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ALPINE’S BRAZIL BASH EXPOSES TENSIONS.
Firm radio messages and on track antics leave Alpine in precarious position for Abu Dhabi.
22:19 Sun, 13 Nov 2022.
James Phillips
Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon’s incident-fraught weekend has exposed tensions at Alpine. With just one race left, and P4 at the constructors’ title at stake, has the team handicapped itself? Alpine’s race weekend has been beset by problems between Alonso and Ocon. The sprint race saw two high-profile collisions. Ocon forced Alonso off the track at turn three on the opening lap, leaving his teammate no room.
The cars collided but continued. Alonso then attempted to pass him a lap later. In doing so he hit his rear right tyre, losing his front wing in the process. The resulting pit stops and penalties for both cars saw both drivers finish down the order. This compromised the starting places for the race on Sunday. Its rivals McLaren started in P5 and P11.
Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer criticised the drivers after the race, stating: ” Frankly both Esteban and Fernando must do a better job to compliment the fantastic efforts of everyone in the team by avoiding on track incidents”. Tensions rising within the team, Alonso said after the sprint “One more race and its over, finally”. The battle within the team for supremacy began to show after simmering beneath the surface.
‘ALPINE’S BRAZIL BASH’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/feature.../?nowprocket=1
Alpine boss: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon ‘let the team down’
Tensions have flared up between Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon once again.
14 November 2022
by Nick Golding
Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer was left bitterly disappointed by both of his drivers following the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race, after the duo decided to put themselves before the “tirelessly working” Alpine employees.
Tensions have been building between Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon all season, with the duo having fought one another incredibly hard at certain races in 2022. Previously, the duo have stated their enjoyment at battling with each other; however, a line has certainly been crossed between the two.
The duo collided not once, but twice on the opening lap of the sprint race at Interlagos, with neither appearing prepared to budge for the other.
‘Let the team down’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/alpine-bo...the-team-down/
Fernando Alonso says he won’t speak to Esteban Ocon as he fires Alpine jibe
Fernando Alonso and team-mate Esteban Ocon have endured a number of close calls this season.
by Nick Golding
14 November 2022
It appears to very much be advantage McLaren in the fight against Alpine for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, with the French side’s drivers appearing more intent on battling each other rather than the Woking-based outfit.
Fernando Alonso’s and Esteban Ocon’s relationship has been a heated one at times, with the water having finally boiled over at the Brazilian Grand Prix following a costly collision between the two. The pair have come close to contact on a concerning number of occasions this season alone, with the Brazilian sprint race having finally seen impact between the two.
On the opening lap of the sprint, Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer would’ve presumably had his eyes closed after the pair initially almost made contact on the exit of Turn Four.
‘Won’t speak’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...s-alpine-jibe/
FERNANDO ALONSO’S DIVORCE FROM ALPINE IS NOT ENDING ON GOOD TERMS
The Spaniard will be moving to Aston Martin at the end of the 2022 season
16:52 Sun, 13 Nov 2022.
Cambridge Kisby
FormulaNerds
Fernando Alonso is having a frustrating end to his time at Alpine, and his latest sprint race in Brazil was no different. The Spaniard made contact twice with teammate Esteban Ocon in the opening laps of the final sprint race of the season, causing him to take damage that impacted his performance.
Alonso also received a 5-second time penalty. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he said “(It’s) far from ideal when you touch on the first lap of the sprint race because it’s too short to come back,
“On a positive side, the pace was very good today, close to the leaders actually. P15 we start tomorrow and if we have this pace. We can score points tomorrow.” Tensions were high between the pair after the race, which saw Alonso finish in P18 and Ocon in P17.
‘DIVORCE NOT ENDING ON GOOD TERMS’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/fe.../?nowprocket=1
Fernando Alonso thrilled after 'very good weekend' for Alpine in Interlagos.
13 Nov 2022
Formula 1.
‘Alpine driver Fernando Alonso 'had fun' in Brazil and is pleased with P5 finish at 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...183492710.html
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Leclerc frustrated, but Ferrari defends team order rebuff.
Ferrari says that swapping its drivers in the closing stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix at the request of Charles Leclerc was deemed "too risky" as the team was being investigated for a potential incident involving Carlos Sainz.
14/11/2022 at 08:51
Phillip van Osten
Leclerc's request for Sainz to hand over third place to help the former's chances of finishing runner-up in the championship came through the air waves multiple times.
Eventually, the Ferrari pitwall responded to its driver, telling Leclerc that there would be no change of positions as it was "too risky".
Leclerc was initially frustrated with the decision and its reason, telling his race engineer "good joke" over the radio.
“Good joke";
https://f1i.com/news/460525-leclerc-...er-rebuff.html
Villeneuve: It would be embarrassing for Ferrari to lose second
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has blasted the Ferrari outfit despite the team's third and fourth place finish at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix
November 14, 2022
By Rahul Sharan
Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes something in Ferrari’s current structure isn’t working and it would be embarrassing for the team to lose second in the Constructors’ Championship. It’s easy to forget that Ferrari started the year as the favorite to win both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
However, the team has utterly failed to build on that early season promise, and now face the ignominy of losing second place in the Constructor Standings to a resurgent Mercedes outfit. In fact, it was Mercedes who broke Red Bull’s run of nine consecutive race wins at this past weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix further highlighting the opposing trajectories the teams seem to be heading in.
Villeneuve, who won the 1997 Drivers’ Championship believes that it something needs to change at the Maranello-based outfit following another year of disappointment. “Should Ferrari lose the second spot in the Constructors’ Championship, that would be embarrassing,” Villeneuve wrote on his blog for Formule1.nl.
