-
Albon rues missed chances, but happy to score on home soil.
Williams driver Alexander Albon had a torrid start to his home race at Silverstone, picking up a front wing damage on the opening lap, but he managed to add a point to his tally.
9 Jul 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
Although Williams failed to display a good performance at Silverstone, the challenging, wet-dry conditions played into the hands of Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant. The Thai-British driver performed a great overtaking move on RB rival Yuki Tsunoda to snatch two points away in a season where the fight for the last point-scoring places is brutally closely-matched.
His team-mate Logan Sargeant failed to score any points, and is still one of three drivers who are yet to score in 2024. However, the American delivered an encouraging performance in challenging conditions.
Speaking of Williams’ showing at Silverstone, Sporting Director Sven Smeets noted: “The car worked well today in these mixed and rather cold conditions. Alex picked up some damage in the first corners of the race through contact but avoided a big collision with great skill.”
‘Managed to add a point to his tally’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/24960
Albon thrilled with fightback to score points at Silverstone while Sargeant hails ‘good improvement’
15:13 Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Alex Albon was thrilled to score points at the British Grand Prix, having bounced back from a difficult start to end the race in P9 on an overall strong weekend for the Williams team, with Logan Sargeant only just missing out on a top-10 finish.
It had been a good qualifying session for Albon on Saturday, in which the Thai driver progressed to Q3 where he secured ninth place on the grid. He slipped backwards early in proceedings on Sunday, however, following contact with the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso.
“It was good fun out there,” a smiling Albon reflected after the Grand Prix. “It was a race where we started off quite poorly – I had a decent start, but Fernando just had an even better one next to me. I don’t really remember what happened in Turn 3 but we made contact, [in] Turn 4 made more contact. [I] jumped to P12, I think it was, and then had to fight back.”
“Good fun out there”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ljfKJTNURMKFez
Albon all smiles after ‘fun’ British GP and top-ten result
17:39 Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Williams charger Alex Albon says he emerged from last weekend’s challenging British Grand Prix a satisfied driver after securing a ninth place finish and a couple of valuable points for his team.
“The rain was coming, so we always knew there was a chance to get back into the race and, once it fell and all the cars kind of started coming off the circuit and whatnot, you kind of lick your lips a little bit!”
“It was inters, the final stint had really good pace, good strategy on the mediums, and [I] had a lot of fun out there. The car was really good at the end there, one of the best it’s felt in a long, long time. So, yeah, it was good fun.”
‘Couple of valuable points for his team’;
https://f1i.com/news/513755-albon-al...en-result.html
British GP: Williams Racing secures further points
July 8 2024
By Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters
The results of the 2024 British GP would see the Williams Racing Team secure a further two points with Alex Albon finishing 9th. Both Alex and Logan Sargeant would put in great performances over the course of the race.
In Alex's case it would start from lap one when he used his skill to avoid a collision with Alonso. Both Alex and Logan would have to deal with a race that would see the weather play a part seeing rain falling early on in the race and it would be through some great skill that both Alex and Logan were able to continue on dry weather tyres prior to the decision being made to switch to intermediates.
Unfortunately Alex had received some damage to his car in his lap one incident and this would have an impact of his performance, even so he did a fantastic job to secure his result. For Logan he would sit just outside the points for the majority of his race but he would produce what was his best race weekend of the 2024 season. Overall a very good weekend for the team especially coming off two poor races.
‘Further points’;
https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st206165.htm
Albon left asking himself ‘Where did this pace come from?’ after taking P9 grid slot
6 Jul 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Alex Albon was left “very happy” to seal a spot in Q3 as he took P9 on the grid for Williams at Silverstone – even if he was somewhat baffled as to where his car’s speed came from.
‘Where did this pace come from?’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/al...44623652481428
-
Tsunoda admits ‘rain helped me quite a lot’ after snatching final point at Silverstone.
Yuki Tsunoda started the British Grand Prix from 13th on the grid, but thanks to the mixed conditions he managed to sneak into the points for P10 at the flag.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Snatching final point’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ts...36708980224490
RB delighted to score a point despite lack of pace
8 Jul 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
RB driver Yuki Tsunoda revealed that mixed conditions helped him to score a point at yesterday’s British Grand Prix after the team struggled for outright pace again. “It was a good but tough race. Based on the pace we had in Free Practice we knew it would be difficult to score points in dry conditions, so I think the wet conditions helped us keep the gap to the cars in front small.”
“Normally, in previous races I haven’t appreciated the rain, but I think it helped us today. It’s one point and we take it. Now we look ahead and move forward, and I’m excited about using what we’ve learnt over the last couple of weekends for the coming races before the break.”
“With the twisty and challenging Hungaroring next on the schedule, Tsunoda hopes that his VCARB01 can display a better performance: “Hungary has a mix of high and low speed, so hopefully we can use our strengths and fight in the top ten.”
‘RB delighted to score a point’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/24957
Tsunoda pinpoints RB’s weakness at Silverstone after Q2 exit
6 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Yuki Tsunoda was knocked out of qualifying in P13, but the Japanese racer is still hoping he might be able to sneak points on race day.
‘Hoping he might be able to sneak points’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ts...42793370479479
Tsunoda ‘didn’t expect struggles in FP2’ – after spinning out of FP1 at Silverstone
5 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
It was a tough day for Yuki Tsunoda after he ended first practice in the gravel trap and was way down the order in 16th place in FP2 for RB.
