suppliers have brought the three hardest tyres in the range to Zandvoort, with the teams able to call upon the C1 (hard tyre), C2 (medium tyre), and the C3 (soft tyre) – as last seen at the British Grand Prix in July. “The second half of the season gets underway with a unique race,” said Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Mario Isola.
“It’s a very twisty track with two banked corners – Turn 3 and Turn 14 – that are steeper than Indianapolis, by way of comparison. On corners like this the stress on the tyres is greater than it would be through normal corners, as the vertical forces increase with the much higher speeds due to the banking.”
“We’ve brought the same tyres as 2022, at least as far as the names are concerned: C1, C2, and C3. However, the current C1 is actually a new compound for this year, positioned between the C2 and the previous C1, which is now called the C0.”
‘Very twisty track with two banked corners’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...UBYVfGWef.html
‘Want to put right’: AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda outlines F1 plan for ‘demanding’ Dutch GP
23rd August 2023, 10:49
F1 Oversteer
Tsunoda has now outlined his desires to ‘put right’ the AlphaTauri star’s failure to finish the Dutch GP during Formula 1’s past two visits. He has had to retire on each visit to Zandvoort since F1 returned to the Netherlands. But the Kanagawa-born ace also has another concern.
He is cautious about his team’s struggles in qualifying this year given the tight layout of the Zandvoort circuit. Tsunoda has only qualified inside the top 10 twice this season with eighth in Azerbaijan and ninth in Monaco. His average qualifying position in 2023 is just 14th place. “We’ve had two races in Zandvoort in the past and I even made it to Q3 last year,” Tsunoda has told AlphaTauri’s official website ahead of the Dutch GP.
“But I’ve never finished, so that’s something I want to put right this weekend. I like the track because it’s technical with some unique features, such as the steeply banked corners and the mix of slow and fast turns. It’s physically quite demanding.
‘Want to put right’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/alp...t-at-dutch-gp/
-
NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.
After a month-long summer break, F1 returns to action with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend. Ahead of the event, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with stats, trivia, insight and much more.
24 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 1952
• Track Length – 4.259km
• Lap record – 1m 11.097s, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2021
• Most pole positions – Rene Arnoux (3)
• Most wins – Jim Clark (4)
• Trivia – Zandvoort’s final corner – named after Dutch motorsport legend Arie Luyendyk – features an 18-degree banking, almost double the numbers seen at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 199 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 47
• Safety Car probability – 50%*
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 50%*
• Pit stop time loss – 21.53 seconds
FAN VIEW: The summer break has changed little for F1 Play gamers, who again believe Max Verstappen will be dominant once more on home soil at Zandvoort. He now accounts for more than 95% of the victory votes, with only his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc able to register more than 1% each so far.
FAN VIEW: Following on from the victory predictions weighing heavily in Verstappen’s favour, more than 86% of F1 Play gamers expect the flying Dutchman to be the fastest man over a single lap at his local circuit. Hamilton (6%) is a very distant second.
‘NEED TO KNOW’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...NCOQad1WT.html
First pictures from the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend | F1 Pictures
24th August 2023, 15:17
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
‘First pictures’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/24/...-prix-weekend/
Verstappen aims to 'keep on doing the same thing' at 'amazing' Dutch GP
24 August 2023
Inside Racing
Max Verstappen hopes to "keep on doing the same thing" at the Dutch Grand Prix. Asked about his expectations in the press conference on Thursday, however, Verstappen admitted doing so wasn't a given.
“Just try to keep on doing the same thing – that would be nice,” he said. "Of course, after a break, you never know how you get back into things.”
“Also [with] the track and the weather that is forecast, I think it’s always a bit more tricky. We’ll see. We have a quick car, but it’s again about putting everything together to have a really strong weekend.”
'Keep on doing the same thing';
https://www.insideracing.com/formula...azing-dutch-gp
Sainz warns F1 rivals that 'SLEEPY' Ferrari are ready for Dutch Grand Prix
Thursday 24 August 2023 17:57
Luis Raya
GPFans
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have insisted that Ferrari's batteries have been 'recharged', with the pair warning their F1 rivals that they are ready to fight for big things at the Dutch Grand Prix.
"[It has been] good to have a bit of time off to recharge the batteries and to be fully ready for the second part of the season," said Leclerc in a video posted on the team's social media.”
Sainz continued: "Which even if we might look a bit sleepy because it's Thursday 10am, Thursday's for us are a bit slow sometimes; we are fully ready to go and fully recharged, looking forward to having a good strong weekend after the summer break."
‘Ferrari are ready’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...erc-zandvoort/
Dutch GP taxi driver protest called off
24 August 5:50PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Jesse Janse
RacingNews365
The group of 150 drivers had threatened to set up blockades around Zandvoort. A protest that threatened to disrupt this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix has been averted. A group of roughly 150 taxi drivers in the Zandvoort region had threatened to create blockades around the circuit after feeling aggrieved over a perceived disadvantage and unfair competition with taxis from outside the seaside town were reportedly given an exemption initially aimed purely for local drivers.
Just a day before the on track action begins, drivers have been given permission to drive as far as the municipality of Zandvoort, which means F1 fans can be dropped off in surrounding towns before continuing their journeys to the circuit.
A spokesman for the Haarlem taxi drivers has revealed the group has unanimously decided to call off the action, though RacingNews365 has been informed that the group of drivers which has 'additional tickets, illegal or not' are unhappy with the compromise.
‘Protest averted’;
https://racingnews365.com/dutch-gp-t...est-called-off
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F1: The key talking points ahead of the Dutch GP.
The F1 summer break comes to a conclusion as the Dutch GP takes place this weekend.
25th August 2023, 09:48
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport
The F1 summer break comes to a close with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, as the circus descends on the seaside town of Zandvoort.
Verstappen eyes Sebastian Vettel record.
Who'll return from the summer in form?
Mercedes could be strong.
Wet weather could play a factor.
Battle for 2nd in Drivers' standings hots up.
‘The key talking points’;
https://www.givemesport.com/f1-the-k...-the-dutch-gp/
The upgrades F1 teams have brought to the Dutch GP
25th August 2023, 10:42
by Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
The Formula 1 paddock has had the summer break to determine how best to approach the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and six teams have decided to bring updates to the circuit this weekend. Championship leaders Red Bull has brought just a single update to its all-conquering RB19 machine, with the Milton-Keynes-based outfit electing to make alterations to the Beam Wing by revising cambers and angles of incidence across particular elements.
Mercedes continues to tackle its performance deficit to Red Bull in the form of three updates to its W14 machine with performance gains as the primary objective. McLaren admitted it got its circuit-specific set-up at Spa-Francorchamps wrong and will be hoping to avoid the same mistake at Zandvoort. Aston Martin is the team bringing the largest upgrade package to Zandvoort. The Silverstone-based squad emerged as the closest challenger to Red Bull at the start of the season but rapidly fell back into the clutches of rival teams before the break.
Haas is a team that has struggled all season long with race pace – owing to aggressive tyre degradation – and has brought three updates to its car for the Zandvoort weekend. The sixth and final team to bring updates to its car at Zandvoort is AlphaTauri, with the Faenza-based squad making a single revision to the AT04 in the form of a new Rear Wing Endplate… The likes of Ferrari, Alpine, Alfa Romeo and Williams have elected not to make updates ahead of the Dutch GP
‘Upgrades F1 teams have brought’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...-the-dutch-gp/
Dutch GP upgrades revealed
Friday 25th August, 2023 - 6:57pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Aston Martin’s bid to return to the front in F1 has led to the team introducing a significantly upgraded new floor ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. Haas is another team to bring a major change with a new front wing and nose, its second iteration following an update introduced ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix in May.
Haas is another team to bring a major change with a new front wing and nose, its second iteration following an update introduced ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix in May. McLaren has a new rear wing and beam wing assembly, whilst Red Bull, Mercedes, and AlphaTauri have brought minor updates.
The four other teams – Ferrari, Alpine, Alfa Romeo, and Williams – have no updates this weekend.
‘Dutch GP upgrades revealed’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/25...-car-upgrades/
Revealed: Upgrades that Aston Martin and Mercedes brought to F1 Dutch Grand Prix
25 Aug 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Red Bull: Beam Wing
Mercedes: Floor Edge, Beam Wing.
McLaren: Rear Wing, Beam Wing
Aston Martin: Floor Body, Floor Fences, Diffuser
Haas: Front Wing, Nose, Rear Corner
No updates: Ferrari, Alpine, Alfa Romeo, Williams
‘Upgrades Revealed’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103391...tch-grand-prix
Ted Kravitz to miss Dutch Grand Prix as Sky Sports F1 favourite's absence explained
Sky F1 pit lane reporter Kravitz and main presenter Simon Lazenby are set to miss this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, meaning there will also be no Ted's Notebook programme
06:00, 25 Aug 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
Kravitz and Lazenby are among the most regular appearance-makers. Kravitz is rarely absent from the pit lane, giving detailed insight into what is going on inside each of the team garages, while Lazenby is Sky's main presenter for its coverage of Formula 1.
It's not the first race Kravitz has missed for personal reasons this season. He was not part of Sky's presenting team at the Spanish Grand Prix in early June, choosing instead to take a longboat holiday on the Grand Union Canal.
It is not year clear who will take on Kravitz's role in the pit lane at Zandvoort this weekend. For Friday practice in Barcelona it was Martin Brundle, who joked about being "promoted" to the role but was soon complaining about a lack of action in the pit lane.
‘Ted Kravitz missing’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ssing-30764012
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Home hero Verstappen fastest in FP1 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen ensured it was business as usual for Red Bull after topping the timesheet in FP1 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Friday 25 August 2023 13:39
Dan Davis
GPFans
Determined to impress in his home race and in front of a sea of orange, the world champion and this year's runaway leader was fastest with a time of 1:11.852. Fernando Alonso finished second, two-tenths behind Verstappen's best effort.
Lewis Hamilton took third, with a blistering effort in the latter stages of the session hamstrung by an untimely crash from Nico Hulkenberg's Haas at Turn 13. Sergio Perez settled for fourth but impressed after switching to the soft tyres.
Alex Albon's Williams ended the hour in fifth, meanwhile. Rounding off the rest of the top 10 were Lando Norris, Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon.
‘Home hero Verstappen fastest’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...and-prix-2023/
(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
25th August 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:11.852
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.278
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.373
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.471
5. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.595
6. Lando Norris McLaren +0.608
7. Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +0.765
8. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.806
9. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.897
10. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.950
‘Dutch Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Zandvoort’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-83020
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Dutch Grand Prix
25 August 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...VSOdNdGVG.html
F1 Dutch Grand Prix 2023 - Friday Practice: LIVE UPDATES!
25th August 2023, 11:46
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Follow all of the F1 action from Zandvoort here at the Dutch Grand Prix with the Crash.net live blog.
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-dut...e-live-updates
Alonso and Hamilton challenge Verstappen in Dutch GP FP1
25 August 1:35PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365
Could there be a fight for pole on Saturday? F1 roared back into action after its summer break in the same fashion as the first half of the season ended with Max Verstappen on top of the leaderboard in first practice for the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver set a benchmark of a 1:11.852 to finish 0.278secs faster than Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso on his homecoming at Zandvoort. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was third fastest ahead of the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez as teams blew off their cobwebs ahead of the final 10 races of the year.
Verstappen was fastest on all three tyre compounds, ultimately laying down the foundations for a strong weekend on the Softs, though made his way through the gravel at Turn 12 after the chequered flag finished. Hamilton would have been challenging the Dutchman's time had it not been for Hulkenberg's crash halting his initial progress on the red side-walled tyre.
‘Fastest on all three tyre compounds’;
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-and...n-dutch-gp-fp1
Max Verstappen tops first practice session at Zandvoort despite Hulkenberg red flag
Max Verstappen topped FP1 at the 2023 Dutch GP ahead of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
August 25, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
Max Verstappen got his 2023 Dutch Grand Prix weekend off to the perfect start by topping FP1, as he bids for a third straight home win a record-equalling ninth consecutive win in Formula 1. There’s rain forecast for all three days of the Dutch GP weekend but that stayed away for FP1, giving a first indication of the running order after the summer break.
There were some interesting run plans from Aston Martin and McLaren, who’ve both brought upgrades to the circuit. Aston Martin in particular have revamped their floor but Alonso didn’t set a competitive time for well into the session, before eventually ending up second.
Nico Hulkenberg provided the biggest incident of the session, when he lost control seemingly innocuously going into turn 13 and spun nearly a full circle before tapping the tyre barrier with his front wing. According to team boss Guenther Steiner, Haas only have one more of the newly designed front wing at Zandvoort so the team will need to decided whether to risk that in FP2.
‘Perfect start’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...berg-red-flag/
Everything that happened in opening F1 Dutch GP practice
Aug 25 2023
By Ben Anderson
The Race
Max Verstappen set the fastest time in first practice for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, ahead of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin – as both Williams drivers made the top 10 and neither Ferrari made the top 15.
FP1 Key moments
• Verstappen fastest from Alonso
• Engine problems for Stroll
• Hulkenberg causes red flag
The key laps on the soft C3 tyres came during the final 10 minutes of the hour-long session, after a brief red flag period following a crash for Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas. Verstappen was the only driver to lap below the 1m12s, his 1m11.852 putting him almost three tenths clear of Alonso’s Aston Martin, which features a heavily revised new floor this weekend.
‘Everything that happened’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/every...h-gp-practice/
-
Norris dislodges Verstappen to top Dutch GP FP2 as Zandvoort traffic problems show.
Lando Norris was the man to beat ahead of Max Verstappen in FP2 for the 2023 Dutch GP.
August 25, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Crash.Net
Lando Norris proved McLaren are back from Formula 1‘s summer break with a bang as he beat Max Verstappen to top FP2 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. He was just two-hundredths of a second ahead of the home favourite, but Verstappen was comfortably quicker on soft-tyre race pace and will likely feel satisfied with the session.
Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton backed up their strong FP1 pace by finishing third and fourth, around three-tenths behind Norris. Australian friendly fire saw Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo out just ten minutes into the session, as Piastri lost control at turn three and slammed front-first into the wall with next to no runoff area to play with.
Yuki Tsunoda was another surprise face in the top five, with Pierre Gasly and Valtteri Bottas also both looking good in sixth and ninth. Aston Martin took a step back after an optimistic FP1 for Fernando Alonso, he was tenth with Lance Stroll eight and half a second behind Norris, while Sergio Perez was seventh just a few hundredths ahead of the Canadian.
‘Norris dislodges Verstappen’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...problems-show/
(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
25th August 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Lando Norris McLaren -1:11.330
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.023
3. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.269
4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.308
5. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.390
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.436
7. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.487
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.505
9. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.527
10. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.533
‘Dutch Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Zandvoort’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-83029
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Dutch Grand Prix
25 August 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘AS IT HAPPENED’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...tOh3u1Mxn.html
How Friday F1 practice for the Dutch Grand Prix unfolded
25th August 2023, 16:21
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
‘How Friday F1 practice unfolded’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/how-fr...-prix-unfolded
Ricciardo injures hand in Dutch GP practice question
25th August 2023, 16:25
Nate Saunders, General Editor, F1
ESPN.co.uk
ZANDVOORT, Netherlands -- Daniel Ricciardo's participation at the Dutch Grand Prix is in doubt after he injured his hand in a crash during Friday practice. AlphaTauri driver Ricciardo, following not too far behind, also lost control of his car and although he avoided his fellow Australian, he hit the barrier hard. When the team asked him over the radio if he was OK, Ricciardo replied: "F---, my hand, f---."
He also said he had not seen Piastri's car until it was too late. Onboard replays showed Ricciardo taking the glove off his left hand, which he was holding when he got out of the damaged car and walked away. The Australian driver went to the medical centre at the Zandvoort circuit and was seen leaving with the arm in a sling.
Ricciardo has gone to a local hospital for a further check. If Ricciardo is unable to race, Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson is at Zandvoort and could be in line to make an F1 debut. In a more remarkable scenario, Nyck de Vries, the driver Ricciardo replaced in mid-July, is still under a central Red Bull contract and could be called upon to make a return at his home race.
‘Nyck de Vries, return at his home race?’
https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id...ctice-question
Ricciardo taken to hospital after Dutch Grand Prix crash
Friday 25 August 2023 17:34
Dan Davis
GPFans
Daniel Ricciardo was taken to hospital for checks on a potential hand injury after his AlphaTauri was involved in a crash during FP2 at the Dutch Grand Prix. In his attempt to avoid clattering into Oscar Piastri's McLaren at the winding Turn Three, Ricciardo hit the brakes and guided his car into the barrier with a shunt.
The extent of his condition is not currently known, though the FIA confirmed to the media that Ricciardo had been taken to hospital for precautionary checks. "We can confirm Daniel Ricciardo has been transferred to the local hospital for further checks following his crash in FP2," a short statement read.
It remains to be seen whether Ricciardo will be able to take part in the rest of the weekend's action, though Red Bull junior Liam Lawson is on standby. The ousted Nyck de Vries may also be a shock contender to step in.
‘Ricciardo taken to hospital’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rash-fp2-hand/
2023 Dutch GP FP2: Bizarre moment as both Piastri and Ricciardo end up in the wall at Turn 3
The second practice session for the Dutch GPwas halted after just 10 minutes after a bizarre incident when Oscar Piastri crashed at Turn 3, with fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo apparently distracted by the McLaren and also hitting the wall.
25 Aug 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Bizarre moment’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...976472052.html
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Ricciardo OUT of Dutch GP; Lawson set for F1 debut.
Liam Lawson will make his F1 debut with AlphaTauri at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
25 August 7:03PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365
Australian Ricciardo crashed out in second practice at Zandvoort having locked up in avoidance of the already-stricken Oscar Piastri at Turn 3, hitting the barriers nose first. But he held onto the steering wheel on impact and anguished about pain in his left hand over the radio.
After initial checks at the circuit's medical centre and further evaluation in hospital, RacingNews365 can confirm Ricciardo has sustained a broken hand.
‘Ricciardo OUT’;
https://racingnews365.com/ricciardo-...t-for-f1-debut
Zandvoort marshals send heart-warming gift to Daniel Ricciardo after FP2 hand injury
25 Aug 2023 5:30 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
The Zandvoort marshals tried to make Daniel Ricciardo’s evening a little better by gifting him a Dutch delicacy.
“Hi Daniel, hope your wrist is ok! We’d love to see you back in the car this weekend. Hope the stroopwafel is in one piece. Kind regards from Turn 3 marshals.”
‘Heart-warming gift’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/zandvo...iel-ricciardo/
Ricciardo reveals choice between hitting Piastri or wall
25 August 10:45PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Daniel Ricciardo has revealed he faced a choice between hitting Oscar Piastri or the wall during the crash in which he suffered a broken hand. "I remember coming into Turn 3. I had already gotten into the corner and then saw Piastri, so it was either hit him or the wall.”
"When I hit the wall, I didn’t have enough time to take my hands off the steering wheel, so the wheel came and hit my hand. It's really unfortunate and frustrating, but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can.”
‘Choice between hitting Piastri or wall’;
https://racingnews365.com/ricciardo-...iastri-or-wall
Christian Horner: Daniel Ricciardo broken hand a great shame 'He's a tough Aussie'
20:09 Fri, 25 Aug 2023.
Sky Sports
Red Bull boss Christian Horner discusses Daniel Ricciardo's broken hand and his expectations for Dutch Grand Prix replacement driver Liam Lawson.
'He's a tough Aussie';
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...-a-great-shame
Who is Liam Lawson? F1 driver that replaces Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri
Daniel Ricciardo will not take part in the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix after breaking his hand on Friday
August 25, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport
Liam Lawson‘s origin story begins in the picturesque town of Hastings, New Zealand. From the moment he could walk, Lawson exhibited an innate passion for speed. The local karting tracks became his playground, and it wasn’t long before he was outpacing competitors much older than him. His natural talent, combined with an unwavering dedication, saw him rise rapidly through the ranks.
Transitioning from karting, Lawson ventured into the junior racing circuits. Here, against a backdrop of roaring engines and cheering crowds, he continued to shine. His name became a regular feature on leaderboards, and whispers of ‘Who is Liam Lawson?‘ began to echo in racing circles.
With every race, Lawson solidified his reputation as a future star of motorsports. The Red Bull Junior Driver Program, a beacon for young talents worldwide, soon took notice of Lawson‘s prowess. Earning a spot in this esteemed program was a testament to Lawson’s potential.
‘Reputation as a future star of motorsports’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/who...do-alphatauri/
Ricciardo’s replacement has a big task but a bigger opportunity
Aug 25 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Red Bull loves throwing a driver into the deep end in Formula 1 and now it’s Liam Lawson’s turn to sink or swim. The size of the challenge stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri in the middle of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend should not be underestimated.
Right now we do not know how long Ricciardo will be sidelined for but in all likelihood one grand prix will turn into two, given Monza follows next weekend. And depending on Ricciardo’s recovery, maybe Singapore could come too soon as well. But Lawson may not be best served looking at this as the first of multiple opportunities as that could lead him to playing it too safe now.
There’s a balance to strike here and only Lawson can judge it correctly. But the upside is huge. It is a chance to put himself right at the forefront of Red Bull’s thoughts for 2024, given that there’s an AlphaTauri seat is up for grabs full-time. If this plays a part in Lawson getting the drive full-time next year it would be because Lawson has had an unexpected opportunity to make his own case more compelling and has done exactly that.
‘The size of the challenge stepping in, should not be underestimated’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/ricci...r-opportunity/
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Verstappen quickest as red flag fly three times in wet final practice | 2023 Dutch Grand Prix…
The championship leader’s best time of a 1’22.010 on intermediate tyres near the end of the session, three tenths of a second ahead of George Russell with Sergio Perez third-fastest.
26th August 2023, 11:49
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Verstappen was not immune from the low-grip conditions as he slid off at turn 11 to make a brief trip over the gravel. However, when the chequered flag came out, he remained in the top spot of the order to be the fastest driver in the wet session ahead of Russell.
Perez was third-fastest in the second Red Bull ahead of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in fifth. Alexander Albon was sixth for Williams with Piastri seventh ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc, who ran off at turn one two more times in the final minutes. Norris completed the top ten in the second McLaren.
