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‘We have to keep progressing’ – Perez wants to push on after third P2 of the year at Suzuka.
Sergio Perez is in very consistent form this year and took his third second place of the season in Japan on Sunday.
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘We have to keep progressing’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...004023913.html
Perez 'paid the price' for Red Bull struggle in Japanese GP
It is a first career podium for Sergio Perez at Suzuka
7 April 2024, 9:35AM
Jake Nichol
Starting second, Perez followed home team leader Max Verstappen for a third Red Bull one-two of the season, to score his first career podium at Suzuka. Verstappen largely had Perez covered in the opening laps, but a slight mistake at the second Degner corner allowed the Dutchman to break free, with Perez bemoaning the feeling of his RB20.
"It was a good weekend for the team, and first of all, I think obviously with the restart and doing the start again, it is always quite hard to keep the focus for such a long period of time," Perez explained. "My second start was a little bit better, but just not enough to get Max, and I think we paid the price a little bit because we were a bit off-balance in that first stint, which meant we couldn't keep it alive.”
'Paid the price';
https://racingnews365.com/perez-paid...in-japanese-gp
Sergio Perez’s big leap towards 2025 Red Bull contract
April 7, 2024
Andrew Maitland
RacingNews365
Sergio Perez is making significant strides as he approaches the critical period of contract negotiations with Red Bull for the 2025 season. In a recent turn of events, Perez showcased his competitive edge by narrowly missing the pole position at Suzuka, clocking in just under a tenth of a second slower, much to the dismay of Max Verstappen, his teammate, who was less impressed with his own performance.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s leading Formula 1 consultant, finds himself pondering the future amid Perez’s return to the front row, noting, “I have to think, because it was a long time ago.” The frenzy surrounding the 2025 driver lineup is already underway, yet Perez has demonstrated considerable improvement this year, positioning him as a strong contender for securing his place with Red Bull.
Marko shed light on Perez’s renewed approach this season, telling ORF, “Checo has started with a different attitude this year. He is no longer trying to follow his own technical path. The cars are almost identical in terms of setup, and that’s what makes the difference in the end. It looks like he can do it, but perhaps it is very motivating for him that next year’s contracts are at stake, this year much earlier than usual. Normally, we don’t talk about driver decisions at all in April. But it’s still too early for us. We will certainly wait a while before we make a decision.”
‘2025 Red Bull contract’;
https://grandpx.news/sergio-perezs-b...bull-contract/
Perez hails ‘good momentum’ after P2 in Japan amid turnaround from ‘worst weekend’ at Suzuka last year
07 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Sergio Perez was pleased to add to his growing points tally by taking P2 in the Japanese Grand Prix, with the Mexican confident that Red Bull can be “strong anywhere else” after their solid showing at Suzuka.
After missing out on pole position to team mate Max Verstappen in Saturday’s qualifying, Perez started the race on the front row alongside the Dutchman but couldn’t quite take the fight to him.
While he felt he enjoyed a stronger launch when the event was restarted – following an early red flag due to a collision between Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo – Perez struggled more in the opening stint before becoming more comfortable during the second. He ultimately crossed the line in P2 to help Red Bull in securing their third one-two result of 2024.
‘Good momentum’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ITMEI4EAEPRcF3
HORNER ON THE FUTURE OF PEREZ AT RED BULL: ‘IT’S HIS SEAT TO LOSE’
Perez says he is feeling ‘relaxed’ about his future at Red Bull and believes the decision is only ‘a matter of time’
April 7, 2024
Hannah May
FormulaNerds
Sergio Perez feels confident after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix where he moved from P3 to P2 in the Drivers’ Standings. He took the second step of the podium alongside his teammate and victor, Max Verstappen.
Second in Suzuka �� Great drive and great moves today, @SChecoPerez ��#F1 || #JapaneseGP ���� pic.twitter.com/kKHqTvv32f
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) April 7, 2024
When asked by Sky Sports about his Red Bull seat for the 2025 driver market, Perez said:
“I’m really pleased with what I’ve done in the sport so far”
He said he was “relaxed about it” but does recognise the competition for his current seat. He continued: “The driver market is moving and the next few weeks are going to be a lot of movement for sure.”
Horner is full of praise for Checo. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner spoke to Sky Sports after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. He was asked about Perez’s chances of retaining his Red Bull seat. He praised Perez’s performance so far this year, remarking:
“He’s doing a great job.”
Discussing Perez’s qualifying session, Horner said: “He qualified within a tenth of a second yesterday – by far his best qualifying performance round here – and I think that you can see his confidence is growing.” Speaking about Perez’s race, Horner continued: “I thought his performance in the race, again, was very strong today.”
“He’s doing a great job”;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ho...-seat-to-lose/
Red Bull F1 future will be sorted imminently - Perez
Sergio Perez's contract is up at the end of the 2024 season, with a clutch of drivers linked with the Red Bull seat.
8 April 2024, 7:25AM
Jake Nichol
Sergio Perez has suggested that his Formula 1 future with Red Bull could be resolved "within a month" as he continues an impressive start to the season. "I am pretty relaxed about it, it is my 14th season in F1," Perez told Sky Sports F1.
"Whatever comes next, I am really pleased with what I've done in the sport so far. I believe it will be a matter of time [before my future is decided] and obviously the driver market is moving and in the next few weeks, there will be a lot of movement for sure. I expect to know within a month what I am doing next year."
"Within a month";
https://racingnews365.com/perez-hint...ed-bull-future
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Fred Vasseur shuts down Lewis Hamilton questions as Sainz lands latest podium.
That has led to a great deal of scrutiny over Ferrari’s pre-season acquisition of Hamilton, but team boss Vasseur was in no mood to entertain a reporter’s talk of an “alternative reality where you hadn’t already signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025.”
08 Apr 2024 8:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Just like Lewis Hamilton, it appears Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur is also growing tired of the questions surrounding that upcoming switch from Mercedes.
Before said reporter could finish their sentence, Vasseur interrupted to make sure that it could go no further. “We have the same question each weekend,” said Vasseur. “Do a copy paste of my reply of last week, next one.”
‘Fred Vasseur is also growing tired’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fred-v...lton-questions
Sainz feared podium result in Japan had slipped away
10:56 Sun, 07 Apr 2024.
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
“I had a good race to be honest. I knew the podium was possible if I did a perfect race” Carlos Sainz beamed when he was interviewed in parc ferme. “Very happy, because it was quite tough out there with the degradation.”
“At times it looked a bit tricky, I didn’t understand exactly what was going on with the one stops and two stops," he said. "Then the clouds came, the degradation went a lot lower, and suddenly I thought that maybe one-stop was quicker - and we were on the two.”
"I thought it was going to be very difficult to get back into fourth or P3 [given] how tricky it was to overtake the Mercedes on the second stint, and how difficult it was to follow. But when I put the hard on at the end I was very quick, flying out there, and I could get the moves done to get the podium I was really pushing for.
‘Sainz feared podium result’;
https://f1i.com/news/504683-sainz-fe...pped-away.html
Carlos Sainz ‘sending facts’ not ‘little messages’ to Charles Leclerc in Ferrari fight
09 Apr 2024 12:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Stamping his authority over his team-mate with a simple pass in Japan, Carlos Sainz is not just sending “little messages” to Charles Leclerc, he’s sending him “facts”. According to leading Spanish commentator, Antonio Lobato, more than just a message to Leclerc.
“Since he was a kid, his father always told him that even if he didn’t win, he always had to send little ‘messages’. “He is not sending those messages any longer. Now he is sending facts. And that’s the reward for all his work. He deserves it. Lots of teams will want to have him.”
‘Sending facts’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos...-ferrari-fight
Carlos Sainz emerges as Aston Martin target for 2025
April 8, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
A report from Motorsport suggests that Carlos Sainz is seen as an option by some “factions” in the team. Intriguingly, it also adds that some within Aston would prefer to have Sainz leading Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll – rather than Fernando Alonso. This report contradicts the prevalent narrative from the British outfit.
Considering their success with Alonso, replacing him – unless he voluntarily leaves – seems a somewhat impossible scenario. Still, it is worth evaluating how the situation evolves. Red Bull still has a vacant seat that could be the first domino to fall in the driver market.
Should the World Champion make a move to the Austrian team, it would open an opportunity for his compatriot. However, it must be asked how long Aston Martin is willing to compromise its output to keep Stroll on the team.
‘Aston Martin target’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...rget-for-2025/
Mercedes urged to “look at” Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman for 2025
Johnny Herbert thinks Mercedes should look at these two drivers for 2025.
09 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Mercedes should consider Carlos Sainz or Oliver Bearman for 2025. Herbert believes Sainz would “fit in very well” at Mercedes.
“Carlos Sainz would be one of the replacements Mercedes should look at. He is a solid, very reliable, intelligent driver who could fit in very well,” Herbert told Inclave Casino.
“Fit in very well”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104662...r-bearman-2025
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‘Something I’m not used to’ - Charles Leclerc wants to fix recent F1 weakness.
Charles Leclerc is keen to address this unusual - by his high standards - weakness in qualifying.
07 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Throughout his career, qualifying has been a strength of Leclerc’s, with many pundits describing him as the ‘fastest driver in F1’ due to his blistering one-lap pace. However, below par performances in qualifying recently has meant he’s missed out on a potential victory in Australia and now podium in Japan.
Speaking after the race at Suzuka on Sunday, Leclerc felt he couldn’t have done much more to better his P4 result, but cited the need for a better turn of speed on Saturdays. "I don't think there was anything better to do today," he said. "But finally today, I'm very happy.”
"However, two races now in a row, I've been struggling to put the tyres in the right window. This is definitely my main focus now going into Shanghai to try and re-find the right window of the tyres, and for me to put them more consistently inside that window."
‘Something I’m not used to’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104657...nt-f1-weakness
Vasseur soothes Leclerc fear after Japan woes: 'He'll be back'.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has poured cold water over the assertion that Charles Leclerc is struggling in qualifying.
8 April 11:37AM
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Leclerc matter of factly declared that his race could not have gone better, before turning his attention to his qualifying form. "It's my qualifying pace [which is the problem]," he began. "It is not something that I've not been very used to in my career to be working on my qualifying pace, because normally it's pretty good on the Saturday.”
A difference of opinion? His team principal, however, doesn’t quite see it that way. When asked what Ferrari has to do differently to get Leclerc’s qualifying pace back on track, Vasseur dismissed the premise of the question when speaking with media, including RacingNews365. "You don't have to draw a conclusion, just based on the classification,” he quickly responded.
"I think where we missed a little bit this weekend with Charles [in qualifying] was the first lap of Q1, because he didn’t do a very good lap, and we had to put a second set [of soft tyres] because we were a little bit at risk. "Then when you go to Q3, you have only one set and you are a little bit on the backfoot because you think: ‘if I make a mistake, I will be P10.’ We didn’t take the right approach, but I am convinced that Charles is a competitor, he is a good one on the one lap and he’ll be back.”
'He'll be back';
https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-so...s-hell-be-back
Vasseur Not Worried At All About Leclerc Slump
17:18 Sun, 07 Apr 2024.
GrandPrix.com
Frederic Vasseur insists he's not worried "at all" about Charles Leclerc's currently flagging form. Earlier at Suzuka, Formula 1 journalist Marijn Abbenhuijs asked the 26-year-old driver if he is worried that his currently unemployed-in-2025 teammate Carlos Sainz is shining brighter in this year's Ferrari so far.
Specifically, the Algemeen Dagblad reporter wondered if the pressure of being chosen as Lewis Hamilton's 2025 teammate over Sainz has piled on too much pressure. No, that's not the case, Leclerc insisted.
Abbenhuijs even pointed out that Leclerc lost his temper with a malfunctioning microphone during his interview, grumbling I'll stop, this makes no sense before being urged by his press officer to persevere. In short, the journalist noted, high tension is radiating from Leclerc, while Sainz coolly continues to perform better.
‘High tension is radiating from Leclerc’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/vasse...erc-slump.html
Leclerc blames poor qualifying for failure to make the podium at Suzuka
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the Japanese Grand Prix – but said afterwards he is “paying the price in the race” for difficult qualifying sessions at the last two events.
‘Leclerc blames poor qualifying’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...746637707.html
Leclerc ‘paid the price’ for poor qualifying in Japanese GP as he vows to work on struggles
08 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Charles Leclerc enjoyed a strong drive to P4 in the Japanese Grand Prix, but the Monegasque admitted that he was “paying the price” for his qualifying struggles in the race, having missed out on a podium position to Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz.
Leclerc started the event from P8 on the grid after a difficult qualifying on Saturday, in which he had to use two sets of soft tyres in Q1 to avoid elimination. This resulted in him relying on just one flying lap in Q3. “I think we didn’t have a better result mostly because of the qualifying yesterday and this is where I want to focus, which is strange – in the past I never had to really focus on qualifying because that was one of our strengths.”
“It’s also good to be voted Driver of the Day. Sometimes you do great races but you are a bit on your own, nobody notices it. Today I’m happy that people noticed it, and we’ll focus on the next race to try and put everything together, and to finally have the result that we want.”
‘Voted Driver of the Day’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...r7C4dZKDzLZhXe
Ferrari’s tyre management is better now than I’ve ever had before – Leclerc
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 9th April 2024, 0:01
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
After climbing from eighth to fourth in the Japanese Grand Prix, Leclerc says Ferrari’s tyre management hasn’t been this good at any time since he joined the team in 2019.
“Since I arrived in Ferrari, we always had the tendency of being very fast in qualifying and struggling a lot with tyre management in the race,” he told Viaplay. “It’s for now the most positive beginning of the year I’ve seen in terms of tyre management and just the car being easier.”
“It’s not like we, the drivers, are doing something very different to what we were doing in the past. It’s just a car that is in a better place and manages the tyres better. So that is a good sign and it’s encouraging for the rest of the season.”
‘Ferrari’s tyre management is better now’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/09/...nd-up-09-04-7/
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Lando Norris questions McLaren pit stop call after 'fighting a losing battle'.
Lando Norris wants to discuss McLaren's Japanese Grand Prix strategy with the team.
07 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Lando Norris wants to discuss McLaren’s strategy after disagreeing with the team’s decision to pit him earlier than his rivals at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix. “It was a tough race,” Norris told Sky F1. “I think compared to those guys who had better pace, compared to the Ferraris, just not enough.”
“I think everything kind of fell back in-line in terms of Red Bull, Ferrari, us, which is a shame. It doesn’t feel great when you start third and just kind of go backwards and kind of feel like you’re just fighting a bit of a losing battle against these guys because they can just do a lot more. They can go longer and extend to have a much bigger tyre delta. It’s hard to fight on a track like this, but we gave it a good shot, we did what we could have done.”
“We’ve got the maximum points apart from these top two teams, which was all we could do. Charles did a good job to go that far on one set of tyres and then I’m kind of surprised we boxed as early as we did to be honest with you. Because that just put it in line with what Ferrari did, and we covered George [Russell] which I just didn’t think we maybe needed to do.”
'Fighting a losing battle';
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104657...-losing-battle
Lando Norris wants McLaren F1 talks after nasty Japanese Grand Prix 'surprise'
Lando Norris started the Japanese Grand Prix third on the grid but finished the race fifth, unable to hold off the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in his McLaren
14:41 Tue, 09 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Lando Norris was left "fighting a losing battle" and "surprised" by McLaren's pit strategy during a difficult Japanese Grand Prix.
Speaking afterwards, Norris appeared deflated and said he wants to talk with his team about the way they had executed the race. "It was a tough race - I think compared to those guys who had better pace, compared to the Ferraris, just not enough," he said.
"Charles did a good job to go that far on one set of tyres and then I'm kind of surprised we boxed as early as we did to be honest with you, because that just put it in line with what Ferrari did, and we covered George [Russell] which I just didn't think we maybe needed to do.”
‘McLaren F1 talks’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...tella-32546553
Stella stands by McLaren strategy calls for Norris in Japanese GP
10:06 Tue, 09 Apr 2024.
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella defended his team’s strategy. The Italian acknowledged that Ferrari's stronger race pace ultimately hampered their plans but maintained that the two-stop strategy was the best option given the information they had at the time.
“I think we were a little out of options because when we stopped Lando at the start, we kind of knew that Ferrari were ready to go to undercut us,” Stella explained.
“So we wanted to play preventatively. We had two sets of hard, so we could stop early, and in stopping Lando early we wanted to see like, can we go for the podium? And we even tried to see can we go for it to beat Perez?”
‘Best option given the information they had at the time’;
https://f1i.com/news/504942-stella-s...panese-gp.html
It's the maximum of what we could achieve, admits Norris
09/04/2024
NEWS STORY
Pitpass
With Red Bull out of reach, Lando Norris admits that McLaren is still no match for Ferrari either. Able to hold off Sainz at both starts, Norris was struggling and pitted on Lap 11 in a bid to undercut the Spaniard, who pitted four laps later. Though the strategy paid off, Norris lost out to the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc who had bravely opted for a long opening stint on the mediums.
When Norris made his second stop (on Lap 26) it coincided with Leclerc's first, but while the Monegasque rejoined in sixth, the Briton dropped to eighth behind Russell. Though he was able to work his way back up to fourth, behind Leclerc, he was subsequently passed by the second Ferrari ten laps later.
"Tough race!" said the Briton. "We gave it a good try, but we just didn't have enough pace today, so trying to cover and stay ahead of the Ferraris was challenging. "It was as expected, to be honest with you," he subsequently added. "Which is behind Ferrari, where we've been all year.”
‘Maximum of what we could achieve’;
https://www.pitpass.com/77404/Its-th...-admits-Norris
McLaren strategy flaw identified giving Lando Norris “big disadvantage” in Japan
Did McLaren make two crucial mistakes with Lando Norris' strategy in Japan?
08 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Sky Sports F1 pundit Bernie Collins has identified a significant flaw with McLaren’s strategy at the Japanese Grand Prix. Analysing McLaren’s strategy at Suzuka, Collins felt while they were right to put Norris on a two-stopper, the timing of the stops was the issue.
“Lando was very honest in thinking they stopped too early,” she said. “He’s got to feel disappointed to lose to Charles who was significantly further back. [Andrea] Stella said two stops didn’t make a difference. I think that’s correct.”
“But what did make the difference was Lando stopped four laps earlier than Sainz on the first stop, then 10 laps earlier on the second stop. In a race where we’re talking about significant deg, to do 10 extra laps on the final set is a big disadvantage in terms of total race time. It would have lost significant race time.”
‘McLaren strategy flaw identified’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104661...dvantage-japan
Lando Norris set for McLaren talks after being left 'surprised' at Japanese Grand Prix
Lando Norris was left frustrated after finishing fifth in the Japanese Grand Prix.
09:14, Wed, Apr 10, 2024
By Express Sport Reporter
Daily and Sunday Express
Lando Norris has discussed plans to hold talks with McLaren following an unexpected pit strategy during the challenging Japanese Grand Prix. The British driver, who had high hopes of securing consecutive podiums after qualifying third on the grid for Sunday's race, was unable to fend off the advancing Ferraris.
A visibly disappointed Norris spoke afterwards about wanting to discuss the race execution with his team. "It was a tough race - I think compared to those guys who had better pace, compared to the Ferraris, just not enough.”
Norris also expressed his surprise at the team's strategy, saying: "Charles did a good job to go that far on one set of tyres and then I'm kind of surprised we boxed as early as we did to be honest with you, because that just put it in line with what Ferrari did, and we covered George [Russell] which I just didn't think we maybe needed to do.”
‘Frustrated after finishing fifth’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ese-Grand-Prix
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‘Normally we should be P9’ – Alonso praises Aston Martin for maximising ‘small factors’ to finish P6 in Japan.
Fernando Alonso was delighted with his drive to P6 in the Japanese Grand Prix, given that – with the Spaniard believing Aston Martin to currently be the “fifth fastest team” – he thinks they should typically be finishing in P9 or P10.
08 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
After lining up in P5 on the grid, Alonso looked to have good pace in the early stages of the race on the soft tyre. During his second stint on the medium compound, the two-time world champion was running in sixth and found himself being chased down by Oscar Piastri and George Russell.
Alonso allowed Piastri to stay close enough to use DRS, which enabled the McLaren driver to defend from Russell, and this ultimately helped Alonso to hold on to P6 to the chequered flag.
Reflecting on how he felt about the car’s race pace – with this not having been a strong point for the squad so far in 2024 – Alonso said: “I think we were a little bit better than the last few events, but we still need some pace compared to McLaren and Mercedes. Red Bull and Ferrari, they are in another league.”
‘Maximising ‘small factors’ to finish P6’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...G9R1SHC6h4mvN6
Japan ‘one of my best weekends but everyone will forget it tomorrow’ – Alonso
7th April 2024, 12:08
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
“I think it was one of my best races or my best weekends,” Alonso told Sky. “I think it was very complete and very strong, very solid. I think it was one of my best races or my best weekends,” Alonso told Sky. “I think it was very complete and very strong, very solid. Since free practice, to the race, maybe the best of the last year or maybe even top five of my career. But this is going to be completely anonymous.”