‘Didn’t expect struggles in FP2’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ts...59976550699838
2024 British GP FP1: Tsunoda spin triggers red flag in first practice
5 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Just 10 minutes into the first practice session for this weekend’s British Grand Prix Yuki Tsunoda spin his RB car at Luffield corner and got stuck in the gravel trap, forcing Race Control to throw the red flags.
‘Got stuck in the gravel trap’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/20...41625822649136
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Aston Martin’s Silverstone points haul ‘a big uplift for the team’ – Stroll.
Lance Stroll finished seventh at Silverstone, one place ahead of team mate Fernando Alonso, to end a two-race run without points for Aston Martin.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘A big uplift’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/as...38396864654730
Stroll was ‘shitting his pants’ during tense British GP
Lance Stroll bagged a strong seventh place for Aston Martin at the British Grand Prix - beating Fernando Alonso home for the team.
9 July 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Lance Stroll has described the moment that left him "shitting my pants" during the British Grand Prix. "I was not confident, I was shitting my pants," Stroll told media including RacingNews365 when asked about how it was to negotiate the dry-wet-dry conditions. "When it starts raining at such a high-speed track like this, the mixed conditions are so tough because you've got to really keep your foot in it, believe and commit to the corners.”
"But with a bit of rain on the visor, wet patches creeping in, it is just so easy to lose the car and hit the barrier. It was definitely one of the more intense races, it was a bit like Canada earlier in the year. I wanted a little bit more but still it was a good race and so much could have gone wrong in the mixed conditions. It was just so hard to keep the car on track in the first place, so to be honest, I'm happy to pick up the points."
‘One of the more intense races’;
https://racingnews365.com/stroll-was...nse-british-gp
Stroll overcame fears to seal P7 in ‘intense’ British GP
11:12 Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Lance Stroll secured a commendable P7 finish in last weekend’s British Grand Prix, but the Aston Martin charger admitted to experiencing moments of sheer terror in Silverstone’s mixed conditions.
For the fifth time this season, Stroll outqualified teammate Fernando Alonso to line up eighth on Sunday’s grid, two spots ahead of the Spaniard. The Canadian also outperformed Alonso in the race, the pair crossing the checkered flag seventh and eighth, marking the fourth time this season that Aston Martin managed to score points with both of its cars.
However, Stroll’s real challenge arose in the race itself when rain lashed the circuit midway through the event and then subsided, creating a treacherous mix of wet and dry patches that tested the drivers’ skills and nerves. "I was not confident, I was shitting my pants," a candid Stroll admitted after the race.
‘Sheer terror’;
https://f1i.com/news/513727-stroll-o...ritish-gp.html
‘We bolted a lot of new things on the car’ – Stroll explains Aston Martin’s improved pace
Lance Stroll qualified in P8 for the British Grand Prix and said after the session his improved speed was down to new parts on the car.
6 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Improved speed was down to new parts’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we...44124374067602
Every Aston Martin upgrade in the last 12 months hasn’t worked right – Stroll
11th July 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Aston Martin scored 68 points over the first half of this year – little more than a third of what they managed over the first 12 rounds of last season. “We were there beginning of last year,” Stroll told media including RaceFans last weekend. “I don’t think we were totally there, we were not in position to win races last year, but we had a quick car and some podiums and a lot of top fives and stuff.”
The team began to slip backwards in the second half of last year and have fallen behind the top four teams into the midfield. “I think ultimately we took a bit of a wrong direction in terms of development philosophy,” said Stroll. “We went down the wrong path and we’ve slowly been realising that more and more. Now it’s a matter of changing path and then giving it time to develop and get good again by going down that different path.”
The team enjoyed a better results at Silverstone when Stroll and team mate Fernando Alonso finished seventh and eighth respectively. Stroll believes they are now beginning to understand where they went wrong. “We’ve done a lot of exploring and a lot of aero testing over the last 12 months,” he said. “Every upgrade we’ve brought, we haven’t seen the benefit that we were hoping to see over the last year. I think we’ve learned a lot and now we’re really just trying to execute, fix the problem and make the car a lot faster.”
‘Upgrades in the last 12 months’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/07/11/...nd-up-11-07-7/
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Alonso: Double points finish at Silverstone ‘a good boost’ for Aston Martin.
Aston Martin failed to score in Spain and Austria but bounced back with a double points finish at Silverstone, with Fernando Alonso P8 one place behind Lance Stroll.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Good boost’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/al...37051792275133
Alonso delighted with ‘boost’ for Aston Martin after double points result at Silverstone
9 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Fernando Alonso was satisfied with Aston Martin’s double points result in their home race at the British Grand Prix, with the Spaniard confident that the outcome has given a “good boost” to the squad heading into the next races on the calendar. Both cars then qualified within the top-10 before going on to take home valuable points for the team on Sunday, with Stroll crossing the line in P7 ahead of Alonso in P8 in a race of changing weather conditions.
Asked afterwards if he was pleased to get those points on the board, Alonso responded: “Yeah, definitely. With both cars [scoring] points, I think it’s never easy – you can have a DNF, you can crash, you can make a big mistake on the tyre choice, all this kind of thing. So to execute the race more or less trouble-free is already a success.”
“I think we understood a few mistakes that maybe we made in Barcelona and Austria,” the two-time world champion explained. “We regrouped after Austria, and we wanted to do definitely better in our home Grand Prix, in front of our employees, our factory here. So [I’m] happy with seventh and eighth for the team. It’s a good boost into Hungary and Spa so, yeah, a much better weekend.”
