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Alonso encouraged by ‘bad weekend’ for Aston Martin.
“In a bad weekend, let’s say, for an Aston, we are fighting for the podium against one of the best weekends for Ferrari.”
Monday 1st May, 2023 - 3:25pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Fernando Alonso was left encouraged following a “bad weekend” for Aston Martin which resulted in a fourth-place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The two-time world champion missed the podium by 0.8s at the line to chalk up his worst result of the season. Alonso saw the positives, however, as Aston Martin remained competitive despite a more difficult weekend.
“I’m very happy with the result, of the pace of the car,” he said. “I think the weekend was not maybe as competitive as the first three races, but even with that I think today in the race, the pace was very good, very strong. We challenged for the podium, only one second to Charles [Leclerc], so that’s very encouraging for us. They were on pole position on the Sprint race, pole position for the main race, and they were just one second in front of us on Sunday, so good news.”
Alonso climbed four places in the race, one of those coming with an opportunistic move on Carlos Sainz following the Safety Car restart. From there, he managed his tyres through the opening phase of the stint before turning up the pace in the closing 10 laps as he pursued Leclerc. His cause was aided by a fully functional DRS flap, an element that had caused issues earlier in the weekend. “It worked today,” he smiled. “So a lot of speed – I’ve never been that fast for the whole weekend!”
‘Fighting for the podium’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/01...-aston-martin/
Aston Martin seeks permanent DRS solution after lubricant fix in Baku
11:15 Mon, 01 May 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com
Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were reckoned to have lost 0.2s on the main straight in Baku during the Friday practice run and both the grand prix and sprint race qualifying sessions. The malfunction was primarily caused by an aerodynamic characteristic of the new low-drag wing specification, which meant the overtaking device was oscillating and would only intermittently activate. This was exacerbated by the coastline street track's bumps and air pressure on the long straight.
Asked by Motorsport.com to explain the quick fix, Krack said: "I cannot tell you, but it was not far from using WD40! The car is in parc ferme so there is not so much you can do. We tried to clean the surfaces and tried to check your gaps, everything. We checked everything with the FIA and the FIA was very helpful on this and you will have seen also we changed one flap on Fernando's car.”
"We would've liked to have solved it earlier or not have it in the first place. But at the end of the day, it is not such a drama." Krack confirmed a full analysis of the failure would be undertaken and a lasting fix installed for the Miami GP this weekend.
‘WD40!’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...baku/10463675/
Alonso impressed by Aston running so close to Ferrari
30/04/2023 at 18:32
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Fernando Alonso admitted that he was surprised to find Aston Martin as close to Ferrari as they were in today's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, thanks to a combination of tyre management and weather conditions in Baku.
"With the mediums, the Ferraris had massive degradation in the first stint. On a normal hot race, I think they'd struggle a little bit more. [Instead there were] some clouds at the end so track temperature was dropping," he said. “So I think they got lucky, the hard tyre had less degradation than expected.”
"The tailwind was quite random and here in Baku you are always on the edge," he continued. “We put the hard tyre on when the safety car came. It was 38 laps to the end [but] it held on quite okay. The job that everyone has done in Aston Martin is extraordinary," he said. "Between Lance and me, we are aware of that. We are trying to help the team as much as we can.”
‘Surprised to find Aston Martin as close to Ferrari’;
https://f1i.com/news/472776-alonso-i...o-ferrari.html
Alonso 'got me clean': Sainz GUSHES after F1 legend's impressive overtake
Sunday 30 April 2023 18:45
Lauren Sneath
GPFans
Carlos Sainz has praised Fernando Alonso for his stellar moves during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after his fellow Spaniard overtook him during a tricky race for the Ferrari driver.
The Ferrari driver praised the work of Aston Martin driver Alonso after he overtook him. Alonso took home P4 in the race, breaking a clean sweep of podiums so far this season. Sainz said: “Fernando got me right, clean, and then defended in a great way.”
'Got me clean';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...prix-overtake/
ALONSO: LECLERC ‘LUCKY’ FINISHING THIRD AT F1 AZERBAIJAN GP
Alonso missed out on a podium to maintain his 100% podium record by just missing out to Leclerc by one second at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
April 30, 2023
Nathan Hartley
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso believes that Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc “got lucky” during the latter stages of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Alonso finished the race in fourth place – only one second behind Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque started the race on pole but was no match to the Red Bull’s superior pace.
Alonso believes that Leclerc was “lucky” to hang on to the third place. The Spaniard believes that the late overcast conditions helped the Monegasque to manage his hard tyres more effectively. Ferrari are known to have tyre wear struggles this season. Therefore, if the temperature stayed the same, Alonso reckoned that he would have overtaken the Ferrari driver before the chequered flag.
“I think with the mediums, the Ferraris had massive degradation in the first stint. On a normal hot race, I think they will struggle a little bit more. Today was good for them but Miami [next race, humid conditions] is going to be different.”
‘Miami’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al.../?nowprocket=1
Alonso preparing Stroll to lead Aston for ‘next 10-15 years’
06:06, Mon, 01 May 2023.
By Valentin Khorounzhiy and Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Fernando Alonso says the help he gave his Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is a reflection of the fact he wants to best prepare Stroll to “lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years”.
“Yeah, it has been like this. I know that I will be in the sport for a few more years but not many, and he will lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years, so I hope I can help Lance in the next few years.” In Baku, Alonso took time out to recommend that the team advise Stroll to copy a brake bias change he’d done on his car.
“We talk a lot during the weekend, already from Thursday – what we both felt here in the past, in traffic what we will do, what will be the plan for each of the cars. If we feel something in the car during the race that we didn’t speak about and there’s something new that can help the other car, normally we communicate to the team.”
