2023 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

FIA bans drivers from making ‘political statements’ without permission.
Formula 1 drivers and other participants in FIA events have been banned from making “political statements” without the permission of the governing body.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 20th December 2022, 7:1520th December 2022, 8:24
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

The FIA has banned “the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.”

The FIA has previously taken steps to prevent F1 drivers from using the attention races attract to highlight causes which concern them. Drivers were prevented from wearing T-shirts during the podium ceremony after Lewis Hamilton displayed one bearing the message “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” after winning the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix.

Other drivers have made political statements using their race wear. Sebastian Vettel was criticised by Canadian politicians when he wore a helmet featuring the messages “Stop mining tar sands” and “Canada’s climate crime” at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this year. He did not wear the design for the grand prix.

‘FIA bans drivers from making political statements’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/20/...ut-permission/


FIA President warns social media abuse could damage sport 'beyond repair'
16 December 9:50AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Several months on from F1 launching the Drive it Out initiative – aimed at tackling any form of abuse in the sport – FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reiterated that he is determined to fight "toxic" social media abuse, having warned of the consequences of ignoring it.

Speaking at the FIA and FIM Women in Motorsports Conference, the President voiced his concerns of "toxic" abuse on social media. "I'm going to fight it, and I'm going to fight it with all the power that I have," he told media, including RacingNews365.com, at the event.

"We are getting the support. One of our stewards from Spain was abused on social media – that cannot be accepted. "If we allow this to happen, it's only a matter of time [until] the damage to our sport will be beyond repair."

‘I'm going to fight it with all the power that I have’;

https://racingnews365.com/fia-presid...-beyond-repair


Ex-FIA race director Michael Masi secures new motorsport role for 2023
Thursday 15th December 2022 10:27 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Former FIA Race Director Michael Masi has secured a new appointment for the upcoming 2023 motorsport season.

Having left the FIA earlier this year, Michael Masi’s return to his native country has meant the former FIA Race Director has focussed on securing roles on the motorsport scene in Australia.

Having been the catalyst behind the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale in 2021, Masi was not retained in his position of FIA Race Director for 2022 as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem introduced sweeping changes for this season.

‘Sweeping changes’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/michae...role-for-2023/


FIA presses ahead with plans for wet weather wheel arches
18/12/2022 at 13:03
Andrew Lewin
RaceFans

The FIA's single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis has been giving more details about the governing body's plans to introduce new wet weather wheel arches - possibly as early as the second half of the 2023 season.

The initiative is in response to the embarrassing events of last year's Belgian Grand Prix, where rain made it impossible to hold the race in safe conditions and the event terminated after a handful of laps behind the safety car.

"Spa in 2021 still left scars on the sport because it was very unfortunate circumstance," Tombazis acknowledged. "It would have been ten times worse, I think, if we'd gone all the way to Japan and had to pack up and come back.

‘FIA presses ahead’;

https://f1i.com/news/462964-fia-pres...el-arches.html


FIA re-assessed after Yuki Tsunoda black and orange flag ‘overreaction’
Sunday 18th December 2022 8:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

The FIA will reduce the use of black and orange flags after the sporting body’s technical chief admitted there had been an “overreaction” following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Yuki Tsunoda was shown the flag, often dubbed the ‘meatball’ flag, after only one half of his rear wing opened in the DRS zone in Baku.

The FIA deemed this to be unsafe so ordered Tsunoda into the AlphaTauri pits where the team used tape to tie down the wing.

‘Meatball flag’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fia-re...k-orange-flag/


FIA developing ‘prototypes’ in unprecedented solution for heavy rain
The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix was stopped after a couple of laps, due to the intensity of the rain and the conditions of the circuit.
18 December 2022
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis has confirmed that wheel arches are being considered going forward when heavy rain appears, in order for the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix to never be repeated. For a sport deemed to be the pinnacle of motorsport, the championship has looked embarrassing in recent years when met with a wet race.

At the Japanese Grand Prix towards the end of the most recent season, a lengthy red flag interval was required whilst heavy rain pounded the Suzuka International Circuit. The Monaco Grand Prix was also red flagged for a considerable amount of time, again as a result of rain.

‘Pinnacle of motorsport, looked embarrassing in recent years’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fia-devel...or-heavy-rain/

Haas hit “significant landmark” with their F1 2023 car.
Haas have become the first team to announce that they have passed the FIA’s safety tests for F1 2023.
12 Dec 2022
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Like in 2021, Haas have been quick to announce this “significant landmark” as they prepare for next year. All teams are required to pass the FIA's safety and crash tests in order for them to be officially homologated ahead of the new campaign.

The American team announced the news on Twitter: “The chassis and nose for the VF-23 have passed their FIA tests and are officially homologated - a significant landmark in the development of our 2023 car.” The VF-23 will be Haas’ eighth car having made their F1 debut back in 2016.

After a disappointing campaign in 2021, where they failed to score a single point, Haas pinned their hopes on 2022. They started the season strongly with Kevin Magnussen finishing fifth at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Things quickly tailed off as they fell down the order as Haas struggled to develop their car.

‘Haas have become the first team’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101824...ir-f1-2023-car


Haas beat F1 rivals to important milestone
12 December 12:00PM
Author Michael Butterworth
RacingNews365

Haas say the nose and chassis for their 2023 car have been homologated after passing FIA safety tests.

This would make Haas the first Formula 1 team to have received the green light from motorsport's global governing body to proceed with their 2023 challenger.

‘Haas F1 Green Light’;

https://racingnews365.com/haas-beat-...tant-milestone


Haas’s sacrificial F1 gamble paid off – but it still underdelivered
Dec 12 2022
By Mark Hughes
The Race

Haas came back into respectable contention this season, having effectively sacrificed the 2020 and ’21 seasons as placeholders while it awaited the opportunity provided by the new regulations. It no longer invariably propped the rest of the grid up and returned to something more like the competitive level it had previously enjoyed.

But from the perspective of a car which could regularly make Q2 and occasionally Q3, just eight points finishes (with a total score of 37, for eighth in the constructors) must count as slightly disappointing.

The results didn’t do full justice to the Ferrari-powered and influenced VF22’s competitiveness, largely because the team’s still-small budget didn’t allow for any significant development and because the second car, driven by Mick Schumacher, scored only twice amid a series of expensive accidents.

‘The team’s still-small budget’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/haass...nderdelivered/


Guenther Steiner says Haas would not sell ‘hot property’ F1 spot to Andretti
Saturday 3rd December 2022 7:30 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has confirmed Gene Haas is not interested in selling his team to any interested buyers, especially now that owning a team is “hot property”.

The popularity of Formula 1 has increased significantly in the period since Haas joined the grid in 2016, with the entertainment on track and the release of Netflix’s Drive to Survive helping cultivate a new audience for the sport.

Combined with the new cost cap era in Formula 1, limits on team spending are now in place to try and curb unlimited amounts of money being poured into car development on grounds of both competitive fairness and financial stability.

‘Would not sell ‘hot property’’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...-hot-property/


Mick Schumacher slams F1's 'lack of patience' after son of icon Michael axed by Haas
Mick Schumacher will not be on the grid in 2023 but could find himself in a reserve role as he tries to save his F1 future.
07:38, Fri, Dec 9, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth

Mick Schumacher has criticised Haas for having a lack of patience and not letting him develop into a top driver. The German was axed by the American squad ahead of the final race of the season after just two years in the cockpit.

Experienced former F2 star Nico Hulkenberg will take his drive with Schumacher possibly eyeing up a test driver role at Mercedes. However, the 23-year-old claims he should have been given one more season for the chance to show off his real skills.

‘Mick Schumacher slams F1's 'lack of patience';

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

Red Bull verdict on main 2023 F1 title threat.
Red Bull motorsports advisor Helmut Marko has outlined Mercedes and "special" Lewis Hamilton as the biggest threat to the team ahead of the 2023 season.
Tuesday 20 December 2022 16:00
Ewan Gale
GPFans

The Austrian underlined Lewis Hamilton's effect on the Silver Arrows despite the Briton experiencing the first winless year of his F1 career this year.

In contrast, Red Bull waltzed to a first title double since 2013, with Max Verstappen beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 146 points in the drivers' standings, whilst the Scuderia finished a staggering 205 adrift in the constructors'.

Asked who he felt would be the main challenger to Red Bull next year, Marko told AMuS: "Definitely Mercedes. They are the more stable team and they have Hamilton.”

‘Mercedes and "special" Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...n-2023-threat/


Brazil clash ‘set a marker’ between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen for 2023
Wednesday 21st December 2022 7:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

The collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at last month’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix set the tone for the potential resumption of their rivalry in the 2023 Formula 1 season. That is the opinion of respected F1 reporter Mark Hughes, who believes Verstappen and Hamilton both race differently against other drivers on track.

The pair clashed in the early laps of the penultimate race in Brazil, with Verstappen incurring a five-second time penalty before claiming Hamilton had no intention of leaving him space at the Senna S.

Appearing on Motor Sport Magazine’s season review podcast, Hughes said it is noticeable that Verstappen races differently against other drivers, such as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and pointed out that Hamilton is also inconsistent in combat against his 2021 title rival.

‘Set a marker’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...brazil-marker/


Max Verstappen fires warning to Sergio Perez with comment on Valtteri Bottas
Max Verstappen issued some comments that may rile up Sergio Perez, as well as former Mercedes star and now Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas.
21:00, Tue, Dec 20, 2022
By Liam Llewellyn

“Every year he starts fresh,” Verstappen said of Bottas. “But after a few races you realise it’s not going to happen again and you accept your role. He still finished on podiums, he won a few races and took pole positions.”

“You just have to accept that the driver next to you is just a bit better. That’s fine, that can happen. It’s important that he accepted it. Some drivers can’t do that and then it goes completely wrong.”

“Then they don’t survive for very long. I’m not going to name names, but you have to accept your role. You can’t live in a fairytale world.” Verstappen’s comments could also be seen as a thinly-veiled dig at Red Bull teammate Perez, who he refused to give up a position for at last month’s Brazilian GP.

‘Max Verstappen fires warning’;

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


Red Bull look back at stellar year - but something controversial is missing
Tuesday 20 December 2022 14:55
Ewan Gale
GPFans

During Red Bull's video, numerous moments are recounted, such as the title-clinching highs in Japan and the United States, as well as Verstappen's best wins and Perez's finest moments. But it is during the review of the Mexican's triumphs that there is a startling omission.

Perez's greatest achievement in F1 to date, winning the Monaco Grand Prix, is omitted other than a single clip of him jumping into the pool in celebration and a dubbed-over piece of team radio from Horner. This only adds fuel to the fire of what is perceived to be a falling out between Perez and Verstappen during that weekend that ultimately led to the team orders furore in Brazil.

During the review, as a clip shows Perez standing in celebration at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Verstappen says: "That's Saudi, the pole." "It was a great lap, a massive lap," adds Perez, before Horner describes it as the "best lap of your career".

‘Startling omission’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...-prix-missing/


Ninth place “not acceptable” for AlphaTauri – Marko
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 21st December 2022, 0:0120th December 2022, 19:11
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

AlphaTauri sank to ninth in the championship this year, its worst result since 2018 when it competed as Toro Rosso. Marko said the team were “beaten below their value” in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.

“For the potential, technically and financially, ninth place is not acceptable,” said Marko. “They made a lot of mistakes in strategy. The car had too little downforce. At the moment we are in the process of taking stock and looking at which screws we have to turn.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, who has taken charge of Red Bull’s sports division following the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in October, sees the need for improvement at the team, said Marko.

“Not acceptable”;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/21/...nd-up-21-12-5/

FIA hit with scathing attack - "a meddlesome bloated bureaucratic quagmire".
The FIA has been labelled a "bloated bureaucratic quagmire" by IndyCar driver Dalton Kellett following the announcement that drivers will need prior written consent before making a political stand.
Wednesday 21 December 2022 11:05
Ewan Gale
GPFans

F1 drivers, led in large by Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, have made their voices heard in recent times, with t-shirts adorned with slogans becoming more and more frequent.

The FIA has addressed such protests with an amendment of the regulations to bring them more in line with the International Sporting Code and the International Olympic Committee's charter, with drivers now obliged to seek consent in writing before taking any stands. This has been met with a backlash from fans and voices from within the paddock, though none as scathing as that from Kellett.

The Canadian said in a Twitter post: "When I started in racing, the FIA seemed like a necessary [even commendable] organization that strove to improve safety and protect fair competition. "These days, it’s become a meddlesome and bloated bureaucratic quagmire.”

‘FIA meddlesome bloated bureaucratic quagmire’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...alton-kellett/


'Shame on the FIA': F1 drivers urged to fight free speech ban
14:37, Dec 21 2022
Jeremy Wilson and Luke Slater
Stuff.co.nz

Rob Koehler, the chief executive of Global Athlete, said that the FIA had no moral authority to limit drivers’ free speech. “Without athletes, the sport does not exist,” said Koehler. “It is blatantly hypocritical to tell athletes to stick to their sports and stay out of politics while the FIA consistently leverage politics to their advantage.

“Freedom of expression is a basic fundamental human right and sport rules cannot supersede human rights. Many people look up to athletes as agents of change. The example set by the FIA is that every child, youth and adult watching the sport should remain silent on social justice issues. It is simply wrong. Shame on the FIA. Athletes are humans first, athletes second.” Koehler then also highlighted how Olympic and Paralympic athletes had stood up to governing bodies.

“It is also clear that the FIA is taking a page out of FIFA's playbook to silence athletes,” he said. “In 2020 athletes took a stand against the IOC and IPC to force them to relax their rules on freedom of expression. I hope the drivers do the same. This is brutal.”

'Shame on the FIA';

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motors...ree-speech-ban


FIA political demand a damaging mistake
Tuesday 20 December 2022 11:40
Sam Hall
GPFans

The FIA has taken further steps to muzzle drivers racing in sanctioned competitions by now demanding written permission before they can make political statements during race weekends. Freedom of speech is a basic human right and although there will be those that welcome the FIA's move to distance sport and politics, there are undoubted negative consequences.

It is unclear why the FIA has chosen now as the moment to ban unapproved political messaging, but it is possible one of the motivating factors could be the increase in grand prix venues deemed to be controversial choices. Bahrain has long been viewed in this category but the recent additions of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have caused eyebrows to be raised.

It has led to suggestions that F1 is being used for sports-washing purposes given the atrocious human rights records of these countries. Is it also coincidental the FIA has made its move just days after the conclusion of the highly successful but controversial FIFA World Cup in Qatar?

‘Damaging mistake’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...aging-mistake/


FIA sets time limit on when former presidents may join F1 teams.
The new article 9.17 of the International Sporting Code defines restrictions in activities that are applied to its presidents and deputy presidents of sport once they leave their posts.
2023 F1 season
Posted on
21st December 2022, 8:1421st December 2022, 7:33 | Written by Ida Wood

The rule is intended to prevent any team gaining the benefit of confidential information such individuals might have gained during their time at the sport’s governing body. The FIA’s higher officers are privy to sensitive details concerning the activities of teams, such as the disclosures made in their budget cap submissions.

The new rule states: “A competitor entered in a FIA championship may not engage or use the services of a former president of the FIA or a former FIA deputy president for sport (whether as an employee, independent contractor, consultant, or otherwise) until six months have elapsed since the date that they ceased to hold the post of president or deputy president for sport (as applicable), and in any event the aforementioned competitor may not, without time limit, obtain, benefit from or use confidential information obtained by a former president of the FIA or a former president-delegate for sport of the FIA during their mandate.”

Jean Todt, who was replaced by current FIA president Muhammed ben Sulayem 12 months ago, is the only living person to formerly occupy the role and is also the FIA’s honorary president. He continues to work on many of the non-racing matters he was previously responsible for, concentrating his efforts on leading the United Nations’ work on improving road safety.

‘FIA sets time limit’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/21/...join-f1-teams/


Ben Sulayem confident FIA diversity work is on 'right track'
21 December 5:05PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem included a focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as part of his manifesto when running for the role one year ago. The President is pleased with the work that the governing body has done since in this area.

"I was a driver for 20 years and I think we took our sport for granted in a good way, that we never looked at there [being] a difference between men and women there," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"I had a British female co-driver with me. We didn't win very much because the car was not good, but we never thought we [had] to go and do extra to have women [involved], because we were mixed together in the organisation side, [as well as with] the stewarding and drivers, co-drivers, marshaling.”

‘FIA diversity’;

https://racingnews365.com/ben-sulaye...on-right-track

Szafnauer makes bold Alpine development claim.
Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has outlined the rapid-fire changes he made to halve the development time of upgrades.
Wednesday 21 December 2022 15:40
Sam Hall
GPFans

Szafnauer joined Alpine in February as part of a management restructuring exercise for the F1 team. Taking on the manufacturer's 100-race plan to become regular podium contenders, the 58-year-old acted quickly to identify and rectify what he viewed to be key problems holding the team back.

Speaking to selected media, including GPFans, Szafnauer said: “One of the big things I did when I first got here was to look at how long it takes us to bring upgrades to the track, and it took us a long time, longer than I was used to at other places.

“We had just a bit of a sub-group to look at how we can do things differently simultaneously, release things a little bit early from the tunnel, start the engineering work early at the expense of sometimes having to re-do it because things change, but most of the time not, and just saving time.”

‘Bold Alpine development’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...e-development/


The F1 engine ‘headache’ Alpine couldn’t solve in-season
10:02 Wed, 21 Dec 2022.
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Alpine’s reliability problems with its 2022 Formula 1 engine were mainly rooted in “auxiliary” components including one that caused a “headache all season long”. The Renault works team overhauled its power unit ahead of the engine freeze that kicked in this year, having had a performance deficit in recent seasons.

That involved such a high workload and a late sign-off for the final 2022 design that Renault cut short the usual full validation process, willingly risking problems if it meant extra performance because the engine freeze does allow changes to address reliability concerns.

his manifested itself in several race-ending or weekend-compromising problems for the Alpine team over the course of the year, mostly on Fernando Alonso’s car – much to the two-time F1 world champion’s irritation, which he voiced more loudly as the season progressed.

‘F1 engine headache’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-f...lve-in-season/


Alpine Beating McLaren Shows Importance of Both Drivers Scoring Heavily – Szafnauer
December 22, 2022, 07:18
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Otmar Szafnauer says the BWT Alpine F1 Team finishing fourth in Constructors’ Championship during the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship showed just how essential it is to have two drivers scoring heavily.

When comparing his Alpine to the McLaren F1 Team, Szafnauer admitted it was pleasing that both Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso were regular top ten finishers during 2022, with the former scoring fifty-three per cent of the points total.

This compared to Daniel Ricciardo scoring just twenty-three per cent of McLaren’s total, with the majority of their points going the way of Lando Norris.

‘Both Drivers Scoring Heavily’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ily-szafnauer/


Parc Ferme: Lies, damn lies and Alpine statistics
21 December, 2022
Sean Stevens
Grand Prix 247

A few years down the line people may glance at the historical standings in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship and conclude that the BWT Alpine F1 Team made progress in 2022 by securing fourth place – a slot higher than in 2021. So much so that the French team‘s CEO Laurent Rossi seemed to think this was all progress but I’m not so sure.

Statistically, this would be an accurate assertion. However, like many things about the team, it flattered to deceive. In 2021 they actually won a Grand Prix and got on the podium at another. This year the closest they came to silverware was fourth. The Alpine A552 wasn’t a bad car, well at least the chassis wasn’t. It was slippery in a straight line and often run with low downforce wing settings, enhancing this attribute further. However, despite having good mechanical traction, it was not able to generate Ferrari, Red Bull, or even Mercedes levels of floor aero grip.

Its biggest weak point though was its Power Unit (PU) a bomb, but not in a good way. Frequently unreliable, it precipitated a whole host of DNF’s throughout the season. While avoidance may not have pushed them higher than their final finishing position in the championship, it would certainly have enabled them to definitively beat McLaren. Instead, they barely scraped ahead.


‘More bomb and less boom’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/12...ne-statistics/


Ocon: Renault engine one of Alpine's 'good assets'
20/12/2022 at 13:06
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Esteban Ocon believes that Alpine's Renault power unit was one of the French outfit's best assets during the 2022 season. At the end of last year, following a season in which the Renault power unit had been the weakest of the four engines on the grid and ahead of a PU regulation freeze, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi directed Renault to go all-in on the development of its 2022-spec engine.

Engineers at Viry-Châtillon were ordered to prioritize performance over reliability in a bid to bridge the power gap with its rivals. The result was a much more competitive car and engine for Alpine, which finished fourth in F1's Constructors' standings, although reliability issues weighed at times on results, especially on Fernando Alonso's side of the garage.

‘Alpine's 'good assets';

https://f1i.com/news/463082-ocon-ren...od-assets.html

A warning shot sent to underperforming AlphaTauri with changes hinted at.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is not happy with how sister team AlphaTauri performed in 2022, with the next steps now being considered.
Wednesday 21st December 2022 12:59 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

2021 served as seemingly the perfect base for AlphaTauri to step up to new heights as they scored their highest points tally for a season with 142, in the same year that Red Bull returned to the title fight as Max Verstappen secured his first World Championship.