“I felt connected with the car. I think P5 yesterday is completely out of position and P6 today is completely out of position. We are definitely slower than Red Bull and Ferrari, they are maybe in another league at the moment. But I think McLaren and Mercedes, they are faster than us. Mercedes did experiment a little bit with a hard starting tyre today and a little bit of a bold strategy. But thanks to that, we capitalised on the position.”
“One of my best weekends”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/07/...morrow-alonso/
Alonso happy with P6 in Japan – ‘Normally we should be P9’
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Fernando Alonso scored another solid points finish with sixth place at Suzuka – which he was especially pleased with given he reckons the Aston Martin should be finishing in 9th or 10th given its pace.
‘Alonso happy with P6 in Japan’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...488640315.html
Fernando Alonso jokes about F1 ban as George Russell weighs in on DRS ‘games’
Fernando Alonso has joked about getting a season-long ban after playing some DRS 'games' in Japan.
08 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Fernando Alonso has teased Mercedes by dismissing the idea of giving team principal Toto Wolff a call about their vacant F1 seat for 2025. Alonso has suggested he will make a call on his future after the opening few races of the 2024 season and was asked by Sky if his performance in Japan made his decision any easier.
"I had a lot of fun, which is great, to keep on racing,” the two-time world champion said. “I had one of my best weekends ever, I think, driving, and I'm 44 seconds behind the leader. It doesn't feel attractive at the same time. So let's see.”
When asked if would be more fun to drive for a team further up the grid and whether he would give Wolff a call, Alonso laughed: "That's a very good question. But Mercedes are behind us, so it doesn't feel very attractive.”
"I had a lot of fun, which is great, to keep on racing,”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104657...active-verdict
Aston Martin’s ‘Plan A, B and C’ strategy to keep Alonso – de la Rosa
09:49 Wed, 10 Apr 2024.
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Aston Martin, under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership, values Alonso’s presence highly, alongside Lance Stroll. Pedro de la Rosa, an Aston Martin ambassador and Alonso’s trusted associate, emphasizes the team’s efforts to create a compelling environment for Alonso’s stay, stating that he is the “Plan A, B and C.”
“The most important thing is to give Fernando reasons to stay with us,” he said, asserting the team’s singular focus on retaining him without considering any alternatives. He passionately concludes that the team is content with both Alonso and Stroll, pinning their hopes on upcoming upgrades and an ambitious development strategy to ensure a competitive car, believing it to be “the most important weapon to convince Fernando.”
‘Aston Martin’s ‘Plan A, B and C’ strategy’;
https://grandpx.news/aston-martins-p...so-de-la-rosa/
For Aston Martin no plan B to Alonso
Momentum is building towards a deal to keep Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin beyond 2024.
GrandPrix.com
According to Aston Martin, the Lawrence Stroll-owned team is more than happy with Alonso - whilst Lance Stroll's seat appears set in stone. Pedro de la Rosa, Aston Martin brand ambassador and a close friend and long-time confidante of Alonso's, basically confirms that.
“The most important thing is to give Fernando reasons to stay with us”, the former F1 driver told Cadena Ser. “We desperately want him to stay with us”, de la Rosa added. "And in the team we do not contemplate a different scenario. We are working for Fernando to continue and we are working as if he is going to continue.”
“There is no plan B. Our plan A, B and C is Fernando. We are not looking around”, said the Spaniard. "The team is very happy with Fernando and Lance. We brought some small improvements to Suzuka and we have a very interesting and very ambitious development program for the next races, de la Rosa added. It is the most important weapon to convince Fernando - a car that is more and more competitive.”
“No plan B to Alonso”;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/for-a...to-alonso.html
Fernando Alonso teases Mercedes with ‘behind us, so not very attractive’ verdict
Fernando Alonso has dismissed the suggestion he will give Toto Wolff a call about Mercedes' vacant seat.
07 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Fernando Alonso has teased Mercedes by dismissing the idea of giving team principal Toto Wolff a call about their vacant F1 seat for 2025.
Alonso has suggested he will make a call on his future after the opening few races of the 2024 season and was asked by Sky if his performance in Japan made his decision any easier.
"I had a lot of fun, which is great, to keep on racing,” the two-time world champion said. “But Mercedes are behind us, so it doesn't feel very attractive.”
“Behind us, so not very attractive”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104657...active-verdict
Aston Martin reveal Fernando Alonso contract hopes
April 10, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Aston Martin wants to keep Fernando Alonso in the team until 2026 and beyond. Mike Krack, team principal at Aston Martin, has repeatedly mentioned that retaining Fernando Alonso is the priority for 2025 and beyond. This is hardly a surprise, considering that the Spaniard is responsible for about 75% of the team’s points since his arrival last season.
Aston works to keep Alonso for the long-term. Speaking after the Japanese GP, Mike Krack emphasised the importance of aggressive mid-season development to convince Fernando Alonso to stay. In addition, he outlined the importance of showcasing the potential to deliver a race-winning car in the new 2026 regulations:
“If we have the wind tunnel available, and with the whole thing completed – together with Honda – it’s certainly attractive,” motorsport-total quotes him as saying. “Definitely more so than two years ago. But we also know that it’s [even though] it’s nice to have all these, you have to deliver on the track. That’s the only thing you’re measured on, that’s the most important thing. We still have to do more… We won’t stop. We’ll bring more parts over the course of the season to motivate him and make him happy at Aston Martin.”
“We still have to do more… We won’t stop”;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ontract-hopes/
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Toto Wolff tells George Russell to "take responsibility" amid divisive F1 debate.
George Russell was involved in a terrifying crash in the Australian Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso being handed a 20-second penalty for his part in the incident
18:44 Mon, 08 Apr 2024.
By Jacob Leeks Senior Sports Reporter
The Mirror
There was no contact between Russell and Alonso, but the stewards decided to hand the latter a 20-second penalty after finding he slowed down for the corner "slightly more than 100m earlier than he ever had going into that corner during the race".
But while the Spaniard was deemed to have driven "in a manner that was at very least 'potentially dangerous'", Russell's team principal Toto Wolff believes his driver was also partially at fault.
"You can hear the drivers, they obviously understand much more on a track that I've never raced on, and they're split. I think Fernando was aggressively defending by trying to take out the momentum before the corner, and maybe he's overdone it," Wolff said. "George was just trying to [set up] an overtake there, but [he] also takes a certain part of responsibility for having lost the car there.”
‘Toto Wolff tells George Russell to "take responsibility"!’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...crash-32540319
Damon Hill insists George Russell was ‘desperate’ in Oscar Piastri clash
Mercedes’ Russell attempted to overtake McLaren’s Piastri at the final chicane of the Suzuka circuit
13:58 Sun, 07 Apr 2024.
Kieran Jackson
The Independent
Damon Hill was left unimpressed by a “desperate” attempted overtake by George Russell on Oscar Piastri during the latter stages of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, battling for seventh place, lunged down the inside of Piastri at the final chicane of the Suzuka circuit.
“I thought that was a little bit of an aggressive move actually,” Hill told Sky Sports F1. “Quite a risky one, required Oscar to take evasive action. So a bit desperate from George.”
‘Desperate attempted overtake’;
https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-...-b2524705.html
Oscar Piastri’s George Russell verdict as Japan clash catches FIA attention
08 Apr 2024 6:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
The stewards chose not to punish George Russell after a lunge on Oscar Piastri at the Suzuka chicane, a decision which will not get many complaints out of Piastri.
The stewards summoned both drivers but decided to take no further action, which Piastri believes was a fair outcome. “I think it’s probably a bit of a racing incident,” he said after the race. “He finished in front of me anyway, so I think it was fine.”
‘FIA attention’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/oscar-...ct-japan-clash
Mercedes’ F1 decline: From domination to desperation?
April 10, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Hamilton’s inclination towards his confirmed future with Ferrari became apparent in Japan, where he mentioned initiating an “conversation” with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about transitioning to the Maranello based team later in the year.
“Clearly Lewis is already focused on 2025, which shows a lack of confidence in his current team,” commented Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, to Sky Deutschland. He added, “The fact that he’s already mentally in a different place clearly poses a serious problem.”
Mercedes, once the reigning force in F1, now faces a challenging period, marked by a performance downturn that began in 2022. Fernando Alonso voiced his reservations about joining Mercedes next year, citing the team’s lack of appeal. Christian Danner, another ex-F1 driver, shared his observations on Toto Wolff’s recent comments, suggesting a disconnect between Wolff’s positive remarks and the team’s actual performance at Suzuka. He critically noted, “When he said his drivers did well at Suzuka, I thought he’s seen a different race.”
‘Mercedes’ F1 decline’;
https://grandpx.news/mercedes-f1-dec...o-desperation/
Mercedes have 'knife edge' problem as Martin Brundle lists daily failings of F1 giants
Martin Brundle has voiced his fears for Mercedes after their wretched start to 2024.
11:35, Wed, Apr 10, 2024
By Fraser Watson
Daily and Sunday Express
F1 pundit Martin Brundle has voiced his fears for Mercedes after claiming the team don’t even understand their ‘knife edge’ car. Brundle believes their lack of pace and consistency reflects a lack of understanding within Mercedes. “Their problem is, from time to time, the thing performs beautifully and they are really quite fast in phases,” he told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.
“But, they can't seem to reproduce that session to session, let alone day to day, let alone Grand Prix to Grand Prix. This is the problem they have got - this knife edge of a car that sometimes looks like they have finally sorted it and more of the time they just can't understand it.”
‘Don’t even understand their ‘knife edge’ car’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Wolff-Hamilton
George Russell reveals unseen Mercedes W15 issue as F1 2024 woes continue
10 Apr 2024 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Never mind his W15, George Russell’s latest issue for the 2024 F1 season is his helmet and the way the dirty air off the car ahead is “buffeting” it. At the start of a season where there have been bouncing, cornering and temperature issues for the Mercedes F1 car, apparently there have also been helmet issues for the drivers. Most notably for George Russell when following another car.
“It’s been a bit of a theme this year,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com about the issue. “But I have had no problem with helmets in practice and qualifying, and then as soon as we get to the race with all the turbulence and cars around there’s lots of buffeting and struggling a bit in this regard.”
“Buffeting”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/george...-woes-continue
Russell’s shaking helmet a new headache for drivers
10:14 Thu, 11 Apr 2024.
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Mercedes F1 driver George Russell has raised concerns about a new consequence of F1 aerodynamics: turbulence strong enough to cause his helmet to shake violently. The phenomenon raises concerns about driver comfort and focus, especially considering the extreme G-forces and concentration required to compete in Formula 1.
The dynamic wake is taking its toll on the spectacle out on the track as drivers struggle to follow another car closely enough to attempt an overtaking move. But Russel’s experience, which he highlighted to his team over the radio last weekend in Japan, sheds light on another, potentially safety-related issue for drivers.
‘Shaking helmet a new headache’;
https://f1i.com/news/505037-russells...r-drivers.html
George Russell advantage over Lewis Hamilton emerges in Toto Wolff's Mercedes admission
Lewis Hamilton started the Japanese Grand Prix seventh with George Russell two places behind, but they finished the Suzuka race in the opposite order after one Mercedes driver let the other pass
11:01 Wed, 10 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Lewis Hamilton yielded to team-mate George Russell during the Japanese Grand Prix because he had been compromised by "testing" during the race. That was the explanation from team principal Toto Wolff when asked after the Suzuka race why the seven-time F1 champion had allowed his fellow Mercedes driver by without a fight. Hamilton started seventh but finished ninth, while Russell rose two places to cross the line in the same position as his team-mate had started.
The Austrian said: "The result is really bad - qualifying and race, same result. But it was testing at the moment. We're in a position that we're fourth in the championship and lots of room to the back and we are orientating ourselves forward and that's why we need this mileage to understand. This week it was really positive. We changed the car upside down on what we're doing to it and we had some real performance. Suzuka last year was among our worst tracks.”
"[This year] we were pretty close to the frontrunners in qualifying and then second and third stint today, the moment we decided it was a two-stop we were very competitive and the first stint was atrocious. So, in summary, good learning, really bad on the final points table."
‘George Russell advantage over Lewis Hamilton’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...wolff-32552734
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“Retirement not an option” says Alonso as new deal keeps him in F1 until 45.
Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of the third world championship which has eluded him for almost 20 years will further extend what is already the longest Formula 1 career of all time.
12th April 2024, 11:5
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Few drivers in recent decades have raced into their forties. Alonso took the place of another multiple world champion, Sebastian Vettel, who left F1 at the age of 35. But Alonso said yesterday his mind “never went” to the possibility of retirement, and he plans to carry on racing in other series once he leaves the world championship.
“When I stop Formula 1 I will race elsewhere,” he told media including RaceFans. “Maybe Dakar or something like that. “For me, it’s very difficult to really think about a life without a steering wheel in my hands. That will never happen, or not in the short term. I had 99% confidence that I will keep racing next year, so retirement was not an option.”
“Retirement not an option”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/12/...n-f1-until-45/
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin have best 'project' for new F1 regulations in 2026
Fernando Alonso signed a contract extension to remain with Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season; Alonso believes the team are well set for the introduction of new regulations in 2026
Friday 12 April 2024 10:19, UK
Sky Sports
Fernando Alonso says his decision to sign a contract extension with Aston Martin was motivated by his belief that the team have the best "project" for when new Formula 1 regulations are introduced in 2026.
"I think in 2026 we are going into the unknown, for sure, in terms of regulations," Alonso said. "But if I had to choose one, my feeling is, I would choose our project and our engine and our power unit. One, it's because I think they (Honda) are dominating the sport now, they have a very, very strong engine with Red Bull and RB.”
‘Aston Martin have best 'project' for new F1 regulations in 2026’;
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...ations-in-2026
Alonso signs multi-year contract with Aston Martin
12 Apr 2024, 08:25
By Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
After months of considerable speculation around the most experienced driver in the history of Formula One, Fernando Alonso has underlined his commitment to Aston Martin Aramco by signing a new multi-year deal.
The new contract will see Alonso race for Aston Martin for at least two more season, which also means that he will stay with the team when the sport embarks on a new technical era. At the same time, the Silverstone-based outfit will make the switch from the Mercedes power unit to Honda in 2026.
"I am very grateful for the trust Lawrence, Martin and Mike have put in me and with Lance I am excited to see what else we can achieve together. This is only the beginning for this project and I am proud to be part of it. I am at my physical best and still hungry. I will give my all as we continue our journey to becoming a world championship winning team."
‘Multi-year contract’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/24487
Martin Brundle shares one ‘incredible’ thing about Fernando Alonso extension
Fri 12 April 2024 08:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Martin Brundle has offered his reaction on X after Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso signed a contract extension with the team. Aston confirmed on Thursday evening that Alonso had penned a multi-year new deal.
Alonso was one of many drivers in the final year of his contract, but team principal Mike Krack had already confirmed that the team would try to tie him down in the early part of the season. The Spaniard scored eight podiums for the team last year and has maintained that excellent form into 2024 even though they have regressed.
Martin Brundle raves about ‘exceptional’ Fernando Alonso. Writing on X, Brundle marvelled at Alonso’s ‘incredible’ longevity. He feels it would be worthy of praise ‘in any sport’, not just Formula 1. The Sky Sports F1 pundit said: “That man has incredible motivation and staying power. And enduring talent. Exceptional, in any sport, in any era.”
‘One ‘incredible’ thing about Fernando Alonso extension’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mar...nso-extension/
Fernando Alonso set for awkward F1 reunion as Aston Martin star holds clear-the-air talks
Fernando Alonso has agreed a new contract with Aston Martin that could see him spend a 'lifetime' working with the Silverstone-based F1 squad beyond retirement from racing
12th April 2024, 08:43
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Fernando Alonso's new Aston Martin deal will see him reunite with Honda a decade on from his "embarrassing" public criticism of their engines. The Spaniard is no stranger to Honda power units, having driven McLaren cars propelled by the Japanese manufacturer's creations for three years between 2015 and 2017.
However, it was not a happy partnership amid concerns about both the reliability and the performance of those engines. Alonso's most infamous criticism was broadcast to viewers around the globe during the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. After being overtaken by Marcus Ericsson in a Sauber, he told his race engineer: "It feels like GP2. Embarrassing. Very embarrassing."
He repeated the "GP2 engine" barb when he was overtaken by a fresh-faced Max Verstappen in the Toro Rosso, before letting out a frustrated cry. He finished that race 11th, while team-mate Jenson Button also failed to score.
‘Awkward F1 reunion’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...artin-32569391
Alonso: A ‘true pleasure’ to work once again with Honda
12/04/2024 at 09:25
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s upcoming partnership with Honda was an important part of his decision to remain with the Silverstone-based outfit. "Part of the decision to stay at Aston is because they are with Honda for 2026. It was very, very important to me," Alonso said.
"Honda is definitely a manufacturer that has so much success in Formula 1 and in the world of motorsport, it was always a company that I respected. It didn't work for us at McLaren, in the years that they came to the sport, but right after that they fixed all the problems and they are currently dominating the sport.”
"I think they will have a baseline for 2026 that is already very strong, but also they have the capacity in Sakura of building something really nice. After the experience with McLaren-Honda and IndyCar as well, we have now the opportunity to work again together. That for me is a true pleasure."
‘True pleasure’;
https://f1i.com/news/505086-alonso-a...ith-honda.html
ALONSO: ASTON ‘BUILDING’ FOR 2026 TITLE CHALLENGE
The Spanish veteran has just signed a new contract with the Silverstone-based outfit
April 12, 2024
James Fiorucci
FormulaNerds
New facilities and talented people. Alonso is also reassured by Aston Martin’s continued investment in F1, a sure sign that their ambitions are just as high as his own. He stated: “I was very clear to Aston in the first conversations that the appealing part of this project is everything that we are building.
“It was the new campus last year, it’s going to be the wind tunnel this year, it’s going to be the new regulations in 2026 and Honda coming as a partner. And I think that was for me a must, to enter new regulations with a new project, with a new wind tunnel and also with Honda as a partner, it was something for me that it was very important.”
“We have incredibly talented people in the team now in the technical side that will benefit from the new wind tunnel and the new facilities in Silverstone, so there were a lot of factors that made 2026 very appealing with Aston.”
‘Alonso: Aston ‘building’ for 2026 Title challenge’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al...tle-challenge/
What does Alonso re-signing with Aston Martin mean for F1?
Fernando Alonso re-upping with Aston Martin will have widespread ramifications – for the teams he was linked with and for the free agents still without a drive for next year. So, what does it all mean?
12 April 9:35AM
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
Fernando Alonso had been one of the hottest free agents available for the 2025 F1 season. Now, with the news that he has signed a multi-year deal with Aston Martin, it is time to access what it means for everyone else. In typical Alonso fashion, the announcement was provocative and direct, confirmed in a Michael Jordan-esque press release that simply read: ‘I am here to stay.”
What is more immediately critical is the knock-on effect it has on the rest of the paddock, begging the questions: what does it mean for the teams he was linked with, and what impact does it have on other drivers?
Re-signing with Aston Martin might end up being the great market simplifier, cutting through the noise and nonsense by making the logical call. In choosing the stability of home over the seduction of the unknown, Alonso has streamlined the options for his suitors, who, in time, may come to thank him for it.
‘What does it all mean?’;
https://racingnews365.com/unpacking-...n-means-for-f1
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Oscar Piastri warned of wingman status at McLaren if major flaw goes unaddressed.
Oscar Piastri has been warned that he risks becoming Lando Norris’s wingman at McLaren unless he is able to address his shortcomings with tyre management.
12 Apr 2024 2:30 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Tyre management proved to be a clear weakness for the Australian, with the most glaring example of his poor race pace coming at Suzuka 2023, where he finished 17 seconds behind Norris despite starting ahead on the grid.
Despite a couple of fourth-place finishes for Piastri in Saudi Arabia and Australia, Norris has once again led McLaren’s charge in the opening weeks of 2024, claiming the team’s best result so far with P3 in Melbourne.
With Piastri struggling to eighth in Japan last weekend, F1 commentator Harry Benjamin fears the 23-year-old could end up becoming Norris’s number two if he cannot improve quickly.
‘Warned of wingman status’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/oscar-...er-two-mclaren
Piastri delivers clear response to Russell close call
Oscar Piastri endured a challenging race in Japan and was relegated to eighth place following a mistake while battling George Russell.
7 April 2024, 1:00PM
Fergal Walsh & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Oscar Piastri has accepted that his contact with George Russell during the Japanese Grand Prix was nothing more than a “racing incident”. Russell attempted a late race move on Piastri into the final chicane as he attempted to make up a position on fresher tyres. Speaking about the incident to media including RacingNews365, Piastri said: “I think it's probably a bit of a racing incident. He finished in front of me anyway, so I think it was fine.”
“I could tell that Fernando was trying to keep me there by the way he was using his energy,” Piastri reflected. “I think with how difficult it is to follow in these cars, it’s quite a good strategy to stop a quicker car coming through. A few tough moments with George but in the end, I made a mistake and he got past. Disappointing to let that one slip right at the end, just struggled a bit in general today.”