‘Villeneuve: It would be embarrassing for Ferrari to lose second’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/vil...econd-f1-2022/
Binotto explains why Ferrari didn’t swap Leclerc and Sainz in Brazil
Ferrari recovered to finish third and fourth at the 2022 Brazilian GP
November 14, 2022
By Ed Spencer
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has explained why the Scuderia did not make Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz swap positions towards the end of the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Sainz had been running in a comfortable third when Leclerc closed in the remaining few laps but, despite calls to the pit wall to let him through in order to help close the gap between himself and Sergio Perez in the battle for second in the 2022 Drivers’ Championship the team stood their ground with Sainz finishing third and Leclerc fourth.
Later in a media session in which Total Motorsport was in attendance, Binotto explained that they didn’t tell Sainz to move over for Leclerc because of the fact that their was a danger that Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso could overtake.
“Swapping the two cars on the back straight was tricky because Charles got Fernando and Max behind,” Binotto told the media after the race, including Total-Motorsport.com. “It certainly would have been tricky and somehow dangerous, but more than that, we know that we were under investigation for what happened behind the Safety Car with Tsunoda.”
‘Binotto explains why Ferrari didn’t swap Leclerc and Sainz’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-brazilian-gp/
Binotto reveals Ferrari fear as key reason why Sainz kept podium
14/11/2022, 10:35
Author Jake Nichol
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has revealed what influenced the team's decision to allow Carlos Sainz to keep third place in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Ferrari's fear of a potential time penalty was a key reason why they elected to keep Carlos Sainz ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc in the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mattia Binotto has revealed.
Leclerc pleaded with the team in the closing laps to be waved through from fourth place and inherit Sainz's podium spot in his bid to gain extra points over Sergio Perez in their battle for second place in the Drivers' Championship.
However, the Scuderia refused the request, meaning Leclerc hauled 12 points for fourth, which, when coupled with Perez's six for seventh place, has the two drivers locked on 290 points heading to the season-finale in Abu Dhabi. Post-race, boss Binotto explained how confusion with Yuki Tsunoda meant the team did not feel comfortable in swapping the places amid Ferrari's own fight with Mercedes in the Constructors'.
‘Binotto reveals Ferrari fear’;
https://racingnews365.com/binotto-re...nz-kept-podium
Ferrari’s unusual logic for rejecting Leclerc’s team orders request
14/11/2022, 08:19
By Matt Beer and Mark Hughes
The Race
Ferrari would probably have asked Carlos Sainz to hand his Brazilian Grand Prix podium to Formula 1 team-mate Charles Leclerc had it not been worried about the potential for Sainz to be penalised for a safety car incident involving Yuki Tsunoda.
Sainz and Leclerc ran third and fourth on the final laps as Leclerc completed an impressive comeback drive having been sent into the barriers by Lando Norris when fighting for third at the race’s first safety car restart.
Leclerc urged Ferrari to “please think about the championship” on team radio, given he had gone into the race six points behind Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in their fight to be world championship runner-up this year. But Leclerc was told a position swap with Sainz would be “too risky” so stayed fourth.
‘Ferrari’s unusual logic’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferra...order-request/
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Bottas delighted with ‘really important’ points in Sao Paulo as Alfa Romeo edge clear of Aston Martin for P6.
Valtteri Bottas expressed his satisfaction after a determined drive to P9 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix put Alfa Romeo five points ahead of Aston Martin in the battle for sixth position in the constructors’ standings.
14 November 2022
Formula 1.
Bottas displayed strong pace as he rose from 14th on the grid to fifth position over the course of Sunday’s encounter, only for a late Safety Car to leave him exposed on older tyres and open the door for a handful of rivals.
Nonetheless, the Finn held on to claim ninth and bag two valuable points, giving his team a solid numerical advantage over Aston Martin – who took P10 with Lance Stroll – ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Reflecting on his afternoon at the wheel, Bottas said: “It was good – a good race, good battles. I really enjoyed it! Obviously, it’s always more enjoyable when you have the pace. Starting 14th and ending up ninth is good. We’re happy, because we again scored more than Aston. For us, it’s really important [to secure P6 in the standings]. At least the last two events we’ve been a bit stronger again, so that’s good to see. One more to go and we need to seal it in Abu Dhabi.”
‘Bottas delighted with ‘really important’ points’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5qCOLp4uK.html
Valtteri Bottas coaches Alpha Romeo team-mate during Brazil GP in unseen footage
Valtteri Bottas finished ninth at the Brazil GP three places in front of team-mate Guanyu Zhou and offered some coaching to the 23-year-old
14:44, Mon, Nov 14, 2022
By Benjamin Goddard
Valtteri Bottas had time to give some coaching to his Alpha Romeo team-mate Guanyu Zhou during this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. The 33-year-old, who has 10 Grand Prix victories to his name, is in his first year with the team after five years with Mercedes.
During the Brazilian GP, the Finnish driver found himself behind team-mate Zhou who was locked in a battle with Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi. Speaking to his team Bottas said: "Tell Zhou to attack him into turn 10. Latifi is breaking early."
‘Valtteri Bottas coaching’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...omeo-Brazil-GP
2022 Brazilian Grand Prix - Sunday
November 13th, 2022
Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN
Motorsport
Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN produced a strong display to bring home two points at the Brazilian Grand Prix, courtesy of Valtteri Bottas’s ninth place. Team-mate, Zhou Guanyu, also had a good race and ran in the points for a majority of the afternoon, before closing in 12th position.
It was a convincing performance by the team, despite a late safety car that prevented an even better result. The two points claimed extend to five points the advantage to the closest rivals for sixth place in the constructors’ championship ahead of next week’s finale in Abu Dhabi.
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal: “The team did a really good job today and we were able to turn the weekend around and leave with a good result. Both yesterday and today we have shown good pace and made up a lot of ground and we can be satisfied to leave Brazil with an increased gap over our closest rivals. We had a good start and were able to run as high as fifth during the race: it’s a shame the late Safety Car nullified our advantage and put us within range of other cars, but we still brought home the points we wanted.