‘Alonso delighted’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...LoYc3xs9EMfivt
2024 British Grand Prix: Albon clips Alonso and Sargeant in Lap 1 melee
8 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
After Nico Hulkenberg came back on track after running wide on Lap 1, the domino effect saw Alex Albon have contact with Fernando Alonso and Logan Sargeant.
‘Albon clips Alonso’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/20...31870956461765
Toto Wolff confirms Mercedes interest in Fernando Alonso to replace Lewis Hamilton
Fernando Alonso was an option to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, the Silver Arrows chief has confirmed.
Jul 8, 2024
Joshua Mbu
Daily and Sunday Express
Toto Wolff confirmed Mercedes attempted to secure Fernando Alonso from 2025 following Lewis Hamilton's mid-season Ferrari announcement. Hamilton revealed earlier this year that he would be leaving the Silver Arrows after 12 seasons and seven world championships.
Team boss Wolff revealed Alonso rejected the Silver Arrows. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Wolff said: "At that time, he had no interest in driving for us. After all, Aston Martin offered him a long-term contract.”
‘Mercedes attempted to secure Fernando Alonso’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...place-hamilton
Lewis Hamilton feud stopped Fernando Alonso driving for Mercedes admits Toto Wolff
Fernando Alonso turned down Mercedes earlier this year, but there was previous interest from the Spaniard.
Jul 11, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Toto Wolff has admitted that the troublesome relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso during their time as McLaren team-mates prevented the Spaniard from driving from Mercedes, despite considerable interest from his side between 2014 and 2020.
Alonso - who was a two-time world champion by this point - teamed up with the rookie Hamilton during the 2007 season. With the latter immediately on the pace, arriving in F1 as a genuine title contender, there were a number of on-track clashes and petty battles between the two McLaren drivers.
Discussing the rivalry in a DAZN documentary, Alonso explained: “There were many things that broke the relationship harmony of that year. We were young, immature, I was the first, and we had many clashes.” He later elaborated: “We had a boss who did not know how to control the situation.
‘The feud’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Wolff-Mercedes
Wolff: Alonso dismissed Mercedes interest to remain with Aston
11 Jul 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Toto Wolff has revealed that Fernando Alonso turned down an approach from Mercedes earlier this year before committing his long-term future to Aston Martin.
“Of course, at the beginning of the year we considered the option of Fernando Alonso, but at that time Fernando was not interested in driving for Mercedes,” Wolff revealed, speaking to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo. Also, he was offered a long-term contract at Aston Martin. That’s how we perceived it at the time.”
While Alonso's talent is undeniable, the Austrian suggested that his career choices may have limited his championship potential. “Even if there are drivers in history who have more titles than Fernando, Fernando would have had many more titles if he had managed his career differently,” commented Wolff.
‘Turned down an approach from Mercedes’;
https://f1i.com/news/513798-wolff-al...ith-aston.html
Past drivers were “more genuine” than current field – Alonso
12th July 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Alonso, who is the oldest and most experienced driver on the F1 grid, believes the current crop of drivers are more reserved than those who competed against in his early years. “Definitely, there are some differences,” he told the Financial Times. “I think the older generation were a bit more genuine. Different in character, in the way they approached racing and life. They were very tough competitors.”
“Now, I would say that they are very talented — maybe more than before because of all the preparation, the academies, the simulator work, the technology, and data they have available to improve and learn quickly. They arrive in F1 more prepared.”
“But off-track or with the helmet off, maybe they are a bit the same and more shy in the way they approach things. They have people who talk for them, for management, for media, for fitness. They’re well prepared, but maybe they lost a little bit their own character.”
“They were very tough competitors”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/07/12/...nd-up-12-07-7/
Alonso voices concern with key F1 issue
Fernando Alonso has voiced criticism of Formula 1's penalty points system, and the Spaniard is of the opinion that the sport has too many rules in place.
10 July 2024
Fergal Walsh & Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
Alonso added there are too many rules in place in F1 and is seeking intervention from the FIA to backtrack on an “overregulated” sport. “Now I think we never had so many rules as we have now we cannot overtake on the pit lane, we cannot go fast on the pit lane, we cannot go slow on track, we cannot do basically anything," he said.
“This is probably overregulated and drivers we see or we feel frustrated sometimes, teams as well, but we need to find a solution between all of us, we cannot leave the FIA alone on this. We need to propose something that is better than the current rule. And this is something that we need to do between all of us.”
Alonso’s sentiment is shared by three-time champion Max Verstappen. “Look at already the rulebook from 10 years or 15 years ago to now just keeps on growing,” said the Dutchman. “So that’s obviously the world that we live in.”
‘Fernando Alonso has voiced criticism’;
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-voi...h-key-f1-issue
Alonso filmed scene for F1 movie in media pen after British Grand Prix
9 Jul 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
A filming crew for the movie, titled F1, was present in the media pen after the British Grand Prix and captured a scene involving Alonso. The Aston Martin driver said he didn’t have to rehearse beforehand.
“I didn’t practice,” said Alonso. “It was it was not too difficult so I hope it comes good on the screen.” The scene was originally due to be filmed on Friday, he indicated. “After qualifying, I was in the pit lane, so when I came here, they were not ready. So it was today.”
“I didn’t practice”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/07/09/...nd-up-09-07-7/
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Sargeant pleased with his race despite finishing ‘one stop shy’ of points.