‘Red flag fly three times’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/26/...inal-practice/
(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
26th August 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 1:21.631
2. George Russell Mercedes +0.379
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.000
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.003
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +1.092
6. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.119
7. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.261
8. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +1.334
9. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +1.462
10. Lando Norris McLaren +1.527
‘Dutch Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Zandvoort’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-...and-prix-83041
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Dutch Grand Prix
26 August 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...FAweBFqgy.html
F1 Dutch Grand Prix 2023 - Final Practice: LIVE UPDATES!
26th August 2023, 10:41
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-dut...e-live-updates
F1 - Verstappen tops wet final practice in Zandvoort as red flags fly
26.08.23
FIA (Press Release)
Max Verstappen topped the timesheet ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in a wet final practice session for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix in a session interrupted by three red flags periods.
With heavy rain in the morning, the final hour of practice got underway in thoroughly wet conditions, providing AlphaTauri reserve Liam Lawson with an even greater challenge as he set about preparing for his first grand prix in place of Daniel Ricciardo who broke a bone in his left hand in a crash during second practice.
The 21-year-old New Zealander was one of the first drivers on track, on full wet tyres, and he gingerly made his way around the 4.2km of Zandvoort as he got to grips with an unfamiliar car and track. It was Max Verstappen who was almost caught out by the conditions, however. The championship leader, also on full wets, put a wheel on the white line at the top of Turn 3 and was lucky to control the resulting slide towards the barriers.
‘Red flags fly’;
https://www.fia.com/news/f1-verstapp...-red-flags-fly
Verstappen back on top as CHAOS takes over in Dutch Grand Prix FP3
Saturday 26 August 2023 12:48
Anna Malyon
GPFans
A series of chaos and three red flags in FP3 saw Max Verstappen head back to the top despite narrowly avoiding a crash during the session. Despite the McLaren’s fighting for top spot, Verstappen, George Russell and Sergio Perez finished in the top three.
Despite things quickly undergoing again, the challenging wet conditions proved problematic for several drivers, including Charles Leclerc who had a close call with the wall.
Zhou Guanyu found himself in trouble as he ended up in the gravel trap, forcing another red flag. This mishap occurred as he lost grip at turn 13, resulting in a spin after losing control of the rear of his car.
‘CHAOS takes over in Dutch Grand Prix FP3’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-fastest-2023/
Three red-flag incidents in wet final Dutch GP practice
26th August 2923, 11:56
By Jack Cozens
The Race
Max Verstappen went comfortably fastest in a wet final practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, as Liam Lawson completed 23 laps in his first session as a Formula 1 driver, which included a red-flag inducing spin.
Key moments:
> Verstappen and Russell a step ahead of the rest
> F1 debutant Lawson causes red flag with recoverable spin
> Lawson’s off was red flag three after Magnussen and Zhou
The session only really came alive in the final 20 minutes once the worst of the rain had cleared, allowing the 18 cars still in final practice at that point to fit intermediate tyres. Drivers had split their limited running in the 40 minutes beforehand, in which Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu both caused red flags having spun, between the wet and intermediate tyres as rain initially intensified at Zandvoort.
‘Max Verstappen went comfortably fastest’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/three...h-gp-practice/
Ricciardo replacement Lawson causes RED FLAG on debut during Dutch Grand Prix FP3
Saturday 26 August 2023 12:28
Luis Raya
GPFans
Liam Lawson spun in his first Formula 1 session during FP3 of the Dutch GP, causing the third red flag of the session. The New Zealander, who was called in as an emergency replacement for Ricciardo at AlphaTauri following his Friday crash, made his debut on Saturday in challenging conditions with a wet track.
In a session aimed at familiarising himself with the car, Lawson lost control of his vehicle, briefly touching the wall and ending up facing the other direction, resulting in a red flag. The New Zealander rejoined the session shortly afterward.
‘Liam Lawson familiarising himself with the car’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rand-prix-fp3/
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F1 Dutch GP qualifying results: Max Verstappen takes pole at Zandvoort.
Verstappen will start ahead of Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes) in Sunday’s race after the one-hour qualifying session on Friday, which is split into three segments with five cars each being knocked out in Q1 and Q2 before the top-10 shootout of Q3.
26th August 2023, 15:37
By: Charles Bradley
Motorsport.com
What happened in Dutch Grand Prix Q3? The track was ready for slicks at last, with Albon setting the pace at 1m15.743s before team-mate Sargeant crashed heavily at Turn 2, causing a red flag.
After a lengthy delay, McLaren took a 1-2 at the resumption with Norris ahead of Piastri on 1m12.049s, with Verstappen three tenths in arrears. But another red flag was required soon after when Leclerc understeered off into the tyrewall at Turn 9.
The session restarted with four minutes to go, with Verstappen lowering the bar to 1m10.567s. Norris got to within 0.537s of that, with George Russell going third for Mercedes, ahead of Albon, Fernando Alonso (Aston), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Sergio Perez (Red Bull), Piastri, Leclerc and Sargeant.
‘F1 Dutch GP qualifying results’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...ppen/10511780/
Qualifying Results – 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
26th August 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
Q3
1.Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:10.567
2.Lando Norris McLaren +0.537
3.George Russell Mercedes +0.727
4.Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.852
5.Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.939
6.Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +1.187
7.Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.313
8.Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.371
9.Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +2.098
10.Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +6.181
‘Dutch Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Zandvoort’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying...and-prix-83047
Live coverage: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix
26th August 2023, 13:47
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...BXWNEbEtE.html
F1 Live - Dutch GP Qualifying Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
26th August 2023
Racing Statistics
F1 Live Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying Watchalong F1 Live Timings, Updates and Commentary of all F1 Sessions with Racing Statistics. Lets Watchalong!
‘Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J29dgdKHkaY
Verstappen storms twice red-flagged Q3 to take Dutch GP pole
Aug 26 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race
Max Verstappen took pole position on home turf at the Dutch Grand Prix after triumphing in an incident-packed Q3 shootout that featured two red flags.
Charles Leclerc took too much speed into Turn 9 and went off the road into the barriers with four minutes of Q3 remaining, bringing out the second red flag of Q3 and grounding himself to ninth in qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton was the big-name Q2 elimination as he went out in 13th, less than a tenth away from Q3. He was followed by AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Nico Hulkenberg who was slowest of all in Q2 as he was eliminated in 15th place, albeit still only just under two tenths adrift of Q3.
‘Pole position on home turf’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/verst...dutch-gp-pole/
Lewis Hamilton embarrassed by Logan Sargeant and expresses concerns over Dutch GP
Lewis Hamilton was knocked out in Q2
15:07, Sat, Aug 26, 2023
By Mikael McKenzie
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton crashed out of qualifying in Q2 and will start the Dutch Grand Prix in 13th place after being embarrassed by Sargeant's success came at the expense of Hamilton, who fell out of the top 10 when the Williams man put his time on the board. Mercedes have struggled all year and their woes don't look likely to improve any time soon.
Hamilton is concerned that he may struggle to make it into the points during the race. He said: "I did two fast laps at the end and the tyres overheated so I couldn't improve on the last lap.”
"I have got the same car as in qualifying which wasn't really good. Hopefully when the car is a bit heavier I will be able to progress forward but this is not an easy track to move forwards on. Tomorrow is a new day and I will give it my best."
“I couldn't improve on the last lap”;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ilton-Mercedes
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Winners and losers from the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix qualifying.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen set pole position at the Dutch Grand Prix for the third successive year in a rain-affected qualifying session at Zandvoort.
26 Aug 2023 7:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Winners - Max Verstappen: It really does help that his home race just happens to be held at a circuit almost perfectly suited to Verstappen’s driving style.
Lando Norris/McLaren: When – if – Red Bull’s golden run ends, Norris and McLaren are best placed to take advantage.
Alex Albon/Williams: Where has this come from? Williams’s strong performances in Montreal and the new-look, high-speed Melbourne earlier this season were not entirely unexpected, but small, twisty, max-downforce Zandvoort?
Losers - Lewis Hamilton: Following Lewis Hamilton’s latest early exit, at least one Mercedes has failed to reach Q3 in eight of the 16 qualifying sessions (including sprint shootouts) held so far in 2023.
Charles Leclerc: Feast or famine, sunshine or showers, pole or pitiful.
Logan Sargeant: When Haas dropped Mick Schumacher at the end of last season, the team were open in admitting that they just couldn’t afford his constant crashes against the backdrop of F1’s cost cap.
Oscar Piastri: Oscar Piastri has picked a bad time to suffer the first truly difficult – let’s call it character-building – weekend of his F1 career
Sergio Perez: Having qualified four tenths off his team-mate in the dry in Hungary, Perez was 0.9s adrift of Verstappen in both Friday qualifying and the sprint shootout at Spa. He hit a new low at Zandvoort, where he will start six places lower than the Red Bull team leader having gone 1.3s slower in Q3.
‘Winners and losers’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/wi...ix-qualifying/
The key talking points to come from Dutch Grand Prix qualifying.
Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix provided plenty of excitement on Saturday.
16:59 Sat, 26 Aug 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport
Varied grid a positive sign for F1 competitiveness: Yes, Max Verstappen's dominance is obviously not the most entertaining spectacle in the world, but there are plenty of positive signs about the state of the sport in behind him.
Williams shine: As mentioned, Albon did a brilliant job for Williams on Saturday and his team-mate also had a fine afternoon, in the main.
Charles Leclerc makes fresh error: There's no denying Charles Leclerc's brilliant speed and pace but on Saturday we saw his latest mistake which led him to slamming into the barriers and out of Q3.
Disappointment for Lewis Hamilton: Hamilton was in a positive frame of mind as we headed into this weekend… … continued to cut an upbeat figure after Friday practice and so he is going to be naturally disappointed with the way his Saturday went, with him revealing after the session that he lost some confidence in the car today compared to how he was feeling in it on Friday.
George Russell returns to good qualifying form: Russell has, deservedly, earned the moniker of 'Mr Saturday' thanks to his qualifying performances both at Williams and Mercedes during his time in F1.
‘Plenty of excitement on Saturday’;
https://www.givemesport.com/the-key-...ix-qualifying/
Verstappen chasing another record and Lawson’s F1 debut – What To Watch For in the Dutch Grand Prix
26 August 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
1. Verstappen chasing another record: The 2023 season has been a record-breaking one for Red Bull already, with the team becoming the most successful in terms of consecutive victories. But another record – currently held by one of their former drivers – is within touching distance for Max Verstappen on Sunday.
2. Albon hunting a big result from the second row: Directly behind Norris is a driver who was certainly not expecting to be lining up on the second row this weekend.
3. Hamilton fighting back through the field: One thing that the statistic of six different constructors on the first three rows suggests is a mixed-up order where some quick cars are out of position – and one of those is Lewis Hamilton.
4. Lawson’s debut: After qualifying 20th – a respectable 1.4 seconds away from Q2 – on a still-wet track, Lawson will now tackle his first ever Grand Prix start on a particularly challenging circuit, as the multiple incidents so far this weekend have shown.
5. More rain on the way: There have been a number of races this season that have come with a threat of rain at some point, and we’re facing more of the same at Zandvoort this weekend.
‘What To Watch For’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...UA1IDidM7.html
Lando Norris assesses chances of beating Max Verstappen to Dutch GP win
McLaren once again proved their credentials at a high-downforce circuit
August 26, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
Verstappen eyes ninth straight F1 win after another Dutch GP pole. Norris second fastest
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Toronto Star
ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Red Bull driver Max Verstappen produced a typically strong final lap to take pole position at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday for the third straight year.
‘Ninth straight F1 win’;
https://www.thestar.com/sports/auto-...cee4b48be.html
Toto Wolff questions ‘odd’ Sergio Perez deficit to Max Verstappen: ‘Checo’s not an idiot’
26 Aug 2023 6:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has no logical explanation for the alarming performance gulf between Red Bull team-mates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, which stood at 1.3 seconds after Dutch GP qualifying.
And Wolff cannot fathom how a multi-time grand prix winner in Perez can be so far adrift of Verstappen when driving the same Red Bull RB19. “Odd, bizarre,” said Wolff of that gap when speaking to media including PlanetF1.com following qualifying.
“Checo’s not an idiot. We have seen in all these years Checo is a grand prix winner, multiple grand prix winner, and he was at Racing Point, so I cannot comprehend [it]. We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team-mate that was with him, whether it’s his ability to create a car around himself, that is just very tricky to control but fast if you can, and that creates those gaps, the 1.3.”
‘Checo’s not an idiot’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...appen-gap-odd/
‘Tricky’ Dutch GP awaits Perez after qualifying strategy error
17:42 Sat, 26 Aug 2023.
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week
Sergio Perez will once again have to work his way through the field if he hopes to threaten his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in the Dutch Grand Prix. Perez had to settle for seventh on the grid after a chaotic final qualifying session on a constantly evolving track surface at Circuit Zandvoort.
“It was quite disruptive, with the amount of time we waited in the garage, obviously the sun was out at that time but it was quite hard to know how much it has dried up and when we went out,” the Red Bull driver said.
“I think we probably took the wrong strategy in regards to making a double warm up lap, well a double push lap. I think we took too much out of the tyre but as always you know the better strategy after the session. Anyway we are P7 and tomorrow the main target is to have a strong start and then go forwards from there.”
‘Tricky’ Dutch GP awaits Perez’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...trategy-error/
Logan Sargeant devastated after Q3 crash ‘overshadows’ Dutch GP breakthrough
26 Aug 2023 10:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Sargeant was thrilled to reach the final segment of qualifying for the first time – and deeply regrets the way his session ended. He told Sky F1: “It was difficult, the tyres were going away but the track was drying.”
“It wasn’t the cleanest, most perfect lap [in Q2] but I was able to get just enough out of it to get to Q3 which was nice. I feel like it’s been a great weekend until that mistake, really close to where I needed to be in full dry conditions yesterday, great long run pace – just all overshadowed by one tiny, little mistake.”
‘Thrilled to reach the final segment of qualifying for the first time’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/logan-...h-gp-q3-crash/
Dutch GP: Standout qualifying for Williams Racing
August 27 2023
By Williams Racing
After several promising practice sessions the Williams Racing Team went into qualifying for the 2023 Dutch GP feeling positive about their chances. But the results would be way above their expectations as we for the first time since 2017 had both cars into Q3.
‘Way above their expectations’;
https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st205034.htm
F1 Live - Dutch GP Race Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
Scheduled for Aug 27, 2023
Racing Statistics
F1 Live Dutch Grand Prix Race Watchalong F1 Live Timings, Updates and Commentary of all F1 Sessions with Racing Statistics. Lets Watchalong!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDBiNntEgl0
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Verstappen seals Dutch GP win hat-trick as late rain causes chaos.
Max Verstappen secured a record equalling ninth victory in a row at his home Dutch GP, as rain showers at the start and finish of the race prompted a host of position changes up and down the grid.
August 27, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport
While Verstappen managed to get past and lead, a late safety car to clear the crashed Alfa Romeo of Zhou Guanyu led to some nerves in the garage, with the restart delayed for over 40 minutes as the rain poured down at Zandvoort.
The Dutchman managed to hold off the challenge of Fernando Alonso to take his third consecutive victory at his home race, but Perez was unable to hold onto third as he was handed a five-second penalty for speeding in the pitlane before the red flag.
That promoted the Alpine of Pierre Gasly to third, securing the team’s second podium finish of the season, with the Mexican down in fourth ahead of the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, who fended off the challenge of Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages of the race.
‘Dutch GP win hat-trick/Record equalling ninth victory in a row’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...te-rain-chaos/
Race Results – 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
27th August 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 72 laps
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +3.744
3. Pierre Gasly Alpine +7.058
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +10.068
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +12.541
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +13.209
7. Lando Norris McLaren +13.232
8. Alex Albon Williams Racing +15.155
9. Oscar Piastri McLaren +16.580
10. Esteban Ocon Alpine +18.346
‘Dutch Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Zandvoort’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-resul...and-prix-83063
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
27 August 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...v3aibbgZJ.html
F1 Dutch Grand Prix 2023 - Race Day: LIVE UPDATES!
27th August 2023, 13:06
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-dut...y-live-updates
F1 Live - Dutch GP Race Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
27th August 2023.
Racing Statistics
‘F1 Live Dutch Grand Prix Race Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDBiNntEgl0
Verstappen matches Vettel record with Dutch GP win in the rain
27th August 2023, 16:33
By Philip Duncan
Evening Standard
Max Verstappen navigated his way through a chaotic and dramatic rain-hit Dutch Grand Prix to equal Sebastian Vettel's record of nine victories in a row. Pole-sitter Verstappen found himself down in 13th place after seven drivers - including Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez - took advantage of a sudden first-lap downpour to move on to wet tyres.
The Dutchman regained the lead on lap 13 of 72 only for the race to be red-flagged with just eight laps to run after Zhou Guanyu crashed out following a second heavy shower.
A 43-minute suspension followed as the tyre barrier at the opening corner was repaired.But Verstappen beat Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in a six-lap dash to the chequered flag to match Vettel's streak, set in 2013.
‘Verstappen matches Vettel record’;
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/b1103217.html
Verstappen equals Vettel’s win record in chaotic Dutch GP
Aug 27 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race
Max Verstappen survived a late-race restart in a chaotic rain-affected Dutch Grand Prix to walk away with his record-equalling ninth successive Formula 1 grand prix win. A torrential downpour with just over 10 laps to go forced the drivers to switch from slicks to inters for the second time in the race.
The resulting tricky conditions caught out Zhou Guanyu, whose Alfa Romeo went skating off at Turn 1 that quickly led to a red flag. After a delay of just under an hour the race resumed with six laps of proper racing, the field having completed two laps under the safety car. Verstappen led at the restart with Fernando Alonso keeping him honest and looking for any way to grab his first win for over a decade.
He remained within a second for the first couple of laps but then had to turn his attention to the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez behind him. Perez’s main focus was building a gap to Pierre Gasly behind, however, as he picked up a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pitlane.
‘Verstappen equals Vettel’s win record’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/verst...otic-dutch-gp/
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Record-equalling 9th win in a row for super Verstappen.
Runaway Formula One leader Max Verstappen celebrated a record-equalling ninth successive victory after winning a rain-hit and red-flagged Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday for the third year in a row.
Last Edited August 27, 2023 | 11:53 PM
Reuters Zandvoort, Netherlands
Gulf Times
The Red Bull driver’s home triumph from pole position at a soggy Zandvoort equalled now-retired four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 run of success with the same team.
It was Red Bull’s 14th consecutive triumph and 13th of the season, with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza following next weekend.
Rain brought chaos at the end of lap one, with a further dry period followed by a downpour that swept in from the North Sea to halt proceedings for 40 minutes on the 65th of 72 laps with cars skidding off.
Fernando Alonso put Aston Martin back on the podium with second place and a bonus point for fastest lap after the eventual rolling re-start behind the safety car led to a thrilling final chase at the seaside circuit.
Pierre Gasly was third, his first podium finish since he joined Renault-owned Alpine, as Red Bull’s Sergio Perez collected a five-second post-race penalty for speeding in the pit lane and dropped to fourth. Verstappen now leads Perez, his closest rival, by a mighty 138 points with nine races remaining. Red Bull lead Mercedes by 285 points with Aston Martin 40 points further back and 14 ahead of Ferrari.
‘Record-equalling 9th win’;
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/6...per-verstappen
VERSTAPPEN ‘INCREDIBLY PROUD’ AFTER CLAIMING HIS NINTH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY IN 2023 AT THE DUTCH GP
The Championship leader equalled former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive race wins in a season at Zandvoort
August 27, 2023
Darius Needham
Verstappen came into the weekend knowing that a victory would see him equal Formula 1 history. The Dutchman gave himself the best chance of achieving this feat after he claimed pole position in Qualifying by nearly sixth tenths of a second.
After the race, Verstappen spoke to formula1.com as he reflected on a great performance in front of his home crowd at Zandvoort. “It’s incredible. Also today, they didn’t make it easy for us with the weather to make all the time the right calls. I’m incredibly proud.”
“I already had goosebumps when they were playing the national anthem before the start. Even with all the bad weather, the rain, the fans were still going at it, so an incredible atmosphere.”
“I’m incredibly proud”;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ve...-the-dutch-gp/
‘It’s something I never thought was possible’ – Verstappen on equalling Vettel’s consecutive wins record
27 Aug 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Max Verstappen won the Dutch Grand Prix to equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine F1 victories in a row. After the race he said such a feat isn’t easy – even if you have the best car. “It’s easy to trip up, make a mistake or go off – but we didn’t."
“Never thought was possible”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...444329373.html
Max Verstappen wins Dutch GP, equals Vettel with F1 record 9th straight victory
Rainy weather equaled a chaotic Grand Prix race
Aug 27th 2023 at 1:51PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Runaway Formula One leader Max Verstappen won a rain-marred Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday to equal Sebastian Vettel's F1 record of nine straight victories, and increased his huge championship lead to 138 points as he races toward a third straight world title.
The Red Bull star clinched his third straight win from pole position at the Zandvoort track, with veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain finishing second and picking up a bonus point for the fastest lap. “Nine in a row is something I never even thought about. Very happy with that," Verstappen said. “I know I have a car which is capable of a lot."
The orange-clad home crowd pumped him up. “I already had goose bumps when they were playing the national anthem before the start. Even with all the bad weather and the rain the fans were still going at it, an incredible atmosphere," the Dutch driver said. “I’m going to enjoy this. It’s always tough, the pressure is always on to perform.”
“I already had goose bumps”;
https://www.autoblog.com/2023/08/27/...TN_VHH5SARUNjL
Verstappen takes latest F1 record in his stride
Monday 28th August, 2023 - 10:40am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
“It was probably one of the more difficult races to win,” said Verstappen, who now has 46 overall to his name. “Nine in a row was something I never even thought about, so yeah, very happy with that, but in general, very happy to win here in front of my own crowd.”
In terms of eulogising over a remarkable feat when you consider this is the 74th season in F1’s history, and yet only two drivers have managed to win nine in a row, that was as good as it got from Verstappen. Suggested to Verstappen that the race was the ultimate example of how hard it can be to keep a winning streak going, he replied: “Yeah, absolutely, I mean, even if you have the best…
“I think there have been more dominant cars in the past than we have at the moment, and they haven’t been able to do so, to win nine in a row, whatever, the consecutive wins we have as a team. So it is hard, and especially like this race, it’s easy to make a wrong call, or even drop it yourself in the gravel or whatever. It’s never that straightforward, unfortunately.”