“I think it was fine”;
https://racingnews365.com/piastri-de...ell-close-call
Oscar Piastri disappointed to let Russell slip through
Oscar Piastri was left disappointed by a mistake in the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix that allowed George Russell to pass him for seventh on the final lap.
7 April 2024
by Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Piastri and Russell were locked in battle in the closing stages of the 53-lap affair, with the Australian seemingly having seen off the worst of the Mercedes driver’s assault.
“A few tough moments with George, but in the end I made a mistake and he got past,” Piastri lamented. “Disappointing to let that one slip right at the end, but yeah, struggled a bit in turbulent air.”
“Some strategies were a bit of a surprise,” Piastri noted. “Obviously, for Mercedes, I assumed their plan was to try the hard one-stop effectively and I think converted back to a medium. Impressive from Leclerc to pull off a one-stop. I don’t think we could have done a one-stop,” he added.
‘Disappointed’;
https://speedcafe.com/oscar-piastri-...-slip-through/
2024 Japanese Grand Prix: Russell snatches P7 on the final lap after wheel-to-wheel battle with Piastri
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Oscar Piastri was forced to run wide over the chicane after George Russell made a late lunge on the McLaren, but the Mercedes man managed to grab P7 from his rival on the very last lap at Suzuka.
‘Wheel-to-wheel battle’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...322420244.html
Piastri rues mistake during ‘tough moment’ with Russell
08/04/2024 at 10:12
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
While defending from Russell, Piastri was given a helping hand from Fernando Alonso up ahead. The Aston Martin driver cleverly exploited his battery energy to protect his position in P6 while also keeping Piastri in his DRS to help the Aussie keep the Mercedes at bay.
“I could tell Fernando was trying to keep me there by the way he was using his energy,” Piastri explained. “With how difficult it is to follow in these cars, it is a good strategy to try and stop a quicker car coming through.”
Oscar Piastri lamented a mistake on the penultimate lap of the Japanese GP that allowed Mercedes rival George Russell to slip by and snatch P7 from the McLaren charger at the checkered flag.
‘Rues mistake’;
https://f1i.com/news/504859-piastri-...h-russell.html
ALONSO JOKED ABOUT F1 BAN OVER PIASTRI DRS DEFENCE TACTICS
Fernando Alonso joked that he could not rule out getting disqualified for the rest of the Formula 1 season after unleashing some impressive defensive tricks in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Apr 8, 2024, 4:26 PM
Jonathan Noble
Juanjo Sáez
Motorsport.com
A fortnight on from receiving a penalty for potentially dangerous driving against George Russell during a last-lap battle in Australia, Alonso found himself needing to hold his rivals back once again at Suzuka.
Speaking to Spanish television channel DAZN after the race about his defensive games, Alonso said it was just normal racing, but cheekily suggested that after his penalty in Australia nothing could be taken for granted now. "I don't know what to say anymore after Australia, let's see if I get disqualified for the rest of the championship,” he smiled.
“It's clear that having Piastri behind, it was a way to defend myself from Russell, so I was probably taking a bit of battery off on the last straight to get Piastri within a second. Carlos did it like that in Singapore last year too, and it's a normal racing thing.”
‘Nothing could be taken for granted now’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...tics/10596385/
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Lewis Hamilton struggles explained as Toto Wolff slammed for letting down Mercedes ace.
Lewis Hamilton has endured a challenging start to his final season as a Mercedes driver, although this isn't entirely down to his own performances.
06:30, Sat, Apr 13, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton is not at fault for his worrying start to the 2024 campaign, according to F1 analyst Mark Gallagher. Instead, he believes that Mercedes have failed the seven-time world champion by producing an unpredictable car that, combined with its two predecessors, has drained the Brit’s confidence.
Following two difficult seasons to kick off the ground effect era in 2022 and 2023, the current campaign has brought about Hamilton’s worst-ever start to a year. The 39-year-old has only finished higher than P9 on one occasion and has so far out-qualified team-mate George Russell just once.
This was acknowledged by Hamilton himself, who proclaimed it to be ‘even worse than 2009’ after he suffered a mechanical DNF at the Australian Grand Prix. Team principal Toto Wolff must now find his replacement without the promise of a predictable, consistently fast challenger to put underneath them.
‘Not at fault’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Wolff-Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton makes fresh Ferrari declaration as Mercedes struggles continue
09 Apr 2024 6:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is unsure if Mercedes will allow him to start work with Ferrari before the F1 2025 season, insisting all his energy is focused on helping his current team “get back to the top.”
With his move to Ferrari confirmed so early in the year, Hamilton faces the unusual prospect of having to spend the entire 2024 season at Mercedes in the knowledge that team and driver will soon part ways.
Speaking to media including PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher the morning after Hamilton’s bombshell, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted 2024 could present some “challenging situations” as the team aim to prevent Hamilton taking intimate secrets to his new employers.
“Challenging situations”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...rrari-mercedes
Mercedes desperate amid performance catastrophe
10:32 Wed, 10 Apr 2024.
GrandPrix.com
Seven time world champion Hamilton - now regularly struggling to keep up with George Russell at Mercedes - is clearly already putting his mind into red overalls. He said in Japan that he will soon kick off an awkward conversation with Toto Wolff about when he can start his transition to Ferrari later this year.
“Clearly Lewis is already focused on 2025, which shows a lack of confidence in his current team”, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. “The fact that he's already mentally in a different place clearly poses a serious problem.”
F1 driver Christian Danner, speaking to the Austrian broadcaster Servus TV explains: "If I have a not-so-fast car, I might do a nonsense tactic that could work if you're really lucky. So you see how desolate it is for them at the moment. It's obviously a catastrophe that we're witnessing”, said Danner. “Not just from Hamilton's point of view, where he's driving himself crazy and not getting anywhere, but also the whole team.”
‘Mercedes desperate’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/merce...tastrophe.html
EXCLUSIVE: Lewis Hamilton giving Mercedes "a hard time" as F1 team slammed over poor form
Lewis Hamilton leaves Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of this F1 season, but the idea of a triumphant exit has already long gone with the Silver Arrows struggling to perform
13th April 2024, 06:05
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Given the situation, former Formula 1 executive Mark Gallagher thinks it's only natural that Hamilton will be frustrated with the team. "Lewis is what he is and that is a highly experienced seven-time champion who exists to win," he told Mirror Sport, via Betway. "He doesn't exist to qualify in the third row or the fourth row and get a podium maybe if things go well.”
“He's there for winning and he is going to give himself a hard time if things aren't going well but he will also give the team a hard time. That's what you expect of the great drivers in a way." Hamilton's best result from the four races held so far was seventh in the Bahrain season-opener. Since then, he has finished ninth twice and failed to finish the Australian Grand Prix thanks to an engine failure.
Gallagher, who served on the board at Jordan Grand Prix and later worked for Jaguar and Red Bull Racing, thinks Hamilton's own performances have been "a little bit below par". But he insists it would be unfair to criticise the seven-time F1 champion for that given Mercedes' failure to provide him with the tools he needs to win.
“Experienced seven-time champion who exists to win”;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...icism-32564416
Lewis Hamilton reacts to major F1 2025 calendar news with first Ferrari race venue confirmed
12 Apr 2024 4:30 PM
Henry Valantine
The 2025 calendar was announced with a run of five races in six weeks to start the season, but Hamilton’s first race for Ferrari will take place at Albert Park in Melbourne, the scene of many a curtain-raiser in years gone by – and the seven-time World Champion is pleased to see that be the case again next year.
“I love this track, this race,” Hamilton recently told media in Melbourne. “I think it was always the best first race of the season, so it’s exciting to hear that this is the first one next year – it just takes me back to when I first started.”
“I love this track, this race”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...endar-reaction
Rumours swirl in Italy that Mercedes have chosen Lewis Hamilton replacement
Mercedes have reportedly decided which driver will replace Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season
12 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Carlos Sainz has been chosen by Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 F1 season, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. The publication from Ferrari's homeland insist that Sainz will join Mercedes on a two-year deal, teaming up with George Russell.
Sainz is a safe bet for Mercedes having enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 F1 season, finishing on the podium in all three races - winning in Australia. If the report is to be believed, Sainz has been handed a two-year Mercedes deal.
Sainz’s arrival at Mercedes will have a knock-on effect for the rest of the grid, particularly their protege, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The same report details that Red Bull are likely to retain Sergio Perez after his strong start to the year.
‘Rumours swirl’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104671...on-replacement
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Hulkenberg: Botched start in Japanese GP ruined chance of points.
Haas’ post-race analysis revealed an "anti-stall" issue during Hulkenberg's second start, which the US outfit will be investigating to prevent similar setbacks in the future.
12:58 Tue, 09 Apr 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Nico Hulkenberg concluded his Japanese GP just outside the points in P11… “I think 10th probably [was the highest I could have finished] – not more than that, definitely not more than that. [Tsunoda in 10th was] 50 seconds behind Hamilton so... I didn’t have that kind of pace!”
“[I made] one good start, one really bad start – went into anti-stall so we need to look into what happened, why it did that. But afterwards, head down, I think the pace was pretty good for midfield guys.”
“[I] had a very long stint on the first hard, and then had quite a splash and dash kind of on the second hard where I could really show some pace.” While he had little to show for his efforts at Suzuka, Hulkenberg was optimistic about the team's performance, believing it "definitely" set a promising tone for the upcoming races.
‘Hulkenberg was optimistic’;
https://f1i.com/news/504956-hulkenbe...of-points.html
Hulkenberg hails 'half a miracle' despite points frustration
Nico Hulkenberg showed strong pace in Japan to narrowly miss out on his third consecutive race in the points.
8 April 8:00PM
Fergal Walsh & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
'Half a miracle' to recover: Hulkenberg recovered to 11th place at the chequered flag and just missed out on scoring his third consecutive points finish which would have marked Haas' longest streak since midway through the 2018 campaign.
The German driver admitted shock over the pace of his car amid Haas' pre-event expectations. “Honestly [I’m] a bit surprised that I managed to come back to where I did,” he said. “I think it's half a miracle, to be honest. It shows that we had good pace.”
"Obviously, I tried to go as quick as I could while managing the tyres as much as possible. It is a pity, because probably we could have fought Yuki [Tsunoda in 10th] or beaten Yuki. One point was up for grabs, but Hamilton was 50 seconds up the road, so that was out of reach."
'Half a miracle';
https://racingnews365.com/hulkenberg...racle-in-japan
Suzuka performance ‘gives us hope for the coming races’ – Magnussen
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Kevin Magnussen was unable to score points in Japan as he finished 13th, but he was encouraged by the pace of the Haas car, which he says bodes well for the races ahead.
‘Gives us hope’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...396394791.html
Gene Haas ready to splash cash?: New era for smallest F1 team looms
09:12 Thu, 11 Apr 2024.
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
In an optimistic turn of events for the Haas Formula 1 team, it appears that a much-needed financial boost is on the horizon, a move that many critics have been clamouring for. Ralf Schumacher, the former F1 driver, voiced concerns on Sky Deutschland, saying,
“The structure there is not geared towards the future and is not looking towards the future either. Investments are pending, but they are not being made because Gene Haas has other ideas,” he observed. “It’s currently a nice small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman.”
Counteracting these sentiments, Ayao Komatsu: “Gene’s message to me from day one was crystal clear. He said he has the money, he is willing to invest, but we need to show him that we can use that money responsibly and efficiently. There’s a reason he’s a billionaire, right? He hates wasting money,” Komatsu elaborated. “We can improve in many areas, so I was not worried about his message. I know for sure that he will invest when we get there.”
‘Much-needed financial boost is on the horizon’;
https://grandpx.news/gene-haas-ready...f1-team-looms/
Why Haas F1 can continue to outperform midfield rivals
April 8, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Haas failed to score points at the Japanese GP, but Ayao Komatsu’s team proved the VF-24 is a well-rounded machine. A strong start off the line catapulted Nico Hulkenberg into the top 10, putting him in a strong position to deliver points in Suzuka. The VF-24’s straight-line speed, which was again on display in Japan, makes it a very difficult car to overtake. In combination with its overall pace, Hulkenberg was in contention to secure more points for Haas F1.
Arguably, Haas has been capable of scoring points at every race this season. Early contact for Hulkenberg was costly in Bahrain, whilst a poor red flag restart was the limiting factor last weekend. Despite these errors, the team’s time under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu has commenced in a very convincing way.
Considering the very clear top-five group in Formula 1, securing four points in the same number of race weekends is more than adequate. Alpine, Sauber and Williams are still without their first top-10 results in this year’s campaign.
‘Continuing to outperform midfield rivals’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...dfield-rivals/
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu stunned F1 rival is ‘so mediocre’ in ‘honest’ verdict
Sat 13 April 2024 13:30
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer
Ayao Komatsu never expected Haas to start the Formula 1 season as strongly as they have but is just as shocked at how ‘mediocre’ one rival team has been so far in 2024. Ayao Komatsu is stunned at how ‘mediocre’ Alpine have been in 2024
Yet while Haas’ form has positively surprised Komatsu, their team principal also admits that he never imagined Alpine having such a ‘mediocre’ start to 2024. The Renault-owned outfit rank last in the constructors’ championship so far this season, having not yet scored a point. “The truth is that I knew our numbers and I didn’t believe that we would be able to take a huge step forward,” Komatsu has told Speedweek.
“Especially not to seventh place in the constructors’ championship. Now, let’s be honest, who among us could have imagined that Alpine would look so mediocre at the start of the season?”
‘‘SO mediocre’ in ‘honest’ verdict’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/haa...onest-verdict/
Nico Hulkenberg urged to make ‘smart move’ as Haas look at ‘other ideas’ for F1 2025
10 Apr 2024 5:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Told by Ralf Schumacher to leave Haas who have “other ideas’ with Oliver Bearman in the running for a 2025 F1 seat, Karun Chandhok believes Sauber would be a “smart” move for Nico Hulkenberg.
Asked by Sky Deutschland if Hulkenberg should stay at Haas come 2025, the German replied: “No, certainly not. Haas is certainly a great team and everything will get better there, but the structure isn’t there and doesn’t look towards the future either.”
“Investments are pending but are not being made because Gene Haas has other ideas. It’s a nice, small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman.”
‘Urged to make ‘smart move’’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-h...-ideas-f1-2025
Guenther Steiner receives Haas blowback over accusation of misleading people
12 Apr 2024 7:27 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has said the team did not mislead people about their pace expectations, after Guenther Steiner claimed the team were “right on where they ended up to be.”
Komatsu has now responded to those claims, explaining that the numbers he read were not misrepresenting the reality of what he faced, and he could not factor in the drop-off in pace of rivals such as Alpine. “If you look at the data from the wind tunnel, it’s just a number,” Komatsu explained, as quoted by Motorsport-Magazin.
“I knew the figure and knew how much we had improved. Nevertheless, I had to assume that all the other teams had improved by at least the same amount or more. We started development late, we had to stop for two months because of the Austin upgrades and we are also the smallest team. It’s not like we have advanced methods, and I’m sure everyone else is just as smart as us on average.”
‘Guenther Steiner receives Haas blowback’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...leading-people
-
Bottas pleased with Kick Sauber’s pace progress as Zhou rues ‘disappointing start of the year’ after Japan DNF.
There were mixed emotions for the Kick Sauber team at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Valtteri Bottas taking the positives from the squad’s improvement in pace while Zhou Guanyu was left disappointed after having to retire with a mechanical problem.
10 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Bottas ended up near the back of this pack and, after trying to find a way past the Haas of Kevin Magnussen, eventually crossed the line in P14. While this means that Kick Sauber are still yet to score a point in 2024, the 10-time race winner was left feeling optimistic about the car’s speed.
“Honestly it was a positive day in terms of the pace overall,” Bottas commented after the race “We did stop quite early on the second stop, and actually [at the] same time with all the others.”
“Unfortunately we ended up behind all the cars that we were racing, so then basically for the rest of the race I was stuck behind Kevin [Magnussen], who had really high top speed, so I couldn’t really find a way around him. But pace-wise I think it’s better than what the result is.”
‘Disappointing start of the year’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GHO72EEvyDwXr6
‘Pace was better than the result’ says Bottas after P14 finish in Japan
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Valtteri Bottas insisted there were positives for Kick Sauber at Suzuka, despite their points drought continuing.
‘Pace was better than the result’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...839387677.html
Bottas eyes escape from ruinous Stake F1 problem
Stake F1's recurring problems could be about to end.
13 April 11:23AM
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
The team was not able to react to the issue until it was first detected in testing, but after four races, Bottas feels a turn could be on offer in F1's return to Shanghai. "It is an issue that was kind of there, we didn't know before the season that it would be an issue, and it is not a quick fix," he said.
"But there is 100% a fix planned, hopefully for China, but it is still not 100%. Even before the Bahrain test, it was not a big concern, but in the test, we started to see some issues.”
Bottas was on course for a points finish in Australia, before a slow stop ruined his chances as he came home in 14th place on a strong weekend for the 10-time grand prix winner, but he defended the team. "We are in this together, and I was disappointed, the whole team was disappointed," he added. "These things shouldn't happen, but we are taking it seriously and it is a priority to get it sorted."
‘There is 100% a fix planned’;
https://racingnews365.com/bottas-eye...ake-f1-problem
Bullish Bottas: ‘We can absolutely fight for points’
06 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Valtteri Bottas will start the Japanese Grand Prix from P13 on the grid, but is confident of being in the battle for a top 10 finish – assuming Kick Sauber have no more pit stop problems.
‘We can absolutely fight for points’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...809749654.html
Valtteri Bottas 2025 contract chances remain uncertain
April 12, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Valtteri Bottas is fighting to stay on the Formula 1 grid, but his options are slowly shrinking. There are only three drivers on the 2024 F1 grid with more accolades than Valtteri Bottas. The Finn has taken 10 race victories and 67 podiums in his career, with the majority coming during his five-year Mercedes stint. After a euphoric debut with Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2022, Bottas faces a series of challengers to his seat.
So far in 2024, misfortune has plagued Bottas in his campaign with Sauber. A generally uninspiring C44 machine has made points difficult to attain. Even worse, the Swiss-based team continues to struggle with pit-stop issues. Their equipment is still causing stops that put the 34-year-old out of points contention.
Limited options for Bottas. Fundamentally, the former Mercedes driver is in a race against time to keep his F1 career alive. Perhaps most frustratingly, his machinery will make it difficult to secure the landmark results necessary to convince rivals. His performances to start the 2024 campaign have been impressive – but this may not be enough in such a hotly contested market.
‘2025 contract chances remain uncertain’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ain-uncertain/
-
Williams face F1 budget cap issue after £1.5m crash damage in fresh Alex Albon blow.
With outdated infrastructure and the need to get its 2024 car ready on time for the start of the season, Williams took a gamble and didn't build a spare chassis. However, that backfired at last month's Australian Grand Prix when Alex Albon crashed in practice.
12:59 Tue, 09 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
When Sargeant crashed in practice at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, they would have been fearing the worst. Fortunately, there was no damage done to the chassis - but Albon smashed up the other one on race day when he and Daniel Ricciardo hit the barrier on the first lap. That chassis has been sent back to Williams' UK base to again be repaired, further delaying production of the spare.
Even more concerningly for the team, the repair costs have already spiralled to a seven-figure amount that looks likely to have significant repercussions on the rest of the season. Like all F1 teams, Williams left a cushion when it made its pre-season budget cap calculations to account for crash damage. What they would not have expected is to have already racked up such a huge bill after only the first four rounds of a 24-race season.
Williams have made significant commercial strides in recent times and so have the financial power to deal with the unexpected expense. The team is working with former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon on that front - he has been brought in as a commercial adviser to the board.
‘£1.5m crash damage’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...geant-32545534
Jolyon Palmer's Analysis: Williams' woes in Suzuka | Workday
09 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
F1 TV's Jolyon Palmer looks at Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon's crashes in Japan as the Williams team's troubles continued. For more analysis subscribe to F1 TV.
‘Analysis’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...200219476.html
Three crashes in two races taking an “enormous” toll on Williams – Vowles
8th April 2024, 8:20
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
The latest crash suffered by a Williams driver will delay their upgrade programme later in the season. Team principal James Vowles admitted that was an inevitable consequence of Alexander Albon’s first-lap crash with Daniel Ricciardo in yesterday’s Japanese Grand Prix. “The last two weeks have been tough,” Vowles told the official F1 channel. “I think, take any team, to have three major accidents where you pretty much take out all the equipment on the car is enormous.
“Taking that across the season, you can deal with it. Taking it across just a few races, it’s difficult and the impact of it will be what you expect. We’re making spares as quickly as possible in the background but ultimately performance will have an impact on that. We can’t bring as many updates. The updates that were on the car, unfortunately, are broken. So we’ve got to build those stocks back up and get going again.”
