2022 - A Look Ahead

‘It is either Oscar Piastri beats Lando Norris or he’s out basically of the sport’.
Nico Rosberg has warned Oscar Piastri of the “really, really tough” challenge he faces next season as he goes up against Lando Norris at McLaren.
Friday 23rd September 2022 10:00 AM.
Michelle Foster

Although he won three successive championships from 2019 to 2021, culminating in his Formula 2 success, F1 is a very different beast. And Norris, as Rosberg points out, is no push-over. “It’s a brave move by Oscar, it really is,” the 2016 World Champion told Sky Sports. “It is either he beats Lando or he’s out basically of the sport, so it’s really, really tough, but he believes in himself. And if you think you’re that good, you’ve got to go for it.”

Rosberg reckons if Ricciardo can’t do, Piastri won’t find it easy either. “It is going to be tough for Oscar to do well there,” he added. “Lando is world-class, he’s World Championship material there so it’s not going to be easy to go there and do better than Daniel. Ricciardo is a multiple race winner, one of the best drivers in the world, and has found it unbelievably tough against Lando. Oscar is brand new to this sport!”

“All the indications are that Oscar really is one of those future superstars. But I can’t really believe that suddenly Ricciardo has unlearned to drive super fast. Therefore, I think it’s Lando who’s just performing like a World Champion at the moment, he’s just driving so incredibly well. So I really think it will be a big, big challenge for Oscar next year to be close to Lando.”

‘Beat Lando Norris or he’s out’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/oscar-...-nico-rosberg/


Nico Rosberg warns Oscar Piastri could be axed from F1 altogether because of Lando Norris
OSCAR PIASTRI will race for McLaren next season after the rookie snubbed an Alpine promotion.
08:41, Thu, Sep 22, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Oscar Piastri could be forced out of F1 if he fails to beat Lando Norris, according to former world champion Nico Rosberg. The ex-Mercedes driver warned Piastri would find it “really tough” due to the Norris' consistent top performance.

The former F2 star also admitted he was impressed by McLaren's long-term strategy for success. McLaren are investing heavily in their infrastructure with a new wind tunnel set to be finalised by the end of the season.

Piastri explained: “McLaren have a competitive car. Obviously, it’s a tight battle between Alpine and McLaren right now, but they are a competitive team with a hell of a lot of winning history, and I think the environment is a great fit for me. The team has great plans and the future is exciting. I’m also looking forward to working and driving alongside Lando.”

‘Oscar Piastri could be axed’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...1-lando-norris


Wolff preaches 'integrity and respect' as Piastri contract verdict due
Thursday 1 September 2022 04:00
Sam Hall

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated his belief in 'karma and integrity' as the deadline approaches for the FIA contract recognition board to deliver its ruling on the future of Oscar Piastri.

Asked for his thoughts on the matter, Wolff said: “I have bigger problems than to enjoy sitting on the balcony like the Muppets in the Muppet Show and watch the show pan out in front of my eyes. "It’s important that junior programmes are being respected.”

"I think that some of the kids should be wary of what they say on Twitter about multi-national organisations but I have no insight into the contracts. I believe in karma, I believe in integrity but I am not here to judge because as I said, I don’t know the legal situation."

‘Toto Wolff, not sitting on the balcony like the Muppets in the Muppet Show’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/90...stri-contract/


Toto Wolff concerned about Oscar Piastri precedent and warns ‘the boy better be quick’
Tuesday 6th September 2022 8:15 AM
Sam Cooper

Toto Wolff has voiced concern that Oscar Piastri’s contentious move to McLaren has set a bad precedent in the sport. Mercedes, under Wolff’s leadership, have their own academy and have helped to nurture the likes of Esteban Ocon and George Russell to the F1 track.

Wolff is now concerned Piastri’s manoeuvring may dissuade teams from having their own academy talents. “What I really stand firm for is all of us constructors are investing a lot of money in our junior programmes,” said Wolff, quoted by The Race.

“We invest human resources that go to the go-kart tracks, to the junior formulas, and in some cases it’s little money, in some cases it’s more. George Russell and Esteban Ocon, we financed them a long way on. To know now a precedent has been set that if you are clever you can manoeuvre yourself out is something that’s clearly not good for the industry. So we will employ even more lawyers for even stricter contracts.”

‘Concern about Oscar Piastri precedent’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...tri-precedent/


Horner: I regret passing up on Piastri
22 September, 2022
Reuters

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has spoken of his regret at missing the chance to sign Oscar Piastri when the Australian was working his way up to Formula 1.

The 2020 Formula 3 and 2021 Formula 2 Champion raced for the Arden team, founded by Horner and his father, in Formula 4 and Formula Renault. “There was an opportunity for Red Bull to look at him at the time and we didn’t take up that option, which is something that I regret,” Horner told Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast released on Wednesday.

“The only problem he (Piastri) now has to deal with is (that) the expectation on him will be immense,” said Horner. “He’s going to have to get in and deliver against Lando, which is no mean feat. But you either sink or swim in this business. He’s a very, very capable driver, I’m sure he’s going to do very well,” Horner added.

‘Opportunity for Red Bull, didn’t take up that option’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...up-on-piastri/

Opinion: Latifi's treatment in 2022 has been cruel and unnecessary.
The Williams driver will not be returning for 2023, but some of the treatment towards him on social media in '22 has been cruel and was not necessary.
23/09/2022, ‎14‎:‎30
Author Jake Nichol

The news that Nicholas Latifi will not be returning to the Williams Formula 1 squad in 2023 is no great surprise. He has looked badly off the pace of new teammate Alex Albon - who has three points finishes to his name, while Latifi is yet to finish higher than 12th in the current campaign. Throw in Williams' courting of Nyck De Vries to partner Albon, and it always seemed likely that Latifi would be the one to end up without a seat once the music stopped and so it has transpired.

The affable Canadian is by no means a bad Grand Prix driver. Merely to get anywhere consideration for a race seat, you must be very good. He won six F2 races and was second - to De Vries - in 2019. Latifi's treatment in 2022 unfortunately stems back to the one thing his F1 career - should this be the end - will be remembered for: crashing on Lap 53 of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Latifi admitted to receiving death threats and other abuse on social media over the winter of 2021/22 for simply making a mistake while chasing Mick Schumacher. Thanks for the memories 'GOATIFI'' or some variant thereof will be the accompanying caption while others will no doubt post the image of him with a goat's shadow in the background. And what for? Because the guy made a mistake in the wrong place at the wrong time if you happen to support Hamilton - or believe the ending of Abu Dhabi was wrong. But there was still a racing lap in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton's driving at Yas Marina was not his best.

‘Latifi's treatment in 2022 has been cruel and unnecessary’;

https://racingnews365.com/opinion-la...nd-unnecessary


NICHOLAS LATIFI TO LEAVE WILLIAMS AT THE END OF 2022
A replacement is yet to be announced
10:08, 23rd Sept. 2022.
Dalila Zanardo
FormulaNerds

Nicholas Latifi will not race for Williams in 2023. The Canadian and Grove will part ways after three seasons. A replacement is yet to be announced. The Canadian expressed his gratitude for the team: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Williams Racing – all the people back at the factory and those I work with trackside – for the last three years. My initial F1 debut was postponed due to the pandemic but we eventually got going in Austria and, although we have not achieved the results together we hoped we would, it’s still been a fantastic journey.”

“Getting those first points in Hungary last year was a moment I’ll never forget, and I will move onto the next chapter of my career with special memories of my time with this dedicated team. I know none of us will stop putting in every effort until the end of the season.”

Capito: “A great team player” Williams CEO Jost Capito also declared his fondness for the Canadian driver: “On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say an enormous thank you to Nicholas for his three years of hard work with Williams. He is a great team player who has a great attitude towards his colleagues and work and is well-liked and respected throughout the business.

‘NICHOLAS LATIFI TO LEAVE WILLIAMS’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1.../?nowprocket=1


Who are some of the possible replacements for Latifi at Williams?
23/09/2022, ‎12‎:‎25
Author Jake Nichol

The Canadian is out at the end of 2022, but who could possibly slot into his seat alongside Alex Albon for '23? Two main contenders for Williams seat. The logical, and obvious two contenders to replace Latifi already both have links to Williams. Logan Sargeant or Nyck De Vries are the leading two drivers - both coming with considerable upsides. Sargeant is a member of the Williams Driver Academy and has enjoyed a relatively successful Formula 2 campaign in 2022 with two wins thus far.

As for De Vries, after years of trying to get to F1 - it seems he has three teams swooning over him for 2023. Alpine, AlphaTauri and Williams are all interested in the services of the 2019 Formula 2 champion - with Williams being where he impressed with ninth on debut at the Italian Grand Prix, subbing for an ill Albon. As Williams is in its rebuilding stage, it needs an experienced driver to work with Albon to drive the team forward.

‘Possible replacements for Latifi at Williams’;

https://racingnews365.com/who-are-so...fi-at-williams


The good and bad of each Williams option to replace Latifi
23/09/2022, 14:17
By Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race

Williams’s Friday announcement that Nicholas Latifi will be off to pastures new in 2023 formalised the fact that the Formula 1 team is seeking a change within its line-up for next year.

And while Nyck de Vries has been strongly linked to the seat alongside Alex Albon for a long time and acquitted himself extremely well at Monza, Williams will have been prudent – and is now in any case potentially forced – to cast a wider net.

As it stands, while there are some true wildcard options that can be floated ala McLaren outcast Daniel Ricciardo, there are four relatively obvious names (some more, some less) to be considered.

‘The good and bad replacements’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-g...eplace-latifi/


Nyck de Vries forced to miss sim test as he could race in Singapore
Alex Albon is endeavouring to be fit for the Singapore Grand Prix.
23 September 2022
by James Clifford

Nyck de Vries has been unable to complete any simulator work ahead of next weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutchman will be in Singapore as a standby in case Alex Albon has not yet fully recovered from his appendix surgery.

De Vries was trying to get back to Grove to do some simulator running, but due to travel rules since the United Kingdom left the European Union, the 27-year-old could not enter the country using a European ID card. As a result, he will not have as much preparation as he would have liked for his potential racing duties in Singapore.

‘Nyck de Vries could race in Singapore’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/nyck-de-v...-in-singapore/

Capito: Latifi’s driving affected after Abu Dhabi crash.
Nicholas Latifi’s performance has been affected by his crash at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, that caused the controversial Safety Car ending – claims Williams’ boss Jost Capito.
20 September, 2022
Jad Mallak

Latifi infamously crashed his Williams on lap 50 of the 2021 Abu Dhabi season finale bringing out the Safety Car, the sequence of events that followed leading to Max Verstappen’s maiden Formula 1 Title already well reported. The Canadian driver was subject to much abuse and social media hate after that incident, as many thought he was to blame for Lewis Hamilton missing out on a record breaking eighth F1 Drivers’ crown.

Not that he was setting the world alight with his F1 performances, but 2022 saw Latifi dip into a new low, as he is yet to score any points, while Nyck de Vries – standing in for an ill Alex Albon – outqualified and outraced him at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Speaking to the High Performance Podcast, Williams team principal Jost Capito reflected on Latifi’s situation and form, claiming Abu Dhabi 2021 is a factor in his driver’s poor form.

“We had to keep giving him the confidence. We said that there was nothing wrong. Everything was fine, but it was very difficult up until then because it was the end of the season,” Capito recalled. “He was not around here every single day and also we didn’t interfere too much as we knew what was happening, we knew what was going on. He switched his social media off but if we would have interfered too much, I think we would have made the situation worse,” the German insisted. “That’s something everybody has to get over on their own. He was fully aware that he had our backing, that we were absolutely convinced he didn’t do anything wrong.”

‘Nicholas Latifi’s performance has been affected. The Canadian driver was subject to much abuse and social media hate after that incident’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...u-dhabi-crash/


Capito convinced Abu Dhabi crash 'affected' Latifi's driving
20/09/2022 at 08:27
Phillip van Osten

Williams boss Jost Capito believes that Nicholas Latifi's crash last year in Abu Dhabi, that set in motion the dramatic finale at Yas Marina, has had an enduring effect on the Canadian's driving. Ahead of the start of his 2022 campaign, Latifi said that he had moved on from F1's dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi.

Capito believes there's a direct link between his driver's poor season and last year's events in Abu Dhabi. "The crash, of course, it shouldn’t have happened but if you’re racing then crashes can happen," added the German. "And we never blame a driver for that, it’s possible to crash. Otherwise, you have to stay at home if you don’t want to crash.”

"I think that was also a part of why it took him quite a while in the season to find his competitiveness. I’m sure it affected his driving after that. It would have affected my driving a lot, I am absolutely convinced of this.”

‘It would have affected my driving a lot’;

https://f1i.com/news/454704-capito-c...s-driving.html


Jost Capito continues to defend Nicholas Latifi after Monza loss to a debutant
Wednesday 21st September 2022 11:30 AM
Michelle Foster

Jost Capito seems determined not to throw Nicholas Latifi under the bus, saying the Canadian was under “quite more” pressure than Nyck de Vries at the Italian Grand Prix. De Vries made his Formula 1 debut at Monza, racing his way to ninth place, while Latifi’s point-less run continued with a P15. It had pundits saying the time has come for Williams to say goodbye to Latifi with former F1 driver Robert Doornbos calling on Capito to be “man enough” to drop him.

Although Latifi was out-qualified, out-raced and out-scored by his one-off Dutch team-mate, the Williams CEO pointed to the pressure he was under compared to De Vries. “I think that’s a normal race driver’s pressure isn’t it?” he told Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle at Monza. “You always have to be better than your team-mates.”

“And I think the pressure for Nikki is quite more than for Nyck. Because he is in the car for all year and then Nyck sets the bar knowing he just jumped in so the pressure is less on him.” Following the Monza race there were a lot of calls for De Vries to be given a 2023 Formula 1 race seat, whether it is with Williams or another team. The Dutchman has spoken with Williams and AlphaTauri with the latter reportedly leading the running.

‘Jost Capito seems determined not to throw Nicholas Latifi under the bus’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jost-c...cholas-latifi/


The speculation is over, Williams confirm Nicholas Latifi’s exit
Friday 23rd September 2022 10:15 AM
Michelle Foster

Nicholas Latifi will part ways with Williams at the end of this season, the team has confirmed. Although Latifi stepped onto the Formula 1 grid on the back of his runner-up result in the Formula 2 championship, his time with Williams has been anything but a success.

All too often running at the very back of the field, the Canadian has scored just seven points in 55 starts with pundits almost constantly questioning his future. The final straw was the Italian Grand Prix when Latifi, still point-less this season, was beaten by debutant Nyck de Vries, the latter crossing the line in ninth place.

But while Williams initially stuck by their driver, team boss Jost Capito even going as far as to say last year’s Abu Dhabi crash was a blow to his driver’s confidence, the call has now been made. Latifi has thanked Williams for his three seasons with the team. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Williams Racing – all the people back at the factory and those I work with trackside – for the last three years,” he said.

‘The speculation is over’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/willia...s-latifi-exit/


The highs and lows of Latifi’s turbulent F1 career
by Ashley Hambly
14:18 Fri, 23 Sep 2022.
Motorsport Week

With the recent news of Nicholas Latifi departing from Williams Racing at the conclusion of the 2022 season, it looks like it could be the end of the line for the Canadian as a full-time Formula 1 driver. While there are still several seats in question, Latifi’s failure to meet expectations over his three-year span in the sport makes him less desirable than some of the contenders in question for the vacancies.

It was a difficult rookie season for the Williams driver which was in part disrupted by the delay of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the season got underway in Austria, he found himself finishing at the very back of each of the first three grand prix. His form did improve as he got more in touch with the Williams FW43 throughout the season, only finishing at the back twice over the next 14 races in backmarker machinery.

Russell out-qualified the Canadian driver in every race of the 2020 season and it wasn’t until the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix that Latifi would start a race ahead of the Brit. Across their two-year tenure together, Latifi beat Russell on track a total of seven times. One of those came in Budapest which secured his debut points as well as Williams’ first haul since Robert Kubica’s tenth place at the 2019 German Grand Prix.

‘Secured his debut points as well as Williams’ first haul since Robert Kubica’s tenth place (in backmarker machinery)’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...ent-f1-career/

Horner explains "heated exchange" with Wolff after Hamilton/Verstappen collision.
Christian Horner has revealed a "heated exchange" with Formula 1 rival Toto Wolff took place at the 2021 British Grand Prix.
‎22‎ ‎September‎ ‎07‎:‎00
Author Jake Nichol

Approaching Copse on the first lap, Hamilton ducked to the inside of the fast-right hander, but he and Verstappen collided - pitching the Red Bull into the barrier with an impact of over 50g. Hamilton was given a time penalty, but still won as Verstappen was taken for precautionary checks in hospital.

The two drivers would also collide in Italy and in Saudi Arabia before the controversial ending to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - but Silverstone was where things finally boiled over. "It really permeated at Silverstone where suddenly there was an awful lot of dialogue from Toto to [then race director] Michael [Masi]," Horner told Tom Clarkson on the F1: Beyond the Grid podcast.

"Then he's (Wolff) sending him an email, and then he's coming up. And I thought: 'Right, okay, I'm not having that, I'm going up.' B "I felt it was incredibly one sided that a team principal should not be able to lobby and influence the race director and with hindsight, Toto and I had a fairly heated exchange in Race Control. At that event, where Toto was obviously arguing his corner that his driver shouldn't be penalised, and I've got a driver in hospital and the car taken out of the race and was obviously feeling pretty aggrieved by it."

'Right, okay, I'm not having that, I'm going up';

https://racingnews365.com/horner-exp...ppen-collision


Christian Horner had 'heated' argument with Toto Wolff minutes after Max Verstappen crash
Christian Horner and Toto Wolff were embroiled in a tense rivalry last season as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought for the title.
12:32, Wed, Sep 21, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Christian Horner has admitted he had a “heated exchange” with Toto Wolff away from the cameras in race control last season. Horner revealed he was angry at Wolff and accused him of “lobbying the race director” after he heard the Mercedes boss was sending emails to race director Michael Masi.

Speaking on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Horner admitted he had pushed for fans to be given access to more team radio over the TV broadcast. This came into effect last season but was dropped after it seemed to show team bosses pushing race directors into certain decisions.

However, Horner stressed team radio messages to the FIA should have gone through the team manager and not through team principals. He said: “It was in Barcelona that suddenly I hear they broadcast Toto on the phone to Michael. And I thought that’s a bit strange because I had never had a one-to-one channel, it had always been centred through our team manager.”

‘Heated Argument’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rstappen-crash


‘I’m not having that’: Christian Horner lashes out at Toto Wolff
Christian Horner and Toto Wolff are not exactly the best of friends.
22 September 2022
by James Clifford

Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, has revealed that he and Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, had an intense argument at last year’s British Grand Prix. The 51G collision sent the 24-year-old to the hospital for precautionary checks, and Hamilton was given a penalty.

Wolff was arguing that the seven-time champion did not deserve to be punished for the crash, and it was one of the first occasions last year that we truly heard a team principal speaking with race director, Michael Masi.

That same radio lobbying was heard in Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi after further incidents, and it was at the latter of those races where the title was controversially decided by a bizarre Safety Car restart.

‘Radio Lobbying’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/im-not-ha...at-toto-wolff/


Toto Wolff and Christian Horner disagree as Abu Dhabi GP controversy re-emerges
Max Verstappen won the Italian GP which ended behind the Safety Car.
13 September 2022
by Nick Golding

The Italian Grand Prix has caused debate as to whether the sport’s rulebook needs to be adjusted, after the race at the ‘Temple of Speed’ finished behind the Safety Car. Max Verstappen cruised across the line to claim a fifth consecutive victory, after a Safety Car was needed to recover Daniel Ricciardo’s stricken McLaren.

The Australian came to a halt between the two Lesmos but left his car in gear. This meant marshals couldn’t push the Honey Badger’s MCL36 into a safe spot, resulting in a tractor being needed to lift the McLaren to safety.

Unfortunately, the recovery took too long for the race to resume, resulting in it being completed behind the SC. An FIA spokesperson said: “While every effort was made to recover Ricciardo’s car quickly and resume racing, the situation developed, and marshals were unable to put the car into neutral and push it into the escape road.

‘Honey Badger’s Stricken MCL36, at the ‘Temple of Speed’ ’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolf...sy-re-emerges/


Christian Horner reacts to rumoured upgrade, comments on Toto Wolff pain
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez look set to guide Red Bull to both championships this season.
17 September 2022
by James Clifford

Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, has rubbished suggestions after the Italian Grand Prix that a new chassis is in the pipeline. An upgrade in Imola certainly helped Red Bull’s cause, and it also helped them bring the weight of the RB18 down to a more optimal figure. Verstappen has taken victory in 10 of the last 13 races, with Charles Leclerc, who won in Bahrain and Australia, claiming just one in that period, as well as Perez and Carlos Sainz.

The reigning champion won from seventh on the grid in Monza last time out, and that came after victories in Hungary and Belgium had arrived from 10th and 14th, respectively. There does not appear to be any way to stop him right now, and the paddock rumour mill has produced suggestions that a lighter chassis is in construction in Milton Keynes.

This would help them maintain an edge over Ferrari at upcoming circuits such as Singapore and Suzuka, which are generally expected to favour the Scuderia. Horner confirmed that this is not the case. “I don’t know where these rumours permeate from, but there’s no plans to introduce a lighter chassis,” he told Sky Sports.

‘Paddock Rumour Mill’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/christian...to-wolff-pain/

Red Bull deny Max Verstappen conspiracy claims as Sergio Perez lags behind.
Jacques Villeneuve suggested Red Bull had not impacted Perez’s progress on purpose but noted that the upgrades appear more suited to Verstappen. He commented: “Sergio Perez has lost his mojo a bit since Monaco, really strange.
13:49, Thu, Sep 22, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Max Verstappen enjoys a commanding 116-point lead in the world championship with just a handful of races remaining.

Jacques Villeneuve : “He (Sergio Perez) is having a hard time since the car has been fitted with adjustments, as if they work better with Verstappen’s driving style. Before that it was the other way around, which is different. That may be because Verstappen is more involved, although it is not the case that people say ‘Now we are going to develop updates that make Verstappen drive better and Perez not.”

“The weight is an aspect, for sure, but it’s part of the set-up of the car. At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have the possibility to move the weight, then it’s part of the set-up. I think it’s everything together and after you find your performance somewhere, and it’s a little bit more tricky to set up the car. It went in the favour of Max. I think he’s able to drive any car. Now we have to find a way to give a car for Sergio to be performing and to compete.”

‘Red Bull deny Max Verstappen conspiracy claims’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...gio-perez-news


Perez: Red Bull has seen I can be as competitive as Max.
Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez has conceded the title but aims to be in the hunt next year as believes he has proved he can be “as competitive as Max.
23 September, 2022
Paul Velasco

Perez: Anyone who knows me knows I’ll turn this around. The pressure is on Perez to up his game relative to the guy in the #1 car, and he knows it: “It’s in me and I’m not making any excuses at all, anyone who knows me knows that I’ll turn this around, I’ll keep working hard and I’m sure I’ll close the year well.”

Heading to next week’s Singapore Grand Prix, Perez believes their rivals will be strong: “Mercedes is already practically in the fight. Marina Bay can be a very good circuit for Ferrari because on the road circuits they were very good. Furthermore, it is a very demanding track. “We were behind Ferrari at the start of the year but we made up for it in subsequent races. Ultimately, Red Bull had a super season and I’m looking forward to maintaining this pace until the end of the year,” said Perez.

While the Red Bull RB18 has been fine in Verstappen’s hands, the same cannot be said of Perez who seems to have plateaued or even gone backwards relative to the mighty benchmark the Dutchman has set. And while the World Champion gets better and better, the sister car does not fare so well Perez pinpointed the problem: “In the last few races, as the car progressed. Maybe I haven’t adapted well to the new car, but that’s something I’m on working with my engineering team to return. I’m the same driver as six months ago.”

‘In the hunt next year as believes he has proved he can be as competitive as Max’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...stappen-in-f1/


Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner says Sergio Perez has been an 'incredible servant," saying the idea of 'teammates' is misleading
18:25 Thu, 22 Sep 2022.
2022-09-22 T17:19:51Z
Cork Gaines
INSIDER

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner had a blunt message about Sergio Perez's role on the team — he serves at the pleasure of the team and whatever Max Verstappen needs. Horner sat down for a lengthy Q&A for the Cambridge Union and was asked how he manages Formula One's odd dynamic, wherein teammates are also rivals but one is often asked to sacrifice himself to help the other. In his response, Horner first noted that the idea of "teammates" is misleading.

"You know, 'teammate' is a fallacy," Horner said. "The worst thing that they are. They're definitely not mates because the guy in the other car is the only person that you are judged against. He's the only person with the same equipment. So he will either make or break your career. So it's a fine line." As for the specific situation with Red Bull, Horner made it clear that despite being one of the best drivers in the world, Perez's role on the team was to help Verstappen and Red Bull win championships.

"I think that certainly last year, [Perez] was an incredible servant for the team, where he helped his teammate on numerous occasions," Horner said. "Certainly in that last race, when he did a stunning job of backing Lewis [Hamilton] up. Without that, Max wouldn't have won the championship." While Horner refused to say that Perez carries the dreaded label of "No. 2 driver," it is clear that is Perez's role, even if his perspective has changed a bit this season.

‘Idea of 'teammates' is misleading’;

https://www.insider.com/f1-red-bull-...eammate-2022-9


Red Bull admit their car development strategy is at fault for Sergio Perez slump
Perez was considered to be a title contender earlier in the season, but has since struggled to find consistency amid the changes made to his RB18 that have not helped
22:19, 22 Sep 2022
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Red Bull have admitted the direction of their RB18 development has taken it out of reach of Sergio Perez's preferred car setup. The 2022 season threatens to be one of unfulfilled promise for the Mexican. After all, earlier in the year he emerged as a genuine contender for the drivers' title after winning the Monaco Grand Prix.

So what has gone wrong for Perez since Monaco? Red Bull have shouldered much of the blame themselves, with technical director Pierre Waché admitting that, while their car developments have helped Verstappen's title defence, it has had the opposite effect on their other driver.

"It is multiple factors," he said when explaining what has gone wrong for the 32-year-old. "The main factor is clearly the car balance and the confidence with a car, compared to the beginning of the year when the car was a little bit more balanced for him and a little bit less for Max. And after the development potential we have put on the car during the season, moving away from that is maybe a part of it. Finding a right set-up for him, it is quite difficult, to put him as confident as he could be to beat, or to fight with Max."