‘Convincing performance by the team’;
https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsp...d-prix-sunday/
Valtteri Bottas opens up on being 'harsh on myself' after losing Lewis Hamilton battle
Valtteri Bottas failed to get the better of Lewis Hamilton while the pair were team mates at Mercedes.
16:06, Tue, Nov 8, 2022
By Andrew McLean
Valtteri Bottas has admitted he was ‘really harsh’ on himself as he struggled to get the better of Lewis Hamilton during his spell at Mercedes. The Finnish driver could not match the standard set by his team mate while at the Silver Arrows and often had to content himself with a wingman role in order to help maximise the team’s points.
“Especially the first couple of years – I was so, so hard on myself,” he told RaceFans. “I wanted everything ‘now’ and then it was difficult to deal with it when it didn’t happen, that I couldn’t win the title in the first couple of years. It was just hard to accept. I was really harsh on myself, and definitely sometimes being a bit more chilled would have helped.”
‘Valtteri Bottas opens up’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rmula-One-news
Valtteri Bottas Looking to Remain with Sauber Through to Audi Arrival in 2026
November 9, 2022
By Paul Hensby
Valtteri Bottas hopes to be in the long-term plans for the Sauber F1 Team and wants to be there when their alliance with Audi Sport begins in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
Bottas feels there is big potential for the team when they link up with Audi, and he hopes that he can do enough to keep himself in with a chance of staying with them all the way up to 2026 and beyond. “Why not? I’m 33 years old, so I hope that I’m going to be there,” Bottas is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. “If you look at the big picture, I think it’s huge. There’s big potential for Sauber with Audi.”
“No doubt they want to succeed in the future. They want to do well and show they’re serious. So, I think for any driver on the grid, especially for me now being already part of Sauber, it would be very interesting to be part of that project. I definitely think it’s possible.”
‘Looking to Remain with Sauber’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...rival-in-2026/
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Nico Hulkenberg Replacing Mick Schumacher at Haas F1 in 2023: Report.
The beloved super sub hasn’t raced full-time in F1 since 2019, but at 35 years old, he may be making a comeback.
PUBLISHED Nov 14, 2022 10:44 AM
By Caleb Jacobs
lthough he hasn't raced full-time in Formula 1 since 2019, Nico Hulkenberg never stopped popping up around the paddock. He's been a super sub of sorts, filling in three times for Racing Point in 2020 and twice more this year as he covered for Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin. That's how he's stayed in the mind of F1 fans and teams alike, and the 35-year-old looks set to run the entire 2023 season with Haas in place of Mick Schumacher.
A report by Germany's Bild labeled Hulkenberg as the frontrunner for the seat, supposedly edging out former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi. This comes after talk in August that Schumacher was looking to part ways with Ferrari, Haas' engine supplier, in hopes of getting a seat elsewhere. Now, rumors claim he'll land somewhere in the Mercedes organization.
‘Nico Hulkenberg Replacing Mick Schumacher Report’;
https://www.thedrive.com/news/nico-h...in-2023-report
Hulkenberg signing 2023 Haas contract on Tuesday
15/11/2022, 05:51
Sports Mole
By GMM F1
Nico Hulkenberg is signing on the dotted line of his 2023 race contract on Tuesday, according to multiple authoritative sources including Bild newspaper.
According to the reports, which include Italy's leading sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport and the German broadcasters Sky and RTL, the 35-year-old German's return to Formula 1 will then be announced on Wednesday.
Mick Schumacher was reportedly given the bad news in Brazil last weekend, where his uncle - former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher - sounded resigned about his 23-year-old nephew's fate. "Mick has shown that there is potential," he told Sky Deutschland. "But no matter what he did, the team and Gunther Steiner were never satisfied with him.”
‘Signing on the dotted line of his 2023 race contract on Tuesday’;
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula...1.html?newsnow
Mick Schumacher is 'set to be without a drive at Haas for next season with Nico Hulkenberg expected to replace him'... but the son of seven-time champion Michael 'could get reserve role' to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes
• Haas are set to announce who will join Kevin Magnussen at the team next year
• Mick Schumacher is expected to lose his seat after two difficult seasons
• Nico Hulkenberg is set to get the seat after three years without a full-time drive
• Mercedes would be interested in approaching Schumacher over a reserve role
• Michael Schumacher finished his legendary career with Mercedes back in 2012
Published: 13:15, 15 November 2022
By Kieran Lynch For Mailonline
Mick Schumacher could be left without a place on next year's Formula One grid with Haas reportedly set to replace him with Formula One veteran Nico Hulkenberg.
Haas are expected to announce their second driver to partner Magnussen in the coming days, and BILD have reported that Schumacher will be replaced by German countryman Hulkenberg.
‘Mick Schumacher is 'set to be without a drive at Haas’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...berg-Haas.html
Ralf Schumacher blasts Guenther Steiner for ‘personal’ vendetta against Mick
Tuesday 15th November 2022 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
Ralf Schumacher has taken aim at Guenther Steiner, accusing the Haas team boss of having “something personal” against his nephew Mick Schumacher. According to the latest reports on Mick’s future, the driver has already been informed by Steiner that he won’t have a Haas race-seat for next season.
He was reportedly told of this at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend where, perhaps with that in mind, he said: “Sometimes it’s your year and sometimes it’s not – and this year was probably not mine.”
He went onto declare “we still have one race left”, the 23-year-old expected to be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg with an announcement coming as early as Wednesday.
‘Ralf Schumacher blasts Guenther Steiner’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-s...onal-vendetta/
Mick Schumacher to Mercedes? Toto Wolff opens door to following Michael Schumacher’s path
15 Nov 2022
James Dielhenn
Mick Schumacher could take advantage of his family ties to secure a role with Mercedes next season. The son of Michael Schumacher will reportedly lose his Haas seat to Nico Hulkenberg in 2023.