‘Three crashes in two races’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/08/...lliams-vowles/
The brutal cost of Williams's shocking F1 crash streak
Apr 9, 2024
by Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Three big crashes, two damaged chassis and no spare car adds up to a brutal cost for the Williams Formula 1 team that goes beyond a bill of more than $2million. This is well beyond the worst outcome Williams would have expected for the start of 2024 even though it knowingly took a big gamble ahead of the new season.
THE BRUTAL COST: The situation was so precarious even before Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, that Albon claims during his crash he was consciously thinking about how bad it would be for Williams while he was still heading for the wall.
Unsurprisingly the cost is enormous. The repairs, the replacement floors and wings and suspension components, at least two new gearboxes, the unexpected need to transport the chassis - it all adds up, and the three accidents are likely to cost Williams well over $2million once the full extent of Albon’s Suzuka crash is understood.
‘THE BRUTAL COST’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...lbon-sargeant/
Williams on the brink: Chassis & spare parts nightmare for China
10:00 Mon, 08 Apr 2024.
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
In the lead-up to the next Formula 1 event in China, a cloud of concern looms over the Williams team, as Alex Albon voices grave apprehensions about the team’s capability to recuperate from a series of setbacks. Williams’ early journey through the 2024 season so far has been marred by a relentless series of mishaps, including delays, a critical shortage of chassis and spare parts, along with significant crash damage.
James Vowles, the team boss, acknowledged the precarious situation, admitting that the construction of a third chassis is still “A long way away.” This poses a significant challenge for the team as they also grapple with dwindling supplies of crucial spare components, including front and rear wings. Vowles elaborated on the team’s multifaceted efforts, emphasizing that the focus is not solely on the chassis but also on managing spare parts and updates to ensure continuity in their operations.
‘On the brink’;
https://grandpx.news/williams-on-the...are-for-china/
Formula 1: Why Williams find themselves in even deeper trouble
Only four races into the 2024 Formula 1 season, Williams appear to be in serious trouble already, and it could greatly hurt them later on.
Apr 9, 2024
By Siddharth Bharani-Dharan
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)
What could happen later on? Williams not having the availability for the parts they need will prove to be a challenge going forward. As of right now, they are in a race against time to repair the chassis Albon used in Japan. The damage was reported to be serious after the 28-year-old’s crash with Daniel Ricciardo on the opening lap.
There is no guarantee this chassis will be repaired in time for the Chinese Grand Prix in less than two weeks. In addition, Williams have had to shift their focus to repairs rather than upgrades. Vowles had also stated that the team’s current supply of parts is nearly wiped out.
Additionally, Williams were expected to get an extra chassis for the season by the Miami Grand Prix in early May. That could be delayed due to the existing chassis repairs that must be done first. Another hardship Williams have been facing is the use of their budget for repairs and parts rather than upgrades.
‘No guarantee this chassis will be repaired in time’;
https://beyondtheflag.com/posts/form...e-01htzgcgpynp
Revealed: The cost to the budget cap of Williams’ crash damage
James Vowles details how Williams can recover from expensive damage
08 Apr 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
The total cost to the team is in excess of $2m, according to The Race. That is expenditure which must come out of Williams’ budget cap. The budget for every team is $135m in 2024. From that money, Williams and their rivals must pay for all parts on their cars, everything required to run the car, team personnel, garages and spare items.
The chassis from Albon’s car will be sent back to the HQ in the UK before being shipped to China, where the fifth round of the season will be staged in two weeks’ time. Williams only possess two chassis. The production of a spare has been delayed by the damage accrued this season. Team principal James Vowles admitted many crucial parts have been destroyed: “Hopefully, we can recycle some of those bits. But, no, they’re pretty much gone.”
‘Production of a spare has been delayed’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104660...s-crash-damage
What’s going on at Williams? Crunch time for James Vowles as pressure mounts
09 Apr 2024 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
James Vowles has talked the talk but now it is time, if you will, to chassis the chassis and spare the spare as while the team was the butt of many a meme in Japan, this is his first big test as Williams’ team boss.
Speaking even before pre-season testing, before even the first F1 car had put in a single lap in a shakedown, Vowles said Williams would be “late” to the on-track party. But it was, he implied, a well-thought-out and conscious decision. Blah, blah, “chassis technology is different”, blah, blah, “pushing everything to the limits”, and then perhaps more telling “challenged us to push ourselves beyond where we wanted to be”.
‘Pressure mounts’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/ja...team-principal
-
Esteban Ocon shouts at Alpine engineer after fuming at Gasly over Japanese GP collision.
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon lost his cool with his race engineer at the Japanese GP after being told to "push now" after a collision with teammate Pierre Gasly. The coming together happened on the second restart at Suzuka after the race was red-flagged on Lap 1 as VCARB ace Daniel Ricciardo and Williams' Alex Albon ended up in the tyre barrier heading into Turn 2.
08:15, Sun, Apr 7, 2024
By Joshua Mbu
Daily and Sunday Express
Alpine's struggles continued in Japan as the team went without points again and nearly suffered a double DNF as their drivers collided. "Pierre gave me a hit at the side, let me know if it's okay," Ocon fumed. As the race progressed with the team still lacking behind its rivals, an Alpine race engineer later told Ocon: "OK Esteban we need to push now please, push now."
However, the race engineer's insistence only irritated Ocon. Alpine has been one of the worst cars on the grid in 2024 and is yet to score a point this season, and tensions are boiling over. "I am pushing what are you talking about!" Ocon snapped back.
‘Alpine's struggles’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ly-Japanese-GP
Esteban Ocon fumes at Pierre Gasly as Alpine F1 team-mates collide at Japanese GP
Alpine have endured a wretched start to the 2024 F1 season and moods at the Enstone team will not have been boosted by a touch between drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at Suzuka
07:08 Sun, 07 Apr 2024.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Esteban Ocon accused team-mate Pierre Gasly of hitting into his car in a terse radio message at the Japanese Grand Prix. The front-right tyre of Ocon's car hit into the sidepod of the other Alpine, while Gasly's rear-left returned the favour. And the contact left the former very unimpressed and clearly of the opinion that his fellow Frenchman was at fault.
"Pierre gave me a hit at the side, let me know if it's okay," he yelled over the radio. He would have been relieved when race engineer Josh Peckett informed him that, from what the team could see, there had been no damage done.
It was clear that they had both been far more fortunate than the two drivers who were already out of the race. Ricciardo and Albon's touch was very slight but enough to send them both off track and into the tyre wall at Turn 2.
‘Esteban Ocon fumes’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...lpine-32529334
Near disaster for Alpine as Ocon and Gasly collide
Sunday 7 April 2024 08:45, UK
Sky Sports
Alpine team-mates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly collided with each other during the Japanese Grand Prix.
‘Near disaster’;
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...-gasly-collide
Ocon reveals he picked up damage after contact with team mate Gasly on Lap 1
07 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Esteban Ocon finished P15 in Japan and described the race as “very tricky” – not least because he damaged his car after making contact with his Alpine team mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap.
“Very tricky”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...341987621.html
Alpine crisis: Could this be the end of their current F1 lineup?
April 8, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Acknowledging the looming possibility that either or both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly might part ways with the embattled squad by year-end, Alpine has braced itself for such an outcome. The Renault-backed team, despite its official partnership, found itself lagging with the season’s slowest vehicle post-winter tests.
Upgrades, including a new front wing and much-needed weight cuts, were introduced at Suzuka, though Sunday’s race revealed negligible improvement in Ocon and Gasly’s performance.
“We were very aggressive on strategy,” Ocon disclosed to Canal Plus, “and we were in the game with the others at one point. But we weren’t fast enough to keep them behind. It was a good test to see exactly where we are,” he continued.
‘Alpine crisis’;
https://grandpx.news/alpine-crisis-c...ent-f1-lineup/
Alpine prepared to lose both drivers for 2025
Alpine is "prepared" for the eventuality that Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly - or both - will abandon the crisis-struck team at the end of the year.
10:07 Mon, 08 Apr 2024.
GrandPrix.com
Team boss Bruno Famin says the next updates will only be added to the car in Miami, and insists that he is also trying to install “a better process and a better organisation” at the Viry and Enstone factories.
Both Ocon and Gasly, however, might clearly accept any offers to jump ship for 2025 - potentially good news for the rookie reserve driver, Jack Doohan. “I think he has been trained and he will be trained this year with quite a long testing program”, Famin said. "We are going to start soon because we need a car, we need a chassis to run that program.”
“After that, the driver market is going to be very dynamic”, he admitted. "Right now, I can say that we are happy with the drivers we have. But we are prepared for any scenario. Jack needs to test to keep growing - let's see what his future will be. But it's a bit early to answer that question.”
‘Alpine is prepared’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpin...-for-2025.html
Gasly rode out ‘very difficult' Japanese GP with damaged Alpine
08:45 Tue, 09 Apr 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
"I had an amazing first start, I managed to move up three positions,” Gasly recounted after the race.
"The second start was very good, I managed to pass Esteban and get alongside Yuki and then unfortunately, I got sandwiched – Yuki turning left, Esteban right, and [he] ultimately touched me on the left side of my floor.”
"After that, I was down something like 40 points of downforce, that it was pretty much game over – I was trying to stay out there, hoping for another red flag to make changes. It was just a racing incident, but it cost us a lot. It was a very long, very difficult afternoon."
“I got sandwiched”;
https://f1i.com/news/504934-gasly-ro...ed-alpine.html
ALPINE SALE RUMOURS EMERGE AMID KEY RENAULT DEMAND
Alpine’s disappointing start to the Formula 1 season has already fuelled talk that its parent company Renault could consider offers to sell the squad.
Apr 10, 2024, 12:10 PM
Motorsport.com
However, according to information gathered in recent weeks, any possible sale of the outfit would likely be on the condition that any new owner would continue to use Renault engine power for the foreseeable future.
The opening four races of the 2024 season have confirmed Alpine is in a difficult spot, with it standing last in the constructors’ championship on zero points with Sauber and Williams.
However, it appears to be the least competitive out of the three and, to make matters worse, it is not a customer outfit but a full-on works squad with car giant Renault behind it.
‘ALPINE SALE RUMOURS EMERGE’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...mand/10597127/
ALPINE F1 TEAM RESPONDS TO RUMOURS OF A POTENTIAL SALE
Enstone team's future has been the subject of speculation following disastrous start to 2024
April 10, 2024
James Phillips
FormulaNerds
Alpine responded to the rumours as they quickly gained traction, confirming the team is not for sale. As reported by PlanetF1, an Alpine spokesperson said:
“The rumours and stories about the team being for sale are false.
The team is categorically not for sale.”
What were the rumours? Speculation first began to emerge on Wednesday morning when motorsport.com stated a sale of Alpine was potentially on the cards. No interested parties were listed.
‘False rumours’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al...otential-sale/
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‘Not on owner’s bestseller list’ – Williams boss James Vowles subject of surprise scathing criticism.
Williams team principal James Vowles has been told to look in the mirror after a difficult and expensive start to F1 2024 which will have left owner Dorilton Capital far from impressed.
14 Apr 2024 9:13 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
This claim is coming from a former Williams driver in Ralf Schumacher, who knows all about achieving success with the Grove-based team, as all six of his career wins came with Williams during their BMW partnership.
“I think Vowles has to look at himself a bit now,” Schumacher told Sky Germany. “I wouldn’t be surprised that he’s not necessarily on [the Williams] owner’s bestseller list.”
In the opinion of Schumacher, Sargeant is “overwhelmed” and it is time for him to consider life after Formula 1. “You have to be fair, he’s definitely gotten closer to Albon. But he just makes too many mistakes,” said Schumacher. “That’s evident in that he runs over the car.”
‘Surprise scathing criticism’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/willia...alf-schumacher
The true cost of F1 crashes: Williams’ new upgrade battle unveiled
April 15, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Williams’ ongoing challenges this season are significantly disrupting their development strategy for the 2024 car. The accumulation of crashes involving Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant has depleted the team’s inventory of spare components and necessitated urgent repairs to the chassis, as well as the urgent fabrication of an additional monocoque.
When questioned about the frequent accidents involving the drivers, team principal James Vowles stated, “It’s a strong question – one to ask the drivers.” “Probably the most important thing is the fact that in the last two races we lost a number of floors, rear wings, front wings,” revealed Vowles, as reported by France’s Auto Hebdo.
He further mentioned that the chaos has extended to damaging suspension components and gearboxes. “It’s a very long list and so difficult to keep pace with the quantity of spare parts we need while working on developments in the background,” he explained.
‘Disrupting their development strategy’;
https://grandpx.news/the-true-cost-o...ttle-unveiled/
'Williams way' required amid spare chassis struggles – Albon
Alex Albon has accepted that Williams are in a difficult position especially given they remain without a spare chassis.
15 April 2:50PM
Nick Golding & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Alex Albon has accepted that it has become the "Williams way" to perform repair "miracles", with the team still being without a spare chassis. "Obviously, we haven't had a great start to the season," Albon conceded to select media including RacingNews365.
"With everything going as well, we've been on the backfoot. But it's always been kind of the Williams way that everyone digs deep and genuinely produces miracles to get cars built, prepared and ready on time. So unfortunately, we're going to have to rely on that for a little bit longer as well now.”
“But there is definite character building along the whole factory, across the whole factory. It's a tough, tough time, and obviously frustrating for everyone. I feel like we're in a tough place. And now it's just staying motivated and hungry and driven to bounce back."
‘Everyone digs deep and genuinely produces miracles’;
https://racingnews365.com/albon-acce...e-williams-way
Williams reportedly exploring alternatives to Logan Sargeant
April 14, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Logan Sargeant is understood to be at risk of losing his Williams seat. Logan Sargeant must produce results if he is to convince Williams that he deserves a contract extension. Despite James Vowles consistently defending the American driver’s performances last season, his future at the team is not guaranteed. A combination of factors indicates that Williams is looking at other options in the market.
Williams exploring alternatives. Reports indicate that Williams is evaluating alternatives in the market ahead of 2025. This is hardly a surprise, considering the volume of high-calibre drivers available. Several options could bolster the team’s line-up in Formula 1 and Formula 2.
Putting aside the relatively unlikely possibility of Mercedes sending Kimi Antonelli to Grove for a season or two, James Vowles could turn to more experienced drivers – including former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas. The 10-time race winner could be replaced as Audi begins to stamp its authority in Sauber’s lineup. If Sauber does not retain him, the seasoned veteran will become.
‘Exploring alternatives’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ogan-sargeant/
Jacques Villeneuve: Williams Racing Headed In ‘Right Direction’
Apr 15, 2024,08:00am EDT
Michael LoRé
Forbes
“They’re moving in the right direction and that’s super exciting to see because all of those years were really hard to watch,” said Villeneuve, a FIA Hall of Fame inductee. “Having won with Williams, and Williams has been such a big name in the racing industry, it was hard to see how they went down, but now to see it’s gradually going back up and in the right direction is fantastic.”
“Consistency is very important. Maybe there’s a little bit less pressure on the drivers now since the team seems to be in a more sound place,” Villeneuve said. “A lot depends on how the two drivers work together, which is something that’s very difficult to see from the outside.”
“If they have a similar driving style, then it will be much easier because they can help the engineers evolve the cars in the same direction. If you have two drivers who drive completely differently, then it will become more difficult to develop the car. They seem to get along very well. They seem to be working together very well.”
‘Gradually going back up’;
https://www.forbes.com/sites/michael...ght-direction/
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Honda say Aston Martin must sign drivers “we need to win”.
Honda wants Aston Martin to select the best possible driver combination for the 2026 season.
April 14, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, emphasised that driver quality is the priority. Watanabe also explained there have been (and will be in the future) extensive conversations with Aston Martin about driver selection for 2026:
“We had many conversations with Aston Martin regarding our partnership starting from 2026,” he told motorsport.com. “During that time, we exchanged opinions about drivers too, and we shared an understanding between us and Aston Martin – that Alonso was definitely a top-class driver.”
“Aston Martin asked us if there would be any problems from Honda if they extended Alonso’s contract. The situation was shared at various stages. But Honda did not make any requests regarding this matter. In any case, we should naturally discuss what kind of driver line-up we need to win.”
“We need to win”;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...e-need-to-win/
Aston Martin can dream of bold Max Verstappen move after Honda chief’s emotional plea
Honda has underpinned Max Verstappen's success in F1, helping the Red Bull star to three Drivers' Championship titles.
06:01, Sun, Apr 14, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Aston Martin can dream of bringing Max Verstappen to their team after the 2026 technical regulation changes following emotional comments from Honda president Koji Watanabe. The Japanese engine manufacturers have contributed to the Dutchman’s F1 success to date but will soon be switching from Red Bull to the Silverstone-based outfit.
Discussing their relationship with Verstappen, Watanabe told Motorsport.com: "I don’t think that day will come within a very short period of time, but if both continue their Formula One activities in the future then we hope that we can work together again one day.
‘Bold Max Verstappen move’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...n-Martin-Honda
Honda opens new UK base ahead of its corporation with Aston Martin
Mar 2024, 21:00
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
Honda has announced that it has established a new Formula One base in the UK as it gears up its preparation for the switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin.
Honda have now confirmed that they will establish a new UK base:"This new company has been founded to primarily perform post-race maintenance and preparation tasks on the Honda built F1 power units (PUs), whilst also operating as a logistics operation for the European region. The establishment of HRC UK will further enhance the effectiveness of Honda’s PU operations, in support of the partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team."
Following the establishment of the new company in the UK, HRC will start the recruitment of engineers, technicians and staff members for the new company from Spring 2024.
‘New UK base’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/24466
Aston Martin insider shuts down notion Lance Stroll could quit F1
Suggestions that Lance Stroll could quit F1 have been rubbished by an insider from Aston Martin.
15 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa insists there is no reason that Lance Stroll would quit F1. Speaking on the latest episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Damon Hill indicated that he felt Carlos Sainz could still end up at Aston Martin, despite Alonso’s recent contract renewal.
“The idea that Carlos would displace Fernando, I’m not sure if he’s got the nerve to do that,” the 1996 F1 world champion joked. “But anyway, I think that Pedro is the person to correct me on this one, but maybe Lance, if he decides to go and play tennis or something, two Spanish drivers would be a very strong team at Aston Martin.”
Hill was indeed corrected by de la Rosa, who argued: “Why should Lance not continue, Damon? I mean, there’s every reason to continue in the team with all the projects, and that’s the reason why Fernando decided to stay. So he’s had two incredible races in Jeddah and Australia where there was some parts of the race that he was faster than Fernando. He finished behind him. Well, in fact, in Australia, in front of him. So, I mean, come on.”
‘Rubbished by an insider from Aston Martin’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104690...-could-quit-f1
Ex-F1 driver leaps to defence of Lance Stroll as Aston Martin exit rumours swirl
13 Apr 2024 12:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Pedro de la Rosa stressed that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll is the best Aston Martin driver line-up possible, as 1996 World Champion Damon Hill gave fresh momentum to the Carlos Sainz in, Stroll out speculation.
If they are to make that progress, further doubts have arisen over Stroll’s suitability for the task, ex-F1 driver Christian Danner and BBC F1 commentator Harry Benjamin among those sounding the alarm bells, while Hill now has advocated that an Alonso and Sainz pairing would be “very strong” for Aston Martin.
De la Rosa, who now serves as an Aston Martin ambassador, indeed chose to correct Hill, as he stressed that there is no reason why Stroll would want to quit F1, nor grounds to remove him from the team which is owned by his father Lawrence Stroll.
‘Leaps to defence of Lance Stroll’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/pedro-...-martin-future
Aston Martin expected to extend Lance Stroll contract
April 15, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
When considering the volume of talented drivers available, Aston Martin could make a statement ahead of 2026. Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda are among the drivers who the Silverstone-based team could sign. As a three-time race winner, Sainz has proven to be within touching distance of the exceptionally talented Charles Leclerc in recent seasons. Undoubtedly, he could improve Aston’s results and simultaneously raise the team’s profile. In a similar vein, Tsunoda’s arrival would make sense from a long-term standpoint. Not only is the 23-year-old performing at a very high level, but his presence in a Honda-powered team would certainly be a commercial boost.
Aston Martin still committed to Stroll. Despite this potent new variable, the Silverstone-based team’s commitment to Lance Stroll seems unwavering. According to a report from RACER, Mike Krack’s team have cited the Canadian’s “technical feedback” as extremely valuable. This quality – which is obviously impossible to measure from the outside – emphasises that Aston has no shortage of reasons at the ready to justify Stroll’s presence in the team.
‘Lance Stroll contract’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...roll-contract/
‘Can Lance Stroll do that?’ – Ex-F1 driver questions Stroll’s contribution to Aston Martin
12 Apr 2024 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Showing “little” in the way of development, former F1 driver Christian Danner has questioned whether Lance Stroll is the right team-mate for Fernando Alonso going forward. The team made no mention of his team-mate but Stroll is expected, unless he makes the call to quit, to continue in 2025 given his father Lawrence owns the team.
Danner doesn’t believe that is the right move for the team who last season finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship but would’ve been fourth had Stroll scored even half Alonso’s points, P3 had he matched him. “Lance Stroll is definitely not very consistently fast, although he’s decently quick every now and then,” the 73-year-old told Motorsport Magazin.
