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Eddie Jordan: ‘I bet McLaren wish they had Ron Dennis back’.
Eddie Jordan believes the current McLaren outfit wishes their long-time former owner Ron Dennis was still working at the team.
14 Apr 2023 6:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Jordan, a team owner himself in the 1990s and early 2000s also praised Dennis and described him as the “unsung hero” to staff members and commented that McLaren would love to have him back nowadays.
“Ron was a perfectionist wasn’t he? He just had everything planned. He wanted the [Ayrton] Sennas, he wanted the [Alain] Prosts. To be fair, we all laughed and joked, we took the mickey out of Ron a little bit because of how clinical he is, both in cleanliness and the way he prepares the car and the people, but I bet they wish they had him back.”
“Because McLaren now are nowhere near where they were. You can say what you like, Ron Dennis was just fantastically dedicated and committed to his team and [he was] the unsung hero to the staff members and people [who worked there.]”
“Ron was a perfectionist”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/eddie-...en-ron-dennis/
Jordan: McLaren F1 must wish it had Ron Dennis back
14 April 2023, 11:15
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week
Ex-Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes McLaren wishes it had former boss Ron Dennis back running the team. Dennis worked at McLaren for several decades and oversaw several championship-winning years during his reign.
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, ex-F1 driver David Coulthard, who has vast experience working under Dennis, claims that the 75-year-old was misunderstood during his time in the sport. “Ron Dennis was, I think, misunderstood to the outside world,” Coulthard said.
“He took care of them quietly, but in a great way because he understood the importance of the team.” Jordan, who owned an F1 team that bore his name for almost 15 years, says that McLaren probably wishes that he was back running the team.
‘Misunderstood’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...n-dennis-back/
Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan says McLaren "nowhere near where they were" and must 'wish they had Ron Dennis back'
14 Apr 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has suggested McLaren would be better off if Ron Dennis was still in charge. Dennis transformed McLaren into an F1 powerhouse of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, leading the Woking-based outfit to win seven constructors’ championships and 10 drivers’ titles.
He also famously handed Lewis Hamilton his F1 debut in 2007. Hamilton won his first world title with McLaren in his second season in 2008 and remains the team’s most recent world champion.
"Nowhere near where they were"
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/102406...on-dennis-back
Coulthard recounts Dennis 'FAVOURITISM' in McLaren heyday
Friday 14 April 2023 11:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans
David Coulthard has claimed that he did not get full support from Ron Dennis for years for much of his time at McLaren. The 13-time Formula 1 race winner was team-mates with Finnish star Mika Hakkinen, and he has admitted that he felt Dennis favoured the more senior driver.
“Do I think I got a fair crack of the whip at McLaren?” asked Coulthard. “From the team, 100%, in terms of machinery, 100%. Emotionally from Ron? It took quite a long time, maybe three, four years of my relationship there, and I was there for nine seasons.”
"Ron would walk in the office, and this happened in the beginning, and I’d instinctively get up – he’s the boss – to shake his hand, and he wouldn’t look, he would walk round and he would sit up next to Mika and his engineers and go: ‘What are we doing?’ And then I’d watch them talk about what they were doing and then he’d say, ‘What are they doing?’. I was they."
'FAVOURITISM';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...mika-hakkinen/
How far away are McLaren's facility updates?
14 April 11:55AM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says several of the team's major Formula 1 infrastructure upgrades are about to be delivered. "Our wind tunnel is just about ready to come online. The belt's rolling, the air is going, so it's been calibrated," Brown told media, including RacingNews365.com.
"Our new manufacturing unit, with all-new state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, you can walk in and you can see the buildings and a lot of other infrastructure that we were quite far behind on that we invested in.
‘Brown hints at more to come – "We're just getting started"!’
https://racingnews365.com/how-far-aw...cility-updates
Brown explains McLaren technical restructure
Thursday 13th April, 2023 - 8:06am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has explained why he asked team principal Andrea Stella to look at a restructure the squad’s technical department. Stella’s model sees the technical department effectively divided in three, with Peter Prodromou heading up the aerodynamics team.
David Sanchez, who will join from Ferrari at the start of next year, will oversee the car concept and performance, with Neil Hudley promoted to look after engineering and design. “At the time, which is when I joined McLaren in 2015, there were three technical directors,” Stella explained of his new model.
“I think the separation of competence was very confusing. Even for internal people, it was quite difficult to understand, like, who was doing what. “We want, in the structure that we have deployed, to have clear leadership in relation to the three fundamental areas to make quick cars in the modern Formula 1, which is aerodynamics, car concept, and engineering.”
‘Technical restructure’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/13...l-restructure/
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Gunther Steiner: Haas plan to copy Red Bull to improve 2023 F1 car.
The Haas team principal made no secret of the team's intentions to copy Red Bull in some departments.
April 14, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport
Gunther Steiner has revealed that Haas are hoping to copy Red Bull in an attempt to close the gap to the Formula 1 championship leaders. Haas have bought parts direct from Ferrari since they joined F1 in 2016 but Steiner admitted that they would be trying to copy Red Bull’s designs moving forward.
“I would say they (the rules) work,” Steiner told Motorsport.com. “Obviously, at the moment Red Bull has an advantage, but I wouldn’t say they’ll keep that advantage now for the next 20 races. I’m not so sure about that because everybody will catch up, and hopefully we find out how Red Bull came to this advantage and we can copy it, or do something similar.”
‘Haas plan to copy Red Bull’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/gun...e-2023-f1-car/
Steiner wants Haas to COPY 'fantastic' Red Bull 2023 car
Wednesday 12 April 2023 11:50
Joe Ellis
GPFans
Guenther Steiner wants his Haas team to copy the 2023 Red Bull car in an attempt to climb the leaderboard over the course of the season. The RB19 has proven to be a dominant car so far this season having claimed all three grand prix victories so far in the hands of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
“Obviously at the moment Red Bull has an advantage, but I wouldn't say they’ll keep that advantage now for the next 20 races.”
“Everybody will be working hard and then you never have to forget Red Bull has got the penalty they got last year, they can do less development in the wind tunnel this year so they cannot move a lot ahead anymore in theory.”
