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Alonso glad to finish 'most difficult race of the year' at Monza.
The Aston Martin driver only managed a best position of ninth, a far cry from their usual podium success. Fernando Alonso was glad to finish the Italian Grand Prix after branding it one of the 'most difficult races' of the year for Aston Martin.
03 September 10:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
The Spaniard claimed that it was a difficult race when speaking to media including RacingNews365: "It was a very demanding race; mentally and physically to drive the car with very low grip which made it very tricky to drive," he said.
"So for me, it was one of the most difficult races of the year and it's the worst result. It's going to be an anonymous race, nobody will remember this but I will do in my head because it has been a tough one."
'EL PLAN: Most difficult race of the year';
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-gla...-year-at-monza
P9 at Monza ‘what we deserved today’ – Alonso
03 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin “were only good for ninth” in the Italian Grand Prix and will be looking at why they didn’t have any more pace on race day.
“EL PLAN: Were only good for ninth”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...974586428.html
Alonso reveals why he will 'REMEMBER' torrid Italian Grand Prix
Monday 4 September 2023 14:27
Jay Winter
GPFans
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso has described the Italian Grand Prix as 'one of the most difficult races' for him this season, highlighting the intense mental and physical demands he faced at the 'Temple of Speed' in Monza.
Speaking to the media after the race, the 42-year-old, reflected on the 'demanding' Grand Prix. "It was a very demanding race; mentally and physically to drive the car with very low grip which made it very tricky to drive," he said.
"So for me, it was one of the most difficult races of the year and it's the worst result. It's going to be an anonymous race, nobody will remember this but I will do in my head because it has been a tough one."
' EL PLAN: One of the most difficult races';
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...ly-grand-prix/
Alonso ‘anonymous’ despite personal best
Tuesday 5th September, 2023 - 1:22am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
“Many, many lessons we need to take from this race,” said Alonso. “We weren’t competitive so that’s the main focus for us to try to understand, and on this type of circuit what we need to do differently for the future, and also for next year when we come here.”
“Race-wise, there is not much to talk about. We were slow from the beginning to the end, it was not possible to fight for better than ninth so we take these points, but also hopefully many lessons.”
Given what Alonso has achieved this season, and just a week after finishing second to Max Verstappen in the Dutch GP, the two-time F1 champion conceded to enduring obvious frustration.
‘EL PLAN: Anonymous’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/09/05...ymous-weekend/
Alonso wants 'new ideas' from Aston after 'anonymous' Italian GP
05/09/2023 at 09:06
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Fernando Alonso suggested that F1 fans would have been excused if they were left with the impression that he had sat out last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, for it was an "anonymous race that no one will remember" as far as the Aston Martin driver was concerned.
It's likely Aston always expected its high-drag AMR23 to struggle in Monza's low-downforce environment, so raking in a few points will have perhaps satisfied the team overall.
However, the low-key result reconciled with Ferrari's double top-four finish means that the Scuderia has progressed to third in F1's Constructors' standings, 11 points ahead of Aston Martin.
‘EL PLAN: Alonso wants 'new ideas' from Aston’;
https://f1i.com/news/486138-alonso-w...talian-gp.html
Krack demands Aston Martin improvement to help Stroll
05 September 3:10PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Mike Krack wants to see Aston Martin step up and help support Lance Stroll as the Canadian continues to struggle to match Fernando Alonso's results.
Since the Canadian Grand Prix, Stroll has scored just seven points in Grands Prix with an additional five coming in the Austrian Sprint race, with Alonso hauling a total of 57 in the same period with four more coming from his fifth place in that Austrian event.
"There is not a marked gap in performance, there is a marked gap in points," Krack told media including RacingNews365. "It is important to separate between the two. As a team, we are analysing the season from both perspectives on both drivers, and as a team, we need to do a much, much better job on that side of the garage.”
‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin improvement to help Stroll’;
https://racingnews365.com/krack-dema...to-help-stroll
Is Flexible-Wing Rule Hurting Aston Martin? – Study
September 6, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
Fernando Alonso is set on pushing Aston Martin ahead of Ferrari in the world constructors’ championship. The team headquartered in Silverstone didn’t perform well at Monza, fueling new gossip that the issue might be linked to the FIA’s recent restrictions on flexible wings.
“It’s not something that affects us,” said Red Bull’s Christian Horner when questioned about the clampdown, which becomes fully active at the subsequent Singapore Grand Prix. “We’ve seen a few rubbery nose boxes, shall we say,” he added.
Nonetheless, Aston Martin foresees better pace in the streets of Singapore, with Alonso contending that the Monza circuit simply wasn’t a good match for their 2023 vehicle. “Singapore will be better than Monza, that’s for sure,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “But we already know how hard it is to win a race.”
‘EL PLAN: Fueling new gossip’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/is-flexibl...-martin-study/
Aston Martin mechanic bets against Fernando Alonso…and pays the price
07 Sep 2023 2:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Fernando Alonso’s second podium as an Aston Martin driver led to his composite technician Sam Russell having to get a new tattoo, but that’s what you get for betting against Alonso. Heading to Saudi Arabia, the team downplayed their chances with team boss Mike Krack trying to temper expectations.
It seems Russell, Alonso’s composite technician, fell for it… And paid the price. “I lost a bet in Saudi Arabia with Mark, a guy I work with, he said ‘If we get a podium, I get to design the tattoo and pay for it, but you have to get it’.”
“And I was like, ‘Okay’. I didn’t think we would get one. It turns out the car was quite fast. So I need to get a pie on number two, I need to get it updated.”
“EL PLAN: I get to design the tattoo and pay for it, but you have to get it’.”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...chanic-tattoo/
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Bottas hopes lost F1 "fun" can fuel Alfa Romeo motivation.
The Finn has endured a poor season with just six points, but is hopeful of a brighter future. Valtteri Bottas feels the battle to return to the top table of Formula 1 is enough motivation after losing the "fun" of competing at the front.
07 September 3:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
Bottas joined Alfa Romeo ahead of the 2022 season after a five-year spell with Mercedes in which he claimed 10 Grand Prix wins and 58 overall podiums as team-mate to Lewis Hamilton. Since his departure, the best the Finn has managed is fifth-place in the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as Alfa hit the ground running in the ground-effects era, although this was largely to do with the C42 machine being on the weight limit with others over.
In 2023, Bottas has just six points to his name, with a season-best of eighth in the Bahrain opener and P10 finishes in Canada and Italy as Alfa has struggled. While Bottas has lost the feeling of racing at the very front, he believes the challenge to get back up there serves as enough motivation.
"For sure, I had to change many, many goals," Bottas explained to media including RacingNews365. "It is just not fun when you are not fighting for wins anymore, and it is definitely more fun when you are performing and up there. That is how it goes and you enjoy it more, but for now, the goal is the long-term, and the motivation is to get back up there for wins and podiums some day. That is the motivation and drive now, to work with a team and why I want to drive the best I can.”