“Aston Martin has worked its way out of the midfield to be near the front. If you have a McLaren with you, if you want to attack a Norris and a Piastri, then you don’t just need one top driver, but two. The question is of course justified, can Lance Stroll do that?”
‘Can Lance Stroll do that?’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/can-la...s-contribution
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F1 winner questions if Ferrari are ‘regretting’ Lewis Hamilton-Carlos Sainz decision.
Will Ferrari regret their decision to let Carlos Sainz go? That question has been posed by a former F1 race winner.
16 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Former F1 driver Mark Webber has questioned whether Ferrari may be “regretting” their decision to drop Carlos Sainz for Lewis Hamilton. “Look if you can’t get motivated because you don’t have a contract in your top pocket, you’re in strife,” eight-time grand prix winner Webber told C4.
“I think he’s a man on a mission now, he’s got the bit between his teeth, and obviously he’s driving brilliantly. Ferrari, you know, are they regretting their move?”
However, ex-F1 driver turned pundit and commentator Martin Brundle feels it is a pointless debate as he assessed Ferrari’s decision on the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. “There’s no point Ferrari looking over their shoulder and wondering that. They made their decision, they wanted Lewis in the car, they’ve got him and they’ll make the most of it.”
‘Questions if Ferrari are regretting’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104691...n-carlos-sainz
‘I don’t see much good anymore’ – Dutch pundit’s Lewis Hamilton ‘past his prime’ verdict
15 Apr 2024 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Hamilton has recorded his worst-ever start to a Formula 1 season with just ten points in four Grands Prix, while the team is only a point ahead of Aston Martin in the fight for fourth place.
“It’s all just so bad,” Dutch racing driver Michael Bleekemolen told RacingNews365. “I think he’s past his prime. Things aren’t going well for him either. I don’t see much point in him anymore.” And it won’t get better when he joins Ferrari with Bleekemolen saying:
“Maybe he will end up in the top two or three again, that could just be possible. That won’t be easy, but it would be nice. I just don’t think it’s going to happen.” As for whether Hamilton could still win a record-breaking eighth World, he simply said: “No.”
‘Past his prime’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/i-dont...-prime-verdict
Alain Prost assesses Lewis Hamilton motivation in Max Verstappen Red Bull roadblock theory
16 Apr 2024 11:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Four-time World Champion Alain Prost believes Lewis Hamilton could re-find his motivation at Ferrari, theorising that the presence of Max Verstappen is what made a Red Bull move impossible.
Discussing Hamilton’s Ferrari move with Sports Illustrated, Prost said: “I can understand his decision because obviously when you are in a team like Mercedes, when they did not win a race for two years and they are really struggling to go back to the front, and at his age he has said, ‘Okay, why not try something different’.
“[He has had] such a long period with an English-[based] team, Mercedes, with a way of working and then you go to an Italian team, especially with the different pressure, different way of thinking, he is under pressure from the media. I think it’s not that easy.” Hamilton will hope to achieve that elusive eighth World Championship with Ferrari which would see him set the new outright F1 record.
‘Alain Prost assesses Lewis Hamilton’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alain-...red-bull-block
The 'huge' Ferrari improvement that has seen Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes sidelined
Carlos Sainz has beaten Hamilton in every race so far this season.
19:52 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
BY MATTHEW COOPER SPORTS WRITER
MARK PIRIE DAILY RECORD SPORTS WRITER
Daily Record
Carlos Sainz has revealed that the secret to Ferrari's strategic improvement this year is simply because they now "have a car that is better on tyres".
Sainz made these comments after securing third place at the Japanese Grand Prix, trailing behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc came in fourth.
Lewis Hamilton, who is set to replace Sainz at Ferrari next season, finished ninth. This result means that Sainz has outperformed Hamilton in every race so far this season. Ferrari's strategy in Suzuka was widely commended, with both drivers making significant gains.
‘Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes sidelined’;
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...lewis-32593415
Fred Vasseur explains how Lewis Hamilton’s arrival will help Charles Leclerc
Tue 16 April 2024 08:30
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
The struggling Charles Leclerc will benefit from the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. The Scuderia announced in the winter that Hamilton would join next year.
Leclerc has found himself somewhat in the shadow of outgoing teammate Carlos Sainz this season. Even though Sainz missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix through illness, he’s within four points of the Monegasque in the standings.
Speaking to Radio France, Vasseur explained how racing alongside Hamilton could help him. Sainz has been responsible for Ferrari’s last three victories, with Leclerc’s victory drought stretching back to the 2022 Austrian GP.
‘Struggling Charles Leclerc’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/fre...arles-leclerc/
Charles Leclerc ‘suffering’ with Carlos Sainz’s performances, ex-F1 driver claims
14 Apr 2024 1:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Vitantonio Liuzzi has said Charles Leclerc is “suffering” because of how Carlos Sainz has flown out of the traps in the 2024 season. Of the two current Ferrari drivers, it is Sainz who has received more plaudits so far this year after his victory in Australia and excellent drives in Bahrain and Suzuka.
With that, former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver Liuzzi believes that is having a negative effect on Leclerc, who is facing an “important battle” in 2025 when Hamilton arrives at Maranello. “Ferrari has shown that it has made progress. It is not ready for the title, but it will have its say in many races,” Liuzzi said, as per Italian publication Corriere dello Sport.
“Charles Leclerc suffering’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...z-performances
Lewis Hamilton discusses the challenge of transitioning to Ferrari
Hamilton will spend the entire 2024 season knowing that it is his last at Mercedes before joining Ferrari
14 April 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he’s not sure how to navigate the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari as it is not a situation he has been in before. Hamilton was quizzed about the timing of initiating conversations with Ferrari about the transition period ahead of joining the team.
“I mean at some stage I will have to, I think I’ll start the conversation with Toto [Wolff]. Because I don’t know how to navigate it, I’ve never been in this position before at this point in the year,” Hamilton told the press in Japan.
He stressed that his energy is being put into improving the current car and situation at Mercedes, rather than the future with Ferrari. “I’m not quite sure yet how I’m going to navigate it but right now I want to finish on a high here so all of my energy is going into this,” Hamilton said.
‘Challenge of transitioning’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...cedes-ferrari/
Sainz shocker: Newspapers eye 1 or 2 year Mercedes deal
April 15, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Insider sources have informed several top Italian media outlets that Carlos Sainz is expected to join Mercedes in the 2025 racing season. This comes after persistent speculations have nearly solidified into confirmed reports, according to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere della Sera, and La Repubblica.
However, the efficacy of this strategic move for Sainz, who is currently performing well at Ferrari who are replacing him with Lewis Hamilton, remains under debate. “Mercedes is a long way off the pace,” former Red Bull racer Robert Doornbos commented on Ziggo Sport. “Even (Fernando) Alonso indicated that he didn’t want to sign there.”
Despite these concerns, La Gazzetta dello Sport seems certain that the Sainz-to-Mercedes transfer is imminent, with Sauber, under Audi’s new ownership, being the only notable alternative that was considered but subsequently passed over.
‘Sainz shocker’;
https://grandpx.news/sainz-shocker-n...mercedes-deal/
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F1 2024 Chinese Grand Prix Preview – Everything You Need To Know.
Formula 1 returns to Shanghai after a 5-year hiatus for the Chinese Grand Prix. Following a dominant 1-2 in Japan, Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be hoping to continue their form in China.
14:29 Mon, 15 Apr 2024
Motorsport.com
Additionally, this weekend marks the first of the 6 sprint races held this season, limiting the teams to just one practice session before the Sprint shootout. This year also marks the first time that a Chinese driver will compete in his home race, with Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu making his hometown debut in a historic moment for fans. Steph Wentworth is joined by Alex Kalinauckas & Haydn Cobb as they preview the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.
‘Hometown debut’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...o-know/649159/
How to watch the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix: start time, live stream and TV schedule
April 15th 2024
Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine
Chinese Grand Prix live stream and TV schedule
All times in BST
F1 sprint qualifying Session start time 8.30am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 7.30am Highlights Channel 4 12.30pm
Friday 19th April
F1 sprint race Session start time 4am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 3am Highlights Channel 4 12.15pm
Saturday 20th April
F1 qualifying Session start time 8am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 7.45am Highlights Channel 4 12.15pm
Saturday 20th April
Chinese GP Session start time 8am Live coverage Sky Sports, Sky Go, NowTV 6.30am Highlights Channel 4 12.30pm
Sunday 21st April
‘How to watch’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
China GP back after five years with contentious sprint as Zhou fulfils dream
17 April 2024 at 3:04 am
Daniel HICKS
Yahoo! Sport
Formula One returns to China for the first time in five years this week with a packed programme including a Saturday sprint race, but not everyone is happy with the Shanghai schedule.
"I think it's not great," said Red Bull's three-time world champion Verstappen about F1's choice of China as the first of the season's six sprint venues. "When you have been away from a track for quite a while you never know what you're going to experience," added Verstappen, who has never won in China.
Shanghai-born Zhou was a five-year-old spectator at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in 2004. "I couldn't be more excited to finally race on home soil in Shanghai," said Zhou, who drove an F2 car for Renault at the circuit in 2019 before stepping up to F1 in 2022. "To be the first Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula 1 in China means a lot to me. It fills me with immense joy, pride and responsibility.”
‘China GP back’;
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/chi...ZFCPJA_Di4mc59
The Shanghai surprise that awaits F1 after five year break
The Chinese Grand Prix is just around the corner, and it sure has been a while since the race has greeted our screens. In our latest podcast episode, we preview the race and discuss all the news on the build-up to the race.
16 April 5:15PM
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
For the first time since 2019, Formula 1 heads to the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix. The Chinese GP is no ordinary event, as it will host the first sprint race of 2024!
A LOT has happened in the last five years - join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they discuss everything that has changed and some breaking news that occurred in the build-up to the event.
‘The Shanghai surprise’;
https://racingnews365.com/the-shangh...ive-year-break
F1 Sprint explained: What's new for 2024?
16.04.2024
Aston Martin F1 - Official Site
What are the major changes for 2024? The structure of F1 Sprint weekends has been revised. The Sprint Shootout to determine the grid for the Sprint will now take place following the sole Free Practice session on Friday.
Saturday will start with the Sprint – a 100km race with no mandatory tyre changes and points awarded on a sliding scale down to eighth place. Qualifying for the Grand Prix will follow the Saturday Sprint, with the Grand Prix taking place on Sunday.
‘What's new for 2024?’;
https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/...s-new-for-2024
Verstappen: Adding Sprint race to Chinese GP weekend ‘not smart’
13:12 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
No recent data on how the sport’s current ground-effect cars will behave on the demanding 5.4km track, but the circuit itself has undergone resurfacing… …a mere 60 minutes of practice time to find the perfect setup – an immense challenge considering the circumstance cited above. "Yeah, it's very smart to do that,” Verstappen ironized, speaking at Suzuka last time out.
"On the other hand, it probably spices things up a bit more, and that's maybe what they would like to see. But purely from a driving and performance perspective of the sport, I think it's not the smartest thing to do.”
"We'll see what we get there. I always loved driving there, so hopefully we can hit the ground running as well as we can, and hopefully we don't need to fine-tune too many things on the car."
‘Not smart’;
https://f1i.com/news/505261-verstapp...not-smart.html
Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz protest key F1 decision ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix returns this weekend after a four-year absence, but some drivers are frustrated ahead of the race.
12:01, Mon, Apr 15, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
The Chinese Grand Prix will return in style this weekend as F1 prepares for its first sprint race of the season. The decision to afford drivers just one hour of practice after the track’s four-year absence from the calendar has not been a popular one among drivers though, with Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz speaking out against it.
‘Some drivers are frustrated’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ese-Grand-Prix
Martin Brundle dismisses driver concerns as Chinese GP returns F1 Sprint style
16 Apr 2024 8:30 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Not all drivers are comfortable with the Chinese GP returning in F1 Sprint form, but former driver turned pundit Martin Brundle has brushed off such worries. Championship leader Max Verstappen has called F1’s decision “not the smartest”, while Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez expects preparations to be “really hard” with the limited practice.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz also believes this is “not a good choice” and fears “Istanbul 2.0″ could be on the cards after the track resurfacing. That is in reference to F1’s return to Turkey in 2020, with the wet track more resembling an ice rink as rain fell on the fresh tarmac.
But, Brundle is not buying any of it… “They know their way around there, the simulators are pretty good and pretty realistic and they will have all been working hard on those,” said Brundle on the Sky F1 podcast. “So they will turn up pretty well prepared, the cars won’t be a million miles off on set-up, and they’ll just get on with it. It’s an extra challenge, but I don’t see it as a factor, personally.”
‘Not buying any of it!’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/martin...nese-gp-sprint
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Zhou shares ambitious Chinese GP target in bid to 'write history'.
Zhou Guanyu will race in his first home grand prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, where the Stake F1 driver is aiming for a strong result, despite his team’s difficult start to the season.
15 April 2:00PM
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is determined to score his team’s first points of the season at his first home race. Stake F1 has been mired by pit stop issues so far in 2024, masking any underlying race pace it might have, consigning its drivers to the lower reaches of the classifications.
Recent improvements to its woes saw the team cut its average total pit stop loss greatly at the Japanese Grand Prix. Now, Zhou is hoping to score Stake’s first points of the year.
“I couldn’t be more excited to finally race on home soil in Shanghai,” he said ahead of the event. To be the first Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula 1 in China means a lot to me – it fills me with immense joy, pride and responsibility. It isn’t just a race for me: after four years off the calendar, the championship finally returns, and with a Chinese driver on the grid, we will write history.”
'Write history';
https://racingnews365.com/zhou-share...for-chinese-gp
Getting to know Zhou Guanyu
15 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
We sit down with Kick Sauber driver, Zhou Guanyu to ask him some never-before asked questions!
‘Getting to know’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...264213308.html
Let's go to F1 driver Zhou Guanyu exhibition
19:29 UTC+8, 2024-04-13
Ding Yining
SHINE
An exclusive exhibition about China's first F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is being staged at the downtown Shanghai Jing'An Kerry Center. "From 2004 to 2024: Zhou Guanyu's Homecoming Special Exhibition" features Zhou's journey over the past 20 years, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Chinese Grand Prix.
The façade of the Lululemon flagship store at Shanghai Jing'An Kerry Center on downtown Nanjing Road W has been re-decorated with Zhou's icon combined with the sports leisure brand's logo and giant flags with "Let's Go," his catchphrase in racing.
‘Zhou Guanyu exhibition’;
https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2404134768/
Pedro de la Rosa can’t believe what Zhou Guanyu’s fans have done ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix
Tue 16 April 2024 18:30
David Comerford
Zhou Guanyu will get his first chance to race in front of his home fans this weekend in his fourth season of racing. F1 is heading back to the Shanghai International Circuit in China for the first time since 2019. The event hasn’t featured on the calendar in the four intervening seasons because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it returns this year. Sauber driver Zhou has had to wait patiently.
Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, former driver Pedro de la Rosa was left stunned by what his fans had done ahead of the race. Zhou is the first Chinese driver in F1 history, so it’s very much a landmark occasion.
Pedro de la Rosa stunned by Zhou Guanyu news ahead of Chinese GP. Zhou has his own grandstand for this weekend’s event, positioned opposite Sauber’s garage on the main straight. According to podcast host Tom Clarkson, it sold out rapidly when tickets went up for sale. As such, he will expecting quite the reception when he takes to the track for the opening practice session on Friday. De La Rosa can’t quite believe the scale of the interest.
‘Left stunned’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ped...se-grand-prix/
Documentary on Chinese F1 driver to hit screens on April 19
15:32 UTC+8, 2024-04-17
Ma Yue
SHINE
A documentary featuring Chinese Formula One racer Zhou Guanyu opened in Shanghai on Tuesday, drawing over 1,000 fans to the Shanghai Poly Grand Theater.
The film "The First One" captures Zhou's racing career so far in detail. The Shanghai native grew interested in motorsports after watching the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2004. Zhou later traveled to the United Kingdom to study and compete in youth tournaments, eventually becoming a member of the world's top-tier motor racing competition.
The film revisits Zhou's significant races and career highlights, including his confirmation as an F1 driver and the terrifying crash in the British Grand Prix in 2022. The accident scene aired early in the documentary. "Those 10 seconds (in the car during the accident) were like the most crucial moment of my life," Zhou told Shanghai Daily. "It didn't frighten me, but in my mind, I did go through a lot of personal memories within those 10 seconds.”
"The First One";
https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2404177193/
Milestone moment: Zhou's historic homecoming inspires special lid
11:45 Tue, 16 Apr 2024.
F1i.com
Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu will become the first Chinese driver to ever race an F1 car on home soil. The momentous occasion calls for a special celebration, and Zhou isn't holding back.
The 24-year-old has whipped up a special one-off helmet livery adorned with a sleek white base and a vibrant map of Shanghai's underground system and iconic landmarks.
‘Milestone moment’;
https://f1i.com/images/505306-milest...ecial-lid.html
China's first F1 driver Zhou Guanyu says 'endurance' key to success
16 Apr 2024 09:13PM
Channel NewsAsia
The 24-year-old, who made history in 2021 when he signed with Alfa Romeo as China's first Formula 1 driver, described his road to motorsport's highest level as arduous.
"As a Chinese driver, I am not in an area that belongs to me, I don't have anyone to guide me, I don't have a carmaker, I don't have any engine manufacturer," Zhou told reporters on Tuesday, after a screening of a documentary about his career.
"I am completely dependent on my own hard work as well as my team's," he said. "There is a lot that you have to endure, you have to discipline yourself internally in terms of some of your thoughts." Zhou said he envied Japanese drivers, who had a "Honda Dream Project to get them on track from childhood".
'Endurance key to success’;
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/spor...d-prix-4269391
Sauber's Zhou ready to ‘write history’ on home soil in China
15/04/2024 at 18:14
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Zhou emphasizes that his primary goal remains scoring points, a feat that has eluded him and the team so far in 2024.
“For me, though, the focus remains on performance: once I get to the track, I will treat this as any other weekend, and work hard to extract the most out of the car,” he added.
“I can’t wait to give it my all, share the passion with our entire team trackside and at home, and start a new chapter of Chinese motorsport together with the crowd. Most importantly, though, I can’t wait to have a good race and get back to scoring points.”
‘Primary goal remains scoring points’;
https://f1i.com/news/505275-saubers-...-in-china.html
-
Why Ferrari are confident they can challenge Red Bull.
In little over twelve months, Fred Vasseur can be credited with transforming the situation at Ferrari. After inheriting a team that was several steps behind Red Bull, the French team principal has overseen a dramatic overhaul at Maranello.
April 15, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Ferrari believes they are capable of putting Red Bull under pressure in 2024. For obvious reasons, the Scuderia’s victory courtesy of Carlos Sainz in Australia was a pivotal moment. The Spaniard led teammate Charles Leclerc to the team’s first 1-2 finish in two seasons. The third round of 2024 also confirmed Ferrari’s improved tyre management, a strength that was again confirmed as Leclerc executed a one-stop race in Suzuka.
In the last few months, Fred Vassuer has consistently emphasised the importance of putting pressure on Red Bull. For various reasons, the personnel at Maranello have reason to believe they can make the reigning Champions uneasy. Oddly enough, perhaps the most encouraging race of the season for Ferrari was in Japan. Whilst Red Bull secured a 1-2 finish with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the race weekend in Suzuka surpassed expectations for Ferrari.
Heading into the race weekend, it was hypothesised that McLaren could challenge the Italian squad as the second-fastest team. The Japanese circuit’s high-speed characteristics are more favourable to the MCL38 than the SF-24. However, it was Ferrari that was Red Bull’s closest challenger at a circuit which – on paper – is not suited to their car.
‘Transforming the situation at Ferrari’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...enge-red-bull/
Ferrari send clear warning to Red Bull after dominant ways return at Suzuka
11 Apr 2024 6:45AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
“For sure you have to improve the speed of the car, bring upgrades, but I think so far, we did not extract the best from the car,” Vasseur told Channel 4. “We are still doing some mistakes during the weekend and the first focus is to be able to get the best from what you have. Then, we’ll have time to improve the car.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has pinpointed an area of his game where he must improve – that being qualifying – after recovering to P4 from his P8 grid slot at Suzuka. Vasseur believes this need to perform better in qualifying runs across the team, as Ferrari aim to make sure that starts as of the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.
“I think we did a very solid Sunday,” said Vasseur of Ferrari’s Japanese GP, which saw Sainz claim P3 and Leclerc P4. “We had a very good recovery, we had a good strategy, a very good tyre management. The pace was there. If we have to change something on the weekend, it’s more on Saturday. It will be the next target for China to have a much better qualy.”