‘COPY 'fantastic' Red Bull’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-haas-copy-f1/
HULKENBURG: ‘GOOD THINGS HAPPENING’ AT HAAS F1 TEAM AFTER FIRST F1 POINTS FINISH SINCE COMEBACK
The German driver scored his first points since his Formula 1 return for Haas at the chaotic Australian Grand Prix
April 11, 2023
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds
Nico Hulkenburg believes there are “good things happening” at his Haas Formula 1 team after a decent start to his 2023 comeback campaign. Hulkenburg returned to Formula 1 full-time after spending three years out on the sidelines. The German joined Haas, replacing fellow German Mick Schumacher to partner Kevin Magnussen for the 2023 season.
The Haas driver has now had three races on his comeback season. He has managed to outqualify teammate Kevin Magnussen significantly, managing to make Q3 twice this season. The German also managed to achieve his first points finish for Haas during his third race with the team.
A strong drive at the Australian Grand Prix earned the 35-year-old a seventh place finish, However, the team protested the results, believing Hulkenburg should have been on the podium. Despite the team’s attempts, their protest was unsuccessful.
‘GOOD THINGS HAPPENING’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hu.../?nowprocket=1
Off to a good start as Nico Hulkenberg's reunion with F1 proves a shrewd move from Haas
14th April 2023.09:58
TEAMtalk media
Wheels24
Hulkenburg returned to F1 this season after three years away after Haas signed him to replace Mick Schumacher as Kevin Magnussen's partner.
The decision shocked many around the Formula 1 grid, given the testy past relationship between Hulkenburg and Magnussen, but that appears to be water under the bridge.
Hulkenberg, who has outqualified his teammate in every race so far, has proven to be a shrewd signing for Haas. It's a long way from where they were last season, with Schumacher struggling to get around the track in one piece.
‘Good start’;
https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsp...-haas-20230414
How Hulkenberg is already repaying Haas F1’s faith
12:56 Thu, 13 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
When it was announced that Nico Hulkenberg would be taking a spot on the 2023 Formula 1 grid at Haas it raised many an eyebrow and brought detractors in their droves – but the German’s storming drive to a brilliant seventh-place finish in the Australian Grand Prix has gone a long way to silencing any remaining critics that he had.
Having out-qualified his respected new team-mate Kevin Magnussen at all three rounds in 2023 and simultaneously maintained a flawless streak of starting inside the top 10 places – something Magnussen has failed to do once – Hulkenberg has demonstrated that he has required very little time to dust off the cobwebs and get up to speed.
However, after an opening two rounds where poor luck and an indifferent race package cost him the chance to convert solid starting spots into a haul of points, everything finally came together for Haas and Hulkenberg at the third time of asking in Melbourne.
‘Repaying Haas F1’s faith’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...aas-f1s-faith/
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Hill compares Vowles to Brawn: It's what Williams have been crying out for.
Damon Hill believes that James Vowles will "sort out" Williams, with the new team boss being compared to former F1 stalwart Ross Brawn.
09 April 12:50PM
Author Anna Francis
F1i.com
Positive noises have come out of Williams since the start of the 2023 F1 season, and Damon Hill believes that new team boss James Vowles is exactly what the squad needs.
"They've got James Vowles, who's got such a lot of knowledge from Mercedes, the dominant Mercedes team," Hill told the F1 Nation podcast. "He will be putting ducks in a row." Hill feels that Vowles bears similarities to Brawn, who the former worked with during the Mercedes team's championship-winning Brawn GP period.
"I listen to him and I think he sounds very like Ross Brawn," Hill added. "[He has a] measured way of talking. He never sounds flustered at all, and he's clear in his own mind as to what he's doing. I think he will sort out [the team]. I think it's what Williams have been crying out for for years."
‘Positive noises’;
https://racingnews365.com/hill-compa...crying-out-for
“HE SOUNDS VERY LIKE ROSS BRAWN,” DAMON HILL ON WILLIAMS PRINCIPAL JAMES VOWLES
April 9, 2023
Sam Jones
FormulaNerds
1996 Formula One World Champions Damon Hill has spoken highly of new Williams team principal James Vowles, claiming the former Mercedes man “sounds very like Ross Brawn.”
Vowles joined Williams ahead of the 2022 season, having previously worked as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes, being with the Silver Arrows for 21 years, including the time when the team went under the mantle of British American Racing, Honda, and Brawn GP.
The team are currently sat in last in the constructors championship, however, driver Alex Albon spoke highly of the work at the team and where they are now compared to last year.
‘LIKE ROSS BRAWN’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/he.../?nowprocket=1
Hill believes Vowles is right man to revive Williams
09/04/2023 at 16:54
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Former f1 champion Damon Hill has backed new Williams team principal James Vowles as the right man for the job, who will succeed in restoring the team to the top of the pile.
Vowles himself recently spoke of a positive vibe at the Williams base at Grove. "The best word that I could use is ‘spark’. There’s a spark and it’s fascinating to see; there are shoulders lifted, and there are heads held high now.
"There is direction, they can see where we’re going and how we’re moving forward," he said last month. It’s a team that clearly have had a difficult winter and a difficult few years prior to that, but they can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and the direction we’re going in."
‘Spark’;
https://f1i.com/news/471287-hill-bel...-williams.html
Vowles reveals biggest 'rude awakening' since joining Williams
13 April 8:00AM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
After joining Williams as their new Team Principal ahead of the 2023 F1 season, James Vowles admits that there was an aspect of the team that both surprised and impressed him. "It's a mixture of rude awakening and how impressed I am," Vowles told media, including RacingNews365.com.
"There were some very much what I would consider basics that are in place in other teams and have been since almost 15 years – especially for example around certain software systems, software systems that allow you to properly understand where all your parts are – [that] simply doesn't exist [at Williams]."
"As a result of that, what impresses me is that, before I joined, they built the car you see in front of you," Vowles explained. "15,000 pieces coming together, fitting, working and seemingly going down the track fairly quickly. That's an incredible accomplishment, but clearly not how we can move forward. So we need systems in place and structures in place, and that was probably the one [aspect] that took me aback the most."
"15,000 pieces coming together’;
https://racingnews365.com/vowles-rev...ining-williams
The sacrifice Williams will make for its long-term F1 goals
Apr 14 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race
Williams won’t hesitate to “sacrifice” some of the development of its 2023 Formula 1 car to ensure it achieves its goals of becoming a “step more competitive” in 2024 and 2025. Every F1 team factors in the development of the following year’s car when allocating its budget for the year and since the introduction of the cost cap it’s become an ever more important balance for every team to strike.