Logan Sargeant finished 11th at the British Grand Prix and insisted he “executed everything really well” despite just missing out on points.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
“Executed everything really well”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/sa...36524618553745
Sargeant will "fight until the end" as Williams F1 future under threat
Sargeant's Formula 1 future hangs in the balance with his Williams seat under scrutiny
Jul 11, 2024
Ewan Gale Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com
Logan Sargeant has insisted he will "fight to the end" as speculation over his Formula 1 seat with Williams persists. "I've had noise for I don't even know how long, from every single direction," said Sargeant. Sargeant has been hamstrung by a lack of equal parts to Albon, instead running a toned-down spec of car for much of the opening part of the year, whilst he was benched to allow the Thai-Briton to compete at the Australian Grand Prix after the former Red Bull driver crashed in practice with no spare chassis available.
"At the end of the day, I show up to these weekends and I do my absolute best every single time for everyone in the team who is working hard. I'm also here for myself, you know, I want to prove to myself that I can keep improving, keep showing that I can do it. In my head, I know the true facts and I know that I've been doing a good job this season with what I've had. And that's what matters most to me."
Team principal James Vowles had ruled out a mid-season swap earlier in the year, but the suggestion that Sargeant could make way before Abu Dhabi has returned in recent weeks. Asked if he felt that would be harsh, Sargeant replied: "I think considering it's taken so long to get two equal cars, it is hard to get a clear read on how things are going. What I know is I'm happy with the way I'm driving. And I couldn't say that last year. And I can this year."
"Fight until the end";
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/s...reat/10633526/
Williams still ‘continually evaluating’ mid-season driver change
11 Jul 2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Unfortunately, Sargeant’s days in F1 appear numbered, with the only question being whether the 23-year-old will finish this year’s campaign or succumb to a mid-season exit.
Vowles also acknowledged that Williams itself isn't blameless. “What I’ve said before and I’ve maintained today, is that our car — and this is a responsibility on my shoulders and the team — isn’t quick enough. It’s not a driver issue we suffer from today. We’ve simply been out-developed and we have to make sure we accelerate that process.”
‘Williams itself isn't blameless’;
https://f1i.com/news/513777-williams...er-change.html
Sargeant makes plea in face of Vowles drastic change plan
Logan Sargeant's F1 future at Williams remains uncertain, especially after comments from team principal James Vowles.
10 July 2024
Jake Nichol & Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
Logan Sargeant has issued a passionate defence of his season after Williams boss James Vowles hinted he could be replaced mid-season. "In my head, I know the true facts, and I know that I've been doing a good job this season with what I've had and that is what matters most to me.”
"I know I've been driving well with what I've had throughout the season. If I look since Suzuka I'm really proud of the way I've showed up and kept trying to deliver even when I don't always have the car to deliver. I'm a fighter, I'm going to fight no matter what the situation is. I'm going to fight to the end."
“I know the true facts”;
https://racingnews365.com/sargeant-m...ic-change-plan
Report: ‘Several’ IndyCar teams interested in signing 235-race F1 driver for 2025
10 July 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
Of all the drivers who don’t currently have a contract for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Logan Sargeant appears to be the most likely not to be on the grid next year. Logan Sargeant has only scored a single point in his F1 career thus far – thanks in part to two disqualifications in Austin last year – although he came so close to a top-ten finish at Silverstone on Sunday.
Williams are considering a summer break switch, bringing in Esteban Ocon for Sargeant if Alpine decide to let him go in place of rookie Jack Doohan. It would be a tough way for Sargeant’s Formula 1 career to come to an end as he’s not always had equal machinery when compared to teammate Alex Albon. Sargeant has been linked with a move to IndyCar next season and there’s now talk that he could be joined by another driver on the grid.
‘Not always had equal machinery when compared to teammate’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/sev...iver-for-2025/
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Magnussen reckons he pitted ‘one lap too early’ after missing out on points.
Kevin Magnussen finished 12th in the British Grand Prix, but thinks he could have done better had he stayed out an extra lap before pitting for new tyres.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘One lap too early’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ma...36325354483353
Former Haas boss Steiner casts doubt on Magnussen's future
10 Jul 2024
The Straits Times
Guenther Steiner revived Kevin Magnussen's Formula One career two years ago but the former Haas team boss now feels his favourite Dane may be ripe for replacement, along with some other long-serving drivers. Magnussen, 31, has scored five points from 12 races this season compared to Haas team mate Nico Hulkenberg's 22, with the 36-year-old German finishing an impressive sixth in the most recent two.
Hulkenberg will join Sauber next season and Ferrari-powered Haas look set for an all-new lineup with British rookie Oliver Bearman already signed up and Esteban Ocon looking the frontrunner to join him. "I love Kevin...(but) what he is doing lately against Hulkenberg is not impressive to say the least," Steiner told reporters at a recent promotional event for Buffalo Trace bourbon.
‘Doubt on Magnussen's future’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...nussens-future
Hulkenberg says Haas should consider retaining Magnussen
JULY 9, 2024
GrandPrix.com
Kevin Magnussen should "definitely" still be in the running to remain at Haas in 2025. That is the view of the Danish driver's current teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who has signed up to switch to Sauber next year ahead of the Swiss team's 2026 transition to works Audi status. “Definitely”, he is quoted as saying by Ekstra Bladet newspaper.
“Obviously it's not my responsibility or decision, but I think Kevin has also been very consistent this year”, Hulkenberg added. "There have been some moments and sessions where really small details have made the difference between him and me. Often the outcome on TV looks massive, but in reality it's really small things.”
“I think he's doing a really good job”, Hulkenberg, 36, continued. “And I have access to much more data and can see exactly what has happened on his side. I still think he's a candidate here, but maybe also for other teams.”