‘Ferrari send clear warning’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...-to-come-sf-24
‘It’s much more calm on the pit wall’ – Vasseur explains Ferrari strategy change with everyone moving in ‘same direction’
11 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur hailed a “very strong” performance from the outfit at the Japanese Grand Prix as he noted continued progress in terms of their tyre management and race strategy. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 post-race, Vasseur said: “It was a very good Sunday for the team. I think we had a good recovery, the quali was a bit difficult, but we had a very strong Sunday.
“[It was a] good strategy, good tyre management, and we were able to come back. If we want to do a better weekend we will have to improve the Saturday now.” Pushed on whether he’s taking any credit for that feeling of calmness on the pit wall, Vasseur replied:
“No, no, I think that the situation, you know that [in] our business, you have to put everything together. “When you start to go in the right direction, everybody is pushing, everybody is more calm, everybody is more confident, and the opposite when you start to have a negative spiral – it’s much more difficult.”
‘Calm on the pit wall’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5aFZsKjiExlj7y
Vasseur identifies Ferrari ‘opportunity’ in China
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur feels the Chinese Grand Prix will provide the Italian outfit with an opportunity to test whether it is closer to Red Bull in colder conditions, amid an already strong start to the F1 season.
07:09 Thu, 11 Apr 2024.
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Frederic Vasseur has highlighted an opportunity for his team at the Chinese Grand Prix, following a strong Sunday performance at Suzuka. “I think everything went very well on Sunday,” the Ferrari team principal said to media including RacingNews365 after the race. “The strategy was a good one for both cars, the tyre management was under control, the pit stops went well.”
Last year, Ferrari suffered during races due to poor tyre management. With Suzuka being considered hard on tyres, Vasseur agreed that the result was confirmation that the team had moved in the right direction this term. “I think from the beginning of the season, we are much better on the tyre management and degredation. We were able to do the fastest lap in Jeddah. It was almost the same case today, but for one tenth [of a second]. We did a good step forward. We worked a lot in the pre-season and we improved massively on the tyre management.”
When asked if he felt the things would have been closer in colder conditions, Vasseur turned his attention to the next event. “I think in China we will have the opportunity to be tested in colder conditions,” the 55-year-old replied, refusing to get drawn in, adding: “But I don’t know. I’m not sure if we are in a better shape – you never know about engine settings, the level of fuel.”
‘Ferrari ‘opportunity’ in China’;
https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-id...unity-in-china
Ferrari boss issues blunt Lewis Hamilton warning despite fast start to 2024 F1 season
Ferrari have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 F1 season, but CEO Benedetto Vigna has warned there is still work to do ahead of Hamilton's arrival
16:18 Mon, 15 Apr 2024.
BY GAVIN BERRYLIVE SPORTS EDITOR
TOM VICTORSPORT TRENDS WRITER
Daily Record
Lewis Hamilton has been issued a blunt warning by Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, despite the team's strong start to the 2024 season. Vasseur told La Repubblica. "The team only had one podium this time last year, as well as just one race win all season," reports the Mirror. "The world of competition is like a person's life accelerated to the maximum - things can change quickly, going between good and bad. Stasis does not exist, everything flows quickly," he added.
‘Blunt Lewis Hamilton warning’;
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/...lewis-32591758
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Disheartened Lando Norris rules out any chance of an F1 race win soon.
Lando Norris has had limited chances to claim his maiden F1 win since 2019 and doesn't expect to see the top step on the podium anytime soon
18 April 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
After the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, a Formula 1 win for Lando Norris felt like an eventual inevitability, but it has all the echoes of Nico Hulkenberg’s career and the British driver doesn’t think that maiden victory will come anytime soon.
“It’s not coming anytime soon, that’s for sure,” Norris told select members of the press, including Total-Motorsport.com ahead of the 2024 Chinese GP. “But I think we can get there, in the right place and at the right time, if we improve the car in the right way.”
‘Disheartened’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...race-win-soon/
Norris delivers damning verdict on 2024 McLaren victory chances
Lando Norris believes McLaren still have ground to make up on Ferrari and Red Bull before thinking about race wins.
18 April 4:20PM
Nick Golding
RacingNews365
Lando Norris has conceded McLaren will not win races "anytime soon" due to the Woking-based outfit's pace deficit to Red Bull and Ferrari.
"We've been the same place all season, we've been behind Red Bull, we've been behind Ferrari and we've been a bit of a step ahead of the other two teams come the race. So I don't think there's too many frustrations.”
"But we know the issues, we know what we have to improve and if we can improve them, think Andreas' right, I think we can we can win races this year and we can be competitive with these other two teams ahead of us.”
‘Damning verdict’;
https://racingnews365.com/norris-del...ictory-chances
Lando Norris 'annoyed and unhappy' at McLaren after lacklustre F1 season start
Lando Norris has made a solid start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, but the McLaren driver is still 40 points behind Max Verstappen in the driver standings
09:31 Wed, 17 Apr 2024.
BY KIERAN KING SPORTS WRITER
TOM SUNDERLAND SPORTS JOURNALIST
Daily Star
Lando Norris has confessed he's "annoyed and unhappy" with how things are panning out at McLaren. "I am self-critical, and I know it can look bad from the outside, absolutely," he told the Guardian.
"I watch my own interviews and I look so annoyed and unhappy. It's because my mind is whirling, I'm thinking: 'Why did I make a mistake? What happened if I did this or that? What if I had tried something else?' ”
"But I set high goals for myself, I know what I am capable of, I want to try to achieve great things and I am not going to do that by being complacent."
'Annoyed and unhappy';
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...happy-32604478
Norris on McLaren winning races: ‘Not any time soon!’
18/04/2024 at 08:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Lando Norris believes McLaren is still not in a position to win on merit in F1 as the team first needs to address its car’s limitations. “We know the issues, we know what we have to improve and we know if we can improve them, Andrea is right, if we can, we can win races this year. That’s an if.”
“We have to work hard in some of these certain areas that have been a big challenge for us over the last many years. If we can then I am confident we can have some good races.”
‘Not any time soon!’;
https://f1i.com/news/505394-norris-o...time-soon.html
Piastri downplays McLaren chances in China
Oscar Piastri has tempered expectations for McLaren ahead of the first Chinese Grand Prix, comparing it to other circuits the team has struggled at. However, he does feel the sprint provides opportunities.
18 April 9:00PM
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Oscar Piastri has moved to limit expectations for the McLaren team at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. “I think it'll be one of the toughest circuits for us so far,” the 23-year-old told media including RacingNews365 when asked about McLaren’s prospects at the Shanghai International Circuit.
“I think, Bahrain, there's a lot of low-speed corners there as well, and we were not as competitive there as some of the more recent circuits. So, I think it'll be a tough weekend for us, to be honest,” he said, before adding: “I think there's still opportunities for us, given it’s a sprint.”
‘One of the toughest circuits for us’;
https://racingnews365.com/piastri-do...ances-in-china
NORRIS: MCLAREN CAN WIN RACES IN F1 2024 IF IT GETS EVERYTHING RIGHT
Apr 18, 2024, 7:54 AM
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com
Lando Norris believes McLaren can win races in Formula 1 2024, albeit only with significant car improvement upgrades and “right place, right time” fortune against Red Bull and Ferrari. “I think we can [win with the] right place, right time – if we improve the car how we need too.”
‘We know the issues, we know what we have to improve and if we can improve them, I think Andrea is right – we can win races this year and we can be competitive with these other two teams ahead of us.”
“But that’s an ‘if’ and you have to work hard to improve the car in some of these certain areas, which have been a big challenge for us over the last many years, not just the last few years. But, if we can, then I’m confident we can have some good races."
‘IF IT GETS EVERYTHING RIGHT’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...ight/10599912/
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Lance Stroll tops the timesheets in sole practice session for Chinese Grand Prix.
It wasn't an entirely smooth day with a small fire breaking out at Turn 7, causing a brief red flag.
19 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Lance Stroll headed the order in FP1 at the Chinese Grand Prix. Lance Stroll set the pace in the only practice session at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. With the sprint format making a return, teams have just 60 minutes to set up their cars ahead of the sprint shootout.
Had it not been for traffic on his final run, it would have been likely that Lando Norris topped the order. Norris was 0.4s up on Piastri’s benchmark before encountering a number of cars before the back straight.
Behind the top two was Max Verstappen, 0.3s shy of Stroll’s top time in FP1. Sergio Perez continued his strong form, within a tenth of Verstappen. The Haas duo were fifth and sixth respectively with Nico Hulkenberg leading the way.
‘Lance Stroll tops the timesheets’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104702...ese-grand-prix
Chinese Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results
19/04/2024 at 05:44
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
2024 Chinese Grand Prix - Free Practice 1 results
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps
1 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:36.302s 21
2 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:36.629s + 0.327s 24
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:36.660s + 0.358s 25
4 Sergio Pérez Red Bull 1:36.690s + 0.388s 24
5 Nico Hülkenberg Haas 1:37.101s + 0.799s 23
6 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:37.118s + 0.816s 23
7 Esteban Ocon Alpine 1:37.213s + 0.911s 23
8 Alexander Albon Williams 1:37.229s + 0.927s 19
9 Daniel Ricciardo RB 1:37.238s + 0.936s 25
10 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 1:37.530s + 1.228s 24
‘Free Practice 1’;
https://f1i.com/news/505507-chinese-...1-results.html
Chinese Grand Prix 2024 – Free Practice 1 Results
The session was the only practice runs the teams had available ahead of Sprint Qualifying for the Sprint Race
19 April 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport
Lance Stroll led the first free practice session of the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, outpacing McLaren‘s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull‘s Max Verstappen at the Shanghai International Circuit, which returns to the Formula 1 calendar after five years. The session was critical due to its timing ahead of the first Sprint Qualifying of the season, emphasizing the importance of adjusting quickly to the 5.451km track with varied speed corners.
During the practice, a range of strategies was employed with Pirelli’s hard, medium, and soft tyres, before a brief interruption caused by a trackside fire at Turn 7. Post-resumption, a notable incident involved Lewis Hamilton claiming he was pushed off track by Lando Norris, resulting in Hamilton receiving a black-and-white flag for crossing the pit entry line.
‘Free Practice 1 Results’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ice-1-results/
CHINESE GRAND PRIX: F1 FREE PRACTICE 1 RESULTS
F1 returned to China for the first time in five years; after a long break away from the track, the drivers will be looking to reacquaint themselves ahead of race five of this 24-race calendar
April 19, 2024
Oliver Brindle
Free Practice 1 gets underway: The Alpine of Esteban Ocon was the first car out on the softs, and the session was underway; the Sauber pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu followed the Frenchman. The opening laps saw Gasly jump to the top of the timesheets with a 1:40.679, but it wasn’t long before Verstappen knocked him off the top spot, becoming the first driver to enter the 1.39’s with a 1:39.497. Midway through: Hamilton was shown a black and white flag for crossing the pit lane entry line following some on-track action between the Brit and Oscar Piastri.
Lewis Hamilton locks up into the final turn and runs off into the pit lane entry ��#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/Wk79iff0gs
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 19, 2024
The halfway mark saw a Ferrari one-two at the top, with Leclerc setting a 1:38.130 with his Spanish teammate .252 behind him. However, both Prancing Horses were on the soft compound. The two Red Bulls followed in third and fourth place on the mediums, with Lando Norris’s McLaren rounding out the top five.
Final classification: The Aston Martin of Lance Stroll set the quickest time as Stroll, Piastri, Verstappen, Perez and Hulkenberg rounded out the top five. The top 10 was Stroll, Piastri, Verstappen, Perez, Hulkenberg, Magnussen, Ocon, Albon, Ricciardo, Bottas.
FP1 CLASSIFICATION
Stroll tops the only practice session of the weekend ��
Next up �� #F1Sprint qualifying #F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/dvUe0oCg0s
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 19, 2024
‘F1 FREE PRACTICE 1’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ch...ice-1-results/
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2024 Free Practice 1 – highlights
Follow all the action on the Total Motorsport live blog as teams and drivers hit the Shanghai International Circuit for FP1 at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix
19 April 2024
By John Smith
Total Motorsport
Welcome to this Total-Motorsport.com live blog for Free Practice 1 at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, coming to you directly from the paddock at the Shanghai International Circuit as the 2024 Formula 1 season continues. This session offers a first glimpse into the teams’ preparations and strategies, setting a crucial groundwork for the race weekend.
And we go green again
That red flag period was short after the fire was put out and we go back to on track action.
Red Flag
The grass is on fire by the apex of Turn 7!!
Bandera roja. Se está quedando la hierba en T7. ��#f1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/sYyFEAW6j9
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) April 19, 2024
‘Free Practice 1 – highlights’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ee-practice-1/
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Lando Norris spoils Lewis Hamilton party at Chinese GP as F1 stewards get involved.
Lewis Hamilton thought he had secured a fairytale pole for the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint but, after deliberation, Lando Norris' deleted faster time was reinstated.
19th April 2024, 09:33
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Lando Norris will lead an all-British front row at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint after he pipped Lewis Hamilton to pole. Hamilton thought he had set the fastest time of the session but then Norris leapfrogged him. But it looked as though the McLaren racer was going to lose that time as the F1 stewards deleted it for exceeding track limits.
However, it wasn't long before Norris' name was back at the top again. The lap was reinstated after the stewards realised that the track limits infringement had taken place on a different lap, meaning there was nothing wrong with the time that secured pole for the short-form Shanghai Sprint.
‘Lando Norris spoils Lewis Hamilton party’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...orris-32623395
Chinese GP: Sprint Qualifying Results
Full results from the Sprint Qualifying from the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit.
19 April 2024
by Mat Coch
Pos Num Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Diff
1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:36.384 1:36.047 1:57.940
2 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:37.181 1:36.287 1:59.201 1.261
3 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:36.883 1:36.119 1:59.915 1.975
4 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:36.456 1:35.606 2:00.028 2.088
5 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:36.719 1:36.052 2:00.214 2.274
6 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 1:36.110 1:35.781 2:00.375 2.435
7 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:36.537 1:35.711 2:00.566 2.626
8 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:36.542 1:35.853 2:00.990 3.050
9 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 1:37.112 1:36.056 2:01.044 3.104
10 24 Zhou Guanyu Sauber 1:37.544 1:36.307 2:03.537 5.597
‘Sprint Qualifying Results’;
https://speedcafe.com/chinese-gp-spr...fying-results/
Lando Norris rides rain and fire to take chaotic Chinese GP sprint pole
A fire halted SQ1 at the 2024 Chinese GP and rain covered the entire second half of the session as Lando Norris took pole
19 April 2024
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
Lando Norris took the latest of pole positions as carnage ensued in sprint qualifying, with a rain-soaked SQ3 coming after the first session was red-flagged due to a fire breaking out on-track.
Meanwhile the rain caught George Russell out, as Mercedes‘ underwhelming season got even worse when his first lap was poor and the ever-increasing downpour prevented him from getting a second chance to improve.
Russell was only four-hundredths away from home favourite Zhou Guanyu, who sent the grandstands into raptures by making it into SQ3 and went on to finish 10th. In the final session, Verstappen, Norris and most notably Charles Leclerc all lost control early on with the Ferrari slamming into the crash barriers but somehow able to continue.
‘Zhou Guanyu, who sent the grandstands into raptures by making it into SQ3 and went on to finish 10th’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...alifying-pole/
F1 commentators left shocked by never-seen-before moment happening twice at Chinese Grand Prix
• Published: 9:14, 19 Apr 2024
• Jake Lambourne
talkSPORT
Sky Sports commentator David Croft was left just as shocked as those watching on when the red flag was brought out at the start of session. He said: "I don’t think I have ever, ever seen grass catch fire by the side of a Formula 1 track. It’s a very small grass fire at the moment."
Pressed by 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg on how believes the grass caught fire, he remarked: "I would not even like to begin to speculate on that one." He continued: “I have no idea how that would have happened.”
"Unless of course Nico, a spark from underneath the car from the titanium blocks has just caught on a bump or something and sent the sparks showering into the side of the track, and that's what ignited it."
‘F1 commentators left shocked’;
https://talksport.com/sport/1834836/...ctice-session/
Nico Rosberg says 108-race driver could get first F1 win at Chinese Grand Prix
Fri 19 April 2024 09:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Nico Rosberg suggests one driver could spring ‘surprise’ at Chinese Grand Prix. Speaking on Sky Sports F1 ahead of the sprint shoot-out, Rosberg said we should keep an eye on McLaren driver Lando Norris this weekend. After finishing third at the Australian Grand Prix last month, Norris holds the record for most podium finishes without a win (14).
But Rosberg was impressed with how the Briton performed in Friday’s sole practice session. Norris may have finished in 16th, a couple of seconds off the ultimate pace set by Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin, but it was a mixed-up session with teams carrying out a wide variety of run plans.
‘Could get first F1 win’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/nic...se-grand-prix/
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Verstappen hunts down Hamilton for straightforward Shanghai sprint race win.
The championship leader used DRS along the back straight to close up on the Mercedes driver before passing him at the hairpin, going on to win by over 13 seconds.
20th April 2024, 4:50
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Max Verstappen won the first sprint race of the 2024 season in Shanghai after chasing down and passing Lewis Hamilton to take victory. Sergio Perez claimed the final podium position in third after prevailing in a multi-car battle involving him, the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jnr and the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso, who dropped out of the race after a puncture.
Hamilton led ahead of Alonso in the early laps, with the Aston Martin sitting inside a second of the leader until lap four, when Hamilton managed to escape DRS range. Verstappen caught and passed Alonso on the seventh lap, having 12 laps to make up just under two seconds to Hamilton ahead. However, Verstappen was soon on the back of the Mercedes, helped by Hamilton locking up into the hairpin on lap eight. Verstappen used DRS on the next lap to close up on the leader down the back straight before out-braking Hamilton into the hairpin to take the lead.
‘Verstappen hunts down Hamilton’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/20/...rint-race-win/
2024 Chinese Grand Prix – Sprint race results (Shanghai)
20 Apr 2024 4:37 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
2024 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint results (Shanghai)
1. 1. Max Verstappen Red Bull 19 Laps
2. 2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +13.043
3. 3. Sergio Perez Red Bull +15.258
4. 4. Charles Leclerc Ferrari +17.486
5. 5. Carlos Sainz Ferrari +20.696
6. 6. Lando Norris McLaren +22.088
7. 7. Oscar Piastri McLaren +24.713
8. 8. George Russell Mercedes +25.696
9. 9. Zhou Guanyu Sauber +31.951
10. 10. Kevin Magnussen Haas +37.398
‘Sprint race results (Shanghai)’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/2024-c...sults-shanghai
Chinese GP: Huge Sprint win for Verstappen over Hamilton
20/04/2024 at 04:42
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com04:51
Max Verstappen pulled out a winning margin of 13s in Saturday's Sprint race in Shanghai, despite the Red Bull not getting to the front until halfway through the 19-lap event.
Lewis Hamilton claimed his best result of any race this season in second. The Mercedes took the lead at the start from pole sitter Lando Norris, who was forced wide at the first corner and ended up losing multiple positions.
Fernando Alonso looked set to take the remaining podium place but suffered a puncture when challenged by Carlos Sainz, which opened the door for Sergio Perez to take third instead by the finish.
‘Huge Sprint win’;
https://f1i.com/news/505697-chinese-...-hamilton.html
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen overcomes battery issues to win Chinese GP Sprint
April 20th, 2024 2:06 pm
Fox Sports from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)
Red Bull champion Max Verstappen has won the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint at Shanghai International Circuit, extending his lead on the F1 standings.
Starting at fourth on the grid, the Dutch driver flew past Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on the ninth lap to take the lead, finishing 13 seconds ahead of his competitors with Hamilton and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez joining him on the podium.
“That’s the best result I’ve had in a long time,” Hamilton said after the event.
‘Max Verstappen overcomes battery issues’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...83d5cf38301c1c
Chinese GP: Max Verstappen pounces on Lewis Hamilton mistake to win the Sprint
20 Apr 2024 4:39 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Max Verstappen pounced on a mistake from Lewis Hamilton to close up on the Mercedes’ rear wing before sliding through to take the lead and the win at the opening Sprint of the season in China.
Hamilton held on to second place ahead of Sergio Perez while pole-sitter Lando Norris was a disappointing P6 after a mistake of his own against Hamilton on the opening lap cost him positions.
Lewis Hamilton challenged Lando Norris for the lead, drawing alongside the pole-sitter who ran wide at Turn 2 as he tried to defend the position. That allowed Fernando Alonso through into second place ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz with Norris down in seventh.
Having pulled out a 1.5 seconds advantage over Alonso seven laps into the 19-lap Sprint, Hamilton found himself chased by Verstappen who used DRS to pass the Aston Martin driver to run second. A mistake from Hamilton at the hairpin allowed Verstappen to close right up on his rear wing and with DRS he took the lead on lap nine at Turn 14. With clear air ahead of him, he put two seconds between himself and Hamilton within the space of a lap.
‘Max Verstappen pounces on Lewis Hamilton mistake’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/chines...nt-race-report
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Max Verstappen roars to Chinese GP pole as Hamilton sinks to new low.
Max Verstappen will start on pole for the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton’s wretched start of the 2024 season continued in qualifying in Shanghai.