But while Red Bull maintained such heights in 2022 at the start of the new regulatory era, recording a comfortable title double, AlphaTauri slipped to P9 in the Constructors’ standings, finishing with just 35 points and ahead of only Williams. And this could spell trouble for some of the AlphaTauri personnel. Marko was asked by Auto Motor und Sport whether Red Bull would be impacted by the recent swarm of team boss changes in Formula 1?

He said all was stable at Red Bull, but then shifted to AlphaTauri, where he believes change is needed. “Everything remains calm for us,” said Marko. “There have been initial talks with our new boss [following the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz], Mr Mintzlaff, and there is agreement that it would not make sense to restructure a successful package like Red Bull Racing.

‘A warning shot’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...tauri-changes/


Helmut Marko disappointed with AlphaTauri's 2022 performance
Published: 21 Dec 2022, 11:30
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

“For the potential, technically and financially, ninth place is not acceptable,” said Marko to AMuS. “They made a lot of mistakes in strategy. The car had too little downforce. At the moment we are in the process of taking stock and looking at which screws we have to turn.

“Initial talks have been held with our new boss, Mr Mintzlaff, and everyone agrees that it wouldn’t make sense to rebuild a successful package like Red Bull Racing. “Where there is a need, there is AlphaTauri. This was not satisfactory in the past year.”

Typically frank words from Marko and we’ll soon see what AlphaTauri can do in 2023 to try and start climbing the standings once more.

‘Helmut Marko disappointed’;

https://www.givemesport.com/88096787...22-performance


Helmut Marko outlines plans for major changes at F1 team ahead of 2023
Helmut Marko has hinted at major changes at one F1 team next season.
09:34, Wed, Dec 21, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Helmut Marko has confirmed one of Red Bull's two F1 teams will be set for major changes after an unsatisfactory season. The Red Bull chief confirmed sister team AlphaTauri may have to rebuild after struggling in 2022. The team dropped from sixth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2021 to P9 last season.

AlphaTauri scored over 100 fewer points with drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda unable to consistently challenge. Marko fired the threat when asked if there would be any changes to another team after the appointment of new boss Oliver Mintzlaff.

Gasly has stressed the car’s weight was a major issue for their lack of success. However, he admitted the team’s performance did not meet his expectations coming into the campaign. He commented: "I really thought we would have our chance with the budget cap coming in, so we would have no reason not to outperform all the midfield teams.”

‘Plans for major changes at F1 team’;

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


Red Bull are ‘not interested’ in AlphaTauri sale to Andretti
Thursday 22nd December 2022 9:00 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Michael Andretti said Red Bull have no interest in selling AlphaTauri to them despite reports the team is up for sale. Given F1’s popularity, there would presumably be no shortage of owners willing to buy AlphaTauri and in Andretti it seemed like the perfect customer, but Michael Andretti has revealed Red Bull are “not interested”.

“No, they’re not interested,” Andretti told IndyStar of Red Bull’s willingness to hold talks on Alpha Tauri. “But we’re working every day (to earn clearance for their own team). I’m still confident. We’re getting close. We haven’t gotten the ‘OK’ yet, but we’re getting really close.”

AlphaTauri and before that Toro Rosso was used as a springboard for young drivers in the Red Bull academy to earn their stripes before a move to the senior team but it has been a long time since that has happened. Alex Albon was the most recent Red Bull academy graduate to be given a shot but he lasted a year and a half before being turfed out for the experienced Sergio Perez.

‘Not interested in AlphaTauri sale’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...sale-andretti/


‘Shocked’ Franz Tost Defends Pierre Gasly Amid Penalty Points Dramas
December 22, 2022
By Paul Hensby

Franz Tost has defended Pierre Gasly after the Frenchman picked up ten penalty points during the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season, with the Scuderia AlphaTauri Team Principal insisting the Frenchman is far from a dangerous driver. A driver will automatically be banned from a Grand Prix should they acquire twelve penalty points, and Gasly is only two points away from that, with none of those points dropping off until after the sixth round of the 2023 season.

Only five of Gasly’s points were on-track clashes with other drivers, with two for a clash with Lance Stroll in Spain, another for forcing the same driver off track in Mexico City, and two for a collision with Sebastian Vettel in Austria. He earned two more for speeding under a red flag during the Japanese Grand Prix, two for failing to stay within ten car lengths of the car in front during the United States Grand Prix, and one more for track limit offences in Austria.

‘Franz Tost has defended Pierre Gasly’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...points-dramas/

Sergio Perez class act as Mexican sends Christmas present to all 1,400 Red Bull employees.
To show his appreciation, the driver gave a Mexican-inspired gift to every one of his colleagues by giving each a bottle of Tequila.
15:29 Wed, 14 Dec 2022.
Daily and Sunday Express

Sergio Perez has shared his festive spirit, sending a Christmas present to all 1,400 Red Bull employees. Perez played an important role in Red Bull’s first Constructors’ Championship in nine years, after finishing second behind teammate Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.

The Mexican star has been quick to recognise that the team’s success has not just been down to the work of himself and teammate Verstappen on the track. As a result, Perez also had every other Red Bull employee in his thoughts following a year to remember. To show his appreciation, the driver gave a Mexican-inspired gift to every one of his colleagues by giving each a bottle of Tequila.

The Tequila is produced by Patron, a company Perez has a brand deal with. Along with the bottle of booze, the gift bag also came with a message from the 32-year-old. It read: “Thank you for all of your hard work and support this season. I'm so proud to be part of the Red Bull family. Wishing you a wonderful holiday. Enclosed, please enjoy a bottle of the number one super premium tequila in the world, Patron tequila. Looking forward to next season. Salud! Checo Perez.”

‘Christmas present to all 1,400 Red Bull employees’;

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


Perez targeting more success in 2023 after 'intense' start at Red Bull
11:50 Thu, 22 Dec 2022.
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

As he prepares to enter into his third season with Red Bull, Sergio Perez has spoken of his confidence that things are heading in the "right direction". Sergio Perez admits that he is feeling "more prepared" for 2023 as he becomes increasingly comfortable at Red Bull following an "intense" start.

"It started very difficult, with the reliability [problems] that we had early on in the beginning of the season," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.com, at the FIA Prize Giving ceremony. "But I think, later on, we were quite competitive. We were very consistent. Then we [had] a few bad races that put us behind Max, but we still managed to get some good points, good podiums, a few wins.”

"I think we got our season back on track for the final eight or so races, so it was an intense battle towards the end with Charles [Leclerc] and Ferrari [for P2 in the World Championship]. It was a lot better [in 2022]," Perez explained when asked how much more comfortable he had been at Red Bull during his second year at the squad.

‘Confidence that things are heading in the "right direction".’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-feel...rt-at-red-bull


Perez’s apparent slump was really about Verstappen’s rise
Dec 22 2022
By Edd Straw
The Race

The intra-team battle between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2022 is an illuminating case study in what makes the greatest Formula 1 drivers so remarkable. For while the Red Bull RB18 was unquestionably the best car of the season, it ultimately required Verstappen’s brilliance to extract the most from it.

Early in the season, when the car was understeer-limited, particularly in the slower corners, the gap between Verstappen and Perez was far smaller than expected. Perez bagged pole position in Jeddah and was denied a shot at victory by the safety car being deployed just after he had made his first pitstop, then he won on the streets of Monaco.

As late as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the streets of Baku in June, he beat Verstappen to pole position. However, come Sunday Verstappen’s race pace was markedly better so even though he was instructed not to make his team-mate’s life too difficult, Perez was always destined to lose that race. So what went wrong for Perez? Partly, that’s the wrong question. Really, we should ask what went right for Verstappen.

‘Intra-team battle’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/perez...stappens-rise/


F1: Sergio Perez unfazed by Daniel Ricciardo's arrival at Red Bull
15:35 Thu, 22 Dec 2022.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

2023 is going to be a fascinating year at Red Bull as they look to defend their Constructors’ crown, whilst both drivers go in hunt of the title.

Daniel Ricciardo is also back in the mix in Milton Keynes, too, with him taking on a reserve driver role that will see him undertake sim duties and marketing obligations.

It’s the beginning of the Aussie’s year away from the F1 grid where he looks to discover just how much he is missing the sport and, indeed, whether he wants to get back in to it for 2024.

‘Unfazed by Daniel Ricciardo's arrival’;

https://www.givemesport.com/88097239...al-at-red-bull


Report: Red Bull not putting pressure on Perez - Marko
05:57 Thu, 22 Dec 2022.
By GMM F1
Sports Mole

Dr Helmut Marko has denied that Red Bull is "trying to put pressure" on Sergio Perez. Towards the end of the season, it became clear that the relationship - or the appearance of a relationship - between Max Verstappen and Perez was breaking down.

Fairly promptly after that, it emerged that McLaren refugee Daniel Ricciardo was reuniting with Red Bull for 2023 in a third driver role - with some wondering if Mexican Perez was now on notice despite his two-year contract extension. However, top team official Marko said Australian Ricciardo has mainly been brought on board in a marketing role.

"We must not forget that we are a very, very big team," said the Austrian. "We have more sponsors than any other team and that comes with a lot of obligations. We also want to increase our market share in America and who better to do that than Ricciardo. He has a big smile and his 'shoey' is known everywhere.”

‘Red Bull not putting pressure on Perez’;

https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula...0.html?newsnow

Ferrari to unveil its new F1 car for 2023 on Valentine’s Day.
The team become the second of the ten on the grid to confirm their launch date for next year’s car. Aston Martin’s AMR23 will appear the day prior to Ferrari’s launch, on Monday 13th February.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 22nd December 2022, 12:45
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Ferrari have announced their new car for the 2023 Formula 1 season will be unveiled on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday 14th February. While the official designation of the 2023 car is yet to be announced, Ferrari revealed that their upcoming model has the internal code number of 675. This year’s Ferrari F1 car was designated the ‘F1-75’ to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Ferrari racing in Formula 1-level competition.

‘Valentine’s Day Launch’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/22/...alentines-day/


Leclerc expects three-way F1 title fight in 2023 as he predicts Mercedes' resurgence
15:16 Thu, 22 Dec 2022.
GMM
Wheels24

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc anticipates Mercedes will step back up to the plate in 2023, though he is not seeing another team who could tag along with them. The new-for-2022 Technical Regulations, working in tandem with the budget cap, was to create a more level pack competing in overtaking-friendly challengers.

However, the grid actually spread out slightly for that first season, Red Bull and Ferrari establishing themselves as the pacesetters, with Mercedes only challenging on occasion, their highlight being a one-two finish in Sao Paulo - their only victory of the season.

So as the regulations head into their second season and hopefully set about converging the grid somewhat, Ferrari driver Leclerc expects Mercedes to bring themselves back into play. Still, looking at the midfield outfits, he does not see another team ready yet to step up.

‘Three-way F1 title fight in 2023’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsp...gence-20221221


Ferrari F1 2023 launch date set
Friday 23rd December, 2022 - 9:23am
By Damion Smy
Speedcafe

Ferrari will launch its 2023 Formula 1 car on February 14. Internally known at Maranello as Project 675, the car replaces the F1-75 which saw the Scuderia’s drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz secure second in the Constructors’ World Championship for the team, holding off a resurgent Mercedes although more than 200 points adrift of victors Red Bull Racing.

Ferrari confirmed the Valentine’s Day date via its social media channels, with the design of its 2023 contender again set to benefit from legendary designer, Rory Byrne, who continues as a consultant to the team.

‘Legendary designer’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/23...unch-date-set/


Ferrari power unit to be upped by 30hp for 2023 – report
Friday 23rd December 2022 11:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari will reportedly be able to extract 30 horsepower extra from their power unit as they take another shot at title glory.

The 2022 campaign did not exactly go to plan for Ferrari. Initially it was doing, as they began the season with an F1-75 clearly capable of championship success, but things would soon unravel.

As Ferrari shot themselves in the foot with strategy and reliability issues, plus some rather costly driver errors, like Charles Leclerc crashing out of the lead in France, Red Bull took it all in their stride as they turned the campaign into a one-horse race.

‘Extract 30 horsepower extra’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...it-extra-30hp/


Charles Leclerc set for boost to 2023 title hopes with Ferrari set for major upgrade
13:03 Fri, 23 Dec 2022.
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz could chase down Max Verstappen in 2023 with the team set for a major power unit upgrade. Ferrari could be set for a 30bhp boost for next season, according to reports from SoyMotor. Engine developments have already been frozen until F1’s new rules come into effect from 2026.

However, extra pace can be found through improved reliability which is the focus of Ferrari’s plans for the winter. Italian journalist Leo Turini claims Ferrari were not running their car at full power all season due to reliability concerns.

‘Major upgrade’;

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

AlphaTauri to unveil 2023 livery in New York City.
AlphaTauri will reveal their new livery for the 2023 season in an unveiling in New York City in the United States, the team have announced.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 23rd December 2022, 17:11
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

The Red Bull junior team confirmed that they will hold a livery reveal in the financial capital of the United States on Saturday 11th February. In a post on social media, the team confirmed the date of the unveiling, but marked the event as a “livery launch”, suggesting the team’s 2023 chassis would be officially made public at a later date.

The team shared no details about the livery launch event or if it would be a public event that fans could attend. AlphaTauri are the third team to announce a launch date for the 2023 car or livery, after Aston Martin and Ferrari. Yesterday, Mercedes posted a video teaser of their W14 being fired up for the first time.

AlphaTauri’s announcement appears to confirm that their 2023 car will be designated ‘AT04′, continuing the convention of all their cars since being rebranded to AlphaTauri in 2020.

‘New York City Launch’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/23/...new-york-city/


AlphaTauri to launch 2023 car in New York
24/12/2022 at 10:21
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

The Faenza-based squad has chosen New York Fashion Week in the Big Apple to pull the covers off its 2023 livery. While the presentation will take place in parallel with the launch of AlphaTauri's latest line of fashion wear, the team will likely roll out its new AT04 just before the start of pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 23.

AlphaTauri is the third team to announce its 2023 season presentation, with Aston Martin and Ferrari set to unveil their contender on February 13 and 14 respectively.

The team has undergone a driver change with long-standing team member Pierre Gasly moving to Alpine and replaced by F1 rookie Nyck de Vries who earned his spot with AlphaTauri thanks to his remarkable one-off and top-ten finish with Williams in last September's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. On the other side of the AlphaTauri garage, 22-year-old Yuki Tsunoda will embark on his third F1 season.

‘Launch 2023 car in New York’;

https://f1i.com/news/463288-alphatau...-new-york.html


AlphaTauri announce 2023 livery launch date – and confirm name of new car
23 December 2022
Formula One - Official Site

AlphaTauri have announced they will be holding a launch event in New York City to reveal their new livery for the 2023 season. The new car will be raced by Yuki Tsunoda, who will be competing in his third season in Formula 1, and rookie Nyck de Vries, who replaces the Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly.

Former Formula 2 and Formula E champion De Vries was a Mercedes reserve driver and stepped in at the last minute to replace Williams driver Alex Albon when he was struck down with apendicitis at the Italian Grand Prix in September.

De Vries immediately looked at home, qualifying P13 and racing to a points finish of P9 on his debut – a performance so impressive that shortly afterwards he was signed up for a full-time seat for next season alongside Tsunoda.

‘2023 livery launch date’;

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


Nyck de Vries makes first big decision of F1 career as he targets Sergio Perez seat.
Nyck de Vries will make his full-time F1 debut with Alpha Tauri in 2023.
15:17, Fri, Dec 23, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

De Vries is known for working without a manager and running his own accord but stressed engagements have surged since he penned the deal. The former Formula E champion commented: “I was just looking for someone I trust and know well. In addition, I did not want management that is very outspoken and visible.

“For me, the relationship between the team and myself is very important. Guillaume will therefore not sit in between. But he will relieve me of all kinds of things that play in the background.”

“If there's one thing I've learned in the last two or three weeks, it's that you suddenly have a lot of friends, people you've never really heard of before. Everyone offers you all sorts of things, everyone wants to be involved in the story.”

‘Targets Sergio Perez seat’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ez-alpha-tauri


De Vries signs up business manager for F1 career
23/12/2022 at 16:36
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

For the first time in his motorsport career, Nyck de Vries has entrusted his affairs to a business manager, the AlphaTauri F1 rookie signing up Frenchman Guillaume Le Goff to look after his affairs.

Le Goff is no stranger to the F1 paddock as the former ART Grand Prix engineer's company - named The Grid - also handles the interests of Pierre Gasly, the man de Vries is replacing at AlphaTauri.

But de Vries is also well acquainted with Le Goff, having worked alongside the latter during his Formula Renault days.

‘De Vries signs up business manager’;

https://f1i.com/news/463265-de-vries...f1-career.html

Watch: Mercedes 2023 F1 car fires up.
Mercedes have shared their first broadcast of their 2023 car, the W14, firing up for the first time.
22 December 7:29PM
RacingNews365

The team from Brackley are aiming to recover from a below-par season and return to championship-challenging form for 2023.

Their shared social media footage shares the soundtrack of their latest Mercedes power unit, one which they hope will power them to victories next year.

‘The W14’;

https://racingnews365.com/watch-merc...1-car-fires-up


Mercedes' F1 2023 car tipped to look ‘quite different’ after getting 2022 concept "wrong"
22 Dec 2022
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Speaking in Sky F1’s 2022 season review, Chandhok tipped Mercedes’ car to look the most different at pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“They got the concept wrong, they’ve been very open about it,” Chandhok said. “For me, one of the most intriguing things when we all go to Bahrain pre-season testing next year, is what does the 2023 Mercedes look like?”

“Because out of the cars that have run this year, they are the ones that will look quite different.”

‘W13: Got the concept wrong’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101845...different-2023


Mercedes fire up Lewis Hamilton's 2023 F1 car for first time as Brit prays for better
Lewis Hamilton is hoping for a better car in 2023 after being plagued by issues throughout 2022.
07:12, Fri, Dec 23, 2022
By Fraser Watson
Daily and Sunday Express

Mercedes have released a video of engineers firing up their new car ahead of the 2023 season. The Silver Arrows endured a torrid time for much of 2022, with both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell plagued by the issue of porpoising for the early parts of the campaign. Hamilton even failed to make it out of Q1 in Saudi Arabia, and his struggles prompted rumours he was considering retiring at the end of the year.

Fans of the Silver Arrows seemed to approve, with the video racking up just short of 5,000 likes in a matter of hours. But many were left hoping the launch didn't flatter to deceive like it did in 2022: "As I said last year for the W13, let's hope this is the sound of success... Hope It doesn't age badly this time," wrote Red Carter.

Victor Marucci wrote: "Welcome W14! I Wish you a World Championship in 2023! Keep Pushing guys!" while Gonzalo Palafox added: "Last year this moment was very exciting, the season was disappointing so congratulations on the W14 but let's see what happens this season."

‘Brit prays for better’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...23-F1-car-news


Mercedes fires up new W14 F1 2023 car
09:37 Fri, 23 Dec 2022.
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Shortly before factory staff disappeared for the Christmas break, Mercedes hit its target of getting the W14 fired up at Brackley before the holidays. In a short video published by Mercedes, the team teased the firing up of the car – but made sure to reveal no clues about potential changes to its design. Mercedes is coming off the back of a disappointing F1 season, where it failed to win a world championship title for the first time since the turbo hybrid era began in 2014.

Towards the end of the season the team was much more on top of what it needed to do, and a final push of updates from the United States Grand Prix helped it eventually claim a 1-2 finish in Brazil. The W13 stood out from its rivals in having a ‘zero-pod’ concept, but its main Achilles heel was that it had been designed to produce maximum downforce as close to the ground as possible. That choice proved unworkable in the real world, thanks to the impact of bumps and porpoising with the new ground effect models. Mercedes has duly had to change tact.

Speaking recently, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said analysis of what had gone wrong with the W13 had prompted a change of direction for the team in 2023. “The DNA of the car is going to change for next year, that’s clear,” said Wolff. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that our bodywork is going to look very different. But certainly what is part of the DNA of the car, the architecture of the car, will change for next year.”

‘W14 DNA Changer!’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/m...-car/10414074/


Lewis Hamilton can finally win eighth F1 title in 2023 due to Red Bull and Ferrari issues
Lewis Hamilton might just be able to roll back the years in 2023 after failing to compete for Grand Prix victories over the last 12 months.
05:30, Sun, Dec 25, 2022
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton is still waiting for his next realistic opportunity to become the most decorated Formula One driver of all time by winning a record-breaking eighth Drivers' Championship title after failing to set the milestone this year. The 37-year-old was simply unable to compete with Max Verstappen over the course of the campaign, with Mercedes lacking pace in comparison to the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari in a surprising twist after their eight-year stronghold at the top of the pecking order.

The likes of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey have already warned that Red Bull could lose up to five-tenths of lap time as a result of the sanctions that were handed down to them by the FIA after a lengthy investigation process earlier this year. This could allow Mercedes to force themselves back into the equation in terms of battling for the end-of-season honours, especially if they manage to get their own house in order between now and the start of the 2023 campaign.