“We’re three races in and what’s clear is that of the first three races, we have been in a position to fight for points at all of them,” Williams team boss James Vowles reflected. Vowles has his long-term ambitions for the team at the forefront of his planning for a Williams revival, so he’s not afraid to make short-term sacrifices for the sake of that goal.
“We’re doing our utmost to develop [our 2023 car] but by also keeping an eye on the future,” Vowles continued. “We cannot lose the target that we want to be a step more competitive next year and the year after. The only way you can accomplish that is to sacrifice [some of] what you have this year in the cost cap.”
“Sacrifice”;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-s...term-f1-goals/
Williams’ Formula One rise is another sign the ‘backmarker’ era is ending
Apr 14, 2023
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic
Alex Albon’s Q3 appearance in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix arguably wouldn’t have happened several years ago. Still, fans may have done a double take when watching qualifying as his blue FW45 stayed in the top 10, edging past Alpine’s Esteban Ocon by a skinny 0.007 seconds. Meanwhile, his teammate Logan Sargeant qualified for P18 but was just 0.086 seconds off of making it to the second round of qualifying.
As Albon put it in Melbourne that Saturday, “We’re in the fight.” The surprise is not a knock on the driver’s talent. Albon competed for Toro Rosso before his promotion to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate until 2021. He rejoined the grid last year with Williams and is part of their push to climb from F1’s basement. Albon can drive an F1 car and drive it well.
The surprise is that he did it in a Williams car. As team principal James Vowles said recently, Williams has “been in the position to fight for points” during the first three races. After all, the Williams’ FW45 recorded several purple sectors during qualifying, which are the driver’s best out of the rest of the grid, and showed flashes of competitiveness.
‘Backmarker era is ending’;
https://theathletic.com/4409799/2023...ld-backmarker/
Williams’ Dave Robson: “We leave Melbourne frustrated.”
April 13, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag
Williams’ Racing Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson felt the team missed an opportunity to score good FIA Formula 1 World championship points in Melbourne after chaos throughout the Australian Grand Prix.
Alex Albon qualified excellently on Saturday, but ultimately failed to convert it into any points in the race. The Thai driver was running as high as sixth on lap seven, when he lost the car and crashed into the wall at turn seven ending his race.
Logan Sargeant had an equally frustrating race as his teammate and was forced to retire after an incident on the red flag restart with Nyck de Vries. The American driver also struggled with strategy throughout the race and was caught out by a red flag, which saw his early pit stop lose him a big chunk of time.
“We leave Melbourne frustrated”;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ne-frustrated/
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AlphaTauri planning 'probably five or six' floor upgrades.
AlphaTauri technical director Jody Egginton has revealed the team's thinking behind a multi-stage programme of upgrades to the AT04 for 2023, with improvements to the car's floor a central focus.
15/04/2023 at 13:09
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
"The updates we're bringing now, amongst some other things they're intended to improve low-speed entry stability," he said. "If we've improved the rear load on the entry phase, if you've got more rear load, you've got more stability. Obviously low speed aero performance is a target in every team," he said. "And that's one of the targets we didn't quite nail pre-season.”
"We're looking to make the car more stable on low-speed entry into corners so then the drivers can push harder at late entry, and there's performance to come from that. The changes we've made with floor fence camber - trying to control the strength and position of the floor vorticities and diffuser expansion and reducing tyre wake loss - it's all part of that.”
"At the end of the day, put in very simple terms, we're looking to carry more load into the corner, so the driver can push harder. It gives us a balance advantage as well, if we can carry a bit more aero balance into the corner, at high stability," he commented.
‘Five or six' floor upgrades’;
https://f1i.com/news/471548-alphatau...-upgrades.html
Jody Egginton downplays Franz Tost’s ‘I don’t trust’ AlphaTauri engineers comment
15 Apr 2023 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
AlphaTauri technical director Jody Egginton insists the Faenza-based team remains “united” even after team boss Franz Tost’s scathing criticism of his technical department. Egginton has downplayed his boss’s harsh criticism. “Franz has known the engineering team for a long time,” he said as per motorsport-total.com.
“It’s the same team whose cars made it onto the podium in 2019, 2020 and 2021. “Franz issued a statement that was probably taken a bit out of context and doesn’t show the exact picture. We work as a team, sit down with Franz, discuss things and just keep going. It is what it is,” he added.
“Franz gave a few interviews and said a few things, but we’re going to keep going. That doesn’t change anything, everyone is still united in what we have to do. Ultimately Franz’s disappointment as team principal is that the car isn’t well established enough in midfield to be where we want to be. And he’s expressed that in a way.”
‘Faenza-based team remains “united”’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/jody-e...-tost-comment/
De Vries: No AlphaTauri atmosphere change after Tost’s ‘no trust’ comment
09:56 Wed, 12 Apr 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
F1i.com
Nyck de Vries says there hasn’t been any changes to the atmosphere at the AlphaTauri Formula 1 team after Franz Tost said he had “no trust” in its engineers. But de Vries, who has joined AlphaTauri as a full-time driver for the 2023 campaign, says there are no overhanging concerns or bitterness within the team after Tost’s remark.
“I honestly think the vibe within the team is great and I felt no difference post certain comments that have been made,” de Vries said. “I think things can be taken a little bit out of context and I think we were all kind of scratching our heads and we all want to be as quick as Red Bull that is currently winning and dominating.”
“So we’re all trying to improve and work hard to make that progress and so are we and we are racers and we are passionate about what we do. But I felt no change within the ambience and atmosphere within the team. So I’m very happy where I am and I’m sure that we’re all very keen to continue to push forward.”
‘No AlphaTauri atmosphere change’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...trust-comment/
Aero reshuffle and more Red Bull parts in 2024 for AlphaTauri
Apr 15 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
AlphaTauri has made changes to its aerodynamic department and will take more parts from Red Bull next season in an attempt to address its faltering Formula 1 form. “The disappointment from Franz’s side as a team principal is that the car’s not established well enough into the midfield to be where we want,” said Egginton.