‘Red Bull admit their car development strategy is at fault’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-bull-28059851


Red Bull pinpoint why Sergio Perez is struggling against Max Verstappen
Sergio Pérez is at risk of finishing outside the top three in the Drivers' Championship.
23 September 2022
by Nick Golding

It seems like a lifetime ago when Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez was being tipped as a championship contender against team-mate Max Verstappen; however, fast forward four months and the Mexican couldn’t be any further from his dominant team-mate.

Monaco was hugely significant, with Pérez having beaten reigning World Champion Verstappen on pace and merit alone. When the Red Bull number two was celebrating on the top step of the podium at the Principality, it really did look like he was going to take the fight to his imperious team-mate; however, Monaco almost spelled the downfall of the Mexican’s season.

So just where has Pérez’s early season pace gone? Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Waché has put the 32-year-old’s dip in form down to “multiple factors”, with the team favouring upgrades to suit Verstappen appearing to be one of the reasons, without Waché admitting it. “It is multiple factors,” said Waché. “The main factor is clearly the car balance and the confidence with a car, compared to the beginning of the year when the car was a little bit more balanced for him and a little bit less for Max.”

‘Red Bull pinpoint why Sergio Perez is struggling’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/red-bull-...ax-verstappen/

‘Ferrari need to take stand, Charles Leclerc in sheer pace is the lead guy’.
Ferrari need to acknowledge that “Charles Leclerc in sheer pace is the lead guy” if they want to have any hope of beating Max Verstappen. That’s the opinion of Damon Hill.
Thursday 22nd September 2022 1:00 PM
Michelle Foster

Ferrari president John Elkann recently raised eyebrows when he told Gazzetta dello Sport the Scuderia will soon win both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles, and “that Charles Leclerc is in pole position”. Put to team boss Mattia Binotto that the president meant Leclerc was their number one driver, the Italian insisted he did “not mean that”.

F1 pundit Tom Clarkson feels for Sainz, saying it was “it was very conspicuous the omission of Carlos Sainz from John Elkann”. Hill, however, believes the Ferrari’s president’s assessment was “tough but fair”. “The fact of the matter is Charles Leclerc in sheer pace is the lead guy, and Carlos has done a great job, but he still hasn’t dominated Charles has he?” he said on the F1 Nation podcast. “I mean it’s a bit like Sergio. They’re a very good team, the pair of them.”

Had Ferrari only won four grands prix because Red Bull were the outright better team, hats off to both of them for their achievements. But Spain, Baku, Hungary and France were all won by Verstappen because of various issues for Leclerc while Monaco also went to Red Bull through a Ferrari blunder. And that’s just the wins lost, the list not including the numerous other times Ferrari threw away points. Four wins may be a sign of a success for Binotto, but for the Tifosi they’re a sign of what could have been.

‘Ferrari president John Elkann recently raised eyebrows’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...uy-damon-hill/


Damon Hill warns Ferrari still a long way from success as Michael Schumacher example used
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari have failed to mount a title challenge on Red Bull after a difficult campaign.
09:25, Fri, Sep 23, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Damon Hill has stressed Ferrari is nothing like the team that won with Michael Schumacher 20 years ago. The 1996 champion claimed you used to “bet your house” on Schumacher and Ferrari winning races as he secured five crowns between 2000 and 2004.

He said: “I mean when Michael [Schumacher] was winning, I used to say you could bet your house on him winning. You would go into race going this team, the way they operate, where he drives, you’d bet your house on. “You wouldn’t do that right now with Ferrari.” Leclerc won two of the first three races this season, suggesting the Scuderia could offer a threat to Max Verstappen.

“In today’s Formula One, everything has to work almost perfectly to win. That was different at Ferrari in the days of [Jean] Todt and Schumacher. Ferrari sometimes had such a blatantly superior car that one or the other mistake could be concealed. That’s no longer possible today.”

“Bet your house”. That’s no longer possible today’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...macher-f1-news


The surprise biggest indicator of Ferrari's 2022 F1 points downfall
Sep 20, 2022, 2:24 PM
By: Alex Kalinauckas

Looking back to the early races of 2022 and Ferrari’s challenge to Red Bull and Max Verstappen was going better than many expected. But it has lost so much ground a surprise rival can even pip Charles Leclerc to runner-up in the standings if given the chance

For anyone fortunate enough to have visited, it's rather hard not to constantly miss Melbourne. And when he looks back to Formula 1's first race in the iconic Australian city for three years, that really applies to 2022 Melbourne winner Charles Leclerc.

The Ferrari driver was dominant on a weekend where Red Bull couldn't match its red rival on outright pace or tyre performance and its star ultimately stopped at the side of the track. That put Leclerc 46 points clear of Max Verstappen and in prime position for first title glory if he and Ferrari could keep it up. As we now know, neither could.

‘Ferrari's 2022 F1 points downfall’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/t...fall/10371968/


Damon Hill calls for Ferrari to make major Charles Leclerc change to beat Max Verstappen
CHARLES LECLERC lies 116 points behind Max Verstappen in the world championship.
08:21, Fri, Sep 23, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Damon Hill has stressed Ferrari needs to prioritise Charles Leclerc to challenge Max Verstappen to the title next season. Ferrari has been hesitant to favour Leclerc over Carlos Sainz which has cost the Monegasque points.

“Carlos was actually pretty quick at Monza I thought but he’s going to have to go up another level to put Charles in the shade. And so that’s a fair point. If you’re going up into battle against Max Verstappen and Red Bull, you’ve got to put your best guys forward.
“You’re not going to not hurt people’s feelings because there isn’t time for that in F1.” Leclerc and Sainz are separated by just 22 points in the championship compared to the 125-point gap Verstappen has built over Perez.

‘Damon Hill has stressed Ferrari needs to prioritise Charles Leclerc’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...en-news-latest


Is there still hope for Leclerc? We revisit the biggest title comebacks in F1 history
18 September 2022
By Samarth Kanal and Mike Seymour

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will head to the Singapore Grand Prix with a championship lead of 116 points over nearest rival Charles Leclerc. Can the Ferrari driver put together a shock recovery run over the final six rounds of the season to turn the tables? Or is another Verstappen triumph a formality? We reflect on some of the biggest title comebacks in F1 history to gauge just what he’s up against...
John Surtees: 1964
20 points behind with five races to go (points system: 9-6-4-3-2-1)

James Hunt: 1976
17 points behind with three races to go (points system: 9-6-4-3-2-1)
The 1976 season was one of the most memorable in F1 history given Niki Lauda’s horrifying crash at the Nurburgring, his remarkable recovery and return, and the intriguing way in which the championship unfolded.

Keke Rosberg: 1982
16 points behind with five races to go (points system: 9-6-4-3-2-1)
Alain Prost’s brace of victories put him in contention for the 1982 title before compatriot Didier Pironi took the lead – Keke Rosberg a distant fifth in the championship with five of the 16 rounds left to play.

‘Nelson Piquet: 1983, Alain Prost: 1986, Kimi Raikkonen: 2007, Sebastian Vettel: 2010 and 2012, Lewis Hamilton: 2017’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...h4A3k82hy.html

Esteban Ocon: Only one driver has done better than me against Fernando Alonso.
Since Alonso’s return to Formula 1, he and Ocon have gone on to form one of the most supportive team-mate relationships on the grid, something that was not a given when the two-time World Champion’s move was first announced.
Saturday 17th September 2022 1:15 PM
Sam Cooper

In the immediate aftermath of Ocon’s shock win in Hungary last year, he found himself being lifted into the air by Alonso whose excellent defence against Hamilton had all but ensured the Frenchman the victory.

But, as that partnership nears its end with Alonso’s impending move to Aston Martin, it is worth looking back to when Alonso was first announced and the dire predications that were made for Ocon’s career.

Many thought he would be dramatically outperformed by Alonso and that it could even spell the end of his F1 career but that has not been the case. In 2021, Ocon finished just seven points behind Alonso and in 2021, he is seven points ahead. Looking back, Ocon told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com that after all the suggestions that his F1 career was nearing its end, he is “still here.”

‘Only Lewis Hamilton can claim to have performed better as Fernando Alonso’s team-mate than he has’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/esteba...rnando-alonso/


Ocon: 'A very interesting future awaits me in F1'
19/09/2022 at 16:39
Phillip van Osten

Esteban Ocon says an "interesting future" awaits him in F1, not only with Alpine but also perhaps beyond 2024 after his contract with the French outfit expires. Ocon's formative years in motorsport and in F1 were supported by Mercedes, and when the Frenchman was forced to sit out the 2019 season after losing his seat at Racing Point to Lance Stroll, he was placed in the wings of the Brackley squad as the team's reserve and sim driver.

As Ocon's manager, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff then brokered the young gun's transfer to Renault in 2020, after which his contract was extended with the rebranded Alpine team until the end of 2024. That term may coincidently line up with the end of Lewis Hamilton's career in F1 with Mercedes, making Ocon a potential successor to the seven-time world champion.

Asked in an interview with Motorsport.com if he still entertained a relationship with Wolff and Mercedes, Ocon said that he did. "Yes, we talk, also because in the management of my career Gwen Lagrue, a manager who also works with Mercedes, is still helping me," he commented.

‘Interesting future awaits’;

https://f1i.com/news/454698-ocon-a-v...-me-in-f1.html


Esteban Ocon thinks he’s doing a ‘good job’ as he’s set to emulate Lewis Hamilton
Sir Lewis Hamilton is the only team-mate to have beaten Fernando Alonso over the course of a season.
18 September 2022
by Nick Golding

Esteban Ocon has his eyes set on becoming just the second driver to have ever beaten Fernando Alonso whilst competing in the same team, something which has only ever been done before in 2007.

In 2007, Alonso was beaten at McLaren by rookie team-mate Sir Lewis Hamilton by one point, with the double World Champion having finished above every other team-mate he’s ever had in his Formula 1 career.

In his first season at Alpine alongside Ocon, Alonso beat the Frenchman by just seven points; however, as it stands so far this season, the 41-year-old is somewhat coincidentally seven points behind Ocon.

‘Esteban Ocon thinks he’s doing a good job’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/esteban-o...ewis-hamilton/


Where does Esteban Ocon rank among Fernando Alonso’s toughest team-mates?
Monday 19th September 2022 9:15 AM
Sam Cooper

Esteban Ocon has claimed only Lewis Hamilton has done better than him as Fernando Alonso’s team-mate – but how true is that statement? When Alonso returned from retirement to join Alpine, there were many who thought Ocon’s days in F1 were numbered.

And yet, after the best part of two full seasons, it is Alonso and not Ocon who is moving on. Looking back on his time at Alonso’s side, Ocon made a point to note only one driver could claim to have performed better – Hamilton. “I admit I find it a bit strange. In the end, in qualifying, in the comparison with Fernando we are 9-7 for him, but I have a few more points in the classification,” he told Motorsport.com.

“Last year, if we talk about qualifying, we finished the season tied – 11-11. If I look at Fernando’s career, the only one of his team-mates who has been his equal is Lewis, all the others have not done better than me.”
But do the numbers support what Ocon is saying? To find out, we have delved into the history books and selected five notable team-mates plus Ocon to see how they stack up against the two-time former World Champion.

‘Felipe Massa: 533 points fewer than Alonso, Ferrari 2010-2013, Giancarlo Fisichella: 137 points fewer than Alonso, Renault 2005-2006, Kimi Raikkonen: 106 points fewer than Alonso, Ferrari 2014, Jenson Button: 28 points fewer than Alonso, McLaren 2015-16, Esteban Ocon: Equal on points with Alonso (as of 2022 Italian Grand Prix), Lewis Hamilton: Equal on points with Alonso’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/es...so-team-mates/


Ocon predicts 'tricky' Singapore GP with 'go-karts on kerbs'
25/09/2022 at 09:13
Andrew Lewin

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon says that he's expecting a wild time in next weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, predicting that the bumpy nature of the track will have a big impact on this year's Formula 1 cars. It will be the first time that F1 has been to the Marina Bay Street Circuit since 2019, with the COVID pandemic forcing the cancellation of the race in 2020 and 2021.

Ocon wasn't racing in F1 that year, but had made three previous starts, finishing on the podium in 2017 with Force India but failing to finish in 2018 after a collision. "I love Singapore, but the track itself is not my favourite," the 26-year-old French said this week. "They are go-karts on kerbs, it's going to be a tricky one.

"It's going to be very bumpy," he explained. "I think Canada has been pretty bad, but probably it will be one of the worst ones. It always is, it's not news. A big challenge I think for us, very physical," he continued. "It's not going to be fun. But we're up for the challenge. It's going to be interesting also to see who chooses what, in terms of set-up. If you go for the car that rides well, or the car that has grip."

‘Go-karts on kerbs';

https://f1i.com/news/454944-ocon-pre...-on-kerbs.html

‘Couldn’t be more untrue’: Norris’ strange Ricciardo denial amid claims car ‘suited him better’.
Lando Norris has claimed this year’s McLaren has suited Daniel Ricciardo’s driving style more than his own, denying that the car is the reason for his considerable advantage over the Australian.
September 23rd, 2022 12:03 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports

Ricciardo’s comprehensive defeat at the hands of the 22-year-old has been a major topic of paddock conversation over the last 18 months, with eight-timer race winner putting the difference down to a fundamental mismatch between his trademark driving style and the way McLaren builds its cars.

It’s been suggested that Norris has been less affected by the MCL36’s quirky traits given he’s only ever driver cars made by McLaren and that his tenure with the team has naturally seen the team and his driving style come into alignment. But speaking to the Beyond the Grid podcast, Norris protested that this year’s car better suited Ricciardo when it first rolled out of the factory and that it’s only thanks to changes he’s made to his own driving style that he’s taken the upper hand.

The car’s natural development cycle has opened the door to more consistent pace, and though Norris admitted that he and Ricciardo want different things from the car, he rebuffed suggestions that his feedback has been given priority and resulted in a machine that’s been built around him. And despite misleading representations in Drive to Survive suggesting there was friction between the pair, Norris said his relationship with Ricciardo was still strong.

‘Norris’ strange Ricciardo denial’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...ecaba38c657e05


Lando Norris fiercely fires back at Daniel Ricciardo claim
Lando Norris currently sits seventh in the Drivers' Championship after another season of outperforming Daniel Ricciardo.
25 September 2022
by Nick Golding

Norris currently sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, meaning he leads the ‘best of the rest’ standings. The Quadrant founder is a staggering 69 points ahead of his Australian team-mate, who will be replaced next season by exciting 21-year-old Oscar Piastri.

The British driver’s considerably better results compared to his team-mate has led to a number of reports that the team based the car around Norris’ driving style, hence why he signed a lucrative long-term deal at the start of 2022. Lando Norris has hit out at reports that the MCL36 “doesn’t suit” outgoing McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo due to the car being developed around the Brit, something he says couldn’t be “more untrue”.

Norris has denied that the team built and developed the car around him, with the Brit admitting that he actually doesn’t like this year’s car. “There have been things said that [Daniel] doesn’t suit the car and stuff, and everyone thinks that I do suit the car and the car is made around me, but it couldn’t be more untrue,” Norris said on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast.

‘Norris has denied that the team built and developed the car around him’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/lando-nor...cciardo-claim/


Norris: Untrue the MCL36 is made around me
23 September, 2022
Jad Mallak

Lando Norris rebuffed reports claiming McLaren’s 2022 Formula 1 car, the MCL36 is built around him as an explanation to Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles.

Daniel Ricciardo has not been able to get in sync with McLaren machinery ever since he joined the team back in 2021, and his struggles have been more amplified by the strong results his teammate Lando Norris has been pulling out in the same cars.

That has prompted claims that McLaren have built their cars around their young and rising start who has inked a lucrative long-term deal with Woking back in February. Norris, however, denied such reports, claiming he actually does not enjoy driving his MCL36 when speaking to F1’s Beyond the Grid Podcast.

‘Lando Norris rebuffed reports’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...ade-around-me/


Norris exclusive: I am already McLaren team leader
25/09/2022, ‎13‎:‎00
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Dieter Rencken

The fourth year McLaren driver believes he is now in a position to lead the team forward - as he exclusively told RacingNews365.com. The McLaren driver is, up to and including the Italian Grand Prix, the only interloper onto the podium from outside the big three teams in 2022, with an assured drive to third at Imola.

The grand plan for McLaren boss Zak Brown was to hire Ricciardo as the team's lead driver while Norris continued to incubate before assuming that mantle for himself. However, Ricciardo - with the exception of that win at Monza in 2021 - struggled to gel with last term's car, and the expected reset with the new ground-effect breed of machinery in '22 has failed to materialise.

His inability to match the results and consistency of Norris is hindering the team's chances of finishing fourth in the Constructors' in the battle with Alpine, and as a result, Ricciardo is out for 2023, with the final year of his contract being paid up by the team. Rookie Oscar Piastri is being drafted in after Brown and McLaren managed to snatch him away from Alpine after the contract "shilly-shallying" (as the Contract Recognition Board put it) with the younger Australian and his management left frustrated and open to exploring options for a race seat away from Enstone.

‘I am already McLaren team leader’;

https://racingnews365.com/norris-exc...en-team-leader


Lando Norris breaks silence on Oscar Piastri replacing Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren
LANDO NORRIS has opened up on his new teammate Oscar Piastri who will replace Daniel Ricciardo next season.
17:42, Sun, Sep 25, 2022
By Joshua Lees

Ahead of their link up in 2023, Norris has revealed he is ‘excited’ to work alongside one of Formula 1’s brightest prospects. He told RacingNews365: “I'm excited to work with someone different.”

“I've had two very different, extremely good drivers [Carlos Sainz Jr and Ricciardo as teammates] in my first few years in Formula 1, so I always look forward to working with someone new. I just hope that they're someone you can get along with and have some fun with [but] I [also] don't mind if they hate me, and they never want to talk to me.

As mentioned by the Englishman, Norris has worked with two of F1’s strongest drivers in Ricciardo and Sainz throughout his career so far. After working alongside two of the sport’s most seasoned professionals, the youngster feels he is able to judge the fine line between being friends and rivals with his teammates. He commented: “You have to get people who are more ruthless, and at the same time don't want to be as friendly. I guess there'd be differences between Carlos and Daniel.”

‘I'm excited to work with someone different’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...cLaren-F1-news


Norris undaunted by prospect of working with Piastri
25/09/2022 at 13:29
Andrew Lewin

With six races remaining in the 2022 season, Lando Norris is already looking ahead to next year and the arrival of a new team mate at McLaren. "I'm excited to work with someone different," Norris told RacingNews365.com in exclusive comments this week. "I've had two very different, extremely good drivers in my first few years in Formula 1, so I always look forward to working with someone new.”

But Norris caused a stir recently when he was asked whether he had any sympathy for Ricciardo's current plight: "I hate to say it, but I would say no. People will probably hate me for saying it." Norris was keen to stress that his remarks didn't mean there was any bad feeling between himself and the 33-year-old from Perth.

‘Norris undaunted by prospect of working with Piastri’;

https://f1i.com/news/454962-norris-u...h-piastri.html

Aerodynamic upgrades coming for Aston Martin in Singapore.
Aston Martin will be rolling out some tweaks to their AMR22 as part of a final push to the end of the 2022 F1 season.
Sunday 25th September 2022 11:30 AM
Thomas Maher

The Silverstone-based team are set to bring further updates to their car at the Singapore Grand Prix, according to their technical director Dan Fallows. After debuting a unique and eyebrow-raising rear wing design at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Aston Martin are set to use that rear wing design again next week.

“The Marina Bay Street Circuit should suit that wing so it’s likely to be back on the car for the Singapore Grand Prix,” Fallows said in an interview for the official Aston Martin F1 website. The rear wing needed plenty of correspondence between Aston Martin’s technical department and the FIA to ensure the design conformed with the technical regulations, and Fallows said it is an example of how innovative the department can be.

More updates on the way: Aside from the rear wing, Fallows confirmed further new components will be added to the AMR22 in a bid to improve the performance of the car in what has been a tough season for the former Racing Point squad. “As part of a programme to reduce the weight of the car, and improve the aerodynamic performance, we have some new items for Singapore,” he said.

‘Rolling out some tweaks to their AMR22’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/upgrad...tin-singapore/


Fallows predicting "big step" for Aston Martin
25/09/2022
NEWS STORY

One of several 'big name' signings at Aston Martin, Dan Fallows is predicting a "big step" for the Silverstone-based outfit next season. The Yorkshireman is one of the 'A team' recruited by Lawrence Stroll as he seeks to take Aston Martin to the front of the grid, the subject of a high-profile dispute with Red Bull that eventually saw the matter settled out of court.

Fallows joins Aston Martin as technical director, where he reconnects with former Red Bull colleague Andrew Alessi, who has been appointed head of technical operations, (ex-Alfa Romeo Chief Designer) Luca Furbatto as engineering director and Tom McCullough as performance director, all reporting to chief technical officer Andy Green.

Keen to be out of the spotlight that shone brightly following his controversial move from Milton Keynes. "It's really embarrassing," he admits in an interview for the team's website, "especially when you've got friends sending messages with links to articles about you. I've never really been interested in this sort of thing, I'm not in it for the publicity. All I'm interested in is making fast cars."

‘Predicting "big step" for Aston Martin’;

https://www.pitpass.com/73678/Fallow...r-Aston-Martin


Part of Aston Martin’s F1 2022 troubles came as a result of ‘growing too quickly’
Sunday 25th September 2022 11:00 PM
Sam Cooper

Mike Krack believes the rapid expansion of the team was one of the causes behind Aston Martin’s troubles in 2022. The 2022 campaign has a tumultuous one for the team. A new team principal arrived, they unveiled a whole new car twice and their senior driver announced he was retiring at the end of the year. Krack, who has only been in the role since January, believes that the team’s rapid expansion may have played a part in their downfall this campaign.

“We have a small structure that was relying on a few people where you put a lot of financial resources in and you grow very fast. And if you grow very fast, the whole structure cannot adapt so quickly,” Krack said in an interview with the BBC. Normally you reduce the efficiency if you grow too quickly and this is something that has happened. The [car] concept that was decided was a direction that offered ultimately very high aerodynamic potential but due to porpoising it could never be exploited.”

‘Growing too quickly’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-...g-too-quickly/


Aston Martin ‘success has not come the way Lawrence Stroll wanted’
Sunday 25th September 2022 9:15 AM
Jon Wilde

Mike Krack has praised the “patience” being shown by Lawrence Stroll over the time it is taking to turn Aston Martin into World Championship hopefuls. Aston Martin, transformed into British racing green from the pink of Racing Point, were launched in early 2021 with grand claims by team owner Stroll that titles were the aim in the foreseeable future. But despite an aggressive recruitment programme targeting some of the sport’s big hitters, and the construction of a state-of-the-art new factory at Silverstone, Aston Martin have only gone backwards.

Fourth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2020 – it would have been third but for a points penalty – they finished seventh last year and are down to ninth this season with six races remaining. Krack is the Aston Martin team principal and as he did in a previous interview, he insisted the high-rolling Canadian businessman who funds Aston Martin F1 is not applying the thumb screws despite the disappointing results achieved with the AMR22 car.

“The financial means he has put into this team give him the right to be demanding. But he is not over-pressurising us…” “He (Stroll senior) is around once a week or something like that and wants to know what is going on, what are the next steps, why have we performed the way we did, what do we do next and what is our strategy. And then after two hours he has other things to do. It’s not that he comes in and decides every single item, not at all.”

‘The “patience” being shown by Lawrence Stroll praised’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lawren...rtin-patience/


Krack: Lawrence Stroll has the right to be demanding
21 September, 2022
Jad Mallak

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack claimed Chairman Lawrence Stroll has the right to be demanding given the financial investment he has put into the team. Lawrence Stroll has invested heavily in his Formula 1 outfit, Aston Martin, which he acquired back in 2019 when it was the troubled Vijay Mallya-owned Force India. The Canadian billionaire is yet to reap the rewards of his investment, as Aston Martin endure an underwhelming season in 2022, currently ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of only Williams.

“It is justified to give your chairman an update every week at least. There are also phone calls in between but they are more like catch-ups. But, bottom line, I admire his patience, honestly,” the ‘Luxembourger added. “Because success has not come the way he wanted it from the beginning, and the patience he has shown shows he is realistic and understands what he is doing.”

‘The right to be demanding’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...-be-demanding/


Lance Stroll savouring teaming up with childhood ‘bad guy’ Fernando Alonso
Sunday 25th September 2022 2:00 PM
Thomas Maher

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has revealed that as a child, he viewed his 2023 F1 team-mate Fernando Alonso as the “bad guy”. Stroll said he saw Alonso as being “like a bad guy in the movies” when he watched the Spaniard’s title battles in the mid-2000s. Having spent his childhood watching Alonso go toe to toe with his hero, Stroll laughed at the prospect that he will be team-mates with the ‘bad guy’ from that time.

“I watched [Fernando] on TV in 2004, 2005, 2006 – when he won his titles and was fighting against [Michael] Schumacher,” Stroll told the French subsidiary of Motorsport.com. “I was a fan of Schumacher. [Alonso] was the bad guy in my eyes! I was six years old and he was the bad guy, like in the movies.

But he was always super-exciting to watch. And he still is. He’s one of the best drivers. He’s still very lively at around 42 years old (Alonso will be 42 next July).” The 23-year-old Canadian was just seven years old when Alonso won his first Drivers’ Championship in 2005, beating McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen, with Alonso then embarking on a season-long battle with Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher to clinch his second title in 2006.

‘Childhood ‘bad guy’ Fernando Alonso’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lance-...lonso-bad-guy/


Fernando Alonso jokes about El Plan as he reveals James Bond intention
Fernando Alonso will join Aston Martin at the start of next season.
24 September 2022
by James Clifford

Fernando Alonso is keen to feature in a James Bond movie in the future, and his upcoming ties with Aston Martin might just help him achieve that. Alonso won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, before leaving for McLaren ahead of the 2007 season.

Now that he has gone to pastures new, he can embark on another plan to win races and add a third world title to his tally, but he would rather not get caught up in that meme again. “Let’s not start again – last year with ‘El Plan’, there was enough of a mess,” joked Alonso will speaking with Finetwork on Instagram.

“It’s always something that is created on social media and I always try to follow what you guys say. If it has to be ‘La Misión’ (The Mission), then ‘La Misión’.” What Alonso would like is to appear in a Bond film. “What would be nice is to be in a James Bond film now I’m with Aston Martin. I would love to shoot some street scenes in an Aston Martin,” he added. “We have to talk it over with the team, hopefully it will work out.”