‘Can finally win’;

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

Ranking the six F1 Sprint Races for the 2023 Season
December 25, 2022
By: Arturo Aguirre
Last Word On Sports

1) Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Interlagos. Without a doubt, Interlagos stands clear as the best Sprint circuit for the 2023 season. 2) Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull Ring. The ten-turn track is one of the shortest and quickest tracks on the F1 calendar.

3) Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps. Spa’s iconic Eau Rouge and long straights provide intense battles that allow teams to show their cars’ true power. 4) Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku City Circuit. With the high speeds this track possesses, there is always the possibility of a safety car making an appearance either during the race or even the Sprint.

5) United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas. The most recent Grand Prix in Austin did deliver a great race, and it can build on it with an exciting Sprint Race to create chaos. 6) Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail Circuit. Although the first race did not provide much for fans, the circuit holds loads of potential. The judgment of whether or not a Sprint Race is entertaining in Qatar will come as soon as it concludes.

‘Ranking the six F1 Sprint Races’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...e-2023-season/


FORMULANERDS’ 2023 F1 SEASON PREDICTIONS.
Some of the FormulaNerds team reveal their predictions and hot takes ahead of the 2023 F1 season. Will there be any consistent selections?
15:09 Sun, 25 Dec 2022.
Samuel Coop
FormulaNerds

The 2023 F1 season-opening round in Bahrain is already only two and a half months, so it’s time to turn attention to who the big winners – and losers – of next year might be.

‘Some Controversial Predictions!’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/feature.../?nowprocket=1


Tech Draft: A look back at 2022 Formula 1 with an eye on 2023
23 December, 2022
Mark Kay
Grand Prix 247

The management of the sporting aspects of F1 in 2021 left the FIA open to much criticism, particularly after the Abu Dhabi debacle, and so for 2022 the season was to have a rotation of two Race Directors from event to event, with Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas selected for the job. However, it became evident during the season that the rotation of the role was responsible for a lack in continuity in the sporting decisions, such as track limits.

However, the need to change back to a single Race Director was forced upon the FIA after the extremely dangerous and embarrassing incident at the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix when the use of recovery vehicle on the circuit whilst race cars were circulating, albeit under mitigated conditions, occurred in torrential conditions. For 2023, the technical changes will be minimal, with the primary change being an increase in static ride height by 15mm, being brought in to help mitigate “porpoising” further.

Whilst this will certainly reduce ultimate downforce loadings, the broader impact to lap speed and close proximity racing will be minimal, if anything at all. As we look forward to another exciting season of F1 racing ahead of us in 2023 I would like to extend my best Christmas wishes to all the readers and their families and friends, and for a happy and prosperous New Year.

‘An eye on 2023’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/12...n-eye-on-2023/


The seven drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2023 season
Monday 26th December 2022 9:00 AM
Henry Valantine

The F1 2023 season will not begin until March, but ‘silly season’ is never far away regarding driver moves – and this year will be no exception. Lewis Hamilton - Don’t expect to see Hamilton’s name on this list for too long, if the noises from Mercedes and the man himself are to be believed. Logan Sargeant - America’s newest Formula 1 driver will be given a chance to impress at Williams next season, as Sargeant makes the step up from Formula 2.

Yuki Tsunoda - Tsunoda admitted his surprise at even being given a second season in Formula 1 after a troubled first half of his rookie year in 2021, but a general improvement in showing alongside Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri earned him what could be a make-or-break third year in F1 2023. Kevin Magnussen - Magnussen returned to Formula 1 with what Guenther Steiner described colourfully as a “f***ing Viking comeback” with an excellent P5 finish in Bahrain, returning to the sport on short notice on a multi-year deal to replace the sacked Nikita Mazepin at Haas.

Nico Hulkenberg - ‘Hulkenback’ was made permanent after a series of cameo appearances as Aston Martin’s reserve driver, with Hulkenberg being chosen over Mick Schumacher to partner Magnussen at Haas next season. Zhou Guanyu - A points-scoring debut for Zhou at Alfa Romeo underlined his potential after his move up from Formula 2, and he impressed enough alongside Valtteri Bottas to be given another year with the team for F1 2023.

‘Seven drivers out of contract’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1...ntract-expiry/


Jordan’s original Formula 1 factory to be demolished next summer
2023 F1 season
Posted on 20th December 2022, 12:4820th December 2022, 12:50
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Aston Martin plan to knock down their former headquarters, which has been used by Formula 1 teams since 1991, next year. The old base is being destroyed to make way for the new facility Aston Martin is building at a cost of up to £200 million.

Eddie Jordan Racing’s eponymous boss commissioned the creation of the factory, which sits on a road opposite British Grand Prix venue Silverstone, in 1990 when he wanted to take his successful junior single-seater team into F1.

It was used by Jordan from his team’s debut in 1991 through to the end of 2005, when it was sold to the Midland Group. The team raced as Midland in 2006, as Spyker in 2007 and then as Force India from 2008 to 2018. When a Lawrence Stroll-led consortium then bought the team after it faced financial struggles, it rebranded to Racing Point and then last year became Aston Martin.

‘Jordan’s original Formula 1 factory to be demolished’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/20/...d-next-summer/

Bottas leads the field on Boxing Day in Adelaide.
Valtteri Bottas opted to burn off his Christmas dinner calories and toxins with a competitive bike ride in Adelaide on Boxing Day.
4:07 Mon, 26 Dec 2022.
F1i.com

The Finn entered a local criterium event organized at the bay and the Alfa Romeo charger was on it from the get-go, leading the field on the short but technical course.

And for good measure, Botta's better half - pro-cyclist Tiffany Cromwell - won top spoils in the women's road race!

‘Burn off his Christmas dinner’;

https://f1i.com/images/463359-bottas...-adelaide.html


Sauber deny Alfa Romeo left in the dark over Audi deal
Friday 23 December 2022 14:20
Ian Parkes
GPFans

Former Sauber CEO Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Alfa Romeo was "aware" the team was in discussions with Audi before announcing its F1 exit plan. Sauber will race as the Audi factory team from 2026 when the new power unit regulations come into force.

The outfit has competed with Alfa Romeo sponsorship since 2018, with a full naming rights package agreed upon from the following campaign. But the forthcoming season will be the last of the relationship, as the Italian marque clears the way ahead of a new era for the team.

Asked if Alfa Romeo had been "in the loop" with regard to discussions, speaking to GPFans as team boss prior to his recent Ferrari appointment, Vasseur said: "They were aware.

‘Alfa Romeo was aware’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...the-dark-audi/


Bottas embraced new life at Alfa: 'I'm able to follow what I want to do"
24/12/2022 at 13:41
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Valtteri Bottas is as dedicated to his job as the next Formula 1 driver, but away from the track the Finn's life at Alfa Romeo has given him a lot more freedom, and he's happy about that.

After five years with the mighty Mercedes team during which he won all ten of his career wins in Formula 1, Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo-Sauber at the start of 2022. On the sporting front, the Finn's transfer to Hinwil was obviously a downgrade, but an inevitable one if he wanted to remain in F1.

But in terms of Bottas' life away from the race track and his mental comfort, leaving Mercedes for Alfa took a lot of corporate weight off his shoulders and perhaps a few restraints, leaving him freer to take advantage of his downtime as he sees fit.

‘New life at Alfa’;

https://f1i.com/news/463304-bottas-e...ant-to-do.html


Zhou Guanyu’s Points Finish on Debut ‘Shut up’ a lot of People – Frédéric Vasseur
December 27, 2022
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Frédéric Vasseur says it was pleasing to see Zhou Guanyu ‘shut up’ a lot of people by scoring a top ten finish on his FIA Formula 1 World Championship debut in the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Zhou became the first Chinese Formula 1 driver when he joined Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN ahead of the 2022 season, the twenty-three-year-old forming an all-new line-up at the Hinwil-based team alongside Valtteri Bottas, the duo replacing Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

Many critics called Zhou a pay driver ahead of his debut after stepping up from FIA Formula 2, but he put in a strong performance across his debut weekend, scoring a tenth place finish at the Bahrain International Circuit, a result that his outgoing Team Principal Vasseur was delighted to see.

‘Shut up a lot of People’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...deric-vasseur/


Chinese F1 racer Zhou Guanyu's rookie season in review
'I've really enjoyed my first season': Zhou Guanyu's 2022 F1 races in review
12:21 Sun, 25 Dec 2022.
Chen Rong
CGTN

China's first F1 racer Zhou Guanyu finished 18th with six points in his rookie season with Alfa Romeo. The 23-year-old gained one point in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix (GP), four points in the Canadian GP and another one point in the Italian race.

As the only F1 rookie this season, Zhou was the winner of the Autosport's Rookie of the Year Award, a prize given to the top voted racer by Autosport readers as announced on December 4. Other candidates included Toyota's World Endurance champion Ryo Hirakawa of Japan, IndyCar podium finisher Christian Lundgaard of Denmark and F2 race winner Logan Sargeant of the United States.

‘Enjoyed my first season’;

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-12-2...yZi/index.html

First details of Red Bull's 2023 challenger uncovered.
At the heart of the RB19 project is the overall lightening of the car to immediately reach the minimum regulatory weight. The chassis in the lower-rear part will be shaped to allow for the partial housing of the cooling system.
27 December 12:10PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Paolo Filisetti
RacingNews365

Details of the RB19
While maintaining a strong "family feeling" with the previous car, next years challenger has followed two guidelines that will characterise its profound renewal. Weight reduction was the basis of the initial objectives of the project, already starting from the ideas, which were never materialised with its actual adoption, of the lightened chassis which had been widely discussed over the course of the summer.

The monocoque of the RB19 will be characterised by a reduced weight compared to its predecessor of about three kilograms. The floor, driven by the new regulation where the “elbow” (the section connecting with the venturi channels) is raised by 10mm and the side profile in front of the rear wheels raised by 15mm, will also be lighter than the previous one, while maintaining a high degree of stiffness in relation to the shape of the sides, which will prevent deformation in the peripheral portions.

The gearbox case and placement of the suspension elements, should be characterised by a lower narrowing, increasing the section of the lower Venturi channels. In terms of upper aerodynamics, the general layout of the sidepods, while maintaining strong points of contact with the 2022 model, will be characterised by a refinement of the cut-outs under the sidepods, which create a 'double floor' effect. There will be an extension towards the rear of these cut-outs, at the base of the sidepods.

‘The heart of the RB19 project’;

https://racingnews365.com/first-deta...enger-unveiled


Red Bull chief engineer doubts cars will have identical appearance in 2023
Tuesday 27th December 2022 6:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull’s chief engineer Paul Monaghan says he doesn’t believe the top cars will all be physically similar in 2023, despite the rules maturing. With the ground-effect rules coming into their second year after being introduced for 2022, the winter off-season allows the teams to rectify any weaknesses identified with the design concepts of their cars.

“Simply put, no,” he told media at the end of the 2022 season. I don’t think the cars will have an identical appearance. I don’t think we’re at that point, yet. The regulations govern the shape more closely than they used to. But there are some differences, particularly if you look at the Mercedes, the Ferrari, and the Red Bull car.”

“There are some significant differences. There are regulation changes coming along for next year, are we going to all have the same solution at race one? I doubt it. That doesn’t seem to be the way of our sport. So I think there will be differences there. They will be smaller in magnitude to those we’ve seen in say, 2010, 2011, ‘12, and so on, (referring to the last major aero rules change, introduced in 2009) and so forth. That’s the evolution of the sport and so be it.”

‘Doubts cars will have identical appearance in 2023’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...entical-looks/


Pedro de la Rosa doubts Sergio Perez’s Monaco crash was deliberate.
13:31 Mon, 26 Dec 2022.
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Pedro de la Rosa doesn’t believe it’s “in the DNA” of a driver to crash on purpose, casting doubt on Sergio Perez’s Monaco incident. The Spaniard doesn’t believe there’s any truth to the suggestion that Sergio Perez crashed his Red Bull on purpose in the final minutes of Monaco qualifying back in May.

The debate over whether the crash may have been deliberate has swirled around ever since, but De La Rosa doesn’t believe there’s any meat to the rumour. “I think that Checo [Perez] did nothing wrong in Monaco, he did nothing on purpose,” De La Rosa told Motorsport.com at the Las 500 Millas de Palou.”

“It is very difficult for him [if] a driver crashes on purpose. Another thing is that you park the car. But it’s not in the DNA of a driver to crash.” After a brief war of words through the media as the situation escalated directly after the race at Interlagos, a clearing of the air had been managed by the time the teams arrived in Abu Dhabi for the season finale.

‘Pedro de la Rosa doubts Sergio Perez’s Monaco crash was deliberate’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pedro-...sh-deliberate/


De la Rosa doubts Perez crashed on purpose in Monaco
16:15 Tue, 27 Dec 2022.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Ex-Formula 1 driver Pedro de La Rosa has brushed away suggestions that Sergio Perez crashed on purpose at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year. During the final laps of Q3, Perez spun at the Portier corner and blocked the track before being hit by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

The session was red-flagged and no driver was able to improve their times. Perez ended the session in third place ahead of team-mate Max Verstappen in fourth. Following a team order debacle between the Red Bull pair at the Brazilian Grand Prix toward the end of the season, it was rumoured that Verstappen refused to hand Perez the position back as revenge for Monaco.

“I think that Checo [Perez] did nothing wrong in Monaco, he did nothing on purpose,” de la Rosa told motorsport.com. “It is very difficult for him [if] a driver crashes on purpose. Another thing is that you park the car. But it’s not in the DNA of a driver to crash.”

‘Pedro de La Rosa has brushed away suggestions’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...ose-in-monaco/


Vettel in Talks With Red Bull F1 for ‘Top Management’ Role: Marko
It appears that the four-time F1 world champ could be following Daniel Ricciardo back to Milton Keynes.
PUBLISHED Dec 27, 2022 3:00 PM
byJerry Perez
The Drive.

Sebastian Vettel has made it a little over 30 days into retirement before being tipped for a Formula 1 return. However, if Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's words are anything to go by, the German racer could be headed for a very different position than he last held at Milton Keynes.

According to a report by Sky Sports F1, Marko openly said that the four-time world champion could be destined for a "top management" position. In fact, the soon-to-be 80-year-old claimed that conversations had been held between the two.

"It is not impossible that he will come back for a top management position," Marko told Sky. "We had a conversation and if he could get a top management position, that would appeal to him. That became clear during the conversation. He would certainly have the potential and the personality for it, but for now we'll let him plant a few trees," he added.

‘Top Management Role’;

https://www.thedrive.com/news/vettel...ent-role-marko

STARTING FROM FRESCO: HOW FERRARI AND LECLERC COULD BECOME F1 WORLD CHAMPIONS IN 2023.
Could the 15-year wait for an F1 world title finally be over?
15:06 Tue, 27 Dec 2022.
Cambridge Kisby
FormulaNerds

Ever since Kimi Raikonnen broke British and Spanish hearts in 2007, completing an epically unexpected title run, Ferrari have been searching for their next great title hope. Whilst many would look at 2022 as a false hope, it equally may have just been a false start.

It’s highly likely that many Tifosi joined Charles Leclerc in his ear-splitting scream of disappointment in late July, as he crashed his Ferrari out of both the lead of the French Grand Prix and any contention for the Drivers’ World Championship. Previously, the Monegasque driver had led the title race by a 46-point-margin, before cacca hit the metaphorical wiper blades.

A sequence of cataclysmic events after the French tragedy meant life got gradually worse for Ferrari and Leclerc. Both the team and driver had to settle for second best in both championships. But 2023 has the chance to be significantly different.

‘15-year wait’;

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


Frederic Vasseur tipped to do "big things" at Ferrari with 'no bulls***' approach
21:33 Tue, 27 Dec 2022.
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror

Frederic Vasseur has been tipped to achieve "big things" in charge of Ferrari despite some reservations over his appointment. Former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde is firmly among those who approve of the move. Giving his thoughts on the overall situation, he expressed the belief that Binotto jumped ship before he was pushed and backed Vasseur to deliver for the Scuderia.

"Vasseur put the right people in the right place [at Alfa Romeo-Sauber]. He is a true leader and will be able to take Ferrari to new heights. He's someone who can bang his fist on the table and doesn't like bullsh*t. He can be tough. That is why I really think he is the right man for Ferrari. He always tells it like it is. He does not play political games, but is straightforward. If someone is not functioning well, he can be very rigorous and say: either you will do better, or you will be replaced by someone else.”

“He always goes for the best possible performance. And as a Ferrari team boss you have to project that. Binotto is very professional and has done some really good things at Ferrari in recent years, but it's also about winning mentality, and that is much more present with Vasseur. He will have to look at the complete picture, address the points that did not go well last season and, just like with Alfa, put the right people in the right place. That will take some time, but give him that time."

'No bulls*** approach’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...cipal-28825147


Ferrari - has the right call been made hiring Fred Vasseur?
Tuesday 27 December 2022 12:00
Ewan Gale
GPFans

Ferrari has seemingly taken a gamble in looking beyond Maranello and hiring Fred Vasseur as its new team principal. Junior formula pedigree. Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon and Charles Leclerc were guided to glory as part of Vasseur’s operation in GP3, proving the Frenchman has what it takes to control a winning team.

Management skills proven on wider scale. Vasseur was able to obtain the contract from the FIA to create the 40 chassis needed for the inaugural Formula E season, with that partnership continuing through the initial specification of machinery.

Junior management blossoms into F1 expertise. In that time, Vasseur struck deals with Alfa Romeo to head the Sauber operation and cement the team’s position on the grid when previously, the outlook had been bleak. Such is the success under Vasseur’s leadership, former Mercedes driver Bottas joined to help steer the team into a new era, and earlier this year it was announced that Audi would join forces with Sauber to create its works outfit from 2026.

‘The right call’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...al-right-call/


Ferrari CEO to play major role in running F1 team after Mattia Binotto sacking
Frederic Vasseur will start his new job as Ferrari team principal in January, as he prepares for his most challenging gig yet.
27 December 2022
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

During Mattia Binotto’s four-year tenure, neither Vigna nor Ferrari chairman John Elkann were seen in an ‘active’ position, with the pair having very much taken a back seat.

It appears, though, that Vigna is tired of this and is keen to be a more prominent part of the Maranello-based team, who will be wanting to bounce back from a mixed 2022 campaign.

2022 was a year which saw Ferrari return to the top momentarily, before being given yet another huge wake-up call, after a plethora of strategic errors.

‘Vigna is tired of this’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/ferrari-c...notto-sacking/


Ferrari's Vigna reportedly set for more active role alongside Vasseur
27/12/2022 at 10:33
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Ferrari chief executive Benedetto Vigna is expected to take on a significantly more active role in 2023 with the Scuderia alongside newly appointed team boss Frédéric Vasseur, according to a report from Italy.

While the 54-year-old is very much his own man, a report from Motorsport.com's Italian affiliate contends that his management role will be closely scrutinized by Ferrari's top brass and especially by CEO Vigna who will apparently assume an active role alongside Vasseur.

Vigna's involvement with Ferrari's Gestione Sportiva would mark a departure from how the manufacturer has managed the Scuderia efforts in the past, that is with little input and influence over whoever was in charge of the team's destiny.

‘Set for more active role’;

https://f1i.com/news/463380-ferraris...e-vasseur.html


Sainz: New year, new car, we have another chance in 2023
28 December, 2022
Paul Velasco
Grand Prix 247

Despite the hammering Ferrari took this past Formula 1 season, and the uncertainty of a new boss for the future, Carlos Sainz is optimistic that 2023 could be their year.

Sainz admitted to MotoriOnline that Red Bull’s relentless and effective development program ambushed the Scuderia: “You never expect that, especially when you have a good car to start with. I would have liked to have felt a little more at ease at the start of the season.

“Together with Charles, we could’ve tried more to put Verstappen under pressure. Red Bull are dominant now but at the start of the season, they certainly weren’t, and that’s where they’ve done an amazing job,” acknowledged Sainz, referencing how well the RB18 evolved during the 22 races of 2022.

‘New year, new car’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/12...hance-f1-2023/


Sainz: 2022 the year I’ve learned the most since rookie season
09:30, 29 Dec 2022.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Carlos Sainz says that the 2022 Formula 1 season saw him take on high volumes of information, which was only rivalled by his rookie campaign in 2015.

Sainz endured a difficult start to the 2022 season as he struggled to come to grips with Ferrari’s challenger amid the introduction of new technical regulations. The Spaniard was often unable to compete with team-mate Charles Leclerc, who won two of the opening three races.

As the season wore on, Sainz was able to take steps forward and achieved his first pole position and grand prix victory at the British Grand Prix.

‘Learned the most’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...rookie-season/

Why Wolff expects 'very difficult' challenge for Mercedes in 2023.
While he remains hopeful that Mercedes can return to form in 2023, team boss Toto Wolff acknowledges that they have a challenging task ahead of them.
07:06 Mon, 26 Dec 2022.
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff admits that Mercedes face a "very difficult" task in 2023 in terms of closing the development gap to Red Bull and Ferrari.

The 2022 season proved to be a difficult one for the Silver Arrows, with the W13 being affected by issues including porpoising from an early stage in the campaign.

While there were signs of progress – along with a victory for George Russell at the penultimate race of the year in Brazil – the team finished third in the Constructors' Championship after being unable to match the pace of their rivals at the front of the pack.