20 April 2024
By Joe Krishnan
Total Motorsport
The Red Bull driver completed a 1-2 to secure the team's 100th pole position in China for Sunday's race. The Dutchman clinched his fifth consecutive pole and continued his perfect record in 2024 qualifying after finishing ahead of Sergio Perez, who beat Fernando Alonso at the checkered flag after a fine lap from the 42-year-old.
Lando Norris joined him on the second row in fourth ahead of Oscar Piastri in fifth, with the McLarens beating the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who were sixth and seventh respectively, while George Russell will start from eighth. It was a disastrous session for Mercedes star Hamilton, however, with the 39-year-old paying a heavy price for an error on his final run in Q1, meaning he will start from down in 18th.
Q2 was brought to a halt when Sainz caught the gravel on the final turn and spun his Ferrari into the barrier, although the Spaniard was fortunate not to sustain any substantial damage to his SF-24 other than a broken front wing.
‘Max Verstappen roars’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...sinks-new-low/
F1 starting grid: What is the grid order for the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix?
20 Apr 2024 9:22 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
F1 starting grid: 2024 Chinese Grand Prix
1 Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2 Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3 Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
4 Lando Norris, McLaren
5 Oscar Piastri, McLaren
6 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
7 Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
8 George Russell, Mercedes
9 Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
10 Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber
‘F1 starting grid’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-sta...ese-grand-prix
Max Verstappen dominates Chinese Grand Prix qualifying as Lewis Hamilton left red-faced
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton were hoping to repeat their Sprint qualifying results in this session that decides the grid for the Chinese Grand Prix, though Max Verstappen wants to continue his pole streak
20th April 2024, 09:25
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
Max Verstappen took a predictable pole for the Chinese Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton suffered a "seriously painful" Q1 exit. Hamilton's mistake and subsequent exit was the main story from Q1. Home hero Zhou Guanyu also made an error which meant he could settle for only 16th, much to the disappointment of the passionate Shanghai fans.
Those mistakes gave a reprieve to Perez, who also struggled and was only 15th fastest in that first part of qualifying. He survived, but Zhou, Hamilton, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant were not so lucky.
The drama continued into Q2 as Carlos Sainz span and made contact with the barriers. His front wing was ripped off but otherwise no damage appeared to have been done and, as the session was red flagged so the tyre wall could be repaired, he was able to go back to the Ferrari garage for a once-over and head back out on track when qualifying resumed.
‘Max Verstappen dominates’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-grid-32630631
Christian Horner: Perez driving for Red Bull future
Sergio Perez qualified second for the 2024 Chinese GP alongside Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen after improving in the sprint race
20 April 2024
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
Christian Horner praised Sergio Perez‘s recovery after a chastening 2023 Formula 1 season, as the Mexican completed a Red Bull front-row lockout on the occasion of the teams’ 100th pole position at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix. “You guys have a tendency to write him off but he’s doing a great job,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.
“He’s an important part of the team, it’s about working collectively, I think he’s got a great engineering support around him, he feels comfortable. He knows he’s out of contract at the end of this season so he’s driving for his future, he responds to pressure in the best possible way, certain drivers respond to pressure and others wilt.”
“He’s come into this season with a new frame of mind, he’s relaxed and driving the car really well, not focussing on his teammate, it’s a different approach and I think in the first five races we’ve seen really strong performance from him. So he’s driving well, confidence is growing and hopefully he can convert that into another good result tomorrow.”
‘First five races we’ve seen really strong performance’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...d-bull-future/
‘We’re not giving up’ – Alonso ‘proud’ of Aston Martin after taking P3 in qualifying for Chinese Grand Prix
20th April 2024, 11:41
Formula One - Official Site
Fernando Alonso was thrilled to claim P3 on the grid during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, with the Spaniard bouncing back from a disappointing outcome to his Sprint race earlier in the day.
After being forced to retire from the Sprint following a puncture sustained during a battle with Carlos Sainz – for which Alonso was later handed a 10-second time penalty along with three penalty points – the Aston Martin driver seemed raring to go again when it came to qualifying.
“We didn’t give up, we kept pushing all through the lap and we set a good lap time. I think the car did improve since this morning, we made a few set-up changes, and let’s see tomorrow if we can translate that into points.” Teams are now allowed to make changes to their cars after the Sprint and prior to qualifying in line with new parc ferme rules. On whether this proved particularly beneficial for him, Alonso said: “I think it’s the same for everybody.”
‘We’re not giving up’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Rcb8sczGpI8Aai
Lewis Hamilton suffers "seriously painful" Chinese GP embarrassment as Toto Wolff stews
Lewis Hamilton was second quickest in qualifying for the Sprint in Shanghai, but will start the Chinese Grand Prix itself all the way back in 18th after a wretched session
20th April 2024, 08:34
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror
By the time everyone had finished their final laps of Q1, Hamilton was marooned down in 18th place. He asked race engineer Peter Bonnington if he had made it through and apologised to his Mercedes team after being told that he hadn't.
In commentary, Nico Rosberg said it would be "seriously painful" for his former team-mate. And Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was seen stewing in the team garage as he watched the footage of Hamilton's error, clearly surprised by the mistake.
‘Toto Wolff stews’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...fying-32630747
‘Wow’: Nico Rosberg baffled by ‘painful' performance from one driver at Chinese Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg far from impressed by one driver after ‘seriously painful’ display
Sat 20 April 2024 10:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Nico Rosberg criticised one driver after what he saw as an ‘unnecessary’ mistake in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. As part of a new format, the session took place just hours after the sprint race. 2016 F1 world champion Rosberg feels Hamilton took too great a risk on the brakes at the end of the lap. In his eyes, it was an ‘unnecessary’ error.
“Wow,” he said. “That is painful. That is seriously painful. In 18th position. Honestly, you know that the wind is coming from the back there. He’s had a great lap until then. It was really unnecessary to push the limit there so much. As a seven-time world champion, that’s a mistake that probably should be avoidable.”
Lewis Hamilton brought crashing down to Earth after F1 sprint heroics. Hamilton has endured his worst-ever start to an F1 season but he produced a glimpse of his finest form on Friday. The 103-time race-winner qualified second for the sprint race as he held his own during a late downpour.
‘Nico Rosberg baffled by ‘painful' performance’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/nic...inful-display/
-
Verstappen overcomes two Safety Car restarts to win Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen extended his lead in the championship by securing 33 points from the Shanghai weekend, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Norris by the end of the race.
21st April 2024, 10:03
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Verstappen led from the start and held his lead through two mid-race Safety Car periods. Perez had run in second place behind his team mate for the first half of the race but dropped down to fourth when rivals took advantage of the Safety Car to fit hard tyres to run to the end of the race.
Perez managed to pass Leclerc to take back fourth place but could not hunt down Norris for second. Leclerc finish four seconds from the Red Bull driver in fourth with Sainz ten seconds behind his team mate in fifth. George Russell was sixth ahead of Fernando Alonso in seventh, who pitted late in the race after taking the Safety Car restart on soft tyres. Oscar Piastri was eighth ahead of Lewis Hamilton in ninth, with Nico Hulkenberg claiming the final point in tenth but is under investigation.
‘Verstappen overcomes two Safety Car restarts’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/21/...se-grand-prix/
2024 Chinese Grand Prix - Race results
21/04/2024 at 09:55
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Full race results from the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai, round 5 of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
2024 Chinese Grand Prix - Race results
Pos Driver Team Gap Stops
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull 56 laps - 1:40:52.554s 1
2 Lando Norris McLaren + 13.773s 2
3 Sergio Pérez Red Bull + 19.160s 2
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari + 23.623s 1
5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari + 33.983s 1
6 George Russell Mercedes + 38.724s 2
7 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin + 43.414s 3
8 Oscar Piastri McLaren + 56.198s 2
9 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes + 57.986s 2
10 Nico Hülkenberg Haas + 60.476s 2
‘Full race results from the Chinese Grand Prix’;
https://f1i.com/news/505964-2024-chi...e-results.html
Norris splits Red Bulls in incident-filled F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
The ease with which Verstappen won the sprint race the day before despite starting fourth foreshadowed a walkover, and that proved accurate - but Red Bull was denied 1-2 as circumstances of the race dropped Sergio Perez behind McLaren's Lando Norris and he couldn't recover the place.
Apr 21, 2024
by Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race
Formula 1 championship leader Max Verstappen dominated a double safety car-interrupted Chinese Grand Prix in F1's first full-distance race at the venue since 2019. And despite an error for Norris that cost him a second or so at one point, Perez ultimately had no answer at all for the Briton - who celebrated his 15th podium in F1 in second place, finishing 13.7s behind Verstappen.
Perez and Leclerc completed the top four, with Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz 10 seconds back in fifth. Russell was the lead Mercedes in sixth after mounting half-a-challenge against Sainz late on, while Alonso took seventh. The two-time champion had gambled on the soft tyre during the race interruption, which meant he had to pit again during the final stint of the race.
He was sixth when Bottas' car failed, cleared Sainz for fifth, but dropped out of the points once he pitted. But with the use of fresher tyres Alonso naturally made his way back through, including a sequence in which he had a huge moment catching the gravel at the final corner and very nearly replicating Sainz's crash from qualifying, only to straighten it out, keep up the momentum and overtake Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri in very quick succession after that.
‘Max Verstappen dominated’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/n...se-grand-prix/
Verstappen charges to victory over Norris and Perez in action-packed Chinese GP
21st April 2024, 10:03
Formula One - Official Site
Max Verstappen converted pole position into victory in a Chinese Grand Prix full of incidents and overtakes, leading home McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez to make it four wins from five races so far this season. Verstappen led the vast majority of a strategic encounter at the Shanghai International Circuit that featured a Virtual Safety Car and two full Safety Car periods, the Dutchman keeping his cool at the front as the drama unfolded behind him.
Norris was one of three drivers, along with Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, to make just one pit stop, having benefitted from the VSC and Safety Car phases to jump Perez for second position, which he managed to hold to the finish. Leclerc and Sainz followed in fourth and fifth respectively, despite some concerns from the Monegasque in the closing stages that his tyres would not be able to make it to the end, with George Russell leading Mercedes’ charge en route to sixth.
‘Verstappen charges to victory’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5tEQt62umIGhob
Max Verstappen explains late Chinese GP concerns after worried radio call
21 Apr 2024 10:08 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Max Verstappen got on the radio in the closing laps of the Chinese Grand Prix, asking his team to pay close attention to his tyres. Verstappen was assured over team radio that “everything looked OK”, as the Dutch driver explained his concerns immediately after the chequered flag. “You hear always noises a little bit,” he said.
“Of course, I’ve had it in the past that I’ve retired quite close to the end and then there was a bit of debris, I think, from a car so I passed it [at] 300[kph] and, when the tyres are getting cold and old, it’s very easy to puncture them and I just wanted to double-check.” Asked to explain his dramatic moments during the Grand Prix, Verstappen’s list was short.
“I locked up in the second restart into [Turn] 6, a little bit. So that was not ideal,” he said. “Then I threw a tear-off away which I think I could hear on the intake. It was flapping around and hitting my helmet. So I don’t know where it ended up. With two laps to go, I think I drove over a little bit of debris before Turn 14. So then a little bit scary, because it’s easy to have a puncture at high speed when you drive over carbon.”
‘Max Verstappen explains… …worried radio call’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...ese-grand-prix
Lando Norris breaks F1 protocol after brilliant second place finish in Chinese Grand Prix
Published: 10:41, 21 Apr 2024
Anton Stanley, Deputy Editor of talkSPORT.com
talkSPORT
Lando Norris put in a stunning performance at the Chinese Grand Priz - but then made a uncharacteristic mistake. But after taking the flag, Norris made a big error. The British star brought his car into the pit lane in parc fermé instead of leaving his car in the specified spot on the gird where all those who made the podium were meant to park.
And it was noted by eagle-eyed Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, quickly informing his team of a rules infraction, especially if Norris reversed at any point in the pit lane. "Norris was in Pit entry," said the Spaniard. Xavier Marcos Padros, his race engineer, replied: "Copy. He did a mistake. He should have gone to the grid."
‘Lando Norris breaks F1 protocol’;
https://talksport.com/sport/1837293/...se-grand-prix/
Mercedes explain problem which held Lewis Hamilton back at F1 Chinese Grand Prix
Mercedes detail the reason for Lewis Hamilton's P9 finish in Shanghai
21 Apr 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Mercedes have explained that an F1 Chinese Grand Prix to forget for Lewis Hamilton was due to tyre temperature. Hamilton came home in P9 in Shanghai after recovering from starting from 18th.
“Lewis struggled with rear tyre temperature all race, likely as a result of the balance of the car. He benefitted from the Safety Cars but ultimately was unfortunate not to take P8 at the end, not quite able to get into Piastri’s DRS range.”
“It’s been a weekend of contrasts. Likely the sweeping changes made after the Sprint didn’t help but we were able to race competitively against the McLarens, Ferraris, and the Aston Martin of Alonso.” Hamilton experienced a topsy-turvy weekend at the fifth round of the 2024 F1 season.
‘Problem which held Lewis Hamilton back’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104724...ese-grand-prix
-
Another race, another victory for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at Chinese GP.
The three-time defending champion won the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday starting from pole, his fourth victory in five races this season and his 23rd in the last 27 extending through last season.
11:57 Sun, 21 Apr 2024.
Associated Press
SHANGHAI (AP) — Another Formula 1 race. Yet another victory for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Only a brake failure last month at the Australian GP in Melbourne probably kept him from sweeping all five.
Verstappen trailed for only a few laps following a pit stop. Lando Norris of McLaren was about 14 seconds behind Verstappen in second — the eighth time he has been No. 2 in his career as he still seeks his first victory. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was third.
The Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc, in fourth, and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top five, holding off Mercedes driver George Russell and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin in sixth and seventh, respectively.
‘Another race, another victory’;
https://apnews.com/article/max-verst...29af650db906b2
Max Verstappen 'on another planet' to rest of F1 with Chinese GP win
12:47 Sun, 21 Apr 2024.
The National
Max Verstappen continued his relentless domination of Formula One after once again destroying the field to win the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen was denied a 100 per cent points-scoring weekend when Fernando Alonso picked up the bonus for the fastest lap after a late switch to fresh tyres.
“He’s [Verstappen] been on fantastic form all weekend but the team as well have been outstanding this weekend, to win the sprint, to get the front row, the pole position and the front row lockout for the race, and a one, three in the race,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said.
“Max is on another planet at the moment, his form is absolutely fantastic … he’s totally at one with the machine and he has this unbelievable feel and empathy with the car and the grip and the conditions, and the confidence in himself. He has the ability to understand the tyres, when they need to be pushed, when they need to be saved and he’s got this incredible racing brain, it’s almost unhuman what he’s capable of.”
'On another planet';
https://www.thenationalnews.com/spor...hinese-gp-win/
MAX DOMINATES TO WIN HIS FIRST CHINESE GP: 'AMAZING WEEKEND'
21 April 2024
Stefan Meens
Verstappen.nl
“It felt amazing. We were quick all weekend but the changes we made yesterday made the car even better to drive”, said Max. “It was a delight to drive, regardless of the tyres we were on. This track is tough on them, especially the front left. It did mean I had to manage it, but we were still able to gain four or five tenths every lap.”
Two safety cars in the middle of Grand Prix, did not deter Max from holding on to the lead. “The restarts were good and the car was just on rails. I could do with it what I wanted. These kinds of weekends are amazing to be a part of. It’s fantastic.”
'AMAZING WEEKEND';
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5439/
Norris thrilled with ‘surprise’ Chinese GP podium as he reveals pre-race Ferrari bet
11:45 Sun, 21 Apr 2024.
Formula One - Official Site
Lando Norris expressed his delight – and surprise – at finishing on the podium during Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, while also revealing that he had made a bet over “how far behind” McLaren would be relative to Ferrari. Norris started the race fourth, behind the two Red Bull drivers and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, but emerged from an action-packed encounter in second position, splitting race winner Max Verstappen and third-placed Sergio Perez.
Asked to reflect on the performance, Norris said: “Surprised, so I’m very happy! I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it… good pit stops, today just worked out. “I don’t know why, I really wasn’t expecting it to be the kind of race we had today, but I got comfortable, managed the tyres a lot, which was a much easier task than what I had [in the Sprint] yesterday. I could just push. The car felt great and I felt comfortable, so it’s a good day, good points and another podium [after finishing third in Australia]. I’m very happy.”
Norris revealed a pre-race ‘bet’ as to how far McLaren would finish behind Ferrari – only for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to cross the line 10 and 20 seconds behind him respectively. “I made a bet to how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today!” Norris smiled. “I thought 35 seconds and I was very wrong by that. I’m happy to be wrong with myself from my own bets, but it’s a good day for everyone.”
‘Lando Norris expressed his delight’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...EUn2ixYfeFiNrp
“I prefer not to comment” - Carlos Sainz reacts to Charles Leclerc’s Lap 1 defence
Tension continues to brew at Ferrari following an aggressive Lap 1 defence from Charles Leclerc at the Chinese Grand Prix.
21 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Reflecting on the events of the opening lap, Sainz felt it was “clear” that Leclerc’s defending cost both of them crucial track position. “I prefer not to comment,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1. “But it’s obviously quite clear that it cost us both two positions so it helped neither of us.
“Given what our pace was today, better than P5 was impossible. We had a poor start with the situation there in turns one and two that cost both cars two positions, from then on we were just playing catch-up. We had to box very early for the hards and then we had to one-stop from lap 18, something like this and just went forever on the hard tyre which we never going to go much more forward on.”
“At least we saved P5, which given the pace of the car this weekend and the decisions we took, the situation at the start it was the maximum we could achieve.”
“I prefer not to comment”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104725...-lap-1-defence
Toto Wolff’s troubling verdict after ‘not good enough’ result in the Chinese GP
21 Apr 2024 11:40 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Having proclaimed a month prior that the W15 was “not a bad car”, Toto Wolff has changed his tune and told Ted Kravitz after a lacklustre result in China that is “not an OK car”. Mercedes team principal Wolff admits that’s “not good enough”.
“I think considering where we put the cars altogether, the drivers and the team was not in a good position today,” he told Kravitz. “Not good enough overall. P6 I think it was, and P10 (ninth, ed), but it was lacking pace. So we’ve got to dig deep. We’ve got something coming from Miami that looks like a good step. Let’s see where that brings us.”
Asked if the W15 was ‘fundamentally, now that we have a decent number of races under our belt, an OK car’, Wolff accepted: “No, no, it’s not an OK car. I think we can see what the mistakes were on the car. I think we wanted to go a bit more aggressive to see if it is something that is so different that we need to do on the car. You can see Lewis today who took it on, that was maybe a step too far.”
‘Toto Wolff’s troubling verdict’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...ult-chinese-gp
Horner slaps down Wolff’s Verstappen comments: Stop ‘focusing on drivers that are unavailable’
Christian Horner has snapped back at Toto Wolff after the Austrian's latest comments on Max Verstappen, with the Mercedes team principal seemingly putting on a charm offensive to win the Dutch driver over.
21 April 1:50PM
Samuel Coop & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Verstappen has a contract until 2028 at Red Bull, but given the power struggle and recent events within the team, there has been speculation he could leave - with Wolff looking to a seat in 2025 following Lewis Hamilton's departure.
"I'm going to think carefully about what I say here," Horner said to media including RacingNews365 when he was told of Wolff's latest remarks. "Have you spoken to Max about this? Because if you speak to Max – and it’s not about pieces of paper at the end of the day, we know that he has a contract to the end of 2028 – it’s about how he feels in the team and the relationship he has in the team and the way he’s performing.”
"I don’t think Toto’s problems are his drivers; I think he’s probably got other elements that he needs to be focusing on rather than focusing on drivers that are unavailable."
‘It’s about how he feels in the team and the relationship he has in the team’;
https://racingnews365.com/horner-swi...appen-comments
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Mark Hughes: Superb Norris stunned Ferrari - and McLaren.
The mystery was much more about Lando Norris’ superb second position, his McLaren comfortably defeating Sergio Perez’s Red Bull and both Ferraris in a straight fight. But we’ll come to that in a moment.
Apr 21, 2024
by Mark Hughes
The Race
When the safety car then came out, bunching the field up and obliging Red Bull to pit both cars so as to make their second stops without a disastrous loss of places, Verstappen rejoined still leading but Perez had dropped back behind Leclerc. Passing the Ferrari for a second time took so much from his tyres that he was not able to pose a threat to Norris despite there being 17 laps left.
“Once you’re fighting it’s game over for the tyres,” Perez said. “You use so much of your tyre that they never come back. I paid the price but it was the only way I could get by Charles.” Had he not been so far behind Verstappen at the first stops, he’d conceivably not have exited the second stops behind Leclerc and might therefore have been able to catch and attack Norris.
But he’d been delayed in that first stint by having to get by a briefly starring Fernando Alonso, who’d sliced into second at the start, even taking a nibble at Verstappen. It took five laps for Perez to find a way by the Aston Martin as its tyres wilted. By which time Verstappen was 5.5s up the road.