‘Next 10-15 years’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/alons...t-10-15-years/
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Wolff admits Leclerc 'is on the radar' to replace Hamilton.
The Monegasque driver has been tipped as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he leaves Mercedes.
02 May 2:45PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
"The only time I talked with him is when we discussed where the gate is in Melbourne to board the plane," Wolff said when asked about contacting Leclerc to media including RacingNews365. "Charles is a super guy, and of the long-term future, someone you have to have on your radar, but not for the short and medium term."
"Nobody doubts Charles' ability and he is a good guy. He is 100% committed to Ferrari, and we are 100% committed to putting pen to paper with Lewis." Hamilton's deal expires at the end of the season, with Wolff previously admitting that the seven-time champion could leave the team if they are unable to provide him a car capable of fighting for what would be a record-breaking eighth title.
‘Seven-time champion could leave the team if they are unable to provide him a car capable of fighting’;
https://racingnews365.com/wolff-admi...place-hamilton
Toto Wolff confirms Charles Leclerc on Mercedes ‘long-term’ driver radar
02 May 2023 7:42 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Toto Wolff has confirmed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is on his “radar” for a drive with Mercedes in the future, but “not for the short or medium term.”
A report from Italian journalist Leo Turrini last week claimed it was an “open secret” within the paddock that the Ferrari driver and Mercedes team principal have been in talks over a potential move in future, with his contract with the Scuderia expiring at the end of the 2024 season.
“Open secret”
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...ercedes-radar/
Lewis Hamilton left frustrated as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff demands F1 changes after Baku
Toto Wolff has called for F1 change after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell were frustrated during the Azerbaijan GP in Baku.
11:15, Mon, May 1, 2023
By Alex Turk
Hamilton spent the latter stages of the race hunting down Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in fifth, finishing less than a second behind the Spaniard.
But even despite being within DRS range, the seven-time world champion couldn't pass Sainz and had to settle for sixth.
‘Frustrated’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...jan-Grand-Prix
Wolff: Leclerc 'someone you must have on your radar'
02/05/2023 at 11:52
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Toto Wolff admits that Charles Leclerc is someone that Mercedes has to have on its radar for the long term, but the Austrian denied that he was taking a short term interest in the Ferrari driver.
Ahead of last weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Italian media claimed that it was an "open secret" that Mercedes was courting Leclerc and that it considered the Monegasque as its first choice as Lewis Hamilton's successor.
The seven-time world has yet to agree to a new and likely final deal with Mercedes, which has sparked a wave of speculation about the latter's future.
‘Radar’;
https://f1i.com/news/472961-wolff-le...our-radar.html
Wolff adds to the Leclerc speculation saga
02/05/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass
Admitting that Charles Leclerc is a driver that everyone should have on their radar, Toto Wolff helps to fan the flames in terms of speculation over the youngster's future. The trials and tribulations of Mercedes and Ferrari has allowed the usual suspects in the media free rein in terms of clickbait headlines relating to the futures of Lewis Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff further muddied the waters with a throwaway remark in response to being asked about the speculation surrounding Leclerc and Mercedes. "The only time I talked with him is when we discussed where the gate is in Melbourne to board the plane," joked the Austrian.
Of course, both drivers are fully committed to their respective teams, as are the majority of the rest of the grid, should you ask them, but with continued speculation over Max Verstappen's future one has to ask how far that commitment might stretch should Red Bull announce a vacancy anytime soon.
‘Speculation over Max Verstappen's future’;
https://www.pitpass.com/75013/Wolff-...eculation-saga
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F1 race or influencer Olympics? The glitz and glamour to expect at the Miami Grand Prix.
Stars are descending upon the city to party the weekend away. The Seminole Hard Rock will host performers Wisin y Handel and the Jonas Brothers, and Carbone Beach is yet to announce a highly anticipated line-up.
Tuesday 2 May 2023 22:27
Lauren Sneath
GPFans
The Miami Grand Prix is entering its second year on the F1 calendar and hopes are high for a mass of celebrity attendees, after stars such as Michelle Obama and Michael Jordan watched last year’s race.
The Miami race was added to the calendar for the 2022 season, joining the United States Grand Prix, which is held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Since then, yet another American location has joined the F1 calendar as the teams head to Las Vegas in November.
‘Glitz and glamour’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rities-events/
MIAMI GRAND PRIX
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTODROME - MIAMI
05 - 07 may
Scuderia Toro Rosso - Official Site
Miami International Autodrome is the venue for the Grand Prix, just a few kilometres from Downtown. The United States thus holds the record for the most cities to have hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with Miami being the eleventh.
The street circuit runs around the famous Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The promoter came up with 36 different possible layouts before arriving at the definitive version. All the hard work over several years has produced a track that is fast and spectacular, with three long straights each with a DRS zone, where speeds are expected to reach 320 km/h.
Electrifying track. It’s a street circuit, but its design has all the hallmarks of a permanent facility. Miami International Autodrome runs round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The track is fast and smooth, with three DRS zones, but there are also places where drivers have to brake right on the limit, producing some great overtaking moves.
‘MIAMI GP: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW’;
https://scuderia.alphatauri.com/en/g...mi-grand-prix/
SESSION TIMES FOR THE 2023 F1 MIAMI GP
The 2023 Miami GP is the first of three F1 races in the USA this season
May 2, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport
Formula 1 heads across the pond to the USA for the first time in the 2023 F1 season for the Miami GP, so make sure you know all the F1 session times for the action at the Miami International Autodrome. The Miami GP made its debut on the F1 calendar last year with the 5.412km circuit set in the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, and has the feel of a street circuit.
Miami sees a return to the traditional F1 weekend with qualifying for the main race scheduled for 16:00 (local time) on Saturday, and the Miami GP at 15:30 (local time) on Sunday.