‘The battle to return to the top table of Formula 1 is enough motivation’;
https://racingnews365.com/bottas-hop...meo-motivation
Bottas credits Alfa Romeo for ‘nailing the strategy’ as he grabs final point in Italy
03 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Valtteri Bottas managed to claim the final point on offer in the Italian Grand Prix by coming home in P10 – and said it was largely down to a perfect strategy from his team.
‘Nailing the strategy’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...585881949.html
2023 Italian Grand Prix - Sunday
September 3rd, 2023
Alfa Romeo Racing - Official Site
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative: “Before the race, we said our target today was to score at least a point, and it’s very important we were able to achieve it. We executed a perfect race and we were able to hit our target.”
Valtteri Bottas (car number 77): “Points were the target today, and we achieved that: it’s nice to be back in the top ten as it had been a while, despite all our hard work, and this point is for everyone at Alfa Romeo.”
Zhou Guanyu (car number 24): “I am glad to see Valtteri bring home one point from this race, a point that helps us close the gap to Haas. Considering the results we had on Friday and Saturday, we made a massive step forward, which is encouraging for the races ahead – especially as we are meant to bring further upgrades in Singapore, where we must make a further improvement.”
‘We executed a perfect race and we were able to hit our target”;
https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsp...d-prix-sunday/
Zhou Guanyu locked in two-driver battle to keep hold of Alfa Romeo seat – report
05 Sep 2023 10:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com10:53
Speculation about Zhou Guanyu’s Formula 1 future continues with Ted Kravitz reporting he is up against Theo Pourchaire for the second Sauber race seat.
Zhou was asked about that rumour and downplayed it to the media, including PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher, saying: “Of course, I have personal sponsors and I don’t feel like I lack any foundations on that. Rumours are made up, but all the details we need to talk about with the team because it is not like it is the first contract, the second one is more [focused] on details because it is your second contract in F1.”
“Nothing to be majorly worried about because I feel like what I show on track deserves to be in this paddock.” Kravitz, though, says the 24-year-old should be worried as he is in a fight with Pourchaire to partner Valtteri Bottas next season.
‘Two-driver battle to keep hold of Alfa Romeo seat’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/zhou-g...fa-romeo-seat/
Zhou 'very close' to decision over F1 future
07 September 6:20PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Zhou Guanyu is hopeful that an agreement over fresh Formula 1 contract with Alfa Romeo is "very close" as doubt remains over his future. "Nothing is sure until you sign the contract," Zhou replied when asked by RacingNews365 if he was convinced he would be staying for 2024.
"Obviously, nothing has been decided, but we are getting very close to that point. It's definitely been heading a lot further along since the summer break. I have less personal sponsors and I know what the rumours are, but I feel like I have a lack of any foundations.”
"That is on our side, and the rumours are there but we need to talk about the details with the team because it is not the first contract I have in Formula 1. The second [contract] has been more or less the details because it is your second contract, but there is nothing major to be worried about and I feel like what I show on track deserves to continuously [on the grid.]"
"Nothing is sure until you sign the contract";
https://racingnews365.com/zhou-very-...over-f1-future
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Nico Hulkenberg’s savage assessment of ‘unworthy’ Haas’ Italian GP performance.
Nico Hulkenberg savaged Haas after the Italian Grand Prix ended with the VF-23s the only two cars lapped, Haas failing to score a point for the ninth grand prix in a row.
04 Sep 2023 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
When all was said and done after the 51 laps, Hulkenberg was 17th to Kevin Magnussen’s P18. The Haas teammates were not only the last of the classified runners but also the only drivers lapped by race winner Max Verstappen. “We’re just eating the tyre, the balance is poor, we’re sliding a lot more than other cars, can’t keep the pace up using more tyre.”
“So yeah, it was one of the toughest and worst races of the season,” Hulkenberg told media including PlanetF1.com after the race. “The characteristic and the feel of the car was much better [in Zandvoort] than this weekend. So yeah, need to review that.”
“Obviously, that’s also a big miss, not having a front flap ready for the new front wing. I think we’re the only team who didn’t have any parts, any upgrades here this weekend, and quite frankly, we’re not point worthy also for that reason.”
‘Nico Hulkenberg savaged Haas’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-h...as-italian-gp/
Magnussen brands the Italian GP ‘worst race ever’
03 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Kevin Magnussen finished P18 at Monza and said Haas have “a steep hill to climb” to rediscover their competitive edge. “[We] just no pace at all, the tyres are just falling apart, there was no balance,” he said afterwards.
‘Worst race ever’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...368818660.html
‘The start was the only positive’ – Hulkenberg on a tough day for Haas at Monza
03 Sep 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Nico Hulkenberg finished down in 17th place and said after the race it was a pretty miserable Grand Prix for the team, with his start – when he made up three places – really the only positive.
‘The only positive’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...719235370.html
Hulkenberg FUMES at own team after 'frustrating' Italian GP
Monday 4 September 2023 11:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans
Nico Hulkenberg was furious with his own team after a dismal day behind the wheel at the Italian GP. The German had forced his way into 10th on the opening lap but soon began to rapidly fall through the field and finished way outside the points.
Kevin Magnussen had an equally tough day, spending much of the race a lap down due to a pure lack of pace. Hulkenberg blamed the team for failing to bring any upgrades or specialist parts to the 'Temple of Speed'.
‘Hulkenberg FUMES at own team’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...nd-prix-fumes/
Haas will need 'magic' to turn around season - Hulkenberg
05 September 10:40AM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Nico Hulkenberg believes Haas will need "magic" to turn around their current season. When asked if they can turn things around, Hulkenberg told media, including RacingNews365: "To be honest Williams look like they're gone, them and McLaren obviously made huge progress this year. I don't see how we can turn this around, unless we come up with something really magic."
While the German does not expect the team to "pull up any trees" he is cautiously optimistic. "We're behind compared to the competition, and we were the only team to bring nothing to Monza," he told Sky Germany.
"If you do so little, you can't expect much and we were not worthy of points here, and were far from it. It is frustrating, but we have to accept it and move to a track [in Singapore] that maybe suits us a bit better.”
‘Does not expect the team to "pull up any trees"!’;
https://racingnews365.com/haas-will-...son-hulkenberg
KEVIN MAGNUSSEN MAKES DAMNING ADMISSION REGARDING 2023 FORM
The Danish driver has failed to score a single point in the last nine races and has only scored two points throughout the entire season so far
September 5, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds
The 2023 Formula One season has been particularly unfavourable for Kevin Magnussen. Following the Italian Grand Prix, where the Haas driver came home in P18, Speedcafe asked him if he was currently experiencing the most frustrating period of his career. The Danish driver responded:
“Certainly, one of the weakest, it seems. I still believe the team is in a stronger place than it has been, yet it’s just a paradox that we have probably one of the weakest cars we’ve had.”