‘Very difficult challenge for Mercedes in 2023’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-wolff-...rcedes-in-2023


Wolff compares Mercedes success to "eight Christmas evenings"
29 December 8:00AM
Author Luke Murphy
GPFans

Wolff agreed with Elliott's comments on the reaction to the Brazil win, and added that he found the victory "fulfilling", despite the team's familiarity with success. "For me, it's like having eight Christmas evenings in a row, the eighth time is not going to be as exciting like the first time," added Wolff.

"I remember saying 'okay, this was another race victory, good, we're very happy, we performed well, we debriefed like it was our first', but I think it's human nature that you kind of become used to it. That's why bouncing back in Brazil and seeing the emotions of the team. I had so much pride.”

“It's interesting to look at ourselves and see that it is an emotion that I haven't seen coming. It's tremendously fulfilling in a way, although it was one race victory, and we finished third in the constructor championship, we weren't really on pace with the others, but it is another piece of the jigsaw [for us] to eventually come back and fight at the very front."

"Eight Christmas evenings";

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-surp...sed-to-winning


Toto Wolff wants Nyck de Vries to earn Red Bull seat so Mercedes can "fight it out".
Mercedes and Red Bull have become bitter rivals in recent season, with team principals Wolff and Christian Horner even developing a public feud of their own at times.
18:21, 28 Dec 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer

Toto Wolff made the surprise admission that he hopes Nyck de Vries will one day race for his team's bitter rivals Red Bull. He added: "I hope that he stays there, and I hope that he's successful in AlphaTauri. I hope he will be good enough to make it into a Red Bull seat one day, because he deserves that. And then we will take it like sportsmen, and we will fight it out."

Even though De Vries is leaving for a Red Bull contract, Wolff has made it clear Mercedes wish nothing but success for the Dutchman. There was a light-hearted moment after the Abu Dhabi season finale last month when Mercedes staff literally delivered the racer to the AlphaTauri garage on a trolley. And before the AlphaTauri move was completed, the Austrian made it clear he felt De Vries belongs on the F1 grid.

When assessing the racer's debut performance at Monza, where he secured Williams' best result of the season, Wolff declared: "Niki [Lauda] would have taken off his hat. "I think if one of the teams who still have a free seat don't pick him up now, then I don't understand the world anymore." Williams and Alpine were said to be considering him, but of course it was AlphaTauri who won the race for his signature after an in-person meeting with Helmut Marko.

"Fight it out";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tauri-28830769


Mercedes technical boss backed after "baptism of fire"
Thursday 22 December 2022 05:30
Ian Parkes
GPFans

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes Mike Elliott's "baptism of fire" will stand him in good stead for his future as technical director. After the team's first non-championship winning season since 2013, speaking in an end-of-season interview with GPFans, Wolff said: "Mike used the phrase 'baptism of fire' for him. It couldn't have been more difficult.”

"On the other side, it was a development that will be very crucial for him long term. It's made him better as a technical director." Explaining that Elliott has a shoulder to lean on in predecessor Allison, Wolff added: "You must bear in mind James is still there, as CTO, so oversees all of the technical co-ordination between HPP and MGP.

"So he is always there as a sparring partner, mentor and sounding board for Mike, and some of the other technical leaders. Added to that, we have a very stable group of top engineers that have been there for a long time in their roles, and that hasn't changed. Everybody is moving up but Mike was the first one to take this role as a technical director so the performance group is the same as it was before."

“Baptism of fire";

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...ptism-of-fire/


Toto Wolff makes surprising claim about Mattia Binotto’s Ferrari exit
Fred Vasseur will replace Mattia Binotto as Ferrari team principal in 2023, after the Swiss handed in his resignation earlier this month.
20 December 2022
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has now made the surprising claim that Mattia Binotto should have lost his job earlier, admitting that he expected the Swiss to be sacked sooner. “I think Mattia and I had our moments, it’s no secret over these many years, but in a way we consolidated that in 2022,” began Wolff.

“We were in a much, much better place. But it was always clear he was under tremendous pressure. Being a team principal at Ferrari, you’d better have a good contract for your exit! Now, probably the unavoidable happened, but he held onto it longer than I thought.”

“You’re representing Ferrari, you’re representing the whole country. They ride you up and they ride you down, but with brutality.”

“Should have lost his job earlier!”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolf...-ferrari-exit/

Which team has the most experienced driver line-up in F1 2023?
The F1 2023 season will have plenty of intrigue and, as ever, drivers with varying levels of experience up and down the grid.
Wednesday 28th December 2022 11:45 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso (355) + Lance Stroll (122) = 477. Had Sebastian Vettel stayed with the team, Aston Martin would still have topped this list – but Alonso’s arrival only extends their lead at the head of the F1 2023 experience charts in terms of race starts.

Red Bull: Max Verstappen (163) + Sergio Perez (235) = 398. While both Aston Martin drivers came into Formula 1 as teenagers, Max Verstappen broke the record for becoming the sport’s youngest ever driver and race winner when he took those accolades in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton (310) + George Russell (82) = 392. Lewis Hamilton crossed the 300-start barrier last season, but it was his toughest year in Formula 1 to date, with the seven-time World Champion going a full year without a victory for the first time in his illustrious career.

‘Most experienced driver line-up’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1...s-race-starts/


The five drivers under the most pressure heading into F1 2023
29 Dec 2022
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Sergio Perez heads into his third year with Red Bull on the back of his best season yet. Two wins and 11 podiums put Perez third in the final drivers’ championship, narrowly missing out on the runners up spot to Charles Leclerc at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Perez has proven to be a dependable number two, particularly in 2022, when Red Bull’s overweight RB18 seemed to suit his driving style. Once Red Bull reduced the weight and cured the inherent understeer problem, Perez went backwards, struggling to even get within 0.5s of Max Verstappen in the mid-part of the year.

Things did get better for Perez at the close of the season, putting in a stellar drive to win in Singapore ahead of Leclerc. With Ferrari and Mercedes likely closing in on Red Bull, Perez can’t afford to be over three-tenths behind his teammate.

‘Five drivers under the most pressure’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/101...eading-f1-2023


F1 drivers’ height and weight: A full rundown of the 2023 grid
Thursday 29th December 2022 9:00 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Here is each one of the 2023 Formula 1 drivers’ height and weight at the beginning of the new season. In Formula 1, even small details such as a driver’s height and weight can be of utmost importance as it dictates how much ballast their car needs, as well as how affecting how that ballast can be positioned.

In general, the shorter and smaller a driver is, the better it is for the car designers to ensure an optimal package, even in terms of how the airflow around and above their helmets can be directed.

Unsurprisingly, the driver’s weights are also maintained to a huge degree throughout the season, as necessitated by the sport’s minimum weight requirements for a suited and booted driver sitting in his car.

‘F1 drivers’ height and weight’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1...t-weight-2023/


Button makes epic prediction for 2023 F1
Tuesday 27 December 2022 09:00
Sam Hall
GPFans

Jenson Button has boldly predicted an "epic" 2023 season is in store as the recently introduced technical regulations and budget cap begin to yield results. Since the introduction of the V6 hybrid power units in 2014, there has only been one title race that has gone the distance with more than one team involved in the battle.

But with the cap and aerodynamic testing rules preventing teams from establishing an unassailable margin, the 2009 champion is hopeful of a tighter contest next term. Asked about his optimism for a fight between three teams at the front, Button told Sky Sports' 'Any Driven Monday': “It’s going to take a couple of years.

"Even with the cost cap, for the teams that are closer to the rear to really fight at the front, but it’s possible, definitely. There’s no reason why they can’t, especially if they have the right personnel and the right driver line-up. Anything is possible.”

‘Epic 2023 season’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...ction-2023-f1/


Romain Grosjean delivers his Ferrari prediction ahead of F1 2023 season
Thursday 29th December 2022 6:30 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Romain Grosjean has stated his disbelief at Ferrari’s 2022 season but has backed them for a big return to form in 2023. “I think Ferrari is going to be strong next year,” the 179-race starter said. “I think they definitely had a very fast car in qualifying.”

“Charles has been doing a great job, he made a few mistakes, but it’s always when you try to catch up that you make mistakes. If you’re at the front and things are very smooth, it’s kind of easier than when you’re trying to catch up because there were a few things that put you on the backfoot.”

“So I’m very impressed with Charles and I think Ferrari’s going to learn from this year and I think they will be in the mix next year.”

‘Romain Grosjean delivers his Ferrari prediction’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/romain...ri-prediction/

Which driver is the early favourite for the F1 2023 title?
While opportunities for a Leicester City-style shock are nigh-on impossible to pull off in Formula 1, the new aerodynamic regulations introduced should, eventually, lead to a more open playing field in future seasons with at least more than two potential winners of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Friday 30th December 2022 9:00 AM
Editor
PlanetF1.com

1 – Max Verstappen. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Max Verstappen is being backed to make it three Drivers’ Championships in a row. 2 – Lewis Hamilton. Current second favourite is a seven-time World Champion that goes by the name of Lewis Hamilton.

3 – Charles Leclerc. Next in line is Charles Leclerc, the man who screamed potential World Champion after winning two of the opening three races in F1 2022. 4 – George Russell. The prospect of making the jump up from the back of the grid to the front and expected to perform from the get-go is a daunting one

5 – Carlos Sainz. We now start making the net a little wider as we look at the drivers who are with big teams but remain relatively unfancied at this stage to launch their own title tilts. 6 – Sergio Perez. Rounding off the drivers at the top three teams – Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari – is Sergio Perez

‘Early favourite for the F1 2023 title’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-202...-driver-title/


2023 F1 car convergence splits opinion
Friday 30th December, 2022 - 2:00pm
By Daniel Herrero
Speedcafe

Opinions are split as to whether or not Formula 1 car designs will converge in 2023 given teams now have a year of experience with new aerodynamic rules. Sweeping changes were introduced to the championship this year, with ground effects returning in what Red Bull aero guru Adrian Newey claimed pre-season was the biggest shift in four decades.

It led to constructors adopting a variety of approaches with Mercedes, for example, going down the path of a radical ‘zeropod’ design. With a year of learning under their belt, there is a school of thought that cars will be more similar in shape in 2023 as they hone in on an optimal solution.

“Well, you see the speed of the blue car?” noted François-Xavier ‘FX’ Demaison, who was the Technical Director at Williams until recently, in reference to the Red Bull RB18. “Quite sure, it’s already seen many cars go that direction, so I’ll be surprised if [there are] not more and more cars heading in the same direction. You can’t avoid it. It’s motorsport; you always copy the fastest car. That’s Formula 1.”

‘2023 F1 car convergence’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/30...plits-opinion/


Mercedes vows to ‘maintain scepticism’ ahead of 2023 F1 season
30th Dec 2022, 07:47
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Mercedes says that it will “maintain scepticism” over its position in the pecking order for the 2023 Formula 1 campaign following a difficult 2022 season.

Mercedes’ Technical Director Mike Elliott says that the team is not anticipating that it will return to the head of the pack for the start of the 2023 season.

“I think the interesting thing is how we move forward from here and I think we’ve got to maintain that scepticism and be honest with ourselves that we were behind at the end of the year,” he said.

‘Maintain scepticism’

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...023-f1-season/


Ferrari send message to Mercedes and Red Bull with first comment on new 2023 F1 car
Ferrari are hoping to make a stronger challenge for the drivers' and constructors' championships in 2023.
18:12, Thu, Dec 29, 2022
By Sam Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Ferrari are ‘very happy’ with their car for 2023 and will have a ‘competitive start’ in a major warning to Mercedes and Red Bull. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has shared his inside knowledge of the world championship battle ahead of the new season.

Ferrari expect a better season than last, having fallen away from the world drivers’ championship battle in 2022. Several big team and individual mistakes cost Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Mercedes nearly pipping them to second place in the constructors’ championship.

Speaking to Gazetto dello Sport, Stella said of Ferrari’s new vehicle: "I expect a big reaction from Mercedes, even though I know that at Ferrari they are very happy with the new car and so they will definitely have a competitive start.” Ferrari replaced Mattia Binotto with Fred Vasseur after their collapse in 2022. Vasseur has already made some big promises as the Frenchman seeks to challenge Mercedes and Red Bull.

‘BIG promises’;

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


‘Team Player’ De Vries ‘Richly Deserved’ Formula 1 Move for 2023 – Ian James
December 29, 2022
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Ian James, the Team Manager of the McLaren Formula E Team and the former Team Principal of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, says Nyck de Vries has ‘richly deserved’ his move to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2023.

James says Mercedes had their eye on him early on and were keen to bring him into their line-up, and AlphaTauri have acquired a driver who is not only very quick but also an extremely good team player for 2023. “I think it’s so richly deserved,” said James to Motorsport.com. “He was somebody that we took a look at before coming in for Season 6 and recognised his qualities, not only as a driver, but as a team player.”

“Any team that he drives for is going to benefit from that approach. He has a way of saying what needs to be said, pointing out where improvements can be made, but doing it in a diplomatic fashion that doesn’t get people’s backs up. And that’s quite an important quality in a driver, and especially as a driver that’s going into a team which maybe hasn’t quite realised its full potential yet and has room to grow.”

‘Richly deserved move’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...023-ian-james/

Lewis Hamilton’s warning shot to F1 2023 rivals: ‘We’re still the best team’.
“Going into the winter, the team knows that we’re on the right track. And we are still the best team. We will get back to having this more consistent I think next year and I’m excited for that battle.” Lewis Hamilton.
Saturday 31st December 2022 9:00 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Hamilton also explained that after Brazil, Mercedes were able to see their ‘North Star’ in terms of a development focus over the winter for the W14. Asked if the mighty improvement was a good sign for the W14’s development, Hamilton said: “Definitely is a great, great sign.

“For a long, long period of time, we couldn’t really, truly understand what the problem was or how to fix it. And it was difficult, because we kept trying and trying and trying and every time something new came, we still had the problems we had. So this is really, really huge.

“We know where our North Star is, we know where we need to put all our efforts in to this winter.”

‘North Star Mercedes’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...-shot-f1-2023/


Toto Wolff vows Mercedes will come back in ‘more potent form’ in F1 2023
31 Dec 2022
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Toto Wolff believes Mercedes will be back in “a more potent form” in F1 2023 as the team looks to return to fighting for world titles.

“I’m always a half empty glass guy, and I see the risks,” Wolff told the Beyond The Grid podcast. As a matter of fact, if you’re trying to be logical, Red Bull was very dominant throughout the season.”

“It’s going to be very difficult to have a development slope that is steeper than theirs, and also Ferrari – but I believe in the organisation. Fundamentally, it’s not about a lack of downforce, but a problem in making that downforce work on the car.”

‘More Mercedes potency’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101832...t-form-f1-2023


One New Year’s resolution for each F1 team ahead of 2023 season
Saturday 31st December 2022 7:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

The beginning of a new year brings an opportunity to start afresh and put right the mistakes of the previous 12 months. That applies to the F1 teams, who often stress the need to improve from season to season. Here, we suggest one New Year’s resolution for each of the 10 teams from Williams, bottom of the F1 pile in 2022, to Constructors’ Champions Red Bull…

Williams: Stop peeling off the paintwork. AlphaTauri: Rediscover the old Red Bull ruthlessness. Haas: Stand by a struggling driver. Aston Martin: Commit to a single car concept. McLaren: Let racing drivers be racing drivers.

Alpine: Improve the engine. Mercedes: Be bolder with strategy. Ferrari: Put the harsh lessons of 2022 into practice. Red Bull: Keep the peace

‘A PlanetF1.com Guidance Briefing’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/ne...f1-2023-teams/


Alpine F1 Reliability Issues Caused by Water Pump, Solution Coming in 2023
30 Dec 2022, 16:51 UTC • By:
Bogdan Bebeselea

Renault’s engine chief Bruno Famin explained the issue was not with the core design of the power unit, but rather the auxiliaries, “We have not got a really major issue on the engine itself, on the ICE.”

He continued by stating, “We had problems in Singapore, which is a fact. It was very strange, in fact, because to have two different problems in eight laps difference was quite incredible, but we had it. All the other problems we had were much more on the auxiliaries side; water pump, fuel pump. And this is something we are quite optimistic that we will be able to solve for ’23.”

He reckons that for the 2023 season, addressing these issues will be enough and the performance of the power unit will not have to be toned down. The team has made strides to improve their auxiliary components in 2022, and it seems to be the core concept of the water pump that was a problem.

‘Solution Coming in 2023’;

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/a...23-207465.html


The ‘$5 million GP ticket’: Why Las Vegas is raising the stakes on F1 tour packages.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 28th December 2022, 8:3028th December 2022, 8:30
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Tickets to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the new addition to the 2023 F1 calendar, aren’t cheap to begin with. And for those prepared to pay top-dollar, the casino-hotels backing the race are touting lavish packages with eye-watering price tags. Last month it announced an F1-endorsed ‘Million Dollar All-Access Experience’ at a cost of – surprisingly enough – $1,000,000 (£830,000). The “personally curated” package for six people ($166,666.67 per person) begins with the event’s opening ceremony on Wednesday and ends when the race does late on Saturday night.

For the seven-figure the six race attendees receive access to Wynn’s private hospitality within F1’s VIP Paddock Club, luxury transport to and from the paddock and the city airport to their hotel throughout their four-night stay and access to all of Wynn’s facilities as well as a three-litre jeroboam bottle of champagne. But that $1 million package has already been relegated, seemingly, to second-best. The Caesars Palace resort on the pit straight down the road has announced a $5 million (£4.1m) “Emperor Package” for the grand prix weekend.

Another of the race’s founding partners, Caesars’ package includes five nights in a three-bedroom villa and another checklist of lavish luxuries. They include 24-hour butler service and a terrace to which 75 people can be invited to watch the track action. There are also 12 Paddock Club tickets, dinner for a dozen from a celebrity chef and an invitation to a performance by singer Adele. Will any buyers be found for either of these giga-expensive F1 viewing opportunities? Or for any more elaborate and expensive packages other hotels may cook up?

‘$5 million GP ticket’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/28/...tour-packages/

F1’s changing more in 2023 than you might think.
The new Formula 1 season gets under way in just two months, and despite 2023 not being a year of profound rules upheaval of the scale of last year there are plenty of significant changes.
1st Jan 2023.09:55
By Edd Straw
The Race

Whether it’s driver changes, calendar shuffles, rules tweaks or format modifications, here’s our guide to what’s new for F1 2023.

‘The Race Guide’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1s-c...u-might-think/


F1 2023 quiz - How much do you know about the coming season?
Sunday 1 January 2023 07:30
Ian Parkes
GPFans

The 2023 season will be the second to run to F1's new aerodynamic regulations. There is still plenty of shuffling ahead as the teams who got it wrong last year, try to recover while many drivers will have to become accustomed to new machines after switching teams.

So, as we head into the New Year, how much do you know about what is to come? Try our 20-question quiz to see if you're a champion [18-20 correct], a podium finisher [15-18 correct answers], a midfield runner [8-14] or a backmarker fighting for scraps [seven or below].

‘20-question quiz’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98664/f1-2023-quiz/


Which team has the best and worst driver line-up for F1 2023?
1 Jan 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

With all the drivers confirmed for the F1 2023 season, Crash.net's Lewis Larkam ranks which team he believes has the best (and worst) line-up for the upcoming campaign…

‘Best and worst driver line-up’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/101...lineup-f1-2023


10 storylines to be excited about ahead of the new F1 2023 season
Sunday 1st January 2023 7:00 AM
Henry Valantine

Happy New Year to you, and we are that bit happier to see January come around because we are edging ever closer to the F1 2023 season beginning in earnest…

While there could be no doubting the winners of the 2022 titles, given the dominant fashion in which Max Verstappen and Red Bull took Drivers’ and Constructors’ glory last season, there are so many unanswered questions which will keep us all guessing as we build up to the new season here on PlanetF1.com.

So, in that spirit, we have had a think about the things we are most looking forward to seeing once the new cars hit the track in Bahrain for pre-season testing, before F1 2023 eventually gets underway at the start of March. With so many different subplots to keep an eye on, here’s our top 10 elements of the season to look out for early on.

‘10 storylines to be excited about’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/10...1-2023-season/


F1 2023: WHICH CHANGES WILL SHAKE UP THE CIRCUS?
Technical regulations, tyres, venues, and rookie drivers are all set to freshen up the paddock for another season of racing
1st Jan 2023, 06:24
Dalila Zanardo
FormulaNerds

New year, new circus. Technical regulations, venues, and rookie drivers will freshen up the paddock once again, as the 2023 F1 season offers up yet another blank slate. In a field that seems set to become even closer, what are the changes that will shake up the grid?

‘SHAKE UP THE CIRCUS’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/feature.../?nowprocket=1


New race, team, manufacturer? What F1 will target in 2023.
1st Jan 2023, 06:02
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Formula 1’s growth has been relentless over the last couple of years and there is reason to expect that will continue in 2023 with prospective new races, teams, and manufacturers.
Crowd figures at grands prix are through the roof, F1 has more interest than ever from potential host venues, and various entities are knocking at the door because they want to get in on the act.
It is extremely likely that, over the next 12 months, F1 will announce deals that allow it to expand even further.