‘Joking About El Plan, James Bond Intention’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...ond-intention/

Members of Formula 1 paddock upset with ‘unacceptable’ 2023 calendar.
24 races are set to be held next season. Several key figures have been reported by the Guardian to find the 2023 calendar “unacceptable.”
23 September 2022
by James Clifford

The schedule is not decided by the FIA themselves; F1’s promoters set the calendar of races, and they forward their plans to the governing body for approval.

However, the Emirati does have the right to overrule F1 on certain decisions if he chooses to do so. Thanks to the longer hours, the more strenuous journeys and the additional time spent away from their loved ones for the team members, several key figures have been reported by the Guardian to find the 2023 calendar “unacceptable.”

‘Unacceptable 2023 calendar’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/members-o...2023-calendar/


How Formula 1 ended up with its gruelling 24-race calendar for 2023
Formula 1’s 24-race calendar for 2023 might be a sign of the series’ current health, but for many, the schedule was cause for concern.
Sep 21, 2022, 3:01 PM
By: Luke Smith

For those working in the paddock, it was the first sign of just how many weekends would be spent away from home next year. People joked about the upcoming boom in business for divorce lawyers around Oxfordshire, where most F1 teams are based, and shuddered at the copious amount of time about to be spent on flights through next season. The number of races is not the surprising bit about the calendar. We knew that would be the case, given the plans to add Qatar and Las Vegas, bring back China and keep both Spa and Monaco. The 24-race limit set by the Concorde Agreement was always going to be hit.

It is the grouping of races that has been the source of frustration for those working in F1. Pairing Baku with Miami while having Montreal a month later; putting Qatar nowhere near the other Middle Eastern races on the calendar; having Austin only a month before Las Vegas, the latter forming a double-header with Abu Dhabi to close out the season. On the face of things, some of it does not make a lot sense, particularly after F1 had stated its intention to try and regroup geographically where possible.

And that’s before we factor in the triple-headers. Remember when the first one happened in 2018, and teams said they never wanted to do it again? And that their return in 2020 was simply out of necessity because of COVID? Well, we’re back to two triples next year: Emilia Romagna/Monaco/Spain, and USA/Mexico/Brazil. Five races in six weeks to round out the season may be exciting for fans, but it will stretch the paddock to its limit.

‘Upcoming boom in business for divorce lawyers around Oxfordshire where most F1 teams are based’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/h...2023/10372443/


Formula 1 set for longest season ever as China returns to 2023 calendar
Wednesday 7th September 2022 6:45 AM
Sam Cooper

A reported calendar for the 2023 Formula 1 season has been published and shows that China is set to return to the schedule but only on certain conditions.

The Formula 1 calendar has been rapidly expanding of late and F1 racer turned commentator Martin Brundle warned in March that a 25-race season is “inevitable.”

There is also persistent talks that historic tracks such as Monaco and Spa could make way for more street circuits, a move that four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel described as “horrible.”

‘25-race season is inevitable!’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/formula-1-2023-calendar/


Formula 1: 24-race calendar unveiled for 2023
Romain Boisaubert - 21 September 2022

The FIA has officially unveiled the calendar for the 2023 season, with twenty-four Grand Prix races in total. A historic season that will be the longest and most dense in history.

With twenty-four Grand Prix, F1 is about to set a new record for the most races in a season.

Featuring the Las Vegas Grand Prix for the first time as well as historic races such as the Monaco Grand Prix (28 May) and the Belgian Grand Prix (30 July), the 2023 season will start on 5 March in Bahrain and end on 26 November in Abu Dhabi.

‘Formula 1: 24-race calendar’;

https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/20...iled-for-2023/


Miami Gardens “excited to bring back” Formula 1 in 2023
September 21, 2022
By Nick Golding

With the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship official calendar having been released, the organisers of the Miami Grand Prix have shared their excitement of finally knowing when fans from across the world will be return for the second race at the Miami International Autodrome.

Next year’s race at Miami has been confirmed as a double header with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the sport to take its first trip across the pond next season from the 5-7 May. With the date being official, fans can already buy pre-sale tickets, which are set to sell-out extremely fast given how popular this season’s race was.

‘Excited Miami Gardens’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ula-1-in-2023/


FIA Reveals 2023 Formula 1 Calendar – Las Vegas, Monaco & more
September 20, 2022
By: Jack Smith |

F1’s governing body has announced a record length 24-race calendar for next year’s Formula 1 World Championship.

The F1 circus begins in Bahrain over the weekend of March 3rd-5th, with Abu Dhabi again the final race of the season in late November. FIA’s 2023 Formula 1 calendar sees the debut of a new circuit, the return of two former locations, and movement in what will be a busy year for the sport.

The calendar sees the return of the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time in four years. It also features the re-inclusion of Qatar in early October. Perhaps the marque piece of the announcement, the first installment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Las Vegas will form a double-header with Abu Dhabi to close out the 2023 season.

‘First installment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...s-monaco-more/

Alfa Romeo is more of a ‘racing team’ compared to ‘company’ Mercedes says Valtteri Bottas.
Valtteri Bottas said Alfa Romeo feels less of a “company” and more of a “race team” in comparison to his previous employers Mercedes.
Tuesday 20th September 2022 2:45 PM
Sam Cooper

Having spent five seasons at Mercedes, Bottas moved on at the end of 2021 to join Alfa Romeo and be reunited with Fred Vasseur who he raced under in the 2011 GP3 Series.

Having helped Mercedes win the Constructors’ Championship every season he was there, the challenge at Alfa Romeo is a different one as the Finn no longer finds himself fighting for race wins and podiums.

He started the season strongly, finishing P6 in Bahrain, and has cut a happier figure around the paddock during a race weekend. Bottas said he is enjoying an “environment with less pressure.”

‘Alfa Romeo ‘racing team’, compared to ‘company’ Mercedes’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alfa-r...ltteri-bottas/


Alfa Romeo CEO insists they will only ever use Ferrari engines in Formula 1.
Alfa Romeo and Sauber will split next year.
26 September 2022
by James Clifford

Alfa Romeo CEO, Jean-Philippe Imperato, has insisted that there are a number of avenues the Italian car maker could go down after they split with Sauber at the end of 2023. Alfa have a rich history in Formula 1, winning the first-ever championship race in Silverstone in 1950 through Giuseppe Farina.

The Italian, and then Juan Manuel Fangio, both drove for the Turin-based outfit when they won the first two titles in 1950 and 1951 respectively, but their 10th win in the latter of those years would also be their last. They left the pinnacle of motorsport in 1985 having teamed up with Benetton, but they would make a sensational return in 2018.

Alfa Romeo have been linked with a partnership with Haas, as well as moves to other motorsport series, but Imperato has time on his hands, so he does not need to rush into anything at this time. “I’m totally open to everything, by the way, it’s a period that gives me the opportunity to study everything with no pressure. That’s what I have,” he told Autosport. “And I would say, even if we have to take a decision before the end of this year, we have some weeks, months, to see how is the business, and as well to choose in a kind of serene atmosphere.”

‘A number of avenues the Italian car maker could go down’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/alfa-rome...-in-formula-1/


Alfa Romeo CEO: “No hurry” to decide F1 future beyond 2023
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato says the company is in “no hurry” to make a call on its long-term future in Formula 1.
Sep 25, 2022, 4:36 PM
By: Adam Cooper

Alfa Romeo announced last month that it will conclude its sponsorship deal with the Sauber team at the end of the 2023 season ahead of the Swiss outfit’s expected alliance with Audi. The Alfa announcement was made on the same day that Audi confirmed its intention to enter F1 in 2026, and it was seen by some observers as a clumsy attempt to draw attention away from it.

Alfa can only stay in F1 beyond 2023 if it can agree a deal with a team using Ferrari engines, which at the moment leaves Haas as its sole option. The only other possibility would be to hook up with a new entrant who agrees a PU partnership with Maranello, such as Andretti. Alternatively, the company could look at other categories, such as Formula E or the World Endurance Championship.

Like other manufacturers Alfa is moving towards electric vehicles, which could inform any decision on its motor sport future. "I'm totally open to everything,” Imperato told Motorsport.com. “By the way, it's a period that gives me the opportunity to study everything with no pressure. That's what I have.”

‘Company is in “no hurry” to make a call on its long-term future in Formula 1’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...2023/10373803/


Alfa Romeo eyes Haas as BMW says no to F1
BMW says it will not be following Audi and Porsche into Formula 1.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
ANDREW MAITLAND

BMW’s racing boss Andreas Roos insisted: “We are definitely not interested in Formula 1 at the moment. “We need to be realistic,” he told motorsport-total.com. “In order to participate in Formula 1, you need to invest a lot of money. And before you get a return, you need to be successful for a long time. For now, we are satisfied with the large set of projects that we are engaged in.”

The Swiss F1 team’s current title sponsor Alfa Romeo has already announced its departure at the end of 2023. There are rumours that Alfa Romeo may instead team up with Haas from 2024. “I am completely open to everything,” said Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato. “There is absolutely nothing that is definite for 2024,” he added.

‘Alfa Romeo has already announced its departure at the end of 2023’;

https://grandpx.news/alfa-romeo-eyes...says-no-to-f1/


Zhou Guanyu ‘hopeful’ on Alfa Romeo extension as team assess 2023 candidates
Saturday 24th September 2022 10:00 AM
Mark Scott

Zhou Guanyu thinks he has done enough to extend his Formula 1 stay into a second season with Alfa Romeo after receiving positive feedback. The 23-year-old became the first fully-fledged Formula 1 driver to hail from China after he was chosen alongside Valtteri Bottas to form an all-new line-up at Alfa Romeo, replacing Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

Speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Zhou is confident he can retain his place at Alfa Romeo. He said: “It is my first year in F1 and therefore the team is analysing my performance, but the feedback is promising and the team is very happy with the work I have done, and so am I with them.

“I think I would have finished next to Valtteri Bottas, with him or a place behind him,” he added. “If we went back to the beginning of the season, especially to Bahrain, I finished 10th, but with the experience now, if Bottas was 6th, maybe I could have been 6th or 7th. “But for my part the most important thing is to do the best I can with what I have now, and of course the retirements this year have not helped, because we would have easily finished more races in the points. But they are things that happen.”

‘Zhou Guanyu ‘hopeful’ on Alfa Romeo extension’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/zhou-g...eo-2023-hopes/


Valtteri Bottas is ‘not sure’ he will race in F1 at 41 but is open to other series
Thursday 22nd September 2022 8:00 PM
Henry Valantine

Valtteri Bottas does not know if he will follow the example set by Fernando Alonso, racing in F1 aged 41, but would “never say never” to a different path in motorsport once he retires. The 33-year-old moved to Alfa Romeo on a three-year deal for the 2022 season, with Mercedes having opted for George Russell to partner Lewis Hamilton this season.

“I’m not sure,” Bottas said to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com when asked if he would follow Alonso’s career path. I’m really impressed with Fernando’s performance, he’s still at a really good level, but as for me I don’t know, so I say…never say never.”

“I’m absolutely open to any challenge. I love driving and I could find the motivation in many other contexts. I believe the day my Formula 1 adventure ends, I will continue driving in other championships. The only condition will be to find something that gives me more free time.”

‘Never say never’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...-41-years-old/

Daniel Ricciardo is the wild card, Nyck de Vries is the key, and Guenther Steiner is the mystery for the final 4 available seats in F1.
With Zhou Guanyu signing an extension with Alfa Romeo, there are now 17 drivers under contract for 2023.
27/09/2022, 18:34
INSIDER

Four seats remain undecided for the 2023 Formula One grid and 27-year-old reserve driver Nyck de Vries appears to be the key to deciding at least three of them.

On Tuesday, Alfa Romeo announced that Zhou Guanyu signed an extension and will remain with the team in 2023. There are now 17 drivers under contract for the 20 seats on next year's grid. However, four are still up in the air, including one at AlphaTauri, where Pierre Gasly is under contract but could be on the move.

For three teams — Alpine, AlphaTauri, Williams — there are still two likely scenarios and one less likely, but all three depend on where de Vries calls home next year.

“Final 4 available seats’;

https://www.insider.com/f1-2023-grid...illiams-2022-9


Zhou stays for second Alfa season, four 2023 F1 seats left
27/09/2022, 10:25.
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Zhou Guanyu will remain with Alfa Romeo for the 2023 Formula 1 season following a formal announcement from the team that he will stay on. Zhou’s six points pale in comparison to the 46 points his more experienced team-mate Valtteri Bottas has earned for Alfa Romeo. But that deficit is partially skewed by the competitiveness of Alfa’s C43 dipping just as Zhou started to make progress during his rookie season.

That improvement coupled with Zhou’s financial backing has earned him a second year in F1 alongside 10-time race winner Bottas, who previously said he was “rooting” for Zhou to stay for 2023. “I am happy and grateful to Alfa Romeo for the opportunity to be part of the team for another season,” said Zhou.

“Making it to Formula 1 was a dream come true and the feeling of competing for the first time in a race will live with me forever: the team has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me from day one and helping me adapt to the most complex series in motorsport. “There is more that I want to achieve in this sport and with the team, and the hard work we have put together since the start of the year is just the first step towards where we want to be next season.”

‘Zhou stays for second Alfa season’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/zhou-...f1-seats-left/


F1 driver market: The contenders for 2023 seats with Daniel Ricciardo, Mick Schumacher futures unclear
Last Updated: 27/09/22 4:18pm.
By Matt Morlidge

Zhou Guanyu's new contract at Alfa Romeo means there are three seats remaining on the 2023 Formula 1 grid, at Alpine, Williams and Haas; Alpine are targeting AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly, while there are several contenders for the other spots...

Zhou Guanyu's contract renewal at Alfa Romeo has closed another door in Formula 1's 2023 driver market - and made the remaining seats all the more appealing for the established, and emerging, stars in the running.

As a competitive market continues to take shape deep into the 2022 season, we've rounded up the runners and riders for each of the seats as we edge closer to a full confirmed grid...

‘The contenders’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...utures-unclear


DRIVER MARKET: Will Nyck de Vries be on the F1 grid in 2023 – and if so, with who?
24 September 2022
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter

A few months ago, Nyck de Vries’ hopes of making a dream Formula 1 switch next year looked slim. At the French Grand Prix, the Mercedes-backed driver borrowed Lewis Hamilton’s car for first practice, but after the session Silver Arrows’ boss Toto Wolff admitted the team might not be able to provide their junior with an “interesting Formula 1 project”.

While rated highly by many in the paddock, there were simply no obvious landing spots for De Vries, who has Formula E and Formula 2 titles on his CV, in 2023. But in the space of two days over the Italian Grand Prix weekend, everything changed. De Vries completed a run for Aston Martin in FP1, as previously planned, but then got a late call on Saturday morning to jump in for Alex Albon (who was to have appendicitis surgery) at Williams.

The Dutch driver got up to speed incredibly quickly – having only once driven that Williams back in Spain in an FP1 appearance. Not only did he start inside the top 10 – helped in part because of a slew of penalties for others – but he held on to score two points on debut. In the blink of an eye, De Vries has become the most sought-after driver on the current grid with Alpine, AlphaTauri and Williams all realistic options for a race seat in 2023. But where will he end up?

‘In the blink of an eye’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3MQgi6r7x.html




NINE drivers... for five (NOW FOUR) seats: F1’s musical chairs set to erupt — but one star is holding everything up
September 22nd, 2022 7:13 am
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports

There are only six races to go this season, but not fewer than five seats (NOW FOUR) remain unaccounted for in the 2023 driver market. This has been one of the more chaotic silly seasons of recent years. From Sebastian Vettel’s retirement to Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri’s sudden defections and Daniel Ricciardo’s sacking, it’s twisted and turned with abandon, keeping even the most experienced paddock watchers on their toes.

But at last it feels like it’s entering its end game, with the final candidates are just about aligned. And yet no-one is pulling the trigger. What’s the hold up? Alpine, as the most competitive team with a seat available, now holds all the cards, and it’s fielding three drivers in a private test this week in Budapest to try to decide which one it will play first. Featuring in that test are expected to be Australian F2 rising star Jack Doohan, Formula E champion Nyck de Vries and former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

But Nico Hulkenberg, Mick Schumacher, Nicholas Latifi, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu are also in play. With only four seats available — or five including Pierre Gasly and his will to move — some are going to miss out. With less than two months until the end of the season, this is the state of the driver market.

‘F1’s musical chairs’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...ce24e1778220c5

Steiner - "Fans would love" Magnussen-Hülkenberg partnership.
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes fans would "love" to see Nico Hülkenberg join forces with Kevin Magnussen next season.
Saturday 24 September 2022 08:30
Ewan Gale

Current Aston Martin reserve driver Hülkenberg has spent three seasons on the sidelines, appearing only in substitute appearances across that time. The 35-year-old stood in for both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll in 2020 at Force India before covering for Sebastian Vettel in the first two races of the current campaign for Aston Martin.

Discussing the possibility of recruiting Hülkenberg, Steiner told RTL: "A man like Nico brings experience with him. I think the fans would love it! But what can a driver contribute to making the team better and bringing us to the top? How much risk are you willing to take? You usually take more risks with a young driver because you don't know how far he can go."

On the possibility of signing the Australian, Steiner conceded: “In his situation, Daniel first has to decide for himself what to do. "It makes little sense to persuade him to do something. He has to decide for himself. If he feels like it, he'll definitely call, otherwise he'll probably say I'm taking a sabbatical or something else."

‘Nico brings experience’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/92...lkenberg-haas/


Guenther Steiner on Mick Schumacher’s future: ‘We’re just playing against ourselves’:
Guenther Steiner is yet to decide who will partner Kevin Magnussen in 2023, with Mick Schumacher set to be axed.
25 September 2022
by Nick Golding

Despite admitting to RTL that Schumacher “had a good race at Monza”, the German driver appears likely to get the boot from the team, with his contract set to expire following the season finale. There is a “50/50 chance” that the 23-year-old will be retained, with a number of high-profile drivers having been linked to the German’s seat.

Nico Hulkenberg, Antonio Giovinazzi and Daniel Ricciardo have all spoken to Steiner about a potential move to the American’s; however, Steiner doesn’t feel “any time pressure” to make a decision. “That’s where you put yourself under pressure, and we don’t need that,” Steiner told RTL. “We’re just playing against ourselves. We don’t really have any time pressure. All the others have the time pressure but not us. That’s an advantage we don’t take away.”

One of the areas Steiner is currently debating is whether to go for experience over youth, with the likes of Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin having recently featured for Haas and arguably failed to deliver consistently. With the likes of Hulkenberg, Giovinazzi and Ricciardo having been linked to the seat, it does appear that the team are taking the approach of having a deeply experienced line-up next season, with Magnussen being no newbie himself.

‘We don’t really have any time pressure’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/guenther-...nst-ourselves/


Steiner: Three US F1 races have come ‘at the right time’.
12:51 Tue, 27 Sep 2022.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Haas Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner believes it is the right time to include three US-based races on the calendar. Next year, F1 will visit the US three times throughout the season in a record-breaking 24-race calendar, starting with Miami at the beginning of May, following its inaugural event earlier this year.

It will then travel to Austin, Texas in October for the US Grand Prix, before Las Vegas hosts its first ever race in mid-November as the penultimate race on the 2023 schedule. F1 is currently witnessing rocketing growth in the US in terms of audience engagement, which Steiner believes makes it the right time to have multiple races in the country.

“I think obviously 24 races is a lot of races but the demand is there, the fans want to see what we are doing which is the biggest compliment they can give us and we need to work hard to make them happy,” Steiner said. “Three races in America, I think it comes at the right time. The sport is already popular and it’s getting even more so as we speak in America.”

‘US F1 races at the right time’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...he-right-time/


Guenther Steiner: Demand for F1 justifies having 24-race calendar in 2023
Monday 26th September 2022 2:00 PM
Jon Wilde

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has given a positive appraisal of the 2023 Formula 1 calendar comprising a record 24 races. Although the plan for both 2021 and 2022 had been to stage a season consisting of 23 grands prix, one fewer than that total has been possible each time. With Haas an American-owned team, Steiner has understandably spoken in favour of the number of races in the United States being increased to three, with Las Vegas supplementing those in Austin and Miami.

“I think obviously 24 races is a lot but the demand is there, the fans want to see what we are doing, which is the biggest compliment they can give us and we need to work hard to make them happy,” said Steiner in Haas’ preview of the Singapore Grand Prix. More immediately, Steiner is relishing the Asian swing of the 2022 calendar as F1 returns to Singapore and Japan, on consecutive weekends, for the first time since 2019. “They are two races I think we missed in the Covid seasons,” added Steiner.

“Firstly, with Singapore coming up, it’s a night race on a city circuit and it’s a very cool place. Secondly, Japan, which in my opinion [Suzuka] is one of the best race tracks in the world. Two completely different reasons why I like them but two good reasons to have them back. I really look forward to going to these race tracks because we haven’t been there the last two years and it’s almost like going back to a new, old race track.”

‘Demand for F1 justifies having 24-race calendar’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...ces-justified/


Haas F1 Team: Singapore Grand Prix: Preview
Haas F1 Team is returning to the Singapore Grand Prix for a dose of night fever around the floodlit streets of the city state.
September 27, 2022
Haas F1 Team

The vibrant city of Singapore has been an important trading post on the tip of the Malay peninsula for several centuries, and has had an at times tumultuous history, but in recent decades the region has been transformed, emerging as a popular tourist destination and business hub. Formula 1’s calendar expansion through the 2000s eventually brought the championship to Singapore in 2008, and for the first time in history a grand prix was held after sundown, with thousands of lights illuminating the course.

The bumpy 23-turn 5km-circuit, located in the Marina Bay district, takes Formula 1 drivers past some of Singapore’s famous landmarks, including the National Gallery, the Esplanade Concert Hall, and Singapore Flyer. The floodlit architecture provides a stunning backdrop to one of Formula 1’s most challenging events.

‘A dose of night fever for the Haas F1 Team’;

https://www.haasf1team.com/news/sing...d-prix-preview


Haas publicly criticise Mick Schumacher: ‘What he said after that wasn’t great’
Mick Schumacher's future beyond this year has not yet been finalised.
27 September 2022
by James Clifford

Haas’ chief race engineer, Ayao Komatsu, feels that Mick Schumacher spends too much time comparing himself to his team-mate. If looks could kill, those in the media pen after the session would have been fleeing, and Komatsu has revealed that it all made for an interesting debrief as their young driver vented his frustration. “Mick was behind Kevin and that frustrated him,” he told Motorsport-Total.com.

“His focus in the sprint race wasn’t the right one, we talked about that afterwards. We talked before the sprint race about how we would do it as a team, but what he did after that wasn’t great, and what he said after that wasn’t great either.”

“Then I say to him ‘look, Kevin really likes to help you and he tells you things he would never have told Romain [Grosjean] before’. Then Mick thinks and realises the most important thing for the team is to get up in the Constructors’ Championship. I explain it to him: ‘Mick, come on, you’re doing well, focus on your own performance and not on this thing’, and then it’s fine again.”

‘Haas’ chief race engineer, Ayao Komatsu: Mick Schumacher spends too much time comparing himself to his team-mate’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/haas-publ...t-wasnt-great/

Verstappen on brink of winning 2022 F1 title this weekend.
Max Verstappen could clinch the 2022 Formula One title in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix, depending on how his nearest opponents Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez perform.
28.09.2022
Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

The Dutch driver could win one of the earliest titles in history in two possible case scenarios. If Verstappen finishes the race first and sets the fastest lap, his teammate Perez must finish no higher than fourth, while Ferrari's Leclerc must finish no higher than eighth.

If the Dutchman wins the Singapore GP without setting the fastest lap, Perez must finish no higher than fourth or fifth. If the fastest lap is set by Perez, Leclerc must finish no higher than ninth.

If one of these unlikely are conditions met, 24-year-old Verstappen will equalize the second earliest drivers' championship win in F1 history, with Williams driver Nigel Mansell, who won the 1992 title with five races to spare.

‘Verstappen on the brink’;

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/vers...eekend/2697219


Verstappen on verge of second world title as F1 returns to Singapore
Issued on: 28/09/2022 - 05:16
Modified: 28/09/2022 - 05:14
France 24

Singapore (AFP) – Red Bull's dominant Max Verstappen can clinch a second world championship when the Singapore Grand Prix returns this weekend after a three-year absence because of Covid.

The flying Dutchman has a mathematical chance to seal back-to-back world titles under lights around the spectacular and demanding Marina Bay street circuit. To do so, the 24-year-old must win the race -- something he has never done in Singapore -- and needs his closest rivals to falter badly.

If that does not happen, the championship fight will move on to the Japanese Grand Prix a week later. It looks a case of when, not if. You need a bit of luck for that as well," Verstappen told Sky Sports of retaining his crown in Singapore. "I don't think about it."

‘Verstappen on the verge’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...s-to-singapore


Why Marko hopes Verstappen's title win waits until after Singapore
28/09/2022, ‎13‎:‎25
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Helmut Marko admits that he would prefer Max Verstappen to win the World Championship in Japan rather than at the forthcoming Singapore Grand Prix. There is a chance that Verstappen – who currently has a lead of 116 points in the standings – could potentially clinch the title at the Marina Bay Circuit, though this would require him to outscore closest rival Charles Leclerc by 22 points as well as claiming 13 more points than Sergio Perez.

However, Marko hopes that the Dutchman's victory might instead come one week later at the Japanese Grand Prix. "From a marketing point of view, winning the title would be better in Japan, because of our engine partner Honda," Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF. "But in general we can assume that Max will be World Champion. It's just a question of when."

Marko praises Red Bull's progression throughout season Ferrari initially looked to hold the edge in the early stages of the 2022 season, but it was Red Bull who seemed to get stronger as the campaign progressed, something that Marko is proud of. "We were 46 points behind after three races," he explained. "That was predominantly due to the car being overweight. The first failure was caused by a weight-saving measure. The second failure was due to technical reasons. Due to the excess weight, the car was initially pushing over the front axle.”

‘From a marketing point of view, Japan for Honda’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-marko-...fter-singapore


Christian Horner explains why he was shocked by Red Bull’s 2022 car
Red Bull were one of the last teams to switch their focus to the new regulations during the 2021 season.
28 September 2022
by Nick Golding

With Max Verstappen on the cusp of retaining his Drivers’ World Championship at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed how amazed he’s been by his side’s complete domination. Red Bull put more time into their 2021 challenger than arguably any other team, with the Austrians having been the last side to switch their focus to the 2022 aerodynamic regulations.