That would leave him without a full-time drive because Haas have the sole remaining spot in the F1 2023 driver line-up. A role as a reserve driver with Mercedes remains vacant.
"I make no secret of the fact that the Schumacher family belongs to Mercedes and that we appreciate Mick very much," team principal Toto Wolff said to Bild.
‘Schumacher family belongs to Mercedes’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101717...mick-join-merc
Schumacher doesn't want Ecclestone's advice
15/11/2022, 13:28
Pitpass
Mick Schumacher says there are only a few select people whose opinion he values... and Bernie Ecclestone isn't one of them.
"His name is his biggest burden," Ecclestone told German broadcaster RTL, "but he is trying to live up to it as best he can. And that's what brings him all the problems. "That's why, I think he should forget about it and win in another category," he added.
Told of Ecclestone's suggestion, the German youngster, who has been tipped for a reserve role at Mercedes, was in no mood to listen. "It's hard to forget Formula 1," he told Bild. "I love it too much so I won't do that.
‘Ecclestone's Advice Unwanted’;
https://www.pitpass.com/74149/Schuma...estones-advice
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Lance Stroll given Fernando Alonso warning after ‘life-threatening’ Sebastian Vettel move.
Lance Stroll was hit with a 10-second penalty after running Aston Martin teammate Sebastian Vettel off the track as they battled for position during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race
12:02, 15 NOV 2022
BY Mark Whiley
Lance Stroll has been slammed for his latest dicey manoeuvre by former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve. The Canadian was hit with a 10-second penalty for forcing Aston Martin teammate Sebastian Vettel off the track at high speed as they battle for position during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race. In-car footage showed that Vettel, who will retire following this weekend’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, took to the grass at almost 190mph.
A similar incident occurred at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. However, on that occasion Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, who will be Stroll’s teammate next season, hit the Aston Martin and rode up into the air before brushing the barrier. Incredibly, the Spaniard managed to continue while Stroll, whose race was ended on the spot, was handed a three-place grid penalty for the next round in Mexico.
Jacques Villeneuve: “The FIA doesn't punish this hard enough, not even in the step-up classes, and then it keeps happening. Sebastian Vettel, his teammate and the victim of the incident, is a true gentleman. But I don't think Fernando Alonso will be so calm next year.”
‘Lance Stroll given Fernando Alonso warning’;
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...so-f1-28495037
Tensions between Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll at Aston Martin
Lance Stroll was penalised for a near miss with Sebastian Vettel in Brazil.
by Jack Devonport
14 November 202214 November 2022
Sebastian Vettel will be retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the season and will be hoping to end on a high, which was nearly not the case as he came scarily close to a collision with his teammate Lance Stroll in the sprint race in Brazil.
Vettel responded by simply saying “OK” over the team radio, as he was clearly confused and frustrated by his teammates defensive techniques. Stroll was given a ten-second penalty for his actions, which will be very frustrating for Aston Martin who will now see their chances of scoring points reduced for the race on Sunday, as their driver will now start from 17thon the grid.
The Canadian driver was involved in an almost identical incident with next season’s teammate Fernando Alonso in Austin, as the Spaniard attempted to overtake him down the back straight of the Circuit of the Americas, which also saw him slapped with a penalty.
‘Tensions’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/tensions-...-aston-martin/
‘I had the wrong tyres at the end’ says Vettel after just missing out on points in Brazil.
13 Nov 2022
Formula 1.
Sebastian Vettel started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in ninth, but dropped out of the top 10 during the course of the race to end P11 at the flag, just missing out on points.
‘Wrong tyres’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...707974458.html
Sebastian Vettel publicly criticises Aston Martin after 2022 Brazil Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel finished in P11 in his final Brazilian Grand Prix, and the German criticised his team after the race.
by Jack Devonport
15 November 202215 November 2022
The four-time world champion has suggested that pit stop timing at tyre choice was what cost his team a chance to score more points, claiming that the medium tyres just did not have to pace to allow him to compete at the end of the race.
“I think we were a bit late coming in and lost the positions, then we were a bit in traffic which didn’t help, didn’t have the free air and then had the wrong tyres at the end,” said Vettel in his post-race interview. “So not much we could have done and therefore just fell out of the points.”
‘Publicly criticises Aston Martin’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/sebastian...il-grand-prix/
Fernando Alonso’s ‘heart’ remains with Alpine despite Aston Martin move
Fernando Alonso matched his best result of the season at the 2022 Brazilian GP, despite having started 18th.
15 November 2022
by Nick Golding
Fernando Alonso endured an incredibly mixed Brazilian Grand Prix, where he had to deal with multiple collisions with his team-mate, a penalty and an 18th place start, yet still managed to fight his way through the field to claim fifth.
It was a truly challenging weekend for Alonso, who was incredibly vocal about Alpine after the sprint race on Saturday at Interlagos, where the two incidents with Esteban Ocon occurred. The pair’s relationship has been questionable at times, with Ocon having a record of battling Alonso beyond the limit at times, most notably in Saudi Arabia and Hungary.
Both were at it again on the opening lap of the sprint, with the first incident having come after Ocon went down the inside of Alonso at Turn Four, which forced the Spaniard wide and over the kerbs.
‘Heart’ remains with Alpine’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...n-martin-move/
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Ferrari deny Formula 1 team chief Mattia Binotto sacking.
Mattia Binotto has come under fire after a season in which Ferrari's quest to end a lengthy title famine began encouragingly only to falter in the second half of the year.