‘F1 has more interest than ever’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/new-r...arget-in-2023/

Red Bull Might Expect Stiff Competition in the 2023 F1 Season Says Adrian Newey.
“We also have to talk about how Red Bull is going to be affected in terms of development for their 2023 car.” autoevolution
1 Jan 2023, 23:56 UTC • By:
By: Bogdan Bebeselea
autoevolution

The new regulations compound the issue, as winning the Constructor’s Championship means that the Milton Keynes-based team already had the least time at its disposal. Despite the situation, Chief Technical Designer Adrian Newey believes the impact is not going to be too severe, “If we’re really smart and always putting the right things on the model, then, of course, it doesn’t make much difference.”

Even with the odds stacked against Red Bull, Newey hinted at a silver lining, “We focused on trying to get the fundamentals right, trying to get the package in the way that would include suspension, front and rear suspension, the layout of the monocoque, the layout of the radiators and so forth.”

‘Trying to get the fundamentals right,’;

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/r...ey-207551.html


Christian Horner expects to see more Red Bull and Ferrari-esque cars in F1 2023
Sunday 1st January 2023 9:00 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

When the covers come off the 2023 challengers, Christian Horner expects many to be looking like the Red Bull or Ferrari.

Red Bull also will receive the least amount of wind tunnel time out of all the teams, not only because of winning the Constructors’ title, but also due to their extra reduction as a result of committing a minor breach of the 2021 cost cap. “It’s tough because it is a handicap,” Horner told Channel 4 in reference to Red Bull’s upcoming development restrictions.

“But I think what you’ll see in ’23 is that the cars do converge, and I’m sure there’s a few more cars that will look a bit like a Red Bull or a Ferrari. I think having got this number one on the car, having regained the Constructors’ World Championship is a huge motivation to maintain at that level.”

‘See more Red Bull and Ferrari-esque cars’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christ...-f1-2023-cars/


What to expect from F1 2023
Sunday 1 January 2023 12:00
Ewan Gale
GPFans

Verstappen aims to join elite F1 group. Max Verstappen may have proven himself as a generational talent last season, such was the level of his performance, but a further level to his greatness is within reach for the Dutchman.

Vasseur to help steer Ferrari to success. Following the upheaval at Ferrari, a new perspective from eyes coming from outside the Scuderia could be the spark needed at Maranello.

Mercedes to ride wave of 2022 momentum. Alpine’s A522 was an extremely quick car and, when the environment allowed, it was able to compete with at least Mercedes and Ferrari.

‘What to expect’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...-from-f1-2023/


Podcast: The big storylines we expect from F1’s 2023 season
13:51 Sun, 01 Jan 2023.
The Race

We tackle the big questions of the 2023 Formula 1 season in our first edition of The Race F1 Podcast of the new year.
Scott Mitchell-Malm and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to dissect the big talking points and storylines that will define the upcoming season, with car launches just six weeks away.
The chances of Ferrari and Mercedes re-emerging as genuine title threats, as well as the impact of Red Bull’s aerodynamic testing restrictions limitations, are discussed in detail.
We also ask how Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin will work, and look at the possible technical trends for the 2023 cars.
The fate of Williams is also questioned, as well as how F1’s trio of rookies – Nyck de Vries, Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant – will fare.

‘F1’s 2023 Season Expectations’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/podca...s-2023-season/


Every F1 driver's New Year's resolution for 2023
01 January 6:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

It's time for some New Year's resolutions for the F1 class of 2023 as RacingNews365 takes a look at what each driver must do in the coming year.

Max Verstappen. Resolution: To avoid radio outbursts that could cause lengthy debates. How to do it: Keep frustrations firmly private so they don't boil over onto the track.

Sergio Perez. Resolution: Finish closer to Verstappen in the standings and avoid Ricciardo replacement chatter. How to do it: Close the gap in qualifying.

Charles Leclerc. Resolution: Start acting like the team leader he is meant to be. How to do it: Be assertive and ruthless when it comes to strategy especially - and cut out the silly crashes.

‘RacingNews365 New Year's resolutions’;

https://racingnews365.com/every-f1-d...ution-for-2023

FIA to invite entries from potential new Formula 1 teams.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says motorsport’s governing body will actively launch a process to find possible new teams to join the Formula 1 grid in future seasons.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 17:40
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Formula 1 has maintained just 10 teams on the grid since the departure of Manor at the end of 2016. However, the United States-based Andretti organisation has been open of its intentions to bid for an entry into Formula 1 as an 11th team. In a statement shared on social media, Ben Sulayem stated the FIA would begin a process of searching for possible new entries in the sport at his bequest. “I have asked my FIA team to look at launching an expressions of interest process for prospective new teams for the FIA F1 World Championship,” read Ben Sulayem’s statement.

Beyond Andretti, over recent months Hong Kong-based Canadian billionaire Calvin Lo has also discussed his interest in establishing his own Formula 1 team to join the grid as a new entry. Currently, under the Concorde Agreement, any new entrants to Formula 1 must pay a fee of $200 million (£164.8m) to be divided between the existing teams. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previous stated his belief that Formula 1 does not require an 11th team in order to continue to remain successful.

Only one entirely new team has entered Formula 1 in the previous ten years: Haas, which joined the world championship in 2016. Prior to that, Formula 1 saw four brand new teams granted permission to join in the same season in 2010 – Virgin, Lotus, HRT and USF1. However, USF1 failed to appear on the grid at all, and none of the teams which did enter were still in the sport by 2017.

‘FIA to invite entries’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...rmula-1-teams/


F1 set for four major rules changes ahead of 2023 season
F1 is set to introduce a range of new rules for the 2023 season.
13:10, Mon, Jan 2, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

The regulation now reads: “Classified drivers who have accrued more than 15 cumulative grid position penalties, or who have been penalised to start at the back of the grid, will start behind any other classified driver. Their relative position will be determined in accordance with their Qualifying Classification.”

F1’s minimum ride heights have been raised by 15mm for 2023 in a bid to reduce the effects of porpoising. Other technical changes include a raising of the diffuser throat to make the car more tolerant of ride height changes.

New sensors will also be installed to measure the car's vertical forces more accurately on top of the existing measures introduced at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix. The minimum weight of the cars will also drop from 798kg to 796kg while roll hoops must be able to withstand stronger impacts after Zhou Guanyu’s British GP horror shunt.

‘Four major rules changes’;

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


10 things to be excited for as F1 gears up for 24 races and 6 Sprints in 2023
02 January 2023
Staff Writer
Samarth Kanal
Formula One - Official Site

It's a new year and the 2023 Formula 1 season is almost upon us. Just in case you weren't raring to go, here are 10 – well, quite a few more than 10 – reasons to be excited for the upcoming campaign...

1. Ferrari and Mercedes on the hunt. 2. Verstappen defending his crown. 3. Rookies on the grid and proven drivers changing seats. 4. A close quarters midfield battle. 5. Viva Las Vegas.

6. A record-breaking calendar. 7. Six Sprints. 8. The road to F1. 9. F1 Academy. 10. More fun off the track.

‘10 things to be excited for’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...8mnt3EEuF.html


F1 set for surprise Grand Prix in 2023?
02 January 10:40AM
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Michael Butterworth
RacingNews365

The Chinese Grand Prix was to be absent from F1 in 2023 for the fourth year in a row. But RacingNews365.com understands that the race may yet be run this year.

The Chinese Grand Prix may be set to reappear on the Formula 1 calendar in 2023 – just weeks after it was confirmed that the Shanghai race would not take place this year.

Despite the country's Covid-zero policy preventing the Chinese Grand Prix from taking place since 2019, Formula 1 is known to be keen to keep the Shanghai race on the calendar, and in November 2021 extended its contract with the Chinese Grand Prix until 2025.

‘F1 set for surprise’;

https://racingnews365.com/f1-set-for...d-prix-in-2023


Will F1’s TV and ticket sales boom continue into 2023?
News Focus
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 11:58
Written by Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

The rising popularity of Formula 1 looked almost unstoppable last year and has affected every area of the sport. The series signed multi-year TV agreements and announced a record-breaking 2023 F1 calendar. Lucrative expanded partnerships were announced with the likes of Amazon Web Services. It finally landed a new manufacturer as Audi announced it will step in when the next generation of power units arrive. Around the world, grand prix events were sold out.

It’s almost six years since Ecclestone was ousted and Liberty Media took control of the sport. Since then new audiences have been attracted through Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and younger audiences flocked to races, helped by the growing rivalry between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a factor throughout much of this, but F1 was one of the first sports to get up and running again after the first half of its 2020 season was cancelled.

Are there any downsides to F1’s growth? As the calendar continues to expand with 23 rounds next season – six due to be Liberty’s much-vaunted sprint format – the demand on teams will rise, arguably having a greater impact on those towards the rear of the field. “For a driver [the extra races] doesn’t matter,” Haas driver Kevin Magnussen explained. “For the team, for the mechanics, for the catering people, I think already now it’s too many. “It’s different [for] some of the biggest teams they can shift around so some people go half a season, and another set of mechanics go half so they get a lot of races off. It’s very tough on small teams, they’re made of something special.”

‘The rising popularity of Formula 1’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...nue-into-2023/

Fernando Alonso predicts ‘good times are coming’ with Aston Martin in F1 2023.
Fernando Alonso spoke very highly of the Aston Martin project and expects the good times to roll at his new team.
Sunday 1st January 2023 12:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso spoke very highly of the Aston Martin project and expects the good times to roll at his new team.

The two-time World Champion has now embarked on a fresh career journey having left Alpine and begun a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, the team intent on climbing out of the midfield and challenging at the front of the grid in the coming years.

And it is a project which Alonso has very much bought into, the Spaniard heading to Aston Martin with “new motivation” and a sense that the “good times are coming”.

‘Good times are coming’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...-aston-martin/


Explosive combination? What may decide Alonso/Aston dynamic.
3rd Jan 2023, 06:43
The Race

Fernando Alonso has had a knack for drama throughout his long Formula 1 career and has never had any qualms over blunt comments about his teams, team-mates or engine suppliers when displeased.

Judged by his excitement over the prospect of joining Aston Martin from Alpine and his ebullient mood after his first test with the team in Abu Dhabi, this new-for-2023 relationship will be all sunshine and success.

But on the other hand, Aston Martin has underachieved since the launch of its F1 project in 2021, it has a no-nonsense and very ambitious team owner, who also happens to be the father of Alonso’s team-mate, and it will be at least a year or two before its factory move pays off.

‘Explosive combination?’

https://the-race.com/formula-1/explo...aston-dynamic/


Video: Aston Martin welcome Alonso ahead of 2023 F1 season
02 January 2023, 6:00PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Aston Martin have shared a video to welcome Fernando Alonso to the team for 2023. Following the New Year celebrations, the British squad opted to mark the occasion by sharing a short clip of Alonso putting on an Aston Martin cap and announcing himself to the camera.

It was confirmed back in July that the two-time World Champion would replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel for the 2023 season, where he will partner Lance Stroll as the team look to continue their progression. Alonso went on to test for Aston Martin at the 2022 post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.

‘Aston Martin have shared a video to welcome Fernando Alonso’;

https://racingnews365.com/video-asto...2023-f1-season


Can Alonso push Aston Martin to greatness?
Monday 2 January 2023 13:30
GPFans Staff
GPFans

Fernando Alonso will lead Aston Martin next season after making the switch from Alpine. The two-time champion has replaced Sebastian Vettel as the experienced head in the team after the German retired from F1 at the end of last year.

The Silverstone-based marque set its sights on a five-year plan to challenge for race wins and championships when rebranding in 2021, although could only finish seventh in the standings last year. So is Alonso the right driver to push the team forward? Let us know your thoughts.

‘GPFans Poll’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...-to-greatness/


Fernando Alonso bullish on Aston Martin
2 January 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Alonso’s switch to Aston Martin wasn’t expected, with most having been certain that the Spaniard would remain at Alpine; however, the French outfit’s offer is believed to have not been what the 41-year-old wanted.

His switch to Aston Martin is on a two-year deal with the option for a third, which means Alonso could be in Formula 1 until he is 44 years old. Aston Martin will have a challenge on their hands with Alonso onboard; however, they have also got a driver who can take them towards their goal of becoming a front running side thanks to his vast experience.

“With Aston [Martin], their project is amazing what they are doing in terms of recruiting people, facilities, investment. So yeah, I think good times are coming.”

‘Aston Martin will have a challenge on their hands with Alonso onboard’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...-aston-martin/


Alonso experience to overrule Aston Martin 'arrogance'
Sunday 1 January 2023 15:00
Sam Hall
GPFans

Dan Fallows has urged Aston Martin to take full advantage of Fernando Alonso's "varied experience" in a bid to push the F1 team up the order. Aston Martin has made a number of key personnel signings in recent times in its bid to become champions, with technical director Fallows one of the leading names to join following his recruitment from Red Bull.

Asked if this experience is something Aston Martin can tap into, Fallows said: "Yeah, potentially. We are very open-minded about the direction we grow in. I've come from a background with Red Bull. We have people who've come from Mercedes and some other teams and obviously, Fernando's got a very varied experience as well."

Aston Martin made a slow start to the 2022 campaign but introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix which saw the AMR22 briefly nicknamed the 'Green Red Bull' for its similarities to the RB18.

‘Take full advantage of Fernando Alonso’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...tin-arrogance/

30 more horsepower for Ferrari? First details of F1 2023 cars emerge.
Ferrari will enjoy a 30 horsepower increase from the power unit as they fixed the reliability issues that plagued their campaign.
3 Jan 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

A narrower Ferrari for F1 2023. The article also revealed that Ferrari have adopted a narrower car design.

La Gazzetta dello Sport state that the “aerodynamic concept will be largely different” and they will introduce a new gearbox.

‘30 more horsepower’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101853...23-cars-emerge


Damon Hill: Ferrari have less work to do than Mercedes ahead of F1 2023
Tuesday 3rd January 2023 8:00 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Speaking after the season finished, the 1996 World Champion believes Ferrari should have an advantage over Mercedes when it comes to chasing down Red Bull once the new year gets underway. “[Ferrari] have got less to do than Mercedes have,” Hill said on Sky Sports F1.

“Mercedes have come out with a car that clearly they’ve misunderstood something and they’re going to have to reset, whereas Ferrari came out with a car that was pretty good to start with.”

“They didn’t capitalise through the season, and so they’ve got less, I think, of an uphill struggle for next year than Mercedes have.”

‘Ferrari have less work to do’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/damon-...des-2023-work/


Ferrari “banned” from meeting about 2026 regulations - and have lost $55m in sponsors income
3 Jan 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Ferrari’s preparations for the new F1 season are off to a terrible start - they were reportedly barred from a crucial meeting about the 2026 regulations, then lost $55m in income from sponsors.

But behind-the-scenes there has been chaos after they were the only team to be denied entry to a meeting on December 15 about engine regulations for 2026, according to RacingNews365.

Ferrari were banned from attending the meeting because they had not confirmed their intention to be a part of the 2026 rules. Several power unit suppliers missed an October 15 deadline to confirm their entry for 2026, but Ferrari were the only supplier to miss an extended deadline in November.

‘Ferrari “banned” from meeting’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101853...ose-55m-income


Ferrari faces $55 million hole after loss of sponsors
03 January 3:25PM
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Ferrari faces a hole of $55m hole in its sponsor portfolio after splitting with two premium partners, RacingNews365 has learned. Announcements are expected shortly.

Ferrari and crypto company Velas will not continue their partnership after an acrimonious first year, RacingNews365 has learned. The blockchain brand has been removed from Ferrari’s partner list, as has the logo of chip semi-conductor company Snapdragon. Both were ranked as premium sponsors of the Scuderia.

Ferrari announced a long-term deal with crypto company Velas in late 2021, with branding appearing on cars and driver suits. However, a source close to both companies has indicated that Ferrari did not comply with clauses that permit Velas to create NFT images, while the latter is said to be in financial breach. According to the source legal action is being contemplated by the parties.

‘Ferrari faces $55 million hole’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-fa...ss-of-sponsors


FERRARI EXCLUDED FROM 2026 F1 ENGINE REGULATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
Prior to submitting their formal intention to register to the new rules, Ferrari were prohibited from joining their peers at a meeting on the 2026 engine regulations
3rd Jan 2023, 12:01
Samuel Coop
FormulaNerds

Ferrari were not permitted to attend a recent Engine Advisory Committee meeting, which is focused on the F1 powertrain regulations from 2026 onwards, according to RacingNews365.com.

It appears that the Italian team were barred for not declaring their intention to sign up for the new rules. F1’s current engine regulations run till the end of 2025. Ferrari missed the deadline on two separate occasions – the original 15th October 2022 date and the extension given until the end of November.

It is believed that Ferrari objected to how Red Bull Powertrains would be viewed as a new supplier. This was due to the fact that they previously had access to Honda’s intellectual property. However, the IP was not used and was been returned to Honda. This came after the two parties decided to not take their partnership into the new generation of F1 engines.

‘FERRARI EXCLUDED’;

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

Four F1 teams rejected Nyck de Vries as AlphaTauri star looks to prove them wrong in 2023.
De Vries will finally race regularly in F1 having waited a long time since winning the F2 championship, and the Dutchman has revealed he had plenty of setbacks along the way.
19:44, 3 Jan 2023
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror

De Vries' big chance finally came after an excellent F1 debut with Williams. The pressure was off considering how little preparation time. Not only did he qualify in the top 10 – after a swathe of grid penalties for other racers were taken into account – but he finished ninth in his first ever F1 race in the worst car on the grid, matching Williams' best result of the entire year.

Suddenly, every team who still had a 2023 race seat vacancy was chasing the Dutchman. After weighing up his options, De Vries signed a Red Bull contract to race for sister team AlphaTauri and, despite all the setbacks, that little bit of hope he still held for an F1 seat paid off. He told DAY1 : "I had a lot of frustration and that's also been the reason why I was always able to do it all with a lot of pleasure and motivation, because I was very happy with what I did have.”

“Deep down, I always kept a certain faith, despite being rejected four times in the last year. In 2021, I was allowed to win the Formula E championship, then we were very close but didn't succeed either. That little bit of hope [speaking to teams] was enough to keep the belief and the drive and not give up."

‘Four F1 teams rejection’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tauri-28867366


Who is Nyck de Vries? All you need to know about the new AlphaTauri star
Sunday 1st January 2023 6:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

It has not been the most conventional of routes into Formula 1 for Nyck de Vries, but at last he is here as an AlphaTauri driver. De Vries is a racer who has been around the Formula 1 paddock for a few years now, having served as a reserve driver for Mercedes and appeared in free practice sessions for several of their customer teams, though a place on the grid had never come his way.

It almost did as talks with Williams over a 2022 driver progressed, though that seat ultimately went to Alex Albon. No matter though, as it was the ill Albon who De Vries replaced to make his qualifying and race debut at the 2022 Italian GP, De Vries’ cameo appearance impressive enough to inspire Dr. Helmut Marko to whip the chequebook out and sign him to AlphaTauri for 2023.

‘All you need to know’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/nyck-d...-career-facts/


Formula 1: Have Red Bull taken away Toto Wolff’s ‘insurance policy’?
11:37 Tue, 03 Jan 2023
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Nyck de Vries was once seen as Toto Wolff’s Formula 1 “insurance policy” at Mercedes. Now he is with AlphaTauri. Could he be Red Bull’s next new driver?

Earlier in the year, fellow Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel stated that he believed de Vries was Toto Wolff’s “insurance policy” in the event that Lewis Hamilton either decided to retire after the 2022 season or not re-sign with Mercedes — whether that meant retiring or moving elsewhere — beyond 2023.

While Mercedes have expressed no concerns about de Vries taking knowledge to their bitter rival, could this ultimately come back to haunt them in the long run? Two-time reigning world champion Max Verstappen is under contract with the team through the 2028 season after signing a massive extension earlier this year, and teammate Sergio Perez later agreed to an extension to remain with the team through 2024.

‘Insurance policy’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/01/03...urance-policy/


Nyck de Vries’ ex-boss opens up on his ‘diplomatic’ character after Red Bull move
AlphaTauri have replaced the Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly with Nyck de Vries in 2023.
31 December 2022
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

De Vries won the 2020-21 Formula E championship with Mercedes and his former boss Ian James has suggested that the 27-year-old is a nailed on success in Formula 1. “I think it’s so richly deserved,” said the former Mercedes-EQ boss.

“He was somebody that we took a look at before coming in for season six and recognised his qualities, not only as a driver but as a team player. “Any team that he drives for is going to benefit from that approach.”

He has a way of saying what needs to be said, pointing out where improvements can be made, but doing it in a diplomatic fashion that doesn’t get people’s backs up. “I think that he’s going to be very well positioned, notwithstanding Formula 1 is a different series. It’s brutal, and I think he’s going to have his work cut out, but his character I think will stand him in good stead.”

‘Diplomatic character’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/nyck-de-v...red-bull-move/


De Vries selects race number on FIA 2023 entry list
15/12/2022 at 14:33
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Nyck de Vries has chosen to use lucky 21 as his race number when he steps up to Formula 1 full time in 2023 with AlphaTauri. All regular drivers get to chose a permanent competitor number which they keep for the duration of their time in the championship. Esteban Gutierrez was the last driver to use #21 until 2016.