‘“I think he's doing a really good job”, Hulkenberg’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/hulke...magnussen.html
British Grand Prix: Race Recap
July 7, 2024
Haas F1 Team - Official Site
Kevin Magnussen: “We pitted one lap too early I think, we were sort of in range of Albon and he stayed out another lap and opened the gap massively. The pace wasn’t that good on the soft tire really, I was graining immediately and just didn’t have a good stint.”
“It’s great for Nico to score eight points today, that’s a really good couple of weekends for the team, and it’s super important. I wish I could’ve contributed a little bit but I didn’t have it at the end.”
‘Race Recap’;
https://www.haasf1team.com/news/brit...x-race-recap-5
‘We got caught out’ – Magnussen explains how he was tricked by the weather in qualifying
6 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Kevin Magnussen was knocked out of qualifying in Q1 to take 17th on the grid, but said he had the pace for a far better result.
‘We got caught out’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we...41612356184950
Magnussen keen to get more laps under his belt after missing FP1 at Silverstone
5 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Kevin Magnussen was last on the time sheets in second practice for the British Grand Prix having sat out the first session so Oliver Bearman could drive his car.
‘Missing FP1’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ma...58695218039442
Magnussen knew about Bearman deal for four months
JULY 5, 2024
GrandPrix.com
“I've more or less known it for four months”, the Danish driver, whose own place at the small American team remains in doubt, acknowledged at Silverstone. “Ok, it hasn't been decided for four months, but I knew it was going to happen. So no news for me”,
Magnussen smiled. “What can I say? A young guy getting to live out his dream in Formula 1.” Magnussen thinks Haas is an ideal team for the young Briton to make his full-time F1 debut for.
“When I entered Formula 1”, he said, "it was difficult to enter a top team (McLaren) that wasn't delivering. Because the expectations from the team are still huge. They actually expect you to win the championship. When you join a smaller team, it's easier. Although I can't say for sure because I didn't do it, but that's the way I think it is.”
‘Four months’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/magnu...ur-months.html
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Ricciardo: ‘The truth is we weren’t competitive through all the conditions today.’
Daniel Ricciardo finishes 13th at Silverstone and said RB just didn’t have the speed to challenge for points.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Weren’t competitive through all the conditions’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ri...35882145616169
Ricciardo: RB facing “shifting point” in F1 season
Upgrade doubts have left the RB team facing some key decisions that could dictate its chances for the rest of the F1 campaign.
11:37 Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
With F1’s recent triple-header now over, and there being some breathing space before the final back-to-backs prior to the summer break, Ricciardo thinks that decisions made now about its next steps could be hugely significant for the rest of the campaign.
“This could be a real kind of shifting point,” said Ricciardo, when asked how important it was for RB to get an understanding of its upgrade situation. “You're at that moment where you need to make the best calls. Every moment of F1 is important, but this update and our correlation, and our understanding, can obviously dictate what we do with the next update and how well we understand it.”
“What we learn now will basically dictate where our car is in October and November, so it's a really important period for us. I'm obviously not an engineer and not an aerodynamicist,” he said. “But in these moments, I feel our duty as a driver is to just give as much as we can. Feelings, feedbacks, positives, negatives, comparisons to other cars, everything - just to give them as much understanding of why we are where we are at the moment.”
“Shifting point”;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/w...ason/10633407/
‘Massive excuse’: Peter Windsor unimpressed with official Daniel Ricciardo statement after Silverstone
10 July 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Daniel Ricciardo has been building momentum recently but he lost it during a poor British Grand Prix weekend. Ricciardo finished 13th, a long way from the points. The Australian had beaten RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda in the three preceding races. That run included a season-best P8 at the Canadian GP and another points finish (P9) in Austria.
Peter Windsor says Daniel Ricciardo made too many excuses after British Grand Prix: In RB’s official press release after the race, Ricciardo suggested that his side of the garage collectively struggled. He added that they would analyse their mistakes over the course of the weekend in a bid to improve.
It’s all too easy, he believes, for drivers to embrace a ‘massive excuse’ instead. Ricciardo’s former teammate Lando Norris has won praise for a self-critical approach. “The press release from Daniel Ricciardo – everything was ‘we didn’t have a good day’, ‘we need to do better’,” he said. “It wasn’t like ‘I didn’t have a good day’, ‘I need to do better’.
‘Peter Windsor unimpressed’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/pet...r-silverstone/
Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull future update as notable Silverstone test looms
10 Jul 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Speaking to media including PlanetF1.com, Ricciardo said: “I mean look, I know my year, sure I’ve had a few little highs, but as a whole, it hasn’t been what was probably expected and what I want for myself. So I know when you’re not kicking arse, of course you’re going to receive a little bit of criticism. But sometimes it’s probably blown apart you know.”
“I don’t think the gap has ever been…or rarely has it been you know, half a second or something to Yuki. I think also he’s been getting a lot of praise, so I’m not getting my arse kicked by someone that’s not very fast. I think everyone acknowledges he’s got very good one-lap pace. But yeah, the team-mate battle is obviously one that’s closely watched.”
‘Silverstone test looms’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/daniel...ed-bull-future
Ricciardo: Upcoming weeks ‘important’ period in RB’s F1 season
11 Jul 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Ricciardo has insisted that RB should not panic amid its recent struggles and has instead called on his side to take inspiration from the American squad’s inroads. Asked which teams were surprising him, Ricciardo answered: “I mean, definitely the Haas the last couple [of] weekends. Nico scored big two weekends in a row now.”