‘In terms of eulogising over a remarkable feat’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/28...1-wins-record/
Max Verstappen equals Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 streak of success with Dutch Grand Prix victory
Verstappen’s 11th victory of the season, and 46th of his career, provided another big push towards clinching a third title well before the end of the season
Published 28.08.23, 10:26 AM
The Telegraph, Calcutta
Formula One leader Max Verstappen celebrated a record-equalling ninth successive victory on Sunday after beating the rain to win a chaotic and red-flagged Dutch Grand Prix for the third year in a row.
The Red Bull driver’s home triumph from pole position at a soggy Zandvoort equalled now-retired Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 streak of success and was the team’s 14th consecutive triumph and 13th of the season.
‘Big push towards clinching a third title’;
https://www.telegraphindia.com/sport...in/cid/1962064
Horner explains "no-brainer" pit call which jumped Verstappen past Perez | 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
18:49 Sun, 27 Aug 2023.
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
Verstappen arrived in second place behind Perez and soon reduced his team mate’s lead to less than three seconds. “Checo then had the target to pull a gap on the cars behind him,” Horner explained, “but Max’s pace as he came through the field was such that I think at one point he took seven seconds out of him in three laps, and was coming very fast.”
At that point, on the 12th lap of the race, Red Bull brought Verstappen in to put him on slick tyres. Perez came in the next time around, but as Verstappen had lapped quicker on his fresh tyres he gained the lead of the race from his team mate. Perez asked his team on the radio whether Verstappen had undercut him and was told he had. Horner said the team decided to pit Verstappen before his team mate, despite the possibility it would cost Perez the lead of the race, because they were concerned other drivers who had already switched to slick tyres might get ahead of him.
“Alonso and, I think, Gasly behind him had pulled the trigger and pitted,” Horner explained. “And you could see from Albon suddenly the circuit was coming alive for the slicks. Had we pitted Checo first, they would have both undercut Max, so we’d have gone from a net one-two to a net one-four. So we pitted Max first with the risk being that he’d undercut Checo but we’d end up as a team as first and second. So it was a no-brainer.”
‘ "No-brainer" pit call’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/27/...en-past-perez/
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Alonso thrilled with podium return at Zandvoort as he says Aston Martin car was ‘flying’ in tricky conditions.
Fernando Alonso was full of positive words about the handling of his Aston Martin as the Spaniard and the team returned to the podium positions with a run to second in a chaotic, rain-hit Dutch Grand Prix.
27 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
“It was a very intense race,” said Alonso, who gained a spot when Sergio Perez spun off before the late red flag. “Obviously at the beginning, with the wet conditions, we were very, very fast, and we stopped maybe one lap too late, but the same as the leaders.”
“The car was flying today, very competitive, very easy to drive. In these conditions you need a car that you can trust, and I did trust the car a lot today, I did enjoy.”
“Thanks to all the fans, the energy that we have here in Zandvoort is very unique. Two years ago, when this race came [back to the calendar], I thought I will never experience the Zandvoort podium, because I was not in a position to think about that.”
‘EL PLAN: Thrilled with podium return’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...dJ0sWAnEm.html
F1 2023 Dutch GP – Fastest Lap
Max Verstappen took a record equalling ninth victory in a row in a chaotic rain-soaked race.
August 27, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport
Fernando Alonso secured the extra point for fastest lap at the Dutch GP on his way to finishing second behind the record breaking Max Verstappen, who took his ninth consecutive victory of the season in a chaotic race dominated by rain.
Verstappen eventually overtook Sergio Perez after opting not to pit in the early stages of rain, and maintained his lead, even as a late safety car appearance—triggered by Zhou Guanyu’s crashed Alfa Romeo—ratcheted up the tension in the Red Bull garage.
The weather at Zandvoort, a coastal venue beside the North Sea, is notoriously unpredictable, and the rain proved to be a game-changer for many drivers. Lando Norris, who decided against pitting in the early stages of the race for intermediate tyres, saw his position plummet.
‘EL PLAN: Fernando Alonso secured the extra point for fastest lap’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...p-fastest-lap/
DRIVER OF THE DAY: Alonso gets your nod after scintillating Zandvoort drive
27 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Fernando Alonso was in a typically feisty mood as the Dutch weather threw everything at Zandvoort. The two-time world champion came through it all to finish just 3.7s behind race winner Max Verstappen and put Aston Martin back on the podium for the first time since Canada back in June. He also took the fastest lap to boot. Here’s how the voting broke down…
Fernando Alonso - 20.9%
Alex Albon - 14%
Max Verstappen - 10.9%
Pierre Gasly - 9.1%
Lewis Hamilton - 9%
‘EL PLAN: Scintillating Zandvoort drive’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...olWDtNme2.html
Fernando Alonso convinced he ‘can’ match Max Verstappen’s ‘underestimated’ achievement
28 Aug 2023 6:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Fernando Alonso believes the key to Max Verstappen’s success is his ability to be at “100 percent” more often than his rivals, but that doesn’t mean the Spaniard can’t achieve similar success himself.
“I think to win in such a dominant matter in any of the professional sports, it is so complicated. So to be at the same level of him, obviously, we have a lot of self-confidence, drivers in general, so I do believe that I can do as good as well. I don’t know about Lewis, but me, yes! And Lewis as well, and everyone.”
“I think you need to enter in a mood, in a state that you are connected with a car. I think on days like today, I felt that I was at my best and have been giving 100% of what I felt and my abilities on a racing car, but maybe in Spa I was not at that level or in Austria or something like that.”
‘EL PLAN: “100 percent” more often than his rivals’
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...mated-success/
FACTS & STATS: Alonso beats Schumacher record for longest first-last podium interval
27 August 2023
Sean Kelly
Virtual Statman
Formula One - Official Site
• With P2 today, Fernando Alonso secured his seventh podium of 2023 and extended his gap over Hamilton in third place in the championship (they were separated by one point before today).
• That P2 for Alonso breaks Michael Schumacher's F1 record (7,399 days) for the longest interval between first and last career podium finishes (Alonso's first podium was Malaysia 2003).
• With his P2 combined with fastest lap, Alonso has now scored more points for Aston Martin in the first 13 races this year (168) than he did in his previous two seasons at Alpine (162).
‘EL PLAN: Alonso beats Schumacher record’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...RluRxn9hz.html
Alonso feared for Zandvoort escape with late Verstappen move
27 August 6:00PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
Fernando Alonso joked he would not have been able to leave Zandvoort if he attempted to overtake Max Verstappen for the lead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
“It is one of those races when it is difficult to concentrate and stay focused for such a long period of time,” said Alonso, who secured his seventh podium of the season and first since the Canadian Grand Prix.”
“I think this is a very special race track. I’m happy for Max. I did think about trying a move at the last restart but then I thought maybe I couldn’t exit the circuit. So I stayed calm in second.”
‘EL PLAN: “I stayed calm in second”;
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-wou...erstappen-move
Alonso “thought maybe I can’t exit the circuit” if he attacked Verstappen at restart
Posted on 27th August 2023, 17:08
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Fernando Alonso says he was wary of lunging at Max Verstappen in the final laps of the Dutch Grand Prix after finishing second behind his rival. “This is a very special race track with all the fans and the energy going on, so you feel always very focussed,” said Alonso. “I did think about trying a move in the last restart [on Max], but then I thought maybe I cannot exit the circuit, so I stayed calm in second.”
“Two years ago when this race came I thought I will never experience maybe the Zandvoort podium because I was not in the position to think about that,” he said. “And today it’s going to be very special to share the podium with Max and Pierre.”
He started from fifth on the grid, but gained ground early in the race when he was one of the first drivers to pit following a rain shower which hit the track on lap one. “It was a very intense race,” said Alonso. “Obviously at the beginning with the wet conditions we were very, very fast.”
‘EL PLAN: Alonso “thought maybe I can’t exit the circuit” ’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/27/...en-at-restart/
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Gasly hails ‘massive motivation boost’ for overhauled Alpine after ‘insane’ run to P3 at Zandvoort.
Pierre Gasly was full of smiles at the end of the Dutch Grand Prix after landing Alpine’s second podium finish of the season and his first since the 2021 campaign in a dramatic, rain-hit encounter at the Zandvoort circuit.
27 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Gasly started Sunday’s race in 12th position but made the most of the tricky conditions to jump up the order and mix it at the front, having benefitted from an early switch to intermediate tyres when rain arrived on the first lap.
While he ultimately crossed the line in fourth, Gasly’s result became third when Sergio Perez’s five-second time penalty was applied for speeding in the pit lane – backing up team mate Esteban Ocon’s podium in Monaco and his recent Sprint rostrum in Belgium.
“It feels good! I must say, it feels good,” said Gasly, who last finished on a Grand Prix podium in Azerbaijan in 2021. “Especially at the start of the season, I felt like we were pretty unfortunate on a number of occasions and we were like, ‘Okay, there’s nothing we can do, just keep pushing, focusing on ourselves and improve what we can and what we have in our hands’.”
‘Massive motivation boost’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ybNkEh71M.html
Pierre Gasly 'pretty upset' and rubs salt in Sergio Perez wounds after snatching podium
Pierre Gasly crept onto the podium after Sergio Perez was hit with a penalty
16:46, Sun, Aug 27, 2023
By Mikael McKenzie
Daily and Sunday Express
Pierre Gasly says he was "pretty upset" to be hit with a five-second penalty early on in the Dutch Grand Prix, but he felt the score was settled when Sergio Perez received the same punishment a few laps before the end of the race, handing the Alpine star third place.
"I was pretty upset I had a five-second penalty earlier in the race, so I thought it was 1-1," Gasly said. "Then I pushed as hard as I could to stay within five seconds and managed to do it. It was a very long race, very challenging from start to finish."
'Pretty upset';
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...tch-Grand-Prix
'Upset' Gasly overcomes punishment for podium
27 August 6:03PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365
The Frenchman hailed his Alpine team for its race execution after finishing third at Zandvoort. Alpine driver Pierre Gasly praised his team for "great execution" after securing a stunning third place at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Frenchman started 12th on the grid at Zandvoort but made the most of a chaotic opening to the race, where rain fell midway through the opening lap, to make his way up the grid - assuming third behind Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu after the early pit stops filtered through.
"I was pretty upset that I got a five-second penalty earlier in the race so I was like 'now it is one-one [after Perez was given his punishment]. Then obviously I tried to push as hard as I could to stay within five seconds and I managed to do it. It was a very long race managing from start to finish - it was great execution from all the guys."
'Now it is one-one’;
https://racingnews365.com/upset-gasl...ent-for-podium
Gasly: Dutch GP podium shows Alpine in "right direction" after F1 manager exits
19:14 Sun, 27 Aug 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com
Pierre Gasly has said his podium in the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix is further proof the Alpine Formula 1 team is heading in the “right direction” following its management turmoil. The result marks Alpine’s second top-three classification in as many rounds, with Gasly also ranking third in the Belgian sprint race.
This brace of headline results follows immediately after team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane - an Enstone veteran of 34 years - parted company following differences of opinion with senior management at owner Renault over the squad’s direction. Chief technical officer Pat Fry is also off to Williams.
He told French broadcaster Canal+: “We need to keep working, keep improving the car and work this way until the end of the year. I'm glad to see that things are falling into place within the team, we're learning to work better and better together. It's going in the right direction, and we proved it again today.”
‘Further proof’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/g...xits/10512547/
Third place in grand prix “feels a lot better” than in a sprint race – Gasly
2023 Dutch Grand Prix
Posted on 27th August 2023, 19:27
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Pierre Gasly said he was very satisfied to take his first podium finish for Alpine after suffering a number of setbacks since joining the team. “It’s obviously very satisfying when you get a reward for the work that we are all putting in, in the team,” he said. It is Gasly’s first podium finish since the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “Last year with AlphaTauri we were nowhere near a podium finish at any point, we just didn’t have the speed,” he said.
“I think this year we came close in Monaco, running in third position and it was clearly a missed opportunity with the extra stop which wasn’t necessary. But it’s sort of season where you’ve just got to keep trying again and again and there’s going to be a point where things are going to click and today it did.”
Gasly rose from 12th on the grid to finish on the podium. He was one of seven drivers who pitted as soon as rain started to fall on the first lap, which helped him move up the order. “It was probably the most challenging race of the year,” he said. “There were a lot of obstacles, there were many moments where we could have got it wrong but as a team we just tried to maximise that.”
“Feels a lot better”;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/27/...nt-race-gasly/
Gasly: Dutch GP podium proves Alpine 'going in the right direction'
27/08/2023 at 20:03
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Pierre Gasly claimed his second top-three finish in as many races on Sunday, the Alpine driver following up his third place in Spa's sprint event last month with a proper podium in the Dutch Grand Prix after a spirited drive in challenging conditions. While Gasly never put a foot wrong in the race – save for his pitlane transgression – his decision to pit at the end of the first lap for a switch to the inters when the rain set in also proved well-inspired.
"We had to make extremely important decisions," he said. "Coming out of the last corner on lap one, I immediately understood that there was a big opportunity for us, so I asked the team to pit straightaway, and it paid off. Then, we had a car that worked well today; I managed to fight with the Ferrari, to stay rather close to Alonso.”
"Many things happened, but you had to stay calm. I am really happy with the team's work and what they achieved." On the other side of the Alpine garage, Esteban Ocon also enjoyed a solid drive through the field from P16 on the grid to the race's final point, making it a double top-ten finish for the French outfit.
‘Second top-three finish in as many races’;
https://f1i.com/news/484956-gasly-du...direction.html
Gasly details tumultuous first year with Alpine
28 August 10:00AM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Competitive mindset key for Gasly: "I'm super competitive, I need competition in my life," Gasly exclusively tells RacingNews365. "After a week [off], I'm already [feeling] like I want to go on track with these guys and get my elbows out. It is such a unique feeling that you have [driving the car] that you can miss it very quickly.”
"That's why in my time off, I've got to find competition every single day. It is quite tiring for my friends as I'll non-stop be challenging them at paddleball, at volleyball. We will go to the beach, and I can't lie down, I need to challenge someone with a beach racquet.”
"I just need this in my life, I am able to switch off and enjoy the time to mentally recharge, but I will always have this competitive mindset."
‘Tumultuous first year’;
https://racingnews365.com/gasly-deta...ar-with-alpine
Exclusive: Pierre Gasly finally finds the fortune he has been searching for
28 Aug 2023 9:00 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Luck can be the most elusive part of a driver’s arsenal. With it, points, podiums, wins or even championships could be on the cards. Without it and it can seem like the world is collapsing around you.
A sprint podium in Spa was little consolation for a year that had incorporated multiple DNFs and left him trailing his team-mate. In his hour of frustration, Gasly welcomed the summer break. “Give me two days and I will forget how to drive,” he exclusively told PlanetF1.com inside the Alpine hospitality, days out from the Dutch Grand Prix.”
But even if Gasly was able to cleanse his mind of racing, the competitive nature was still here. “I’m super competitive so I need competition in my life,” he said. “After a week already I was like ‘f###, I want to go on track with these guys’ you know, get my elbows out. It’s such a unique feeling that you have that you miss it very quickly.”
‘Pierre Gasly finally finds the fortune’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/exclus...finds-fortune/
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Perez: Tyre saving call behind Verstappen pace deficit in F1 Dutch GP.
Asked by Motorsport.com to explain the delta, Perez said: "We were expecting rain, the team was telling me that there was more rain coming.”
18:33 Sun, 27 Aug 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com
Sergio Perez reckons Red Bull needing him to save his intermediate tyres is why Formula 1 team-mate Max Verstappen could cut his early 2023 Dutch Grand Prix lead in half. Perez reckons this significant pace differential was largely down to a need to save his intermediate tyres on a drying track as Red Bull warned that more rain was on the way.
Asked by Motorsport.com to explain the delta, Perez said: "We were expecting rain, the team was telling me that there was more rain coming. The track was on the dry side, so if I were to push, I would just have destroyed completely the inter tyre." Had rain arrived as anticipated, Perez reckoned he could have held onto first place for longer.
Motorsport Reader Comment:
Jonathoan Stevens (jonno)
In reply In reply to Mannes Karsten
He was asked to drive that slow.
He didn’t know Max was not asked to drive slow.
He expected the team to make a call to keep him in the lead.
He didn’t know that the team would undercut him as leader.
‘He was asked to drive that slow. He didn’t know Max was not asked to drive slow’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/p...h-gp/10512486/
Perez QUESTIONS Red Bull strategy after losing out to Verstappen
Sunday 27 August 2023 19:57
Luis Raya
GPFans
Sergio Perez took to team radio during the Dutch Grand Prix to question Red Bull's strategy after Max Verstappen undercut him to take the lead at his home race. Red Bull then decided to call Verstappen in for a pit stop first on lap 12, while he was in P2 and just over two seconds behind his team-mate.
Perez pitted a lap later, but the improving track conditions caused the Mexican to come out behind the Dutch driver, who executed a textbook undercut. In disbelief, Perez had a radio exchange with his team, asking: "Did Max undercut us?" The blunt reply of: "Yes, Max undercut us," was issued back by his engineer.
Later on in the race, there was another bizarre strategy call when the Mexican was told to box for full wet tyres, just before what looked like an increasingly likely red flag. Moments later, the red flag was confirmed, yet thankfully for Checo, positions were counted back from the previous sector, meaning that he was able to regain his third position.
‘Perez QUESTIONS Red Bull strategy’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ions-strategy/
Red Bull’s logic for Verstappen/Perez undercut: Does it stand up?
18:27 Sun, 27 Aug 2023.
By Josh Suttill
The Race
Max Verstappen may have walked away with his third successive Dutch Grand Prix victory as expected but his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez had a genuine advantage of around 15 seconds over him at one stage. Red Bull brought Verstappen in first for the switch to slicks and by the time Perez had swapped one lap after Verstappen, he emerged behind his team-mate.
Perez appeared confused on team radio when he came back out in second – “did Max undercut us?” he asked bewildered. So how did he feel about it after the race? What was Red Bull’s explanation for bringing the lead car in second – and was it unfair on Perez?
‘There’s absolutely no way the same logic would have been given had the positions been reversed’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/red-b...h-gp-undercut/
Christian Horner grilled after suspicions of Max Verstappen favouritism at Dutch GP
27 Aug 2023 5:38 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Christian Horner allayed any fears that Red Bull had intentionally undercut Sergio Perez with Max Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix, explaining that Verstappen’s out-lap pace even caught the team by surprise.
Horner said: “He made a great first call to get in early, he was one of the first to get on to the inters, the next call he made, he made at the pit entrance, so of course the team weren’t ready for it, but it was reacting to the weather and we were still able to turn it around.”
“He was just desperately unlucky because it looks like he got the fine for speeding in the pit lane when he came into the pits before the red flag, and he’s hit the pit wall up there which is why the repairs were taking place on his car and hence the pickup of the five-second penalty. He was probably actually surfing at that point as opposed to speeding, but very harsh for him and he deserves very much to be on the podium today.”
‘Christian Horner grilled’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/christ...laim-dutch-gp/
Horner apologises to Perez over pit-stop DEBACLE
Tuesday 29 August 2023 06:57
Sam Cook
GPFans
In all of the chaos of the second heavy downpour during the Dutch Grand Prix, Perez was brought into the pits to change onto intermediate tyres. Unfortunately for him, the late call on the weather had meant that the team weren't ready to receive the Mexican, which resulted in a 10 second pit-stop.
After the race, Horner spoke to Perez on the team radio, apologising for the error. "I apologise, the tyres weren't ready on time due to a last-minute call," Horner noted. "We were significantly delayed in the pit lane due to the chaos. Nonetheless, your performance today was excellent and very consistent."
‘Pit-stop DEBACLE’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...bull-pit-stop/
‘It’s a shame’: Sergio Perez speaks out on Red Bull controversy
Sergio Perez has publicly questioned Red Bull following the 2023 Dutch GP, which Max Verstappen won.
28 August 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News
Intrigue unfolded at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix as Sergio Perez voiced uncertainty regarding Red Bull Racing’s tactical choices, leading to a shift in fortunes that saw Max Verstappen seize the lead, leaving Perez grappling with mixed emotions. Amidst the drama of the latest Formula 1 showdown, Sergio Perez found himself in the spotlight due to Red Bull’s strategic manoeuvres.
Closing the gap by an impressive 13 seconds in a mere few laps, Verstappen’s presence loomed large in Perez’s rearview mirrors before both were directed to make their respective pit stops. Perez offered insights into the decision, stating, “We were expecting rain. The team was telling me that there was more rain coming. So, it was very important because the track was on the dry side. “If I were to push, I’d have just destroyed the inter.”
‘It’s a shame’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/its-a-sha...l-controversy/
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Carlos Sainz’s worrying Ferrari admission: ‘We had the sixth fastest car this weekend’.
Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari slipped back to being the sixth best team at the Dutch Grand Prix despite his strong fifth-place finish.
29 Aug 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Sainz held onto fifth at Zandvoort on Sunday, resisting late pressure from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Despite having track position, Sainz was overtaken by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, and more surprisingly, the Alpine of Pierre Gasly, who ultimately finished on the podium.
“I would say after looking at the Alpine more the sixth fastest car this weekend,” Sainz said. “But yeah, when you’re going into a race and going into yesterday’s quali that we were just lacking this weekend, and we had to focus in maximising a good result or a decent result and we did that today.”
“Even in the last stint when I knew I had one set of inters left to put on for the last seven laps and the tyres were destroyed from yesterday’s quali, I still managed to keep Hamilton behind and bring home a P5 that was honestly not on the cards, I think.”
‘We had the sixth fastest car this weekend’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103441...st-car-weekend
Williams “on par with Ferrari and Aston Martin” at Zandvoort – Albon
2023 Dutch Grand Prix
Posted on 28th August 2023, 14:4328th August 2023, 14:45
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
After matching his career-best qualifying result, Williams’ Alexander Albon converted fourth on the grid into eighth in Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix. “I think we were on par with the Astons and Ferraris this weekend,” he reckoned. “We did that first stint and in the whole stint we maybe lost two seconds to the Aston and the Ferrari in front of us. And we were on 15-lap, 10-lap older tyres than they were.”