‘Weakest cars’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ke...ing-2023-form/
Magnussen suffering ‘one of weakest periods of career’
Tuesday 5th September, 2023 - 4:30am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Magnussen suffered another miserable weekend behind the wheel of the VF-23, starting 19th on the grid before going on to finish last of the 18 classified after retirements for AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon in his Alpine.
In a bid to propel Magnussen up the order, the Dane started on the hard tyres in the hope of running long, only to pit on lap 13. Adjustments were also made to the front-wing flap angle due to his difficulties in the first stint. At that stage, the writing was on the wall, with a second stop compounding his misery.
Asked by Speedcafe whether it was one of the more frustrating periods of his career, he replied: “Certainly one of the weakest, it seems.”
‘Magnussen suffered another miserable weekend’;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/09/05...int-f1-career/
Haas 'cannot cry' over 2023 paradox - Magnussen
04 September 8:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Kevin Magnussen believes Haas "cannot cry" at its current lack of performance in Formula 1 as he identified a "paradox" within the team. Dane Magnussen, now in his sixth season with Haas, believes the car to be the worst he's had, but is optimistic of a reversal in fortunes soon.
"The work is being done in the background, and we just have to be patient on that until we can bring the parts to the car," Magnussen told media including RacingNews365. "At the end of the day, we've got a job to do and we need to crack on until we get those parts and we can't cry about what we've got at the moment.”
"We've got to work with what we have, and try to get something out of it no matter how difficult it looks. I still believe that the team is in a stronger place than it has ever been, it is just a paradox that we've probably got one of the weakest cars we've had with the strong foundations that I see in the team.”
'Cannot cry';
https://racingnews365.com/haas-canno...adox-magnussen
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Monza experience ‘super painful’ for Alpine – Gasly.
Pierre Gasly has stated that the Italian Grand Prix was “super painful” for Alpine as it failed to challenge for points on a poor weekend.
04 September 11:00AM
Author Fergal Walsh
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
"It’s been super painful," the Frenchman told media including RacingNews365. "We have such a lack of competitiveness compared to our rivals and we knew straight away from the start of the season, we knew that it would be a painful [race].”
"It was clearly very difficult out there and we saw it [during qualfiying]. We knew there would not be any magic overnight, but it's just pretty painful from inside the cockpit."
‘Super Painful’;
https://racingnews365.com/gasly-monz...ful-for-alpine
Gasly and Ocon reflect on 'very painful afternoon' at Italian Grand Prix as Alpine leave Monza point-less
06 September 2023
Formula One - Official Site
It was a weekend to forget for Alpine at Monza, with Pierre Gasly left to reflect on a “very painful” Italian Grand Prix, while Esteban Ocon called on the team to review their struggles after he was forced to retire for “safety reasons”.
Asked whether Alpine’s performance in Monza “was just a blip”, Ocon responded: “I don’t think it’s as simple as that, in Spa you are very low downforce as well and it’s a quick circuit also and we were very competitive there.”
“So, I think it’s more than just the fast circuits... so we need to reset and keep digging. I’m sure we will find answers and come back stronger. Full trust to the team and I’m sure we are going to get there.”
'Very painful afternoon';
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Hi9USDevz.html
CHAOS AT THE ITALIAN GP FOR ALPINE: OCON’S SAFETY RETIREMENT
Alpine face reliability issues, while Gasly Laments 'Painful' Weekend at Monza
September 6, 2023
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds
Esteban Ocon has spoken out about the safety concerns that led to his retirement from the Italian Grand Prix. The Frenchman was in 15th place when Alpine decided to retire from the race with 12 laps to go. This was Ocon’s fifth retirement of the year as Alpine struggles with ongoing reliability issues at the races.
Ocon explained why he ended his race early, citing safety as the main reason. He mentioned problems with the steering, which caused it to lock up in the corners, and stressed the importance of preventing a complete steering failure to ensure safety.
The decision came on top of an already tricky weekend for Alpine. According to racingnews365.com, he explained why he had to retire: “For safety reasons. We had the steering locking into corners and we didn’t want the steering to lock completely. So, it was just safer to retire the car and not have more issues. That ended our weekend which has been a tough one.”
‘CHAOS’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ch...ty-retirement/
Ocon explains safety issues that caused Monza retirement
05 September 8:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
The Frenchman was running in 15th when he pulled into the pits to retire with 12 laps until the end of the race. It is the fifth retirement for Ocon so far this year, as Alpine has struggled to get on top of its reliability issues in races, with Monza always expected to be a struggle for the team owing to its lack of engine power.
When asked why the team decided to end his race early, Ocon told media including RacingNews365: "For safety reasons. We had the steering locking into corners and we didn't want the steering to lock completely.”
"So, it was just safer to retire the car and not have more issues. That ended our weekend which has been a tough one."
‘Safety issues’;
https://racingnews365.com/ocon-expla...nza-retirement
Gasly: Alpine needs to understand "super painful" Monza F1 weekend
16:00 Wed, 06 Sep 2023.
By: Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com
While Gasly explained that Alpine had expected to struggle in Monza, that didn't make its weekend any less of a blow. "The most important thing is really to understand and quantify where that drop of performance is coming from and come back next year with a stronger package," he explained.
"Because I'm going past Carlos [Sainz] last week on track, same tyres, on pure pace, and this weekend he's standing on the podium, and I'm almost a lap down. We knew it's a very power-sensitive track, but still, it seems like it's not only [that], it's the whole package, which has got to be better for this track."
"I think we will have another update coming quite soon. There is a clear trend in terms of the type of tracks where we are more and less competitive. And I think that's something we need to work on for next year, to just have a package, more rounded package which works everywhere."
"Super Painful";
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/g...kend/10516678/
Gasly identifies positives following Alpine management upheaval
06 September 11:25AM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Pierre Gasly has seen a positive reaction at Alpine to the mass exodus of senior leadership just prior to the summer break. "With the changes, it can always go either way, people can receive it positively or negatively," Gasly told media including RacingNews365.
"It is out of my control, and coming back from the summer break, I really tried to assess the mood inside the team and try to understand from the mechanics' and the engineers' points of view as to how the change was received.”
"To be fair, it's been positive and there have been promotions within the team, such as Rob Cherry from Chief Mechanic to Team Manager. There have been a couple of promotions and people have seen it as a good opportunity. I don't want to make any conclusions as it needs time, but I must say that the mood [within the team] is definitely up."