During the 2021 campaign, a number of teams prioritised designing their 2022 car, due to the brand-new aerodynamic regulations. Mercedes and Ferrari were two of the sides who halted development on their 2021 challengers fairly early in the season, whilst Red Bull pushed on with making their RB16B as strong as possible.

Their strategy ultimately worked, with Verstappen claiming the 2021 title, albeit under controversial circumstances. However, Horner was worried that their 2021 pursuit would “compromise” this season, due to spending less time working on a car for the new regs. What has unfolded this year is beyond the Briton’s wildest dreams, as Red Bull have remarkably built the best car on the grid.

‘Amazed by complete domination’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/christian...ulls-2022-car/


Horner: The RB18 is potentially our most successful car
26 September, 2022
Jad Mallak

Christian Horner believes the Red Bull RB18 is potentially the most successful car ever produced at Milton Keynes despite starting late with its development. Despite intense 2021, Red Bull did not compromise 2022. “What has been particularly pleasing about this year is despite colossal regulation changes we had to undergo coming into this year – and we honestly thought we had compromised this year by putting everything we had into last year – the team came up with an amazing car, a super car,” the Briton hailed.

“Max has made another step, Checo [Perez] has felt more part of the team this year with a lot more familiarity. To be sitting here having won 12 grands prix, and with 16 podiums so far has been an incredible season for us.” The fact that Red Bull kept developing their 2021 car late meant their was a risk their RB18 – built to the new regulations with ground effect – might have been affected. Clearly that has not been the case.

“We were probably the last team to transition onto the ’22 regulations,” Horner pointed out. “We went quite late on development through ’21 because when you have a sniff of a championship, we would have kicked ourselves if we hadn’t done everything you possibly could, which meant compromising ’22. The team in Milton Keynes, whilst we were away fighting for the championship, did an incredible job over the winter to come up with the RB18 which has been potentially our most successful car ever.”

‘An incredible season’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/09...uccessful-car/


Horner predicts tough Singapore GP test for Red Bull
The Red Bull boss thinks the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix will be one of Red Bull's toughest races in the 2022 season, but said Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will still be aiming for the win
September 25, 2022
By Adam Dickinson

“It should be one of the harder races I would say,” Horner told the press after the 2022 Italian Grand Prix.

“Singapore compared to here it’s got the most corners on the circuit it’s bumpy, it’s a street track so it’s a much different challenge.”

“But we’ve been quick at Spa or Zandvoort or Monza and even Budapest so on different variants of circuits the car’s performing really well.”

‘Red Bull's toughest races’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/hor...test-red-bull/


‘It wasn’t fair’: Christian Horner makes Michael Masi revelation
Michael Masi left the FIA over his controversial handling of the 2021 season finale, which saw Max Verstappen come out on top.
28 September 2022
by Nick Golding

Despite his poor handling of the finale, Horner has revealed he still speaks to the former F1 race director who he believes “followed the principles”. “Yes, on a couple of occasions,” Horner revealed to the Beyond the Grid podcast.

“I felt that it wasn’t fair, the way he had been treated, because I think that he’d done the best that he could, following the principles. The only thing he screwed up on was not allowing the final two cars at the back of the field to unlap themselves. As we saw recently in Monza, nobody wants to see a race diluted and finished under a Safety Car.”

“So he did everything to get that race going again, which would have been a horrendous finish to the season, to see it just diluted and peter out under a Safety Car. I think the reaction after the race, there was a huge amount of abuse sent to him, there were death threats to his family. No individual deserves to go through that.”

‘Followed the principles’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/it-wasnt-...si-revelation/

Binotto says Ferrari still missing 'Schumacher mentality'.
Mattia Binotto on what Ferrari is lacking: “That winning mentality that was there in the Schumacher era and which pushed you to do better after every victory.”
25/09/2022 at 16:59
Andrew Lewin

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto says that the team is still missing a vital 'X Factor' that is stopping it from fully competing for the world championship against the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes. Asked to say exactly what Ferrari was lacking, Binotto told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com: “That winning mentality that was there in the Schumacher era and which pushed you to do better after every victory.”

Binotto joined Ferrari's engine department 27 years ago just before Michael Schumacher moved across from Benetton. The partnership went on to yield five of Schumacher's seven titles. Of course it was more than just Schumacher, but he was at the core of a iconic management line-up that included Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and car designer Rory Byrne.

Binotto himself was trackside when Schumacher recorded his maiden win for the Scuderia in the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix. “It was also my first win," he said. "When I heard the anthem I realised what it means to be Ferrari," he continued. "Then we started winning championships in 1999 and 2000."

‘'Schumacher mentality' missing’;

https://f1i.com/news/454976-binotto-...mentality.html


‘Honestly’: Mattia Binotto hits out at baseless Ferrari rumour.
Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, has rubbished suggestions that his team suffered as a result of the rule changes midway through the 2022 season.
26 September 2022
by James Clifford

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have fallen out of title contention this year. The Milton Keynes-based team’s increase in pace compared to Ferrari has been linked with the floor changes, but Binotto insists this is not the case.

“No, it has nothing to do [with it], honestly,” he said, quoted by GPFans. “I know there have been a lot of rumours on that but that is not the point. As I said in Hungary, we are not quick enough and maybe we need to simply review the packages we introduced or the way we are balancing our car. The potential of the car could be higher.”

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have taken four wins between them this year, the last of which arriving through the Monegasque in Austria.

‘Baseless Ferrari rumour’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/honestly-...errari-rumour/


‘Mattia Binotto catching the bullets’: Ex-Ferrari chairman calls for change in Maranello
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is coming under increasing pressure following the team's 2022 disappointment.
19 September 2022
by Nick Golding

Ferrari’s somewhat disappointing 2022 season isn’t entirely team principal Mattia Binotto’s fault according to former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who puts the blame on current chairman John Elkann.

The Italian’s will come to regret the current season, after arguably throwing away both championships to Red Bull. Ferrari built a magnificent car for the brand-new regulations, which has proved time and time again this season to be breathtakingly fast; however, it’s also proven to be incredibly unreliable.

The Scuderia seemingly went for performance over reliability when designing this season’s power unit, which has blown up on several occasions, costing Charles Leclerc victory twice this season.

‘Catching the bullets’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/mattia-bi...-in-maranello/


Elkann misspoke over number 1 policy says Binotto
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
GrandPrix.com

Ferrari does not have a 'number 1' driver policy, Mattia Binotto insists. The issue returned to the headlines recently when the Maranello marque's John Elkann said at Monza that Ferrari is aiming to win the title by 2026 "with Charles Leclerc in pole position".

But team boss Binotto insists that doesn't mean Carlos Sainz is the team's number 2. "I think what our chairman meant is that if we look at the current season, Charles has been faster than Carlos on average and he's also been on pole more often," he told Sky Italia.

Once a campaign is well underway, however, Binotto said Ferrari may ultimately issue team orders in order to push for the drivers' crown. "Should the need arise, we could at some point determine who has the better chance of winning," he admitted.

‘Misspoken Number 1 Policy’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/elkan...s-binotto.html


Ex-FIA president responds to report he’ll replace Mattia Binotto at Ferrari
Ferrari's title push has fallen at the wayside this year, and Mattia Binotto's job is believed to be under threat.
27 September 2022
by James Clifford

Former Ferrari boss, Jean Todt, has laughed off rumours linking him with a return to the Scuderia. Suggestions around Binotto’s future have been rife, and that naturally leads to speculation about who his replacement would be.

Todt waved away links between him and the Maranello-based team, and joked about previous whispers about him following in the footsteps of former Ferrari team principal, Maurizio Arrivabene, by joining Juventus.

“I would doubt that is real news, there is a lot of news underneath it that is not true,” he said, as per thejudge13.com. “I had breakfast in Turin with Andrea Agnelli, many saw me and thought that I would also work with Juventus!”

“It is obvious that when I was president of the FIA I was often with John Elkann, and we talked about Ferrari’s ambitions. But there is a difference between talking, sharing hope and working together, I think that chapters are designed to pass from one to the next.”

‘Ex-FIA President, Jean Todt, has laughed off rumours’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/ex-fia-pr...to-at-ferrari/


Can Ferrari’s reported upgrade delay the inevitable in Singapore?
Wednesday 28th September 2022 11:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse

Max Verstappen and Red Bull are surely destined for title glory, but could a Ferrari upgrade delay celebrations for another round at least? Although not mathematically the case, effectively Ferrari’s title hopes are over for 2022, the Scuderia going into the Singapore Grand Prix, the first since 2019, 139 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings.

Meanwhile, in the Drivers’ Championship, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may be P2 in the standings, but a gap of 116 points at this stage is pretty much insurmountable with six rounds to go. Verstappen is looking to see out the season in style, on a run of five successive wins having galloped clear of the chasing pack, but Ferrari are apparently not yet ready to wave the white flag and put everything into their 2023 challenger.

Instead, Motorsport.com’s Italian branch has reported that Ferrari will bring upgrades to Singapore, rejuvenated by their showing at Monza on home turf, with another planned before the season is out. So, will this be enough to keep the title fight technically alive? Upgrades or no upgrades, Ferrari at the very least would expect to be the third-fastest team behind Red Bull and Mercedes, which would be enough to keep Leclerc in contention, but as Ferrari have demonstrated a fair few times this season, a costly error or reliability disaster can come into the equation.

‘Can Ferrari’s reported upgrade delay the inevitable in Singapore’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...ed-bull-delay/


Jean Todt reminds Ferrari: ‘To win, you need excellence at all levels’
Tuesday 27th September 2022 2:00 PM
Jon Wilde

Between 1999 and 2004, in the middle of Todt’s 14-year spell at the Ferrari helm, the Italian giants were a well-oiled machine of metronomic success that brought six straight Constructors’ titles and five Drivers’ crowns in a row for Michael Schumacher. “Every era is different, I don’t want to give advice. It’s easy to give advice,” said Todt, quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport, speaking at the Festival of Sport in Trento, northern Italy.

“The only one I can give him (Binotto) is to hang in there. And Ferrari are doing very well. It seems to me people don’t fully realise that. “Ferrari are back to winning. I think everyone – well, almost everyone – would like to see Ferrari win championships, not just a few races. We can wish that for next year, because this year I don’t think it’s possible anymore. But to win, you need excellence at all levels. It is difficult to achieve it and even more difficult to maintain it.”

“It starts with excellence in the details. From whoever answers the phone in the company. If in a company they don’t answer the phone after 10 rings, that is not a good company. You cannot make two mistakes the same – if it happens, it means there is something to change.”

‘To win, you need excellence at all levels’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jean-t...llence-needed/

Mercedes and Ferrari are so great this year (and not only)

Wolff: "Awesome" if Mercedes can win "on merit" in 2022.
Faced with the prospect of a first winless season in F1 since 2011, and potentially Hamilton going winless for the first season in his entire career, Wolff believes a win is still possible "on merit."
‎27‎ ‎September‎ ‎08‎:‎10
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Dieter Rencken

Despite not being in contention for either championship, Wolff still believes the potential of the W13 is enough to secure a win. "I think it would have be awesome if we could win a race on merit, without any grid penalties," Wolff explained to media including RacingNews365.com.

"If you had asked after Spa, I would have said it was nearly impossible, but we nearly won in Zandvoort, but in Monza it was not so good. "It must be the target - we don't want to have a season with no race wins. Even if the sails are set for 2023, it would quite a nice thing in a difficult season for all our people."

Wolff did err on the side of caution when playing up their chances. "I think the track layout should suit our car, the bumps not," he explained. "The simulations say it should be one of our better tracks, but I'm trying to stay on the careful side with any predictions for Singapore."

‘Err on the side of caution when playing up their chances. "I think the track layout should suit our car, the bumps not,"’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-awes...-merit-in-2022


Not Singapore: George Russell disagrees with Toto Wolff, says this track will suit Mercedes
George Russell is targeting his first-ever victory in Formula 1 and Mercedes' first of the season.
26 September 2022
by Nick Golding

George Russell has tipped the upcoming United States Grand Prix as a potentially strong weekend for the W13, as the British driver sets his sights on achieving his first ever Formula 1 victory in one of the remaining six races of the season.

The former Williams driver has performed excellently since joining Mercedes this season, and the Brit looks staggeringly on track to beat team-mate Sir Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship.

Russell is currently fourth in the standings and is incredibly in the fight for second, whilst Hamilton occupies sixth place, 35 points behind his 24-year-old team-mate. The formerly dubbed Mr Saturday has maximised the woeful W13’s potential this season, in a year that the Germans simply want to end.

‘Targeting first-ever victory in Formula 1’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/not-singa...suit-mercedes/


Next two months of development “crucial” for Mercedes’ 2023 chances – Wolff
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 19th September 2022, 0:0118th September 2022, 21:39
Written by Will Wood

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says that the next two months of development work on their 2023 car are “crucial” to their hopes of being race winning and championship contenders for next season. With Mercedes’ W13 often performing differently on track to how the team’s simulations predicted, Wolff says that the coming weeks are critical to their work on making sure their 2023 car performs more predictably.

“We lacked the tools, the simulations and the understanding of uncovering the problem that we would create with the way the car was developed,” said Wolff. “That we couldn’t run it where we wanted to run it. Aerodynamically and mechanically, it was never in the sweet spot. It took us months to undo some of the steps we’ve done.

“It’s not like that I believe we’ve discovered the Holy Grail and we understand everything and it’s going to be a blast next year. This is now a crucial period. Literally over the next one-to-two months we need, with a certain degree of precision, to understand what needs to be done for next year.”

‘W13 often performing differently on track to how the team’s simulations predicted’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/09/19/...nd-up-19-09-5/


George Russell fires firm warning to Lewis Hamilton as he explains win-win position
George Russell has starred at Mercedes since switching from Williams.
15:01, Thu, Sep 29, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

In a subtle threat to Hamilton, Russell stressed he wants to be a world champion and had pledged to “make it happen”. Speaking to i, Russell said: “I am going up against the greatest driver of all time, I have nothing to lose.”

“He has won everything, the stats speak for themselves, so why should a young 24-year-old be able to compete with that? If you have that mindset, I am in a win-win position. I want to be world champion, but saying it, dreaming about it, is one thing – you have got to make it happen.”

“Short term I am working as hard as I can on myself to improve the overall package and performance. Then there is no reason why I can’t achieve my long-term goal.” Russell has given Hamilton a run for his money in 2022 with a string of solid performances to elevate him up the table. The ex-Williams star lies 35 points ahead of Hamilton in the championship due to his incredible consistency.

‘Wants to be a world champion and had pledged to “make it happen”.’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...es-news-latest


George Russell interview: ‘There’s no reason why I can’t become F1 world champion’
September 29, 2022 9:34 am(Updated 12:02 pm)
By Pete Hall

This is not how George Russell’s season was supposed to go. The 24-year-old sits fourth in the drivers’ standings, 35 points ahead of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, in his first season at Mercedes having remarkably finished in the top five for all but one of the 16 races this campaign. Talk about dealing with the pressure.

But that is one of the reasons this season has gone so well – for Russell, the pressure is off. “I am going up against the greatest driver of all time, I have nothing to lose,” Russell tells i. He has won everything, the stats speak for themselves, so why should a young 24-year-old be able to compete with that?”

“If you have that mindset, I am in a win-win position. I want to be world champion, but saying it, dreaming about it, is one thing – you have got to make it happen. Short term I am working as hard as I can on myself to improve the overall package and performance. Then there is no reason why I can’t achieve my long-term goal.”

‘The pressure is off’;

https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-on...99?ITO=newsnow

Five key storylines to emerge from the Singapore GP press conference.
‘feels for the fans’, ‘fighting as fit’, ‘future is still undecided’, ‘just want smooth sailing’, ‘thrilled to see the Singapore GP return’
Thursday 29th September 2022 8:08 PM
Henry Valantine

Formula 1’s original night race is back after a pandemic-induced absence, and the drivers are seemingly universally looking forward to taking on the Marina Bay Street Circuit again.

The heat, humidity, chance of rain and physicality of the circuit under the Singapore lights make it a true test of driver skill, and they cannot wait to get going this weekend.

Lando Norris said: “I’m very excited. For me, one of the coolest tracks on the calendar. At the same time, one of the most difficult to put together, so rewarding I think come qualifying, especially.

‘Singapore GP press conference’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/five-k...ss-conference/


Singapore GP: FIA Drivers Press Conference
29/09/2022
NEWS STORY

Please, can we start with Alex? First up, great to see you back. How are you feeling?
Alex Albon: Good, thank you. Yeah, it feels good to be back. Yeah, I came here, obviously. I feel ready. I feel as fit as I can be. And we had a good week of training, or two weeks almost, to get back to where we are today. So, you know, we'll see how it goes. Obviously, we are realistic. And we know that we're coming to the most difficult race of the year, so we do have to be mindful of that. But I feel good. I've been karting. It's felt okay, so, yeah...

Q: Lando, let's come to you. You've been here for a few days already. How's the acclimatisation to the heat going?
Lando Norris: Yeah, well, I think. I've not done too much, just exploring little bits here and there. Yeah, that's it, not too much else. So just having a little look around going to some different restaurants and nice places for dinner and lunch and everything but that's all.

Q: And Mick back to you. You've never raced here before. Just tell us about the challenge ahead? What are you expecting?
MS: Yeah, I mean, I can only refer to what everybody else is saying, as I've never raced here myself. So I guess that the humidity is one of the points that probably everybody talks about, but also the track itself as you know. I've done a few simulator sessions on this track and watched a load of videos on this place, but really excited to go out there and make my own kind of experiences of this place.

‘FIA Drivers Press Conference’;

https://www.pitpass.com/73703/Singap...ess-Conference


Max Verstappen feels like there’s “no rush” to claim second crown
September 29, 2022
By Nick Golding

Max Verstappen has admitted to feeling like there is “no rush” to claim his second Drivers’ Championship, despite the Dutchman having his first chance to do so this weekend at the returning Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen is aware that he needs to be “ready for anything”, with the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver preparing to take it “race by race”.

“We haven’t been to Singapore for a while so it will be interesting to see how the track has evolved. It’s definitely one of the best races of the year and it’s a beautiful place to be. It’s important to have a good qualifying lap here so we’ll be focussing on that. During the race we just have to be ready for anything as there’s usually a lot of safety cars.

“In general, it’s a challenging circuit, the humidity is tough on the body and it’s very difficult to do a perfect lap because of tight turns and how close the walls are. I don’t really think about the Championship, I just want to have a positive weekend on track and take it race by race, there’s no rush.”

‘No rush to claim second crown’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-second-crown/


Fernando Alonso wishes Max Verstappen 'luck' as Dutchman looks to avoid copying Spaniard
Max Verstappen is closing in on a second world drivers' championship.
22:50, Thu, Sep 29, 2022
By Sam Smith

The Alpine star believes that Verstappen will be an all-time great in Formula One and deserves to win the championship this season. He has backed the 25-year-old to get even better.

“I think so, yes. He’s 24 or 25, no? So there’s still a lot in front of him, but I wish him more luck than me because I was also 26 with those stats and still have the same stats at 40! But I’m sure with Red Bull and how things look for the future, he will only get better,” Alonso told journalists.

“It’s very well deserved. They were the best team and the best driver by far, so when they win it I don’t think it is an important thing, it’s just that they will. Whether it’s here or Japan, let’s see.”

‘Alonso wishes Max Verstappen luck';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rmula-One-news


Albon feels 'as fit as I can be' for grueling Singapore GP
29/09/2022 at 13:51
Michael Delaney

Alex Albon says he feels "ready" and as fit as he can be for his return to racing at this weekend's grueling Singapore Grand Prix. The Williams driver will be back in the saddle after missing the Italian Grand Prix due to an acute case of appendicitis that sidelined him from Saturday morning at Monza.

"I feel ready. I feel as fit as I can be - no pain," he said on Thursday in Marina Bay. We had a good week of training or two weeks almost to get back to where we are today. We're realistic and we know that we're coming to the most difficult race of the year.”

"We do have to be mindful of that. But I feel good. I've been karting and it's felt OK. I don't think we truthfully had in mind Singapore on the cards," he said. "But just with the way that the speed of recovery, it was definitely a possible thing."

'As fit as I can be';

https://f1i.com/news/455131-albon-fe...gapore-gp.html


Perez warns plan to lower tyre blanket temperatures will ‘put drivers at risk’
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 29th September 2022, 17:1829th September 2022, 17:25
Written by Ida Wood

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is concerned the FIA’s plans to further reduce maximum tyre blanket temperatures in Formula 1 next year could compromise safety. A reduction in temperatures for the heated blankets, which wrap around Formula 1 car tyres while they are sat on the grid pre-race and are also used to warm up tyres prior to pit stops, was introduced this year. The previous upper limits of 100C for front tyres and 80C for rears was lowered to 70C for both this season.

For 2023, another decrease will be written into the regulations, reducing the blankets to 50C. Safety concerns over F1 cars running on cooler tyres has stopped previous attempts to outlaw blankets entirely, but F1 is aiming to do this by 2024. However Perez says it has been more difficult to generate heat in tyres since the temperature limits were lowered this year.

However Perez says it has been more difficult to generate heat in tyres since the temperature limits were lowered this year. “I think for me, the only concern is the warm-up,” said Perez when asked about the difficulty of getting Pirelli’s 2022 tyres into the right operating window for on-the-limit qualifying laps.”

‘Lower tyre blanket temperatures will put drivers at risk’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/09/29/...ivers-at-risk/


Rain expected during Singapore GP weekend, but F1’s sessions may avoid it
2022 Singapore Grand Prix weather
Posted on 29th September 2022, 11:0029th September 2022, 12:59
Written by Ida Wood

It is almost certain that there will be rain over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, but Formula 1’s competitive sessions may avoid it. Friday afternoon has a 50% chance of thundery showers, with the first practice session beginning at 6pm once the rainy weather is set to clear. However there’s still a 40% estimation that rain could return by then, with air temperature expected to be 29C. Three hours later, the cars take to the track again for second practice, and with only a slight temperature dip to 28C. Rain is still possible, but looks unlikely for the first bit of on-track action under the spotlights.

The weather is set to follow a similar pattern for Saturday, with temperatures being the same as the day before and with rain at its most likely in the early afternoon and therefore long before F1 hits the track for third practice session at 6pm. Any standing water could also be cleared by the two support series running beforehand.

But the forecasts indicate the race will start on a wet track, as was the case for the 2017 edition of the grand prix. From 6am to 7pm there is a consistent expectation of rain, although it dips to a 45% chance of precipitation at 8pm when the race begins.

‘Rain expected during Singapore GP weekend’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/09/29/...-may-avoid-it/

Hamilton on top during opening Singapore GP session.
Hamilton’s lap of 1:43.033s left him 0.084s faster than runaway title leader Max Verstappen.
30th Sept. 2022, 12:13
by Phillip Horton.
Motorsport Week.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time during opening practice for Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix. Singapore did not feature on the calendar in 2020 or 2021 owing to Covid-19 entry restrictions but secured a fresh deal through 2028 during its hiatus.

Formula 1 cars returned to the streets of Marina Bay on Friday evening, with the circuit unchanged since its last appearance in 2019, and seven-time champion Hamilton clocked the quickest time. Hamilton’s lap of 1:43.033s left him 0.084s faster than runaway title leader Max Verstappen. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc recovered from an early brake issue to set the third-best time.

Sergio Perez was fourth for Red Bull, with George Russell fifth for Mercedes, having slid wide at Turn 11 during the early stages of the session and made light contact with the barriers.

‘Hamilton on top’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...re-gp-session/


F1 2022 Singapore Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (1)
30 Sep 2022
Connor McDonagh

2022 F1 Singapore Grand Prix - FREE PRACTICE RESULTS (1)

Pos Driver Nat. Team Time
1 Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team 1m43.033s
2 Max Verstappen NED Oracle Red Bull Racing 1m43.117s
3 Charles Leclerc MON Scuderia Ferrari 1m43.435s
4 Sergio Perez MEX Oracle Red Bull Racing 1m43.839s
5 George Russell GBR Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team 1m44.066s
6 Carlos Sainz ESP Scuderia Ferrari 1m44.138s
7 Esteban Ocon FRA BWT Alpine F1 Team 1m44.736s
8 Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team 1m45.221s
9 Pierre Gasly FRA Scuderia AlphaTauri 1m45.258s
10 Fernando Alonso ESP BWT Alpine F1 Team 1m45.336s

‘Results from the first practice session at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Round 17 of the 2022 F1 world championship’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/results/101...tice-results-1


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Singapore Grand Prix
30 September 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

The F1 circus is back at the Marina Bay circuit for the first time since 2019. The drivers are hyped to be here, the fans are out in force - and the excitement levels are already building ahead of the first Friday practice session.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...opKArDMn1.html


Formula 1 teams’ Singapore Grand Prix upgrades revealed
30/09/2022, 09:55
By Mark Hughes
The Race

The full list of upgrades Formula 1 teams are bringing to the Singapore Grand Prix is out. Mark Hughes summarises what’s new at Marina Bay, including changes at Red Bull and big pushes from the teams fighting for fourth in F1’s constructors’ championship. Red Bull: A subtle reprofiling of the floor fences is all that Red Bull is reporting.

McLaren: Although the reprofiled radiator inlets are the most visually obvious of the changes McLaren has brought here, they also include accompanying changes to the fences and forward floor body. Alpine: Alpine has brought a very significantly different new floor, the effectiveness of which the team is very bullish about.

AlphaTauri: A new front wing is quite rare occurrence in the cost-controlled era but that’s what AlphaTauri has brought, to increase load on the inboard part and changes to the outboard part to improve wheel wake control. Aston Martin: Aston Martin has introduced different detail to its floor edge for more effective vortex generation. Williams: Williams has changed the material of the rear brake duct for better reliability. Mercedes, Ferrari, Haas: No updates reported.

‘Upgrades revealed’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/formu...ades-revealed/


McLaren snub at Singapore Grand Prix slaps Daniel Ricciardo in the face
September 30th, 2022 7:57 pm
Matthew Sullivan from News.com.au

Daniel Ricciardo has dismissed suggestions McLaren is treating him as its No. 2 driver after the team revealed he would not get the same engine upgrade as Lando Norris at the Singapore Grand Prix. This weekend Norris will be the sole recipient of McLaren’s upgrade package, which includes a new floor and sidepods.

But Ricciardo won’t get the upgrades until the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka the following weekend. The Australian was relatively unphased by the snub, suggesting the upgrades were designed with on eye to the 2023 season.