He was in sixth during his second stint and thinking “this is perfect” before he was informed more rain was on its way. Williams waited before pitting again, and Albon thought he had timed it well until the rain meant he “was crawling in the last four corners”. That allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell to get ahead of him.
“It happens,” said Albon. “It’s one of them things where it feels like we finished today slightly disappointed that we didn’t finish sixth, but we still finished eighth, it’s still an amazing result for us. We’ve been here on pace this weekend, there’s no mistake about it. It’s been our strongest weekend, it’s the best I’ve felt in the car in my time at Williams and there’s so many positives to take from here.”
“It’s been our strongest weekend,”;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/28/...ndvoort-albon/
Dutch Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc forced to retire, Max Verstappen unstoppable
Published on 28 August 2023
By Romain Boisaubert
Monaco Tribune
For Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), there was damage to his front wing after a little encounter with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren on the opening lap of the race, which left him short on pace throughout the Grand Prix. The race came to a premature end for the Monegasque, who was forced to retire on lap 42.
A Grand Prix that Charles Leclerc will want to forget, and which he intends to make up for quickly. Next up is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 3, where the tifosis are expected to be very vocal.
Charles Leclerc: (…) I can’t wait to get to Monza and feel all the support, given how difficult the season has been. We’ll do our best. It’s one of the most difficult tracks of the year in terms of the car’s balance. But at Monza, we’ll have a different package.”
‘A Grand Prix that Charles Leclerc will want to forget’;
https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/20...n-unstoppable/
Sainz excelled when Ferrari might not have even scored.
Aug 29 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Carlos Sainz has moved into a championship position he does not ascribe much value to: fifth, the same place he has finished in each of his seasons as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver. It wasn’t something to celebrate last year when team-mate Charles Leclerc finished runner-up in a much more competitive campaign.
In fact, even this season, Sainz isn’t exactly doing cartwheels about the fact finishing fifth in the Dutch Grand Prix has moved him above Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell in the points.
He was, however, rightly very pleased with the performance. It’s the (you guessed it) fifth time this season he’s finished a race fifth, his second-best result. Nothing spectacular, right? Except it came on probably Ferrari’s least competitive weekend of 2023 – beaten by five teams in qualifying and looking only sixth-fastest (at best) in the race.
‘Sainz excelled when Ferrari might not have even scored’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/sainz...e-even-scored/
Ferrari in Need of ‘Restructure’ for Team Turnaround – Leader
August 29, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
La Gazzetta dello Sport called it a “shameful” performance, while Corriere dello Sport was in agreement, terming it a “very dark weekend” for Ferrari. La Stampa further weighed in with: “Ferrari at rock bottom.”
Some analysts speculate that Ferrari’s conspicuous absence of speed over the Dutch GP weekend resulted from an ill-advised selection of aerodynamic equipment.
Vasseur told Sky Italia when asked if he’s been handed a problematic team: “We have to do the best possible job with what we have right now.”
‘Restructure’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/ferrari-in...around-leader/
Can Ferrari bounce back from latest disappointment in front of the Tifosi at the Italian Grand Prix?
29 Aug 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
A look at the main talking points heading into the final European F1 race of the season at the Italian Grand Prix. Can Ferrari give the Tifosi something to celebrate?
Ferrari head into their home event at Monza on the backfoot following a disappointing Dutch Grand Prix. While Carlos Sainz came away from Zandvoort with a respectable fifth-place, it didn’t tell the whole story as a number of teams (McLaren and Mercedes) failed to capitalise on their pace advantage.
Sainz made a startling admission after the Dutch GP that Ferrari had the sixth-fastest car, even slipping behind Alpine as Pierre Gasly finished on the podium. It’s highly unlikely that Ferrari will be as slow at Monza, given that Charles Leclerc was able to finish third at Spa before the summer break - another low downforce track.
‘Bounce back’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/103...t-front-tifosi
Ferrari pins hopes on all-new F1 car — but does it know what it's got wrong?
August 29th 2023
Author: Tony Dodgins
Eighteen months ago, as F1’s new ground effect regulations came in, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc were duking it out with Red Bull and Max Verstappen at the front of grands prix. Today, Verstappen and Red Bull are enjoying an RB19 that is setting new records as one of the most dominant cars in the sport’s history.
It works everywhere: high downforce, low downforce, low degradation, high degradation, whatever speed range you care to choose. Unsurprisingly, Milton Keynes is hard at work on a 2024 car that is an evolution. Why would it be anything else? Ferrari, by contrast, is all over the place. And nowhere demonstrated that better than Zandvoort. The men in red aren’t even on the same page.
Ferrari’s head of chassis, Enrico Cardile: “It’s crystal clear what we did wrong with the car,” Cardile said in Holland. “The weaknesses are clear. It’s not a matter of understanding what we should do. We are not in nowhere land. We know what we have to do. It’s a matter of doing it.”
‘The men in red aren’t even on the same page’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
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Wolff admits 'CATASTROPHIC' mistakes as Mercedes miss golden chance.
“I think we stayed out catastrophically too long," Wolff said to Sky Sports. "We got it completely wrong. It’s annoying because the car had really [good] pace. From there on, it was just recovering as good as we could.”
Monday 28 August 2023 21:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans
Toto Wolff admitted that Mercedes made critical errors that cost them a better result at the Dutch GP. Lewis Hamilton fought back from 13th on the grid to claim sixth while George Russell ended up out of the points after late contact with Lando Norris.
But in a race with changeable conditions, Wolff was left frustrated that the Silver Arrows made the wrong decisions with strategy. The race pace was impressive for both Russell and Hamilton, but they failed to score the points they perhaps warranted.
‘Wolff admits 'CATASTROPHIC' mistakes’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ophic-mistake/
Wolff slams ‘subpar’ Mercedes strategy calls in Dutch GP
08:56 Tue, 29 Aug 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
“I think we stayed out catastrophically too long. We got it completely wrong,” Wolff told Sky Sports. “We will review thoroughly. The situation is never one person or one department. It is the communications between driver, pit wall, strategy, weather and then all of us taking decisions.”
“That was absolutely subpar from all of us, and that includes me. It’s good when it hurts. When it stings, it sticks. It’s annoying because the car had really [good] pace. And then, from there on it was just recovering as good as we could,” Wolff explained.
‘Wolff slams ‘subpar’ Mercedes strategy calls’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...s-in-dutch-gp/
Wolff: 'Subpar' Mercedes got Dutch GP strategy 'completely wrong'
28/08/2023 at 08:18
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Toto Wolff says Mercedes paid the price in Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix for its "subpar" communication and "catastrophic" strategy decisions. Rain pummeled down on the field of competitors at Zandvoort shortly after the start, half-way through the opening lap.
Those who opted to immediately switch from slicks to intermediates were rewarded for their move, but on the Mercedes pitwall the consensus was that the sudden shower that had rolled in from the sea would not last.
The Brackley squad subsequently delayed the stops of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell until laps 3 and 4 respectively, a decision that would prove costly for the two drivers. Hamilton dropped to last but was eventually able to battle his way back to sixth, while Russell who had qualified an impressive third saw his hopes of a podium blown into oblivion.
‘Hopes of a podium blown into oblivion’;
https://f1i.com/news/485093-wolff-su...ely-wrong.html
Wolff laments 'monumental' Mercedes error
28 August 5:20PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Teammate Lewis Hamilton was also told to stay out and dropped down to P20 when he eventually pitted on lap four, with rivals that had made the switch lapping much faster. Mercedes did not see this on the timing screen according to Wolff, who after Hamilton picked up sixth at Zandvoort told Speedweek: "It was a monumental mistake that we made at the beginning.
"Our car has pace and then it didn't work at all between weatherman, the drivers and the strategy. Me included." Mercedes took feedback from its drivers in the opening stages but failed to notice lap times that were over 20 seconds slower than lead Intermediate runner Sergio Perez, who had pitted at the end of the first lap and made his way to the lead by lap four.
"We did not see that Perez had brought out such a gap," said Wolff. "The weather came so fast, much faster and stronger than expected, all our predictions didn't see that. Now we have to look at it and clarify why this happened. We would have had a car that could have driven at the very front. But that doesn't exist in sports, it doesn't help."
‘Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff: W”e did not see that Perez had brought out such a gap" ’;
https://racingnews365.com/wolff-lame...zandvoort-rain
Mercedes lick wounds after worst result yet in 2023
20:41 Sun, 27 Aug 2023.
The Straits Times
ZANDVOORT, Netherlands - Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff promised a thorough review after Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix turned into the former champions' worst race yet of the 2023 Formula One season.
The eight points scored marked the first time this season that Mercedes had failed to take at least double figures from a weekend.
"I'd rather have a fast race car and a mediocre result even if it hurts," said Wolff. "We saw at the end on the inters George had (Red Bull race winner) Max (Verstappen's) pace and Lewis was very strong behind (Ferrari's Carlos) Sainz...It's still bittersweet because the result is just really bad.”
‘Mercedes lick wounds’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...lt-yet-in-2023
Wolff says Russell's thoughts about loss of form 'a myth'
29/08/2023 at 16:23
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Toto Wolff says George Russell's belief that he has lost his form is "a myth" that the Mercedes boss is making every effort to remove from the Briton's psyche. "I’ve never bought into this thought," Wolff told the media last weekend. "When you and I are having a bad day nobody knows but if a driver has a bad day and he’s probably a tenth off, that makes all the difference in the qualifying.”
"So all drivers have days that are not so good and we’ve seen these ups and downs with George but the quality of driver I’ve never doubted a minute. [In qualifying] he was able to shine, put the car on P3, had a problem-free qualifying and no traffic so I haven’t seen any pattern change."
Nevertheless, as Russell questions the moment, Wolff is doing his best to fend off the demons surrounding his driver. "I’m trying to really bang it into his head that he hasn’t lost his form, that it is just the myth that he’s making up," said the Mercedes F1 boss.
‘Just the myth that he’s making up’;
https://f1i.com/news/485223-wolff-sa...rm-a-myth.html
Toto Wolff's Italian GP outlook a worry after Lewis Hamilton's bold Max Verstappen claim
Lewis Hamilton left the Dutch Grand Prix positive after climbing seven places to finish in the points, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff does not appear to share the Englishman's optimism
07:53, 30 Aug 2023
By Jacob Leeks Sports Reporter
The Mirror
Toto Wolff has moved to dampen expectations of Mercedes' performance in Monza this weekend after a mixed Dutch Grand Prix. The F1 circus travels to Lombardy for the Italian Grand Prix following a thrilling race in Zandvoort which saw rain, red flags and a record number of overtakes. Silver Arrows star Lewis Hamilton was able to stay calm in the chaos to secure a sixth-place finish.
“It didn't start off that well, but I'm pretty happy with the drive that I did to get back into the points and get sixth. It could have been higher for sure, if we made the right decision at the end of the day," Hamilton said. "We should have pitted [straight away] but we didn’t. We paid the price for that, and we did our best to come back.”
“I feel like today was redemption, in the sense of it was terrible yesterday. I managed to dial the car in a bit better today and overtook a bunch of people. To start 13th, I was dead last at one point, to get back up to sixth, I'm happy with that. I think today I had the pace [for the podium]. I was on pace with Max in the race, but we were just out of position.
‘Toto Wolff has moved to dampen expectations’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...italy-30818494
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Lando Norris fumes after McLaren’s botched strategy at Dutch GP.
Lando Norris has been left seething in the wake of McLaren’s nightmare outing at the Dutch Grand Prix.
August 28th, 2023 3:23 pm
Staff Writers from News.com.au
The British driver enjoyed a stellar weekend around the Zandvoort track and started the race from second on the grid. As soon as the race got underway however the McLaren star and his teammate, Aussie Oscar Piastri, suffered thanks to a costly tactical decision.
The heavens opened up as the grid made their way around the track on the opening lap and as the rain got heavier, almost every team elected to pit and move off the soft tyres in favour of the intermediate tyres. McLaren decided to stay out and push on for longer with the soft compound.
The decision backfired almost instantly and left Norris and Piastri stranded towards the back of the grid and fighting to claw their way back into the points. After the race the British star voiced his displeasure with the strategical blunder and called for a review into what had happened.
‘Lando Norris has been left seething’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...66c76ec9f3b9c6
Norris demands McLaren investigation after latest strategy mishap
27 August 9:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Lando Norris asserts that McLaren has “lost too many points” this season through “bad” strategy choices amid another squandered opportunity at the Dutch Grand Prix. “I’m not going to talk too much otherwise I’ll create a headline and I’m really bad at that,” he reflected.
“It’s clear we made the wrong decision, we made a bad decision, it’s something we’ll talk about and review, we’ve made a couple this season, we’ve lost too many positions and too many points with a couple of these things.”
‘Norris demands McLaren investigation’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...egy-decisions/
Norris demands McLaren investigation after latest strategy mishap
27 August 9:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Lando Norris has called for McLaren to investigate its Dutch Grand Prix strategy after dropping out of podium contention. "We've lost too many positions and also the points throughout this year with a couple of these things.”
Russell joined Norris in the battle for fifth in the closing stages and when side-by-side through Turns 11 and 12 late on, the duo made contact, resulting in a puncture for the Mercedes driver that left him last of the finishers.
On the contact, Norris added: "The cars are so sharp nowadays, you touch them a little bit and it's like a full punch all of a sudden. It's just good racing, we were close, wheel wheel-to-wheel and I feel bad that it came off that way."
‘Latest strategy mishap’;
https://racingnews365.com/norris-wan...ch-gp-strategy
NORRIS RUES ‘WRONG DECISION’ THAT COST MCLAREN AT ZANDVOORT
McLaren saw its chances of a podium finish vanish during the first deluge of rain
Last updated:August 28, 2023
James Phillips
FormulaNerds
Lando Norris has reflected on a race of missed opportunities for McLaren after its strong qualifying performance fell away in the race. Speaking to formula1.com after the race, Norris admitted the call by McLaren to stay out when the rain first came down was “wrong. He also said that the team should be performing better, despite the positive aspects of the race:
“Wrong decision. [We] just made the wrong decision at the beginning. I guess it happens, but at the same time, [we] should be doing a slightly better job than we did today.”
“Some good things of course – I don’t want to say it is all negative. Some points on the board, it wasn’t a shocking race. A lot of it was good – the pit stop for the second bit of rain was good, so some good things. Just the first one was a bad decision and cost us a lot of places.”
‘Chances of a podium finish vanish’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/no...-at-zandvoort/
Norris: McLaren race pace still 'not good enough'
29/08/2023 at 08:26
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Lando Norris says McLaren's race pace relative to its rivals still isn't good enough, an assertion made after the Briton finished seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix. "There are times when it's down to pace and times when it's down to strategy, and the strategy is what messed us up today," he said.
"I don't think the pace is bad, the pace was okay. Not good enough, if you want to say what was our pace compared to Aston's? It was pretty terrible. Compared to Mercedes? Pretty terrible. So our pace today was a long way off our pace that we showed yesterday in qualifying. And our one-lap is still a lot more competitive than our race pace.”
‘McLaren race pace still not good enough';
https://f1i.com/news/485189-norris-m...od-enough.html
Tactical errors like Dutch GP pit call have cost McLaren “a lot of points” – Norris
2023 Dutch Grand Prix
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
Posted on 28th August 2023, 12:09
RaceFans
Norris initially held on to his second place starting spot but was passed by Fernando Alonso on lap two as rain fell. Red Bull’s pole-winner Max Verstappen and Alonso then pitted to switch from their slick tyres, and Norris moved ahead. He led for eight seconds before Mercedes’ George Russell came past. Norris was then overtaken by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez – who had been the first to pit for intermediate tyres.
Although “strategy is what messed us up today”, Norris felt McLaren’s race pace compared to Aston Martin and Mercedes was also “pretty terrible. Our one-lap pace is still a lot more competitive than our race pace. I think that’s becoming more and more evident, and we’re doing whatever we can to fix it and to make steps forward but at the minute it’s nowhere near enough.” But he said he was “so happy to be in P7” given “it could have been a lot worse” after the start.
‘Norris was then overtaken by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/28/...points-norris/
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Ten-in-a-row for Verstappen? Six talking points for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
If Verstappen disappoints the Tifosi by taking yet another win on Sunday, it will be a historic moment for the sport as Verstappen once again does something no F1 driver has ever done before.
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Posted on 30th August 2023, 7:1531st August 2023, 7:56
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Just one week after Max Verstappen had the privilege of over 100,000 fans passionately cheering him on to victory at Zandvoort, he will have a circuit full of people hoping he will finally be beaten during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza – ideally by one of the Ferraris.
The Formula 1 record for consecutive grand prix victories – the nine Verstappen equalled last weekend – has stood for 70 years, established by Alberto Ascari. His run of nine wins was interrupted by one race he did not enter, the 1953 Indianapolis 500, then a points-paying world championship round.
Prior to last weekend, only one driver had won nine races in a row without any breaks or interruptions – Sebastian Vettel. Now Verstappen sits alongside Vettel as a joint record holder, with an extremely strong chance to go one better than his fellow Red Bull world champion. As much as fans may bemoan Verstappen’s stranglehold over the sport, it’s undeniable that 10 straight wins would be a truly special achievement.
‘Ten-in-a-row’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/30/...an-grand-prix/
What is the Monza Curse? The freaky streak that could deny Max Verstappen record F1 victory
The previous three winners of the Italian Grand Prix have all failed to finish the Monza race the year after claiming victory
August 30, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
Max Verstappen will look to win the 2023 Italian Grand Prix to claim a record-breaking 10th consecutive F1 win, but in order to do so he’ll need to survive the Monza curse. Since 2019, the winner of the Italian GP has failed to finish the race the following year. Charles Leclerc retired in 2020, Pierre Gasly retired in 2021 and Daniel Ricciardo retired in 2022.
With limited opposition in 2023, could the curse of Monza be Verstappen‘s greatest threat to his chances of victory? Verstappen won the 2022 edition quite comfortably, claiming the top step of the podium after leading by 17 seconds prior to a late safety car.
‘The Monza Curse? The freaky streak’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/wha...rd-f1-victory/
Verstappen history beckons - What to expect at the Italian Grand Prix
30 August 1:50PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365
It is hard to believe that Verstappen won't take sole ownership of the record for most consecutive victories in F1 history at Monza this weekend given his stunning run of form.
Not even two downpours and a red flag could shuffle the pack against the two-time champion at his home race - a race of such jeopardy providing the type of opportunities rivals had been longing for all season.
So Verstappen enters another race week knowing he could become the first driver in history to secure 10 wins in a row, a streak stretching back to the Miami Grand Prix in May.
‘Verstappen history beckons’;
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...ian-grand-prix
Stay at home, Tifosi! 2023 Italian GP Preview – Inside Line F1 Podcast
August 30, 2023
Kunal Shah
Kunal's F1 Blog
The ‘Temple of Speed’ and the ‘Tifosi’ – will this unique love affair and emotion be rewarded with success this weekend at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix? That’s what the tifosi and their beloved Scuderia Ferrari would be hoping for. But given Ferrari’s form, the tifosi might be better off staying at home!
Will Max Verstappen claim the record for 10 successive wins in Formula 1? Or can someone actually halt his race-winning streak? Of course, the ‘curse of Monza’ is yet to be broken. But VER losing due to the Monza curse would be pure cruel!
But which team will be second-fastest at Monza? McLaren and Aston Martin have had a straightline speed deficit. Will their upgrades bring them into play? If Ferrari keep fumbling, is Mercedes the default team to claim P2? Could Williams have an outside chance given their recent recovery?
‘The ‘Temple of Speed’ and the ‘Tifosi’ ’;
https://www.kunalsf1blog.com/stay-at...ne-f1-podcast/
F1 set for first fully dry race weekend in four months
2023 Italian Grand Prix weather
Posted on 31st August 2023, 8:1430th August 2023, 22:15
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans
Formula 1 is set for its first all-dry weekend of track action since May’s Miami Grand Prix with the trip to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix. Each of the last eight rounds have seen at least one session in which the track was wet. The round preceding those was due to be the first of two events in Italy – but the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled due to flooding in and around the Imola circuit.
It will be not only dry but quite warm this weekend at Monza, which is hosting the final round of the season which takes place in Europe. Both practice sessions on Friday will be held in the afternoon, meaning drivers will be facing air temperatures of 24C in first practice and 26C in second practice while the supporting Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships may be on track when it’s just 15C in the morning.
There is no expectation of rain during either of F1’s sessions, although there will be north-blowing winds that could be as strong as 15kph. That means drivers will have a tailwind down the pit straight, but will go up against a headwind on the back straight. It will make the slipstream effect weaker on the run to turn one, but stronger entering Curva Parabolica.
‘Fully dry race weekend’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/31/...n-four-months/
Lawson ready to deliver at Monza with full preparation
Thursday 31st August, 2023 - 10:49am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Liam Lawson feels a full weekend of preparation will help him to deliver across the Italian Grand Prix – although is expecting the attention to again rise another level. “In Monza, it’s going to be nice to have the full build-up to the weekend preparation-wise, being able to drive in all the practice sessions,” said Lawson.
“For Zandvoort, I flew in from Japan (following his latest race in Super Formula) on Thursday night after racing there the previous weekend. Obviously, you’re always prepared as much as you can be for these things, but it’s so unlikely that you never really expect it to happen – and then it did!”
“The support from the team was amazing. They did everything possible to prepare me as much as possible in the limited time we had. Even during the race, Pierre (Hamelin, Race Engineer) was super supportive with so much information, basically walking me through it, and that really made my life a lot easier.”
‘Lawson ready to deliver’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/31...p-preparation/
‘It’s crystal clear’: Ferrari’s brutal admission after Dutch GP howler — but can it turn things around?
August 30th, 2023 5:06 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)
Ferrari will send off the European campaign of the Formula 1 season in style, unveiling this week a one-off celebratory livery, complete with new overalls and race helmets, for its home Italian Grand Prix.
The success in question being marked is the team’s victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, Ferrari’s first win at the world’s most famous endurance race since 1965. Of course in the F1 world Scuderia Ferrari has little to celebrate.