‘Gasly identifies positives’;
https://racingnews365.com/gasly-iden...ement-upheaval
Alpine boss opens up on sackings: ‘They promised me things that were not kept’
08 Sep 2023 7:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
The Renault CEO said he was promised things that were not kept after a wave of firings within the Alpine F1 team. Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane both lost their jobs before the summer break while former Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi was moved away from the F1 operation to a vague ‘special projects’ role.
Renault boss Luca de Meo has been speaking about why he felt a change was needed. “They promised me things that were not kept,” he told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. “When you tell your boss something, then you have to do it: it’s in the dynamics of a company.”
“It seemed like a brutal action, and it was, but we are behind what we set ourselves as goals. Not that I forced them to set targets, but they set them themselves: they communicated them and this didn’t work because we didn’t have the right trajectory.”
‘Brutal action’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine...mise-not-kept/
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Helmut Marko’s latest praise for Liam Lawson mounts pressure on Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo.
Helmut Marko has revealed Liam Lawson could be in contention for a full-time F1 seat if his great form continues, mounting the pressure on Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo.
6 Sep 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Lawson has impressed during his first two F1 outings, finishing a solid 11th at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend. The 21-year-old is expected to remain at AlphaTauri for the next two races as Ricciardo continues to recover from wrist surgery.
Speaking on ServusTV, Marko has been impressed with how Lawson has been performing in F1 2023, declaring “the speed is there”. “Liam has been with us for a while. He is a tough but very smart man in a fight, a bit like Bruce McLaren. This is certainly someone for the future. The speed was there [last weekend in Italy], and that is a good sign.”
“The speed is there”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103518...noda-ricciardo
Marko: ‘Things can move quickly’ with Lawson 2024 F1 chances
08:20 Sat, 09 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has said “things can move quickly” regarding Liam Lawson’s chances of securing a 2024 Formula 1 seat with AlphaTauri.
“He is now second in the Super Formula in Japan – a very tough class,” Marko discussed. “Those cars are faster than in Formula 2, but because it is in Japan, there is not much attention to it here. Maybe he can still win there.”
“Whether he will be in a car (full-time) or be a reserve driver? As we have already seen, things can move quickly, and we only have four seats. He has shown that he is good enough for Formula 1, and now he has to confirm that in the coming races.”
‘Things can move quickly’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...24-f1-chances/
Lawson disappointed to miss F1 points in Monza
Monday 4th September, 2023 - 11:33am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Liam Lawson was left disappointed after missing out on a points-paying result for Scuderia AlphaTauri in the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The New Zealander, in just his second Formula 1 appearance and his first full weekend at the wheel, finished 11th after 51 laps of racing.
“More and more comfortable, but just a little bit disappointed with the race,” Lawson said of his second Formula 1 race. “We maybe had the pace for points, I’m not sure, we have to look into it. I had a bad start, and that’s where we really lost the chance. A bit disappointed to be so close.”
“I had a bad start”;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/09/04...-points-monza/
Lawson describes 'lost chance' in Italian GP.
04 September 9:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Lawson felt there was one area that prevented a points finish when discussing the race with media, including RacingNews365: "We maybe had the pace for points, I'm not sure we'll have to look into it. But I had a bad start that's where we think really lost the chance. I am a bit disappointed to be so close [to points]."
The AlphaTauri driver is still getting used to the longer F1 race distances, having mostly ran shortened races in Super Formula throughout the 2023 season. "These races are longer than I'm used to, so I’m definitely adjusting [to it]," said Lawson. "It's been something I've been working on for a while. For Singapore I have no idea what's going to happen right now [and if Ricciardo will come back], so I'll prepare like normal."
'Lost chance';
https://racingnews365.com/lawson-des...-in-italian-gp
Sky F1 pundit identifies ‘problem’ for Liam Lawson after eye-catching Monza display
04 Sep 2023 4:30 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Sky F1 pundit Anthony Davidson fears Yuki Tsunoda’s Italian Grand Prix DNS will make it tough for Red Bull and AlphaTauri to form a proper evaluation of Liam Lawson’s performance at Monza.
He said: “Some good overtakes there as he worked his way back through the field, so he didn’t lose his nerve when he got a bad start. The only problem to him, of course, is that he didn’t have his team-mate as a reference throughout the whole race.”
“As soon as we saw Tsunoda go out, I’m sure that was a negative effect, I feel, for Liam Lawson because I can’t look at the job he did today and have a barometer. So maybe the car was better than what he showed, we’ll never know.”
‘Barometer’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sky-f1...-lawson-monza/
Lawson 'disappointed' to miss out on points in Italian GP
05/09/2023 at 10:24
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
F1 rookie Liam Lawson cast a disappointed figure after the Italian Grand Prix, the AlphaTauri charger left to ponder what may have been after just missing out on a top-ten finish at Monza. "More and more comfortable, but just a little bit disappointed with the race," Lawson said as he described his afternoon at the Temple of Speed.
At Monza, the Red Bull protégé enjoyed a trouble-free three days of running, in the dry, that proved invaluable for his experience and progress. "Much, much more prepared, to be honest, but unfortunately not enough to fight for points," he said. "It definitely helps with all the work we did leading up, and I feel much more comfortable with the car."
'Disappointed to miss out on points’;
https://f1i.com/news/486143-lawson-d...talian-gp.html
Tsunoda says ‘lots of positives’ to take from Monza despite failing to start race
05 September 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Yuki Tsunoda’s Italian Grand Prix failed to get going when on the formation lap he pulled over to the side of the track as smoke came from his AlphaTauri. However, the Japanese driver was still able to see the positive side of things as he looked forward to Singapore.
Speaking to the media after the incident, Tsunoda talked through what had happened, explaining: “First of all, I heard something with the sounds from the gearbox, or an engine sound. And after that I didn’t feel any torque or something like that from my engine or the gearbox.”
‘Lots of positives’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...yoAOGMJcV.html
Tsunoda enjoying Lawson relationship at AlphaTauri
Wednesday 6th September, 2023 - 2:46am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Yuki Tsunoda has hailed the “good environment” inside AlphaTauri given his prior friendship with new team-mate Liam Lawson.
“He’s learning a lot,” said Tsunoda, when asked by Speedcafe as to how his partnership with Lawson was developing. “I don’t have to say anything to him. Obviously, if he asks something then I’ll always answer. But we’ve a good relationship. We were already friends from the past, so there’s been no awkwardness or anything like that.”
“We’ve been able to speak to one another quite naturally, as a friend, which has made for a good environment in the team. The team is supporting Liam a lot to build up his faith and confidence, but he’s doing quite a good job, so we’re happy.”
“Good environment”;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/09/06...-relationship/
Tsunoda ‘less worried than last year’ about AlphaTauri F1 future
15:47 Tue, 05 Sep 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
When asked about his thoughts on next year with his place on the grid not yet confirmed, Tsunoda said ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix last month: “I’m probably less worried than last year. Because like I said, I think as a driver position I am in the team a lot different compared last year.