2023 car numbers, drivers and teams
Car number Driver name Team name Engine
#1 Max Verstappen Oracle Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
#2 Logan Sargeant Williams Racing Mercedes
#4 Lando Norris McLaren Formula 1 Team Mercedes
#10 Pierre Gasly Alpine F1 Team Renault
#11 Sergio Perez Oracle Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
#14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team Mercedes
#16 Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari
#18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team Mercedes
#20 Kevin Magnussen MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Ferrari
#21 Nyck de Vries Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda RBPT
#22 Yuki Tsunoda Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda RBPT
#23 Alexander Albon Williams Racing Mercedes
#24 Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN Ferrari
#27 Nico Hulkenberg MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Ferrari
#31 Esteban Ocon Alpine F1 Team Renault
#44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes-AMG Petronas 1e Team Mercedes
#55 Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari
#63 George Russell Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes
#77 Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN Ferrari
#81 Oscar Piastri McLaren Formula 1 Team Mercedes

‘Lucky 21’;

https://f1i.com/news/462856-de-vries...ntry-list.html

Leclerc and Vasseur’s familiarity no problem for me – Sainz.
Carlos Sainz Jnr doesn’t believe he will be at a disadvantage because his new Ferrari team boss already has years of experience working with his team mate.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 2nd January 2023, 7:33
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Sainz is satisfied Ferrari have chosen the right person to take over from Binotto. “From what they’ve told me and from how I’ve known him, I think he’s the right man,” he told Autosprint. Vasseur arrived in F1 with Renault in 2016, then joined Sauber the following year. That team has been branded as Alfa Romeo since 2019.

“Everyone in the paddock knows him and I’m sure he’ll do well,” Sainz continued. “There will be an adjustment period, but Fred knows Formula 1 very well and also Ferrari. Now there will be this preparation phase to then start working fully with him.”

Leclerc and Vasseur’s familiarity with each other is no cause for concern, said Sainz. “I don’t think I’m starting from scratch. As I said, I’m sure I’ll get on well with him and he’ll be happy with me when he sees me work, with my relationship with the team and with Charles.

‘No problem for me’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/02/...-for-me-sainz/


Sainz: Close relationship between Vasseur and Leclerc 'useful' for Ferrari
02/01/2023 at 08:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz believes that Charles Leclerc's long-standing friendship with incoming Scuderia chief Fred Vasseur won't put him at a disadvantage and will prove "useful" for Ferrari.

In the coming days, Vasseur will take the helm of the Scuderia, with the former Sauber-Alfa Romeo team boss succeeding Mattia Binotto who handed in his resignation at the end of November.

The Spaniard isn't the least bit concerned by such a scenario playing out, and has welcomed Vasseur's arrival at Ferrari. "I think his well-tested relationship with Leclerc will be very useful to everyone, also to accelerate his adaptation here."

‘Useful for Ferrari’;

https://f1i.com/news/463612-sainz-cl...r-ferrari.html


Sainz: Ferrari can overhaul Red Bull in 2023.
11:06 Thu, 29 Dec 2022.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport

Carlos Sainz says Ferrari is “not so far behind” Red Bull as its rivals dominant 2022 season suggests, believing it can challenge them for the Formula 1 title next year. Despite Ferrari’s failure to sustain its title bid, Sainz has faith the Scuderia can strike back in 2023 with a more consistent package. “I feel we have chances,” Sainz said, as quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“Red Bull has been dominant, but they’ve been dominant without being clearly ahead in pure qualifying pace and race pace. So I don’t feel like we are so far behind in terms of car development and car performance.”

“If you think about it, I was on pole in Austin, so it means that we were one-two in Austin in qualifying. So it must be that our car is actually not that far from the Red Bull.”

‘Ferrari can overhaul Red Bull’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2022/12/2...-bull-in-2023/


Why Sainz believes Ferrari 'aren't far away' from Red Bull
29 December 2022
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Carlos Sainz believes that 2022 Constructors' champions Red Bull are a closer target than what the season results suggested. Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari can be optimistic of their chances of overhauling Red Bull next season, despite their rival's convincing championship win in 2022.

"I feel we have chances," Sainz told media, including RacingNews365.com. "Red Bull has been dominant, but they've been dominant without being clearly ahead in pure qualifying pace and race pace. So I don't feel like we are so far behind in terms of car development and car performance.”

"What we need to focus on is in trying to understand next year’s tyres [and] see how we can be quicker in the race because it's clear that the Red Bull is particularly quick in the race compared to us," added Sainz. "For the strategy, race execution, tyre management, [they are other steps] that we want to take next year that we are already working on it.”

"I feel we have chances";

https://racingnews365.com/why-sainz-...-from-red-bull


Sainz aiming to ‘make things more complicated’ for Verstappen
Tuesday 27th December, 2022 - 3:00pm
By Daniel Herrero
Speedcafe

Carlos Sainz believes he can “make things more complicated” for Max Verstappen if he starts the 2023 F1 season as he finished 2022. “My target is next year to start at the level that I am now, which is a pretty decent level, and make things more complicated to Max.”

Despite acknowledging the dominance of Red Bull Racing with the RB18, Sainz does not make challenging them in 2023 to be an insurmountable task. “New year, new car, new regs even with the floor…” he noted.

“We have another chance and I fully trust that the team will produce another great car like the car that we had this year and that we will learn from the mistakes done this year. I will learn from the mistakes I did this year and we will be more in the fight and ready to fight. I’m looking forward also for Merc; It looks like they’re going to join us at the front.”

‘Make things more complicated’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/27...or-verstappen/


Sainz: 'Consistency' with Ferrari key to fighting for world title
26/12/2022 at 09:13
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz says he'll be seeking "a more linear" season with Ferrari in 2023, insisting that only consistency will allow him to fight for the world title.

Sainz says he absolutely needs to add consistency – a quality in enjoyed in 2021 - to his ability to win to be able to challenge for the world title in the future. "My goal is to be consistent," he said. "To win races, I already know what it is, but if you want to fight for the world championship, you have to be consistent.”

"If you're at the front, the worst result is fifth or sixth, but with six or seven retirements that we've had, a series of points will go away that make you miss the world championship - although it's also true that Verstappen and Red Bull have been stronger. I believe that by learning those couple of lessons and going back to being the consistent Carlos of 2021, who I think will finish all the races, you can fight for the world championship."

‘Seeking "a more linear" season’;

https://f1i.com/news/463342-sainz-co...rld-title.html

Alpine to launch their 2023 F1 car in London on 16th February.
Alpine have become the fourth Formula 1 team to announce the launch plans for their 2023 car. They will present the new A523 on February 16th.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 4th January 2023, 15:32
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

The launch will take place in London. It will be Alpine’s third F1 car since the rebranding of the Renault team ahead of the 2021 season, when it took on the name of its sister sports car brand. The French-owned, British-based team rose to fourth place in the constructors’ championship last year, despite failing to repeat the win they scored in 2021.

Their best result was only a fourth place, achieved by Esteban Ocon at the Japanese Grand Prix, but they scored in 19 races out of 22 and had both cars finish in the points on 11 occasions. Ocon will be partnered this season by Pierre Gasly, who joins the team from AlphaTauri after Fernando Alonso left for Aston Martin.

There will however be continuity in the management of Alpine this year, with several changes to how the team is run having been made since it became Alpine. Otmar Sazfnauer will continue to be team principal, and is now one of the longest serving in F1 despite only starting his job in February 2022, while Pat Fry is chief technical officer and Matt Harman is technical director.

‘Alpine launch their 2023 F1 car’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/04/...16th-february/


Alpine announces 2023 F1 launch date
Thursday 5th January, 2023 - 8:38am
By Daniel Herrero
Speedcafe

Alpine has announced its 2023 F1 launch date and the name of the car which it will field in this year’s world championship. The A523 will be launched on February 16 in London, the team announced via social media.

The upcoming season will be the team’s third as Alpine, after a rebranding from Renault to the French firm’s sportscar subsidiary. The A523 moniker for the Anglo-French squad’s new car is no surprise, given its predecessors are the A521 and A522.

As it stands, AlphaTauri will be first to launch its 2023 Formula 1 effort, although likely with livery only, in New York City on February 11, before Aston Martin on February 13 and Ferrari on the following day. The other six teams are yet to announce their plans.

‘2023 F1 launch date’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/01/05...1-launch-date/


Alpine announce 2023 launch date and reveal name of new F1 challenger.
This year's Alpine A523 will be launched on February 16 in London, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
04 January 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Gasly, who joins from AlphaTauri, tested the A522 at Yas Marina Circuit after the 2022 season had concluded, and said at the time: "Firstly, thanks to the entire team for making me feel so welcome over the last two days and I’m feeling ready to begin this next chapter in my career.

"I’m looking forward to visiting everyone at Viry and Enstone, debriefing on this test, before working towards our objectives alongside Esteban for the 2023 season."

The team's CEO Laurent Rossi said that their P4 in the standings in 2022 was an "important" step for the constructors as they look to push on towards fighting for the championship. "I mean, it's always better to finish P4 than P5, no doubt," said Rossi at the end of last season.”

‘February 16 in London’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...L0qSwbtpH.html


Alpine announces launch date for 2023 F1 car
15:14 Wed, 04 Jan 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

It's nearly time to meet the A523…
Save the date 16.02.23#Alpine #A523 pic.twitter.com/fWMBr20jIH
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 4, 2023

‘It's nearly time’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...f-2023-f1-car/


Everything we know about 2023 F1 car launches so far
15:26 Wed, 04 Jan 2023.
By Josh Suttill
The Race

F1 2023 launch dates so far
AlphaTauri – February 11
Aston Martin – February 13
Ferrari – February 14
Alpine – February 16

‘2023 F1 car launches so far’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/2023-...-launch-dates/

Andretti and Cadillac announce plans to enter Formula 1.
Andretti has formally announced it intends to submit an entry to compete in the Formula 1 world championship in collaboration with General Motors brand Cadillac.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 5th January 2023, 15:535th January 2023, 16:22
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

The two companies plan to submit an Expression of Interest when the FIA begins the process which was announced by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last week. Its F1 operation would be based in the US with a “support facility” in the UK. “We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next,” said Andretti. “I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula 1 and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans.”

The FIA is yet to confirm how its process for admitting new teams will be structured. Andretti said “we will continue to follow procedures and steps put forth by the FIA during the evaluation process. “In the meantime, we continue to optimistically prepare should we be fortunate enough to have Andretti Cadillac formally approved as a Formula 1 contender.”

Ben Sulayem immediately responded to Andretti’s announcement on social media. “I welcome the news of the Cadillac Andretti partnership and the FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process,” he said. GM president Mark Reuss said the car making giant “is honoured to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing.”

‘Andretti and Cadillac announce plans’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/05/...ter-formula-1/


The four teammate pairings likely to give us drama in F1 2023
5 Jan 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

With the 2023 F1 season fast approaching, Crash.net looks at the four teammate pairings likely to give us drama this year. Red Bull. Before the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, it’s unlikely Red Bull’s pairing of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez would ever be considered for such a list.

Mercedes. In most people’s opinions, including mine, Mercedes have the best driver line-up on the grid. Hamilton is still hungry for an eighth world title, while Russell - at just 24 - feels ready to take his first. Alpine. One team near certain of friction between their teammate pairing is Alpine. Esteban Ocon has a knack of irritating his teammates - ask Perez or Fernando Alonso.

Aston Martin. In performance terms, Alonso and Lance Stroll is a bit of a mis-match, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be drama. Both drivers aren’t afraid to get close with their teammate, backed up by Alonso and Stroll’s incidents with their respective teammates in 2022.

‘Four teammate pairings for drama’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/101...-drama-f1-2023


F1's 2023 race calendar dilemma with China seeking U-turn despite Portugal deal.
China was included on the 2023 race calendar when first announced before being removed in December – now, with Covid restrictions easing, the Asian country wants to be involved again.
17:17, 4 Jan 2023
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror

F1 chiefs made it clear at the time that they were hoping to replace it (Chinese Grand Prix). "Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course," was the closing line of the official statement.

And so, they turned to Portugal. It was one of very few viable options when taking into account logistics, weather and venue availability and, as reported by GPFans, an agreement was struck which would see the F1 circus head to Portimao again.

Problem solved? Well, not quite, because China has since made some pretty big changes. Covid measures are being scrapped across the country from next week with leaders moving away from the controversial zero-Covid policy, despite a significant spike in cases over the past two months.

‘China seeking U-turn despite Portugal deal’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tugal-28875830


Charles Leclerc will ‘fancy himself’ against Max Verstappen again for F1 2023 title
Thursday 5th January 2023 11:00 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Can Charles Leclerc make an extra step up in 2023? Leclerc was pragmatic about how his 2022 eventually panned out, saying at the FIA’s Prize Giving Gala back in December: “Obviously we’ve seen the images, quite a lot of frustrating moments, but also some some very good ones.

“Obviously, we cannot forget from how far we’ve come. 2020 and 2021 had been two very difficult years for the team, but we kept pushing and it’s still great to finish second this year.

“We didn’t quite make it, but we’ll work harder than ever to try and challenge the Red Bull guys for longer next year and hopefully, come back on top.”

‘Frustrating moments, but also some some very good ones’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...en-2023-fight/


Guenther Steiner ‘cautiously confident’ about Haas success in F1 2023
Wednesday 4th January 2023 10:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

“I think we are in a better place,” Steiner explained on the Beyond The Grid podcast. “In 2018, we had a very good year, ‘19, our car was not up to what we wanted it to be. And then ‘20 came, we quite a few backward hits, I would say, in a very short period of time.

“[In] ‘19, our car wasn’t good. We tried to recover, then 2020 came, we got again, a slap in our face, because we didn’t know if we [could] continue. “And then we had to come up with ‘21 with having two rookie drivers. But now it’s ’22, we’ve made a big step. So I think in one or two years, our aim is to be where we left off in ‘18.”

Haas have expanded their staff with a new base set up at Maranello, led by former Ferrari chief designer Simone Resta, who came on board as the team’s technical director. Guenther Steiner believes the gelling process among new staff at Haas will stand them in good stead for the 2023 season.

‘Cautiously confident’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...-2023-success/

The Andretti Autosport/ Cadillac website announcement.

https://www.andrettiautosport.com/ne...nfK9H9ew5ktaFs

Andretti-Cadillac announcement gets a cooler reception from F1 than FIA.
“Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA,” the spokesperson (commercial rights holder) added.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 5th January 2023, 17:34 | Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

But while Ben Sulayem was quick to claim credit for the interest on the behalf of the governing body, the reaction from the commercial rights holder was decidedly cooler. A spokesperson noted other potential new entrants have been in discussions with the series. “There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others,” they said. “We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.”

Andretti previously made attempts to take over existing teams. However it came up short in its pursuit of Force India in 2018, which was purchased by Lawrence Stroll and turned into Aston Martin, and Sauber in 2021, as it was unable to reach a satisfactory agreement.

Since then Michael Andretti’s operation has focused its energies on entering as a new team. However the existing competitors fear the expansion of the grid may dilute the value of the existing competitors. For this reason F1 introduced a rule requiring new teams to pay a $200 million “anti-dilution” charge on entering in 2021. Nonetheless, many team bosses reacted cautiously to the possibility of Andretti joining the grid.

‘A cooler reception’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/05/...m-f1-than-fia/


F1 chiefs issue blunt response to Andretti-Cadillac link-up ahead of possible new team.
Responding to the major announcement that Andretti had sealed a deal with Cadillac ahead of their planned F1 entry, the sport issued a tepid statement to temper the excitement.
18:57, 5 Jan 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Formula 1 bosses moved to make it clear they would have the final say over any new team after Andretti Autosport announced its link-up with Cadillac. But even though all signs now point to a successful Andretti bid, F1 chiefs have served a timely reminder that their place on the future grid is not guaranteed. "There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others," a statement read.

Though those "not as visible" bids were not named, there have been plenty of automotive brands and private projects linked with F1. Porsche remain interested despite the collapse of their Red Bull deal, while carmakers as diverse as Ford, Hyundai and BMW have been named as possible interested parties. Hong Kong billionaire Calvin Lo wants to bankroll a new Asian team and recently spoke to Mirror Sport about his plans.

And he is not the only interested party from the East, with the Panthera Team Asia project also raising funds to submit a bid to the FIA. There is space on the grid – current rules allow for up to 26 cars per race, meaning there is room for 13 teams. But whether or not the existing 10 would give their blessing to any new outfit under current dilution legislation is a questions which remains unanswered.

‘Tepid statement’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ponse-28885772


F1 issues stern response in wake of Andretti and Cadillac partnership
Thursday 5th January 2023 5:15 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Formula 1 issued a reminder that new entrants require their agreement as well as the FIA’s, in the wake of Andretti announcing its partnership with General Motors to launch a bid to get into the sport.

“There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others,” read Formula 1’s statement.
“We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.
“Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA.”

‘Stern response’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-res...c-partnership/


Podcast: Why Andretti and Cadillac’s F1 bid is so compelling
21:57 Thu, 05 Jan 2022.
The Race

We explain why the Andretti and General Motors Cadillac Formula 1 team bid is so compelling in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.
Scott Mitchell-Malm and Jack Benyon join Edd Straw to examine how the new team will work and the background behind this new alliance.
Andretti’s plans to have facilities in both North America and Europe, and the progress it’s made with recruitment are discussed.
We also evaluate the chances of it actually getting an F1 entry, and what it means for potential driver Colton Herta.

‘So compelling’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/podca...so-compelling/


Andretti Cadillac F1 bid won’t use GM power
Friday 6th January, 2023 - 11:15am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

The joint effort between Cadillac and Andretti Global to enter F1 will not use a General Motors power unit. There remains no clarity on when, or even if Andretti Cadillac would enter the sport. “It’s going to depend on the Expression of Interest, how long that takes, and where we are at the time,” Andretti said of a potential entry date.

“But we are going to be on track as soon as it all makes sense to be on track. It is still an FIA Series,” he added when if support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was enough to get the new team on the grid. “The President has definitely showed that you really would like to have an 11th team at least on the grid.”

“He is a racer and he understands the importance of that for the series itself. We feel very confident that, once the Expression of Interest goes out, especially having a great partnership with Cadillac, we have a very, very, very good shot at checking every box and being able to be on the grid soon.”

‘Expression of Interest’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/01/06...-use-gm-power/


Why F1 would be foolish to reject Andretti Cadillac entry
Thursday 5 January 2023 16:06 - Updated: 16:10
Ewan Gale
GPFans

Andretti Global has made its desire to join the F1 grid well-known over the past 12 months but whilst initial pushes were met with resistance, this latest development threatens significantly alters the landscape.

Such worries were behind the $200million anti-dilution fee introduced in the last Concorde Agreement, which aims to protect the loss of financial input teams receive from F1 in prize money, given an 11th team would take a share of the existing fund. So how has the announcement of a collaboration with Cadillac changed Andretti's F1 outlook?

What the present teams had suggested, notably Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, is that a powerhouse manufacturer would allay any dilution fears due to the value the name itself would add to the sport, increasing revenue worldwide.

‘Foolish to reject Andretti Cadillac entry’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/99...entry-foolish/

McLaren confirm February 13th launch date for MCL37.
McLaren will launch their 2023 Formula 1 contender, the MCL37, at the McLaren Technology Centre on February 13th.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 6th January 2023, 15:10
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

The launch will be broadcast online from 5pm local time. The Mercedes-powered machine will be driven by Lando Norris and F1 rookie Oscar Piastri, who has been signed after Daniel Ricciardo was dropped by the team a year before his contract with them was due to end.

The new car will be unveiled by the drivers and Andrea Stella, who took over as McLaren’s team principal last month when Andreas Seidl left for Sauber.

McLaren is going into their third year with Mercedes as power unit supplier, a relationship which has resulted in one win and five other podium finishes since it started in 2021. However the team has only visited the podium once in the last 30 grands prix.

‘McLaren confirm February 13th launch date’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/06/...ate-for-mcl37/


McLaren latest to confirm 2023 F1 launch plans.
It will unveil its new package at the McLaren Technology Centre on February 13.
06/01/2023, 15:11
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week

McLaren is the latest team to confirm the launch plans for its 2023 Formula 1 programme. It is the first confirmed case of two teams launching their 2023 cars on the same day, with Aston Martin also due to unveil its new package on February 13.

McLaren enters 2023 with a revised driver pairing after recruiting rookie Oscar Piastri to partner the experienced Lando Norris.

‘McLaren Launch’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/?search=...rchheadlines=1


McLaren sneakily gives away launch date
Friday 6 January 2023 13:36 - Updated: 14:12
Ewan Gale
GPFans

McLaren has sneakily revealed the launch date of the new MCL37. The Woking-based team will hope to build from a disappointing first year under F1's new technical regulations, where it fell backward in the constructors' championship to finish behind rivals Alpine in fifth.

But the launch date for the challenger tasked with taking McLaren back into the fight for regular podiums has been revealed, although you would have to search through a recent social media post - and then zoom in on an image - to find it.

Within a selection of pictures posted by the team, a post-it note on a computer reads "Launch deadline, 13.02".