The 2023 season has been a disappointing one, made only more painful by the fact it started last year, the first under new regulations, not just as a championship contender but at one stage as a comfortable title leader. Its competitiveness tailed off badly though 2022, precipitating the departure of team principal Mattia Binotto and a wide-ranging team reshuffle by the hand of new boss Frédéric Vasseur.
‘It’s crystal clear’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...fc865343947d71
Italy GP boss in a ‘hurry’ for F1 contract talks
08:44 Wed, 30 Aug 2023.
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news
Italian GP chief Angelo Sticchi Damiani says he is in a “hurry” to ink a new Formula 1 race deal with Liberty Media. With the highly popular Dutch GP at Zandvoort facing the prospect of having to annually alternate its calendar spot, it is clear that even the historic venue at Monza is in doubt for the future.
“The future is in our hands,” Damiani, president of the Italian automobile club Aci, is quoted by Italy’s Autosprint ahead of this weekend’s F1 race at Monza. We must be all together to guarantee an extension of the contract with Liberty Media that expires in 2025,” he said. “And under conditions that are sustainable. And we must do it quickly.”
It is already well known that F1 and Liberty are demanding key changes at the more than 100-year-old Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. “Monza is 100 years old and we are happy to be able to contribute so that the story continues,” Sticchi Damiani said.
“The future is in our hands”;
https://grandpx.news/italy-gp-boss-i...ontract-talks/
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NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
Formula 1 heads straight from Zandvoort to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. Ahead of the event, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with stats, trivia, insight and much more. You can also see how fans have voted using our F1 Play predictor game.
31 August 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 1950
• Track Length – 5.793km
• Lap record – 1m 21.046s, Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari, 2004
• Most pole positions – Lewis Hamilton (7)
• Most wins – Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (5)
• Trivia – The Italian Grand Prix has featured on the F1 calendar since the inaugural 1950 season, with Monza home to every race apart from 1980, when Imola played host
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 472 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 91
• Safety Car probability – 50%*
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 38%*
• Pit stop time loss – 23.46 seconds
The driver’s verdict: Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver: Monza is one of a kind on the calendar, yet in many ways is the simplest track. It’s low downforce and all begins with braking into the chicane for Sector 1 and getting your car to stop as nicely as you can for Turn 1 – that’s the key.
Strategy and set-up keys: Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin F1 strategist: Monza requires minimum drag and therefore minimum downforce, meaning we will see some of the highest straight-line speeds of the season. In the past, prior to resource restrictions or the cost cap, most teams would have a specific rear wing for the weekend.
‘NEED TO KNOW’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...X6q4hz6U9.html
The key talking points heading into the Italian Grand Prix
31st August 2023, 12:30
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport
Max Verstappen eyes another record: Max Verstappen has had an incredible season and is on the verge of another slice of F1 history if he can win this weekend.
Can Williams cause another shock? Williams came back from the summer break in fine form, with them seeing both cars into Q3 for the first time since 2017, with Logan Sargeant making the last part of the session for the first time in his debut F1 year.
Liam Lawson gets a full weekend: Lawson did a solid job last weekend for AlphaTauri as he was thrown into the deep end at Zandvoort with little prep time thanks to Daniel Ricciardo's crash and subsequent injury.
Special liveries: Finally, we're set to see some one-off liveries used this weekend by a couple of the teams. Both Ferrari and Alfa Romeo are on home turf this weekend and have marked the occasion with some eye-catching paint jobs.
‘Key talking points’;
https://www.givemesport.com/the-key-...an-grand-prix/
F1 Form Guide: Italian Grand Prix
31st August 2023, 10:05
Motorsport.com
POLE PERFORMANCE: Although Verstappen has won the last nine races, he has ‘only’ been on pole in six of them! If there is any chance of him being beaten this weekend, then, it is probably on Saturday afternoon.
PODIUM CHALLENGERS: Despite the high likelihood of a Red Bull victory, Monza has seen five different winners in the last five years. Verstappen won last year, but Hamilton won in 2018, Leclerc in 2019, Pierre Gasly in 2020 and Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.
CHANCE CHOICES: Last year saw a higher-than-average four cars retire from the race, with a double failure for Aston Martin. Haas is at 6/1 to be the first team to retire a car this time, with Alpha Tauri next at 32/5 and Alpine at 33/5.
‘F1 Form Guide’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...prix/10513432/
Sainz rates Ferrari chances for Monza homecoming
31 August 10:55AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Carlos Sainz has insisted he expects Ferrari to improve its form for the Italian Grand Prix based on its Belgian Grand Prix performance. Rating Ferrari's chances at Monza, Sainz told media including RacingNews365.com: "I think we should be back to a decent place.
"I know it sounds positive or optimistic right now, but our performance swings this year are so high that we could also be looking at being back to the second or third fastest car in Monza in front of the Tifosi, especially after such a good result in Spa.”
"I'm more optimistic about that and glad that in a tough weekend [at Zandvoort] we still managed to finish in the top five."
‘Back to a decent place’;
https://racingnews365.com/sainz-rate...nza-homecoming
Ferrari at home in Monza, the only Italian race on this year’s F1 calendar
AUGUST 31, 2023 in Motorsport
Racecars
This weekend, the Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza, the only Italian race on this year’s calendar following the cancellation of the one at Imola, because of flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region back in the Spring. Monza has hosted more world championship Grands Prix than any other track and, as usual, a large crowd of home fans are expected to turn up to support the Scuderia.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc and the entire team are counting on that support and are hoping to pay them back with a strong showing, getting the most out of the SF-23, which so far this season has proved to be not that easy to drive, even if on some tracks it has been second best behind the team that has dominated the championship so far.
Temple of Speed. Monza is now the only truly high speed circuit on the calendar, known as the “temple of speed” after the likes of Hockenheim, Silverstone and the Osterreichring were modified over the years. It features a mix of fast corners and long straights, with chicanes to slow the place, requiring the drivers to deal with heavy braking.
‘Ferrari at home in Monza’;
https://www.racecar.com/news/99026/m...rs-f1-calendar
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Leclerc provides prediction over Ferrari's Monza chances.
Can Ferrari win its first race of the current season on home soil? Charles Leclerc is confident Ferrari will be more competitive at its home race at Monza after a nightmare weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.
31 August 5:25PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
“Let’s say it’s not exactly like Spa but the track characteristics are closer to the ones of Spa than Zandvoort and Budapest,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.com when assessing Ferrari's chances. “So we should be a bit more competitive here. Whether it will be enough or not to fight for the podium, I don't know. But I really hope so. We'll do everything for it, for sure.”
Ferrari has arrived at Monza with a revised car livery to commemorate its 24 Hours of Le Mans win earlier this year. “I love it, especially the Ferrari old style logo is what I love most,” Leclerc said regarding the new livery. Beautiful, I love it.”
‘Confident Ferrari will be more competitive’;
https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-pr...-monza-chances
Verstappen rejects Gasly’s claim Italian GP will be ‘trickiest for him to win’
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Posted on 31st August 2023, 17:03
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
Max Verstappen has dismissed Pierre Gasly’s claim that Monza will be a more difficult track for Red Bull to win on this weekend. But Verstappen doesn’t see any reason why Monza should present any particular challenges for Red Bull. “People are allowed to wish for these kind of things, but I think it’s going to be a good track for us,” he said.
Verstappen has previously said his car was more competitive on permanent circuits than street tracks. He expects the race after the Italian Grand Prix, on the Marina Bay street course in Singapore, could prove more of a challenge for them.
“For sure, we try to improve everything we can,” he said, “but some things, of course, they might only be fixed for next year. I do think that Singapore probably is a little bit more difficult than Spa or Zandvoort or any of these kind of tracks.”
“People are allowed to wish for these kind of things”;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/31/...or-him-to-win/
Alonso pinpoints Ferrari and Williams as Italian GP podium threat
31st August 2023, 17:31
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Fernando Alonso has pinpointed Ferrari and Williams as Aston Martin’s main threat for a podium place at the Italian Grand Prix.
Alonso predicts that Ferrari’s strong showing at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit prior to the summer break will stand them in good stead to be competitive on home ground, but he has also listed Williams as a credible threat for a top-three finish on Sunday.
The Spaniard believes Williams’ straight-line speed superiority will enable its slippery FW45 package to excel around the low-downforce circuit configuration at Monza.
‘Ferrari and Williams as Aston Martin’s main threat for a podium’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...podium-threat/
Norris: McLaren have reviewed mistakes after “stupid” radio remark to engineer
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Posted on 31st August 2023, 15:46
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Lando Norris says McLaren have reviewed their “mistakes” from the Dutch Grand Prix after he was left out on slick tyres on a wet track at the start. As he was overtaken by cars who had pitted, Norris had a tense exchange with his engineer Jose Manuel Lopez. “Rain has stopped, Lando,” Lopez said. “We don’t expect any rain in the next 15 minutes.” “I know,” Norris replied. “I’m saying it’s not going to dry out any time soon, either.”
“Do you need the inters?,” Lopez asked. “If you cannot keep the can on the corners, we will box. If you can keep it on track…” he trailed off as Norris was overtaken through the penultimate corner by Zhou Guanyu, who had stopped at the end of the opening lap for intermediates.
“Box, mate. We’re too slow,” Norris asked. “We are faster than inters cars,” Lopez insisted. “What the f-,” exclaimed Norris. “Are you stupid?,” he said, before diving into the pit lane to fit intermediate tyres.
‘McLaren have reviewed mistakes’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/08/31/...k-to-engineer/
PADDOCK INSIDER: Why Mercedes opted to stick with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
31 August 2023
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Formula One - Official Site17:28
Just a few hours into Italian Grand Prix media day, in rival Ferrari’s backyard, Mercedes dropped the news the Formula 1 paddock has long been expecting – Lewis Hamilton has signed a new deal to race on with the team beyond the end of the season – and that his team mate George Russell would be sticking around too.
Hamilton and Mercedes’ story not yet finished. It's been clear for a long time that Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have unfinished business together in Formula 1, so it was a case of when, not if, they would announce a continuation together beyond the end of this season.
Russell delivers on expectation. Mercedes knew what they were getting when they made Russell a permanent member of the team, following his stunning super sub performance for Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain in 2020 – but he still had to show he had what it takes to deliver consistently. And he’s done just that…
‘Mercedes dropped the news the Formula 1 paddock has long been expecting’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...0kA9JDMoV.html
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Leclerc expects Monza set-up to lift Ferrari performance.
Charles Leclerc says that on paper, Monza's low-downforce characteristics should suit Ferrari although the Monegasque is unsure if any subsequent lift in performance will be enough for the Scuderia's cars to fight for a podium on Sunday.
31/08/2023 at 18:48
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
"We are lucky enough that driving for Ferrari, we've got support everywhere but obviously when we come to Italy, it's on a different level," said the five-time Grand Prix winner who won at Monza in 2019.
"So a very busy week, but also a very exciting one. I'm sure it motivates the whole team. So I'm really looking forward to going out on track and hopefully have a great result this weekend."
‘Monza set-up to lift Ferrari performance’;
https://f1i.com/news/485384-leclerc-...rformance.html
‘My priority is to win with Ferrari’ – Leclerc speaks out over his F1 future after recent rumours
01 September 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Charles Leclerc has made clear that he “would love” to stay at Ferrari going forward and realise his dream of winning the world championship with the famous Italian marque. Leclerc’s current Ferrari deal expires at the end of next season and his future has come under the spotlight amid the team’s inconsistent 2023 campaign that has yielded just three podium finishes so far.
“I have always loved Ferrari and I would love to stay,” said Leclerc, who was supported by the manufacturer en route to F1. “I’ve always made it very clear that my goal is to try to be a world champion, but firstly with Ferrari.”
“I know how difficult it is. We are not in the easiest situation. There is a big gap to fill to get to Red Bull’s level, but Ferrari has helped me before I got into F1, believed in me and put me into the Ferrari seat very early on, and it’s always a team that I’ve loved.”
‘Love to stay at Ferrari going forward’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...6k8jl3Tok.html
Contract talks with Leclerc ‘starting’ now – Vasseur
SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news
Talks between Ferrari and Charles Leclerc have now begun. That is the news from the Maranello based team’s new boss Frederic Vasseur, despite him declaring recently that talks will only take place at the end of the season.
Vasseur, however, has now been quoted by La Repubblica newspaper as revealing: “We are starting to discuss the extension of Charles’ contract from 2025. “He is part of the team. We have to give him the best car possible and he has to be the best driver he can be.”
‘Contract talks’;
https://grandpx.news/contract-talks-...g-now-vasseur/
Sainz: Ferrari car's issues 'intrinsic', can't be solved with upgrades
01/09/2023 at 09:41
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Carlos Sainz says the problems impacting Ferrari's SF-23 are "intrinsic" and can only be solved though fundamental design changes and not through development.
"We've done a decent job in terms of development," Sainz told the media on Thursday at Monza. "If you look at the development race this year, we are up there in terms of cars that have developed the most, and it is clear that the biggest jump has been done by McLaren.”
"But apart from them, normally, we've been lacking against Mercedes and Red Bull in development this year and what we haven't managed to do is take away the characteristics that make our car extremely tricky to drive in certain situations. It is an intrinsic problem in the car that you can't take away in development and only take away by design.”
‘Intrinsic problem, can't be solved with upgrades’;
https://f1i.com/news/485459-sainz-fe...-upgrades.html
Adam Driver holds back tears as Ferrari receives six-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival
1st September, 2023, 04:31
Stewart Perrie
UNILAD
The biopic about the origins of the legendary Ferrari car brand has been given a rockstar reception at the Venice International Film Festival. Adam Driver stars as Enzo Ferrari, the Italian motor racing driver and entrepreneur who founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team. He has completely transformed his appearance for the role to accurately portray the racing legend.
The synopsis is listed as: "Ferrari is set during the summer of 1957. Behind the spectacle and danger of 1950’s Formula 1, ex-racer, Enzo Ferrari, is in crisis. "Bankruptcy stalks the company he and his wife, Laura, built from nothing ten years earlier. Their tempestuous marriage struggles with the mourning for their one son.
"Ferrari struggles with the acknowledgement of another. His drivers' lust to win pushes them out to the edge. He wagers all in a roll of the dice on one race, the treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy, the iconic Mille Miglia." Michael Mann is directing the film and it's based on the 1991 biography Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine. After premiering in Venice, the film got a six-minute standing ovation, according to Variety.
‘Six-minute standing ovation’;
https://www.unilad.com/film-and-tv/n...02344-20230901
Here's What We Learned From The New Ferrari Movie Trailer
1st Sept 2023, 01:07
Henry Kelsall
HotCars
Summary
• The new Ferrari film tells the story of Enzo Ferrari and his company's struggle to overcome a financial crisis in 1957, while also exploring personal tragedies and family drama.
• The film showcases the passion of Ferrari's drivers and highlights the 1-2-3 finish in the 1957 Mille Miglia race, portraying the dangers and intensity of motorsport in the late 1950s.
• Compared to the Lamborghini biopic, the Ferrari film focuses more on personal matters and family dynamics, while also delving into the rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini. The movie is set for release in Christmas 2023.
‘The New Ferrari Movie Trailer’;
https://www.hotcars.com/what-we-lear...movie-trailer/
Ferrari at the Venice Film Festival: this old banger splutters along
1st Sept 2023, 09:48
By Jo-Ann Titmarsh
Evening Standard
Mchael Mann careers into the Venice competition with Ferrari, his decades-long passion project about Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), the man behind the distinctive red racing car. Sadly, it’s unlikely this film will see the chequered flag raised come the end of the festival, given how it stalls and splutters along its 130-minute course.
The film focuses on three months in 1957: Enzo is a middle-aged man with a miserable wife, Laura (Penélope Cruz), an uncomplaining lover Lina (Shailene Woodley) and a company on the brink of bankruptcy. He is also father to a dead son with the former (24-year-old Enzo died of muscular dystrophy in 1956) and to an illegitimate boy with the latter. Added to Ferrari’s tribulations is the news that renowned racing driver Jean Behra is in town trying to beat Ferrari’s speed record with Maserati’s new car.
‘This old banger splutters along’;
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/b1104051.html
F1 Live - Italian GP Free Practice 1 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
Scheduled for Sep 1, 2023
F1 Live Italian Grand Prix FP1 Watchalong | Monza F1 Live Timings, Updates and Commentary of all F1 Sessions with Racing Statistics. Lets Watchalong!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzw090mbZec
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Italian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen lands early FP1 blow but all is not lost for Ferrari.
Max Verstappen dealt an early reminder to Ferrari about who’s the driver to beat by setting the fastest lap time in the opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, but the Tifosi will take some encouragement as Carlos Sainz was only 0.046s down.
01 Sep 2023 1:33 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Verstappen, who is seeking a record-breaking 10th race win on the trot this weekend, posted a 1:22.657 to grab the Monza weekend’s first P1 with Sainz second ahead of Sergio Perez.
Swapping the sea of orange from Zandvoort for a wave of red at Monza, Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were amongst the first out with the Monégasque driver waving to the fans as he toured the track at the start of his out-lap.
‘All is not lost for Ferrari’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/italia...23-fp1-report/
Practice Results – 2023 Italian Grand Prix
1st September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:22.657
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.046
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.177
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.309
5. George Russell Mercedes +0.532
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.557
7. Lando Norris McLaren +0.584
8. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.612
9. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.614
10. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.787
‘Italian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the opening practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Monza’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/practice-r...and-prix-83082
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Italian Grand Prix
01 September 2023
Becky Hart
Formula One - Official Site
‘AS IT HAPPENED’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...7aLJn0mI3.html
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 - Friday Practice: LIVE UPDATES!
1st August 2023, 12:28
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-ita...e-live-updates
Verstappen narrowly leads Sainz on hard tyres in first practice
2023 Italian Grand Prix first practice
Posted on 1st September 2023, 13:38
Written by Will Wood
Max Verstappen used just a single set of hard tyres to set the fastest time during opening practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The championship leader’s best time of a 1’22.657 was 0.046s faster than Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jnr as each of the quickest six drivers used just a single set of tyres each during the opening hour of running.
Verstappen set the early pace with a 1’23.479 on the hard tyres, just three hundredths of a second quicker than team mate Perez. Oscar Piastri put his McLaren to the top of the times on the soft tyres, three-hundredths quicker than the championship leader, before Verstappen improved to post a 1’22.657 on his eighth lap on his hard tyres.
‘Verstappen narrowly leads’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/01/...irst-practice/
F1 Live - Italian GP Free Practice 2 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
Sep 1, 2023
Racing Statistics
‘Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLDGGtFnDKU
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Italian GP: Sainz leads Norris as Perez crashes in Practice 2.
The Spaniard posted a best time of 1m21.355s on soft tyres to lead his former teammate Lando Norris in a strong second for McLaren. Sergio Perez completed the top three for Red Bull, but the Mexican would crash out in the final 10 minutes to put a dampener on an otherwise promising session.
01 September 2023
Ben Issat
InsideRacing.com
Carlos Sainz sent the Tifosi home happy by going fastest for Ferrari in Practice 2 at the Italian Grand Prix.
Mercedes ran different setups on their two cars as Lewis Hamilton opted for more downforce compared to teammate George Russell. But George's approach worked best as he sat seventh compared to Lewis in ninth, three-tenths behind with both on mediums.
Oscar Piastri backed up McLaren's strong pace in fourth as traffic hampered Max Verstappen's best lap in fifth and Leclerc dropped to sixth. Albon and Alonso slipped to seventh and eighth after completing their soft tyre run early, while Russell could do no better than ninth in the Mercedes.
‘Carlos Sainz sent the Tifosi home happy’;
https://www.insideracing.com/formula...-in-practice-2
(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Italian Grand Prix
1st September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari -1:21.355
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.019
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.185
4. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.190
5. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.276
6. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.361
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.624
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.716
9. George Russell Mercedes +0.821
10. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.936
‘Italian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from practice two for this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-83094
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Italian Grand Prix
01 September 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘AS IT HAPPENED’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...XZkyYUiK6.html
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 - Friday Practice: As it happened
1st September 2023.
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
The final European race of the 2023 F1 season takes place this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix.
‘Recap the action here with the Crash.net live blog’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-ita...ce-it-happened
F1 Live - Italian GP Free Practice 2 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
1st Sept. 2023.
Racing Statistics
F1 Live Italian Grand Prix FP1 Watchalong | Monza F1 Live Timings, Updates and Commentary of all F1 Sessions with Racing Statistics.
‘Free Practice 2 Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLDGGtFnDKU
Christian Horner's reaction says it all as Sergio Perez crash causes Italian GP red flag
Sergio Perez crashed out of FP2 on Friday afternoon, hitting the barriers with fewer than ten minutes remaining.
16:56, Fri, Sep 1, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
The Mexican driver was sitting clear of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen in the timing sheets heading into the final ten minutes of the session when he lost control of his career coming out of the final corner.
This is the latest slip-up from Checo, who will be having nightmares thinking back to his practice crash ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix prior to the summer break.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was visibly frustrated by the crash, struggling to contain his disbelief as the marshals red flagged the session with fewer than ten minutes left on the clock.
‘Christian Horner was visibly frustrated by the crash’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Prix-crash-FP2
Red Bull fined after Verstappen mistake in Italian GP practice
01 September 6:14PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Red Bull has been fined €500 after Max Verstappen was caught speeding in the Italian Grand Prix pitlane during second practice. The World Champion was clocked in at 84.8kph (52.6mph) with a limit of 80kph (49.7mph) in force for the weekend at Monza.
As a result, Red Bull picked up the fine that was handed out by the stewards. It was not a smooth session for Verstappen who only managed fifth fastest, having got a lot of traffic on his fastest lap.
‘Max Verstappen was caught speeding’;
https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-f...an-gp-practice
Sainz ends Italian GP Friday on top, Perez spins out
1 Sept. 2023, 17:14
By Ben Anderson
The Race
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz set the fastest time in second practice for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, as Monza’s typical slipstreaming traffic problems spoiled Max Verstappen’s qualifying simulation.
Key moments:
> Sainz sets the pace for Ferrari
> Two McLarens in top four
> Perez causes red flag with Parabolica off
> No mileage for Stroll
Verstappen was only fifth-fastest for Red Bull, almost three tenths off the pace. He described the middle sector of his best lap as “shocking with the traffic” after encountering a train of slow-moving cars through the Lesmos.