Date Session Local UK (BST) US (EDT) US (PDT) Aus (AEST)
May 5 Practice 1 14:00 19:00 14:00 11:00 04:00*
May 5 Practice 2 17:30 22:30 17:30 14:30 07:30*
May 6 Practice 3 12:30 17:30 12:30 09:30 02:30*
May 6 Qualifying 16:00 21:00 16:00 13:00 06:00*
May 7 Grand Prix 15:30 20:30 15:30 12:30 05:30*
*Denotes Next Day
‘Traditional F1 weekend’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/ses...3-f1-miami-gp/
Can Sergio Perez make another street circuit statement against Max Verstappen? F1 Miami GP talking points
2 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Crash.net looks at some of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix as F1 heads straight from Baku to the USA. Can Perez stay ahead of Verstappen? Sergio Perez reignited his F1 world championship bid with victory in last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and he now has an opportunity to maintain his momentum in Miami.
The start of Ferrari’s upgrade push. Despite bringing no upgrades to Baku, Ferrari enjoyed their strongest weekend of the season so far as Charles Leclerc beat the Red Bulls to pole position for the sprint and main grand prix. More damage limitation for Mercedes? After their uptick in form in Melbourne translated into a podium, Mercedes ended up being the fourth-fastest team in Baku as they slipped back behind both Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Can F1's erratic rookies get off the mark? The 2023 season has been something of a baptism of fire for F1 rookies Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant so far.
‘Talking points;’
https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/102...nst-verstappen
MIAMI GP WIN WOULD MAKE PEREZ A TRUE TITLE CONTENDER – BUTTON
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd May 2023, 21:07
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans.com
If Sergio Perez wins this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, he will lead the Formula 1 world championship for the first time in his career. Jenson Button reckons such a win would instigate a title challenge.
“I am really impressed with Sergio. Max, he has to be the toughest team mate, because he just gets out there and gets it done in terms of his speed,” said Button. “I think [Perez] did a really good job at the weekend, and back-to-back wins if you like with the sprint race and the main event. That will give him a lot of confidence.”
“I think we are only going to really know when we go to the next race. Kind of a street race as well: If he can pull out a win there, I mean that would be a massive deal for him. And I think that would give him confidence for the season.” Button says Perez needs to demonstrate he can be a consistent threat to his team mate. “We haven’t seen him throughout the season obviously be as competitive as Max. Max is on it every weekend.
‘True title contender’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/02/...tender-button/
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Miami to hold first of F1’s new pre-race driver introduction ceremonies.
A new pre-race driver introduction ceremony will take place for the first time ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 12:273rd May 2023, 12:27
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Formula 1 previously experimented with a presentation of this kind at the United States Grand Prix in 2017. However RaceFans understands a different ceremony is planned for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
Last week the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved changes to the F1 sporting regulations to allow more time for drivers to assemble on the grid prior to the start of the race. The pre-race grid procedure now begins 50 minutes before the start of the formation lap instead of 40 minutes ahead.
“At certain races, this additional time will be used for the presentation of the drivers to the fans,” the FIA noted. Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix is due to begin at 3:30pm local time. The driver introduction and national anthem observance will take place at 3:08pm.
‘Introduction ceremony’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/...on-ceremonies/
Last minute change to Miami GP schedule
03 May 8:45AM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
A slight tweak has been made to the schedule for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, affecting Friday practice. The Friday Formula 1 free practice times for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix have been slightly brought forward.
F1 is visiting the Miami International Autodrome for the second time this weekend, but changes have been made to the planned schedule with both first and second practice brought forward from their original start times.
‘Slight tweak’;
https://racingnews365.com/miami-gp-s...chedule-change
Vasseur: Miami GP to kick off Ferrari SF-23 upgrade effort
03/05/2023 at 13:17
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur says the Italian outfit will kick off in earnest in Miami this week its 2023 development programme for its SF-23.
"We will start to bring updates on the car from Miami and for the next couple of events and we will see how the car will react to the updates," said Vasseur in Baku.
"The update is one thing but the fact that you are able to extract all of the potential out of the update is another one."
‘Ferrari SF-23 upgrade’;
https://f1i.com/news/473017-vasseur-...de-effort.html
Vasseur: Ferrari to kickstart 2023 F1 development plan in Miami
03/05/2023 at 12:52
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix will be the start of Ferrari introducing updates to its 2023 Formula 1 car.
“We will start to bring updates on the car from Miami and for the next couple of events and we will see how the car will react to the updates,” he disclosed.
“The update is one thing but the fact that you are able to extract all of the potential out of the update is another one.”
‘2023 F1 development plan’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...elopment-plan/
Aston Martin hoping DRS fix works in Miami after Stroll manages fault in race
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 8:153rd May 2023, 7:03
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans
He hopes to confirm ahead of Sunday’s race at the Miami International Autodrome that their DRS is now working as intended. “I’m not an aerodynamicist, so I need to be careful to jump to a conclusion before we have done the full analysis”, said Krack. Asked whether it will be fixed in Miami he said: “I think so.”
‘EL PLAN’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/...fault-in-race/
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IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Straight from Azerbaijan it’s time for Formula 1’s first trip across the Atlantic this year as we head to Florida and one of the newest races on the calendar.
03 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site
Ahead of the second race of the back-to-back that’s restarted the season, here are some of the talking points that will be on the agenda in the Miami paddock this weekend... 1. Red Bull driver battle heating up. I’m allowed to say it: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was not a thriller. Baku is a circuit that has the potential to deliver absolute chaos at times, and has been voted the best race of the season in the past, but you can never guarantee excitement and it was a largely processional few hours on Sunday.