“And he’s expressed that in a certain way. But at the end of the day, we’ve hit some of our targets – they were valid targets, they’re good targets – and we’ve not quite hit some of the others yet, but we will.” AlphaTauri already has an aero team of more than 100 people in Bicester but relocating more of the team in the name of efficiency has been speculated since pre-season testing.
With the performance contrast between the two Red Bull teams arguably greater right now than it has ever been, it is no surprise that the parent company has taken a closer look at AlphaTauri, the purpose it serves and how it works – especially in the wake of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death.
‘Aero team of more than 100 people in Bicester’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/aero-...or-alphatauri/
Trouble for AlphaTauri? No ‘game-changer’ upgrade in the works
14 Apr 2023 2:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Nyck de Vries concedes there’ll be no “game-changer” in AlphaTauri’s 2023 upgrades, rather the team will focus on the “little details” as they try to avoid this year’s wooden spoon.
That weekend AlphaTauri introduced a new floor for the AT04, one that De Vries feels is a step in the right direction. “I think it definitely helped us a little bit,” he said, “being a little bit more competitive. It’s so tight in the midfield, a little difference, it can swing so quickly.”
“So it definitely helped. And that’s encouraging. But we will need to continue to push the team to get close to the top 10.” However, the Dutchman admits there’s no silver bullet or miracle upgrade coming any time soon.
‘No ‘game-changer’ upgrade’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/troubl...anger-upgrade/
De Vries: Vibe at AlphaTauri still great after Tost 'no trust' comment
12/04/2023 at 09:17
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Nyck de Vries says there has been no change in the positive "vibe" within the AlphaTauri team in the wake of the brutal comments expressed by team boss Franz Tost who called into question his engineers' competence.
"We struggled in Bahrain," he acknowledged at the time. "We have to do a lot of things to make the car faster, and especially on the aerodynamic side. There are different programmes going on, but the engineers tell me that we make some good progress. But I don't trust them anymore.”
More upgrades are set to follow, but the Dutchman noting that the Faenza-based squad is following an incremental development process. "I think that all the little things we are constantly bringing - it's not like there is a game-changer, you're not going from P15 to P8 - all the little details are making a difference," he said in Australia.
‘Vibe at AlphaTauri still grea’;
https://f1i.com/news/471385-de-vries...t-comment.html
Helmut Marko: The Red Bull motorsport boss with a fearsome reputation
11 Apr 2023 10:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Helmut Marko has developed a reputation for being one of Formula 1’s most feared, yet successful personalities in the paddock. Like Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner, Marko has also been on the scene since the team joined the grid in 2005, while his duties also extend to Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri.
Marko has been a key pillar behind Red Bull’s glittering F1 record, the team having won five Constructors’ titles and six Drivers’ crowns, while their sister team is also a multi-time race-winning squad, one success under the Toro Rosso name, another as AlphaTauri, yet both wins came at Monza.
For any driver who has experienced the tutelage of Marko, a common observation has been his very stern approach. If a driver is looking for a comforting shoulder and encouragement during their learning process, then they will not get that with Marko.
‘Fearsome reputation’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...career-quotes/
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Zhou believes stronger result was possible after first points finish of year.
Zhou Guanyu feels that an even better result was possible after claiming his first points of the year at the Australian Grand Prix.
10 April 2:25PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365
Zhou Guanyu was left feeling happy with his progress over the Australian Grand Prix weekend after claiming his first points of the 2023 F1 season.
The Alfa Romeo driver ended the day in P10 after starting back in P17 on the grid, before being promoted up to P9 following Carlos Sainz's five-second penalty for colliding with Fernando Alonso at the penultimate race restart.
"Obviously at the end of the day it was a good result for me to grab my first points of the season," Zhou explained. "But, if the red flag didn't come, we could have finished maybe P8, P7.”
‘Stronger result was possible’;
https://racingnews365.com/zhou-belie...finish-of-year
Guanyu Zhou: “Ninth at the chequered flag is a good result”
April 13, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag
Guanyu Zhou and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake scored their second points finish of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship in Melbourne as they capitalized on a number of retirements and a late red flag.
The Chinese driver went on to make some impressive overtakes while taking advantage of the red flags to move through the pack.
“Ninth at the chequered flag is a good result, especially considering where we started and the challenging weekend we had. There are positives to take – we had a really good start, which is something we worked really hard on, and we didn’t do any mistakes in a race where there were plenty of spills.”
‘Ninth good result’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...a-good-result/
Zhou reveals changes in approach following Silverstone shunt
Zhou Guanyu has revealed his approach to racing slightly changed following his startline crash at last year's British Grand Prix
April 10, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport
Zhou Guanyu has admitted his approach to racing did change slightly following his crash at the 2022 British Grand Prix. Zhou, who had secured his second consecutive Q3 appearance, was the victim of a multi-car pileup which saw him flipped into the air, narrowly avoiding injury before returning to duty a week later at the Austrian GP.
“It did a little bit, but not how I approached the weekend,” said Zhou exclusively to Total Motorsport.com. “Coming into Austria, I was trying to ensure I returned to where I was. But then straight after everything was new from the car and [going into] a sprint qualifying in Austria, that wasn’t an easy weekend for me, so I had to adapt.”
‘Changes in approach’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ne-2022-shunt/
Valtteri Bottas calls for Alfa Romeo investigation as pace concerns increase
08 Apr 2023 8:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Valtteri Bottas is hoping Alfa Romeo utilises the break between races to discover the reason for the so-far lack of performance. “It has [been a difficult weekend],” he said of the Australian Grand Prix, as per GPFans.com. “Definitely off the pace from where we thought we should be.”
“So, something to look into. I’m actually glad that there is a bit of time before the next race so we can figure out something. [We have] some ideas [on how to improve], we need to make sure we fully understand everything.”
‘Calls for Alfa Romeo investigation’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...investigation/
Bottas urges Alfa Romeo to 'find answers' over 'confusing' situation
06 April 6:20PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Valtteri Bottas has called on Alfa Romeo to "find answers" after being left "confused" by his lack of pace in the Australian Grand Prix.
"It was disappointing that after the [penultimate] restart I was P9, but then they put me back to P12, because the timing cut off before or something like this," Bottas told media, including RacingNews365.com.
"So it wasn't my lucky day. [The race] was quite lonely, to be honest. We obviously started from the pit lane, but then with the [first] red flag everyone was more or less on the same tyre. The pace felt a bit better than yesterday, but even with many things happening it just didn't quite [help me]."