‘McLaren sneakily gave away launch date

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/99...3-launch-date/


Brown: Closing gap to top three is McLaren's 2023 aim
04/01/2023 at 15:58
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

McLaren CEO Zak Brown says that his team is focussing on closing the gap to the top three teams in the Formula 1 constructors championship next season and stopping their recent downward slide in the standings.

McLaren was third in 2020, a season which saw a particularly poor performance from Ferrari. The following season they dropped to fourth, and in 2022 they were also pipped by Alpine by 14 points.

That left them in fifth overall, a long way from where McLaren wants to be. Dismissing the challenge from Alpine, Brown said that the target for this season would be to catch up to Mercedes and cutting the gap to the top-placed teams.

‘: Closing gap to top three’;

https://f1i.com/news/463705-brown-cl...-2023-aim.html


McLaren target fourth place in 2023 after “disappointing” fall to fifth
2022 F1 season
Posted on 31st December 2022, 12:3631st December 2022, 12:37
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team’s fall to fifth place in the constructors’ championship in 2022 was a “disappointing” result. Brown admitted he was dissatisfied with McLaren’s outcome for the season. “[It was a] tough season, for sure,” he told Speedcafe. “Fifth is disappointing coming off of fourth and, prior to that, a third.

“We had our challenges. We definitely had some good weekends – a nice podium by Lando. Then of course, we really struggled to come to grips with Daniel to maximise his performance. So as you guys are well aware that was difficult through, really, the entire season in the media that was around that.” McLaren lured Oscar Piastri away from Alpine, where he was a reserve driver, to replace Ricciardo next year.

“We have two data points that we pay most attention to: One is how close are we to the the team that’s winning and, if that team is not Mercedes, our other data point – given what a great team Mercedes is and we share the same engine – is how close are we to Mercedes,” Brown explained.

‘McLaren target fourth place’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/31/...fall-to-fifth/

George Russell’s Mercedes W14 wishlist suggest zero-pods are here to stay.
George Russell has “a lot” on his wishlist for how his 2023 Mercedes will be, but a change of sidepod philosophy is not on there.
Thursday 5th January 2023 8:00 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Addressing a question from PlanetF1.com specifically on the zero-pod concept which made the W13 stand out from the crowd, at least aesthetically, the Briton said his team were prioritising other areas of the car to look at for 2023.

“I think our issues don’t really have a lot to do with the sort of sidepod philosophy,” Russell said. “We may be wrong, but I’m quite confident it’s not the reason for our lack of performance this year.

“To be honest, we’re focused on other features of the car as opposed to the sidepods necessarily.”

‘George Russell’s Mercedes W14 wishlist’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/george...-w14-wishlist/


Lewis Hamilton told he's been ousted as Mercedes No 1 by George Russell after poor 2022
George Russell edged out Lewis Hamilton in the 2022 standings.
14:56, Thu, Jan 5, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

George Russell has taken Lewis Hamilton’s position as Mercedes' number one driver, according to F1 fans in a new poll. Thousands of supporters have said the seven-time champion's role at the team has diminished after his disappointing 2022. And over half of respondents in an Express Sport poll (57.6 per cent) feel Hamilton has now been overtaken by Russell at Mercedes. Meanwhile, Just 42.4 per cent still feel he is the main star as the Silver Arrows try to close the gap to Red Bull in 2023.

Russell admitted he would have been “incredibly proud and happy” to beat Hamilton in the standings ahead of the season. However, he hinted the result had lost some of its awe due to his P4 finish in the Drivers’ Championship. And over half of respondents in an Express Sport poll (57.6 per cent) feel Hamilton has now been overtaken by Russell at Mercedes. Meanwhile, Just 42.4 per cent still feel he is the main star as the Silver Arrows try to close the gap to Red Bull in 2023.

Russell admitted he would have been “incredibly proud and happy” to beat Hamilton in the standings ahead of the season. However, he hinted the result had lost some of its awe due to his P4 finish in the Drivers’ Championship. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff took a similar line after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, claiming the standings were “irrelevant”. He explained: “They were not racing for a world championship. They haven't raced for victories apart from Brazil. I don't think for any of the team it matters whether they finish second, third, fourth or fifth." Russell enjoyed success early on with three podiums from the first nine races.”

‘Been ousted as Mercedes No 1’;

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


Nico Rosberg rubs salt into Lewis Hamilton’s wound after George Russell impresses
George Russell finished two places above his teammate Lewis Hamilton in the 2022 drivers’ championship.
6 January 2023
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, who shared a tense and sometimes toxic relationship with Hamilton during his time with the team, has praised Russell for his start to life with Mercedes, claimed that his feats should not go under the radar.

“It’s his first year at Mercedes, an incredibly consistent year with such a difficult car,” said the German. “He finished top five in almost every race this year, it’s incredible, so you’ve just got to give your respect to that.”

“And with Lewis Hamilton as a teammate, to beat him over the course of a whole year, I think George just did a really incredible season, always fast. Lewis always has these special days, very often, when he’s just untouchable. And even then, George was always right behind him at the very least, and if not in front of him.”

‘Always right behind him at the very least’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/nico-rosb...ell-impresses/


Video: Hamilton and Russell tour Mercedes’ engine factory.
09:45 Fri, 06 Jan 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Mercedes’ Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, accompanied by team boss Toto Wolff, recently visited the organisation’s engine factory in Brixworth. See what they got up to!

‘Mercedes’ engine factory tour’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...ngine-factory/


Betrayal: George Russell photographed partying with Lewis Hamilton’s nemesis
George Russell outscored Lewis Hamilton in his first season as a Mercedes driver last year.
3 January 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Fernando Alonso and George Russell have shocked F1 fans by celebrating the New Year together, as the Mercedes driver shared a picture of the pair partying the night away via his Instagram account.

With Russell being 17 years younger than Alonso, and with the Brit being 24 years old, their friendship has come as a surprise to many; however, in the paddock it is very well-established.

Russell has often spoken very highly about the double World Champion, whom he enjoyed an excellent battle with at the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix. On that occasion, Russell was attempting to claim a points finish for Williams, only for the wily old fox to snatch P10 at the Red Bull Ring for Alpine.

‘George Russell partying with Lewis Hamilton’s nemesis’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/betrayal-...ltons-nemesis/

PERSONALITY TEST: Which F1 driver should you support in 2023?
The 2023 Formula 1 season is almost here and with 20 drivers on the grid, you might be wondering which one to root for – particularly if you're new to the sport.
07 January 2023
Formula One - Official Site

We've devised a not-at-all-scientific way to find out which driver you should support in 2023...

They're not just the fastest drivers in the world, but the greatest personalities in sport – just check out our Grill The Grid series for proof. So while they spent the off-season resting and training, we spent the time thinking up 10 pointed questions that will match you to your new favourite Formula 1 driver.

Perhaps this quiz will make you question your allegiances (we doubt it) or trigger a deep realisation that you have more in common with a certain driver than you think (again, we doubt it). Either way, scroll down to take the 10 questions, and make sure to share the results with your friends!

‘Not-at-all-scientific way to support a F1 Driver’;

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


The extraordinary cost every F1 driver must pay to compete in 2023
7 Jan 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

F1 drivers will be hit with a colossal bill - just to compete in the 2023 season. There is a basic registration fee of €10,400 (£9,148 / $11,047) per driver, plus an extra €2,100 (£1,847 / $2,230) per point from the previous season.

This means Max Verstappen is faced with a staggering bill of more than $1m just to enter the 2023 season.

‘Extraordinary cost’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101855...y-compete-2023


F1 2023 predictions: The next move for the seven out-of-contract drivers
Saturday 7th January 2023 11:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Seven Formula 1 drivers, including seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, are entering the final year of their contracts in 2023. The futures of some drivers are easier to call than others and we’ve had a go at predicting whether the drivers – listed in the order in which their current teams finished in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship – will stay or go come the end of the year…

If Hamilton is to be believed, his signing of a new contract with Mercedes is an inevitability with the seven-time World Champion revealing in Mexico last October that he is planning to sign a new multi-year deal. The likelihood is that the new arrangement – set to take Hamilton into his forties – will be signed, sealed and delivered before the new season begins.

Yet with Hamilton having so much credit in the bank at Mercedes that any contract he signs won’t be worth the paper on which it is written, his future is potentially more delicately poised than it first appears and is likely to be determined by his and the team’s performances on track.

‘F1 2023 predictions’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-202...tract-drivers/


No more grid drops? Formula 1 to introduce new power unit penalty for 2023
Teams have been accused of making tactical power unit changes in recent seasons.
7 January 2023
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

Every season each F1 team has a set number of engine components that they are allowed to use. Wear and tear, failures and crashes can all lead to a team having to change some of these components going into a race weekend, sometimes even going over the allowed limit.

Teams could be forced to serve a time penalty during the race of up to 30 seconds depending on how many components they have changed, meaning that drivers would suddenly lose track position during a Grand Prix, making it extremely difficult to recover the lost positions.

It has also been suggested that a points deduction could be the appropriate way to deal with such a misdemeanour, with points automatically being taken away from a drivers’ tally as soon as they go over the parts limit.

‘No more grid drops?’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/no-more-g...alty-for-2023/


Formula 1 driver could already be facing a ban in 2023
11:36 Fri, 06 Jan 2023.
by Asher Fair
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Due to FIA rules, one Formula 1 driver is already at risk of being banned from a race near the beginning of the 2023 season. Entering the 2023 Formula 1 season, 17 drivers have at least one penalty point to their name, with 15 of those drivers set to compete throughout the upcoming 23-race campaign.

Just five drivers — Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr., Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas, AlphaTauri rookie Nyck de Vries, and Williams rookie Logan Sargeant — are totally unscathed heading into the new season.

The driver who leads everyone with 10 penalty points, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, is just two points away from being issued a one-race ban, as any driver who reaches 12 points must sit out the next race.

‘Facing a ban in 2023‘;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/01/06...cing-ban-2023/

Lewis Hamilton contract latest: What's been said and could F1 superstar quit in 2023?
Lewis Hamilton is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract with his current deal expiring at the end of the year.
05:20, Sun, Jan 8, 2023
By Stuart Ballard

Lewis Hamilton's future in F1 remains a mystery with the seven-time world champion yet to officially sign a new contract with Mercedes. Express Sport brings all the latest updates from what has been said by both Hamilton and Toto Wolff on the contract and how long it could be.

“It won't be a huge time now, but I will definitely stay.” Toto Wolff echoed Hamilton's comments, but refused to put a timeline on when discussions will likely take place.”

He said: “Well, the job list is pretty long in what is needed to be done. But certainly, Lewis’ contract is one of the topics that we will tackle over the winter. But there is no firm deadline. Lewis is part of the team and the team is part of Lewis. There is no reason to not continue.”

‘Contract latest’;

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


First details of the Mercedes W14 revealed
06 January 6:00PM
Author Paolo Filisetti
Co-author Luke Murphy
RacingNews365

Following their failure to capitalise on the regulation changes in 2022, what have Mercedes done to try and bring themselves back into contention? RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti explains.

To understand whether the W14 the Mercedes car for the 2023 season will be a direct evolution of its predecessor, or otherwise, it is important starting from last year’s car. This approach makes even more sense, after recent statements from Toto Wolff, about its continuity in terms of visible shape, that contrast, at least partially.

The rumours supported also by sources internal to the team, that the W14, will be a conceptual revolution under many points of view. The Mercedes W13 was for most of last season a single-seater from which it was difficult to extract the potential.

‘Sources internal to the team’;

https://racingnews365.com/first-deta...s-w14-revealed


Wolff Praises Hamilton Mentality after Tough 2022 Campaign with Unpredictable W13
January 6, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Wolff, the Team Principal at Mercedes, feels Hamilton’s personality traits were extremely admirable even if the team were unable to deliver him a car to challenge for his eighth World Drivers’ Championship, and he handled a tough season well.

“Extremely tough, because we have given him a tool that wasn’t capable of winning,” Wolff said on Formula 1’s Beyond the Grid podcast. “On top of that, the drivers had a car that was unpredictable, unstable, good at times, not good at others – not really something you can work with and develop.”

“But as a personality, how he has gone through the season is really admirable. There were times when the team felt down because of the non-performance and this is where he picked the people up and motivated them, and that is truly management and personality traits that I have not seen with a professional sportsman before.”

‘Personality traits were extremely admirable’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...edictable-w13/


Toto Wolff sends warning to Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc
George Russell claimed Mercedes' only win in 2022, with Lewis Hamilton having endured a woeful year.
7 January 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has warned Red Bull and Ferrari that the team’s 2023 car, the W14, is “full of surprises”, as the Silver Arrows look to get back to winning ways in the upcoming campaign.

Wolff revealed that the W14 interestingly looks the same as the woeful W13, but that it certainly isn’t the same as their 2022 challenger. “It’s full of surprises,” Wolff told reporters.

“I’m pretty much like you, I go into the wind tunnel and it looks like this year’s car but they say to me it’s very different underneath. It’s about the airflow, it’s about the weight distribution, it’s about the aero map. Our car fundamentally changed mid-year. We changed the concept but we couldn’t see anything on the bodywork.”

‘Full of surprises’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolf...arles-leclerc/


Wolff reveals how Hamilton 'spectacularly lifted Mercedes'
Friday 6 January 2023 10:44
Ian Parkes
GPFans

Toto Wolff has hailed the "spectacular" ability of Lewis Hamilton to lift Mercedes during a torrid 2022 season. Speaking in an end-of-year interview with GPFans, Wolff said: "He rose to a level that went much beyond what Lewis was before, for the team, and in the car.”

"We all have our bad moments, and when one of us had it, then Lewis picked us up. I remember debriefings where he said afterwards, 'Guys, let's not be down. Let's pick ourselves up. There is more to come, more to win. Let's go!'”

"And the other way round. We keep supporting him when there is a tough session or a tough race as we had, so I would say spectacular team behaviour." Expanding on this, Wolff said: "I must say that before we would call drivers contractors, they come and go. But that is totally different with Lewis. He is a valuable and recognised team member.”

‘Rose to a level that went much beyond…’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...s-lifted-team/

Gary Anderson: What each F1 team needs to improve for 2023.
The design and development process of the 2023 Formula 1 cars will have got under way long ago, and with launches only a month away it’s now down to the final crucial details and the build process.
9th Jan 2023, 06:50
By Gary Anderson
The Race

Once a car is up and running and you’ve competed in four or five races, you will know where you stand as far as performance is concerned. From there, it’s about ‘accepting’ that and pressing on with whatever developments might sort your problems. There’s no magic bullet, so while you might be able to put a temporary bandage on your problems, you will never fix them completely without a new car.

I use the word ‘accepting’ above, as many teams fail to do that. This delays everything, so while the development group should have been deciding on which direction to go in with the new car from about July last year, some wouldn’t have been getting on with it until much later. That can very easily compromise 2023.

‘F1 team improvements’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-...rove-for-2023/


F1 2023 calendar ‘couldn’t have been put together much more expensively’
Sunday 8th January 2023 8:00 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Team personnel have bore their frustrations with the F1 2023 calendar with one director stating that it “couldn’t have been put together much more expensive.” The 2023 season will take place in 20 countries across five continents and while there had been hope for a regionalised order, those hopes have come to nothing.

There are particular egregious examples of Formula 1 failing to live up to its commitment to lowering its impact on the environment. A trip to Miami is sandwiched in between races in Baku and Italy. Meanwhile, the Canadian Grand Prix follows the Spanish Grand Prix and proceeds Austria. The last three races alone will require the team to travel 14,000 miles.

All of this comes at a time of increased focus on the human impact on the environment with scientists warning there is not much time left to prevent permanent effects of climate change. F1 have committed to greener ways of working such as with a sustainable fuel and being carbon neutral by 2030 but the 2023 calendar suggests that for now, this will remain a problem area.

‘F1 2023 calendar’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-202...dar-expensive/


Winging It F1 Podcast | Biggest F1 2023 Talking Points
January 8, 2023
By Nigel Chiu
Total Motorsport

New year, a new season of Formula 1 and the return of the Winging It F1 Podcast. Nigel Chiu, Adam Dickinson and Freddie Coates take a look at some of the key talking points to expect.

A new year of Formula 1 is ready to rumble with Max Verstappen and Red Bull looking to defend their titles from 2022.

‘Winging It’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/win...alking-points/


Ben Sulayem to Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid
2023 F1 season
Posted on 8th January 2023, 13:53
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says he is “surprised” by the “adverse reaction” to Andretti and Cadillac’s announcement that they will team up for a bid to join Formula 1 as a new entry.

“An 11th team means a 10% dilution for everybody else,” said Wolff. “If one is able to demonstrate that, then we should all be sitting at the table and cheer for such an entry. But that hasn’t been demonstrated yet.” However, in a post on social media today, FIA president Ben Sulayem expressed his view that the Andretti-Cadillac application was only a positive thing for Formula 1.

“It is surprising that there has been some adverse reaction to the Cadillac and Andretti news,” Ben Sulayem said. “The FIA has accepted smaller, successful organisations in recent years. We should be encouraging prospective F1 entries from global manufacturers like GM and thoroughbred racers like Andretti and others. Interest from teams in growth markets adds diversity and broadens F1’s appeal.”

“Surprised” by “adverse reaction”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/08/...dillac-f1-bid/


Brutal failure of F1’s last influx of new teams is a warning
Jan 5 2023
By Edd Straw

Genuine new teams are a rarity in 21st century Formula 1, as despite regular rebadging of existing operations, the challenge of building up a constructor from scratch is almost prohibitively difficult. But with the FIA keen to open a formal process for expressions of interest, there’s the possibility that for the first time since 2010, multiple newcomers could join the grid in the coming years.

Four teams were granted entries as the 2010 entry expanded to 13 teams, meaning the F1 grid should have hit 26 cars for the first time since 1995. Infamously, USF1 collapsed before it ever participated in an F1 race, although Lotus Racing, Virgin and HRT made it. Or at least, they did for a time, as all had vanished by 2017.

The F1 political landscape was dramatically different back then. During the first decade of the 21st century, F1 mostly comprised manufacturer teams that drove independent teams to the brink of extinction. The OEMs invested heavily and built an enormous power base, leading to the threat of the GPMA (Grand Prix Manufacturers’ Association) breakaway that was a long brandished as a weapon in the battle between the teams, F1 and the FIA.

‘Brutal failure of F1’s last influx’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/bruta...-is-a-warning/

Red Bull Should ‘Fear’ Mercedes in 2023 F1 Season: Marko.
According to Autosport, Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko spoke about next year's competition and named Mercedes as a bigger threat than Ferrari.
PUBLISHED Jan 8, 2023 11:17 AM
By Nico DeMattia
The Drive

Red Bull's dominant 2022 season was literally one for the record books, as both the team and its star driver Max Verstappen broke a few F1 records along the way to clinching both the driver's and manufacturer's championships well before the end of the season.

While Ferrari finished P2 in both the manufacturer's and driver's standings, it was a distant second. So distant, in fact, that Red Bull doesn't seem particularly afraid of Ferrari for the upcoming 2023 season. Instead, Red Bull is more concerned with another rival—Mercedes.

"I would say that we should fear Mercedes more," Marko said. "Mainly because they have an advantage over Ferrari in terms of strategy and reliability." Marko's feelings aren't without merit. Last season, Ferrari's cars and drivers were more than capable of being every bit as dominant as Red Bull but countless breakdowns and strategy missteps saw an incredibly promising team squander its chances of victory.

‘Mercedes as a bigger threat than Ferrari’;

https://www.thedrive.com/news/red-bu...1-season-marko


Helmut Marko reveals bizarre tradition about RB-19 development
Mercedes have shown that they have already fired up the W14 for the first time, sending a warning to Red Bull ahead of next season.
4 January 2023
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

While Red Bull will be working with considerably less wind tunnel testing time than their rivals after the team were punished for breaching the 2021 cost cap, chief advisor Helmut Marko has revealed Red Bull’s strange tradition when preparing for a new season.

“We have a tradition at Red Bull that we don’t really finish the car until the very last moment,” said the Austrian. “But the concept of the car is already there. We can indeed build on a very successful 2022 car.”

“We are of course sitting with this reduction of hours in the wind tunnel, that means we have to work very efficiently as a team. All the things we try out have to hit the mark immediately.”

‘Bizarre tradition’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/helmut-ma...9-development/


Marko confident RBR's 'good basic package' can prevail again in 2023
03/01/2023 at 08:27
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Helmut Marko isn't expecting 2023 to be another walk in the park for Red Bull Racing, but the Austrian believes that the team's "good basic package" and F1's unchanged technical regulations leave it well positioned to prevail again this season.

"We are of course sitting with this reduction of hours in the wind tunnel," the Red Bull motorsport boss told Servus TV. "That means we have to work very efficiently as a team. "All the things we try out have to hit the mark immediately. "But fortunately, the technical changes for next year are not that big. It means we have a good basic package."

And Marko says RBR will rely once on its trump card – one Max Verstappen – to keep its momentum going in 2023. "The team also stays together and Max is still getting slightly better," he said. "As a result, we can go into the new season cautiously optimistic.