‘Sainz sets the pace for Ferrari’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/sainz...rez-spins-out/
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Sainz noticed instant Ferrari improvement at Monza.
The Spaniard ended Friday practice at the top of the timesheets in front of the Tifosi.
01 September 9:20PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Carlos Sainz noticed an instant improvement in the Ferrari SF-23 when he took the track for Italian Grand Prix practice. Sainz noticed the change when discussing their form on Friday with F1 TV: "It was a smooth day to be honest, it's great to be back on track like Monza and from the first lap of FP1 you want to feel our car normal again after such a difficult weekend in Zandvoort.
"As soon as we put the car on track here, for some reason, it just adapted a lot better and it was a lot easier to set up and drive. We had a smooth day, doesn't mean that we are going to be P1 [in qualifying] and in the race but at least the feeling is much better."
‘Instant Ferrari improvement at Monza’;
https://racingnews365.com/sainz-noti...ement-at-monza
Sainz wasn’t expecting Ferrari’s strong start to Italian GP weekend
The Spaniard is pleased with the turnaround after a tough weekend at Zandvoort
September 1, 2023
By Adriano Boin
Total Motorsport
Carlos Sainz topped the timesheets during FP2 for the 2023 Italian GP, which came as a welcome surprise to the Spaniard. The performance comes after a tough weekend for the Scuderia at Zandvoort. Sainz crossed the line fifth, while teammate Charles Leclerc retired after suffering damage during a first-lap clash.
“It can’t get much better than that,” Sainz told reporters. “It was a smooth day, to be honest. It’s great to be back at a track like Monza and from the first lap of FP1 to feel the car normal again after such a difficult weekend at Zandvoort.
“As soon as we put the car on track here for some reason it just adapted a lot better and it was a lot easier to set up and drive it per corner. It doesn’t mean that we’re going to be P1 tomorrow and in the race, but at least the feeling is much better.”
‘Carlos Sainz topped the timesheets’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/sai...to-italian-gp/
Perez encouraged by “best Friday in a while” despite spin into barrier
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Posted on 1st September 2023, 17:391st September 2023, 19:12
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Sergio Perez was upbeat about his performance in practice for the Italian Grand Prix despite spinning into a barrier at the end of Friday’s second session.
He admitted he made a mistake at the final corner, Alboreto, in the final minutes of Friday’s running. “I understeered off on the exit and tried to keep it nailed,” Perez explained. “I thought I had it under control, but then I just touch a little bit the gravel, and that was game over.”
His car spun through the gravel trap and its rear wing made light contact with a barrier. However Perez does not believe it will prove a significant set back for the rest of his race weekend. “It doesn’t look too bad to me, the damage, the hit was fairly small,” he said. “I don’t think we lost anything at the end, I think two laps. So nothing representative in that regard.”
Despite his crash, Perez said he is “definitely” off to a strong start at Monza. “We’ve been working really hard. I think we’ve found some positive steps in the car so hopefully we can show it all tomorrow and on Sunday.”
‘Perez encouraged by “best Friday in a while” ’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/01/...-into-barrier/
Latest Max Verstappen tiff with race engineer plays out during Monza practice
01 Sep 2023 5:45 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Max Verstappen and his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase were at it again during FP2 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix as Verstappen pushed for a second qualifying simulation. Verstappen though, having been unable to set a representative time on his qualifying simulation, was keen to take matters into his own hands and stay out to get a better “read” of the situation.
Understandably, that did not sit too well with ‘GP’ as Verstappen attempted to stray from the run plan, leading into the following radio conversation:
Verstappen: “We’re not going to try again? Because I had a s*** read.”
GP: “It’s not qualifying, Max.”
Verstappen: “Yeah I know, but I want to have a proper read.”
After the session this debate sparked back into life when Lambiase, with a strong hint of sarcasm, asked Verstappen: “Did you learn anything?” With Verstappen replying: “No, not really”, the response of “well done” came from his race engineer.
‘Latest Max Verstappen tiff with race engineer’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/latest...ngineer-monza/
Norris: McLaren ‘not as good’ as Italian GP practice times suggest
19:06 Fri, 01 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Lando Norris insists McLaren’s pace is “not as good as it looks” at Monza after he managed the second-fastest time in FP2 at the Italian Grand Prix.
When asked how his MCL60 felt across the opening day, Norris admitted: “To begin the day, not so good. Really the only run we looked competitive was the final run, which makes us look very good, but I would say we’re not as good as what it looks.”
“I think with the other tyres, with the medium and the hard, we struggle quite a bit more… and also on the race runs we struggle quite a bit more than we do on the one-lap Soft, it’s a C5 so it’s obviously a Soft tyre, provides a lot of grip for one lap, which is always a good thing for us, we always need that little extra thing that brings the balance closer towards us, it gives us what we almost wish we have from the car itself.”
“Not as good as it looks”;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...times-suggest/
Mercedes bemoan 'messy' Italian GP Friday
01 September 7:20PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Mercedes has bemoaned a "messy" Friday practice for the Italian Grand Prix after struggling to get on top of car setup amid the various red flags.
Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin believes there is still more work to be done to catch Ferrari and Red Bull and explained: "It's been a messy day, partly with red flags but also because we've not got the car in a good place at the moment.”
"That means we have a bit of work to do overnight to get the setup in the right place for the rest of the weekend. Single lap and long run both need work if we want to be competitive. There's not much else to say; we just need to get on with the job of sorting the car out."
'Messy Italian GP Friday’;
https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-b...lian-gp-friday
Lewis Hamilton spared awkward reunion at Italian GP as FIA 'phone ex-F1 star to ban him'
Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to bounce back to form at the Italian Grand Prix.
By Charlie Parker-Turner
10:54, Sat, Sep 2, 2023
Lewis Hamilton will be spared of an awkward reunion with former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix as it has been revealed that the Brazilian has been told not to attend the race. Massa has taken the first steps towards fighting for the 2008 championship, which he still believes was not secured in ‘fair’ fashion.
His spokesperson told Motorsport.com: “Massa had already bought a flight ticket and received a call from the high ranking of Formula 1 on Monday, asking him not to go to Monza.”
‘FIA 'phone ex-F1 star to ban him'
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news
F1 Live - Italian GP Free Practice 3 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
2nd Sept. 2023.
Racing Statistics
‘Free Practice 3 Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIb4T8kTg_A
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Sainz edges out Verstappen again in Italian GP final practice.
Carlos Sainz returned to the top of the timing charts for the second session in a row in the final practice runs ahead of qualifying for the Italian GP. September 2, 2023
By Matt Neill
Sainz was faster than Max Verstappen in second practice on Friday, albeit after the Dutchman was impeded during some of his flying laps, and there is a quiet confidence in the Scuderia that their low-downforce setup could be competitive at Monza.
The Spaniard was 0.086s ahead of the Dutchman, with the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton in third half a second back, just ahead of the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin, ahead of George Russell and the Haas pair of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was forced to retire in the closing stages of the session before he got a chance to do a final flying lap, with a leak in the power unit emerging as the team prepped the car for the last runs on track.
‘Sainz edges out Verstappen again’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/sai...inal-practice/
Sainz puts Ferrari on top ahead of qualifying but warned over Piastri clash
2023 Italian Grand Prix third practice
Posted on 2nd September 2023, 12:49
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
2023 Italian Grand Prix third practice result
Position Number Driver Team Model Time Gap Laps
1 55 Carlos Sainz Jnr Ferrari SF-23 1’20.912 22
2 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull-Honda RBPT RB19 1’20.998 0.086 23
3 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes W14 1’21.453 0.541 22
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari SF-23 1’21.486 0.574 22
5 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin-Mercedes AMR23 1’21.711 0.799 24
6 63 George Russell Mercedes W14 1’21.730 0.818 24
7 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas-Ferrari VF-23 1’21.884 0.972 21
8 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas-Ferrari VF-23 1’21.985 1.073 27
9 23 Alexander Albon Williams-Mercedes FW45 1’22.054 1.142 17
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull-Honda RBPT RB19 1’22.192 1.280 16
‘Sainz puts Ferrari on top ahead of qualifying’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/02/...piastri-clash/
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Italian Grand Prix
02 September 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...FtlVp6DCw.html
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 - Final Practice: LIVE UPDATES
2nd Sept. 2023, 11:51
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
It's qualifying day at the Italian Grand Prix, with Ferrari looking like their in the hunt for pole position. Follow all the action from Monza here with the Crash.net live blog.
‘LIVE UPDATES’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-ita...e-live-updates
F1 Live - Italian GP Free Practice 3 Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
2nd Sept. 2023.
Racing Statistics
‘Free Practice 3 Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIb4T8kTg_A
Ferrari on top again in final Italian GP practice
Sep 2 2023
By Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race
Carlos Sainz continued his and Ferrari’s strong single-lap form during Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix weekend by topping final practice.
Key moments:
> Sainz outpaces Verstappen
> Hamilton best of the rest
> Albon ninth on hard tyre
Sainz led Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen by just under a tenth in a session that featured a fairly wide variety of runplans, likely as a result of the Alternative Tyre Allocation trial – which will mean teams run different compounds in different qualifying segments later today.
‘Ferrari on top again’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferra...n-gp-practice/
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F1: Carlos Sainz sends Tifosi wild after securing pole for Italian GP.
Carlos Sainz sent the Tifosi into rapture at Monza as he took pole position ahead of Max Verstappen by 0.013s, and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc by 0.067s, in what was a thrilling qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix.
2nd September 2023, 16:23
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport
Q3: Verstappen dipped a wheel into the gravel on his first run which naturally cost him time, leaving Ferrari to give their fans a huge boost of optimism as Sainz and Leclerc went fastest of all before the second, and all important, set of flying laps.
To the delight of the many Ferrari fans packing the stands, Sainz would keep P1 with a brilliant final lap to see off the hard-charging Verstappen, whilst the other Scuderia driver of Leclerc will line up in P3 tomorrow.
Ferrari fans can enjoy their Saturday night here in Italy, then, but know that keeping Verstappen at bay over a full race distance is another question altogether, with Max on the hunt for a record 10th straight win in F1.
‘Tifosi into rapture’;
https://www.givemesport.com/carlos-s...or-italian-gp/
Qualifying Results – 2023 Italian Grand Prix
2nd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy15:30
Q3
1. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari -1:20.294
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.013
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.067
4. George Russell Mercedes +0.377
5. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.394
6. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.466
7. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.491
8. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.526
9. Lando Norris McLaren +0.685
10. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.123
‘Italian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying...and-prix-83112
Live coverage: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix
2nd September 2023, 14:45
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...YBMq1K9Fw.html
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 - Qualifying: LIVE UPDATES
2nd Sept. 2023, 12:52
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
‘LIVE UPDATES’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-ita...g-live-updates
Sainz takes dramatic Italian GP pole in tight qualifying battle.
Carlos Sainz sent the legions of Tifosi at Monza into raptures after the Spaniard beat out Max Verstappen to pole position for the Italian GP by just 0.013 seconds.
September 2, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport
Sainz had similarly edged out the Dutchman to top spot in both FP2 and FP3, and he was able to continue that form in qualifying to take a dramatic pole position, with Ferrari his teammate Charles Leclerc just 0.067 seconds behind the polesitter.
While Verstappen will remain the favourite to repeat his dominant form of the season during the race, the result marks a boon for the Scuderia after a difficult few races where they have been surpassed by McLaren and others. Behind Leclerc, George Russell secured fourth for Mercedes after a challenging build up for the Brackley outfit, ahead of the other Red Bull of Sergio Perez.
Alex Albon showed that his pace in the Williams is still there, particularly on the low-downforce setup around Monza, qualifying in sixth, knocking Oscar Piastri back to seventh. Lewis Hamilton was eighth for Mercedes after a nervy Q2, ahead of the second McLaren of Lando Norris, with Fernando Alonso rounding out the top 10 for Aston Martin.
‘Pole position for the Italian GP by just 0.013 seconds’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ifying-battle/
Sainz edges Verstappen to pole at Monza in front of Tifosi
2nd September 2023, 16:17
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week
Carlos Sainz edged Max Verstappen to pole for the Italian Grand Prix, much to the delight of the onlooking Tifosi.
Charles Leclerc will line up in third as Ferrari look to utilise the home advantage to disrupt Verstappen’s dominant streak.
Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix played host to the second trial of Pirelli’s Alternative Tyre Allocation which mandates the use of the Hard tyre in Q1, Mediums for Q2 before those challenging for pole would switch to the Soft compound for Q3.
‘Sainz edges Verstappen to pole’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...ont-of-tifosi/
-
What’s at stake for Ferrari on Verstappen’s big day.
“We’re just going to try and make their life as complicated as possible and try to take the win.” One-three on the grid, both Ferrari drivers have made their intentions for the Italian Grand Prix.
3rd Sept. 2023, 09:01
The Race
Ferrari topping qualifying at Monza is exciting. But as Alonso said on Saturday: “The race is tomorrow. We saw Ferrari many times on pole on Saturday, and not so happy on Sundays – especially last year, they were on pole like 60% of the time [Ferrari were on pole for 55% of grands prix last year], and Max won all the races.
“Let’s wait and see. Obviously for our constructor championship points it’s not good if Ferrari scores many this weekend, but it seems like they will. We have to accept that, get better ourselves and let’s see.”
Does Alonso really believe there is a serious chance of Ferrari cashing in on this big opportunity? Probably. Starting first and third, with Alonso the best of the Aston Martins in 10th, is a terrible position to be in and does come with a real threat of a significant points swing in the fight for third in the championship.
‘Make their life as complicated as possible’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/whats...ppens-big-day/
Leclerc believes Ferrari can BEAT Verstappen after claiming shock Monza pole
Sunday 3 September 2023 07:27
Jay Winter
GPFans
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is holding onto a strong belief that his team can triumph over Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix, despite the predictive data suggesting otherwise.
The Ferraris are split by the Dutch world championship leader after Carlos Sainz secured pole position with an impressive time of 1:20.294. Max Verstappen was hot on his heels with a time of 1:20.307, while Leclerc clinched the third spot on the grid with a time of 1:20.361.
Despite Ferrari's metrics pointing towards yet another Verstappen win, Leclerc has a gut feeling that they will stop the two-time world champion from breaking the record of most consecutive Grand Prix wins. "I want to believe we can beat Max tomorrow," he told Sky Italia.
‘Charles Leclerc is holding onto a strong belief’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...an-grand-prix/
Winners and Losers from 2023 F1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying
02 September 11:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Winner - Carlos Sainz: This pole position for Sainz should come as no surprise.
Loser - Lance Stroll: In mitigation, Lance Stroll did not turn a flying lap at Monza until Saturday morning owing to him giving up the Aston Martin to Felipe Drugovich for FP1 and then a fuel system issue putting him out early in FP2.
Winner - Alexander Albon: 12 months on from having his Monza hopes dashed by his appendix ruining things, Alexander Albon has returned and means business.
Loser - Logan Sargeant: On the flip side, there is Logan Sargeant who could only manage 15th, and slowest in Q2.
Winner - Liam Lawson: This is the first real weekend of which Liam Lawson can be judged owing to the unusual and chaotic circumstances of his debut at Zandvoort.
Loser – Alpine: For Alpine at the moment, it feels like one step is made forwards, and two are taken back.
‘Winners and Losers’;
https://racingnews365.com/winners-an...rix-qualifying
Hamilton issues X-RATED verdict after Italian Grand Prix qualifying performance
Sunday 3 September 2023 09:27
Sam Cook
GPFans
Lewis Hamilton has given a scathing review of his performance in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, labelling it as 's***'. The seven-time world champion only managed to put his Mercedes in eighth, whilst his team-mate George Russell finds himself starting up in fourth after pulling together a great lap at the end of Q3.
And the Briton did not hold back after the session. "S***," he bluntly told Viaplay when asked for his thoughts on qualifying. "It was terrible, it was a bad session. but you know, sometimes that happens. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't," he added.
"I was struggling absolutely every lap, there wasn't one lap that felt good for me, just struggled to get out of Q1, nearly didn't make it, and then struggled to get into Q3, so balance issues. Struggling with the car. It's not a strong circuit for me in general, but George did a great job today."
‘X-RATED verdict’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...es-qualifying/
Max Verstappen bites back at 'jealous' Lewis Hamilton in spat before Italian GP
Max Verstappen has bitten back at Lewis Hamilton’s comments – calling the Brit ‘jealous’ before the Italian GP as old rivalries threaten to be renewed
06:30, 3 SEP 2023
BY CAMERON WINSTANLEY
Daily Star
Hamilton suggested that Verstappen’s achievements are nothing special, claiming that the Red Bull champion has had an easier ride. Hamilton said: "I'm no more impressed than when Michael [Schumacher] was leading, when Sebastian [Vettel] was leading when Kimi [Raikkonen] was driving, when Fernando [Alonso] was winning – it's just the same," the seven-time world champion said when asked about Verstappen's accomplishments.
"In my personal opinion, all my team-mates have been stronger than the team-mates Max has had – Jenson [Button], Fernando, George [Russell], Valtteri [Bottas], Nico [Rosberg]. I've had so many. These guys have all been very, very strong, very consistent – and Max has not raced against anyone like that."
Verstappen was asked on his reaction to Hamilton’s war of words in Monza ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix. He said: "Maybe he's a little jealous of my current success. This kind of statement... he possibly thinks he's winning something with that, but it makes no difference to me. I think Mercedes have a very hard time dealing with losing, after all these years of winning so much.”
‘Hamilton suggested that Verstappen’s achievements are nothing special’;
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...-spat-30850644
Technical: Ferrari drivers set to race with fresh engines in Monza
02 Sep 2023, 22:00
By Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
There is a host of drivers to race with fresh power unit elements at Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, including pole sitter Carlos Sainz and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. F1Technical's senior writer Balázs Szabó reports from the Monza paddock.
With Monza being one of the most demanding circuits in terms of the power unit, teams usually install fresh power unit elements at the Italian Grand Prix. In truth, Spa also used to serve as a venue for fresh engines when the Belgian Grand Prix preceded the Monza round in the past.
A total of six drivers have received fresh internal combustion engines for the Monza race, including the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, the AlphaTauri driver pair of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, Mercedes racer George Russell and Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas. These six drivers have also received a new motor genetor unit – kinetic.
‘Ferrari drivers set to race with fresh engines’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/24181
F1 Live - Italian GP Race Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
Scheduled for Sep 3, 2023
Racing Statistics
‘Italian GP Race Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XljFYXAkbFw
-
Verstappen scores perfect ten out of ten with Italy GP win.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen has become the first driver in F1 history to score ten back-to-back victories in a season, dashing Ferrari hopes with another peerless performance in the Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
03/09/2023 at 15:46
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Pole sitter Carlos Sainz battled valiantly to stay in front but ultimately gave way on lap 15, and subsequently also lost out to Sergio Perez who made it a Red Bull 1-2.
But Sainz did manage to hold on to third under intense pressure from his team mate Charles Leclerc. making for a thrilling no-holds-barred battle between the Ferrari pair in the closing laps.
‘First driver in F1 history to score ten back-to-back victories’;
https://f1i.com/news/485863-verstapp...ly-gp-win.html
Race Results – 2023 Italian Grand Prix
3rd September 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -51 laps
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +6.802
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +11.082
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +11.508
5. George Russell Mercedes +23.028 *
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +42.679 *
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +45.106
8. Lando Norris McLaren +45.449
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +46.294
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +64.056
‘Italian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-resul...and-prix-83132
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Italian Grand Prix
03 September 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...dvg2ZgYro.html
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...dvg2ZgYro.html
F1 Italian Grand Prix 2023 LIVE UPDATES!
3rd Sept. 2023, 13:17
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Follow all the F1 action from the Italian Grand Prix here with the Crash.net live blog.
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-ita...3-live-updates
F1 Live - Italian GP Race Watchalong | Live timings + Commentary
3rd Sept. 2023.
Racing Statistics
‘Italian GP Race Watchalong’;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XljFYXAkbFw
Sergio Perez in fighting talk to Max Verstappen after impressive Italian GP drive
Sergio Perez put in an impressive showing at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.
15:55, Sun, Sep 3, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Sergio Perez has come out fighting after the Italian Grand Prix, claiming that fans will see his best form of the season in the final eight races of the campaign. The Mexican driver endured a typically difficult qualifying session on Saturday afternoon, slotting into the starting grid behind his team-mate, both Ferrari drivers and Mercedes' George Russell.
As Max Verstappen battled Carlos Sainz for the lead of the race, Checo was forced to stare at the rear wing of Russell's Mercedes as the Guadalajara-born driver attempted all sorts of moves into the Variante del Rettifilo to get past and into P4.
When asked by Nico Rosberg whether he can close up to Verstappen before the end of the season off the back of this performance, Checo replied: "Yeah, I think we've done a lot of progress. On the setup side, I am feeling a lot more comfortable in the car. So I do expect that we will see the best form in the next leg [of] races."
‘Sergio Perez put in an impressive showing at the Italian Grand Prix’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix
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Verstappen gets his mighty 10 as Ferrari defence collapses at home: Italian GP talking points.
We got a great last-gasp duel between Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz for second place, after which the Ferrari drivers engaged in a private edge-of-your-set battle for a final spot on the podium.
Verstappen wins historic 10th Grand Prix | 01:20
September 4th, 2023 9:14 am
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)
There would be no Ferrari fairytale at Monza this year, but the race wasn’t much poorer for it. A great race doesn’t need to have lots of overtaking, only lots of battling, and Monza had that in spades. But, as always, there’s an asterisk. The race was thrilling if you forget that Max Verstappen waltzed to victory. For 15 short laps it appeared as though the title leader might actually have been out of answers to break though pole-getter Sainz’s defences.
It took only one mistake from the Spaniard for Verstappen to barge through and establish an unassailable lead, grabbing a slice of history with it. This season will be remembered for Verstappen’s ruthless domination, but races like the Italian Grand Prix remind us that actually the racing has been pretty good all year, so long as you start counting from second place.
We’re officially in uncharted territory. No driver has ever enjoyed as long a dominant streak as Verstappen, whose 10 victories on the bounce take him past Sebastian Vettel’s nine in succession in 2013. Red Bull Racing also becomes the first team to win 15 grands prix consecutively, eclipsing Ferrari’s 14 set in 1952–53 — though, again, this record excludes the Indianapolis 500, and it also predates the constructors championship.