“And so far I heard from Red Bull they’re happy with it, so… Still, I know what I can improve like what I can… I know I can have a big step [to be a] more better driver. So I’m not really worried about that, and I’m not really stressing with that. More focusing to what they want me to improve, and I know what they want me to improve.
‘Focusing to what they want me to improve’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...uri-f1-future/
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Marko’s comments about Perez have to stop.
This cannot keep happening to Sergio Perez. He deserves better than to have to grin and bear derogatory remarks from a senior figure in Red Bull’s Formula 1 organisation. The way Helmut Marko talks about him needs to stop.
14:51 Fri, 08 Sep 2023.
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Marko’s questioning of Perez’s supposed ‘Mexican mentality’ is just the latest of many comments about where Perez comes from, used in a critical context. A non-exhaustive list includes suggesting Perez need not be scared about the nearby missile strike in Saudi Arabia last year because Mexico City (the city Perez isn’t even from) is also dangerous, joking that Perez may have been drinking tequila the night before the French Grand Prix because he was ‘asleep’ at a safety car restart, indicating that Perez has ups and downs because he is “South American” and making that same point (and geographical error) again with comments this week to apparently explain why Perez’s head is not as focused as that of Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel.
It’s one thing to scrutinise or even criticise Perez as an F1 driver for his performance. It’s quite another to lazily assert that perceived deficiencies exist because he is Mexican. It would seem odd if Marko set out to offend Perez or anyone else. But that doesn’t really matter, not least because ignorance is not an excuse for someone so prominent who has done this so often.
In the apology eventually shared on Marko’s behalf he stresses he does not advocate generalising about the people from any country, any race, or any ethnicity. But his various previous marks made it clear Marko believes the ‘Mexican mentality’ is not only a real thing but absolutely a factor to consider in explaining problems within Perez’s performances. Perez has talked about this before. Primarily, he experienced it before he got to F1. But it is a concern that has persisted. And if anyone believed it was fictionalised, Marko’s comments are a clear counterargument to that.
‘Marko’s comments about Perez have to stop’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/marko...-have-to-stop/
Marko’s Insensitive Slur on Perez’s Heritage Creates Uproar
September 8, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
The Red Bull advisor has been known to publicly criticise the Mexican driver on numerous occasions following Perez’s subpar performance in the first stint of the ongoing campaign. However, Christian Horner has been working to reassure Perez of his place in the team for the upcoming season.
Neither Red Bull nor Sergio Perez have issued a statement regarding the situation. However, Marko’s comments have sparked a significant backlash from fans. Helmut Marko had previously implied that Perez’s South American heritage might be a factor behind his inconsistent performance.
“As a South American, he generally has a lot of ups and downs,” Marko told Sky Germany in 2022. Max is not afraid, and Perez is very scared, although it isn’t different from how he lives in Mexico City.”
‘Christian Horner has been working to reassure Perez of his place in the team for the upcoming season’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/markos-ins...reates-uproar/
Mexico City GP throw support behind Sergio Perez after Helmut Marko comments
09 Sep 2023 1:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
The Mexico City Grand Prix organisers have defended Sergio Perez after Helmut Marko made another xenophobic slur against him. The Mexico City Grand Prix organisers have become the latest to support Perez.
“At the Mexico GP we express our support to the Mexican driver, Sergio “Checo” Perez,” the organisers said on social media. “Inappropriate comments have no place in any environment, including sport.”
“It is important that action is taken to prevent it and that apologies are made where necessary. We invite everyone to build a more respectful and united Formula 1 community, encouraging healthy competition both on and off the track.”
‘Mexico City GP throw support behind Sergio Perez’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mexico...arko-comments/
Marko apologises for 'offensive' comment on Perez.
Helmut Marko has apologized for publicly suggesting that Sergio Perez's fluctuating form in F1 this season is rooted in the Mexican's ethnicity, after the Austrian was hit with a wave of criticism.
08/09/2023 at 18:08
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Marko found himself in hot water across the internet last Monday after his initial remarks, but the former F1 driver's awkward "clarification" properly submerged him on social media on Friday. The magnitude of the backlash was such that late in the day, the Red Bull motorsport boss felt compelled to issue a formal apology.
"Concerning my remark about Sergio Perez, ServusTV Sport and Talk, Monday September 4: I would like to apologise for my offensive remark and want to make it absolutely clear that I do not believe that we can generalise about the people from any country, any race, any ethnicity," Marko stated.
‘Apologized’;
https://f1i.com/news/486327-marko-ap...-on-perez.html
Helmut Marko issues public apology to Sergio Perez – F1 news round-up
08 Sep 2023 11:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko made reference to Sergio Perez and his nationality (both in a derogatory and incorrect fashion) when discussing his performances alongside Max Verstappen.
In praising his performance on Red Bull-owned ServusTV, Marko raised eyebrows for this line in particular: “Let’s remember that he is South American and so his head is not as focused as Max Verstappen or as Sebastian Vettel was, but racing is his forte and he had a very good race.”
‘Public apology to Sergio Perez’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-new...marko-apology/
Red Bull luminary apologises over Sergio Perez comments
Sat, 9 September 2023 2:06AM
Staff Writers Reuters
The West Australian
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko, one of the leading figures in the dominant Formula One team, has apologised for blaming Mexican driver Sergio Perez's fluctuating form on his ethnicity. It was not the first time Marko has referred to Perez as a South American, although the Mexican comes from Guadalajara which is geographically in North America.
South America has also produced more Formula One world champions than any country other than Britain and some of the sport's greatest drivers. An attempt by Marko to clarify his comments only dug a deeper hole.
The www.oe24.at website on Friday reported Marko as saying: "It wasn't meant that way. I meant that a Mexican has a different mentality than a German or a Dutchman. But who knows, maybe it's controlled." The initial comments made headlines in Mexico and across the internet.
‘South America has also produced more Formula One world champions than any country other than Britain and some of the sport's greatest drivers’ (Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Juan Manuel Fangio);
https://thewest.com.au/sport/motorsp...nts-c-11847306
Marko releases statement following controversial Perez comments
Friday 8 September 2023 18:27 - Updated: 18:57
Sam Cook
GPFans
Red Bull's advisor Helmut Marko has apologised over comments he made about Sergio Perez, stating his mental focus isn't as consistent as Max Verstappen's because 'he's South American.' Perez has come in for lots of criticism from Marko for his below-par performances this season, but none quite so controversial as this.
Perez is currently second in the drivers' world championship, 145 points behind his team-mate Verstappen. Together, they have won every race this season in the dominant RB19 car but, whilst Verstappen has won 12 races, Perez has only managed two victories.