November 16, 2022 09:12:57 IST
Agence France-Presse
Ferrari on Tuesday dismissed as “totally without foundation” media reports that team principal Mattia Binotto was to be sacked. Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Binotto had paid the price for a series of strategic errors that saw the wheels come off the team’s world championship challenge. The newspaper suggested Alfa Romeo’s French team principal Frederic Vasseur was lined up to replace Binotto in 2023 from January 1.
But Ferrari rejected the report outright in a post on social media.
“In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto’s position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation.”
Scuderia Ferrari Statement:
In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto’s position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation.
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 15, 2022
“Totally without foundation”;
https://www.firstpost.com/sports/fer...-11635341.html
Mark Hughes: If Ferrari’s learned anything, it will back Binotto
16/11/2022, 07:29
By Mark Hughes
The Race
So it comes around again; the latest speculation on whether the Ferrari boss, in this case Mattia Binotto, keeps his job. It was last rumoured about around the Monza grand prix weekend; this time Italian media has been briefed (but not by Ferrari) that Binotto is to be replaced for next year by current Alfa team principal Frederic Vasseur.
It’s clear that there is some smoke and that Vasseur has been in discussions with John Elkann (Binotto’s ultimate boss). But any claims that the decision has been made known to Binotto – ether at Monza or more recently – are described by one who should know as “pure bulls**t”.
It may be significant that Ferrari put out a company statement on Tuesday: “In relation to the speculations that appeared in some press organs reporting the position of the Team Principal of the Scuderia, Mattia Binotto, Ferrari announces that these are totally unfounded rumours.” When the end of Maurizio Arrivabene’s time there (and before him, Marco Mattiacci) was being heavily speculated about, there was only silence from Ferrari.
‘If Ferrari’s learned anything, it will back Binotto’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/mark-...-back-binotto/
Ferrari stopped 2022 development as it 'couldn't afford' upgrades
RacingNews365
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Dieter Rencken
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has revealed how the budget cap forced them into switching development on the 2022 car off. Ferrari was forced into halting development on its 2022 Formula 1 car as it "couldn't afford" new upgrades, according to boss Mattia Binotto.
The team started the season with the quickest package, but have fallen back from runaway leaders Red Bull after winning two of the opening three races. Since the Austrian Grand Prix in July, Ferrari have not won a race as a potential title challenge has morphed into a fight for second with Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.
However, while the eight-time champions have been developing their car to try and mask the problems with it, Binotto has revealed that the development tap was switched off as the budget cap struck.
'Couldn't afford upgrades’;
https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-st...fford-upgrades
Binotto: Ferrari was 'in the fight' for win without Perez
16/11/2022, 07:10
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
Carlos Sainz was in a position to challenge for the win at Brazil after pitting for fresher tyres during a late Safety Car, according to the Ferrari Team Principal. Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto believes it would've been "difficult" for Carlos Sainz to pass Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The team took advantage of a late Safety Car to pit Sainz for a set of used Soft tyres, which put him behind Sergio Perez at the restart. Given Perez was on Mediums that were several laps older, it meant that he was a lot slower at the restart and resulted in him dropping down from P3 to P7 by the chequered flag.
Even though it only took Sainz three laps to get past him, he was ultimately not able to keep up with the pace of Mercedes after using up his fresher tyres to pass Perez.
‘Ferrari was in the fight';
https://racingnews365.com/binotto-fe...-without-perez
Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto: “Our race immediately got much harder right from the early stages”
November 16, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson
A third and fourth place finish for Scuderia Ferrari at the São Paulo Grand Prix has been credited to a “aggressive strategy” by Team Principal Mattia Binotto, after the Scuderia was able to recover from a number of set backs to take away a substantial points haul from the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Ferrari’s race would get off to a disrupted start after Charles Leclerc attempted to overtake Lando Norris around turn six before contact from the McLaren F1 Team driver would send the Monegasque driver into the barriers. Able to avoid any terminal damage to his F1-75, Leclerc was able to continue, but a pit-stop for a new front wing would send the Ferrari driver to the back of the running order.
Carlos Sainz had in turn become the benefactor of Leclerc and Norris’ coming together. Sainz, who had been running behind Leclerc before the incident, would then pass his former McLaren teammate a lap later as they both headed into turn one.
‘Harder right from the early stages’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-early-stages/
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Haas confirm Schumacher will leave team at end of 2022.
Haas have confirmed Mick Schumacher will leave the team following this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Posted on 17th November 2022, 5:1117th November 2022, 5:26
Written by Ida Wood
In his two seasons with the team he has scored 12 points so far, with his best qualifying result – sixth place at this year’s Canadian Grand Prix – immediately being followed by his only points finishes in F1 at the British and Austrian grands prix. In the latter he achieved his best race result, a sixth place.
Since then he has largely been out-performed by team mate Kevin Magnussen. This was illustrated dramatically in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix six days ago where Magnussen scored a shock pole position in the rain-affected session after Schumacher took last place on the grid.
“I would like to thank Mick Schumacher for his contribution to the team over the past couple of years,” Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. “Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well-known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first Formula 1 points-scoring successes earlier this season. While choosing to go in separate directions for the future the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.”
‘Schumacher will leave team at end of 2022’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/11/17/...t-end-of-2022/
Haas confirms Schumacher exit after Abu Dhabi GP
17/11/2022, 05:07
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week
Haas has confirmed that Mick Schumacher will exit the team after the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Schumacher has spent two seasons competing for Haas and scored points in Britain and Austria this year.
He is to be replaced by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, with an announcement confirming the 35-year-old expected imminently.
‘Haas confirms Schumacher exit’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...-abu-dhabi-gp/
Mick Schumacher reacts to Haas axe after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hints at F1 lifeline
Toto Wolff has declared the Schumacher family "belongs to Mercedes" after Haas chose to part company with Mick Schumacher.