“Lando has got it,” he said ahead of the first Singapore Grand Prix since 2019. “Just with time and whatever, resources – ultimately it’s both – we’ll both have it in Japan, but this weekend it’s just him.”

‘Daniel Ricciardo slapped in the face’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...cdeacf02153d59

Sainz heads Ferrari one-two in second Singapore practice.
Sainz’s best time of a 1’42.587 was two tenths of a second quicker than his team mate, with George Russell a further tenth behind, just ahead of Max Verstappen.
2022 Singapore Grand Prix second practice
Posted on 30th September 2022, 15:3330th September 2022, 15:33
Written by Will Wood

The two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz Jnr and Charles Leclerc were fastest in the second Friday practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix. Sainz’s best time of a 1’42.587 was two tenths of a second quicker than his team mate, with George Russell a further tenth behind, just ahead of Max Verstappen.

Despite the sun having set between the end of first practice and the start of the second session, the temperatures had hardly changed by the time the second hour of practice got underway around the Marina Bay street circuit. Despite the sun having set between the end of first practice and the start of the second session, the temperatures had hardly changed by the time the second hour of practice got underway around the Marina Bay street circuit.

After being quickest in the opening session, Lewis Hamilton set the early benchmark of a 1’44.091 on medium tyres, half a second ahead of Fernando Alonso and George Russell in the other Mercedes. Russell, who gently nudged the barrier at turn 12 in the opening practice session, almost committed the same mistake in the early minutes, but managed to avoid contact with the wall.

‘Sainz heads Ferrari one-two’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/09/30/...pore-practice/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
30th Sept. 2022, 15:22
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari -1:42.587
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.208
3. George Russell Mercedes +0.324
4. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.339
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.595
6. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.825
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.844
8. Fernando Alonso Alpine +0.933
9. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.319
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.395

‘Singapore Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice ahead of the 2022 F1 World Championship race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-80117


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Singapore Grand Prix
30 September 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

Hello and welcome back to Singapore...
The sun has set, the lights are on and the track is looking spectacular ahead of the second practice session and the only one that's fully representative of the conditions the drivers will qualify and race in.

‘AS IT HAPPENED;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...qpmY1nift.html


Max Verstappen: Lost time for 'changes' means Singapore GP practice times 'not representative'
30 Sep 2022
Formula 1.

Max Verstappen says that "we couldn't really run a lot" during Friday's practice sessions for the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix due to changes Red Bull made to the Dutchman's car, meaning that his lap times were "not really representative."

‘Lost time for changes’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...769760802.html


2022 Singapore GP FP2: Russell slides towards the wall again at Turn 11
30 Sep 2022
Formula 1.

George Russell slides towards the wall at Turn 11 of the Marina Bay Street Circuit during second practice at the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, in a carbon copy of his bump into the barriers during first practice.

‘Sliding towards the wall!’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...991232032.html


Pierre Gasly forced to bail as car suddenly catches fire in scary scenes at Singapore GP
Pierre Gasly suffered the issue in the closing stages of FP2 for the Singapore Grand Prix
14:54, Fri, Sep 30, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Pierre Gasly’s car burst into flames while the Frenchman was still in it in a scary moment at the Singapore Grand Prix. The Alpha Tauri’s cockpit caught fire moments after Gasly returned to the pits towards the end of second practice.

The fire appeared to come from the top of the roll hoop as mechanics tried to push the car back into the pit garage. Gasly quickly jumped out of the car as mechanics put out the blaze with an extinguisher. However, the incident did not rule Gasly out of the session as he returned to the track moments later. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Ted Kravitz said: “Everything’s been sorted out. There’s been a bit of tape that’s been out over the fire-damaged engine cover.

“The team are telling me the fire started when the fuel breather was connected to the car but it was put out quickly and then he’s going back out on the circuit. I haven’t heard that before. I’ve had a fuel breather put in the wrong way and supercharged the air in the system.

‘Forced to bail as car suddenly catches fire’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ore-grand-prix


HOW MAX VERSTAPPEN COULD CLINCH THE F1 CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE SINGAPORE GP
September 30, 2022, ‎9‎:‎19‎ ‎AM
Jonathan Brazeau

Max Verstappen has the opportunity to wrap up his Formula One title defence as early as Sunday at the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Verstappen's Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez, Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz are the only other drivers remaining in the title hunt — mathematically at least.

Verstappen (335 points) holds a seemingly insurmountable 116-point lead over Leclerc (219), while Perez (210) is an additional nine points back and Russell (203) lags behind by seven more. Sainz (187) is only still in the picture until Sunday if we're being honest.

What are the scenarios? First off, Verstappen must win the Singapore GP. The Dutch driver needs to outscore Leclerc by 22 points, Perez by 13 and Russell by six. Even finishing second and earning the fastest lap bonus would only net Verstappen a total of 19 points and keep Leclerc hanging on by a thread for at least another week.

‘Further analysis’;

https://www.sportsnet.ca/auto-racing...-singapore-gp/

F1 mechanic looks terrified as AlphaTauri catches fire in Singapore GP pitlane.
AlphaTauri mechanics initially looked shocked but reacted quickly, using fire extinguishers to put out the blaze while Gasly swiftly jumped out of the vehicle.
19:26, 30 SEP 2022
BY Mark Whiley

There was a dramatic interruption to Pierre Gasly’s second practice session at the Marina Bay street circuit but remarkably he was back out on the track in a matter of minutes

There was a moment of terror during the second practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix as Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri suddenly ignited while stationary in the pit lane.

The Frenchman had just finished a run and was still sitting in the car as it was being wheeled back into the garage when an area around the airbox, just above the driver’s helmet, burst into flames.

‘F1 mechanic looks terrified’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...re-f1-28126468


Pierre Gasly had ‘barbeque feeling’ in fiery AlphaTauri at Singapore GP.
Friday 30th September 2022 9:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse

Despite his AlphaTauri doubling up as a barbeque in Singapore practice, Pierre Gasly said it is not something to worry about. There were shocked looks on the face of the AlphaTauri mechanics as a fire broke out on Gasly’s AT03 while they were pushing him back into the garage.

It was revealed by the team that a connected fuel breather was to blame, this backed up by Gasly as he described the incident to reporters at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It wasn’t ideal, got slightly hot when we connected the fuel breather, caught fire, but we could switch it off and restart again,” said Gasly.

“So yeah, just a bit of barbecue feeling, but it was nothing too bad in the end.” Asked if this is a concern going into Saturday, Gasly replied: “No, it’s just a procedure and just in these conditions because it’s so warm, but nothing worrying or concerning for the rest of the weekend.”

‘Barbeque Feeling’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pierre...ingapore-fire/


Singapore GP: Friday's action in pictures
30/09/2022 at 16:15
Michael Delaney

F1 teams completed their first day of running at Marina where Ferrari sole Mercedes thunder in FP2 and where Max Verstappen enjoyed a low-key start.

Check out our recap in pictures of the day 1 at the Singapore GP, round 17 of the 2022 F1 World Championship.

‘Action Pictures’;

https://f1i.com/news/455312-singapor...-pictures.html


F1 Singapore GP: Are Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in the fight for pole?
30 Sep 2022
Connor McDonagh

Mercedes enjoyed one of their strongest Friday showings as Lewis Hamilton set the pace for the first time in a practice session in 2022. Are they really in the fight for pole position? It’s crazy to think that FP1 for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix was the first time Lewis Hamilton had topped the timesheets in any practice, qualifying or race session this year.

Mercedes appear to be in the groove at the Marina Bay Street Circuit despite it being traditionally a tricky one in the hybrid era. While on the surface, second practice didn’t have the eye-catching times of the first session, Hamilton and George Russell’s qualifying simulations were disrupted by traffic and yellow flags.

Despite Mercedes’ strong start to the weekend, team boss Toto Wolff is remaining cautious, particularly as Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen didn’t manage representative runs on either low or high fuel. “I think Red Bull was in a bit of a mess. I don’t know what they’ve done setup wise or something else,” Wolff said after FP2. “I think yeah, we can be in the fight. Our long run was very competitive versus the Sainz long run, but again we haven’t seen Leclerc or Max.”

‘I think yeah, we can be in the fight’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101323...e-singapore-gp


Alex Albon ‘coping better than expected’ in Singapore upon return after health scare
Friday 30th September 2022 10:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse

Alex Albon caught many by surprise when he returned for the Singapore GP, but Friday practice thankfully did not flag up any issues. Albon was ruled out for the remainder of the Italian Grand Prix prior to FP3, the Thai driver suffering with appendicitis.

Asked by reporters how he was feeling physically, Albon replied “Okay. I’d leave it at okay! We knew it was going to be difficult, but I feel like I’m coping better than I expected. “We’ve had a good amount of long runs. It’s still a quarter of what we’d be doing come race day on Sunday, but I’ve still got a day to rest tomorrow and of course, just it being one race and one block of driving, it should hopefully be not too bad.”

“It feels okay when I’m in the car, generally speaking. It’s more just the heat! When you get out, you can feel that it’s obviously physical. But I feel like there’s no big issues so I’m feeling pretty good.” As for the performance side, Albon feels there is still more to come from himself in terms of finding the limits in his Williams FW44, though he would see escaping the first part of qualifying as a success.

‘Coping better than expected’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-a...pore-practice/


Daniel Ricciardo insists he’s not being ‘overconfident’ as two 2023 options emerge
Daniel Ricciardo is searching for a 2023 seat and has been linked to Haas and Williams.
1 October 2022
by Nick Golding

Daniel Ricciardo has returned to his hilarious prankster-self ahead of this weekend’s returning Singapore Grand Prix, after revealing that having some time with his family prior to the race helped him “feel like a kid again”.

The Aussie who is still searching for a 2023 seat following his incoming McLaren departure, has recently told reporters that he’d “accepted” the prospect of sitting on the side-lines for a season potentially as a reserve driver; however, a recent interview has given the impression that the 33-year-old might know something the world doesn’t.

Ricciardo is known to have held discussions about a potential move to Haas for next year, but Guenther Steiner informed the media that they wouldn’t pursue the eight-time GP winner until he decides if he wants to race next season.

‘Two 2023 options emerge’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/daniel-ri...ptions-emerge/


Singapore Grand Prix chiefs defied F1's ban to bring back gorgeous grid girls.
Formula One owners Liberty Media controversially banned grid girls from race weekends back in 2018 but they still appeared at the Singapore Grand Prix later that same year.
20:26, 30 SEP 2022
BY Ciaran Wiseman

Singapore Grand Prix chiefs once defied Formula One's ban on grid girls by bringing them back to the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Back in 2018, F1 owners Liberty Media banned grid girls at the start of the season as they believed that having them appear at race weekends was not beneficial to the sport's modern image. However, they still appeared in Singapore come September, donning their iconic sarong kebayas as they lined the track ahead of the race.

A spokesperson for the race's title sponsors, Singapore Airlines, explained at the time, via TNP: "Our cabin crew are brand ambassadors for Singapore Airlines and will continue to play an integral role in the F1 2018 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix."

‘Gorgeous Grid Girls’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...girls-28126786

Leclerc fastest in rain-shortened Singapore Grand Prix final practice.
Charles Leclerc set the quickest time in a rain-shortened third and final Formula 1 practice at the Singapore Grand Prix.
01/10/2022, ‎12‎:‎00

Charles Leclerc set the quickest time in a rain-shortened third and final Formula 1 practice at the Singapore Grand Prix. Torrential rain at Marina Bay led to W Series qualifying being abandoned, with FP3 going green at the scheduled start time of 18:00pm local but the cars were not allowed out due to the conditions.

The session eventually got underway 30 minutes in, with Pierre Gasly the first to venture out on the full Wet tyres. The field switched to intermediates, with Leclerc and Max Verstappen trading fastest laps throughout the session.

A 1m:57.782s from the Ferrari driver was enough to claim top spot, with Verstappen's best effort a 1m:58.308s. Carlos Sainz Jr, Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez rounded out the top five ahead of qualifying.

‘Leclerc fastest’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-fa...final-practice


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
01/10/2022, 12:16
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:57.782
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.526
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +1.066
4. Fernando Alonso Alpine +1.647
5. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.744
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +2.591
7. Esteban Ocon Alpine +3.129
8. Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin +3.225
9. George Russell Mercedes +3.228
10. Daniel Ricciardo McLaren +3.254

‘Singapore Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from a damp final practice ahead of the 2022 F1 World Championship race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-...and-prix-80121


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Singapore Grand Prix
01 October 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

Alright, looking ahead then and qualifying gets under way at 21:00 local time, 13:00 UTC.

Leclerc stuck his Ferrari on pole here in 2019, and knows what it takes to extract a brilliant lap around the Marina Bay circuit. Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton also have poles from this track - Verstappen does not.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5zccd6yKW.html


Lewis Hamilton blasted by furious Yuki Tsunoda during Singapore Grand Prix practice
12:08, Sat, Oct 1, 2022
By Joe Krishnan

Lewis Hamilton was the subject of an angry radio message from AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda.

Lewis Hamilton was blasted by Yuki Tsunoda in a furious radio message during the Singapore Grand Prix free practice after angering the AlphaTauri driver. The Japanese was left fuming by the Mercedes star's behaviour on track after the Briton appeared to block him while on a hot lap in the final practice session on Saturday at the Marina Bay street circuit.

‘Lewis Hamilton blasted by furious Yuki Tsunoda’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ore-GP-F1-news


Red Bull demand rivals withdraw ‘fictitious, defamatory’ claims they broke cost cap
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 1st October 2022, 10:26
Written by Keith Collantine

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has vehemently refuted suggestions his team exceeded Formula 1’s cost cap last year, and said the claims were timed to overshadow Max Verstappen’s likely championship win.

Reports emerged yesterday claiming the FIA has found two teams were not in compliance with the new financial regulations which were introduced last year, and Red Bull could be one of them.

Verstappen beat Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 drivers’ championship in a controversial finale last year. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said yesterday that if Red Bull over-spent in 2021, it could give them a development advantage this year and next.

‘Red Bull demand rivals withdraw ‘fictitious, defamatory’ claims’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/01/...roke-cost-cap/

F1 2022 Singapore GP Qualifying Results.
Charles Leclerc qualified for the F1 2022 Singapore GP on pole position just ahead of Sergio Perez in the Red Bull.
October 1, 2022
By John Smith

Charles Leclerc pulled out a sensational lap at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix to take pole position in a thrilling end to the session at Marina Bay, just beating out Sergio Perez in the Red Bull.

The damp conditions in Singapore meant qualifying initially started on intermediate tyres, but as we moved into Q3 the Marina Bay surface started drying and we had a sensational final few minutes on slick tyres as the track evolved.

Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and finally Leclerc had their cars in top spot, with the Ferrari man eventually taking pole. Max Verstappen strangely aborted his penultimate flying lap, then on his last, he was ordered into the pits, which resulted in a tirade of abuse towards his Red Bull team.

‘Charles Leclerc on pole’

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...fying-results/


Qualifying Results – 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay, Singapore
01/10/2022, 14:28
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Q3
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:49.412
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.022
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.054
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.171
5. Fernando Alonso Alpine +0.554
6. Lando Norris McLaren +1.172
7. Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri +1.799
8. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +1.983
9. Kevin Magnussen Haas +2.161
10. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +2.571

‘Singapore Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for this weekend’s 2022 F1 World Championship race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying...and-prix-80128


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix
01 October 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

First and foremost - the weather. If you weren't around for FP3, final practice was run in wet conditions on a mixture of the full wet and intermediate tyres. No signs of any slicks, no sign of a fully dry racing line.

While the radars showed the heaviest rain had passed and the session did dry up, there is still a chance of more rain today and even a possibility of a wet race tomorrow.

All of which has played havoc with the teams' chosen programmes and data gathering and leaves far more questions than answers heading into qualifying. It's dry as it stands - but will it stay that way?

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...RS3NnDq5v.html


Esteban Ocon's Alpine was 'pulling to the right' during Singapore GP qualifying
01 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Esteban Ocon reveals that Alpine "had some issues with the brakes on the last lap and the car pulling to the right" during qualifying for the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

‘Pulling to the right';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...192553588.html


Hamilton called to F1 stewards for potential jewelry breach
Published: 14:14, 1 October 2022
By Associated Press

SINGAPORE (AP) - Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton was summoned to appear before the stewards for a potential jewelry breach ahead of qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix on Saturday.

‘Potential jewelry breach’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap...ry-breach.html


Formula 1: Charles Leclerc facing elimination in Singapore
01/10/2022, 15:03
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Charles Leclerc can be mathematically eliminated from winning the 2022 Formula 1 world championship in the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may still be sitting in second place in the Formula 1 driver standings, which is where he has been for much of the time since losing the lead with his Spanish Grand Prix retirement back in May, but he could be eliminated with five races remaining on the 22-race 2022 schedule.

Leclerc is one of five drivers still in championship contention following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and he is one of four who could be eliminated in the season’s next race, the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit this Sunday, October 2.

Following his runner-up finish in the 53-lap race around the 11-turn, 3.6-mile (5.794-kilometer) road course in Monza, Italy, Leclerc trails points leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 116 points.

‘Charles Leclerc facing elimination in Singapore;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2022/10/01...ion-singapore/


Formula 1: Sergio Perez facing elimination in Singapore
01/10/2022, 15:03
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Sergio Perez can be mathematically eliminated from winning the 2022 Formula 1 world championship in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, there are five drivers who still mathematically have a chance to win the 2022 Formula 1 world championship, and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who sits in third place in the driver standings through 16 of 22 races on the schedule, is one of them.

But after a sixth place finish in this 53-lap race around the 11-turn, 3.6-mile (5.794-kilometer) road course in Monza, Italy, Perez sits 125 points behind points leader and teammate Max Verstappen. As a result, Perez could be eliminated as early as the next race on the schedule, which is the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit this Sunday, October 2.

‘Sergio Perez facing elimination in Singapore’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1...x/Singapore+GP

Verstappen fumes over Red Bull’s “really bad” fuel error which cost him shot at pole.
Max Verstappen says the fuel miscalculation by his Red Bull team that forced him to abandon an almost certain pole lap is “never acceptable”.
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 1st October 2022, 16:11
Written by Will Wood

The world championship leader – who has a slim chance of clinching his second world title tomorrow – will start from eighth on the grid for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix. He looked on course to clinch pole position on his final lap of qualifying as he was almost a second faster than eventual pole winner Charles Leclerc through two sectors before his team told him to abandon his lap.

Verstappen was furious on the radio after being called into the pits, demanding an explanation for why he had to abandon his lap. He had also backed off from his penultimate lap in the final sector under instruction from his team. This was done in order to give himself more space on the track to Pierre Gasly ahead of him, and allow Verstappen to complete a final flying lap when the track conditions were at their best.

Asked by Sky whether he believed he would have been on pole position had he not abandoned his final lap, Verstappen said he “already felt [that] the lap before as well. Then they told me to abort,” Verstappen explained, “so I was like ‘okay, we’ll do that’. But then on the final lap they told me to box and then I realised what was going to happen – we ran out of fuel.”

‘Verstappen fumes fuel error’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/01/...-shot-at-pole/


Horner explains Red Bull miscalculation and why Verstappen aborted final qualifying lap at Singapore GP
Max Verstappen was odds on to take 2022 Singapore GP pole position, but was ordered into the pits at the end of his final flying lap in Qualifying
October 1, 2022
By John Smith

A furious Max Verstappen had to abort his final run in qualifying for the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explaining it was due to a fuel sample needing to be taken after the session. Verstappen was 0.9s up on Charles Leclerc’s eventual pole position time, but was ordered into the pits by Red Bull, as he would now have had one litre of fuel remain if he had completing his final run. “I think it was a miscalculation on our side,” Horner told Viaplay.

“I think we fuel the car for five laps and because the track was ramping up so quick we got an extra lap so he [Verstappen] was perfectly placed. “But obviously it’s critical to give the fuel sample, so the hardest call in the world when you’re two and a half seconds up on his lap time. I think we just made it harder for ourselves by qualifying in P8.

“Obviously if you don’t give the [fuel] sample you’re starting from the pit lane. So frustrating but great pace in the car and phenomenal performance by Checo [Perez]. Just to miss out by two hundreds was really tight for him.” If Verstappen was unable to provide the FIA with the required sample of fuel after qualifying, he could have had to start the race from the back of the grid due to disqualification from the session.

‘Disqualification would have resulted, if Verstappen had been unable to provide the FIA with the required sample of fuel’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-singapore-gp/


Sergio Pérez 'will try everything I possibly can' to win Singapore GP
01 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Sergio Pérez "will try everything I possibly can" to win the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, with the Red Bull driver set to start Sunday's race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from P2 on the grid.

'Will try everything I possibly can';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...021614191.html


Leclerc relieved to take pole after late switch to slicks and error on final lap
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 1st October 2022, 15:451st October 2022, 15:46
Written by Keith Collantine

Charles Leclerc said he was very happy to take pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix after a series of problems during the first two days. The Ferrari driver endured a disrupted day of running yesterday. The qualifying session was complicated by rain which left the track surface wet and it was slow to dry.

After completing the first two phases of qualifying on intermediates, Leclerc was set to continue using them in the final phase, but decided at the last moment to join Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jnr in running slicks. “It’s been a very tricky qualifying,” said Leclerc. “Q1, Q2 with the inters then in Q3 we didn’t really know what to do. We went with the soft at the very last minute and it paid off.”

Leclerc thought he had ruined his final qualifying effort after making a mistake at turn 16. “It was really tricky,” he said. “I did a mistake in the last lap so I thought we wouldn’t get pole but it was just enough so I’m really, really happy.” He was especially pleased with the result after a series of problems with his car limited his running on the first day.

‘Relieved to take pole’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/01/...-on-final-lap/


Leclerc: Ferrari have to do 'perfect execution' to win Singapore GP
01/10/2022, ‎15‎:‎23
Author Rory Mitchell

Ferrari driver took pole by 0.022s from Sergio Perez, after a dramatic end to qualifying in changing conditions at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari will have to do a "perfect execution" to win the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver was happy with his effort that took pole by 0.022s from Red Bull's Sergio Perez, describing the session as 'tricky' and having gambled on the Soft slick tyres at the last minute.

"It's been a very, very tricky qualifying: Q1 and Q2 with the Intermediates, then hitting Q3 we don't really know what to do," Leclerc told media. We went for the soft at the very last minute and it paid off. I did a mistake in my last lap, so I thought we wouldn't get pole, but it was just enough."

‘Ferrari have to do 'perfect execution' to win’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-fe...n-singapore-gp

Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz kicked out of interview area at Singapore Grand Prix.
The controversy and drama continued at the Singapore Grand Prix after qualifying as shocked Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz was asked to leave an interview area during a live broadcast
19:00, 1 OCT 2022
BY Mark Whiley

With the camera fixed on Leclerc, Kravitz spluttered “what, hello” before asking the official “are you chucking us out?” The camera turns and the official, wearing an F1 branded uniform, cheerily replies “I am” while a shocked Kravitz reluctantly leaves the area. Incredulous, he can’t resist looking back and asking for an explanation.

“Aren’t we normally in here?,” he asks. “No? Has the rule changed?” He receives an inaudible response before adding “oh right, sorry everyone” before continuing with the programme. He then asks his cameraman “don’t we normally do that in the [media] pen? Maybe there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Kravitz did at least have plenty of F1 issues to take his mind off his unexpected ejection, including the Red Bull fuel error which led to Max Verstappen abandoning his final Q3 lap as he looked set to take pole position from Leclerc. There was also the budget cap saga which is engulfing the same team to get his teeth into.

‘Kravitz reluctantly leaves the area’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...ts-f1-28131784


Ted explains WHY Max had to box on his final lap! �� | Ted's Quali Notebook | Singapore
Oct 1, 2022

ManCave Hobbies
lol poor TED getting kicked out from the boys club lol

Deao Satori
Probably the politest "chucking out" ever, from both parties.

Mr Cheetah
hahaha, kicked :D

David 777
Ted isn’t an official pen interviewer so she chucked him out

Coded Fotography
ted's humour is so funny

The Thrawn Scotsman
Why are people complaining about the lass at 02:40? It looked like they know each other and she was just messing about. They probably see each other in the press office. Ted should get her on next time and have a chat with her.

Knight Lautrec
Why did they get kicked out? How odd.

James Bond
Chucking ted out ,f1 is bucked ???

Fast_Car 1000
I hope sky sports bosses read this and speak with this lady boss cause that was bloody rude, Ted brings the best news and coverage for fans. Absolutely disgusted at the way Ted was treated and talked too, F1 should ashamed of themselves and embarrassed, not Ted because I bet he feels it.

Harley B
That women dared to interrupt Teds GOATbook.. I'm shocked...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AKZWbuoKh8


Singapore GP: Post Qualifying press conference
01/10/2022
NEWS STORY
Parc Ferme Interviews - Conducted by Naomi Schiff

Q: Congratulations, Charles, incredible lap there in front of this incredible crowd here in Singapore. For everyone here and for everyone at home, take us through that lap.
Charles Leclerc: I didn't hear the end. But yeah, definitely an amazing crowd. And it's great to see so many people attending the event. It's been a very, very tricky qualifying - Q1, Q2 with the inters, then in Q3, we didn't really know what to do. We went for the soft at the very last minute. And it paid off. I mean, it was really, really tricky. I did a mistake on my last lap, so I thought we wouldn't get pole, but it was just an off. So really, really happy.

Q: Thank you very much. Congratulations. Checo, your first front-row start here in Singapore. What are you looking forward to the most tomorrow?
Sergio Perez: To that start. I think there's a good opportunity tomorrow already from the start to attack Charles and go for the win. It's quite disappointing to miss out on pole by two hundredths. But at the end of the day this is a great team result. My team did a fantastic job - the right calls out there and yeah, pretty happy and a solid job.

Q: Congratulations, Lewis, you kept us on your toes in that session. There was a moment when we thought you might have pole position, but it wasn't to be today. Talk us through what this track is like for you and how special it is.
Lewis Hamilton: Well, firstly, hi everyone in Singapore. I was pushing so hard, it was so, so close. I was trying so hard. These guys are always so quick. But I really thought maybe just with a perfect lap, it was really hard to get that, we could be fighting for first place. But I just didn't have the grip on the last lap. But nonetheless, I'm grateful to be on a second row and I'm grateful to the team for continuing to push and you know, we just keep our heads down and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

‘Post Qualifying press conference’;

https://www.pitpass.com/73742/Singap...ess-conference


Charles Leclerc happy with tyre gamble after ‘we didn’t really know what to do’
Saturday 1st October 2022 7:45 PM
Henry Valantine

Charles Leclerc took a “special” pole position in Singapore after switching to dry tyres in Q3 – but admitted there had been indecision at Ferrari in doing so. Intermediate tyres were used throughout the field in both Q1 and Q2, with only three drivers attempting laps on dry rubber in the second part of qualifying, although it proved to be the wrong decision at that moment.