"I would like to apologise for my offensive remark and want to make it absolutely clear that I do not believe that we can generalise about the people from any country, any race, any ethnicity," he said. "I was trying to make a point that Checo has fluctuated in his performance this year, but it was wrong to attribute this to his cultural heritage."
"I would like to apologise”;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...rican-apology/
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Ferrari squeezed engines at Monza.
Dr Helmut Marko has backed Fernando Alonso's suspicion that Ferrari's sudden surge in performance at Monza last weekend might be short-lived.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
GrandPrix.com.
It is the Ferrari circuit, Spaniard Alonso, who raced for the Maranello based team for five years until 2014, said after Ferrari's impressive outing at the Italian GP.
For years they have put in a new engine or done special things like that for that race, but the world championship is 22 races, the Aston Martin driver added.
Red Bull team advisor Marko echoes Alonso's sentiments. We knew that Ferrari would put everything possible into Monza, he told Servus TV. "They went to the maximum and squeezed out the last horsepower.”
‘Ferrari squeezed engines’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/ferra...-at-monza.html
Vasseur says he ‘really appreciated’ Sainz and Leclerc’s intra-team tussle in closing stages of Italian GP
07 September 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Fred Vasseur has reflected on the late battle between his drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at the Italian Grand Prix, the “completely unique” experience of being the Ferrari Team Principal at Monza, and the team’s progress in the championship.
Speaking after the action, Vasseur opened up on his decision to let the two drivers continue to fight, before explaining why he felt it was the right call to make for the team despite the risk of them potentially colliding with each other.
“On this, I tend to have the last call, and I told them to race but no risk,” said Vasseur. “But I was much more comfortable with this situation than to freeze… For sure it was a bit of a strange feeling, but I’m a fan of ‘let them race’.
‘Really appreciated’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...aOelgsLZh.html
Jacques Villeneuve’s ‘chaos’ theory which is exposing Charles Leclerc
07 Sep 2023 5:15 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Jacques Villeneuve believes Carlos Sainz is currently the stronger driver at Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc letting frustration get the better of him. Speaking to PlanetF1.com in an exclusive interview at Monza, 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve said he doesn’t believe Ferrari will be the team to topple Red Bull from their perch at the top of F1.
Asked why he feels the Scuderia aren’t his pick, Villeneuve said there is a clear lack of direction currently within the Italian squad. “It’s chaos,” he said. “The car is difficult to drive and, right now, Charles Leclerc is not driving with confidence, and he’s making too many mistakes.”
“That’s not helping the team moving forward. But Carlos Sainz is the better driver right now at Ferrari. So there isn’t the driving force coming from the drivers the same way that Max [Verstappen] is doing, that [Fernando] Alonso is doing that, that Lewis [Hamilton] is doing. Drivers need to push the team and, right now, the Ferrari drivers aren’t really doing it.”
‘Jacques Villeneuve’s ‘chaos’ theory’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/jacque...aotic-ferrari/
Former F1 champ claims Leclerc under MORE pressure than Ferrari team-mate
Friday 8 September 2023 06:57
Sam Cook
GPFans
F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi has said that Charles Leclerc's seat at Ferrari is less secure than Carlos Sainz Jr's. "In my opinion, Leclerc is under more pressure than Sainz," two-time world champion Fittipaldi told Tuttosport.
"The Monegasque wants to achieve results that are not arriving, while the Spaniard seems to be more consistent in the race.” While both drivers' short-term future at Ferrari is certain, the team may look at other options if they produce a better car next season that isn't being converted into consistent podium-finishes.
Fittipaldi admits it is tough for Ferrari drivers, with the pressure being more than at any other team. "A certain pressure can be created in the team and on a mental level it can make things more complicated for Leclerc. He must act with more calm, so he will make fewer mistakes."
‘Leclerc under MORE pressure’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...more-pressure/
Ferrari promise 2024 challenger will be 'very different'
10 September 12:10PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
Ferrari's Head of Aero Development Enrico Cardile has claimed that the team's 2024 challenger will be "very different" compared to their current car. Cardile said the team will produce an entirely new concept, which RacingNews365 Technical Analyst Paolo Filisetti explored in a recent piece.
Next years car will not be an evolution: "It [2024 car] will be very different, because developing this year’s car we realised that some architectural choices we made were not right," Cardile explained to media including RacingNews365. It was constraining the development too much.”
"Next year’s car will not be an evolution of this year’s car like this year’s car has been compared to last year’s car. It will be a brand new car – different chassis with different design, different rear end to allow our aero [department] to better develop the car to achieve their targets."
‘It will be a brand new car’;
https://racingnews365.com/ferraris-2...very-different
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Max Verstappen winds up Toto Wolff with 'six-time world champion' jibe at Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen has fired subtle digs at both Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton by claiming the Brit has only won the world title six times.
12:32, 11 Sep 2023
By Daniel Orme Football Writer
The Mirror
Reigning World champion Max Verstappen has fired a dig at both Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton after comments the former made following his record-breaking victory at the Italian Grand Prix. Speaking shortly after his victory on home soil, he admitted that he wasn’t totally sure how many pieces of silverware his fierce rival had won.
"With Lewis, I don't know for sure but I mean for someone who has won six world championships, you must know,” Verstappen said, to which the reporter corrected him by stating that Hamilton actually has seven titles to his name. The 25-year-old then had a cheeky retort of: "Are you sure it's seven, not six?" That appeared to be an attempt to point to Felipe Massa’s attempts to be recognised as the 2008 world champion having agonisingly lost out to Hamilton.
The exchange between the journalist and Verstappen continued with the latter telling the current F1 leader to "look it up" as it is "in the history books". Verstappen then fired his dig towards Wolff with his final comment. "I mean, I'm not very sure, you know,” he added. "I don't read Wikipedia."
‘Subtle digs’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-jibe-30911453
Toto Wolff would throw a title away in the name of integrity
10 Sep 2023 9:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Toto Wolff insists when Mercedes eventually reel in Red Bull it will be done the right way as he’d rather lose a championship than “break the rules in an intentional way”. Unlike Lewis Hamilton who’d like the FIA to intervene for the “better” of the sport, Wolff believes it’s for the teams to reel in Red Bull.
“As a team principal, I don’t want to jump on the bandwagon that others have done in the past of saying we need to change the regulations because we can’t continue with the dominance of a team,” he told the media including PlanetF1.com. “If a team dominates in the way Max has done with Red Bull then fair dues, this is a meritocracy.”
“As long as you comply with the regulations; technical, sporting, and financial, you just need to say well done and it’s up to us to catch up. If that takes a long time then it takes a long time. I remember people crying foul when it was us. Entertainment follows sport and not the other way around. We can’t be WWE, with scripted content. We don’t want to be scripted content.”