“And all of a sudden our sixth place in the Constructors, the gap isn’t there anymore. It’s three or four points. We knew that this sport can shift so quickly and you never rest. And that’s why, fairness to the team, we brought updates a couple of weeks ago. We were pushing.”
“We’ve been bringing updates every few races and they’ve actually been working really well. So obviously this one hasn’t as much as certainly we would have wanted. So it’s not due to a lack of effort. But yeah, this is now where you get tested, where the season’s looking really good and now it’s at a kind of plateau.”
‘Upcoming weeks important’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...rbs-f1-season/
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Leclerc: Ferrari current underperformance ‘worse than a nightmare’.
Charles Leclerc cast a defeated figure after Sunday’s British Grand Prix, a race marked by a strategic blunder in the Ferrari camp that left the Monegasque empty-handed.
20:01 Sun, 07 Jul 2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Leclerc had started the race positively, moving up from 11th on the grid to 8th on the opening lap before battling his way past Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll to seize seventh on lap 13. On lap 19, Leclerc was called in to switch his medium tyres for a set of inters while the majority of the field opted to stay on slicks.
"[It was] clearly the wrong [strategy],” a frustrated Leclerc admitted. ‘I'll look back into it. Obviously, with the decision, with the message I got and the information I had in the car, I felt like it was the right one," Leclerc explained.
‘Worse than a nightmare’;
https://f1i.com/news/513544-leclerc-...nightmare.html
Charles Leclerc left furious after Ferrari star lapped by Lewis Hamilton at British GP
Charles Leclerc was downbeat after enduring a miserable race at the British Grand Prix.
Jul 7, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Charles Leclerc expressed his dismay after finishing a lap behind British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton on Sunday. The Ferrari star was hung out to dry after a disastrous strategy call left him floundering on intermediate tyres in dry conditions. The Monegasque driver is in the midst of a miserable run of form. Leclerc's home race victory had all the signs of a launching pad for a string of successful fights at the front.
‘Charles Leclerc left furious’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ish-Grand-Prix
Leclerc in "worse than a nightmare" after failed British GP rain call
Ferrari's wavering F1 form was exacerbated by call to pit Charles Leclerc onto intermediates too early at Silverstone
Jul 7, 2024
Jake Boxall-Legge Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com
Charles Leclerc labelled his current Formula 1 hardships as "worse than a nightmare", as an early call for intermediate tyres at the British Grand Prix cost him any chance of scoring points.
"[It was] clearly the wrong [strategy]. I'll look back into it. Obviously, with the decision, with the message I got and the information I had in the car, I felt like it was the right one," Leclerc explained. "It was raining quite a lot in Turn 15. I was told that in this lap, the rain was going to be very heavy, so I stopped to try and anticipate.”
‘F1 form was exacerbated by call’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/l...call/10632842/
Vasseur: Leclerc contributed to ill-timed F1 British GP pit choice
8 Jul 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Vasseur has insisted the choice was “on the edge” of being the correct one and has explained how Leclerc being out of position contributed to his downfall in the race.
“We are giving them information, and we are proposing the call, the fact that at one stage they have to pit, and they have to do the last call,” Vasseur explained. “On this situation, and I discussed with Charles, for sure we can be disappointed when you see the result at the end, but first it’s clear that it was not the right call, or the right decision.”
“But I would say that it’s also motivated by the fact that at this stage we are already 15 seconds behind Carlos, or 10 seconds behind Carlos. It means that consciously or unconsciously, you know that the only way to come back and to fight for the podium, is to be a bit aggressive into the decision.”
‘Choice was “on the edge” of being the correct one’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...gp-pit-choice/
Leclerc paid the price with Ferrari F1 experiments at Silverstone
8 Jul 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Charles Leclerc has admitted he’s paid the price with the experiments Ferrari has been conducting at Formula 1’s British Grand Prix as he slumped to a shock Q2 exit. Ferrari opted to split parts between the drivers in the opening two practice hours in a bid to understand the bouncing issue that’s hindered its recent competitiveness.
However, Leclerc harbours no complaints over Ferrari’s decision and insists that sacrificing his own weekend will be beneficial to the team improving in the long term.
‘Ferrari F1 experiments’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...t-silverstone/
Ferrari's 'worse than a nightmare' F1 run isn't going to end soon
Jul 11, 2024
by Edd Straw
The Race
Charles Leclerc didn’t grasp for positives about Ferrari’s plight after finishing a dismal 11th in the British Grand Prix. “It’s been four races that have been worse than a nightmare,” he said, a verdict backed up by team-mate Carlos Sainz, who added: “It’s clearly not good enough.” And worst of all for Ferrari, there's no reason to expect an immediate turnaround in the upcoming races.
There are confounding factors, notably Leclerc’s run of four races since his Monaco victory with just one fifth place to show for it since and Ferrari’s dire Canadian GP weekend, but the primary problem is the upgrade introduced for the Spanish GP at the start of F1’s recently-completed triple-header.
'Worse than a nightmare';
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...t-ending-soon/
Ferrari and Charles Leclerc hold ‘long discussions’ after alarming post-Monaco slump
11 Jul 2024
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has urged people to avoid drawing a “generic conclusion” over the form of Charles Leclerc, with his driver having endured difficult results since winning the Monaco Grand Prix.
Vasseur explained the reasons behind his struggles at Silverstone over the weekend, driving an unfamiliar car setup in difficult conditions in a Ferrari that is proving “not easy” to handle as it stands.