2. Ferrari’s growing threat. At the same time that Perez has ensured Verstappen is not running away with the title at this point of the season, so too has Charles Leclerc provided a reminder that there could be external threats this year. 3. A true home race for America’s new star. Logan Sargeant’s arrival on the Formula 1 grid has been met with added excitement as America finally has a full-time driver to get behind, and it could be argued he has three home races this year with Austin and Las Vegas still to come.
4. Alpine looking to bounce back. There was less to cheer for at Alpine over the past seven days, as a disastrous Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend prevented the team from showing their potential. Alpine had an upgraded car to test out during FP1 but a reliability issue for Pierre Gasly saw him session end in a cloud of smoke, before he then crashed in qualifying. 5. One of the most lively events of the year. If there’s one thing that we can guarantee about all of the teams in Miami, it’s that they are in for an extremely busy couple of days. Last year’s inaugural race was one of the most intense and spectacular weeks as the whole city embraced F1’s arrival, and this year looks like providing more of the same.
‘5 storylines’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...KYzt55PHK.html
Could weather cause a concern for F1 teams at the Miami GP?
03 May 3:40PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
However, there could be a risk of showers in store for race day. With thanks to our friends at WeerOnline.nl, here's the current weather forecast for the 2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix.
Warm in Miami with a chance of showers
High temperatures and humidity are not unusual in southern Florida, and these conditions look to be in store for Formula 1's return to Miami.
When the action kicks off with Friday's practice sessions, plenty of sunshine is forecast and temperatures could reach 31 degrees Celsius… Similar conditions are expected on Saturday. However, the chance of local rain or a thunderstorm increases during the afternoon. While more sunshine is forecast for Sunday, the possibility of showers is higher than earlier in the weekend.
‘Risk of showers in store for race day’;
https://racingnews365.com/could-weat...t-the-miami-gp
Chance of thunderstorms on Sunday could lead to first wet race of 2023 in Miami
2023 Miami Grand Prix weather
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 18:54
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans
When F1 cars hit the track for the first time at 2pm local time on Friday it is expected to be the hottest time of the day with the temperature forecast to be 30C.
The air temperature is only anticipated to drop by one or two degrees by the time the second practice session starts at 5:30pm, with winds staying just as strong. Third practice at 12:30pm on Saturday is forecast to take place in similar temperatures, and slightly weaker winds of the same direction coming from the United States’ East Coast only 10 kilometres away.
There is a slight chance of rain for when qualifying begins at 4pm. On Sunday the grand prix’s start time of 3:30pm is again set to be the hottest part of the day, meaning drivers can expect it to get cooler throughout the race. However Sunday’s forecast also brings a much higher chance of rain. Recent forecasts put it as high as 66% in the local area, and therefore could see herald the arrival of rain before the race finish and the first wet grand prix of 2023.
‘Chance of thunderstorms on Sunday’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/...2023-in-miami/
Miami GP offers F1 chance to dismiss 'boring' fears
23:42 Wed, 03 May 2023.
France 24
The dreaded word 'boring' has been reappearing in the vocabulary of Formula One, after a season dominated so far by defending champions Red Bull, so it is perhaps timely that the championship arrives in Miami this week.
Last year's inaugural Miami Grand Prix encapsulated the buzz around the sport in the United States with celebrities and socialites keen to be seen with mojitos in hand watching the stars of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive'.
The impact of the reality show on F1's growth in the US has been well documented and this season sees three Grand Prix races in the country with Las Vegas added to the calendar alongside the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
‘Dreaded word 'boring'’;
https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...s-boring-fears
Why spectacular Miami GP could knock CLASSIC F1 race off the calendar
Wednesday 3 May 2023 22:42
Amar Mehta
GPFans
For decades, the Monaco Grand Prix has been the crown jewel of the F1 calendar, but a new race is bidding to usurp Monte Carlo. The glitz and glamour, the celebrities, the sun-kissed marina and cars racing round the ultra-narrow street circuit, passing iconic landmarks like the Monte Carlo casino – it was the place to be seen.
The drivers still unanimously still love the challenge. “Without Monaco for me it’s not F1,” said Ferrari’s Monégasque driver Charles Leclerc last year. “There’s no track that comes close to the adrenaline we get in Monaco. It’s part of F1 history and should stay in F1.”
He reflects a view held widely, but there is a bigger picture. "We accommodate Monaco because of its heritage and because of its history. That’s it,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “You’ve got to evolve. If you stand still, then you’re going backwards.”
‘From Monaco to Miami??????????????????????????????’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...a-monte-carlo/
Sainz sees Miami as opportunity to rectify tough Azerbaijan GP weekend
17:00 Wed, 03 May 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Carlos Sainz says he views the quick turnaround to the next Formula 1 round in Miami as a positive after enduring a tough weekend in Azerbaijan. The Spaniard ended up over half a second behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in both qualifying sessions in Baku, finishing two places and over a whole pit stop worth of time behind the sister Ferrari by the time Sunday’s race concluded.
Sainz attributed some of his troubles to the interruption of the Sprint schedule which meant the drivers were only allocated one hour of practice before their set-up choices were locked in for the weekend. The one-time F1 race winner remarked that he was pleased the next round in Miami was taking place only a week after Baku with a return to the traditional weekend format.
“No, because we haven’t had time to sit down and analyse,” he said when asked if he had an explanation for his struggles. “We’ve had to very quickly go into the next session to fine-tune the car with the front wing, and the switches, to put it in a bit of a better place.”
‘Opportunity to rectify’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...an-gp-weekend/
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F1 pitlane invasion: FIA vs FIA and how chaos came so close to catastrophe.
Just when you think you've seen it all in Formula 1, you can trust the FIA to come along and make you realise there's always something unprecedented around the corner.