'Find answers';
https://racingnews365.com/bottas-urg...sing-situation
The peril Alfa Romeo risks with stalling F1 progress
13:30 Fri, 14 Apr 2023.
By Edd Straw
The Race
In the early stages of last season, Alfa Romeo was flying high with a place in the top five of the constructors’ championship for the first third of the Formula 1 season and points finishes in seven out of nine races. But while 2023 has produced points in two out of three events for Alfa Romeo, it has on average the second-slowest car and has yet to reach Q3.
Alfa Romeo’s start to the season has been disappointing, but not overwhelmingly so. The team still has a long way to go to build up to being able to threaten the leading teams, so being a handy midfield competitor is an acceptable level for the team.
There are still upgrades in the pipeline that will be needed to ensure it consolidates its position as a Q2 regular that can pose a Q3 threat, rather than the Q1 faller it was in Australia. These will likely include changes to the floor, and perhaps even adjustments to make the DRS effect more powerful given Pujolar isolated that as a weakness.
‘The peril’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-p...g-f1-progress/
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Ferrari told to WAKE UP by key figure in ASTONISHING outburst.
"Ferrari ��️ needs ❤️ Seriousness and Winning Team in the Pits and Outside it's time to WAKE UP enough with politics and games like this WE WILL NEVER WIN ‼️ ‼ ‼ ‼ ‼" Lapo Elkann.
Sunday 16 April 2023 10:57
Graham Shaw
GPFans
All is clearly not well at Ferrari, and the miserable times at Maranello have fans of the Scuderia ringing their hands in anguish. A further sign of the turmoil at the Scuderia came this weekend from a notable figure - none other than Lapo Elkann, brother of Ferrari president John Elkann.
La Ferrari ��️ ha Bisogno di ❤️Serietà e Squadra Vincente nei Box e Fuori è ora di darci una SVEGLIATA basta con politica e giochini così non si VINCERÀ MAI ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/rKu8sdNR5d
— Lapo Elkann (@lapoelkann_) April 15, 2023
Despite his stunning outburst, Elkann clearly does not have much belief that things will change soon - when a follower responded by saying this might be a turning point he replied "Unfortunately not but things have to be said".
‘ASTONISHING outburst’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...olitics-games/
Key Ferrari figure urges team to ‘wake up’ and end the ‘politics and games’
A former key member of Ferrari’s board of directors has lashed out at the team’s current state, urging an end to the ‘politics and games’. 45-year-old Lapo Elkann is the great-grandson of Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat S.p.A. He is also the grandson of Gianni Agnelli, the former CEO and controlling shareholder of Fiat.
16 Apr 2023 1:15 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Taking to Twitter over the weekend, Lapo Elkann shared his thoughts on Ferrari’s current state of competitiveness with the 2022 runners-up having failed to score a podium in the opening three races of the 2023 season. Following the departure of prior team boss Mattia Binotto, who himself was a ‘recent’ promotion to replace Maurizio Arrivabene at the end of 2018, Fred Vasseur has assumed the role of team boss at the Scuderia.
In a follow-up exchange to his tweet, a Charles Leclerc fanpage wrote to Elkann saying: “The only person in Ferrari who will always be there in difficult times for Charles. Thank you Lapo Elkann, you deserve to be the president of Ferrari instead of your brother.” Elkann’s response to this was “I don’t even want to be president.”
One fan, replying to Elkann’s initial tweet, wrote: “Lapo the truth is that in the eyes of us fans, the presidency is ABSENT. “I have never read a press release, a letter, or something from the president or other delegates. FERRARI needs passionate people like you and many other people like you.” Elkann’s succinct response was: “I know, unfortunately.”
‘Wake up’ and end the ‘politics and games’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...l-lapo-elkann/
Formula 1: Ferrari must figure things out before it’s too late
11:39 Wed, 12 Apr 2023.
by Siddharth Bharani-Dharan
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)
Things are not looking good for Ferrari so far in the 2023 Formula 1 season, and they must fix their issues before losing out on their hopes. Like some other teams, Ferrari have brought a car this season that is not up to their standards. If anything, it is a regression from the F1-75 used last season.
The clock is ticking for Ferrari, as they have fallen behind the pack this season. It has been quite surprising to many, given the fact that they were one of the best teams in Formula 1 last season. Some of their issues from last season have bled over into this one, and it is definitely not what they had hoped for.
Additionally, reliability has been quite an issue for Ferrari this season. They are already using their spare parts, which are supposed to be for the duration of the season. Things have turned out quite poorly for Charles Leclerc especially, as the 25-year-old has endured two DNFs through the first three races of the year.
‘Must figure things out’;
https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/04/12...e-things-late/
Ferrari boss reaffirms 2023 F1 title aspirations despite slow start
Sunday 16 April 2023 20:58
Joe Ellis
GPFans
Ferrari chairman John Elkann still has his eyes on the 2023 Formula 1 title despite being so far behind Red Bull after just three races. The Scuderia have scored only 26 points at present having had both cars out of the points in Australia while Red Bull won their third race in a row.
Elkann had to reassure employees of the company that they were still aiming to win the title this year having fallen so far away from the front of the pack over the winter.
"In 2022 we improved from the point of view of competitiveness," Elkann said. "But our goal has always been to win, and Vasseur and the whole team are fully concentrated to achieve it."
‘2023 F1 title aspirations’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...f1-2023-title/
Norris and Leclerc told to ‘knuckle down’ amid struggles
11:33 Sun, 16 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have been told to “knuckle down” and help improve McLaren and Ferrari’s dire situations by Formula 1 journalist Tom Clarkson. “Everything about the first two races makes me feel that Ferrari are a little bit undercooked at the minute,” Clarkson said on the F1 Nation podcast.
“They’re just not getting anything quite right. The car isn’t quite fast enough. Charles is already expressing a little bit of frustration over the radio as he did in Saudi. It just feels that they’re half a step behind Aston Martin and two steps behind Red Bull at the moment. Such is the relentless pace of Formula 1; can Ferrari make up the difference?”
“So what do you do if you’re Charles? What do you do if you’re Lando? I think you’ve just got to knuckle down and try and help motivate the people around you to do everything they can to improve the car,” he exclaimed.