Leclerc had called on Ferrari to ask for soft tyres in Q2 – the first driver to ask to do so – but they eventually opted to stay on inters, which got them through to Q3. The intermediates stayed on Leclerc’s F1-75 as Q3 started, but he opted to go onto slicks as the track gradually dried – with each of the top 10 drivers eventually able to set times in drier conditions.

The Ferrari driver managed to pip Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton to pole position with only 0.054s separating all three drivers. World Championship leader Max Verstappen had been on for what appeared to be a near-certain pole lap, but was forced to abort it due to concerns about the lack of fuel in his Red Bull.

‘We didn’t really know what to do’

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...e-tyre-gamble/


Perez: Chance to attack Charles and go for the win
2 October, 2022
Paul Velasco

Sergio Perez will start the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix from the front row where he intends to attack pole winner Charles Leclerc, the Red Bull driver sniffing a chance of fourth Formula 1 victory for his CV. With teammate Max Verstappen victim of bad ‘fuel maths’ and only good for eighth, Perez will be looked on to fly the flag for Red Bull, harass Leclerc and go for victory while his teammate finds his way to the sharp end, as he tends to do.

A mere 0.22s was the difference between Perez and Leclerc’s top times in qualifying at Marina Bay Circuit, which clearly inspired the Red Bull man: “It is a chance from the start to attack Charles and go for the win. “I was quite disappointed to miss out on pole by two hundredths but it is a great team result and they did a fantastic job with the right calls out there so very happy. It was so tricky to learn the conditions. It could be wet again so it will be crucial not to make any mistake, that will be critical for us,” explained Perez.

Later in the team report, he added: “I think we have done a solid job today, the Team made great calls and we managed to get an excellent result in the end after our worst Friday of the season yesterday; we didn’t have any mileage and we had issues with set-up too, so we didn’t have a read on things, but we went back over things and have come out strong. “I will try everything I possibly can to win, I think the start will be very important so I will try everything but if that doesn’t work, I have 61 laps more, then it is a long race ahead, let’s see what happens,” concluded Perez.

‘A chance from the start to attack Charles and go for the win’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/10...re-qualifying/


‘We should have finished the penultimate lap’: How Verstappen’s Q3 went wrong
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 1st October 2022, 20:542nd October 2022, 1:00
Written by Keith Collantine

Max Verstappen looked on course to claim a vital pole position in Singapore when he sensationally aborted his final lap. That left him only eighth on the grid in a car which was clearly quick enough for pole position. But as team principal Christian Horner explained later, the team faced a choice between that or starting from the pit lane.

As the final seconds of qualifying on the damp-but-drying Marina Bay circuit ticked down, the realisation had dawned on the Red Bull pit wall that they hadn’t put enough fuel in Verstappen’s car. He likely had sufficient fuel to make it to the finishing line, but not enough to make it back to the pits and provide the required one-litre sample.

Crossing the line and running dry on track isn’t an option, as the rules state “if a car has not been driven back to the pits under its own power, it will be required to supply the […] sample plus the amount of fuel that would have been consumed to drive back to the pits.”

‘We should have finished the penultimate lap’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/01/...q3-went-wrong/

Perez wins Singapore GP after rain delayed race.
October 2, 2022
By Matt Neill

Sergio Perez navigated a series of safety cars and treacherous conditions to take his first victory at the Singapore GP for Red Bull following a delayed start due to torrential rain. The forecast had suggested that the race would be affected by rain, and that turned out to be the case as the start was delayed by one hour to allow the track time to dry out, with all drivers eventually getting going on intermediate tyres.

Perez, starting from second on the grid behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, had the better launch once the lights went out and managed to take the lead immediately, eventually stretching his advantage to nearly 2 seconds by the end of Lap 7. A series of incidents throughout the race brought out the safety car, neutralising Perez’s lead at the front, but each time the Mexican was able to fend off the chasing Leclerc to maintain his lead and cross the chequered flag around 4 seconds clear.

Leclerc threw everything at the Red Bull as he chased him down following a late safety car caused by the retirement of Yuki Tsunoda, but was ultimately unable to get the move done. There were questions around whether Perez maintained the mandatory 10-car distance to the safety car ahead of the various restarts, with the matter referred to the stewards for judgement once the race finished, and Perez could yet face a time penalty.

‘Sergio Perez wins Singapore GP’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...er-rain-delay/


Race Results – 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay, Singapore
02/10/2022, 16:17
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing -60 laps
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +7.595
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +15.305
4. Lando Norris McLaren +26.133
5. Daniel Ricciardo McLaren +58.282
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +61.330
7. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +63.825
8. Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin +65.032
9. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +66.515
10. Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri +74.576

‘Singapore Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2022 F1 World Championship race around the Marina Bay Street Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-resul...and-prix-80144


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
02 October 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

Well, where even to begin to start with that one?

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GPiZG0Iu8.html


Singapore GP: Sergio Perez takes victory in eventful wet/dry race
02 October 2022
Ben Issatt
Formula 1

Sergio Perez led every lap to claim an impressive victory at the rain-hit Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. The Mexican took the lead at the start and didn't look back to cross the finish line 7.5s clear of Charles Leclerc, though does face an investigation for a Safety Car infringement.

A heavy rainstorm caused a one-hour delay to the start but conditions had dried enough for all drivers to choose intermediate tyres. When the lights went out, a good start allowed Perez to take the lead from second into Turn 1.

But unable to attempt a move, the race evolved into the Monegasque trying to stay within five seconds of the Mexican, who was put under investigation for a potential Safety Car infringement. Ahead, Perez was able to stretch ahead of Leclerc in the closing laps, taking the chequered flag 7.5s clear of the Ferrari to take the win provisionally.

‘Sergio Perez takes victory’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula...l-wet-dry-race


Why Singapore Grand Prix ended early after dramatic race included five Safety Cars
Sergio Perez won a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix which didn't complete the full 61 scheduled laps.
16:35, Sun, Oct 2, 2022
By Stuart Ballard

For the second time this season, an F1 race failed to complete the full scheduled laps in what proved to be an eventful evening at the Singapore Grand Prix. Torrential rain an hour before the scheduled start of the race saw the Singapore Grand Prix delayed until 2:05pm BST.

Once the race got underway, there was just two hours for the Grand Prix to be completed. The Singapore Grand Prix is usually seen as one of the longest races in the F1 calendar and every race in it's short history had included at least one Safety Car. It soon became clear that the Singapore Grand Prix wouldn't be able to finish the allotted 61 laps. Instead, there was a timer in the virtual leaderboard on the side of the screen counting down to the end of the race.

That timer was due to sporting regulations which prevent races from running over two hours long. At that point, Perez had 26 minutes to hold off a fast-charging Leclerc in the closing stages with DRS also now enabled.

‘Sporting Regulations’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...in-Safety-Cars

Perez handed 5-second post-race penalty for Safety Car infringement – but holds onto Singapore Grand Prix win
02 October 2022
Formula 1.

Sergio Perez’s elation after crossing the line in P1 at the end of a tough Singapore Grand Prix was kept in check by a post-race investigation hanging over him for an alleged Safety Car infringement – with Perez ultimately handed a five-second penalty that meant he held onto his fourth career victory.

Perez was actually investigated for two occurrences of failing to keep within 10 car lengths of the Safety Car during a pair of caution periods. However, the Mexican driver was handed a reprimand for the first of these, which occurred on Lap 10 after Zhou Guanyu and Nicholas Latifi made contact – Perez claiming that his brakes and tyres hadn’t been warm enough in the damp conditions to keep pace with the Safety Car.

‘Sergio Perez holds onto Singapore Grand Prix win’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...NgObHpLr4.html


Stewards ‘took their time over a non-issue’ with Perez penalty decision – Horner
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd October 2022, 19:34
Written by Keith Collantine

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner criticised the length of time taken by the stewards to confirm Sergio Perez as the winner of the Singapore Grand Prix. The stewards announced before the race was over they would rule on an investigation into Perez’s driving after the chequered flag. Red Bull duly warned him he could face a penalty, and Perez pulled out a seven-and-a-half second margin over second-placed Charles Leclerc at the flag, to reduce the impact of any penalty.

However Horner doesn’t believe the Perez’s infringement was serious enough to deserve a penalty. “The Safety Car could have been a real stumbling block but how many times have we had to deal with a Safety Car lap and how many precedents are there?” he said. “For us, this time, it really was a non-issue. The stewards took their time with it, but they reached the right decision. It would have been a incredible shame to have taken that victory away from Checo.”

Horner praised Perez’s performance on his way to his second victory this year. “It was a massive result for him and we are super-proud of him,” he said. “That was world class from Checo,” he added, “it is right up there as one of his best drives. He was always fighting and even though he had a lot thrown his way he managed to stay on top.”

‘Took their time over a non-issue’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/02/...cision-horner/


Sergio Pérez 'knew I was going through a bad patch' before Singapore GP victory
02 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Red Bull's Sergio Pérez is "super happy" with victory in the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, especially because he was "going through a bad patch" in recent races.

‘Going through a bad patch' before Singapore GP victory’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...029368263.html


Sergio Perez responds to media doubters after Singapore GP victory
Sunday 2nd October 2022 7:45 PM
Henry Valantine

Sergio Perez was pleased to silence any doubters against him in the media after taking victory in the Singapore Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver’s fourth career F1 victory came with a consummate drive that saw him lead from lights out to chequered flag around Marina Bay, overtaking pole-sitter Charles Leclerc before Turn 1 and not looking back from there.

He held the Ferrari driver at arm’s length for most of the race and with an inquiry hanging over him for multiple Safety Car infringements, opened up a seven-second gap to Leclerc before the end of the race. It was a gap he needed too, with a lengthy investigation by the stewards resulting in a reprimand and a five-second penalty for the 32-year-old after dropping too far behind the Safety Car on multiple occasions – but he was able to keep his victory as a result.

“It means a lot to me,” Perez said to Formula1.com after the race. “Every win is special but I’m the type of guy that is always working under the radar and not making big noises out there. I knew I was going through a bit of a bad patch. There’s been two races I haven’t been on the podium, but obviously the media makes a big thing, probably because I’m Mexican, and they start to make all these comparisons, [like] the biggest mistake Red Bull has made to bring me here. So I’m super-happy to get this victory under my belt, and with such a strong performance out there today.”

‘Media makes a big thing, probably because I’m Mexican’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...ers-singapore/


Singapore Grand Prix: Sergio Perez hails 'best performance' after overtaking and holding off Charles Leclerc
Last Updated: 02/10/22 7:17pm
SKY

Sergio Perez won the fourth Grand Prix of his career in Singapore, surviving a post-race stewards' investigation; F1 returns next weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix and all sessions are live on Sky Sports F1 including the race at 6am on Sunday October 9

Sergio Perez celebrated "the best drive of his career" as he dominated a gruelling Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.

Perez is one of only two men who can still mathematically deny Max Verstappen this season's drivers' championship and overtook the other - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc - on the opening lap before controlling the rest of the race to secure his fourth career victory.

‘Sergio Perez hails 'best performance' after overtaking and holding off Charles Leclerc’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/14...harles-leclerc

F1 Singapore Grand Prix: What we learned from Sergio Perez’s street circuit supremacy to useless wet tyres.
Sergio Perez took a thoroughly impressive victory in difficult conditions at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday to secure the fourth win of his career and delay team-mate Max Verstappen‘s inevitable coronation as a two-time Formula One world champion.
October 3, 2022 7:01 am
By Daniel Austin
Sports writer

The Mexican took the lead from Charles Leclerc off the start line and led all the way to the end from there in a race which was delayed by a torrential downpour, with drivers spending the majority of the gruelling two-hour grand prix on intermediate tyres before switching to slicks in the final stages. Try as he might, Leclerc could not overtake Perez and ultimately dropped back from the Red Bull’s gearbox.

‘Thoroughly impressive victory in difficult conditions’;

https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-on...18?ITO=newsnow


Perez feels ‘rough patch’ exaggerated but he must build on win
Oct 3 2022
By Scott Mitchell-Malm

Singapore Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez thinks Formula 1 media made his “rough patch” in recent races into a “lot bigger” problem than it really was and even suggested that could relate to his nationality. Perez started the 2022 season strongly but has struggled as the RB18’s development has increased its rear instability, which has led to fluctuating form but a consistent deficit to Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.

“This win is really special for me, because I’ve had a bit of a rough patch in the last few races,” said Perez. “The media in Formula 1 makes it a lot bigger, maybe because I’m just Mexican. And if I’m not two races in a row in the podium, then I’m having the worst season ever and Red Bull should drop me and all that sort of stuff that you get to see. It’s just nice to get that win. It’s not a reminder to anyone of how good I am. But it’s just always good to be able to put together this sort of performance.”

‘Must build on win’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/perez...-build-on-win/


Conclusions from a rollercoaster of a Singapore Grand Prix
Monday 3rd October 2022 6:00 AM
Oliver Harden

The real Sergio Perez finally stands up. After celebrating his Red Bull contract extension with victory in Monaco back in May, Perez has spent the last few months on the missing list. Another street circuit made up of slow corners and traction zones, Singapore was the perfect place for Perez to finally wake from his mid-season slumber even before the heavens opened and put an even greater value on his feather-light touch of the throttle. That skill won him the lead at the start and – in sweltering conditions on a track treacherously wet in places yet close to dry in others, negotiating multiple Safety Car interruptions and managing an engine driveability issue – was his greatest strength in keeping Leclerc far enough behind.

A weekend to learn from, not forget, for Verstappen. When a competitor starts to relax or sees no further room for improvement, they put themselves on the path towards failure. Go easy, then, on Verstappen for his harsh – some might argue misguided – reaction to Red Bull’s fuel misjudgement at the end of qualifying in Singapore. As he berated his own team both over the radio in the media pen – describing the mistake as “never acceptable” and repeating that it simply “shouldn’t happen” – there was a temptation to grab Max by the shoulder and remind him of his lead in the Championship.

Hamilton’s 2022 frustrations are increasingly evident on track. Hamilton keeps smiling through the pain and keeps saying all the right things as he nears the end of the most difficult season of his F1 career. He sees 2022 not as a disaster from start to finish, but a valuable lesson for both him and Mercedes. He’s really proud of the progress the team has made, he tells us, and he’s certain they will get there in the end. But since F1’s summer break, have the frustrations of this season – or, possibly, his desperation to force a breakthrough result with the temperamental W13 – started to manifest themselves on track?

‘Rollercoaster of a Singapore Grand Prix’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/co...re-grand-prix/


Singapore Grand Prix: Top Three Press Conference
2 October, 2022
FIA
Track Interviews conducted by Paul Di Resta.

Q: Carlos, obviously on the podium today, third, looked a pretty tough race. How was it for you?
Carlos Sainz: Yeah, very tough out there and never really got into a rhythm in the wet and then, yeah, couldn’t challenge the top two guys because I was always struggling a bit more with the rear, with the car. So, in the end, in these conditions, when you don’t have that extra bit of confidence I had to settle a bit for P3. The good thing is I didn’t’ do any mistakes, I could bring the car home and I could be quick towards the end of the race when I managed to build a bit of confidence – but yeah, good result for the team for the Constructors’ Championship. A shame that we couldn’t get the win.

Press Conference
Q: Checo, what a race, you’ve just led every lap of the Singapore Grand Prix. How good does that feel?
SP: It felt great. It was such a good start, first of all, which really, was great, you know, to really do the first… I basically felt that I had the race on the first section, on the Inters, under control. I could really do what Charles was doing, and open-up the gap. If was important to make sure we had good tyre life. I honestly was expecting the track to dry-up earlier than it did. I think if George wasn’t out there, there will be a lot more people going earlier. But at the same time, I mean, it was such a tricky race. I think the keys to the race today was to control the pace on the Inter, have good pace when we need it, and the second one was to survive on the slicks in the beginning, because we were with extremely poor conditions. I think sometimes people, when they’re looking at you, underestimate how hard it is, and how easy it is for us to make a mistake. We basically were going to few places where it was properly damp, properly wet and it was super, super tricky, to make a mistake. I had a lot of moments, so first of all, I’m really happy I finished the race. But secondly, to win this race. It’s super special.

Press Conference
Q: Charles, brilliant job by you as well, though I’m sure you’re feeling a little frustrated. Does this feel like 2019 all over again?
CL: No, no, every race has a different feeling. But the frustration is there, obviously. I mean, the pace was really good today. Unfortunately, we had a bad start and from that moment onwards we were a little bit on the backfoot. I tried to put quite a lot of pressure on Checo. But yeah, you overheat the tyres pretty quickly, and then you drop a little bit. So it was very difficult to stay always on the gearbox of Checo. But the performance was there. I also think that the choices we’ve made today were the right ones. And as I’ve said before this weekend, no, I want to use these last few races for us to get better on the execution of the race, especially, and I feel like it’s a step forward this weekend. We need to do other steps forward. But it’s a good step in the right direction. And on that I’m happy. But of course frustrated with the second place today.

‘FIA hosted top three press conference after the Singapore Grand Prix;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/10...-conference-5/


WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM F1’S 2022 SINGAPORE GP
20:16 Sun, 02 Oct 2022.
By Josh Suttill and Matt Beer
The Race

WINNERS
SERGIO PEREZ: Each of Sergio Perez’s three previous F1 wins have had some element of Perez triumphing through the chaos and ending up as the surprise victor each time.
MCLAREN: If McLaren manages to finish fourth in the 2022 F1 constructors’ championship despite rarely having the fourth-fastest car and effectively being a one-driver team for much of the year given the performance gulf between Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, it’ll be a remarkable result.
ASTON MARTIN: Aston Martin’s 2022 season has lacked a big points haul and Singapore finally delivered one.

LOSERS
MAX VERSTAPPEN: “Incredibly messy” was a great way for Verstappen to summarise how the first weekend when he could’ve clinched the 2022 title turned out.
FERRARI: This isn’t a race that Leclerc or Ferrari threw away. In the rare instance where 2022 dominator Verstappen had an off day, Ferrari and Leclerc will feel like losers.
ALPINE: Another chance for Alonso to add to (and repeatedly refer to!) his rolling tally of how many points he’s lost to reliability problems on his side of the Alpine garage this year.
HAAS: This was a big missed opportunity for a Haas team that was leapfrogged by Aston and had its one-point advantage over AlphaTauri eliminated in the constructors’ championship.
MERCEDES: Mercedes had identified Singapore as potentially one of its strongest races of the second half of the season…
ALPHATAURI: Pierre Gasly was furious with his AlphaTauri after a race where he dropped from a potential fifth (or at least seventh) to the final points-paying position.

SINGAPORE GP WINNERS AND LOSERS

https://the-race.com/formula-1/winne...-singapore-gp/

Charles Leclerc’s fitness questioned after he admits he ‘degraded’ during Singapore GP.
Having been on the Red Bull’s gearbox for most of the race, Charles Leclerc fell 7.5 seconds behind race-winner Sergio Perez, who was subsequently hit with a five-second penalty.
09:40, 3 OCT 2022
BY Mark Whiley

Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc had to settle for second place following a long and punishing Singapore Grand Prix. The Ferrari man was jumped at the start by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who went on to win the race despite later being hit with a five-second penalty for falling too far behind the safety car.

Singapore is regarded as the most physical and draining race on the calendar, with drivers losing around three kilos during the two-hour affair. But it seemed to take its toll on Leclerc more than most. As he chatted with fellow podium finishers Perez and Carlos Sainz in the cool-down room after the race, Leclerc admitted: “Those last 15 laps, I degraded myself!”

Normally such an eloquent speaker in several languages, Leclerc looked drained during his post-race interview with Paul di Resta and could only manage short answers. His condition was spotted by Sky Sports pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, who remarked during his post-race Notebook programme: “Did you hear in the cool-down room? Was there a moment where Charles Leclerc said I didn’t have degradation on my tyres, I had degradation on myself? Did Leclerc get knackered and lose speed in himself? Just an open question, I’m wondering.”

‘Charles Leclerc’s admits he ‘degraded’ ’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...re-gp-28139013


LECLERC ADMITS MISTAKES IN CHASING DOWN PEREZ IN SINGAPORE.
Charles Leclerc admits he made mistakes in the final minutes of the Singapore Grand Prix that potentially cost him the victory.
08:30, 03/10/2022
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds

Sergio Perez had a phenomenal start, so Charles Leclerc had to work hard in the heat to get close to the Mexican. Leclerc’s overtaking woes. Perez was locking up his tyres several times, especially in turn 14, but Leclerc still couldn’t get past. According to racefans.net, Leclerc commented: “I wasn’t close enough unfortunately whenever he had those lock-ups. I don’t think it was especially down to how ready his tyres were, I think he did few mistakes at the beginning which is again normal in those conditions.”

“But I wasn’t close enough to actually attempt an overtake, unfortunately.” Leclerc’s chances to get closer to Perez were challenging to assess on the track, which was partly wet and then dry again. The Monegasque was at the limit: “Everything was really on the limit. I mean, with the dirty air in conditions like this, the slightest mistake, you pay it big time.”

“So I did few mistakes, I was just trying to be as close as possible because I had to make, basically, the overtake on the straight. I couldn’t really go on the braking zone and brake later because I didn’t really know how was the track in the inside and I didn’t want to take that risk. I had one lap where I was really close and I actually thought about going in the inside and braking later, but for me it was not worth it so I was just waiting for the right opportunity. That unfortunately didn’t arrive at the end.”

‘Charles Leclerc admits he made mistakes’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/le.../?nowprocket=1


Charles Leclerc’s blunt reply after Ferrari told him about Sergio Perez penalty
Charles Leclerc was just two seconds short of claiming victory at the Singapore GP.
3 October 2022
by Nick Golding

Charles Leclerc didn’t quite have what it took to win the first Singapore Grand Prix since 2019, as the Ferrari driver was beaten comfortably in the end by Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez.

He was told by his race engineer towards the end of the two-hour long Grand Prix that the leader had been “told to push”. Leclerc demanded silence from his team, as he tried to keep up with the blistering late pace set by the race winner.

“Pérez is told to push for the penalty,” said Leclerc’s race engineer. “Stop speaking to me…” the Monegasque bluntly replied. The result means just two points now separate Leclerc and Pérez for second in the Drivers’ Championship, something they’ll both be pushing to achieve.

“Stop speaking to me…”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/charles-l...perez-penalty/


Charles Leclerc: “It’s a shame to finish second”
October 3, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson

Despite achieving his third consecutive podium of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship at the Singapore Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has been left ruing his poor start to the race, which the Monegasque driver stated put him on the back foot for the remainder of the race.

Putting the disappointment of once again failing to convert pole position into the race victory to the side, Leclerc stated that he felt the team had taken a step forward in terms of their race execution.

“Our pace was really good today so it’s a shame to finish second. We had some wheel spin at the start and didn’t get away as well as Checo (Perez). That put us on the back foot. I pushed to put pressure on Checo but my front tyres got a bit too warm and he started pulling away. As I’ve already said, I want to use these last races to improve our execution of races and I think that we made a step in the right direction today.”

‘Shame to finish second’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...finish-second/


Binotto: We have been brave
3 October, 2022
Jad Mallak

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto hailed his team’s performance and strategy decisions during the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix describing them as brave. Truth be said, Ferrari did not commit any errors on Sunday in Singapore, and keeping aside Charles Leclerc losing the start to Sergio Perez – ultimately costing him the race win – the Scuderia were on their best behaviour in terms of strategy and pit wall decisions.

Binotto believed that timing his team chose to switch from Intermediate tyres to Mediums was the correct one and bold. “In the end [of the race] we have been fast in the dry in the switch to slicks,” he told Sky Sports F1. “We have been brave to be the first to switch to slicks, between us and Sergio. We went well on the wet and the dry and that’s the biggest positive of the weekend.”

Speaking of the start of the race he said: “At first our start was not great, we lost a position at the start and that has affected the rest of the race. We could have got a better start, finally, we could have got a better result today. “Now, on the start itself Charles had a good reaction time, the procedures on the car worked but later Charles had wheelspin because he didn’t have enough grip,” the Ferrari boss clarified. “We will review it but that has effected the rest of the race.”

‘We have been brave’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/10...ve-been-brave/


Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto: “We are disappointed with the result of today’s race”
October 3, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson

While disappointed to not claim the race victory, Binotto was still pleased with the team’s response in Singapore across the weekend following a tough triple-header for the Maranello-based team.
“We are disappointed with the result of today’s race. It’s been quite a while that we have been chasing a win and today we came close. Having said that, we picked up a good number of points thanks to a second and a third place. Overall, it was a difficult weekend to manage, but the car worked well in both the wet and the dry.”

“Here in Singapore, Ferrari showed that it had got over the difficulties of Spa and Zandvoort and we were able to get our performance back on track, which bodes well for the coming races.”

‘Picked up a good number of points’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...f-todays-race/

McLaren: Singapore F1 swing showcases "open battle" for P4 with Alpine.
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl says the team isn't getting carried away by jumping Alpine in the standings after Formula 1's Singapore Grand Prix, as the recent points swings show the fight for fourth remains an "open battle".
Oct 3, 2022, 7:23 PM
By: Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

In a wet-to-dry race, Lando Norris produced an error-free display to move up from sixth to fourth following a duel with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who both slipped up. Starting from 16th, Daniel Ricciardo also had a strong race to finish behind Norris in fifth, after delaying a switch from intermediates to slicks until a lap 36 safety car.

In stark contrast to McLaren's 22-point haul, both Alpines of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon retired due to power unit failures, allowing McLaren to suddenly jump the Enstone team for fourth in the constructors' championship and lead by four points.

When team boss Seidl was asked by Motorsport.com if he was surprised to be leading Alpine after generally struggling to match it on pace in recent months, he said the points swing simply shows the fight for fourth will remain an "open battle" until the last lap in Abu Dhabi, with Alpine's huge score in Belgium now undone by McLaren's Singapore success.

‘Open battle’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...pine/10378775/


Andreas Seidl on McLaren Overtaking Alpine: We’re “back in the game!”
October 2, 2022
By Nick Golding

McLaren F1 Team Principal Andreas Seidl couldn’t have been happier at the outcome of the first Singapore Grand Prix since 2019, as Lando Norris finished fourth and Daniel Ricciardo fifth, to seal a first double top five finish of the season for the Woking-Based Team. Seidl knows full well that his team are now “back in the game”, with the pressure seemingly now on their French rivals to comeback.