‘Throw a title away in the name of integrity’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...-of-integrity/
Toto Wolff warns that F1 must not become “scripted content” like WWE wrestling
10 Sep 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Toto Wolff does not want new regulations to slow down Red Bull - because F1 must not become “scripted content” like WWE wrestling. Red Bull are currently riding high in one of F1’s best-ever seasons - they have won all 15 grands prix in 2023, and Max Verstappen is cruising to a third consecutive championship.
But Mercedes team principal Wolff does not advocate for new rules which would slow down dominant teams, and enable others to catch up. "As a team principal, I don't want to jump on the bandwagon that others have done of saying 'we need to change the regulations because we can't continue with the dominance of a team'," Wolff said.
‘WWE wrestling’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/103548...-wwe-wrestling
‘Mercedes don’t seem to have a clue how to do what Red Bull are doing’
11 Sep 2023 4:30 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
F1 commentator Peter Windsor feels there is no sign yet that Mercedes have “any clue” how to close the gap to F1 2023’s unbeaten Red Bull team. Appearing via a recent YouTube stream, he said: “You’ve got to say, if you’re the factory Mercedes team, the customer teams are uncomfortably close, aren’t they?”
“And when Mercedes have to say post-race [at Monza], ‘Wow, we were the third-quickest car after Red Bull and Ferrari’, it wasn’t that brilliant. I mean, who did they beat? Their customers, basically – that’s not much to write home about.”
“The fact that they are writing home about that just shows you the trouble that Mercedes are in and they don’t seem – on the face of it, what we’re seeing at the moment in the raw evidence – to have any clue yet how to do what Red Bull are doing.
“Not much to write home about”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...clue-red-bull/
Toto Wolff slams Lewis Hamilton's F1 rivals in rant over Italian Grand Prix penalty
Lewis Hamilton was penalised for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri which damaged the front wing of the McLaren and ruined the Aussie driver's race at Monza
10:39, 4 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Lewis Hamilton was remorseful, though, as he made a point of going straight over to Piastri in parc ferme after the race to apologise. Mercedes chief Wolff expressed his pride with the way Hamilton had conducted himself. But, as he heaped praise upon his driver, he took a swipe at others on the F1 grid – without mentioning any names – claiming that few of them would have had the moral fortitude to do the same.
"That was Lewis' mistake," the Austrian said of the incident. "I think a five-second penalty for that is it what the menu says. These things happen, it's hard racing. You've got to overtake here and seen a few of these. So it's justifiable."
And regarding Hamilton's actions after, he added: "He's very sportsmanlike with these things. He is the only one that I see out there admitting, saying, he got this wrong. We just had a chat, he didn't see him on the right and it goes on [him]. I think that kind of sportsmanship is what you need to admire with him. Pretty much everyone [else] is always complaining and moaning, just to try to not get a penalty."
‘Toto Wolff slams Lewis Hamilton's F1 rivals’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...astri-30857076
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First Lewis Hamilton, now calls for Michael Schumacher to be stripped of maiden F1 title.
After Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 title triumph was the subject of a legal dispute by Felipe Massa, a respected F1 reporter has called for Michael Schumacher to be stripped of the first of his seven World Championships too.
Mon, 11 September 2023 at 9:30 pm BST
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Comments by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone earlier this year prompted former Ferrari driver Massa to launch a legal challenge against the result of the 2008 World Championship, with the Brazilian’s unhappiness surrounding that year’s highly controversial Singapore Grand Prix.
In a recent interview with Swiss-German publication Blick about his long career covering Formula 1, legendary journalist Roger Benoit admitted he only regards Schumacher as a six-time World Champion – claiming the 1994 should not be attributed to him. Asked if he considers Schumacher to be the greatest racing driver of all time, Benoit said: “As a six-time World Champion, he certainly belongs in the top five.”
Pressed on why he referred to Schumacher as only a six-time title winner, he replied: “Of course, I know that he was World Champion seven times. But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him, because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill.”
‘Roger Benoit admitted he only regards Schumacher as a six-time World Champion – claiming the 1994 should not be attributed to him’;
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/fir...203000479.html
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...pped-f1-title/
Felipe Massa "expecting" help from F1 ally in legal fight for Lewis Hamilton's 2008 title
Massa is trying to legally overturn the result of the 2008 F1 championship in his favour, having agonisingly lost out to Hamilton in the dying moments of the season finale
16:12, 6 Sep 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Earlier this year, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said in an interview that he and then-FIA chief Max Mosley knew about Crashgate in 2008, but did not act. His words alerted Massa, who quickly sought legal advice, believing that bosses' inaction over the matter denied him the championship.
A legal letter was sent to both F1 and the FIA by Massa's lawyers, who are reportedly seeking substantial damages for their client. And, judging by the Brazilian's latest comments to Italian broadcaster TG1, he also hopes to take that title from Hamilton.
"I have one certainty – that title is mine and it is Ferrari's 16th drivers' title," he said. "I have hired a team of very strong lawyers. We will fight to the end to obtain justice in this sport. I don't understand why a case of manipulation cannot be verified in the way right, even if a year, two years or 15 years later."
"I have one certainty – that title is mine and it is Ferrari's 16th drivers' title";
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...title-30878640
Brazilian lawyers give F1 and FIA new deadline in Massa 2008 case
11 September 3:25PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365
The legal team that is advising Felipe Massa in the attempt to overturn the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship result has extended the deadline for the FIA and FOM to respond to a Letter Before Claim until mid-October. The initial deadline set in September was extended to October according to Bernardo Viana, a partner at law firm Vieira Rezende Advogados.
"The ball is on their court, we've been waiting for their response," Viana told Reuters. "They asked for more time, until mid-October, and in good faith we have agreed to that." Massa started his legal action earlier this year, following an interview that surfaced with Bernie Ecclestone.
The Brazilian's lawyers now expect to see Lewis Hamilton, who went on to win the 2008 World Championship, to support their claims. "He is an important ambassador for the sport and has always defended sporting integrity. He is an honorary Brazilian citizen and very well liked by Brazilians, so I hope he will support us," Viana said. "We have absolutely nothing against Hamilton."
"The ball is on their court, we've been waiting for their response";
https://racingnews365.com/brazilian-...assa-2008-case
Felipe Massa has one aim in legal battle for Lewis Hamilton's F1 title as lawyer opens up
Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has launched a legal claim to try and overturn the result of the 2008 Formula One Championship, won by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton
16:10, 11 Sep 2023
By Felix Keith Sports Reporter
It is an admission that Massa and his team believe means the race should have been cancelled. Massa’s lawyer, Bernardo Viana, has given the sport's governing body, the FIA, until mid-October to respond to a Letter Before Claim sent to them in August.
"The objective is to bring the trophy home. It's not financial,” Viana told Motorsport.com. "To get there, several measures will be taken with different aims, some to obtain information and others to obtain statements. We want everything that happened in 2008/09 to come to light.”