‘Knuckle down’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...mid-struggles/
Charles Leclerc 'upset' with Carlos Sainz as tension builds between Ferrari team-mates
Tensions are reportedly rising at Ferrari after Charles Leclerc was left unhappy with his team-mate Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix.
06:11, Mon, Apr 17, 2023
By Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express
Ferrari could be heading for a civil war between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz after it emerged there is tension between the two drivers following the outcome of the Australian Grand Prix. Reports suggest the Monegasque was 'unhappy' with his team-mate's conduct in qualifying and it has added to the frosty relations between the pair, with team principal Fred Vasseur facing a potential intervention to cool the war of words.
F1 pundit Peter Windsor, a former Williams and Ferrari team manager, was surprised by Leclerc's tetchy response and called the driver "naïve" for thinking Sainz, 28, would step aside for him after claiming he was "unhappy" with the tow incident.
Speaking via his YouTube channel, he said: “I thought it was odd that he made that public, that he was upset about that, because you’ve got to live in your own world and you’ve got to be very cocooned when you’re at Ferrari. You’ve got your guys and and you’ve got to work in a very apolitical way, so it was quite a political reaction I think he had to it all.
‘Could be heading for a civil war’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...errari-F1-news
SAINZ: ‘WE’RE THE ONES WHO AREN’T HAPPY,’ AS HE CALLS ON THE TIFOSI TO STICK BY THEM
Ferrari find themselves on just 26 points after three races this season.
April 15, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds
Carlos Sainz has called on Ferrari’s loyal supporters to stick by them as he suggests that they are not the only ones who are disappointed with the team’s start to 2023. “We’re the ones who aren’t happy,” said Sainz to Motorsport.com
“You have to realise that nobody is more upset or angry or unhappy about the situation than every single [team member] here. We’re the first to not like the situation. And we’re the ones who are going full throttle to turn [the situation] around because it’s also about our egos, our performance.”
“We’re proud to be Ferrari and we want to take Ferrari forward. And sometimes the comments [in the media] are more of a distraction and drag us down rather than helping us.”
‘CALLS ON THE TIFOSI’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1.../?nowprocket=1
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F1 chief explains stance on new race venues and fires axe warning at "historical" tracks.
Established F1 venues such as Monza, Monaco and Silverstone will need more than just historical significance to guarantee their places on future race calendars, Stefano Domenicali warned.
11:06, 17 Apr 2023
By Anna Malyon
The Mirror
Venues such as Silverstone, Monza, Spa and Monaco have been a part of F1's rich history since the 1950s and are much loved by fans. But their places on the calendar are potentially under threat with cities around the world vying for a slice of the ever-growing F1 pie.
When asked about the possibility of new venues, Domenicali said: "Today, the money is huge, but we need to protect the quality of the events and the sport. When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem.”
"When 'historical' is a value, if you are focused on developing the sport for the future, it's a great value. That's our duty – to make sure that, for example Monza, it's an incredible place but they need to make sure [they invest in] the future infrastructure, in services for the fans."
‘Axe warning’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...icali-29729539
Formula 1 CEO eager to bring F1 to Africa
11:07, 17th April 2023
CAR Mag
In a recent investor call, Domenicali confirmed that Formula 1 is exploring the potential of adding a race in Africa to the 2024 calendar, making it the only continent where the iconic championship has yet to make its mark in the modern era.
Domenicali’s enthusiasm for the idea is evident as he expresses his eagerness to expand the sport’s global reach. He acknowledges the significance of having a race in Africa to make Formula 1 a truly diverse and inclusive world championship. He even flew to South Africa from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to hold talks with local stakeholders, showing his commitment to exploring the possibility of hosting a race at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, which last hosted a Formula 1 race in 1993.
The anticipation among South African fans is particularly high, with hopes soaring that Formula 1 will return to the country in 2024. The prospect of witnessing the world’s most prestigious race on home soil once again is nothing short of thrilling. Fans eagerly await further developments and keep their fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
‘F1 to Africa’;
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/formul...rica/undefined
Stefano Domenicali fires stern warning against being ‘arrogant’
The future of the Italian and Belgian Grand Prix has been thrown into doubt.
16 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News
Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed that “historic” Grands Prix can’t just rely on their history to gain a slot on the calendar, with the likes of Monza, Spa and Silverstone needing to “look ahead with a different future”.
2024 will be even bigger, with next year set to see 24 races take place across the globe. 24 is a number which Domenicali believes is “right” for F1, with the calendar currently including every possible continent except Africa. Africa is looking increasingly likely to join, though, with a return of the South African Grand Prix on the cards.
“Pretty good – I would say in terms of number, 24 [events] is the right number, and the mix of continents we have today is looking good,” Domenicali said during a Liberty Media investor call. It’s no secret we are still seeing if there’s a chance to go to Africa [because] it’s the only continent missing.”
‘Stern warning’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/stefano-d...eing-arrogant/
F1 boss reveals potential new races
16:25, 17th April 2023.
Ryan Sidle
SPORTbible
Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed where the next new Grand Prix could be added to an almost packed out F1 calendar. This season is one of the longest on record, with 23 races taking place, although it would have been 24 if the Chinese Grand Prix hadn't been cancelled.
There can only be 25 races at a maximum, thanks to the agreement between the teams, but the F1 boss has quite a few potential new locations in mind, meaning some of the 'classic' courses could be removed.
"Today, the money is huge, but we need to protect the quality of the events and the sport," the former Ferrari team principal told Sky Sports. When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem."
‘Potential new races’;
https://www.sportbible.com/formula-1...18819-20230417
Domenicali: Red Bull F1 dominance ‘not important’ to new fans
09:14, 17th April 2023.
by Danielle Van Wittmarschen
Motorsport Week
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has dismissed the idea that new fans are being put off by the early dominance Red Bull has shown early in this season. But Domenicali isn’t worried and congratulates the team on their current form.
“First of all, if a team is faster than the others, congratulations, they did a better job than the others,” he said. He also addressed the possibility of the FIA stepping in to halt Red Bull’s current form.
“It’s the duty of FIA as the regulator to make sure that they check the compliance of the car with the regulations. If you look at the others, the other teams are very close, very, very close. I’m very confident that with the budget cap, the situation will evolve in the best way for the better competition.”