Monday 1 May 2023 19:45
Jim Kimberley
GPFans
Sunday's 17:25 document from the FIA's stewards summoning the, uhhh... FIA, to explain themselves might not be Abu Dhabi 2021 levels of egregious, but I don't think anyone had it on their 2023 bingo card. Of course, it's correct that the FIA must investigate the steps which led to the terrifying scenes greeting Esteban Ocon upon his pit lane entry on the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
FIA must get priorities right. I'm certain this pit lane near-miss will be the last one we see, thanks to the serious questions about the procedure which will come this week, but that the FIA had to summon the FIA to start that conversation when so many innocuous issues like jewellery and political statements seemingly sat higher in the priority list is ridiculous.
As it's said on every ticket or pass I've had to every circuit I've visited, "Motor Racing is dangerous." Perhaps to help the FIA from needing to summon themselves in the future, the circuits should append: "Letting dozens of people onto a live pit lane during a race is utter madness."
‘FIA vs FIA’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...2023-analysis/
F1 photographer blames FIA for Esteban Ocon ‘shambles’
Esteban Ocon completed all but the final lap of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the same set of Hard tyres.
1 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News
Formula 1 photographer Evgeniy Safronov has spoken out on the “certainly dangerous” incident which occurred on the final lap of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided hitting several photographers.
Safronov was one of the photographers down by parc ferme and saw the chaos unfold, with the Russian having revealed that the governing body told the photographers and officials that they could enter the pits “a little earlier than usual”. “I was there,” Safronov said. “It’s a great example of when the race was not the best so we need to discuss something.”
“And we need better headlines than all the ‘It could have ended in tragedy’. I’ll tell you what happened. This time the FIA gave the go-ahead a little earlier than usual. And it wasn’t just photographers but also officials. Yes, it was certainly dangerous,” he noted. “It shouldn’t have happened. But in the very, very last case, there was a person behind the wheel and his car had brakes.”
“A little earlier than usual”;
https://formula1news.co.uk/f1-photog...ocon-shambles/
‘Not rocket science’: Alpine fire jibe at FIA
The FIA is facing calls from Alpine to make changes to prevent a repeat of the terrifying scenes at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
3 May 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News
The end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw potentially serious scenes unfold in the pitlane after Esteban Ocon came in for a last lap tyre change while individuals were scattered across a live pit lane. In a potentially dangerous moment, given the speed Ocon was moving at, personnel had to dive out of the way to avoid a serious incident, with the Alpine driver’s onboard camera showing how close the situation was to a “major incident.”
Alpine’s Sporting Director Alan Permane said that the way to avoid a similarly scary incident was not “rocket science”, stating how the situation should never have occurred. “It is something we have seen before…I don’t know why but photographers are allowed – I understand people want to get the shots of cars coming into parc fermé – but the race track is still live,” Permane said. “I don’t think it is rocket science to fix that.”
‘Not rocket science’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/not-rocke...e-jibe-at-fia/
Lewis Hamilton critical of FIA decision to shorten DRS down Baku straight
02 May 2023 6:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton cannot understand why the FIA decided to shorten the DRS zone down Baku’s start/finish straight. As Formula 1 returned to the Baku City Circuit for the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a major change made to the track was the shortening of the DRS zone down that monster main straight, with the drivers now having 100 meters less DRS time on that section of the track.
“They shortened the DRS this year down the straight, I don’t know why they did that, we have always had great racing the way the DRS was,” said Hamilton as per RacingNews365.com. “By the time we turn DRS on, it was too late.”
‘Critical of FIA decision to shorten DRS’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...drs-criticism/
Explained: How the FIA develops potential new F1 rules and regulations
02 May 2023 7:30 PM
Thomas Maher
Ever wondered how Formula 1 introduces new rules to the championship? The FIA have detailed how the process works from beginning to end.
F1 Commission meetings are held on at least three occasions throughout the F1 season and consist of a representative from each of the F1 teams, a representative from each of the four current power unit manufacturers, an FIA representative member, and one for the commercial rights holder (FOM/Liberty Media).
The attending personnel are given different voting weighting, depending on who they represent. Each team representative is given a weighting of a single vote, while the FIA and FOM representatives are given a weighting of 10 votes each (equal to the amount of teams participating in the championship).
‘Explained……’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/how-fi...-new-f1-rules/
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NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
Formula 1 returns to the Sunshine State for Round 5 of the 2023 Formula 1 championship, so here’s everything you need to know for this weekend’s visit to Miami.
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Featuring expert insight from former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and former F1 strategist Bernie Collins, along with the fan view via our F1 Play predictor game.
There's no Sprint this weekend but there will be plenty of action with Free Practice 1 and 2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the 2023 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday. Head to the RACE HUB to find out how and when you can catch it all.
Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 2022
• Track Length – 5.412km
• Lap record – 1m 31.361s, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2022
• Most pole positions – Charles Leclerc (1)
• Most wins – Max Verstappen (1)
• Trivia – Miami is the 11th different Grand Prix venue in the United States and the 77th different venue to host a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 170 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 110
• Safety Car probability – 100%
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 100%
• Pit stop time loss – 20.18 seconds
‘NEED TO KNOW’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...j4yEHsJRs.html
The key talking points heading into the Miami Grand Prix
4th May 2023, 12:56
George Dagless
Give Me Sport
F1 has gone from Baku to Miami this week in one of the most logistically challenging periods of the season, as the shores of the Caspian Sea are traded for Miami beach and the Hard Rock stadium. Track resurface: There were elements of the Miami track last year that the drivers were a little concerned about, in terms of how uneven it was, and so hopefully that will not be an issue this year.