‘Good basic package';

https://f1i.com/news/463664-marko-co...n-in-2023.html


Retired F1 Champ Sebastian Vettel Might Be Destined for New Role at Red Bull.
As a driver, Vettel won four Formula 1 championships with Red Bull Racing. Now, according to Helmut Marko, a "top management" job could be next.
Jan 3, 2023
By Fred Smith
AutoWeek

Sebastian Vettel left Red Bull Racing for Ferrari in 2015, ending a seven-year partnership with the team and its Scuderia Toro Rosso junior program that produced 39 Formula 1 wins and four consecutive championships.

Vettel's stint with Ferrari was a relative disappointment, racking up 14 wins and no titles over six seasons before Vettel ultimately raced for two more years at Aston Martin. Now, about a month after retiring as a driver at just 35, Vettel may be on his way back to Red Bull.

That juicy rumor comes from none other than Helmut Marko, the long-time lead of the team's driver development program. Marko, whose legacy is built largely on both hiring Vettel and putting him in a place to succeed, told the German-language Sky Sports F1 that the team is open to a role for its former driver.

"Top management" job could be next’;

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/form...e-at-red-bull/


‘I’m pretty much at my best’ – Perez setting his sights on title challenge in 2023
09 January 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Sergio Perez believes he drove better than ever towards the end of the 2022 F1 season, form the Mexican is determined to carry through to 2023 and use to push for the championship.

Perez noted an up-and-down relationship with the RB18 as he reflected on the campaign, though feels his performances over the final sequence of flyaways – which included a victory and three further podiums in six races – stand him in good stead.

“I’m constantly working on it. I think it really depends on how comfortable I am at the start of the season with the car, as I was in the beginning of the season, then it slipped away,” Perez said of his form throughout 2022. I think as Formula 1 drivers, we are constantly working for new challenges all the time. But I do feel, at this time, I’m pretty much at my best. I really want to carry it on and start next year on a very high [level].”

‘I’m pretty much at my best’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...fOFTwcXl0.html

Ferrari 'blocking' Mattia Binotto from joining another F1 team after getting rid of boss.
Mattia Binotto reportedly cannot join another F1 team right now after Ferrari parted ways with their former Team Principal at the end of the 2022 campaign.
19:55, Mon, Jan 9, 2023
By Fraser Watson
Daily and Sunday Express

Any teams planning to move for Binotto will have to bide their time, due to a reported contract clause that restricts him signing elsewhere.

Formula1a.uno have reported that Binotto and Ferrari have agreed on a 12-month 'gardening leave' period following his departure. The 53-year-old's contract wasn't due to expire until 2023, meaning he will technically remain bound to the Italian giants until it runs out at the end of this year.

However, Binotto will reportedly not have to do any work for Ferrari or even represent the team during this period. He has also reportedly been compensated financially for agreeing to the gardening leave, and it remains to be seen if he will target a return to the sport in 2024.

‘Gardening leave';

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


Ferrari criticised for the ‘incomprehensible’ decision to let Mattia Binotto go
Friday 6th January 2023 5:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers has slammed Ferrari’s ‘incomprehensible’ decision to part ways with Mattia Binotto at the end of the 2022 season.

Albers, who made 46 F1 appearances between 2005 and 2007, has been left baffled by the changes at Ferrari and has hinted Binotto was the scapegoat for the team’s failure to sustain their strong start to the season. He told Dutch publication De Telegraaf: “I find it incomprehensible that Ferrari has parted with Binotto.

“Okay, officially he quit himself, but everyone knows how it works. I feel that a scapegoat was sought and someone’s head had to be taken off. Then you quickly end up with the team boss. “Still, Binotto has been instrumental in making Ferrari competitive again. Everyone forgets how bad that team was roughly a year ago.”

‘Ferrari criticised’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...attia-binotto/


Ferrari stops Binotto from taking on F1 role until 2024 – report
16:21 Mon, 09 Jan 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week


A report from formu1a.uno states that the Italian squad has upped its financial package to Binotto that extends his gardening leave from six to 12 months.

The Italian’s wealth of F1 experience could be valuable to other teams on the grid – or even organisations that will arrive in time for the new 2026 regulations. However, Ferrari has now blocked that possibility until at least 2024.

‘Gardening leave extended’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...le-until-2024/


Binotto might’ve been right about Ferrari’s biggest failing
Jan 2 2023
By Matt Beer
The Race

In what turned out to be his last media appearance as Ferrari Formula 1 team principal, Mattia Binotto was asked to identify the main lessons his squad was taking from 2022 and what it would change for 2023.

“I don’t think there is only one [lesson], because in the end our ups and downs were coming from different areas,” he began. “First, reliability. That’s our top priority because in order to win you need to be reliable and that has not been the case in the season, as a balance of the season itself.”

“The second is the speed of the car, because while we have been very competitive in quali, that has not always been the case in the race itself. And our race pace, whether it is from tyre degradation or pure race pace, was not sufficient for a better position.”

‘Main lessons his squad was taking from 2022’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/binot...ggest-failing/


Former Ferrari boss feels Audi shouldn’t let Mattia Binotto ‘get away’ from them
Saturday 7th January 2023 8:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Former Ferrari sporting director Cesare Fiorio believes Audi should do everything in their power to persuade Mattia Binotto to be involved in the German manufacturer’s Formula 1 project for 2026.

Binotto resigned from his role as Ferrari team principal at the end of last season after the Scuderia failed to capitalise on their strong start to 2022, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull storming to both World Championships.

Nevertheless, 2022 still represented Ferrari’s strongest season in years with Binotto’s work on the inventive F1-75 car crucial to returning the team to race-winning contention under the new regulations.

‘Audi should do everything in their power’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/former...attia-binotto/

FIA president believes Aston Martin ‘are on the way’ to becoming a race-winning team.
FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has backed Aston Martin to become Formula 1 race winners, saying they “should be able to do it” in time.
Tuesday 10th January 2023 11:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Under owner Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin are investing heavily in the Formula 1 team’s future with a new £200m “game-changing” F1 factory as well as a new wind tunnel.

However, the team has predicted it won’t be until 2025 that the effects of the infrastructure upgrades are felt out on track as the wind tunnel will only be operational midway through the 2024 season.Ben Sulayem reckons the P1s will come at some stage.

“They should be able to do it, they are investing for it, they are on the way and they have a driver ready like Fernando so I think so,” he told Motorsport.com. “But,” he added, “winning is very complicated. It’s the same with Ferrari. It’s not because they’re slow, management or reliability or both are also important.”

‘Becoming a race-winning team

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fia-pr...-winning-team/


Aston Martin want to reduce their ties to Mercedes
Aston Martin failed to improve in 2022, finishing seventh for the second year running since their introduction into Formula 1.
8 January 2023
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News

It is not uncommon for the smaller teams in Formula 1 to purchase parts from the front runners, as both teams look for a mutually beneficial relationship. Haas and Alfa Romeo enjoy this type of relationship with Ferrari while AlphaTauri obviously hold a strong partnership with their sister team Red Bull.
Since rebranding from Racing Point in 2021, Aston Martin have maintained a health relationship with Mercedes, being powered by the Silver Arrows and purchasing key parts such as the gearbox from Toto Wolff’s team. While Mercedes have been nothing but reliable in their partnership with Aston Martin, team principal Mike Krack has explained why it may be beneficial for his team to begin to go their own way and create their own parts.

“When you have the ability to make everything yourself, you can make things faster and if you can, make them also cheaper,” Krack told reporters. “It means that you can make more or you can have maybe one or two upgrades more than before due to time and also due to financial reasons. So from that point of view, I think it’s a good step.”

‘Reduce their ties to Mercedes’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/aston-mar...s-to-mercedes/


Aston Martin claim Nico Hulkenberg learned from former team-mate
Nico Hulkenberg's last season racing full-time in Formula 1 was in 2019 for Renault.
by Nick Golding
10 January 2023
Formula1News

Aston Martin Performance Director Tom McCullough has hailed the team’s former reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg as a “class act”, with Haas having received a “naturally gifted driver” for 2023.

With Hulkenberg having performed so well at such short notice, McCullough rates the new Haas driver as a “very talented” individual with “solid experience”. “He was thrown right in at the deep end at a time that we were scratching our heads a bit with a car,” McCullough said, quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“He obviously turned up in Bahrain, just straight into FP3, I think. [There was] not a lot of time, seat fit, compromises, straight in there. He’s a very talented, naturally gifted driver. You put him in a qualifying or a race situation and ask him to go extract the most out of the car, [and] he’s pretty good at doing that, whatever he drives and has driven over the years.”

“Class act”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/aston-mar...mer-team-mate/


Alonso voted F1's best 'new' signing
Sunday 8 January 2023 09:00
Sam Hall
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has been voted as the driver who will perform best at his new team in the coming F1 season after moving from Alpine to Aston Martin.

To find out, we asked GPFans readers 'Which driver will perform best at their new team in 2023?'.
Poll results
Fernando Alonso - 51 percent
Pierre Gasly - 17 percent
Nyck de Vries - 12 percent
Oscar Piastri - 11 percent
Nico Hulkenberg - six percent
Logan Sargeant - four percent

‘Best 'new' signing’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/98...s-poll-result/


New Silverstone Factory to be a ‘Game Changer’ for Aston Martin – Mike Krack
January 7, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team’s new Silverstone factory will be a ‘game changer’ according to Team Principal Mike Krack.

The new factory, which is due to open in May, will enable everyone to work under one roof without the need of using remote locations, while their own wind tunnel should be ready to use in 2024. “The fact that you can talk to people without having to arrange meetings, it facilitates the dialogue massively,” Krack is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com.

“The remote locations that we have, so you either need to pick up the phone or organise something, sometimes this is a natural barrier of more exchange. And the other thing is also logistics, we should not forget to bring things from left to right or A to B, it will be massively different and massively easier. From that point of view, I fully agree with using the word game changer, for team dynamics and logistics.”

‘Game changer’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...in-mike-krack/

Williams to hold ‘season launch’ event on February 6th.
The team will hold a pre-season presentation, which is expected to included a livery launch, on February 6th.
2023 F1 season
Posted on 11th January 2023, 14:1511th January 2023, 14:17
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Williams have announced the earliest date yet for a 2023 launch event, though it remains to be seen when their new car will be presented. Having been the last-placed team in the constructors’ standings four times in the last five years, Williams are in the process of making several changes ahead of the 2023 season in an attempt to improve their form.

Sargeant will partner Alex Albon, who is embarking on his second season with Williams – and fourth season in F1 – having scored half of the team’s points last year.

The 2023 season will mark the 10th season that Williams have used Mercedes engines, and the partnership has resulted in 16 podiums so far. Williams have now gone 216 grands prix without a victory, the longest losing run in their 46-year history. Testing for the new season will begin on February 23rd.

‘Season launch’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/11/...-february-6th/


Williams sets date for 2023 F1 livery unveiling
11th January 2023, 14:18
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week

That is five days before the next confirmed launch event, AlphaTauri, and a week before a host of teams are set to present their new cars. Williams has not communicated when its car for the 2023 season will be shown to the public.

The positions of Team Principal and Technical Director currently remain vacant at Williams following the departures last month of Jost Capito and Francois-Xavier Demaison respectively.

‘Livery unveiling’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...ery-unveiling/


Williams announce earliest 2023 car launch to date for early February
Wednesday 11th January 2023 2:11 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Williams have become the latest team to confirm their 2023 Formula 1 car launch plans, set for Monday 6 February at 2pm GMT.

As it stands, this would now make them the first team to unveil their 2023 colours to the world, with Williams confirming their launch will be live streamed on their official app and website.

The Williams statement said of the launch: “You’ll hear from our new F1 driver duo Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, the supremely talented Williams Racing Driver Academy and, of course, we’ll reveal our 2023 livery.”

‘Williams announce earliest 2023 car launch’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/willia...23-car-launch/


Williams grabs launches pole
11/01/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

As it stands, Williams will be the first team to reveal its 2023 contender, as the Grove outfit announces early launch date.

The wraps will come off the - yet to be designated - cat at 14:00 (GMT) on Monday 6 February.

‘Grabbing launches pole

https://www.pitpass.com/74369/Willia...-launches-pole


Divisive boss, abrupt exit: Has Williams suffered lasting damage?
11th Jan 2023, 07:11
The Race

Even before Capito’s departure, there were plenty of signs of discord within the team. Scott Mitchell-Malm’s concern is that the former Volkswagen motorsport chief’s brief period in charge of Williams has actually set it further back and given his successor a much bigger job.

“I’m worried about how much has gone on behind the scenes, in terms of: who else has left that is obviously less of a high profile headline departure?” said Mitchell-Malm.

“I’ve heard quite a few stories of the type of people that have either been removed over the last 12-18 months or who have just walked away – from all aspects of the Williams business as well, not just the race team but on the marketing and comms side, all the different elements of Williams.”

‘Divisive boss, abrupt exit’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/divis...asting-damage/

A major F1 headache isn’t going anywhere in 2023.
Porpoising will continue to lie in wait, ready to catch out those who are too aggressive or easily taken in by appealing downforce figures that could be generated in simulation.
11th Jan 2023, 12:46
By Edd Straw
The Race

Porpoising dominated the first half of the 2022 Formula 1 season, but despite the progress made by teams in conquering it and the related bouncing problems, it is a spectre that will likely continue to haunt teams while the current ground effect regulations are in place.

Last year, it was about understanding and mitigating the problem and some teams, notably Mercedes, were fundamentally limited by porpoising. The extent of the difficulties caught many out, but with the knowledge built in 2022, there’s no reason for teams to be taken by surprise again. That’s why one of the key factors of F1 car design is going to be avoiding creating the conditions that lead to porpoising.

Porpoising can never truly be vanquished because the laws of physics are immutable. The mechanism is well understood and while there can be multiple triggers, in general terms it occurs at high speeds when the prodigious downforce generated pulls the car too close to the ground. There comes a point when either because of proximity to the ground – possibly even with the floor hitting the track surface – or the speed of the airflow beneath the underfloor, there is an aerodynamic stall.

‘Porpoising can never truly be vanquished’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/a-maj...where-in-2023/


23 Burning Questions to Ponder for the 2023 F1 Season.
Jan 10, 2023
By Phillip Horton
AutoWeek

It's never too early to start daydreaming about what we might see this coming Formula 1 campaign.

‘23 Burning Questions’;

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/form...023-f1-season/


WATCH: How the F1 technical regulations are changing in 2023
11 January 1:05PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

There are some major technical changes coming in 2023, as RacingNews365.com explains in this video. The breed of Formula 1 car introduced in 2022 was revolutionary as ground effects were harnessed for the first time since the 1980s.

Out went the old designs - which some drivers have said they preferred driving - for machines whose downforce is created by sucking the car to the track via strong 'Venturi tunnels' from the underbody.

One unintended consequence was that porpoising was back as well - with it being a very well-known side-effect of ground effect designs. Fortunately for Red Bull, chief designer Adrian Newey was around in the the 1980s - on the sportscar and IndyCar scene - and so had prior knowledge of how to ace the design, and more pertinently, what to avoid.

‘F1 technical regulations are changing’;

https://racingnews365.com/watch-how-...anging-in-2023


Road to Formula 1: 10 rising stars that you should keep an eye on in 2023
Wednesday 11th January 2023 7:00 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

As excitement builds for F1 2023, the same is true for the series below as a stacked line-up of young talent prepares to battle it out. For all the youngsters who start out on the daunting and very, very expensive ladder to Formula 1, only a small minority actually make it all the way to the point of calling themselves a Formula 1 driver.

As is to be expected, the quality of junior drivers ebbs and flows with time, but looking at the pool ahead of 2023 competition, it is hard to remember a time when so many star prospects are in action, all with the very real chance of emerging as a Formula 1-worthy racer.

So, if you were questioning whether or not the junior series will be worth watching in 2023, yes, they will be! And as you tune in, here are 10 talents who we recommend you keep a very watchful eye on.

‘Road to Formula 1’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/10...s-2023-season/


Why does an American car-making giant suddenly want to be in Formula 1?
2023 F1 season
Posted on 6th January 2023, 13:377th January 2023, 10:28
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

It may not have surprised many that, once FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced he would begin a process to bring new teams into Formula 1, the Andretti Group would be the first to confirm their interest.

None of the four current General Motors brands – Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick – have been seen in F1 before. GM did not need the world of grand prix racing to become one of the ‘big three’ American carmakers with annual revenues north of $127 billion (£107bn). GM president Mark Reuss referred to the “growing global appeal” of F1 in yesterday’s announcement. There is plenty of evidence of that, including rising television viewership and sold-out races.

Much of F1’s growth is happening in GM’s backyard. Entering its sixth year of US ownership, the Liberty Media-run series has successfully courted American interest by relocating race coverage to ESPN, launching the Netflix series Drive to Survive and adding further US rounds in Miami and, from this year, Las Vegas.

‘American car-making giant’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/01/06/...-in-formula-1/

Frederic Vasseur tipped to do "big things" at Ferrari with 'no bulls***' approach.
Frederic Vasseur has been tipped to achieve "big things" in charge of Ferrari despite some reservations over his appointment.
21:21, 27 Dec 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror

Vasseur's appointment as Ferrari team principal has divided opinion, but one former F1 driver is confident the Frenchman will be a successful hire for the Scuderia.

Former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde is firmly among those who approve of the move. Giving his thoughts on the overall situation, he expressed the belief that Binotto jumped ship before he was pushed and backed Vasseur to deliver for the Scuderia.

"I think they gave him a choice: either we say we've thrown you out, or we do it in a nice way and you say you've resigned yourself," he said. "And so it ended up being the second one. But it was clear that he had to leave. He is a very nice guy and has built a very good car, but Ferrari did throw away some wins this year. And whichever way you look at it, he was responsible for that as team boss.”

‘'no bulls***' approach’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...cipal-28825147


Ferrari Vasseur agenda on first day in office
Monday 9 January 2023 10:57
Ewan Gale
GPFans

Fred Vasseur has now officially started as Ferrari's new team principal [from Jan 9]. Vasseur now finds himself as the fifth person to take on the most pressurised position in F1 over the past decade, so what are his priorities?

Strategy. Entering through the doors at Maranello, once Vasseur has dealt with the pleasantries associated with the first day on the job, one of his primary tasks is likely to be calling a meeting with strategy chief Iñaki Rueda. Reliability. This was a major limiting factor for Ferrari at the end of the year, with Binotto conceding the power units were turned down in order to save the components.

Budget cap. It is no secret Ferrari hit the budget cap ceiling midway through the past season, severely restricting its ability to compete in the second half of the year. Ferrari board. As evidenced by the turnover of the team principal post, Ferrari's hierarchy can be hard to please.

‘Priorities’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/99...day-in-office/


Pundit questions whether Fred Vasseur can cope with Ferrari’s ‘mystical forces’
Monday 9th January 2023 1:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Dutch pundit Olav Mol has doubts about whether Frederic Vasseur is the right man for the role of Ferrari team boss, given the “mystical forces that work” within the Scuderia. But Mol isn’t so sure Ferrari have made the right decision.

“I do not know,” he told Motorsport.com when asked if Vasseur was up for the challenge. “He is in a larger organisation than Sauber when at Renault and it didn’t work out there. I seem to remember it was mainly because of all sorts of political things.’

“Then I think: Welcome to Ferrari. If there is politics anywhere, it is at Ferrari with all those mystical forces that work in the team and a family that has something to say. I don’t envy Fred in that respect, he may have grown in recent years. I wish him that success.”

‘Mystical forces’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/freder...stical-forces/


Formual 1: Vasseur starts a new era for Ferrari with big targets
05:43 Tue, 10 Jan 2023.
The Straits Times

LONDON – Frederic Vasseur started work at Maranello on Monday as the fifth Ferrari Formula One team principal in less than a decade and with the weight of history adding to a burden of expectation.

Only the second Frenchman to run the oldest and most successful team in the sport, Vasseur follows on from departed Mattia Binotto but with the giant shoes of compatriot Jean Todt yet to be filled.

Todt presided over a golden age at the Scuderia, arriving at the Gestione Sportiva in 1993 as general manager and embarking on a transformation that led to a period of domination with Michael Schumacher.

‘New era for Ferrari with big targets’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...th-big-targets


Time for Frederic Vasseur to fix Ferrari’s problems
Frederic Vasseur has worked with Charles Leclerc multiple times in the past, with the Frenchman having supported the Monegasque's junior career.
10 January 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Former Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur has officially started his role as the new team principal of Ferrari, following the resignation of Mattia Binotto in December. Vasseur joins Ferrari at a time when the Scuderia have real promise, should they play their cards right in the upcoming season.

Vasseur will take to Ferrari his ability to make bold decisions and make changes when necessary, with the Frenchman likely to be completely aware that the job he’s taken on has been likened to a poisoned chalice. The first thing he needs to address is the team’s power unit reliability issues, with the side having endured too many engine failures in 2022.

Vasseur will need to work incredibly hard to eradicate the team’s strategic errors, with Leclerc in particular having lost several victories following strategic blunders. The only other thing for Vasseur to do is to give Leclerc and Sainz the belief that they can win the World Championship, but most importantly, how to deal with the pressure.

‘Time to fix Ferrari’s probems’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/time-for-...aris-problems/