“Twenty-two points. Back in the game! Thanks to the entire team for delivering an excellent result this weekend, in hot, humid conditions here at the track in Singapore, back at the MTC and our colleagues at Mercedes HPP. Daniel and Lando both had superb drives today in tricky conditions.”

“They did not put a wheel wrong on a day when many of their peers went off – but equally they benefitted from great teamwork and clear communication from their strategists, engineers and the pit crew, who once again delivered.”

‘We’re “back in the game!’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...k-in-the-game/


“The whole team did a great job” – Lando Norris
October 2, 2022
By Nick Golding

Lando Norris‘ run of finishing in seventh-place finally came to an end, as the McLaren F1 Team driver crossed the line in a brilliant fourth-place, after a strategically flawless performance. The British driver made a strong start to the Singapore Grand Prix and quickly found himself all on his own in fifth.

With conditions being treacherous, Norris was told that he’d be extending his opening stint on the Intermediates by as long as possible, something which worked perfectly for both him and the Woking-based team. Norris was very happy with his performance at the Marina Bay Circuit, and was quick to say “well done to the entire team”.

“A very good day, with both cars in the top five. It was a tough race, especially with the conditions, but the whole team did a great job today. We scored a lot of points which was so important for the Constructors’ Championship. Well done to the entire team. I’m very happy.”

‘Whole team did a great job’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-lando-norris/


‘Hardest race of my career!’ – McLaren’s Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo react to Singapore Grand Prix
Monday 3 Oct 2022 12:31 pm
Callum McAvoy

Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo both admitted they were too exhausted to celebrate McLaren’s best result of the season at the Singapore Grand Prix. While many drivers and cars fell victim to the conditions, Norris and Ricciardo kept calm and collected throughout and thanks to great strategy calls from the team, and a dash of luck, they recorded McLaren’s best result since their 1-2 in Italy last year.

‘We needed this, and as much as I’m looking forward to Japan, I want to enjoy this one,’ said Ricciardo post-race. ‘Finally, everyone is in good spirits. But I’m definitely too tired to party so I’ll just have a little drink here with the team and celebrate what’s been a good day.’

‘I certainly feel good – it’s been a long time. My last top five was a year ago in Saudi Arabia so yeah, I hadn’t had one this year, which is kind of sad, but we know the year it’s been, and I feel like I was certainly due some good fortune.’

‘Too exhausted to celebrate’;

https://metro.co.uk/2022/10/03/f1-mc...o=newsnow-feed


Daniel Ricciardo rumour mill in overdrive after best friend's cryptic social media post
Ricciardo could miss out on a Formula 1 seat for next season after his McLaren axing, with Haas the only realistic option remaining for the eight-time race winner
11:02, 3 Oct 2022
Daniel Moxon
F1 Writer

Rumours surrounding Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 have been sent into overdrive again after a cryptic social media post from one of his closest friends.

Nothing is yet certain, but fans have been gossiping once again thanks to a TikTok post from Ricciardo's close friend Scotty James. The snowboarding star, a double Olympic medallist and three-time halfpipe world champion, posted a short video clip with his partner Chloe Stroll.

Considering she is sister to F1 driver Lance Stroll, and James' close relationship with Ricciardo, it is reasonable to assume they both have access to insider knowledge when it comes to the inner workings of the F1 paddock. So fans were left curious as they mimicked a scene from popular TV show Friends in which they hinted that they were in possession of some juicy gossip.

‘Rumour mill overdrive’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-haas-28139950

Two-place rise in championship a “welcome reward” for Aston Martin.
Aston Martin scored their best result of the season so far in Singapore and moved up two places in the championship, which team principal Mike Krack said was a “welcome reward” for their efforts.
2022 Singapore Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd October 2022, 12:13
Written by Keith Collantine

Lance Stroll equalled the team’s highest finishing position of the season with sixth place. Team mate Sebastian Vettel added to their points haul in eighth, having been overtaken by Max Verstappen on the final lap. Lance Stroll equalled the team’s highest finishing position of the season with sixth place. Team mate Sebastian Vettel added to their points haul in eighth, having been overtaken by Max Verstappen on the final lap.

Krack praised his drivers’ efforts as both finished five places higher than they started. “Lance drove fast yet patiently to sixth place, scoring an excellent eight world championship points for us,” he said. “Sebastian, finishing eighth, added four more, pipped for seventh on the final lap by a hard-charging Verstappen. On a very slippery track surface, both our drivers handled an extremely tricky task superbly. As a result, we have climbed a couple of places in the constructors’ world championship, which is a welcome reward for the steady progress we have been making recently.”

Aston Martin moved past Haas and AlphaTauri into seventh place in the constructors’ championship. They are 15 points behind Alfa Romeo with five races left. “Formula 1 is a team effort, and in particular I want to pay tribute to our mechanics, who have worked long and hard in very humid conditions over the past few days, and executed our pit stops brilliantly this evening,” Krack added. “I also want to thank the team back home at Silverstone, who also did a fantastic job.”

‘Welcome reward’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/03/...-aston-martin/


Aston Martin’s Mike Krack: “Both our drivers handled an extremely tricky task superbly”
October 3, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson

Mike Krack, the Team Principal of Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team, has heaped the praise on both of his drivers after both Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel were able to work their way through the tricky conditions of the Singapore Grand Prix to claim the team’s second double points finish of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

Both Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel were able to make their way up into the top ten on the opening later, with Vettel particularly enjoying a remarkable start to the race with the German climbing five places to eighth by the end of the opening lap. The Aston Martin duo had taken advantage of Max Verstappen’s poor start to the race but the Dutchmen would soon be passing Lance Stroll on the second lap and would eventually make his way past Sebastian Vettel at the safety-car restart on the eleventh lap of the race.

A mistake from Yuki Tsunoda on lap twenty-one would allow Stroll to rejoin the point-paying positions and just moments later both Aston Martin drivers would be moving up a place in the order as Fernando Alonso’s race came to an abrupt end. The Aston Martin pitwall followed the rest of the grid in electing to pit both drivers onto a set of medium tyres on lap thirty-four, with Sebastian Vettel coming in first, followed by Lance Stroll a lap later. A slow out-lap from Vettel would subsequently allow Stroll to execute an overcut on his teammate and rejoin the grid in seventh place.

‘Both our drivers handled an extremely tricky task superbly’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...task-superbly/


Lance Stroll 'happy to pick up a bunch of points' in Singapore GP
02 Oct 2022

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll is "happy to pick up a bunch of points" with a P6 finish in the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, after things "went our way" in a chaotic race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

"Happy to pick up a bunch of points";

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...132500780.html


Lance Stroll: “It feels so good to pick up sixth place tonight”
October 3, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson

Speaking after the race, Stroll was left delighted after achieving his best result of the season, which has also helped Aston Martin climb two positions in the Constructor’s Standings.

“It feels so good to pick up sixth place tonight, which is my best result of the season. It was also a good day for Seb, so we have come away with a big bunch of points. That is great for everybody in the team who is working so hard. It was a tricky race: the track surface was very slippery for the whole race, and it was not easy to stay out of trouble.”

“It took a very long time to dry, just as it did yesterday. It was just a case of waiting for the areas with the new asphalt to dry out before the switch to slicks, which we timed really well. We have moved up in the teams’ championship, which is important and a nice boost as we enter the final part of the season.”

“It feels so good to pick up sixth place tonight”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...place-tonight/


‘Things just went our way’ – Aston Martin drivers thrilled with biggest points haul of 2022 in Singapore
03 October 2022
Formula 1.

Aston Martin picked up their second double-points finish of the season and jumped Haas and AlphaTauri in the standings as Lance Stroll finished sixth and Sebastian Vettel eighth in the Singapore Grand Prix – both drivers leaving the Lion City delighted with the outcome.

The team in green had Stroll start 11th and Vettel 13th, but both drivers kept their noses clean in a race of attrition that saw six drivers retire, plus mistakes from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Five-time Singapore GP winner Vettel said his start was the key to a P8 finish.

“I knew I had to be aggressive at the start,” he said, “so after the initial bit of patience across the line, I knew I had to push, which I did. I was checking out some lines on the lap to the grid and it worked, so happy with that. And after that, I think we got a bit unlucky; I would have liked to stay out longer – we’ll have a look – but I think it wasn’t great that the Safety Car just came out, which just then banked the positions.”

‘Things just went our way’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...NnIS4QROC.html


Watch: Onboard Sebastian Vettel’s lightning start at Singapore
Sebastian Vettel has claimed five victories at the Marina Bay Circuit in his F1 career.
3 October 2022
by Nick Golding

Sebastian Vettel rolled back the years in his final Singapore Grand Prix, after achieving an excellent eighth place finish at a circuit he has such a special relationship with. The German driver made an astonishing start in conditions which probably reminded him of 2017, where himself, Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen all collided after launching from the line.

The retiring 35-year-old who started P14, worked his way through to ninth by the exit of Turn Five, after appearing to have substantially better grip than those around him. The German explained the importance of being “aggressive at the start” and revealed how he knew he could make rapid progress on the opening lap.

“I knew I had to be aggressive at the start,” Vettel said. “First patience, then I started pushing. In the formation lap I looked at different lines and that worked well.” Vettel quickly settled into the race towards the bottom of the points, at the circuit where he’s achieved eight podiums, including, an unmatched five victories.

‘Sebastian Vettel’s lightning start’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/watch-onb...-at-singapore/


ONBOARD: Vettel gains five places in brilliant start to 2022 Singapore Grand Prix
02 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Ride onboard with Sebastian Vettel at the Marina Bay Street Circuit as the Aston Martin driver gains five places in a brilliant start to the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

‘ONBOARD with Sebastian Vettel’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...660154490.html


Sebastian Vettel Wasn't Raised Like Other F1 Champions and He Isn't Retiring Like One, Either!
Motorsports A to Z: Sebastian Vettel, ‘A’ is for agitator.
Oct 3, 2022
By Mike Guy

CAYCE CLIFFORD
“What is an activist?” asks Sebastian Vettel. He’s scratching his scruffy face and grimacing, bristling at the accusation that he has become one. It’s hard to argue against it: Over the past couple of years, even as he’s struggled to find top-10 finishes with the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, Vettel has become the sport’s loudest voice on topics many racing fans won’t appreciate: civil rights, boycotting Russia, the plight of underprivileged children, the burdens placed on the Global South, and, most significantly, climate change, which he believes is linked to everything.
This story originally appeared in Volume 13 of Road & Track.

‘A’ is for agitator

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...ettel-profile/

Alonso slates "unacceptable" Alpine loss.
Fernando Alonso has vented his frustration after a double DNF for Alpine at the Singapore Grand Prix allowed McLaren to jump the French team in the F1 constructors' standings.
Sunday 2 October 2022 18:29
Sam Hall & Ewan Gale

After starting the race with an 18-point advantage over its main rival in the fight for fourth, Alpine left the Marina Bay Street Circuit trailing by four. Both Alonso, making an F1 record 350th start, and team-mate Esteban Ocon retired within six laps of one another on 21 and 27 respectively with suspected power unit issues.

Explaining how many points he feels he has lost this year, a frustrated Alonso said: “I think I was around minus 50, so now we add another eight so it is minus 58 or minus 60 in a year which is unacceptable on my car, on car 14. “If you put me 60 points more in the standings and you reduce obviously 10 or something from the others, because you take points from the others as well, my championship would look much better and close even to the Mercedes.

“That probably is more accurate of the performance that we have put in this year of which I am very proud, even today. Another top five, top six we were fighting for. But the standings don’t translate the true performance.”

"Unacceptable";

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/92...ne-retirement/


Fernando Alonso now 'minus 60 points' due to 'mechanical issues'
02 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso feels that he is now "minus 60 points" due to "mechanical issues" this season, following the Alpine driver's forced retirement from the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

'Minus 60 points'

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...601605259.html


Alonso rues huge loss of points after Singapore DNF: It hurts
04/10/2022, ‎13‎:‎25
Author Anna Francis

"It's a pity to retire early from today’s race, and it means we've missed out on some decent points in the championship," Alonso said after the Grand Prix. "I think we can look at the positives and we can be very proud of our performance this weekend again. We were fighting for the top five and six positions on Saturday and similar in today’s race.”

"It was a very tricky race in difficult conditions, and it was hard to see the dry line appearing on the track. We have another race coming next weekend, so at least we can shift focus immediately to Japan and getting back into the points there."

Despite being able to take the positives from the weekend, Alonso has been reflecting on the amount of points he has lost through recording four retirements during the season. Latest DNF "hurts" for Alonso. Taking to social media after the race, Alonso reiterated that the deficit of points has been difficult to accept, but thanked fans for continuing to show their support.


‘It hurts’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-rue...e-dnf-it-hurts


Alpine believe ‘similar issue’ caused their Singapore double DNF
Monday 3rd October 2022 8:00 PM
Jon Wilde

Alpine have indicated the problems that forced Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon’s retirements from the Singapore Grand Prix were related. Within seven laps of each other and before the halfway mark, both Alpine drivers had stopped by the side of the Marina Bay circuit which was drying out after heavy rain and a 65-minute delay to the race start.

It was a desperately poor weekend for Alpine as their arch-rivals this season, McLaren, capitalised on their double DNF by taking fourth and fifth places respectively through Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. That meant Alpine are down to fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, now trailing McLaren by four points.

“A pity as we’ve been very competitive all weekend,” was Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer’s take on events. “It looks like we suffered a similar power unit issue on both cars which we will investigate in detail. It’s important we identify the root cause of what happened and put preventative measures in place to avoid a repeat.”

‘Similar issue caused their Singapore double DNF’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine...singapore-dnf/


‘Put Fernando Alonso in other people’s cars, and he would’ve won more titles’
Tuesday 4th October 2022 11:00 AM
Jamie Woodhouse

Max Verstappen said that if it had been Fernando Alonso in the world title-winning cars, then he would have won more than his current two. Alonso muscled his way to the pinnacle of Formula 1 back in 2005, winning his first World Championship to end the dominant streak of Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher, who had won five titles in a row between 2000-2004.

Verstappen is now on the verge of crowning himself a two-time champ, which would also be achieved in back-to-back seasons like Alonso did. Discussing that topic in Singapore, Alonso would bring up his own stats in reference to the upcoming achievement which now seems like a formality for Verstappen.

“He’s 24 or 25, no? So there’s still a lot in front of him, but I wish him more luck than me because I was also 26 with those stats and still have the same stats at 40!” Alonso stated. In response, Verstappen said that looking back, Alonso would have won further titles if he was in the dominant cars that have taken drivers to the Formula 1 summit in past years.

‘Would’ve won more titles’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...o-more-titles/


Pierre Gasly deal with Alpine inching closer with Nyck de Vries teed up by AlphaTauri as F1 driver market takes shape
4 Oct 2022
James Dielhenn

Pierre Gasly could finalise his move to Alpine ahead of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, says Helmut Marko. The F1 2023 driver line-up is nearing completion and Gasly’s expected switch from AlphaTauri to Alpine is one of the few remaining major changes.

Nyck de Vries is teed up by AlphaTauri as his replacement and the whole saga could be closed within days. “There are talks,” Red Bull consultant Marko told the Austrian TV ORF. “And we hope to have a clear situation by next weekend. I assume that should be decided by Suzuka. Then can we say what’s the deal.

“First the Gasly thing has to be clarified then it will be decided who comes to AlphaTauri. “For AlphaTauri, it must not be a deterioration. That means it must be a high-profile and fast driver.”

‘Pierre Gasly deal with Alpine inching closer’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101376...-dominoes-fall

Russell: Mercedes definitely had a car capable of winning.
The Mercedes driver thinks the world champions let the chance for a first victory of the season slip through their fingers at the 2022 Singapore GP
October 3, 2022
By Andrew Wright

Despite finishing last of the 14 drivers who crossed the line at the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, George Russell insists Mercedes had a car that could have won on merit around the Marina Bay circuit.

The world champions arrived in Singapore with cause for optimism but Russell‘s hopes of a first F1 victory went up in smoke after a brake issue in qualifying and a new engine meant he started from the pit lane, while Lewis Hamilton could only manage ninth after he locked up in pursuit of Carlos Sainz and ended up hitting the barrier at Turn 7.

“Firstly, confidence restored that we fixed the car today and we had our normal pace,” Russell told reporters. “We definitely had a car this weekend that was capable of winning.

‘The chance for a first victory of the season slipped through their fingers’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-singapore-gp/


‘We had a car to win’ – Russell admits he and Mercedes missed a golden opportunity in Singapore.
George Russell reckons Mercedes could have claimed their first victory of the 2022 F1 season on merit at the Singapore Grand Prix, had he and his team executed a cleaner weekend.
03 October 2022
Formula 1.

Russell suffered a surprise Q2 exit at the Marina Bay Street Circuit as brake issues – which followed several off-track excursions in practice – scuppered his efforts, with Mercedes electing to turn his P11 grid spot into a pit lane start by fitting a host of new power unit elements.

Working his way up the order from the back of the field, Russell was the first driver to make the switch from intermediates to slicks as the wet-dry race developed, but any hopes of a points finish were dashed when he clashed with Haas driver Mick Schumacher and picked up a puncture.

After crossing the line as the final finisher in 14th, with the fastest lap to his name, Russell said: “We were in no man’s land, to be honest. Potentially it was [worth switching to slicks], because at the restart we were flying – I overtook three people on one lap after the Safety Car.”

‘We had a car to win’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...33FnW8oRD.html


George Russell: Mercedes driver confident over 2023 car design philosophy
Last Updated: 04/10/22 9:40am
SKY Sports.

George Russell has revealed a new "philosophy" Mercedes are working towards on their 2023 car design has left him confident of a return to contention next season.

Mercedes have endured, by their extremely-high standards, a dismal 2022 campaign, failing to challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull for both the drivers' and constructors' world championships.

A series of performance issues with the W13 has left Mercedes without a win going into the final five races of the season, while a poor weekend in Singapore saw them fall away from Ferrari in the battle for second in the constructors' standings.

‘Confident over 2023 car design philosophy’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...ign-philosophy


Wolff reflects on 'tough lesson' for Mercedes in Singapore.
As they look to challenge Ferrari for P2 in the Constructors' Championship, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits that the team's hopes have taken a knock following a challenging weekend for them at the Singapore Grand Prix.
‎03‎ ‎October‎ ‎17‎:‎00
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Wolff was left frustrated that Mercedes were unable to utilise the pace that the car had displayed during the weekend. "This season has given us several tough lessons – and today was another one," Wolff explained after the race.

"We started from opposite ends of the grid with our two cars, but we couldn't capitalise on the car's race pace with either of them, when it came to an end result. Lewis was fighting for the podium for much of the race – but also battling a car balance that was on a knife edge today, in difficult conditions and on the bumpy surface.”

"After he locked up and damaged the wing, the stop to change tyres and the nose cost him position – then he lost out even more when cars ahead pitted under Safety Car and jumped ahead. That left him stuck in a train of cars on very similar aged tyres, and he couldn't make up any ground.”

'Tough lesson';

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-refl...s-in-singapore


Mercedes dealt "tough lessons" in Singapore slip - Wolff
Monday 3 October 2022 18:10
Ewan Gale

After a power unit change triggered a pit lane start, Russell struggled to make progress in the wet opening stages of the race. A gamble in switching early to slicks failed to pay off before contact with Mick Schumacher's Haas left Russell outside of the points.

"We rolled the dice on dry tyres when he was running out of the points," said Wolff. "In hindsight, it was clearly too early, but he had nothing to lose, so we were prepared to take the gamble. "Even so, as the race unfolded, he was still on course to make it back to the points until the collision with Mick, which put him last on the road.”

"The biggest frustration is that we couldn't build on the signs of competitive performance we saw in FP2 and in qualifying." With Ferrari securing a double podium, Mercedes' hopes of clinching second in the constructors' championship is now a steep climb as it trails the Scuderia by 67 points.

‘We rolled the dice on dry tyres’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/92...es-toto-wolff/


Toto Wolff offers excuse for Lewis Hamilton’s shocking performance
Sir Lewis Hamilton finished ninth in Singapore, while George Russell slumped to P14.
4 October 2022
by James Clifford

Hamilton lost third off the start to Carlos Sainz and, in his haste to pass the Spaniard, locked up at Turn Seven, sailing off into the barrier. Somewhat remarkably, he was able to continue with some damage to his front wing, but he later had a sideways moment while trying to leapfrog Sebastian Vettel.


Toto Wolff: “Lewis was fighting for the podium for much of the race – but also battling a car balance that was on a knife edge today, in difficult conditions and on the bumpy surface. After he locked up and damaged the wing, the stop to change tyres and the nose cost him position, then he lost out even more when cars ahead pitted under Safety Car and jumped ahead.”

“That left him stuck in a train of cars on very similar aged tyres, and he couldn’t make up any ground. The biggest frustration today is that we couldn’t build on the signs of competitive performance we saw in FP2 and in qualifying.”

‘Toto Wolff offers excuse’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolf...g-performance/

Honda logo to return to Red Bull and AlphaTauri cars from Japanese GP onwards.
Honda will feature their logo on the AlphaTauri AT03 and Red Bull RB18 from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards as they ramp up their partnership with their former F1 engine customers.
05 October 2022
Formula 1.

Although the Japanese marque officially left F1 at the end of 2021, having powered Max Verstappen to his maiden title with Red Bull, Honda still have a presence in the sport. In August they extended their support deal with Red Bull Powertrains and have admitted an interest in the new-for-2026 power unit regulations.

And starting with this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, and continuing until at least the end of the season, the Honda logo will return to the cars of both AlphaTauri and Red Bull. Furthermore, Singapore Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez will become an ambassador for the Suzuka-based Honda Racing School, which mentors those aged 15-21.

“Honda has invested significantly in hybrid technology over the course of our partnership,” began Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner. “This has ensured the supply of competitive power units to both teams, for which we are very grateful. Our combined goal is to continue to deliver dominant engines and achieve the most success possible in the following three years. To mark this, we look forward to welcoming the Honda logo back on to the car from Suzuka onwards.”

‘Honda logo to return’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...tGGaVJ6Jq.html


Japanese Grand Prix weather: Rain forecasted during Suzuka race weekend
Wednesday 5th October 2022 5:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse

Formula 1 returns to Suzuka for the first time since 2019 to contest the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, and you probably need an umbrella. Like Singapore where Formula 1 revisited last weekend, the Japanese Grand Prix also had been absent from Formula 1 for the past couple of years due to the global pandemic, but now makes its much-anticipated return to the schedule.

Formula 1 will come armed with challengers looking far different to their 2019 predecessors, while the 2022 World Champion could well be crowned at Suzuka. It was a messy weekend for Max Verstappen in Singapore, who had an against-the-odds chance of sealing his second title there and then. Finishing the race P7, it meant moving on to Japan with Charles Leclerc and Singapore victor Sergio Perez just about still in contention.

For the first time though it is all now in Verstappen’s hands. If he wins the Japanese Grand Prix, which he is yet to do in his career, and takes the bonus point for fastest lap, then there is nothing Leclerc nor Perez can do, Verstappen will be a two-time World Champion. Japan is of course the preferred destination for Red Bull to see Verstappen crowned champion, as it is the home race for their power unit supporter Honda, who it was announced ahead of the race weekend have ramped up their partnership with the Red Bull teams with the return of their logos, plus some further initiatives.

‘Japan is of course the preferred destination for Red Bull’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/2022-j...-prix-weather/


Japanese Grand Prix: 5 dramatic moments from the F1 archive
05 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Check out five of the most dramatic moments at the Japanese Grand Prix, from a three-wheeled Jacques Villeneuve to a Daniil Kvyat flip.

‘5 dramatic moments’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...197176660.html


Alfa Romeo ‘need to score’ at Suzuka after ‘stupid incident’ last weekend
2022 Japanese Grand Prix
Posted on 5th October 2022, 12:17
Written by Ida Wood and Will Wood

Alfa Romeo’s head of trackside engineering Xevi Pujolar says the team “need” to score points in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, having taken a single point from the last eight races.

“We just need to make sure that we score some points in Suzuka, and need to keep pushing,” said Pujolar. “I think it’s more tough for Haas and AlphaTauri. But for sure we cannot back off.” The team expects to make some development gains before the end of the season, said Pujolar. “We will have some upgrades in the next events.

“We just need to make sure that we qualify stronger than what we did here, and still [make sure the] start, lap one improves, and we should be then fighting with the guys in the top 10 as well, as several times this year. What we expect is we want to be fighting for the Q3 on Saturday, and from there we want to fight for the points with both cars. That’s what I want, the expectation.”

‘Alfa Romeo need to score’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/05/...-last-weekend/


Verstappen's title charge and Suzuka's return – 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the Japanese GP
05 October 2022
Chris Medland
Special contributor

Fresh from a dramatic race in Singapore, it’s the return of another exciting venue as Formula 1 heads to Japan for the first time since 2019. Here are a few of the topics we expect to be doing the rounds when the paddock reconvenes in Suzuka…
1. Title permutations for Verstappen
2. The budget cap
3. Midfield fights
4. Driver market movement
5. Stunning Suzuka

‘5 Storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...yuWc6API9.html

Yuki Tsunoda back home for Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
“Yuki is a faster driver than I am,” Verstappen says in Japanese in a funny Twitter post. It’s unclear if the Red Bull driver— who can clinch his second straight season title on Sunday — knew what he was saying.
October 05, 2022 11:50 PM
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer

SUZUKA, JAPAN
There's no place like home for Yuki Tsunoda, Japan's only Formula One driver who will be an overwhelming fan favorite in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. Tsunoda will be wearing a special helmet designed by a fan, he's all over social media because of a karaoke session in Japan with AlphaTauri teammate Pierre Gasly, and he has even taught defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen a few words of Japanese.

Images of Tsunoda's face are also up on posters all around the track area. “It's definitely cool,” Tsunoda said Thursday “Currently, I don't feel like it's pressure. It really makes me feel supported and gives me extra energy.” Tsunoda isn't yet in Verstappen's class, but he's a rising talent and one of only two Asian drivers in F1 along with China's Zhou Guanyu. Tsunoda has earned 11 points this season — all in the first six races. Zhou has six points with Alfa Romeo,

Verstappen has 341 points, 104 ahead of Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, and 106 clear of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Five races remain in the season, including the Japanese GP. “I think, realistically that Max is going to be a champion — if not this weekend it's going to be very, very soon,” Leclerc said. Tsunoda should have an advantage at Suzuka. He learned racing there as a graduate of the so-called Suzuka Racing School, and said he's driven on the track in central Japan since 2016. “I drove here like more than 10,000 laps or whatever,” he said. “So I know a lot of tricks.”