Humidity, and potentially rain, to be a factor: The humidity and heat in Miami is set to be a big factor this weekend and the drivers will need to be fully prepared for the rigours of driving in those conditions. Can Ferrari build on Baku? Ferrari had a strong weekend in Azerbaijan overall. Charles Leclerc showed his brilliant one-lap pace at the wheel of the SF-23 to seal pole for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, though the race pace was not there to match Red Bull unfortunately.
Can Sergio Perez close the gap further in the title fight? Had it not been for a brake issue in Australia, and having to start in the pitlane and scramble back through the field, Sergio Perez claimed in Baku, the Mexican would be top of the championship standings instead of six points behind team-mate Max Verstappen. A welcome return to the normal schedule? The first Sprint weekend has been and gone and we're back to a more traditional schedule this weekend in Miami, with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
‘Key talking points’;
https://www.givemesport.com/the-key-...mi-grand-prix/
F1 Fantasy: top picks and predictions for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
4th May 2023, 12:01
Author Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine
F1 makes a 6500 mile journey this week from the streets of Baku to the beaches of Miami – a site of great opportunity for F1 Fantasy players and their teams. Whilst 2022 saw F1 Fantasy players step into the unknown for the first Miami Grand Prix, 2023’s visit to Florida is on much more steady ground, with Red Bull seemingly in firm control.
With similar track characteristics to Baku, the Miami International Autodrome could play to the strengths of the RB19, as it is composed of two long straight-aways divided by a blend of medium and low speed corners.
Having won on every outing so far this season, spending $45.7m to have both Verstappen and Perez in your line-up is a safe bet to cover all bases, but with teams beginning to bring upgrades and the gap at the front beginning to close, there are plenty of mor economical options available. Here’s who we think you should consider for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
‘F1 Fantasy’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
Perez title bid reality with Miami win
Thursday 4th May, 2023 - 11:13pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Sergio Perez will be firmly in the hunt for this year’s F1 title if can score his third grand prix victory of the season this weekend. That is the verdict of 2009 champion Jenson Button who has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the Mexican driver.
‘Title bid reality’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/04...miamigp-title/
Fans take centre stage as AMF1 Team brings the spark to the Miami heat
4th May 2023, 15:05
Aston Martin F1 - Official Site
We see you, we hear you, we're with you. As we arrive in Magic City for the Miami Grand Prix, an incredible venue for a Formula One race that serves to underline the growing popularity of the sport, we’re shifting the focus from the team to you, our fans.
From opening the doors to the AMF1 Team garage to provide unforgettable and inspirational experiences for fans and local students to taking F1 to the streets of Miami via thrilling partner-led events, this is how we're bringing the spark to the Miami heat…
‘AMF1 Team brings the spark’;
https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/...the-miami-heat
FIA shortens F1’s two longest DRS zones on Miami Grand Prix track
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 4th May 2023, 16:274th May 2023, 16:27
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
The FIA has reduced the length of two DRS zones at the Miami International Autodrome, despite some drivers criticising a similar change at the previous race. Azerbaijan Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez said after the race that he disagreed with the decision to reduce the DRS zone over the Baku race weekend.
“I feel these cars are generating a bit more downforce and, by generating that little more downforce, the car behind struggles a little bit more to follow,” Perez explained. “So in my opinion, it wasn’t the right thing to shorten up the DRS, because it’s getting harder to overtake than last year already in itself so it’s something we should review.”
‘FIA….’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/...nd-prix-track/
FIA introduce Miami Grand Prix rule change despite Lewis Hamilton and Russell criticism
The FIA have confirmed rule changes will be made for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix.
By Luke Chillingsworth
17:12, Thu, May 4, 2023
Daily and Sunday Express
The FIA has introduced major DRS changes for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix just a week after criticism from drivers including Lewis Hamilton. Two out of the three DRS zones have been shortened ahead of the weekend despite opposition to similar updates in Azerbaijan.
Lewis Hamilton stressed the updates had a sizeable impact on the racing. The 38-year-old explained: “They shortened the DRS this year down the straight, I don’t know why they did that, we have always had great racing the way the DRS was. By the time we turn DRS on, it was too late.”
Team-mate George Russell also raised concerns over the move and called out the FIA for making changes without consulting those behind the wheel. Speaking in Baku, he remarked: “The drivers have had zero input. I’ve been a little bit disappointed again that we weren’t in that loop — I’m not even sure the FIA are aware that we feel that overtaking is harder, yet they’re basing the DRS off historic information. It’s going to make it challenging to overtake.”
‘Drivers have had zero input’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ussell-f1-news
Resurfaced Miami GP circuit poses unknowns as organisers opt for more spectacle
4th May 2023, 16:47
Charlen Raymond
Wheels24
This weekend's Miami Grand Prix is the first time in 2023 that two Formula 1 races will be staged on successive weekends.
For 2023, race organisers opted to resurface the track, moving away from the limestone and granite composition. Thus, for this year's edition, the circuit will be paved with asphalt which promotes overtaking. "We could have just come back with the racetrack that we had last year," said Tom Garfinkel,
"The goal we set out was to have great racing and a lot of overtaking (and) side-by-side racing. The track we had last year, there were parts where there was one (racing) line where there should have been a possibility to overtake. We weren't happy with that."
‘Resurfaced circuit poses unknowns’;
https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsp...tacle-20230504
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We’re Going To The Miami Grand Prix, Anything You’d Like Us To Check Out?
We’ll be there throughout the weekend to gather as much cool automotive content as we possibly can. Here’s a preview of what we expect to do and a question for you.
22:39 Thu, 04 May 2023.
by Stephen Rivers
Carscoops
Entering the fifth race of the 2023 F1 season, there are a number of interesting story-lines to follow. Red Bull has a commanding lead in the standings and its pair of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are separated by just six points in the overall driver standings.