‘Congratulations’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...t-to-new-fans/
An F1 Grand Prix in Madrid? Stefano Domenicali on tantalising prospect
Friday 24 March 2023 08:57
Oli Lawrie
GPFans09:04 Fri, 24 Mar
Stefano Domenicali has provided an update on the possibility of Madrid one day hosting an F1 Grand Prix. The F1 supremo was talking at the launch of the F1 Exhibition in Madrid, when he confirmed that there are groups looking to make a race in the Spanish capital a reality.
"They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders," he said per Marca. [F1] is becoming more and more popular around the world [and] we know the passion [for F1] in Spain," he added.
"It is a pleasure to see how the interest keeps growing. We know the interest from Madrid and Barcelona and it's great news for us."
‘Tantalising prospect’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...no-domenicali/
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Wolff shares honest message for Mercedes fans: It's not been easy.
"I just wanted to tell you that we are really grateful for how you have supported us this season so far," Wolff said in a video message shared by Mercedes.
17 April 8:00AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365
After a challenging start to the 2023 season for Mercedes, team boss Toto Wolff has taken the move of addressing the squad's fans directly. "It's not been easy, but if it was, it wouldn't be as exciting, and it wouldn't be Formula 1 – the pinnacle of motor racing."
"Everyone here at the factories has been super busy and flat out over the last few weeks preparing to return to the track," he explained. "We're excited for that and to have all of you cheering for us as we race for our next podium, win or championship."
‘Honest message’;
https://racingnews365.com/wolff-shar...-not-been-easy
Toto Wolff says Mercedes working ‘flat out’ over break to return to F1 summit
14 Apr 2023 5:07 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Toto Wolff has assured Mercedes fans that the team is working “flat out” to recover performance during this four-week break.
Even if there is no racing, that does not mean teams have got their feet up and one constructor hoping to use this break to their advantage is Mercedes. While their performance last time out in Melbourne was encouraging with Lewis Hamilton securing P2, their results in the first two races were a cause for concern.
Keeping the faith with their unique concept, Mercedes’ lack of speed in the Middle Eastern races prompted the team to return to the drawing board and work on a heavily updated W14, set to be rolled out for the race at Imola. Wolff though has thanked fans for their support and reassured them that work was going on at both the Brackley and the Brixworth bases in order to return the Silver Arrows to the top step that they occupied for so long.
‘Flat out’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...out-f1-summit/
Toto Wolff decides to stay with Mercedes indefinitely
The Mercedes team principal had a tough decision to make and chose to remain
April 14, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport
Toto Wolff has revealed that he chose to “go on indefinitely” in Formula 1 back in 2020 after the birth of his son.
The Mercedes team principal welcomed a baby son in 2017 with Susie Wolff just months after committing to another three-year deal with the German manufacturer. 2020 saw Wolff contemplate walking away from F1 to not only have more family time, but also focus on business ventures elsewhere.
Eventually, the Austrian chose to remain with Mercedes and he now intends to do so for a very long time despite a tough couple of years competitively.
‘Indefinitely’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-indefinitely/
Russell names the trait that makes Wolff an 'UNBELIEVABLE' leader
Sunday 16 April 2023 19:58
Chris Deeley
GPFans
George Russell has opened up on his relationship with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, calling him an 'unbelievable' leader.
"He’s been an integral part of my career," he said of the Mercedes boss. "Highly intelligent, a charismatic bloke, he’s been a huge part of the success of the team and is going to be a huge part of the return of Mercedes after what’s been a difficult season.”
"A huge motivator, an unbelievable leader, he gives everybody his time. It doesn’t matter if they are a chief aerodynamicist or working on the shop floor, he respects everybody. I think that’s why he still has such a team around him and so much trust. I feel fortunate to work with such a great guy."
'UNBELIEVABLE';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ader-mercedes/
Why Mercedes must listen to Hamilton's latest criticism
17 April 11:50AM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Wolff has been forthcoming in highlighting Mercedes' upgrade plans in the early stages of the season, with visible change promised from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Addressing Hamilton's criticism directly, Wolff told media including RacingNews365.com: "We are looking at the big concept of the driver position, [which] is obviously one of the most important [things].
"Not only in terms of weight distribution, aerodynamics, etcetera but also [it is] where the driver has the best feeling in the car, which is something where Lewis is very vocal. And when a seven-time World Champion has an opinion, it is important to listen to it."
‘Must listen’;
https://racingnews365.com/why-merced...en-to-hamilton
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Ferrari 'disappointed' FIA rejected Australia GP penalty review.
The team has responded on social media to the ruling from the FIA to throw out their right of review for Carlos Sainz's penalty at the Australian Grand Prix.
18 April 2:34PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
The statement in full published on their social media reads: "We acknowledge the FIA decision not to grant us a right of review in relation to the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.”
"We are naturally disappointed, and felt that we had provided sufficient significant new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision especially in the context of the particular conditions and multiple incidents that occurred during the final restart.”
"We are however respectful of the process and of the FIA decision. We are now looking forward to entering broader discussions with the FIA, F1, and all the Teams, with the aim of further improving the policing of our sport, in order to ensure the highest level of fairness and consistency that our sport deserves."
'Disappointed';
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1...i/Carlos+Sainz
Ferrari’s frivolous case shows right of review being exploited
Apr 18 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race
The dismissal of Ferrari’s petition to review Carlos Sainz’s Australian Grand Prix penalty illustrates a growing problem with Formula 1. This is not the first time Ferrari has lodged a frivolous petition that has fallen flat on its face – and predictably so. Remember the attempt to get Sebastian Vettel’s 2019 Canadian Grand Prix penalty for rejoining unsafely overturned?
Then, it submitted no less than seven reasons for the review. It was a scattergun attempt and not one of its justifications for reviewing the penalty stuck. That included the ridiculous contention that Karun Chandhok’s Sky Sports F1 analysis was relevant. While well put together, it didn’t come close to ticking the boxes required for a review.
Ferrari also tried to get a 10-second penalty from the 2016 Mexican GP for Vettel overturned, but again failed to submit new and significant evidence and the petition was rejected. It’s important at this point to underline what the right of review is. It is enshrined in the FIA sporting code that covers all its championships and allows cases to be reopened if new and significant evidence unavailable to the stewards at the time is discovered.