07:54, Thu, Nov 17, 2022
By Ryan Taylor
Mick Schumacher has detailed his disappointment after being ditched by Haas and replaced by Nico Hulkenberg as he prepares to embark on his final race with his current team in Abu Dhabi. Despite a troublesome two-year reign behind the wheel, the young German has found it hard to come to terms with the decision that leaves him out of the F1 picture for the 2023 season.
"This will be my last race for Haas," Schumacher confirmed in a brief statement. "I will not hide the fact that I am deeply disappointed by the decision not to renew my contract. Despite that, I would like to thank Haas and Ferrari for this opportunity. The years together have helped me mature and also grow technically. Especially in the difficult moments I realised how much I love this sport."
Unfortunately for Schumacher, there are virtually no immediate options available with Williams the only team that currently has an open seat within their ranks. Logan Sargeant is due to step up to the plate, however, as he awaits gratification on his super licence following the conclusion of the F2 season.
‘Mick Schumacher reacts to Haas’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ff-F1-lifeline
Is Haas right to drop Schumacher for Hulkenberg? Our verdict
17/11/2022, 06:33
The Race
Nico Hulkenberg’s return to Formula 1 at Haas in place of Mick Schumacher has been mooted for several months and is now official. Hulkenberg undoubtedly impressed during his ‘first’ F1 spell, but is he really the most convincing option for Haas after three years on the sidelines.
Here are our writers’ takes on Haas’s decision, covering everything from Haas’s approach to running young drivers, where Schumacher went awry, Hulkenberg’s merits and even why a certain Formula E champion ought to have the seat instead.
Scott Mitchell-Malm: “Will midfield reality temper Hulkenberg’s enthusiasm?”
Gary Anderson: “Magnussen showed Haas what was possible”
Megan Cantle: “It’s another snub for another deserving star”
Edd Straw: “It’s simple: Hulk will score more points”
Mark Hughes: “Schumacher didn’t do enough”
Glenn Freeman: “Another move that reflects a shallow driver pool”
Matt Beer: “A KNOWN QUANTITY – BUT IS HE ENOUGH?”
Josh Suttill: “This shouldn’t put Haas off young drivers”
‘Our verdict’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/is-ha...g-our-verdict/
Schumacher 'disappointed' with Haas exit, but 'fire still burns for F1'
17/11/2022 at 08:06
Phillip van Osten
Mick Schumacher admitted to being disappointed by Haas' decision not to renew his contract for 2023, but the young German says F1 "is anything but closed for me".
A string of costly crashes during the first part of his 2022 campaign coupled with unsatisfactory results in the back-half of the season ultimately sealed Schumacher's fate. On Thursday, Haas confirmed the 23-year-old's exit and his replacement alongside Kevin Magnussen by F1 veteran Nico Hulkenberg.
Regardless of what the future holds for the young German, F1 is by no means off his radar. "The subject is anything but closed for me," Schumacher added. "Setbacks only make you stronger. My fire burns for Formula 1 and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid."
‘My fire burns for Formula 1’;
https://f1i.com/news/460736-schumach...ns-for-f1.html
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Millions on the line and an F1 legend’s last hurrah – 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP.
The final race of a thrilling 2022 is here as the season comes to a close with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The championship winners may already have been decided but there’s still plenty to play for, so here are some of the key talking points heading to Yas Marina...
16 November 2022
Chris Medland
Special contributor
1. The fight for second
A dramatic race in Brazil left two drivers unhappy that they finished directly behind their team mates, but it has set up the final round beautifully when it comes to the battle for second place overall.
2. Millions up for grabs
Elsewhere, the final constructors’ championship positions are anyone’s guess due to a number of extremely tight battles still to be decided. Alpine moved comfortably clear of McLaren in Brazil, but even that fight could still turn around with 19 points between them.
3. Farewell to Seb
A remarkable career for one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers comes to a close this weekend, as Sebastian Vettel makes his 299th and final start in Grand Prix racing.
‘Millions on the line’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3ztOIhuYA.html
FORM GUIDE: Who's set to end the season on a high in Abu Dhabi?
16 November 2022
Samarth Kanal
Staff Writer
It’s the final round of the 2022 Formula 1 season, with Red Bull holding both titles – and the cards – going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Let's take a look at who might be in for a good weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, and see who the fans are backing on F1 Play, the official predictor game of F1.
Vying for pole. Kevin Magnussen ripped up the script last time out in Brazil as a well-timed and well-executed lap in Q3 got the Haas driver his and the team’s first Formula 1 pole position. Abu Dhabi doesn’t generally deliver the same sort of shocks.
In the last five years, Max Verstappen has taken two poles here, Lewis Hamilton has taken two, and Valtteri Bottas has taken one. In fact, since the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, only McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes – and only six different drivers – have taken pole position here.
‘FORM GUIDE’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3vIeCWNjM.html
Abu Dhabi GP: 5 big questions that need answers this weekend
Published: 17 Nov 2022, 10:53
By George Dagless
F1 is back in Abu Dhabi this weekend as the final race of the campaign takes place at the Yas Marina circuit.
The 2022 season has been a fascinating one, with the new rules and regulations introduced at the start of the year and providing the teams with plenty to contend with.
As the months have passed, Red Bull and Max Verstappen have proven to be the combination to beat, with the Dutchman storming to a second world title.
‘5 big questions that need answers’;
https://www.givemesport.com/88084751...s-this-weekend
What Formula 1 will be saying goodbye to in Abu Dhabi
16/11/2022, 16:10
Like every other that has gone before, the final race of the 2022 Formula 1 season in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a time for reflection. A time to think reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the campaign coming to a close or perhaps left with the dreams of what might have been had X, Y or Z gone slightly differently.
However, for some, they are bidding goodbye to the F1 paddock for what could - and in the case of at least one will, be the final Grand Prix of their racing career. The headline act is Sebastian Vettel. 15 years after his full-time debut, Vettel takes his last dance at Yas Marina, 12 years after he won his first world title at the same venue.