As we noted earlier this week, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc believes his team has “a lot of work to do” to keep up with Red Bull and Aston Martin heading into Miami. Despite that, he managed to pick up Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a third-place finish in Azerbaijan. According to organizers, the track has been resurfaced in an effort to improve the event and more capacity has been added so that more fans can attend in person.
We’re going there thanks to the folks over at Pirelli who tell us that we’ll get the chance to experience hot laps at the Miami International Autodrome along with the perks that come with paddock club access. We’re also going to have some time to spend with Pirelli’s general manager of operations, Andrea Casaluci. If you have any questions you’d like us to ask him in regards to F1 tires, shoot away.
‘We’re Going To The Miami Grand Prix’;
https://www.carscoops.com/2023/05/we...-to-check-out/
Miami GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures
04/05/2023 at 22:00
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
It was a long haul from the shores of the Caspian Sea to Miami and equally wide change in culture. But Formula 1 has set up shop in Florida's Magic City and opened for business.
Check out our gallery of pictures from Thursday's media at the Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins on loan to this weekend to Formula 1.
‘Build-up in pictures’;
https://f1i.com/news/473109-miami-gp...ictures-2.html
First pictures from the 2023 Miami Grand Prix weekend
F1 Pictures
Posted on 4th May 2023, 18:364th May 2023, 23:03
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Pictures from the build-up to the 2023 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/...-prix-weekend/
RANKED: Perez's all-street Red Bull victories ahead of Miami showdown
Thursday 4 May 2023 20:27
Harry Smith
GPFans
Sergio Perez will travel to the upcoming Miami Grand Prix as F1's undisputed street circuit supremo following a dominant drive in Baku last weekend. 5. 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Perez needed just six races to record his first ever victory for Red Bull, pouncing on Verstappen's misfortune and a Hamilton error to make his return to the top step of the podium.
4. 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Sergio Perez failed to defend his second career pole position for more than a few dozen metres in Jeddah as he lost the lead to Fernando Alonso at the race start, but Checo wasted little time in reclaiming P1, returning to the front on lap four. 3. 2022 Monaco Grand Prix: Recovering from a qualifying spin that cost team-mate Max Verstappen a shot at pole position, Perez capitalised on some Ferrari self-sabotage to claim victory in F1's most prestigious Grand Prix.
2. 2022 Singapore Grand Prix: Rather than kicking on after his Monaco Grand Prix victory, Perez struggled as Verstappen dominated the field after the 2022 summer break. 1. 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Perez's most recent Grand Prix victory may be his most impressive to date. While many have cited luck as playing a considerable role in his previous Red Bull wins, there can be no doubt that Checo was the fastest of the Red Bull duo in Baku.
‘RANKED’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...mi-grand-prix/
“I’d have got him” – Perez certain he would have won in Baku without Safety Car
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 5th May 2023, 8:005th May 2023, 8:02
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans
Sergio Perez says he won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on “pure pace” and would have beaten his team mate even without the Safety Car period which aided his strategy.
Perez closed on Verstappen shortly before the leader pitted, and suspects he would have been quick enough to overtake him later in the race. “Yes, I think so,” he said when asked. “I think on that first stint on that lap if he wouldn’t have pitted, you never know, but I was quite close on the DRS but he was struggling already with the tyres. So I think I would have got him.”
He doesn’t believe Red Bull timed Verstappen’s pit stop to prevent the world champion being passed by his team mate on-track. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I think they pitted Max because they thought that he was struggling with his tyres. People behind were pitting so it was just a reaction to probably people behind doing the pit stops. So I think they want to make the best strategy for both cars as possible.”
“I’d have got him”;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/05/...ut-safety-car/
Oscar Piastri excited to get top grips with 'fast a flowing' Miami GP circuit
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Despite being new to the Miami circuit, McLaren's Oscar Piastri has managed some hot laps around the track and is looking forward to putting the MCL60 through its paces at the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
‘Oscar Piastri excited’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...411820004.html
Aston Martin's Alonso 'quite confident' ahead of Miami GP
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Fernando Alonso discusses recent advances by Ferrari and Mercedes, but remains excited by Aston Martin's potential ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...785391157.html
FIA right to shorten F1’s DRS zones in Miami and Baku – Alonso
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 4th May 2023, 18:50
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans
“It was the easiest [overtaking] here, last year, apparently,” Alonso told media including RaceFans in Miami. “So that’s why I think FIA shortened the DRS. In Baku it also was one of the easiest last year, so they shortened the DRS. I heard Lewis [Hamilton] was saying that this year it was too short. Which I think for them, with the high downforce it was too short.”
“For Red Bull it was too long because at the start/finish line they overtook Leclerc and he was opening to braking on the outside for turn one. So if you take one car it was too long, if you take another car it was too short. I guess it was about the calculation that the FIA do after have seeing last year’s races. Baku and Miami they were on the high side in terms of overtaking and how easy it was so that’s why they shortened it. Let’s see this year.”
‘EL PLAN’;
https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/...d-baku-alonso/
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History predicts CHAOS if Miami GP weather forecast holds true.
Forecasts suggest the subtropical Floridian weather has a high likelihood of rainfall on Sunday afternoon over the Magic City — with some reports suggesting any wet conditions would be the thundery variety rather than a springtime shower.
Thursday 4 May 2023 23:27
Jim Kimberley
GPFans
As new Formula 1 races go, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix didn't entertain as much on track as it did off, but that looks likely to change for 2023. Wet conditions are the great leveller in Formula 1 that provides some parity across the cars, and in a season that Red Bull looks peerless, there's no better time for a soaked street circuit to spice up the action.
You only have to look at last year's rain-affected Monaco Grand Prix for an example of how much a downpour can make even the toughest-to-pass street track entertaining. Wet grands prix at street circuits are a rare beast, but when they happen, two drivers of the current grid reign above everyone else.