‘We’re officially in uncharted territory’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...695ebc9b1080ac
Verstappen had to ‘nurse little issue’ in closing stages of Italian GP
17:12 Sun, 03 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Max Verstappen reveals that he had to “nurse a little issue” during the closing stages of his run to victory at the Italian Grand Prix.
Despite saying “everything felt good” for the majority of the race, the Dutchman admits he “had to nurse a little issue at the end. But we had, luckily, of course, a gap behind so I could easily back off,” Verstappen added.
‘Nurse little issue’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...of-italian-gp/
Christian Horner reveals sudden cause which forced Verstappen into ‘drastic slow down’
03 Sep 2023 6:50 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Christian Horner has revealed what was going on to cause the Red Bull pitwall to tell Max Verstappen to slow down in the final laps at Monza. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hinted that temperatures on the RB19 were getting uncomfortably high.
“We were just managing some temperature issues,” he confirmed. “We just didn’t want to take any risks on a stinking hot day. We had a couple of temperatures that were…they were under control.”
“But there were a bunch of cars ahead of Gasly and we just didn’t want to run in dirty air. So that’s why we took it a little bit easy in the last few laps.”
‘Drastic slow down’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/christ...ue-italian-gp/
What a Surprise: Max Verstappen Wins Another F1 Grand Prix!
Published: 3 Sep 2023, 17:48 UTC
By: Dragos Chitulescu
autoevolution
The Italian Grand Prix is done and dusted! Carlos Sainz gave the Tifosi some hope on Saturday, but that didn't guarantee a victory for him on Sunday. And once again, Red Bull Racing has had its eyes on the prize, with Max Verstappen breaking yet another Formula One record.
Winning the Italian Grand Prix would have boosted confidence and morale for Scuderia Ferrari team members and fans alike. Several years have passed since Charles Leclerc achieved that performance for the Italian Squad, but this time, everyone was watching for Carlos Sainz.
And in typical Verstappen fashion, nothing else could stop him from winning the race at the end of the day. It is his tenth consecutive victory this season, so he has broken yet another F1 record. Sergio Perez finished P2, just six seconds behind Max. Carlos Sainz scored a bittersweet result for Ferrari, taking P3: his first podium since the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He had an epic duel with Charles Leclerc towards the end of the race, and it's worth watching the replay to see it.
‘And in typical Verstappen fashion’;
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/w...ix-220510.html
Analysis: Why Ferrari didn’t go aggressive on strategy in their fight with Red Bull
2023 Italian Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd September 2023, 21:433rd September 2023, 21:48
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Once Carlos Sainz Jnr lost the lead on the 15th lap of the Italian Grand Prix, it was always unlikely Ferrari were going to be able to get it back. There was one strategic option available to them once Max Verstappen found his way into the lead: Respond by pitting Sainz immediately. Then, depending on Red Bull’s next move, Ferrari had the luxury of covering him off with either of their cars.
But they chose not to go down that route. Team principal Frederic Vasseur said they couldn’t risk bringing him in so early, despite its length being cut to 51 laps due to the delayed start. “We were all a bit worried with the the life of the hard [tyre],” said Vasseur. “We were a bit blind because we didn’t do a long stint before [in practice].”
“It was also a risk to stop very early. We were all at the limit. I think Max the last couple of laps had some issue with the front-left also and we had not so much margin.”
‘Why Ferrari didn’t go aggressive on strategy’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/09/03/...with-red-bull/
Horner: Red Bull never imagined leaving European season undefeated
Red Bull made it 14 wins from 14 races at Monza, and its significance wasn't lost on Christian Horner.
September 3, 2023
By Adriano Boin
Total Motorsport
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says his team’s undefeated run so far in 2023 is something he could have never imagined. The team made it 14 wins from as many races so far this season as Max Verstappen took the chequered flag from teammate Sergio Perez at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
“It’s an amazing result,” Horner told reporters, including Total-Motorsport, after Sunday’s race. “Ferrari getting pole position yesterday, you could see what it meant to the Tifosi. Certainly last night outside my hotel, I was in the same hotel as the Ferrari drivers, it was around 1 a.m. that they finally quieted down.”
“We knew we had a quick car. Ferrari were very fast on the straights today and Max could see they were a littler harder on the rear tyres, and that was part of our strategy in terms of the setup that we adopted knowing that the temperatures were going to be a little bit higher today. Carlos defended very hard and robustly which you would in a Ferrari around Monza, but finally Max was able to get that pass done and Checo as well, first passing George [Russell], then Charles [Leclerc] and then Carlos.”
‘Red Bull never imagined leaving European season undefeated’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/hor...undefeated-f1/
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Wolff: Verstappen wins record just 'for Wikipedia'.
Toto Wolff feels Max Verstappen's 10 straight Formula 1 wins is "just for Wikipedia" and doubts if the Red Bull driver even cares about the record.
04 September 12:05PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Victory in the Italian Grand Prix gave Verstappen double figures in terms of successive wins, the first driver to ever reach that mark in Grand Prix racing, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's tally of nine. Verstappen has won 12 of the 14 races in 2023 and is set to wrap up a third title in the coming races, but Mercedes boss Wolff was rather non-plussed about the record.
"Our situation was a little bit different because we had two guys fighting against each other within the team," Wolff told Sky Sports F1. "I don’t know if he cares about the records. It is not something that would be important for me, those numbers, are for Wikipedia and nobody reads that anyway."
"[The records] were irrelevant in our good days at Mercedes, I don't know how many races we won in a row (10 between Monaco-Singapore 2016). "I didn't even know that there was a count on how many you win, therefore asking me to comment on some achievement is difficult because it has never played a role in my whole life.”
"Just for Wikipedia";
https://racingnews365.com/wolff-vers...-for-wikipedia
Damon Hill unimpressed by Toto Wolff’s dismissal of Max Verstappen’s record win
4 September 2023 at 11:16 am
Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent
Yahoo! Sport
Damon Hill has described Toto Wolff’s dismissal of Max Verstappen’s record winning streak as “churlish” and “ungracious”. Moments after Verstappen drove into the record books, Mercedes team principal Wolff called the Dutchman’s unprecedented run of victories “completely irrelevant”. He added that the record was only “for Wikipedia, and nobody reads that anyway”.
Responding to Wolff’s unflattering appraisal, 1996 world champion Hill said: “It sounded a bit churlish and not very gracious. “It’s unlike Toto because he’s usually very sporting. But he is hurting a bit now. They know what it is like to be dominant and they didn’t even get on the podium in Monza.”
“They seem to be a bit stymied and can’t seem to work out what to do. But who can? It seems like everywhere we go, Red Bull has got the upper hand.”
‘Damon Hill unimpressed’;
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/dam...9jhkZZZpEFbsHE
Toto Wolff steps in as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's F1 feud turns ugly
F1 stars Hamilton and Verstappen renewed their war of words at the Italian Grand Prix, after the Mercedes racer downplayed the achievements of his Red Bull rival
12:29, 4 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Toto Wolff stepped in to defuse the situation after Lewis Hamilton sparked a fresh row with Max Verstappen. The two Formula 1 rivals took shots at one another over the course of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. It began when Hamilton downplayed Verstappen's dominance of the sport and claimed the Dutchman's Red Bull team-mates have not been of the same standard.
"I'm no more impressed than when Michael [Schumacher] was leading, when Sebastian [Vettel] was leading when Kimi [Raikkonen] was driving, when Fernando [Alonso] was winning – it's just the same," the seven-time world champion said. He then added: "In my personal opinion, all my team-mates have been stronger than the team-mates Max has had – Jenson [Button], Fernando, George [Russell], Valtteri [Bottas], Nico [Rosberg]. I've had so many. These guys have all been very, very strong, very consistent – and Max has not raced against anyone like that."
Mercedes chief Wolff attempted to cool tensions between the drivers. Speaking to reporters after the Monza race, the Austrian dismissed the spat as little more than two rivals "poking fun" at each other. "First of all, it's obvious that the drivers like to poke each other a bit," he said. But Wolff did go on to suggest that he agreed with Hamilton's claim that he has faced sterner tests from his team-mates over the course of his F1 career.” Wolff added: "You can say that Lewis has raced three world champions. He raced Jenson, he raced Fernando and he raced Nico. But I don't want to in any way diminish anybody's performance because Max in the car is outstanding. So, it's just part of the fun."
‘Rivals "poking fun" at each other’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...wolff-30858108
Hamilton takes SWIPE at Verstappen with pointed F1 team-mate jibe
Saturday 2 September 2023 19:57
Anna Malyon
GPFans
Lewis Hamilton has given his honest opinion on Max Verstappen's team-mates, suggesting that no one has genuinely posed a significant challenge to the Dutch driver. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also expressed his confusion about Perez’s inability to compete with Verstappen despite being in the same car.
“We have seen it all these years, Checo is a Grand Prix winner - a multiple Grand Prix winner, so I cannot comprehend,” Wolff told the media. “We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team-mate that was with him. Whether it is his ability to create a car around himself that is just very tricky to control, but fast when you can (control it), and that creates those gaps."
However, Verstappen responded strongly to Wolff’s comments claiming they were 'bull**** comments'. “It’s not like that, I just drive the car the fastest way possible," Verstappen said. "I’m not there to tell the guys 'give me more because that’s how I like it,” Verstappen said. “I just say to design me the fastest car and I’ll drive around that because every single year, every car drives a little bit differently.”
‘Toto Wolff also expressed his confusion’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...edes-red-bull/
Max Verstappen mocks "jealous" Lewis Hamilton as F1 rivals clash at Italian Grand Prix
Verstappen has responded after Hamilton claimed the Red Bull racer's team-mates over the years were much easier to beat than the ones he has faced as a Mercedes driver
19:13, 2 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Those words were posed to Verstappen as he spoke to reporters in Monza. In response, Verstappen bristled as he took aim at both Hamilton and his Mercedes team, and retorted: "Maybe he's a little jealous of my current success. "This kind of statement... he possibly thinks he's winning something with that, but it makes no difference to me. I think Mercedes have a very hard time dealing with losing, after all these years of winning so much.”
"At some point, you have to be realistic and then you have to be able to appreciate what other teams are doing. We did the same when they were dominant and we also said, 'We have to work harder because we are not good enough'. You can keep shouting and screaming that what we do is not that special... you just have to deal with yourself."
Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle was also surprised by Hamilton's words, but thinks he knows what the Brit was hoping to achieve. He said: "That's Lewis' opinion and he very firmly put it out there. He's not going to give Max an ounce of oxygen, or anything, to pick him up. I'm surprised just how hard he was. Of course, Lewis has had strong team-mates but I wouldn't write off the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez, who Max has had alongside him. They are world-class racing drivers. Lewis just doesn't want to give anything away, does he?"
“Makes no difference to me”;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...monza-30849688
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Perez amazed by 'INSANE' moment in charge to Monza podium.
Sergio Perez has admitted that he couldn't believe how hard he had to work to overtake the two Ferraris in the Italian GP.
Sunday 3 September 2023 17:27
Joe Ellis
GPFans
It took Perez several laps to find a way past both of the Prancing Horses and he couldn't shake them off as the race neared its conclusion. “I think it was basically the maximum we could have achieved today," Perez told Nico Rosberg after the race. "It was so difficult to overtake. A lot harder than we really thought. I think we were lacking some straight-line speed.”
"To get through Charles and then to get through Carlos, it was pretty insane, because I had to use a lot my tyres. I really thought, especially in the beginning, I couldn’t get close to Charles because we were stuck in the DRS.”
"I had to put the pressure on Charles, and he got the DRS from Carlos and then it was also a lot of fighting with him. In the end, we managed to get both of them."
‘Couldn't believe how hard he had to work’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...insane-moment/
‘The passes were on the limit but fair’ – Perez on his fight through the field to the podium at Monza
03 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Sergio Perez had to battle his way up from fifth on the grid to finish P2 at Monza – though he said overtaking was “super hard” in the race, because the DRS was much less effective at this track.
‘The passes were on the limit but fair’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...280467376.html
Perez reflects on 'pretty insane' drive to podium
03 September 5:35PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Perez believes there was an important factor impacting his progression: "It was so difficult to overtake, we were lacking straight-line speed. I was close at the Parabolica but it was not enough," he said. "I was most of the time 0.3s [behind] I knew 0.2 would give me a chance, but 0.3 I will not even get close. So to get through Charles [Leclerc] and Carlos [Sainz], it was pretty insane because I had to use my tyres a lot."
After running wide at Turn 1 multiple times trying to get past Sainz, the Red Bull driver eventually managed to secure second. "I had to put the pressure on Charles and keep out of the DRS from Carlos, then it was a lot of fighting with him and we managed to get both of them," he said.
"I think we've done a lot of progress on the setup side," explained Perez. "I'm feeling a lot more comfortable in the car, so I do expect that will see the best form in the next races. I think we've done a lot of progress on the setup side," explained Perez. "I'm feeling a lot more comfortable in the car, so I do expect that will see the best form in the next races."
‘Perez reflects’;
https://racingnews365.com/perez-refl...rive-to-podium
Perez celebrates Monza podium after 'pretty insane' battle
03/09/2023 at 18:59
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
"It was so difficult to overtake," he reflected when interviewed in parc ferme after the end of the race. "We were lacking straight-line speed. I was close at the Parabolica, but it was not enough. The Ferraris were very fast on the straights so it was hard to make my way through the field. We had some tough racing, but I fought really hard to overtake and gave it my all and it paid off.”
"Carlos and Charles defended like their lives depended on it, which meant we had to work that extra bit harder," he added. “This was a very special victory, but we had to do it the hard way." Perez said that he had been working hard on optimising the set-up for this week's race after missing out last weekend in Zandvoort where he slipped off the podium in the final laps and ended up P4.
“We didn’t get to show it yesterday, but it’s been a strong weekend in terms of performance. I feel like my form is fully back and I hope we can have a very strong end to the season.”
‘Perez celebrates Monza podium’;
https://f1i.com/news/485942-perez-ce...ne-battle.html
Perez felt ‘lucky' to avoid damage during Leclerc battle
04 September 1:00PM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
The Red Bull driver spent much of the first half of the race in the mirrors of George Russell, unable to get close enough to pull off a move as the Mercedes defended hard. "First [I had to] get through George, which wasn't very easy," Perez told media including RacingNews365.
"I had to take the escape road into Turn 2 a few times. Once I managed to clear him, the team told me to box but at the same lap. Carlos [Sainz] boxed, so I decided to stay out, thinking that we could extend a little bit more, to build a little bit more of a tyre delta. But then we were at risk of [being] undercut to George and we ended up behind the Ferraris."
"Once Charles had the DRS from Carlos, it was very hard to put him under pressure," Perez reflected. He lost the DRS from Carlos and that really made my race. When I was able to pass I had some contact, I think into Turn 4, I had no space, and we ended up touching. Luckily there was no damage for any of us."
‘Perez felt ‘lucky' to avoid damage’;
https://racingnews365.com/perez-felt...leclerc-battle
Perez ‘more comfortable’ with Red Bull F1 car after ‘progress on set-up side’
13:54 Mon, 04 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Sergio Perez says he is “more comfortable” with Red Bull’s 2023 Formula 1 car after making recent “progress on the set-up side”.
The Mexican revelled in his “best Friday in a while” at the Italian Grand Prix, but a spin late in FP2 and a subsequent oil leak on Saturday morning, necessitating a switch to an older power unit within his allocation, saw Perez only qualify fifth for Sunday’s race.
However, he was able to overtake George Russell and the two Ferraris to follow team-mate Max Verstappen home, handing Red Bull its first-ever 1-2 finish at Monza.
‘Perez ‘more comfortable’ with Red Bull F1 car’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...n-set-up-side/
Perez satisfied with podium after 'terrible' weekend
05 September 7:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
The Mexican was satisfied with a clean weekend, after a difficult race in Zandvoort in which a late race penalty demoted him to fourth.
"Very pleased – but we had a terrible Saturday in terms of the issues we had in FP3 with the car that really put us back in qualifying," Perez told media, including RacingNews365 of his weekend. "I think we could have had a better starting position, which definitely will have put us a lot closer in the fight for victory.”
"But certainly, we made a lot of progress, which is a positive thing. I think we've done very well [with the set-up direction], and some work with the suspension [helped.] [After that I was] able to feel quite a lot more comfortable."
‘Perez satisfied’;
https://racingnews365.com/perez-sati...rrible-weekend
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How Ferrari's 'different animal' nearly upset Red Bull record.
Ferrari came away from Monza with its best result of 2023 so far, but it was very nearly an iconic upset in front of the adoring Tifosi crowd.
05 September 2:15PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
If you were not paying attention for the last 14 races, the Italian Grand Prix confirmed it: Perfection and luck will be needed to beat Max Verstappen in 2023.
Ferrari nearly provided a much-needed upset to Red Bull's win streak, but even the 'Monza curse' could not strike against one of the most dominant driver and car combinations of all time in Formula 1.
Verstappen and the RB19 leave the European part of this season undefeated, but it was very nearly a different outcome at Ferrari's home race.
'Different animal';
https://racingnews365.com/how-ferrar...ed-bull-record
F1: Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz share thoughts on exciting Monza battle
The Tifosi were not left disappointed after the Italian Grand Prix after an exciting battle between the Ferrari drivers
Published 5th Sep 2023, 11:26 BST
By Rebecca Braybrook
Lancashire Evening Post
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have praised each other after putting on an exciting fight during the Italian Grand Prix. The Ferrari drivers left Formula 1 fans on the edge of their seats after “tough, hard racing” as the pair competed for third place.
Sainz, 29, took third place having started on pole, with Leclerc, 25, close behind him, taking fourth place. Although the Tifosi were dreaming of a Monza victory, it seemed impossible against the current, heavily dominant Red Bulls.
Fans were relieved to see both cars came out of the race unharmed after a few close calls. Sainz told Ferrari: “It was a great weekend all along and to be able to celebrate a podium with the tifosi is the perfect icing on the cake! I really want to thank every single one of them for their endless support. They are very special.”
‘Exciting Monza battle’;
https://www.lep.co.uk/read-this/ferr...battle-4280888
Ferrari's Italian GP boost: A one-off Monza special or genuine F1 progress?
5th Sept. 2024, 11:30
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
There is no denying that Ferrari pulled out all the stops for Monza. While Red Bull steered clear of introducing a brand-new wing package for the ultra low-downforce track and opted for just a trimmed-out upper flap, Ferrari ran a bespoke Monza wing with a much flatter mainplane than teams would ordinarily choose with the current generation of cars.
It also elected to introduce brand-new power units for the weekend, knowing full well that fresh engines always deliver a bit more oomph. There were even whispers in the paddock that Ferrari had done the equivalent of turning them up to 11 in a bid to squeeze every last bit of horsepower out of them, but this was something Vasseur denied.
"We didn't take more risks than Zandvoort," he said. The end result was Ferrari's most competitive outing of the year, as the squad maximised the opportunity thrown at it that the SF-23 seems to be much more competitive at the lower downforce venues.
‘One-off Monza special or genuine F1 progress?’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...ress/10516455/
Carlos Sainz’s father critical of Ferrari’s ‘curious’ F1 team orders stance at Italian GP
5 Sep 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Carlos Sainz Sr has hit out at Ferrari’s “curious” decision not to call off the late fight between his son and Charles Leclerc at the F1 Italian Grand Prix. Having lost out to both Red Bulls despite a valiant defence, early race leader Sainz Jr found himself engaged in a thrilling duel with Ferrari teammate Leclerc to determine who would take the final spot on the famous Monza podium.
The pair almost took each other out on several occasions but Ferrari opted against intervening in their fierce battle, with Sainz just able to hold on to third place ahead of Leclerc. And Sainz’s father thought the decision not to use team orders was odd.
“It’s curious,” Sainz Sr told DAZN on Sunday. “Sometimes they decide some things, sometimes others. It is he who has to ask and understand the strategies, why sometimes they can attack each other and other times not.”
‘Curious F1 team orders’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103515...-orders-stance
Sainz's regret over lost Italian GP victory dream
05 September 9:50AM
Author Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
Carlos Sainz admits that he thought he could win the Italian Grand Prix after holding onto the lead in the early stages. When asked if he thought he could win the race at any stage during the first stint, Sainz told media including RacingNews365: “Yeah, halfway through it.”
“I felt like I had it fairly under control but then around lap 10 to 12, I started filling the rear left tyre giving up a lot earlier than I would have expected. At that point, I realised I had used my tyres too much probably to keep Max behind, I had worn that rear-left tyre too much and that I was going to suffer a lot for the rest of the race because it was going to probably make me box early into a hard tyre.”
‘Sainz's regret’;
https://racingnews365.com/sainz-was-...appen-overtake
What will change after Ferrari’s brilliant ‘no risk’ near-disaster
5th Sept 2023, 07:58
By Edd Straw
The Race
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur’s style when he faces the media after each Formula 1 grand prix will be very familiar to anyone who has ever watched a television interview or FIA press conference feed.
He undercuts serious questions with a joke, blocks potentially controversial ones with a straight bat and does everything he can to avoid feeding the storm clouds that regularly gather around Maranello.
The opening question was, inevitably, about the decision not to order them to hold positions. His counter was that had he ordered them to hold position, there would have been questions about that approach and while he admitted that facing the possibility of something going wrong was “not very comfortable” he was right to trust the drivers.
‘Ferrari’s brilliant ‘no risk’ near-disaster’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-...near-disaster/
Vasseur names SURPRISE issue as biggest challenge of being Ferrari boss
Tuesday 5 September 2023 00:57
Dan McCarthy
GPFans
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has admitted that recruiting staff and dealing with turnover is the biggest challenge of leading the team. Speaking to F1's Beyond The Grid podcast, the Frenchman was outlining the biggest challenges of being in charge of such a team and gave a fairly surprising answer, citing staff recruitment and retention.
"To not shop is to go backwards," he admitted. "This is the life of every single company in the world, that you have a turnover. We are losing perhaps 90 people a year because they want to stop Formula 1, because they are going to pension, or because they want to go to another team for family reasons.
"To stay at the same level, you need to recruit 90 people a year. This is probably the biggest challenge because we need to recruit as soon as possible."