‘Long discussions’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...rrari-form-dip
Ferrari's fightback plan after 'nightmare' F1 form
9th July 2024
Adam Cooper
Motor Sport Magazine
The frustration for all concerned is that for at least the past year Ferrari upgrades have got the job done. “The last 16 months now, all the upgrades that we brought had a very, very good correlation with what we did in the wind tunnel,” said team boss Fred Vasseur.
“I think one of the assets of the team over last year was to bring some small upgrades. And each time it was paying off. This one, we had an issue, but it’s not because we had an issue once it’s the end of the world.”
“I think we had exactly the same situation last year, almost at the same stage of the season,” said Vasseur. “Silverstone, Budapest, Spa, and we stopped it in Zandvoort to do a complete scan of the situation. And we had a good recovery, because the weeks after, we were there.”
‘Ferrari's fightback plan’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
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‘We just didn’t have the pace’ – Bottas hoping Sauber can bring upgrades soon.
Valtteri Bottas says Kick Sauber need to improve their car after he finished 15th and well outside the points again at Silverstone.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Sauber need to improve their car’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we...37171770286270
Bottas hopeful Kick Sauber bring updates ‘sooner rather than later’ after finishing outside the points again at Silverstone
10 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Valtteri Bottas hopes that Kick Sauber will soon have new updates on their car after another weekend of finishing outside of the points at the British Grand Prix, with the Finn stating that this is what the squad “need” in order to challenge their rivals. While there were positives from how the team handled the mixed conditions of the race at Silverstone, both cars were unable to put themselves in the fight for a top-10 position. Bottas crossed the line in P15 – making up one place from his grid slot – and acknowledged that the opportunities such weather can bring had not gone in his favour.
“[It was] definitely not an easy day with sometimes being on the slicks in the wet – [there were] some wet sections on track,” he explained after the Grand Prix. “But I think we made actually the right calls today – we didn’t do any unnecessary pit stops. But, in any condition, we just didn’t have the pace today to challenge the cars in front. That’s what we need to keep working on and get some new parts in the car, and hopefully that’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
“[It was] definitely not an easy day”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...BH3TveLTgnN8f1
Valtteri Bottas rules out Mercedes F1 return for 2025: “Filling a place for one year…”
Valtteri Bottas has addressed speculation that he could be an option for Mercedes.
10 Jul 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Bottas’ former team, Mercedes, are still unsure on which driver will partner George Russell as they wait to see what Max Verstappen will decide. Andrea Kimi Antonelli - their young protege - remains the favourite though, but there was talk whether Mercedes needed a stop-gap option for one-year, a return for Bottas could have been a possibility.
However, speaking to Mirror Sport, Bottas ruled out a return to Brackley as he prioritises a multi-year F1 deal. “Filling a place for one year, I don't think that is what I want or need at the moment,” he said. “For next year, I want something multi-year with a clear plan for the years ahead and work together for that time.”
“I think that's what I need, a good challenge and a clear plan. If I just do one year, then you're back to square one again and looking at what's next. I'm good friends with Toto so, of course, we've talked about everything.”
‘Prioritises a multi-year F1 deal’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105215...place-one-year
Bottas hints at Williams assessing 2025 F1 alternatives to Sainz
11 Jul 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
The Finn, who seems set to depart Sauber once this season concludes, has revealed that discussions regarding his F1 prospects are proceeding in the right direction.
“I feel things are starting to progress and get closer, I think, in a good way, hopefully,” he said. “But, still have nothing to announce here and nothing has been signed.”
Bottas has insisted on several occasions that he is “99 per cent” certain that he will be back on the F1 grid next season and his optimistic stance remains unchanged. “Yes, I think I’m in a good position,” he reiterated.
‘F1 prospects are proceeding in the right direction’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...ives-to-sainz/
Williams turn to Valtteri Bottas as Sainz option evaporates
July 12, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Valtteri Bottas could make a return to Williams next year as negotiations with the team steadily advance. Since the beginning of the season, it has been clear that retaining Bottas is not a priority at Sauber. Because of this, Bottas has spoken with several midfield outfits – although it is understood that Williams is his most likely destination. The drivers’ standings do not paint a flattering picture for Valtteri Bottas. The Finn is rock bottom in the Championship, one of three drivers yet to score a point this season.
In a very uncompetitive C44 machine, this year’s campaign has been difficult for the 10-time race winner. On the rare occasions he’s been within touching distance of points (Australia, China), operational mistakes from Sauber have proven costly. This is a recurring theme for the Swiss team, who also threw away significant points with their far more competitive 2022 challenger. Williams interest in Valtteri Bottas has grown: Despite driving in uncompetitive machinery, there is strong interest in Bottas.
The former Mercedes driver is an experienced pair of hands, more than capable of competing at a high level. Negotiations are understood to have already begun. While nothing is confirmed, it would take a dramatic turn of events for the Finn to be displaced as the British team’s leading candidate. Bottas would complete a very solid driver partnership at Williams. Someone with his experience and accomplishments would also emphasise the team’s seriousness and ambition.
‘Williams turn to Valtteri Bottas’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...on-evaporates/
Ranked: Six IndyCar teams that could sign Valtteri Bottas for 2025 season
12 Jul 2024
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com
Valtteri Bottas is currently in the hunt for a Formula 1 seat, but the free slots are filling up fast — meaning Bottas might have to look elsewhere for a racing seat in 2025.