‘History predicts CHAOS’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...on-verstappen/
Miami Grand Prix weather: Rain possible as F1 returns stateside
04 May 2023 10:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
The teams and drivers can expect toasty conditions in Miami across the race weekend, but that does not guarantee a dry track on Saturday or Sunday.
Sunday, race day of the Miami Grand Prix, proceedings get underway from 1530 local time, at which point there is a 17 per cent chance of a thunderstorm arriving on the scene.
The rain threat grows from there as the Grand Prix progresses, though with the rain threat not really ramping up until around 1800, it means that like in Baku, the precipitation could potentially arrive after the chequered flag has flown.
‘Rain threat’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/2023-m...-prix-weather/
Russell looks to move on from Verstappen spat ahead of Miami GP
George Russell says his incident with Max Verstappen in Baku is in the past
May 4, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
George Russell insists there’s no issue between him and Max Verstappen as the fallout continues from their battle in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint Shootout.
Starting one place behind Verstappen, Russell held the inside through the opening three corners side-by-side in Baku with the reigning Formula 1 world champion and eventually wrestled third place, but drew the ire of the Dutchman at the end of the sprint.
‘Move on’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/rus...-bed-miami-gp/
George Russell sends defiant message to Max Verstappen at Miami Grand Prix after Baku feud
George Russell has opened up on his battle with Max Verstappen.
06:57, Fri, May 5, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express
George Russell has warned Max Verstappen he will not change his on-track behaviour after the pair clashed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Mercedes star stressed he would “continue racing the same” and suggested he didn’t understand the hype around the feud.
Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Russell said: “I’ll continue racing the same way I always would. I mean a lot has been said about that coming together but from my side it was pretty straightforward. I went for a move, got the move done and moved on.”
‘Defiant message’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...appen-red-bull
Shrinking DRS zones prompt F1 driver complaints
May 5 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race
Formula 1 drivers have questioned whether reducing the length of DRS zones, as happened for last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix and has been implemented for Miami this weekend, is the right move given the lack of overtaking in races so far in the 2023 season.
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell was among those to question the move given it was clear the DRS zone on the start/finish straight in Baku was not long enough. He had already suggested that the Baku change was made without F1 properly appreciating how much harder overtaking was becoming in 2023
‘Shrinking DRS zones complaints’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/shrin...er-complaints/
Drivers take aim at F1 DRS changes: Completely wrong direction
05 May 7:00AM
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
Formula 1 drivers have hit back against the latest DRS tweaks made ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Several Formula 1 drivers have criticised the decision to shorten the Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix amid overtaking problems in recent events.
Drivers formed a fairly uniform stance against the latest modifications to DRS zones, with two of the three activation zones in Miami now being shortened compared to last year's event. Speaking ahead of the Miami GP, Mercedes' George Russell said that the drivers had not been consulted for their opinions prior to the latest tweaks.
‘Completely wrong direction’;
https://racingnews365.com/drivers-ta...rong-direction
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Russell fastest in Miami GP FP1 as Hulkenberg crash brings out red flag.
George Russell topped the timing charts in the first practice session of the Miami GP for Mercedes after the session was red flagged for a crash by Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.
5th May 2023, 20:08
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport
George Russell had early struggles during the session after coming on the radio to complain to his engineers about steering issues with the Mercedes.
Despite the engineers saying the team would lose too much time in the session by coming in to repair the issue, Russell was insistent, and came in after just five minutes of the session back to the garage to replace the steering rack.
The Mercedes driver returned to the track eventually, and topped the timing charts in the final laps of the session, around two tenths faster than his teammate Lewis Hamilton as the circuit began to pick up across the session.
‘Russell was insistent’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...kenberg-crash/
(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
5th May 2023, 20:12
FormulaSpy
Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:30.125
2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.212
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.324
4. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.424
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.599
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.979
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.106
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.212
9. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +1.267
10. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.417
‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session ahead of the first of three US races for the 2023 F1 World Championship’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-82041
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Miami Grand Prix
05 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site
‘As it Happened’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...QHtmFkycK.html
2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
Crash.Net
‘LIVE UPDATES!’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f...e-live-updates
F1 Results Today: Miami Grand Prix Practice Times
Friday 5 May 2023 21:08
Graham Shaw
GPFans
Mercedes held sway as F1's big weekend at the Miami Grand Prix got under way with the opening practice session (FP1) on Friday.
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets with flying laps very late in the 60-minute session to pip Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
‘Mercedes held sway’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...fp1-fp2-times/
Mercedes on top in opening Miami practice
5th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy
Heading into the final ten minutes Verstappen’s 1:30.549 was the best so far, half a second ahead of Charles Leclerc who was his closest rival at that stage. Pierre Gasly had a moment at T17, lost the rear and spun into the run off but managed to keep his Alpine out of the barriers and continue with the session.
After having languished around the lower part of the timesheets for the majority of the opening practice the Mercedes drivers waited to show their pace at the very end with first Lewis Hamilton and then Russell taking the top of the charts. Russell’s best time was a 1:30.125, two tenths ahead of his teammate while Leclerc was P3. Verstappen had changed to the hards at the end so he wasn’t improving his times when the track reached his best at the end, he finished P4.
Carlos Sainz took P5 while Gasly in P6 was the last driver within a second of Russell with a 1:31.104. Fernando Alonso was the seventh fastest while Lance Stroll kept the Aston Martins together and ended P8. Despite crashing and missing half the session, Hulkenberg’s earlier time still saw him end P9 while Esteban Pcpn rounded out the top ten with a 1:31.542.
‘Mercedes on top’;
https://formulaspy.com/f1/mercedes-o...practice-82044