‘Vasseur names SURPRISE issue’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...e-recruitment/
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Mercedes “not in the fight”at F1 Italian Grand Prix - “body language speaks one thousand words”.
Toto Wolff’s “body language” suggested frustration within the Mercedes camp after the F1 Italian Grand Prix, said Naomi Schiff.
3 Sep 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Mercedes saw both drivers hit with separate five-second time penalties, with George Russell finishing fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth. A seemingly irritable team principal Toto Wolff claimed it was “maximum” his team could extract from a Monza track which doesn’t suit the W14’s characteristics.
“Body language speaks one thousand words,” Sky TV analyst Schiff said about Wolff. “Sometimes they don’t tell us the full picture and we have to read between what we see on track, and what they tell us. You can really tell in his demeanour that it’s not the result they wanted.”
“The penalties didn’t help but they weren’t in the fight anyway, today. The good thing for them, though, is that consistently they’re more often there than some of the teams around them. So it might be a track-specific thing.”
“Body language speaks one thousand words”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103508...thousand-words
Toto Wolff fires Lewis Hamilton and George Russell warning in Italian Grand Prix verdict
Russell dropped one place from his starting spot to finish fifth, while Hamilton was one place behind and avoided losing more places after picking up a time penalty
17:34, 3 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
Toto Wolff felt his Mercedes team did all it could in the Italian Grand Prix – but made it clear he will never be satisfied with two non-podium finishes. George Russell finished one place ahead of Lewis Hamilton, fifth on the road. The latter held on to sixth despite picking up a time penalty for a collision with Oscar Piastri, while Russell was also penalised for an earlier incident.
Both built a gap big enough to not lose a place to Alex Albon when those penalties were taken into account. And it meant a solid haul of points for Mercedes despite losing out to both Red Bull and Ferrari cars. Team principal Wolff's body language said more than his words after the race – he was clearly dejected after a race in which his team fought hard for only a small reward.
‘Clearly dejected’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...esult-30853905
Lewis Hamilton receives further punishment after Italian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton has been served another slice of misery after his Italian Grand Prix incident.
08:13, Mon, Sep 4, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton has been handed two penalty points on his license for his involvement in the crash between his Mercedes and McLaren’s star rookie Oscar Piastri at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
There was no bad blood between Hamilton and Piastri after the race, in line with the Brit’s comments. The seven-time world champion was caught on camera approaching the young Aussie in his cockpit with the cars back in parc ferme, apologising for his role in the crash.
Piastri also had his say on the incident after the race, explaining to Sky Sports F1: "The incident with Lewis, he probably just creeped over a bit more than he thought. The stewards gave out their verdict and he has apologised so there is nothing more I can ask for or do at that point.”
‘Further punishment’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix
George Russell has "accepted" Mercedes' poor F1 pace – Lewis Hamilton should do the same
Russell has out-qualified Mercedes team-mate Hamilton at both the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix since the F1 summer break, and finished ahead of the seven-time world champion in the Monza race
10:06, 4 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
The Italian Grand Prix produced another confusing result for Mercedes. Fifth and sixth, as team principal Toto Wolff said after the race, is not something this team wants to get used to celebrating. In reality, though, it was the best they were going to get in any scenario which saw all the Red Bull and Ferrari cars finish.
George Russell finished one place ahead of Lewis Hamilton. It has been a fine start to the second half of the season for the younger Brit, after admitting he was not happy with his form prior to the summer break. "I'm really pleased with my own personal performance for these first two races," he said at Monza. Russell also declared that he is "back to my level" having "lost my way" before shutdown.
Explaining how, he added: "[I've] slightly gone back to basics and not tried to reinvent the wheel with set-ups and just accepting the pace of the car. P4 was the maximum potential [in qualifying]. But if I went in trying to do a lap for pole, trying to find three extra tenths, I'd have ended up in the gravel because three tenths extra is just not possible."
‘Gone back to basics’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...monza-30856709
Sky F1 pundits agree on Lewis Hamilton after being upstaged by George Russell
Russell got the better of more experience team-mate Hamilton in their first season together, though so far in 2023 it's the seven-time world champion leading the Mercedes charge
06:00, 4 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
Naomi Schiff and Martin Brundle agreed as they theorised why Lewis Hamilton was beaten by George Russell in their first season as team-mates.
Russell joined Mercedes at the start of last season, his arrival coinciding with the team's dip in fortunes. While the Silver Arrows were not in the title fight due to their car's lack of competitiveness, the signing from Williams at least managed to impress with his consistency throughout the season.
He beat Hamilton by 35 points in the end – an eye-catching number for the seven-time world champion to lose by. So far in 2023, though, he has got the better of that intra-team battle with his fellow Brit.
‘Upstaged by George Russell’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...sults-30854661
Lewis Hamilton faces NEVER winning another F1 world title because he 'has serious problems' and 'no longer has the hunger', says Sir Jackie Stewart
• Lewis Hamilton is tied with Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher on seven titles
• The Brit has not had the car to challenge for the title since missing out in 2021
• Jackie Stewart believes the Mercedes star 'no longer has the hunger'
Updated: 15:31, 5 September 2023
By Kieran Lynch For Mailonline
Mail Online
Formula One legend Jackie Stewart has sensationally claimed that Lewis Hamilton 'no longer has the hunger' and might never win an eighth drivers' title. He told the German publication in an interview: 'First of all, Lewis is one of the best to ever drive in Formula 1. But the truth is that in the last decade he competed with Mercedes for a team that was virtually out of competition.
'During this time, Lewis only had one real competitor: his respective teammate. Except for 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duel. And then he lost to Nico Rosberg. With respect: a good driver, but not the most talented in the world. But Rosberg was hungry and had the absolute will to become world champion. Lewis no longer has that hunger. Because of that – and because the car is no longer quite as powerful – he has serious problems.”
Stewart, 84, went on to add that Hamilton's hopes of winning the title rely on Mercedes, though he doesn't expect him to move out on his own ahead of Schumacher. He said: 'That (eighth title) also depends on Mercedes. It's not impossible, but I still don't think he'll be able to do it. And I don't think - despite the rumors about Ferrari - that he will change teams again.'
‘Lewis Hamilton faces NEVER winning another F1 world title’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...e-Stewart.html
Examined: Has Lewis Hamilton really had tougher team-mates than Max Verstappen?
05 Sep 2023 9:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton sent tongues wagging when he suggested all of his team-mates have been better than Max Verstappen’s, but how true is that bold claim? While it is hard to rank different drivers in different cars and in different eras, the easiest way to do it is to sort them into tiers so to kick things off, we are taking a look at the men Hamilton has shared the garage with… …then those of Max Verstappen.
So to judge Hamilton’s statement on merit you would have to say that he is correct, his team-mates have been objectively better but he has had two seasons where the team has come close to collapsing due to that rivalry. Meanwhile, you may struggle more to find a team-mate who has a bad word to say about Verstappen.
‘Examined’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/examin...ax-verstappen/
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McLaren boss’s scathing clash response is very important.
He could have chosen the ‘all’s well that ends well’ approach and shrugged it off, but instead chose to draw a clear line in the sand: “This is not acceptable”.
6th September 2023, 07:19
By Edd Straw
The Race
There was an easy escape route for McLaren Formula 1 team principal Andrea Stella when asked about the Italian Grand Prix clash between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but it says much about his leadership style that he chose not to take it.
When team-mates clash, there’s inevitably a scramble to apportion blame and demands for action to be taken. Different teams deal with this in different ways, and must do given the dynamic between team-mates varies and a good team boss will understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, for example, was phlegmatic about the risky dice between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz because “at the end, both drivers finished the race”. But while that approach was entirely appropriate for his and the team’s situation that day at Monza, it would have been a risky approach for Stella and McLaren.
“This is not acceptable”;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-m...-so-important/
Furious McLaren chief to hold Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri talks after Italian GP clash
19:35, 3 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Andrea Stella fumed at drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for their "unacceptable" conduct during the Italian Grand Prix. "There should never ever be contact between two McLaren cars", said the Italian after his home race. "There was contact, which doesn't fit the way we go racing at McLaren. What is important is to have clear parameters as to what you deem acceptable and what you deem unacceptable.”
"It's not an emotion thing, it's just like you do with other things. You deal with racing in a similar way. This is very clear that for any driver, there's something bigger than them. It's the team."
Hinting that he will hold talks with both drivers, he added: "I need to review. Like all things, we will do it calmly. There's nothing that we need to do urgently. We will take the adjustments that we need. It's always a little tricky when you leave the pits, especially on hard tyres.”
‘Furious McLaren Chief’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tella-30854513
McLaren drivers address in-race contact after Monza near-miss
03 Sep 2023 10:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have played down the contact they made during the Italian Grand Prix, with the pair having almost come to blows at Monza. Once Piastri pitted, he emerged level with Norris on track and under braking for the Rettifilo Chicance, Piastri locked up and tagged wheels with Norris.
Norris eventually claimed the position from his rookie team-mate, but he was happy to look past the incident as no major damage occurred between the two of them. “So he just had a bit of understeer, I left enough of a gap, I think, but it’s impossible to see,” Norris told media including PlanetF1.com after the race.
As for Piastri, he was on the wrong side of the incident having lost out to Norris with an undercut, and he expects talks to take place within McLaren to establish what happened between the two and how it can be avoided in future. “Yeah, I mean, obviously not ideal,” Piastri said. “Fortunate to have both [been] fine after that. Yeah, of course, the intention is never to get that.”
‘McLaren drivers address in-race contact’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...monza-contact/
McLaren: ‘Unacceptable’ drivers put themselves before the team
09:39 Mon, 04 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has branded the clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the Italian Grand Prix as “unacceptable”, stating the pair placed themselves above the team.
Stella has addressed that the team will need to review the coming together before taking action, citing that Piastri was possibly caught by being on colder Hard tyres. “I need to review. Like all things, we will do it calmly. There’s nothing that we need to do urgently. We will take the adjustments that we need,” he explained.
“It’s always a little tricky when you leave the pits, especially on hard tyres. It could be that certainly Oscar was trying to see where he could place himself so that he could keep the position. But on colder tyres, this could be slightly more difficult than he might have anticipated. We could absolutely conclude that this is just a little misjudgement.”
“I need to review. Like all things, we will do it calmly”;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...fore-the-team/
McLaren warns Norris, Piastri over ‘unacceptable’ contact
04 September 2:35PM
Author Fergal Walsh
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has warned his drivers over their racing conduct going forward after they made contact at the Italian Grand Prix. "There should never, ever be contact between two McLaren cars," Stella told media including RacingNews365.
"There was contact which doesn't fit the way we go racing at McLaren. You just review things like you do with anything that is technical, operational or racing. What is important is to have a clear perimeter as to what you deem acceptable and what you deem unacceptable.”
‘Unacceptable’ contact’;
https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-wa...ptable-contact
McLaren predicted to become ‘turbulent’ with Lando Norris’ ‘annoyed’ messages
05 Sep 2023 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Timo Glock is “curious” to see how the McLaren rivalry plays out as Oscar Piastri begins to put more pressure on Lando Norris.
ntroducing an upgraded MCL60 at the Austrian Grand Prix, Norris and Piastri surged forward into the podium battle with Norris second at Silverstone, and again in Hungary, while Piastri’s Sundays were undone by strategy.
In Hungary, the rookie was undone by an undercut from his teammate with Nico Rosberg calling it “unfair”. That there was more of the same at Monza could add to growing tension.
‘Turbulent’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...ome-turbulent/
Ex-F1 driver pinpoints the clue that Aussie rookie Oscar Piastri is making teammate Lando Norris 'feel the heat' at McLaren
• Ex F1 star says Norris is feeling heat from Piastri
• Says Norris is 'digging deep' to beat teammate
• Piastri was scolded for contact with Norris
By James Cooney For Daily Mail Australia
Updated: 08:31, 5 September 2023
Mail Online
A former F1 driver believes that Lando Norris is starting to really 'feel the heat' from rookie McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri after just half a season racing together. Former F1 driver Joylon Palmer believes the rebuke from the team boss is a sign the relationship between the drivers is changing at McLaren. 'Norris is definitely feeling the heat from a really good rookie this year,' Palmer told the BBC.
'Piastri was at fault for their small touch but they got away with it and, thankfully for McLaren, they didn't have damage – unlike the Piastri/Hamilton touch which was what ended Piastri's chances of points today.”
'So they got away with it from a team point of view and I think Norris is feeling some heat from Piastri, who's doing a really good job, but I still think Lando has got the upper hand at McLaren.”
‘Lando Norris 'feel the heat' at McLaren’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...cLaren-F1.html
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Brundle fires back at Wolff for 'Wikipedia' jibe.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff reacted to Verstappen's record by claiming it was "just for Wikipedia" and doubted whether he cared about such a record.
06 September 5:00AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Writing on his Sky Sports F1 column, Brundle feels they should be applauded for their efforts. "What an achievement to faultlessly keep up that level of performance and reliability on many different track layouts and in varying weather conditions, up against mighty opposition," he wrote.
"Congratulations to each and every one of them. If a tennis player or football or rugby team for example was so utterly complete and dominant, they would rightly be globally lauded at the highest level. As should this pairing be. Sport can and should be tribal, but you must surely also appreciate a level of excellence in others.”
"So I was a little surprised and disappointed that Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff played down this achievement over the weekend, because they rightly received their due reverence and appreciation during their years of total domination from 2014 to 2020.”
‘Should be applauded for their efforts’;
https://racingnews365.com/brundle-fi...wikipedia-jibe
Nico Rosberg calls Toto Wolff out for 'ungracious' answer to Red Bull question.
"I think Toto was just a bit down there and that made his answer a bit darker and not quite as gracious. Not quite as gracious as perhaps he would normally be, because I think the right answer would have been hats off and respect to Red Bull for their achievements." Nico Rosberg
13:45, Wed, Sep 6, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express
Nico Rosberg has accused Toto Wolff of disrespecting Max Verstappen after the Mercedes boss claimed that only Wikipedia readers will care about the Dutchman's latest record. Wolff was left reeling last weekend as Verstappen cruised to another simple victory at the Italian Grand Prix, a result which etched his name into the F1 history books.
Rosberg told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast: "I think Toto got in a moment where he was not too happy about his own race team’s performance on the weekend, because of course where they finished. Fifth and sixth, miles behind Ferrari and Red Bull, is not really the goal.”
'Ungracious answer to Red Bull question’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Bull-F1-news
Nico Rosberg responds to Toto Wolff’s Red Bull ‘Wikipedia’ comments
05 Sep 2023 7:15 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Nico Rosberg has refuted Toto Wolff’s idea that only Wikipedia readers care about records in light of Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s success. Wolff came off rather bitter in the aftermath of Verstappen securing a record 10th consecutive victory, describing such stats as only interesting to Wikipedia.
But his former driver Rosberg has disagreed suggesting Wolff was “in a moment” and revealed everyone cares about records. As to Wolff’s claim that only Wikipedia readers care about breaking records, Rosberg did not agree with that assessment.
“We all care about records, of course,” said Rosberg. “And we think a lot about records. So even Max who always says ‘no, I don’t care about 10 races.’ What does he do when he gets out of the car? He puts both of his hands up and points to the world that that’s 10 in a row.”
‘“We all care about records, of course,” said Rosberg’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-r...ull-wikipedia/
Damon Hill Slams Toto Wolff’s ‘Wikipedia’ Remark on Verstappen’s F1 Feat
September 4, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
The 1996 World Champion Hill has criticised Toto Wolff for downplaying Max Verstappen’s record-breaking 10 consecutive F1 wins, calling it a “Wikipedia” stat. Wolff’s comments, seen as dismissive, sparked debate amid recognition issues for Verstappen’s achievements, as Mercedes struggles in the 2023 season.
Damon on Sky Sports stated: “It sounded a bit churlish and not very gracious, and unlike Toto, because he’s usually very sporting. I think he’s hurting a bit now,” Hill continued. “They know what it’s like to be dominated and they didn’t even get on the podium.”
“They seem to be a bit stymied and can’t seem to work out what to do, but who can? Ferrari did a great job in Monza – it suited their car, I think – but it seems like everywhere we go, the Red Bull has got the upper hand and we’ve just got to sit and watch this unfold.”
‘Toto Wolff’s ‘Wikipedia’ Remark’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/damon-hill...ppens-f1-feat/
Red Bull label Mercedes boss 'SALTY' after Verstappen comments
Wednesday 6 September 2023 09:57
Jay Winter
GPFans
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's recent dismissal of Max Verstappen's record-breaking ten consecutive Formula 1 Grand Prix wins has sparked some playful banter in the paddock.
Wolff downplayed the achievement, deeming such statistics as 'unimportant' and suggesting that no one pays attention to them, quipping, "It is for Wikipedia, and nobody reads that anyway."
Red Bull mechanic, Calum Nicolas, took to Twitter to respond to Wolff's comments, labelling the Mercedes boss 'salty'.
So much salt �� https://t.co/zaj66fqvjV
— Calum Nicholas (@F1mech) September 3, 2023
'SALTY';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...toto-wolff-f1/
Helmut Marko fires back at Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff: They are not a serious opponent
07 Sep 2023 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
As Mercedes continue to dismiss Max Verstappen’s epic run, Helmut Marko has fired back saying Red Bull aren’t bothered by what they say as they’re “not a serious opponent”.
But rather than become frustrated by Mercedes’ apparent lack of respect, the team called out on by Martin Brundle and Damon Hill, Marko has fired back saying they’re opinions aren’t something Red Bull bother themselves with.
“This is exactly the difference,” he said as per Motorsport.com. “We look at our own team and try to perform as well as possible. “We are not involved with Mercedes as long as they are not a serious opponent. We look at ourselves, we do our best and we don’t create stories for nothing like they do.”
“They are not a serious opponent”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...ious-opponent/
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Alexander Albon: “That was probably my toughest but my most proud race I’ve done”.
Alexander Albon says he was very proud of his performance during the Italian Grand Prix as he secured a seventh-place finish at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, his second top ten finish in just seven days.
September 6, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag
The Williams Racing driver started sixth on the grid and put in a superb defensive drive throughout, only losing out on his starting position by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s Lewis Hamilton, who was running a different strategy.
He was able to withstand almost race long pressure from McLaren F1 Team’s Lando Norris, who Albon joked would not have liked staring at the back of the FW45 for as long as he did. He knew early on it would be a tough race to manage his tyres, but he was able to do so to equal his best result of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
“That was probably my toughest but my most proud race I’ve done, so I’m very happy,” said Albon. “I’m sure Lando didn’t enjoy that one too much, but I did!”
‘Toughest but my most proud race I’ve done’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...race-ive-done/
EXCLUSIVE: Albon reveals SECRET to his incredible defensive performances
Tuesday 5 September 2023 21:57
Jim Kimberley
GPFans
Vowles' Albon targets : James Vowles believes Alexander Albon should be "aiming for winning races" in Formula 1 as he continues to impress for Williams. "He should be aiming for winning races and being on the podium," Vowles told media including RacingNews365 of Albon.
"He has the potential and he frankly deserves to be in that position. But more so that's a journey he's happy to do with Williams, whilst we're on the pathway towards it at the same time. That's the perfect summary of that situation. He's a racing driver coming to the peak of his career, he should absolutely be focused on doing the best he can with his God-given ability, while it still exists.”
"His lifecycle [as a driver], I mean if you look at [42-year-old] Fernando [Alonso] it's [15] years that he has in front of him. He has a good amount of time in front of him now. But I'd be disappointed if any team-mate joined me and said: ‘All I'm interested in doing is scoring the odd point'.”
‘SECRET to his incredible defensive performances’;
https://racingnews365.com/albon-set-...ms-boss-vowles
ALBON: ‘I’M SUPER HAPPY’, AS HE REFLECTS ON A MIGHTY P7 RESULT AT MONZA
The British-Thai driver came across the line to finish in P7 at the Italian Grand Prix
September 5, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds
Heading into Round 15 of the season at Monza, Williams and Albon in particular, were coming off some great results. The Grove team have made some important strides since the Canadian Grand Prix and were looking to keep up their points scoring form in Italy.
In Qualifying, Albon impressed once again as he continues to exceed expectations. The British-Thai driver would start the race from sixth on the grid. For a majority of the Italian Grand Prix, Albon was enjoying a very comfortable race, which did not see too much overtaking in it. However, after pitting for hard tyres earlier than some of the drivers around him, he found himself with a lot of defending to do in the later stages.
In the final 13 laps of the race, Albon managed to keep Lando Norris at bay after an intense battle to take P7 at the Checkered flag. Despite his best efforts to maintain his position in P6, Lewis Hamilton who was on fresher medium tyres would get ahead of the Williams man in the end.
‘I’M SUPER HAPPY’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al...sult-at-monza/
James Vowles promises ‘big names from big teams’ as Williams recruitment drive continues
06 Sep 2023 3:45 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
James Vowles has teased the announcement of “big names from big teams” as Williams continue to bolster their ranks. With Fry on board in both the chief technical officer role and the technical director one for the time being, Vowles is continuing his mission to raise Williams from also-rans to back where they once operated.
To do that, he has identified a number of other staff he wants on board and has revealed some have already joined the project. “For the remainder of the team, we’ve started to bulk out,” he told The Mirror. “We haven’t made it all public but there are some good hires coming in.”
“It will take time, as always in Formula 1, but across the next 12 months we’ll see some big names from big teams all coming across. That’s what makes me excited. The direction of travel to where we are today is before we’ve even bulked the team out in the way that I’d like to.”
“Big names from big teams”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/james-...s-recruitment/
Williams’ Dave Robson: “We came to Monza thinking that we could score points on merit”
September 6, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag
Dave Robson admitted that the Williams Racing team came to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza believing they could score points, and they were able to achieve that thanks to the excellent drive put in by Alexander Albon.
Robson, the Head of Vehicle Performance at Williams, admitted that the hot conditions at Monza were not helpful for the team, but to put in such a strong performance despite this and the high degradation to the tyres was good news for everyone within the Grove-based team.
“We came to Monza thinking that we could score points on merit and we achieved that today,” said Robson. “The hot conditions were not ideal for us, but we know that this is an area that we need to work on, and we are working hard to improve the situation.”
‘Scoring points on merit’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ints-on-merit/