‘Ferrari’s frivolous case’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferra...ing-exploited/
Why Ferrari failed to get Sainz's Australian GP penalty overturned
18 April 2:25PM
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Ferrari were required to bring 'new, significant and relevant' evidence to the hearing, with the team choosing to bring the following elements to the table for the meeting:
1. The telemetry data of Sainz’s car after the second restart.
2. Sainz’s witness statement; and
3. Other driver’s witness statements, which amount to records of post-race interviews given by Alonso as well as other drivers.
The Stewards noted that Ferrari claimed there was a precedent for all of these elements being used when reviewing a penalty after the Grand Prix.
‘Why Ferrari's new evidence was rejected: Telemetry, Sainz's witness statement, Other driver's statements’;
https://racingnews365.com/why-ferrar...lty-overturned
Ferrari call for F1 ‘policing’ improvements after Carlos Sainz penalty review dismissed
18 Apr 2023 1:55 PM
Henry Valantine
Ferrari have responded to the FIA’s dismissal of their ‘right of review’ request into the five-second penalty given to Carlos Sainz in Australia, saying they were “naturally disappointed” with the outcome.
Upon dismissing the case, the FIA said there was “no new significant and relevant” evidence that would force them to change their mind, in fact stating that seeing the telemetry presented to them by Ferrari strengthened their viewpoint that he was to blame for his collision with Alonso.
‘Policing’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...lty-dismissed/
Ferrari want talks to ‘improve policing of F1’ after bid for review of Sainz penalty fails
2023 F1 season
Posted on 18th April 2023, 13:41
Written by Keith Collantine
Ferrari has accepted the stewards’ decision not to review Carlos Sainz Jnr’s penalty for causing a collision during the Australian Grand Prix.
However the team says it wants to widen talks between the FIA, Formula 1 and its rivals over the standards of policing in the championship.
‘Talks to improve policing’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/18/...penalty-fails/
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Poaching Newey would not fix Ferrari – Alesi.
“Today, if Adrian Newey decided to go to Ferrari, we wouldn’t see his car until 2025 because of the clauses in all the contracts. So it will take time.” Jean Alesi.
19th April 2023, 07:57.
Grandpx.news
Even poaching Adrian Newey from Red Bull would not solve Ferrari’s current performance problems. That is the view of famous former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, responding to former Ferrari tester Daniil Kvyat’s view that the Maranello team needs “a technical revolution”.
Alesi also insists that the only “number 1” at Ferrari is Vasseur. “That’s not the problem,” he answered when asked if making Charles Leclerc the clearly prioritised Ferrari driver over Carlos Sainz would be a wise move.
“If at the next grand prix they said ‘Charles, you are the first driver and Carlos is the second’, it would not help in the process to develop the car, especially the lack of performance and reliability. That’s not the problem, frankly,” Alesi said.
‘“Number 1” at Ferrari is Vasseur’;
https://grandpx.news/poaching-newey-...ferrari-alesi/
Don't blame the sun! Ferrari request to review Sainz penalty in Australia rejected by FIA.
18 Apr 2024.
Wheels24
Ferrari's petition to review the penalty handed to Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month has been rejected by race stewards, the FIA announced on Tuesday.
Sainz had claimed the sun shining in his eyes was a reason why he should not be considered at fault. "Logic would dictate that the position of the sun would have equally impacted other drivers too," the FIA statement continued. "It is not a justifiable reason to avoid a penalty for a collision."
"We are naturally disappointed, and felt that we had provided sufficient significant new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision," Ferrari said in a statement.
‘Don't blame the sun!’;
https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsp...ected-20230418
Sainz hits out at FIA after Ferrari penalty appeal rejected
19 April 8:50AM
Author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
A bitterly disappointed Carlos Sainz has called for talks about inconsistencies in the wake of Ferrari's failure to overturn his Australian Grand Prix penalty. Writing on his Instagram page shortly after the announcement, a disappointed Sainz said he accepted the decision, but called for discussions about inconsistencies in decision-making.
"Very disappointed that the FIA did not grant us a right to review," Sainz wrote. "Two weeks later, I still think the penalty is too disproportionate and I believe it should have at least been reviewed on the basis of the evidence and reasoning we presented.”
"We have to continue working together to improve certain things for the future. The consistency and decision-making process has been a hot topic for many seasons now and we need to be clearer for the sake of our sport. What happened in Australia is now in the past and I am 100% focused on the next race in Baku."
"Very disappointed”;
https://racingnews365.com/sainz-hits...ppeal-rejected
Sainz disappointed by FIA rejection of Ferrari right of review
19/04/2023 at 07:48
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Carlos Sainz has expressed his disappointment with the FIA's decision to deny Ferrari the right to petition the penalty handed to the Spaniard in the Australian Grand Prix.
On Tuesday, the Stewards rejected the Scuderia's request for a right of review of the sanction, deeming that no new evidence had been introduced by the Italian outfit as required.
While Ferrari acknowledged in a post-hearing statement the FIA's decision, it felt that it had "provided sufficient new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision". In a post on social media, Sainz logically echoed his team's stance.
‘FIA rejection’;
https://f1i.com/news/471707-sainz-di...of-review.html
‘For the sake of our sport’: Ferrari calls for debate on stewards after Sainz appeal thrown out
April 19th, 2023 12:56 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)
Ferrari says it wants high-level discussions on the consistency of stewarding in Formula 1 after failing to have Carlos Sainz’s late-race penalty at the Australian Grand Prix overturned. Sainz was handed a five-second penalty for hitting Fernando Alonso on lap 57 of 58 after the final standing restart. It was one of several crashes that suspended the race for a third time and forced a formation finish.
The punishment is the most lenient time penalty available to the stewards, but because the race finished with the cars bunched up behind the safety car, it dropped Sainz from fourth to 12th and out of the points. The Scuderia took exception to the punishment both for the severe effect it had on the result and also because other drivers who caused more serious crashes on the same lap weren’t punished.
In the days after Australia Ferrari presented the stewards with three pieces of evidence it argued warranted the penalty being re-examined: telemetry data from Sainz car, a witness statement from the Spaniard and also post-race comments from some other drivers, including from Alonso, who said he thought the five-second penalty was harsh.
‘For the sake of our sport’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...b7d125c387c65f