Recent reports suggest a few IndyCar teams actually have Valtteri Bottas on their radar, even as the American open-wheel series faces a glut of free agents looking for seat. Anything can — and often does — happen in IndyCar.
6. A. J. Foyt Racing
5. Ed Carpenter Racing
4. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
3. Meyer Shank Racing
2. Dale Coyne Racing
1. Prema
‘IndyCar teams actually have Valtteri Bottas on their radar’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/si...altteri-bottas
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Ocon: ‘We took every single wrong decision from the beginning of the weekend’.
Esteban Ocon was scathing about Alpine’s performance across the weekend at Silverstone after he finished the race in 16th.
7 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Scathing’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/oc...37763080154504
Ocon: Alpine ‘took all the wrong decisions’ in British F1 qualifying
10:37 Sun, 07 Jul 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
Esteban Ocon lambasted Alpine’s strategy during Saturday’s qualifying for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, claiming Alpine “took all the wrong decisions” en route to a double Q1 elimination.
“We took all the wrong decisions, we pushed at the wrong moments, we recharged when the track was driest and it was clearly not going our way. We were offset compared to most people.”
“And then at the end, I was sure I didn’t take the checkered flag, so I had an extra lap, so I kept pushing. I was up by a long way at the time and then three corners later it cleared on the system that I didn’t cross the line, so I could have gone through.”
‘Took all the wrong decisions’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...f1-qualifying/
‘We took every single wrong decision’ – Ocon says ‘there’s nothing to learn’ from difficult Silverstone weekend for Alpine
9 July 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Esteban Ocon gave a damning assessment of Alpine’s weekend at the British Grand Prix, with the Frenchman stating that the squad took “every single wrong decision” en route to his final result of P16. Having lined up in 18th on the grid following a difficult qualifying, Ocon was one of the first to make the switch to intermediate tyres amid changing conditions in the early stages of the race. However, this seemed to backfire and the 27-year-old soon returned to the pits to put the slicks back on.
Ocon’s day did not improve much from there and he was left to rue what had been an all-round tough few days for the team. “There was no punt that we took,” he reflected on the tyre call. “We basically took every single wrong decision since the beginning of the weekend on anything that it can be – on the car, on the strategy, on everything.”
‘There’s nothing to learn’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...z0sv5OHUfKfjCy
Ocon hits out at 'insane' Alpine after Silverstone disaster
Esteban Ocon suffered a poor weekend for Alpine at the British Grand Prix - but felt the team compounded the trouble.
9 July 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
Esteban Ocon has labelled Alpine's British Grand Prix as "insane" following what he described as a catalogue of errors. "There was nothing brave about that race, everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong," Ocon told media including RacingNews365.
"We took every wrong decision from before the race, to on the grid, to during the race, every call or [decision] were the wrong ones, so there is not that much more to say. If we go into details, basically, there were some drops of rain, it started to get tricky in Turns 1 and 2, and I thought: 'if the next lap it stays like this, it is going to be wet.'”
"So I asked the team if it was going to rain more and they said: 'yes, it will rain more', so I said: 'okay, we box if it rains more' and the team said okay. I exited [the pits] and it was bright sunshine, so I don't know what to do anymore. It has not gone our way at all, it is unbelievable, I have never seen something like this in my career. It has been insane."
'Insane Alpine’;
https://racingnews365.com/ocon-hits-...stone-disaster
Ocon Slams Alpine’s “Insane” British Grand Prix Weekend
It was another weekend to forget for the French outlet
July 10, 2024
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds
Esteban Ocon criticised Alpine’s performance at the British Grand Prix, pointing to a series of errors and poor decisions that marred their weekend. Ocon and drivers like Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc switched to intermediate tyres early on lap 20, which proved a mistake as the track wasn’t wet enough.
While Perez and Leclerc stuck with the intermediates, Ocon quickly switched back to slicks. He then had to pit again for intermediates when the rain eventually came, making three pit stops between laps 20 and 26.
What happened to Ocon? Reflecting on the race, Ocon explained, according to RacingNews365, “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. Every decision we made, from before the race to the grid and during the race, was the wrong one.”
‘Three pit stops between laps 20 and 26’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/oc.../?nowprocket=1
Ocon calls out Alpine for ‘taking every single wrong decision’
09:31 Wed, 10 Jul 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Esteban Ocon pulled no punches in his assessment of Alpine's performance at the British Grand Prix, insisting the team “took every single wrong decision” on all fronts from the beginning to the end of the weekend.
The poor result marked a significant drop in performance for Alpine after recent strong finishes. When asked why things went wrong, Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of the season, remained critical “Not much to comment on that,” he said.
“I can’t give you an answer but, yeah, when the track was suited for slicks we were on the inters, when the track was suited for inters we were on the slicks. When the track was suited for low downforce, we were on the high, and many more unfortunately. Not much to take away unfortunately.”
‘Pulled no punches’;
https://f1i.com/news/513720-ocon-cal...-decision.html
Ocon: Haas ‘an example to every team’ amid 2025 F1 rumours
10 Jul 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Esteban Ocon thinks that Haas’ recent improvement should serve as “an example to every team” amid rumours linking him with a Formula 1 move to the side in 2025. Ocon, who is in his last season with Alpine, has praised the step the American squad has taken in recent races as speculation continues that he will partner Bearman.
“They’ve been improving a lot, which is for sure an example for every other team, how they are doing it at the moment,” Ocon said when asked about Haas’ showing.
‘Ocon: Haas ‘an example to every team’’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...25-f1-rumours/