Elsewhere, Nicholas Latifi is also leaving F1 after three seasons. It is unfortunate that the affable Canadian and decent pedaller will only be remembered for one thing during his F1 career. Ricciardo bows out. Despite having an option for an extra year on his McLaren contract, Daniel Ricciardo has accepted a payoff to leave early.
‘What Formula 1 will be saying goodbye to’;
https://racingnews365.com/what-formu...o-in-abu-dhabi
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weather: Three-day outlook for the F1 2022 season finale
Thursday 17th November 2022 10:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
On Friday, the opening day of action as the FP1 and FP2 format returns, drivers can expect to encounter the peak temperature of the day during FP1, 33 degrees Celsius, with zero chance of rain and only a gentle breeze. As the floodlights begin to take effect for FP2, the temperature is set to drop to 31c and then below the 30 mark by the end of the session, still with a zero per cent risk of rain, while humidity climbs from 30 per cent to the mid 40s.
Come FP3 on Saturday, the temperature will have ramped up again to 32c, while the winds will also strengthen with a very slight chance of rain, only two per cent. That session will be more humid with a figure in the high 40s, while come qualifying after sunset, the temperature will drop once more just below 30, humidity climbing to around 60% as the very slight threat of rain totally goes away.
Then, it is race day, where the drivers can expect slightly cooler conditions, but not much cooler. With a temperature just below 30c come lights out, that is expected to drop to around 27c by the time of the chequered flag which will bring an end to the 2022 season.
‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weather’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dh...-2022-weather/
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Nico Hülkenberg Makes Full-Time F1 Comeback By Signing With Haas For The 2023 Season.
Just moments after it was announced that Mick Schumacher would be leaving the Haas F1 Team, his successor within the American team was announced as Nico Hülkenberg was confirmed to be making his full-time return racing and partnering Kevin Magnussen at Haas for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
November 17, 2022
By Jamie Partis-Nelson
Hülkenberg, who since his departure from the Renault F1 Team at the end of the 2019 season, has been officially operating as the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team reserve driver since the beginning of the 2021 season and despite his three year break from full-time racing, the German has still since official Grand Prix action as he was called upon by the Silverstone-based team numerous times across the last three years.
The thirty-five year old German made quite the impression on his reserve duties when he qualified third at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, where he would come home for a eventual seventh-place finish after having to pit from fourth-place late on due to a high level of tyre wear. Also when called upon on the Saturday of the Eifel Grand Prix, Hülkenberg was able to claim an eight-place finish despite starting last on the grid, a drive that netted him the honour of being crowned the driver of the day.
‘Nico Hülkenberg Makes Full-Time F1 Comeback’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...e-2023-season/
Hulkenberg 'thought he was done' in F1 before Haas call
17/11/2022, 14:40
Author RacingNews365 Staff
Jolyon Palmer has recalled conversations he had with F1 2023 returnee Nico Hulkenberg prior to the German's Haas announcement. Jolyon Palmer has provided an insight into his conversations with Nico Hulkenberg, ahead of his announcement at the Haas F1 team.
Ex-F1 driver Palmer claims that Hulkenberg 'thought he was done' in Formula 1, after a period of uncertainty around his F1 future. Hulkenberg had been rumoured to be a candidate for the second Haas seat for much of the season, but endured a frustrating wait for confirmation as Mick Schumacher fought to retain his seat.
'Thought he was done';
https://racingnews365.com/hulkenberg...e-in-formula-1
Why Haas F1 Team Gave up on Mick Schumacher after Just Two Seasons
Michael Schumacher's son frankly did not have any 'wow' moments that showed he deserved more time to develop.
Nov 17, 2022
By Phillip Horton
Mick Schumacher will not be racing in Formula 1 next season after Haas opted to sign the experienced Nico Hulkenberg in his place. Schumacher has been a tricky driver to judge throughout his two seasons with Haas.
The erudite 23-year-old has shown enough to suggest he has the potential to become a solid midfield driver—maybe in a similar vein to Hulkenberg—but it is equally not a travesty that he will be left off the grid.
His scoreless rookie season in 2021 was spent stymied by lackluster machinery, and while he comfortably got the better of then-teammate Nikita Mazepin, Mazepin was not exactly a stellar benchmark. It nevertheless bought Schumacher a little more time to show what he could do, which was a positive situation given his illustrious surname.
‘Why Haas F1 Team Gave up’;
https://www.autoweek.com/racing/form...ck-schumacher/
Ralf Schumacher rages at Haas over Mick Schumacher axe: “That’s not how to deal with an employee”
17 Nov 2022
James Dielhenn
Ralf Schumacher has criticised Haas for the manner of Mick Schumacher’s exit - saying “you have to hug him from time to time”. The younger Schumacher will be without a seat in the F1 2023 driver line-up after Haas confirmed they would replace him with Nico Hulkenberg for next season.
It brings to an end the tumultuous saga of his time at Haas, and the multiple times he has been criticised by team principal Guenther Steiner. "Of course, this is a disappointment for such a young racing driver," his uncle Ralf Schumacher said to Sky.
"The fact that it took so long made it clear that it would not be quite so easy. They obviously approached the matter with different standards. You have to give a driver two or three years. We see, for example, Yuki Tsunoda who sits in a supposedly better car and also has difficulties."
‘Ralf Schumacher rages at Haas’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101727...-deal-employee
Sebastian Vettel takes swipe at Haas chiefs as he reacts to Mick Schumacher axe
The two German drivers have a close friendship, and Vettel appeared to be bemused by his compatriot's treatment after Haas announced they would be replacing him
16:16, 17 Nov 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
Speaking to Sky Germany, Vettel made clear his belief that Haas have made a mistake. More than that, he appeared to question team principal Guenther Steiner's leadership as he criticised the decision-making process.