He added: “We understand that there is even more information that has not been made public." Massa has assembled a legal team which also includes Nick De Marco, the sports law barrister who represented Newcastle in their legal battle with the Premier League over the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund takeover.
‘Felipe Massa has one aim in legal battle’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-2008-30914501
Former F1 driver Felipe Massa ready to go to court as he claims he was 'robbed' of 2008 title
Published: 00:00, 1 September 2023
By Associated Press
Mail Online
SAO PAULO (AP) - Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa says he is ready to take Formula One's governing body to court to press his claims that he was "robbed" of the 2008 title, which he lost by one point to Lewis Hamilton. The Brazilian added he is "100% ready" to take the case to court if he hears nothing back before then.
"I trust and I really believe that for justice that we will show what happened was not correct," the 42-year-old Massa told the AP at his apartment in Sao Paulo. "I am the champion, and I feel that. I feel that I have the title. The 16th champion of Formula One for Ferrari. We proved that season that we deserved it."
Massa's claim centers around an infamous crash by Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. in Singapore in 2008, which led to a drawn-out scandal the following year after claims that he had crashed deliberately in order to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race.
‘Robbed of 2008 title’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap...008-title.html
Felipe Massa Won’t Attend Italian GP as F1 Ambassador Because It’d Be Awkward
Due to Massa’s legal action against F1 for his 2008 championship loss, F1 asked Massa not to attend the Italian GP at all.
PUBLISHED Sep 2, 2023 3:30 PM EDT
byChris Rosales
The Drive
You ever had a really big argument with your parents, but you still have to show up to a family dinner right afterward? Well, that’s Felipe Massa right now. Except he was asked not to show up at all to the 2023 Formula 1 Italian GP because of his pending legal action against F1 for his 2008 championship loss.
According to Autosport, a spokesperson for Massa said that “high-ranking” F1 officials called Massa on Monday and asked him not to attend the race. This comes after initial reports that Massa was asked not to attend as an F1 ambassador and could attend as a private individual. It seems that both parties came to an agreement after Massa purchased flight tickets to get to Monza.
‘It’d Be Awkward’;
https://www.thedrive.com/news/felipe...se-its-awkward
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Peter Windsor: Red Bull’s Rivals Should Feel ‘SHAME’ for Their Struggles.
Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has expressed strong criticism of Red Bull’s competitors, suggesting that they should feel a sense of disappointment in their ongoing struggle to keep pace with the dominant championship leaders.
September 10, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has expressed strong criticism of Red Bull’s competitors, suggesting that they should feel a sense of disappointment in their ongoing struggle to keep pace with the dominant championship leaders.
“We’re now [in] 2023, they’ve had three years of working with this thing and they still can’t get the cars to work properly.”
“If it wasn’t for Red Bull you’d have to be saying: ‘There’s something wrong here. All these incredible Formula 1 teams with their sophisticated technology cannot get this thing to work on a consistent basis’.”
‘Red Bull’s Rivals Should Feel ‘SHAME’ ’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/peter-wind...eir-struggles/
Verstappen and Perez offer Singapore hope to F1 rivals
Monday 11th September, 2023 - 6:33pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have offered a crumb of comfort to their F1 rivals by suggesting that next weekend’s race in Singapore could be one where Red Bull finally struggles.
Offering his thoughts on how he feels he and Red Bull will fare in Singapore, Verstappen said: “A little bit more difficult, I think, for us, but we’ll see. We’ll do our best and, of course, we’ll try to go in there and win it again. But it’s not, let’s say, going to be the strongest weekend for us.”
Perez concurred with Verstappen, adding: “I think so. I agree with Max. It’s going to be a weekend where basically anything can happen, and hopefully we are able to have a very strong Saturday because if you don’t start on the front row, it’s very unlikely you will have a shot at the victory. Hopefully, we can repeat what we did there last year.”
“A little bit more difficult, I think, for us, but we’ll see”;
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/09/11...-singapore-gp/
Horner makes Red Bull claim to achieve historic F1 record
11 September 7:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Christian Horner believes Red Bull must "stay at the top of their game" if they want to achieve a historic 100% win record for their season. When asked what it will take to stop them from winning every race, Horner told media including RacingNews365: "There are so many elements whether its reliability, luck, strategy, a pitstop, pace, weather..."
"You've got to stay on top of your game. For me that's the most remarkable achievement this year so far; that we haven't dropped the ball. We've managed to keep operating at an incredibly high level and that's something which has not been seen before."
"Stay at the top of their game";
https://racingnews365.com/horner-mak...oric-f1-record
Legendary McLaren F1 car designer hails Adrian Newey as ‘the greatest ever’
11 Sep 2023 5:15 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Steve Nichols, the man behind the legendary McLaren MP4/4 car of 1998, has hailed Red Bull’s Adrian Newey as “the greatest ever” designer in F1 history. He told the Top Gear website: “I suppose I would have preferred to win [in Italy in 1988] but from a sporting point of view it’s quite nice that we missed the one race.”
“It gives somebody a good shot at having a perfect season. The way things are going this year, it looks like that may come to pass. Inevitably, it would be a great achievement. It’s a large credit to their designer Adrian Newey. He’s been a hero of mine and in my opinion he’s the greatest ever. He’s incredible, isn’t he? Such a long-lived career and so many successes. It’s really quite remarkable.”
“What we created that year in ‘88 was the most successful Formula 1 car that there’s ever been. I think it’s important to say ‘the most successful’ because it’s not necessarily the greatest Formula 1 car ever. You can’t compare the [1992 Williams] FW14B with the MP4/4, like we can’t compare the MP4/4 with the Lotus 25.
‘The greatest ever’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...-adrian-newey/
Gerhard Berger places Max Verstappen’s talent above that of both Schumacher and Hamilton.
September 10, 2023
BaylaSportsF1
Amidst a season where Max Verstappen is challenging the records of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, Gerhard Berger openly rates the Red Bull driver higher than the two seven-time World Champions.
With five more years remaining on his Red Bull contract and no significant regulation changes until 2026, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Verstappen chasing after Hamilton and Schumacher’s seven World titles or Hamilton’s 103 race wins. This remarkable performance has led Berger to declare that Verstappen ranks alongside triple World Champion Ayrton Senna as one of the best Formula 1 drivers he has ever witnessed.
“Verstappen and Senna are unique in the business – they are the two best I have seen in the last 50 years,” he told Kronen Zeitung. “Schumacher and Hamilton are also exceptional drivers. Of course, you should always look at the statistics, they are both fantastic. But Senna died early – and Verstappen is still young.”
‘Verstappen ranks alongside triple World Champion Ayrton Senna as one of the best Formula 1 drivers he has ever witnessed’;
https://baylasportsf1.com/gerhard-be...-and-hamilton/