Max: “Yuki is a faster driver than I am,”;

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/sports...mainstage_lead


How Max Verstappen can pip Charles Leclerc to F1 title this Sunday at Japanese Grand Prix.
For the first time this season Verstappen has the chance to bag the championship, irrespective of what any other driver does. The 25-year-old just needs to win the Japanese race and cement the fastest lap to get his hands on the trophy for a second time.
Max Verstappen looks certain to get his hands on his second consecutive F1 world title this year.
05:15, Thu, Oct 6, 2022
By Tom Parsons

Max Verstappen currently leads the F1 Drivers’ Championship by a whopping 104 points. The Red Bull ace, whose nearest rival is Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, is closing in on title glory despite finishing a lowly seventh at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. And he looks set to win his second consecutive world championship trophy after getting his hands on it for the first time last December.

If Verstappen wins the Suzuka race but doesn’t secure the fastest lap point, he will need Leclerc to finish third or lower to become champion. Perez will be out of the running for the title if Verstappen crosses the line in first position.

While Verstappen will be focused on his own race at the Japanese Grand Prix, he doesn’t necessarily need to win it to become champion. The Dutchman only needs to bag eight more points than Leclerc and six more points than Perez to get this hands on the title.

‘Second consecutive F1 world title’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Lewis-Hamilton


Max Verstappen has chance to end six-year Mercedes stronghold at Japanese Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is within touching distance of winning his second world championship.
By Sam Smith
18:08, Wed, Oct 5, 2022

Max Verstappen can give himself the best chance of winning the world championship at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix by overcoming the huge stronghold Mercedes have had on the event over the last decade. The Red Bull ace hopes to have the title wrapped up soon to avoid a late comeback from Charles Leclerc or even team-mate Sergio Perez.

Verstappen remains 104 points ahead of Leclerc and will surely win the championship in the coming weeks, if not in Japan. Among several permutations this weekend, the simplest is for Verstappen to win the Grand Prix while securing an extra point for the fastest lap.

‘Within touching distance of winning his second world championship’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...milton-F1-news


Lando Norris and McLaren 'back in the fight' for Japan GP
06 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

McLaren's Lando Norris says it's "good to be back'" in Japan and hopes to extend their lead against Alpine during the 2022 Formula 1 Japanese GP.

'Back in the fight';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...871088303.html


Valtteri Bottas has 'high expectations' with new upgrades for the Japan GP
06 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Hoping to "fight for some good points" in Japan, Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas is feeling hopeful in his first return since his 2019 win at Suzuka.

'High expectations';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...942154444.html


Magnussen on Suzuka Return: “I think it should be alright, it could be good for us”
By Paul Hensby
October 6, 2022

The Dane says coming back to the historic circuit, which has hosted many memorable races across the years, is good, and he is hoping to return to the points this weekend for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

“I have memories of watching Formula 1 and it was one of those tracks where, as a kid, it made me want to try it that much more,” said Magnussen. “It has a lot of history – obviously with [Ayrton] Senna and [Alain] Prost, and Honda of course – but for me we’ve scored a few points, and I’m hoping to score more on our return.”

“I think it should be alright, it could be good for us. It’s not a low downforce track so we should be able to run the optimal package for the track. With these cars, Japan is going to be easier to overtake on because it always used to be following.”

‘It could be good for us’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...e-good-for-us/

Leclerc expecting 'very very strong' Red Bull at Suzuka.
Charles Leclerc is bracing for a strong weekend by Red Bull at Suzuka, but the Ferrari driver vows to focus on his own performance and on executing a good race on Sunday.
06/10/2022 at 14:53
Phillip van Osten

"Red Bull will be very strong here," Leclerc said on Thursday. "It’s a track where you run the car in a similar position to Spa and I expect them to be very, very strong. So hopefully we learned well in Spa and we will be stronger than we were there."

"I think, realistically, Max is going to be champion – if it’s not this weekend, it’s going to be very, very soon," said Leclerc. "But we need to focus on ourselves, try to execute well this Sunday. Because the performance is not what we lacked this year.”

"If we look from the first race through to now, we’ve always been strong and the performance was always good enough to actually fight for wins – apart from some offs, but there weren’t many. I think it’s mostly about trying to put everything together coming into Sunday – strategy, tyre management, that’s where we are focussing on at the moment.”

‘Expecting 'very very strong' Red Bull’;

https://f1i.com/news/456158-leclerc-...at-suzuka.html


Why Ferrari are expecting an intense test for tyres at Suzuka
06/10/2022, ‎07‎:‎00
Author Michael Butterworth

With high tyre wear expected during the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari's Head of Tyre Science explains how the Scuderia plan to approach the weekend. Ferrari are expecting high tyre wear at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit. "It's a very high energy track, characterised by its high speed sections with frequent changes of direction," said Galbally.

"It is an anomaly in the season in terms of left-to-right energy distribution, being the most symmetric track of the year (with as much energy turning left as you have turning right). Due to the high energy content, Pirelli brings the three hardest compounds available (C1/C2/C3), which is actually the least common combination, only used at five races, with Japan being the last of them.”
"Tyre wear rates are on the high side, because of the long combined corners, while the track abrasion level is typically on the medium to high side. The combination of all these factors, along with the unpredictable weather, makes Suzuka an intense test for every aspect of tyre management."

‘An intense test for tyres at Suzuka’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-ferrar...yres-at-suzuka


Leclerc Exclusive: "That's when I realised I wasn't going to win the F1 title"
06/10/2022, ‎18‎:‎30
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Rory Mitchell

In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365, Charles Leclerc opens up about the title fight with Max Verstappen and the moment when he realised that he lost the championship battle. On the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix, where Verstappen can clinch his second title, RacingNews365.com sat down with Leclerc to look back on his season.

The Monagasque says it took a long time before he realised that it would be an impossible task to take the lead back from the Dutchman. "After the Belgian Grand Prix I realised that I was not going to win the world championship," said Leclerc.

"We came back just after the summer break and then of course you think back to the first part of the year, but I still believed in the title! Then we saw that gap in performance between us and Red Bull at Spa, a gap we had never seen in the first part of the year, so I knew it was going to be very difficult."

‘We saw that gap in performance between us and Red Bull at Spa’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-ex...n-the-f1-title


Sainz demands Ferrari 'gather momentum' with strong run of results in final races of 2022
05 October 2022
Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz says Ferrari must end the season on a high to set themselves up for a renewed championship fight in 2023. The Scuderia arrive in Japan having outscored Red Bull and Mercedes last Sunday in Singapore, with Charles Leclerc having finished second and Sainz third at Marina Bay.

“Personally, I would like… a bit of gathering momentum before next year,” said Sainz in Singapore. “Because this year, for me, has been characterised by never getting more than two or three consecutive good races, always have a reliability issue, bad pit-stop, a strategy issue that comes into play.”

“When you're about to get in a good run of races, you know, that is so important in Formula 1 to gather a bit of momentum and get the confidence for the team and for myself building.” Sainz added that he would like to stop Red Bull breaking the record for victories in a season, with Max Verstappen two away from his 13th Grand Prix win of 2022 – a record set by Michael Schumacher in 2004 and equalled by Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

‘Sainz demands Ferrari 'gather momentum' ’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...XmTl8F5Do.html


Leclerc confident poor Singapore start won’t be repeated at Suzuka
2022 Japanese Grand Prix
Posted on 6th October 2022, 13:22
Written by Will Wood

Charles Leclerc is confident he will make a better start at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after losing the lead off the line in Singapore. The Ferrari driver started on pole position but was beaten to the first corner by Sergio Perez, who started second and went on to win the race. Perez led every lap while Leclerc chased the Red Bull and finished second.

“I think we’ve been pretty strong with starts all year long,” Leclerc said. “Looking back at Singapore, I don’t think we did anything bad. “Myself, Lewis and Fernando all had bad starts going on the patch on the right-hand side. That was a little bit unfortunate. I’m confident that the start will be fine this weekend.

Suzuka’s starting grid is unusual due to the slight downhill gradient the pit straight sits on. Leclerc said it makes little difference to drivers’ starting techniques. “You just need to remember to stay on the brakes until the lights are out, otherwise, you roll and it’s a stupid penalty,” he explained. “But apart from that it doesn’t change much.”

‘Leclerc confident poor Singapore start won’t be repeated’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/06/...ted-at-suzuka/


RACE WEEKEND: FORMULA 1 HONDA JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2022
Formula 1.

Get up to speed with everything you need to know about the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place over 53 laps of the 5.807-kilometre Suzuka International Racing Course on Sunday, October 9.
Using the links above you can find the full weekend schedule, including details of practice and qualifying sessions, support races, press conferences and special events, plus the latest news headlines, circuit information and F1 race results.
You can also find broadcast information, with details of how and where you can watch the race on TV, or download the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix schedule to your mobile device.

‘Get up to speed with everything you need to know’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2022/Japan.html

Alonso fastest in wet first Japanese Grand Prix practice at Suzuka.
Alonso's 1m:42.268s effort was good enough to secure P1 - the first time he has done so since FP3 at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.
07/10/2022, ‎05‎:‎00
Author Jake Nichol

Fernando Alonso was quickest at Suzuka as F1 returned to Japan for the first time since 2019 in a wet first practice session. Alonso's 1m:42.268s effort was good enough to secure P1 - the first time he has done so since FP3 at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc slotted in behind, with Alonso's Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon and Kevin Magnussen of Haas rounding out the top five. Max Verstappen was sixth for Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton 13th for Mercedes.

In the dying embers of the session, Mick Schumacher hit the barriers hard on the exit of Dunlop, destroying the front end of his Haas and preventing him from taking to the track in FP2.

‘Alonso fastest’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-fas...tice-at-suzuka


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2022 Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka, Japan
07/10/2022, 05:10
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Fernando Alonso Alpine -1:42.248
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.315
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.386
4. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.774
5. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.010
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +1.114
7. Mick Schumacher Haas +1.513
8. Lando Norris McLaren +1.641
9. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +1.721
10. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.986

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from a wet first practice ahead of the 2022 F1 World Championship race at Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-80167


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix
07 October 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula1.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...sQisLNHu2.html


Formula 1: Yuki Tsunoda given hero's welcome ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
Tsunoda is in his second season in Formula One with Alpha Tauri and will make his long-awaited Japanese Grand Prix debut when the race returns from a three-year absence because of the pandemic
October 07, 2022 09:21:50 IST
Agence France-Presse

Suzuka: Four years ago Yuki Tsunoda was watching the Japanese Grand Prix from the stands – now giant pictures of his face welcome him to the Suzuka circuit as he prepares to drive in Sunday’s race. Tsunoda is in his second season in Formula One with Alpha Tauri and will make his long-awaited Japanese Grand Prix debut when the race returns from a three-year absence because of the pandemic.

The 22-year-old says he feels no pressure despite three huge pictures of his face adorning the grandstand. Instead he is looking forward to the “extra energy” he says the home fans will bring him. “It’s just hard to imagine I’m driving there because four years ago I was one of the spectators watching these guys here, and now I’m driving in front of the Japanese fans,”

Tsunoda, who has already agreed to stay with Alpha Tauri next season, said Thursday. “I didn’t expect the huge pictures at the grandstand. It feels really supportive and gives me extra energy.” Tsunoda said he has been mobbed on his return to Japan, with fans welcoming him at the airport and waiting outside his hotel.

‘Yuki Tsunoda given hero's welcome ahead of Japanese Grand Prix’;

https://www.firstpost.com/sports/for...-11401471.html


2022 Japanese GP FP1: Tsunoda makes Formula 1 debut at Suzuka
07 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda makes his Formula debut at his home race during first practice for the 2022 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

‘Tsunoda makes Formula 1 debut’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...405130614.html


Max Verstappen manages only four laps in Japanese Grand Prix first practice before torrential rain turned the Suzuka racetrack into a river... but Fernando Alonso puts in a masterful drive to set the pace
• Championship leader was taking no chances as the heavens opened in Suzuka
• Red Bull driver went four laps in first practice before returning to the pit lane
• Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and George Russell managed 10 laps combined
• That left Alonso, soon to leave Alpine, the star of the show as he set the pace
Published: 06:13, 7 October 2022
By Nathan Salt For Mailonline

‘Fernando Alonso puts in a masterful drive’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-practice.html


2022 Japanese GP FP1: Schumacher crashes after ‘huge aquaplaning’
07 Oct 2022
Formula 1.

Haas Mick Schumacher experiences “huge aquaplaning” before spinning and crashing into the Suzuka barriers at the end of first practice for the 2022 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.

“Huge aquaplaning”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...038482807.html


Mick Schumacher wrecks Haas in Japanese Grand Prix crash as he fights for F1 future.
Mick Schumacher destroys Haas in Japanese Grand Prix crash as he fights for F1 future Daily and Sunday Express.
Mick Schumacher's Japanese Grand Prix weekend got off to the worst possible start.
06:18, Fri, Oct 7, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Mick Schumacher was involved in another accident as pressure continues to mount on the German over his F1 future. The Haas star lost control in Japanese Grand Prix practice after appearing to clip a puddle in the difficult conditions.

Team boss Guenther Steiner has already criticised Schumacher for two previous accidents this season. The young German cost the team millions of pounds after accidents at the Saudi Arabian and Monaco Grands Prix.

Last month, Steiner confirmed he didn't know whether Schumacher would stay with the team for next season. It is believed the former F2 champion still has a chance to keep his drive with more consistent performances over the last five races.

‘Mick Schumacher wrecks Haas’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...sh-news-latest

Japanese GP: Russell leads Mercedes 1-2 in wet second F1 practice.
George Russell headed a Mercedes 1-2 in a sodden second practice ahead of Formula 1's 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen was eighth tenths adrift and Charles Leclerc struggled.
Oct 7, 2022, 8:32 AM
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

The Silver Arrows duo looked strong on the intermediate compound to lead FP2 and showed few signs of the usual W13 struggle of generating sufficient tyre temperature.

Verstappen, who could win his second title this weekend, was some eight tenths in arrears as Leclerc took a visit to the gravel in his Ferrari to lap only 110th fastest.

With the 3.6-mile circuit still sodden, no one ventured out initially for the 90-minute session - FP2 having been extended by half an hour to theoretically accommodate a Pirelli test run.

‘Mercedes 1-2 in wet’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/j...tice/10380669/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2022 Japanese Grand Prix.
Suzuka, Japan
07/10/2022, 08:34
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:41.935
2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.235
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.851
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.899
5. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.252
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +1.269
7. Fernando Alonso Alpine +1.598
8. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +1.798
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.949
10. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +2.590

‘Japanese Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice ahead of the 2022 F1 World Championship race at Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-80170


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix
07 October 2022
Becky Hart [Special Contributor]
Formula 1.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...i8r7yHCpr.html


Russell fastest in practice around soggy Suzuka
Suzuka, Japan
07/10/2022, 08:44
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Japanese Grand Prix – George Russell put in the fastest time of the day as the Mercedes were the best in the rain as F1 made it’s return to Japan. The second practice of the Japanese Grand Prix had been scheduled for an extended 90 minute session to allow for Pirelli to run a test of their 2023 prototype tyres however with a wet circuit the test was postponed but, for some reason, the additional time would stay on the clock.

Russell’s remained as the only driver to set a sub-1:42 lap with a 1:41.935 as the best of the day, Hamilton ended FP2 in P2 just over two tenths slower than his teammate’s time and the only other driver to set a time faster than Fernando Alonso’s best in FP1.

The two Red Bulls slotted in over eight tenths behind the Mercedes with Verstappen just quicker than Sergio Perez. A late fast lap by Magnussen saw him move up into the top ten, the Haas driver slotting into P5 just 0.017 ahead of Sainz.

‘Soggy Suzuka’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/russell-fa...y-suzuka-80177


Rain forces Pirelli’s planned Japanese GP tyre test to be moved to Mexico weekend
07 October 2022
Formula 1.

Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli have been forced to reschedule the 2023 dry tyre testing they had arranged for second practice at the Japanese Grand Prix due to poor weather conditions.

In a bid to help the Italian manufacturer with their preparations for next season, teams had agreed to extend Friday’s FP2 session at Suzuka from 60 to 90 minutes, with unmarked development rubber set aside for use.

However, heavy rain overnight and into Friday morning soaked the figure-of-eight circuit, with the inclement weather expected to continue for the remainder of the day, before clearing up as the weekend develops.

‘Pirelli’s tyre test to be moved to Mexico weekend’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Lo6GzT2F6.html


Mick Schumacher wrecks Haas with crash after practice at Japanese GP as F1 hopes fade.
08:34, 7 OCT 2022
BY Mark Whiley

Mick Schumacher suffered a bizarre crash after a practice session at the Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka, ruling him out of the second session and denying him crucial running as he looks to secure his F1 future

The chequered flag had been thrown to mark the end of the session and the cars were making their way back to the grid to do practice starts or to return to the pits. However, Schumacher never made it as he suffered a high-speed crash on what should have been a cool-down lap, spinning and slamming into the barriers at high speed, wrecking the front of his car and damaging his floor and chassis.

As a result, Schumacher was ruled out of the second practice session as Haas started rebuilding his car ahead of Saturday’s running. The lack of running will rob the German of both confidence and preparation time ahead of a crucial race as he fights to save his F1 career. The former Formula 2 champion has endured a difficult second season at the sport’s top table, suffering several heavy crashes in the first half of the campaign.

‘Bizarre crash after a practice session’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...japan-28175864

Schumacher crash damage “quite frustrating” for Haas – Steiner.
“Tomorrow morning the car will be there. The guys will have a late evening but they will fix the car again and we have got all the parts, that is not an issue. So it will be there.”
Posted on 7th October 2022, 9:01
Written by Keith Collantine
2022 Japanese Grand Prix

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said it is “quite frustrating” the team had to change Mick Schumacher’s chassis again following his crash in practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

“It’s disappointing because we just went out to do a race start so we get data for Sunday,” Steiner told the official F1 channel, “and then on the way in from the race start Mick crashed the car, aquaplaned and crashed into the barrier and damaged the car quite heavily.” The crash meant Schumacher was unable to take part in the second practice session as the team decided to replace his chassis as a precaution. “The whole front end is broken,” Steiner explained. “But we have to change also the chassis because we are not sure if there is a crack in it or not and you cannot take any risk with the chassis.”

“It’s the third time now that we have potential chassis damage,” he acknowledged. “I say potential because we need to X-ray it and see if it is cracked or not. But it is quite frustrating.” Schumacher’s car will be back on track for final practice tomorrow, Steiner confirmed. “Tomorrow morning the car will be there. The guys will have a late evening but they will fix the car again and we have got all the parts, that is not an issue. So it will be there.”

‘Crash damage “quite frustrating” for Haas’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/07/...-haas-steiner/


Mick Schumacher aquaplanes and crashes in Practice One
07/10/2022, 05:40
Sky Sports

Haas’ Mick Schumacher aquaplanes and crashes in the barrier after the end of Practice One at the Japanese F1.

‘Aquaplanes’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...crashes-in-fp1


Mick Schumacher crashes OUT of first practice for Japanese Grand Prix after collision with the barriers in Suzuka rain as the German’s miserable F1 season hits another low with his Haas future uncertain
• Mick Schumacher crashed out of the first practice ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
• The German lost control at the exit of turn 7 and smashed into the barriers
• Schumacher is out of contract at the end of the season and may not be retained
Published: 08:47, 7 October 2022
By Nathan Salt In Sazuka

Mick Schumacher’s miserable season delivered its latest low in Suzuka as the under-pressure German crashed out in first practice.

Schumacher was heading back to the pit-lane after the first session but lost control at the exit of Turn 7, sending him gliding across the gravel and smashing into the barriers.

Pieces of his car were strewn across the gravel but Schumacher was able to get out the car unharmed as he trudged back to the paddock, fuming at his latest mistake.

‘Mick Schumacher’s miserable season delivered its latest low’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rand-Prix.html


Mick Schumacher suffers blow to Haas seat chances with huge smash in Japanese GP practice
Schumacher is currently driving to save his F1 career with Haas considering their options for next season, and this crash will not have done the German any favours
08:40, 7 Oct 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer

Mick Schumacher suffered a crash at the end of first practice on Friday which could prove to be another nail in the coffin for his Formula 1 prospects. The German has these final five race weekends of the season to save his F1 career, with Haas considering replacing him from next year. With that in mind he needs to produce some good displays, starting this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix.

But he got off to the worst possible start by crashing his Haas at the end of the first practice session on Friday morning. He span off in the wet conditions, slamming hard into the barrier and causing significant damage to his VF-22. In fact, it was so extensive that Haas were forced to change the chassis of his car for the rest of the weekend. That meant he missed out on FP2, and in turn surrendered some vital track time at a venue where he has never raced in F1.

Schumacher sounded somewhat surprised by what had happened in the moments after the crash, which took place on the cool down lap on the way back to the pits. "Ah, I... just had a huge aquaplaning. Wow," he told his race engineer, before responding again to confirm that he was uninjured.

‘Span off in the wet conditions, slamming hard into the barrier and causing significant damage to his VF-22’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...uzuka-28175945


Steiner frustrated by Schumacher’s Suzuka F1 shunt after FP1
07/10/2022, 08:14
by Ashley Hambly
Motorsport Week

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner admits that he was left frustrated by Mick Schumacher’s crash that occurred after the chequered flag on Friday afternoon in Suzuka.

“In FP3 the car will be there tomorrow morning, the car will be there. The guys will have a late evening, but they will fix the car again and we’ve got all the parts, that’s not an issue.”

‘Guenther Steiner : In FP3 the car will be there’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...ractice-start/

Guenther Steiner fuming at £450k Mick Schumacher crash "like on the motorway".
Haas boss' anger: "When driving back to the pits, you're not allowed to fly off... the water was already there on the previous lap," said Steiner.
15:50, 7 Oct 2022
By Daniel Moxon
F1 Writer
The Mirror

Schumacher's crash at the end of the first practice session at Suzuka on Friday was not his first costly smash of the year – and did little to boost his chances of keeping his Haas seat. Guenther Steiner: "The guys will have a late evening, but they will fix the car again and we've got all the parts, that's not an issue. So it will be there. It's the third time now [Schumacher has crashed in 2022]. The potential damage is only potential because we need to X-ray it and see if it's cracked enough – but it is quite, as you say, frustrating."

In a separate interview with Auto Motor und Sport, the Haas boss' anger was perhaps more clear as he revealed the likely cost of fixing all the damage caused in what he felt was an avoidable incident. "When driving back to the pits, you're not allowed to fly off... the water was already there on the previous lap," said Steiner.

"It was like aquaplaning on the motorway. The car floated up at the front and spun in one direction at the back. It was already standing sideways." With damage to the front wheel suspension on both sides, the wheel carriers, the underbody, the nose and the front wing, he estimated the cost of the fix to be around "half a million dollars".

“The guys will have a late evening”;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...acher-28180880


Steiner: Another half a million euros of scrap!
No surprise then that Steiner did not mince his words when he told F1TV: “Another half a million euros of scrap! That simply mustn’t happen on the last lap back to the pits.
7 October, 2022
Paul Velasco

Mick Schmacher’s future in Formula 1 took a hard knock after he crashed heavily in FP1, of the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, ensuring a hefty repair job and big bucks bill for Haas, which infuriated team boss Guenther Steiner.

Conditions were tricky at Suzuka today – a venue where Mick’s father F1 legend Michael Schumacher won a record six times – especially for a driver who had never driven at Suzuka. And as was the case of young Schumacher.

Late into FP1, the Haas aquaplaned viciously giving its driver little chance as it speared the wall, breaking lots of bits and pieces at the front. “The whole front is broken, but we also have to change the whole chassis because we are not sure if there is a crack in it or not and you cannot take any risks with the chassis. It’s better to be 100% safe that the car is in good shape,” added Steiner.

‘Another half a million euros of scrap!’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/10...-crash-suzuka/


Steiner insists Schumacher crash "self-inflicted"
Friday 7 October 2022 14:05 - Updated: 14:12
Ewan Gale

Guenther Steiner has insisted Mick Schumacher's end-of-FP1 crash at the Japanese Grand Prix was "self-inflicted". The 23-year-old put the crash down to a lack of visibility, tyre temperatures and the aquaplaning, though team principal Steiner was less forgiving.

"There is nothing good in that crash," said Steiner. On whether he had spoken to his driver over the incident, Steiner replied: "Less is more, I didn't speak with him but less is more.”

"At some stage, in the spray you can't see but there was water before. I wouldn't doubt a driver saying how difficult it is but in the end, it is self-inflicted. There was water, we all know that."

‘Less is more’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/93...umacher-crash/


Steiner: Schumacher’s Suzuka FP1 crash ‘self-inflicted’
07/10/2022, 13:49
• Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport

Mick Schumacher’s crash that ruled him out from taking part in second practice for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix was “self-inflicted”, says Haas Formula 1 boss Gunther Steiner. After setting the seventh-fastest time in a rain-soaked FP1 at Suzuka, Schumacher crashed on his in-lap back to the pits at the Dunlop Curve.

The damage was severe enough to force the German to sit out the afternoon session while the team changed the chassis on his VF-22.

Schumacher suffered two costly crashes in Saudi Arabia and Monaco earlier in the year that left him feeling the wrath of the team, as he fights to retain his seat alongside team-mate Kevin Magnussen for 2023.

‘Self-inflicted’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2022/10/0...elf-inflicted/


‘Little aquaplane moment’ eliminated Mick Schumacher from Friday practice
Friday 7th October 2022 1:15 PM
Jamie Woodhouse

Mick Schumacher said a “little aquaplane moment” was the cause of his FP1 crash that meant his Friday at the Japanese Grand Prix went no further. Keeping it short and sweet when explaining to the media what happened, Schumacher said: “It was quite rainy, had a little aquaplane moment.” Schumacher admitted he and Haas now have more work to do tomorrow, but he is confident about the pace in the VF-22.

His team-mate Kevin Magnussen ended both FP1 and FP2 up in P5, while Schumacher was P7 at the end of the first practice session. “Of course it’s not amazing, we lost some time, especially in the FP2 session because we didn’t get to drive, mainly for safety reasons and the chassis,” said Schumacher.

“So now we’ve got to do more jobs tomorrow, but I think the track is great, the car felt great today, so I’m sure we will be hopefully in a good position and tomorrow should be dry, so we’ll see what we can do there.”

‘Little aquaplane moment’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mick-s...1-crash-japan/