"Obviously it's bitter for him and I am sorry for him," said the four-time world champion. "I believe the team leadership at Haas is sometimes... yeah... I don't want to say but sometimes difficult to understand.”
"I think Mick absolutely deserves a seat. The season was certainly not easy for him, here and there, maybe he did a mistake but I think the team was also not blameless or innocent, at least from the outside. Now I think he is concentrating on the new task, the next steps that will come, I believe and hope he gets a chance because he has the potential.”
‘Sebastian Vettel takes swipe at Haas chiefs’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ction-28518239
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Horner hints at Verstappen grudge over Hamilton crash.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has warned Max Verstappen has a "memory like an elephant" after the Dutchman's clash with Lewis Hamilton at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Tuesday 15 November 2022 06:00
Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale
Asked if the ability to hold a grudge Verstappen seemingly has could lead to a future flare-up, Horner replied: "He has a memory like an elephant.” Verstappen was penalised five seconds for his part in the incident, with Horner adding: "Which I thought was a bit harsh, to be honest. "For me, I thought he'd earned a bit more space than he was given, that Lewis could have given him a bit more to work with because he [Verstappen] was ahead going into the left-hander.”
Verstappen was quick to place blame at Mercedes driver Hamilton's door post-race, suggesting that Hamilton had no intention of leaving space. Asked if he believed Hamilton was unable to let go of the contentious title battle from a year ago, Horner conceded: "That's a big question. More one for Lewis than for me.
"Unfortunately, the only contact we've had this year has been in turn two. As I said, I felt Max had earned a bit more space than he was given. We were surprised by the penalty because at best we thought it was a racing incident."
‘Verstappen grudge’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/96...istian-horner/
VERSTAPPEN WILL HELP PEREZ IN ABU DHABI SAYS HORNER
Verstappen disobeyed team orders and did not let Perez through in Brazil
16:09 Wed, 16 Nov 2022.
Selena Abu-Ras
FormulaNerds
Christian Horner of Red Bull has said despite what happened in Brazil, Max Verstappen will help Sergio Perez if he can at Abu Dhabi. Last weekend was a drama frenzy in the F1 community as Max Verstappen disobeyed team orders to let Sergio Perez through. On the team radio and in post-race interviews Verstappen stated that he has his reasons.
Perez said that after everything he had done to help Verstappen, it’s disappointing his teammate did not do the same. This caused a social media stir about what was happening at Red Bull. Red Bull Racing Boss, Horner, spoke about what had happened and what this meant for Red Bull at Abu Dhabi. Horner assured that all has cleared between the teammates and that both Verstappen and Perez are committed to the team. He said:
“It’s something we discussed obviously, behind closed doors, the drivers have discussed it. As a team, our focus very much going into Abu Dhabi with Charles and Checo tied on points is to do our best that we can to support Checo to achieve second place. Max has obviously made that commitment as well. So as far as we’re concerned, it’s about looking forward not looking backwards.”
‘VERSTAPPEN WILL HELP PEREZ’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ve.../?nowprocket=1
Helmut Marko draws a line under Sao Paulo, ‘everything has been clarified internally’
Monday 14th November 2022 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
Max Verstappen “will” work for Sergio Perez at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, that’s the word from Helmut Marko after the Dutchman ignored team orders at the Sao Paulo race.
What on the surface seemed to be a harmonious relationship between Verstappen and his latest Red Bull team-mate, Perez, that went up in smoke in Sunday’s grand prix at the Interlagos circuit. Marko has made it abundantly clear to his driver it is definitely a “will” help.
“From his point of view Max will do everything possible there so that Checo can achieve second place in the World Championship,” said the Red Bull advisor. “That here in Brazil has been ticked off and clarified and we’re going to Abu Dhabi with this premise. Everything has been clarified internally, we will work as a team there.”
‘Helmut Marko draws a line’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...der-sao-paulo/
Christian Horner: “We need to understand why we gave away performance this weekend”
November 16, 2022
By Olivia Dellar
Horner commented on the issues the team battled with for the entire weekend: “We haven’t often left a Grand Prix weekend this season feeling disappointed. Coming away from Brazil with P6 and P7 is far from the standards we have set for ourselves this season. The main issue for us was our pace.”
With the final race of the season approaching, Horner is eager for the team to resolve the issues with pace and avoid giving away any more performance to the competitive teams, despite Red Bull having bagged both major prizes of the season.
“George drove very well all weekend and the various updates Mercedes have been bringing throughout the year has seen them get quicker and quicker. We need to understand why we gave away performance this weekend and will come out firing on all cylinders in Abu Dhabi.”
‘We need to understand why we gave away performance’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-this-weekend/
Who holds the power at Red Bull? Verstappen or Horner?
Max Verstappen dictating to his team his actions on track has shone a light on the intra-team dynamic at Red Bull – who is in charge?
November 16th 2022
By Chris Medland
A pretty remarkable sight presented itself following the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. After the penultimate race of one of Red Bull’s most dominant seasons, and a year in which Max Verstappen has already set the record for the most victories in a campaign, the team’s hospitality unit was a key location for the row unfolding inside.
And not just inside private offices. As much as Christian Horner wanted to sidestep questions about Verstappen’s decision to ignore team orders and not return a position to Sergio Perez on the final lap of the race – saying “I’m not going to go into what we discussed behind closed doors” – the tension was clear to see.
Unfortunately for Horner, despite the fact that the doors were open to the hospitality units anyway, the offerings at Interlagos are completely glass-fronted, so you can perfectly see the entire communal area of the unit. Teams are then free to use temporary dividers to create specific offices and rooms as they like. And the team had done exactly that, but wasn’t making use of any of them once an initial meeting involving both drivers had ended.
“I’m not going to go into what we discussed behind closed doors”;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