‘The mystery’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/m...laren-stunned/
McLaren were ‘simply stronger’ than Ferrari in China – Sainz
Posted on 21st April 2024, 14:34
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Carlos Sainz Jnr says Ferrari were not as strong as McLaren over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend after the team finished fourth and fifth. It was the first time a McLaren has finished ahead of both Ferraris in a grand prix in 2024 and Sainz believes it was a fair reflection of the relative performance of the two teams in Shanghai.
“I think this weekend they’ve been stronger – simple as that,” Sainz said. “I think McLaren, at this kind of circuit, they’ve shown better pace than us. And even on top of that, we qualified behind [them] and if we get in trouble in the first lap, then there’s no chance we’re going to beat them. So, we need to do better next time.”
‘Simply stronger’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/21/...n-china-sainz/
Nico Rosberg questions attitude of ‘glass half-empty’ Lando Norris
Nico Rosberg left impressed by Lando Norris' driving in China - but not his attitude.
21 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Analysing McLaren’s performance in China during Sky Sports F1’s coverage, Rosberg urged Norris to have more “positivity”. “Lando is a glass half-empty guy,” the 2016 world champion said.
“Pre-race betting that Ferrari are going to beat them? I don’t know. I don’t think that’s the best approach, in general. Positivity would be helpful. Nevertheless, he had a phenomenal drive today. He drove so well. Together with Max, the driver of the day. Consistency, there was no degradation on his car.”
“The comparison to his teammate Oscar Piastri who was really struggling with degradation. Big difference, there. So a phenomenal drive.” Teammate Oscar Piastri managed to hold off Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes to claim eighth despite picking up damage to his car.
‘Attitude of ‘glass half-empty’ Lando Norris’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104726...y-lando-norris
Norris “surprised” with second after betting Ferrari would be 35s ahead
Posted on 21st April 2024, 12:29
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans
Lando Norris admitted that he was “surprised” to have secured a podium finish by taking second place in the Chinese Grand Prix. “I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team. They deserved it, good pit stops” Norris said. “Just today worked out – I don’t know why.”
“I really wasn’t expecting it to be the kind of race we had today, but got comfortable. I could manage the tyres a lot, which was a much easier task than what I had yesterday. And I could just push. The car felt great and felt comfortable. So good day, good points, and another podium – very happy.”
“I made a bet how far behind the Ferraris we would finish today,” Norris said. “I thought 35 seconds and I was very wrong by that. So I’m happy to be wrong with myself and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”
‘Betting Ferrari would be 35s ahead’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/21/...-be-35s-ahead/
Norris startled by podium: 'I was ready to go home early!'
21/04/2024 at 11:36
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
McLaren driver Lando Norris was the first to admit that clinching second place in Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai had exceeded all his expectations for the weekend.
"Good day, good points and another podium," he said after being voted the official F1 Driver of the Day for his performance. "I'm very happy, I'm happy for the whole team they deserve it," adding: "Today just worked out.”
"I don't know why I really wasn't expecting it to be the kind of race we had today," he admitted. "I just wasn't expecting today at all. I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium!”
‘Exceeded all his expectations’;
https://f1i.com/news/505989-norris-s...ome-early.html
Norris: "Nothing pointed" to McLaren's shock China F1 form
Apr 22, 2024, 11:18 AM
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com
Norris took pole for the sprint and while he went off at the start and struggled with tyre wear throughout the 19-lap event, the Briton did excel in Sunday's grand prix. Norris said the team is still as surprised as anyone at its China pace, with no indications the weekend would be a lot better than first thought.
"We were just quicker than we thought. The limitations, the places we expected to struggle probably a lot more, we didn't struggle as much in," Norris said. "These longer corners, like Turn 1, have always been a big weakness for us. And part of Turn 1 was probably better than we're expecting.”
“We're still learning about the car and the tarmac is quite odd, maybe that played into our hands a bit more. We're not making it up. We're giving our honest opinion on where we want to be. I think if we were to go into a weekend and we knew we were going to be strong, we'd say so.”
‘The team is still as surprised as anyone’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/n...form/10602049/
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Christian Horner “write Sergio Perez off” claim met with “I recommended him!”
“Far from writing him off, I seem to remember recommending him to you, at one point!”
20 Apr 2024
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net
Red Bull boss Horner had teased Sky Sports’ pundits about previous criticism of Perez. The under-pressure Perez has claimed three P2 finishes in four grands prix this year, and qualified for Sunday’s F1 Chinese Grand Prix in second behind teammate Max Verstappen. “You guys have a tendency to write him off but he’s doing a great job,” Horner told the Sky Sports studio.
1996 F1 champion Hill replied to Horner: “Far from writing him off, I seem to remember recommending him to you, at one point!” Horner addressed Perez’s upturn in form: “He is an important part of the team. It’s about working collectively. He has great engineering support around him. He feels comfortable. He knows that he’s out of contract so he’s driving for his future.”
“He responds to pressure in the best possible way. Some drivers respond to pressure, and others wilt.” Horner said to Hill: “It reminds me of your 1995 and 1996 seasons. Over that winter, you certainly came back a different driver in ‘96. It is similar with Checo. He has gone away, wintered well, changed a few things in his approach, and he is driving well.”
“Doing a great job”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104717...ecommended-him
How Perez seems to have secured his Red Bull future
April 21, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
Sergio Perez’s prospects of continuing with Red Bull Racing are becoming increasingly strong. With his current agreement due to expire at the end of 2024, discussions around an extension are timely. This discussion coincides with Carlos Sainz, a key player on the driver market, also exploring new opportunities.
As negotiations progress, it seems the primary hurdle in finalizing a new contract for Perez is his preference for a commitment that spans beyond a single year. Despite potential complications, the team’s current synergy and performance are robust, indicating little desire to disrupt the status quo.
Dr Helmut Marko, while discussing the situation, confirmed, “Checo’s second place proves that this year is his strongest season to date. That is of course very important for the future.” However, Marko acknowledged the consideration of Sainz, stating, “Of course, you always want to have the best people in the team. But with Checo’s performance and the harmony, it’s just right.”
‘Continuing with Red Bull Racing are becoming increasingly strong’;
https://grandpx.news/how-perez-seems...d-bull-future/
‘Today I wanted more’ admits Perez after P3 in Shanghai
21 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
He may have notched up another podium finish for Red Bull in China, but Sergio Perez admitted afterwards he was aiming higher than the third step on race day in Shanghai.
‘Today I wanted more’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...377386256.html
Sergio Perez's father speaks out on Red Bull star's relationship with Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez's father has commented on the relationship between the two Red Bull drivers following a strong start to the 2024 campaign.
13:57, Sun, Apr 21, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Antonio Perez, father of Red Bull star Sergio Perez, has insisted that his son’s relationship with team-mate Max Verstappen is ‘much better’ at the moment after some flickers of tension during the early stages of the 2023 campaign.
“They are two tigers in the same cage is what I have told them. And if you ask me, who would you like to see Checo team up with, I would say the best in the world. So however it is today Checo is the second best in the world in Formula One.”
Perez has also benefitted from worrying less about his Red Bull colleague’s performance. The 34-year-old made a slew of errors throughout the middle part of the 2023 season as he tried desperately to cut the deficit to Verstappen. However, in 2024 he returned with a fresh attitude.
‘Sergio Perez's father speaks out’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...appen-Red-Bull
Ted Kravitz renews ‘built for Max Verstappen’ debate with Sergio Perez off the pace in China
22 Apr 2024 11:15 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Spotted in conversation with Helmut Marko in China, Ted Kravitz says the Red Bull advisor may be asking Sergio Perez why he couldn’t challenge Lando Norris but that there is “no doubt” as to the reason. But while questions may be asked, potentially even by Marko who Kravitz spotted chatting to Perez after the race, about Perez’s inability to match Verstappen’s pace, the Sky reporter believes it’s a very simple answer.
“The RB20 is “built” to suit triple World Champion Verstappen’s “on the nose” driving style, Kravitz claimed. “Sergio had no pace to chase down Lando for P2,” Kravitz said in his Ted’s Notebook after the race. I don’t think he burnt his tyres out too soon, but it just sort of stayed… maybe it was a dirty air thing, maybe it was a hard tyre thing. But maybe also it was Lando driving brilliantly, which undoubtedly he was.”
“But when you consider that Max finished 13.7 seconds ahead of Lando Norris then I guess it’s a valid question that Helmut, old Helmut, has got for Checo as to why he wasn’t in the same car able to close and overtake the McLaren. Listen, there is no doubt, to answer the question as to why Max can do what he does with this car and Checo can’t, there is no doubt that the Red Bull RB20 is built around Max Verstappen. That we know.
‘Ted Kravitz renews ‘built for Max Verstappen’ debate’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/ted-kr...ull-built-rb20
2024 Chinese Grand Prix: Red Bull pull off impressive double stack pit stop for Verstappen and Perez
21 Apr 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Red Bull were running 1-2 in the Chinese Grand Prix when they decided to pit leader Max Verstappen and second placed Sergio Perez on the same lap, with the crew pulling off an impeccable double stack stop on Lap 14.
‘Impressive double stack pit stop’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...392579249.html
-
Ferrari rivalry: Fred Vasseur faces biggest test yet over brewing driver clash.
Having resolved Ferrari’s troubles from technical to strategy to pit stops, Fred Vasseur is facing his biggest hurdle yet as a race-winning team boss. And that’s managing two drivers…
23 Apr 2024 6:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
After Vasseur broke the news to him back in January that this season would be his last as a Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz came out of the blocks firing as he stamped his authority over his team-mate Charles Leclerc. It had a seemingly magnanimous Leclerc declaring on the eve of the Chinese Grand Prix: “I think it’s as simple as he’s doing a better job… he’s just been stronger.
And show it he did, all signs of being magnanimous out of the window. Racing Sainz for position in the closing laps of the Sprint in Shanghai, the Ferrari team-mates went wheel-to-wheel, there was a moment of contact, and Leclerc came out on top.
Although he stated over the radio that he felt Sainz was “racing him harder than the others”, Leclerc kept his cool post-race as he spoke of his team-mate being a “bit over the limit” as there had been contact but, he added, “to be honest, I have crossed the line also myself in the past”.
‘Ferrari rivalry’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/fe...ng-the-drivers
Vasseur dismisses China theory why Ferrari lost to McLaren
The Ferrari boss felt the team could not use an excuse which affected the whole grid for its performance in the Chinese Grand Prix.
23 April 9:15AM
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has refused to blame the track conditions at the Chinese Grand Prix for its lack of performance in the race. Whilst Vasseur indicated that the track surface was a problem - he refused to use it as the sole excuse for Ferrari's performance. "It can't be an excuse, it was the same for everybody," Vasseur told media including RacingNews365.
"It is true that it was the first time we came to Shanghai with this generation of car, the coating or painting of the tarmac didn't help as there was huge track evolution over the weekend. But it is absolutely not an excuse as everyone is in the same situation, and some teams managed it better - it means we have to understand if we can do a better job."
But Vasseur felt the gap was so tight between the leading gaggle, on any given weekend, the team could be "hero or zero." "From the beginning of the season, there is a window where the pack is very, very tight," Vasseur replied when by RacingNews365 if he felt the team would have been ahead of McLaren if it was not a sprint weekend.
‘Vasseur dismisses China theory’;
https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-re...is-china-slump
Ferrari eyes Verstappen dominance: Can Miami upgrades save the season?
April 22, 2024
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news
F1’s focus shifts towards Ferrari’s pursuit of critical updates at upcoming races in Miami and Imola. 2024 has unfolded with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen seemingly easing towards his fourth title in a row, with the season still having a substantial distance to cover.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported on the growing tension within Ferrari, describing it as a “red shrimp” in China. Amid these challenges, Ferrari’s principal, Frederic Vasseur, downplayed the internal friction and the team’s recent underperformance, attributing part of the struggle to inadequate practice with certain tyres due to the sprint weekend’s structure.
Vasseur expressed confidence in his team’s efforts back at the factory, stating, “The guys in the factory are pushing like crazy for the next updates.”
‘Miami upgrades’;
https://grandpx.news/ferrari-eyes-ve...ve-the-season/
LECLERC: ‘WE WERE JUST SLOW’ AS THE HARD TYRE STRIPS FERRARI OF THEIR PACE IN THE CHINESE GP
Leclerc has blamed the hard compound tyre for their mid-race drop-off at the Chinese Grand Prix
April 22, 2024
Oliver Brindle
FormulaNerds
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc revealed that the hard tyre caused them to be “half a second off” while the Monegasque driver missed an opportunity to challenge McLaren at the top. As reported by Motorsport.com, Leclerc said:
“I don’t think we found it [the pace] as a team, especially on the hard tyres, which is a bit strange because the strength of this car since the beginning of the year is it’s very solid in all conditions with all tyres. Today is a bit an outlier because as soon as we put on the hards, we were half a second off. So that is very strange. We will look into it and try to understand what went wrong on that run.”
‘Leclerc has blamed the hard compound tyre’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/le...he-chinese-gp/
FERRARI "MADE TOO MANY MISTAKES" FOR F1 PODIUM FIGHT AT CHINESE GP
Ferrari "made too many mistakes" at Formula 1's Chinese Grand Prix to fight at the front, reckons team boss Fred Vasseur.
Apr 23, 2024, 5:17 PM
Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com
Team principal Vasseur said his team "made too many mistakes" trying to optimise its package for the tricky Shanghai circuit and its unusual tarmac coating, which led to being behind the curve in qualifying.
"I think it's really a matter of putting everything together," Vasseur explained. "We didn't have a clean weekend on our side, but we made collectively too many mistakes.”
"In this group, if you don't do the perfect job you won't be in front. We have a pack with six or seven cars in one tenth in qualifying. That means that due to details you can move from hero to zero."
"Made too many mistakes";
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...e-gp/10602384/
‘We’re way ahead’: Frederic Vasseur delighted that Ferrari are beating F1 rival this year
Tue 23 April 2024 12:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Ferrari will have been disappointed with their showing at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. Charles Leclerc came home fourth, and Carlos Sainz was fifth. Both drivers gained two spots during the race after qualifying down in sixth and seventh. It was the first time all season that the Scuderia had failed to get one of their cars in the top four.
Fred Vasseur identifies one big positive for Ferrari after Chinese Grand Prix. Speaking to Sky after the race, team principal Fred Vasseur called for perspective even though Ferrari under-performed in China. Leclerc and Sainz have scored five podiums between them so far, more than half of last year’s tally (nine). He also pointed out that Ferrari are ‘way ahead’ of Mercedes, having finished behind the Silver Arrows in the 2023 championship. The gulf between the two already stands at 99 points.
“If you compare where we were a year ago, we are in much better shape,” he said. “I don’t know how many podiums there were, but probably as many as in the season last year. We have won a race, we’re way ahead of Mercedes, so a much better start than a year ago. But today I’m mainly focused on what happened here and would have liked to have done a better job.”
“We’re way ahead”;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/fre...eam-this-year/
Ferrari announce special livery featuring shades of blue for Miami Grand Prix
23rd April 2024, 15:16
Formula One - Official Site
Ferrari have announced that they are set to unveil “fresh and unexpected colours” in a special livery for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The design change will be a one-off and will feature two historic shades of blue – Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino – and will mark the 70th anniversary of Ferrari's presence in North America.
Azzurro La Plata – a lighter shade of blue that acts as the national racing colour of Argentina – echoes the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his most successful seasons in Formula 1 as he became Ferrari’s first world champion, winning the title in both 1952 and 1953. The Italian would usually wear a blue jersey accompanied by a matching helmet, which he considered his lucky charms.
The same colour was also seen on Ferrari drivers’ racing suits in the 1960s, including those of John Surtees, Lorenzo Bandini, Ludovico Scarfiotti and Chris Amon. Niki Lauda's racing suit during his inaugural year with Ferrari was also in this shade of blue, as were the shirts worn by the Maranello workforce. Azzurro Dino, the other colour being revived by the team ahead of Miami, is a deeper shade which was also favoured by a number of drivers in the past.
‘Ferrari announce special livery’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Csgtv2yKyf4VHy
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Alonso reflects on ‘crazy race’ in China after nearly crashing while Stroll gives his take on penalty for ‘weird’ incident.
It was an eventful race at the Chinese Grand Prix for the Aston Martin team, with Fernando Alonso working his way back through the field to P7 after slipping down the order from P2 on the opening lap, while Lance Stroll was hit with a penalty following an unusual incident with Daniel Ricciardo.
22 April 2024.
Formula One - Official Site
Asked for his thoughts on what had been a ‘crazy race’ for him, Alonso agreed: “Yeah, definitely, [a] crazy race. [There were] a lot of things happening for us in the race. “[I had a] great start, P2 the first couple of laps, then a few Safety Cars that probably didn’t help our strategy and made us save the tyres a little bit and last until the end. We had to make another stop, so that was not ideal. At the end [I] nearly crashed, but then fastest lap and P7, so all in all I think a good weekend.”
“We only had one [set of] hard tyres and in the middle of the hard stint the Safety Car came, so our good race tyre was gone in a way after that Safety Car,” the two-time world champion said. “We didn’t have any more options, so yeah, let’s see. Maybe next time we don’t race the Sprint we save tyres and we have more race for Sunday, like this we don’t have even a strange penalty.”
‘Alonso reflects’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...iCvryzSYcud0TM
Fernando Alonso threatens to skip Miami Sprint with ‘not worth it’ claim after penalty
22 Apr 2024 1:00 PM
Michelle Foster
Daily and Sunday Express
Slapped with three penalty points for causing a collision in the Sprint in China, Fernando Alonso has questioned whether it’s “worth” taking part in the next short race in Miami. The stewards ruled that he was responsible for causing the collision and said “per the guidelines on driving standards” the infringement required a 10-second penalty. They, however, didn’t state exactly what Alonso had done wrong.
But while the 10-second time penalty was a non-entity given he’d retired from the race, the more impactful punishment was the three penalty points put on his licence. That took his tally up to six in the space of just one month after his incident with George Russell at the Australian Grand Prix.
“These sanctions are not understood and I do not share them, especially in the case of licence points,” Fox Sport Mexico quotes him as having told DAZN. “Such an incredible penalty is once again unprecedented.” In fact, such is his ire over the penalty, he says it’s “almost worth not” taking part in the next Sprint in Miami.
‘Not worth it’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...worth-it-claim
KRACK SAYS STROLL’S PENALTY WAS ‘VERY HARSH’ AND ‘NOT SUPER CONSISTENT’
Aston Martin racked up the penalty points over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend with 13 in total across both drivers
April 22, 2024
Abby Bathurst
FormulaNerds
In China, both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were granted penalties. Alonso received a 10-second penalty and three penalty points after Saturday’s Sprint. The reason being was that he was deemed the driver at fault for a collision with fellow Spaniard, Carlos Sainz. Whilst Alonso received a 10-second penalty, he was forced to retire from the Sprint and so the result was not changed.
After the Grand Prix, Krack was asked by media about the stewards’ decision regarding his drivers. As reported by PlanetF1, Aston Martin’s Team Principal admitted he thought the stewards were a bit harsh, specifically on Stroll’s incident with Ricciardo. Krack said: “Yes, the stewards have been tough to Fernando and Lance recently. We had it in the Sprint race, we had [it] in Melbourne.”
“You saw Fernando locking and then another car behind and I think everybody was a little bit caught out. I think at that stage we were happy that we did not lose both cars. I think it started further to the front, and I would have liked that this would’ve been looked at in a little bit more detailed way. We tried to discuss it but the verdict was very quickly that Lance was to blame and he got a 10-second penalty, in addition to the front wing damage.”
‘Aston Martin racked up the 13 penalty points’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/kr...er-consistent/
Fernando Alonso threatens to skip next race as Aston Martin star lays into FIA
Fernando Alonso was not pleased after his punishment at the Chinese Grand Prix.
14:57, Mon, Apr 22, 2024
By Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express
Fernando Alonso was outraged by his Chinese Grand Prix sprint race punishment. The penalty points could be damaging if Alonso encounters more difficulty later this season. The Spaniard has now amassed six in the last month as his Sainz clash followed a 'potentially dangerous driving' verdict which saw George Russell crash out in Australia.
The penalty points could be damaging if Alonso encounters more difficulty later this season. The Spaniard has now amassed six in the last month as his Sainz clash followed a 'potentially dangerous driving' verdict which saw George Russell crash out in Australia.
Picking up 12 points in a 12-month period would see the FIA dish out a rare race ban. While Alonso is up there in terms of drivers punished by F1's governing body, Perez and Logan Sargeant lead the way in the last year with eight points apiece.
‘Fernando Alonso was outraged’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ton-martin-FIA
F1 penalty system comes under fire with Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen disqualification argument
23 Apr 2024 5:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com
Leading Spanish Formula 1 broadcaster Antonio Lobato was left furious with what he saw as inconsistent steward verdicts in China, arguing Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen should have been at risk of disqualification going off the Fernando Alonso verdict. “I don’t want to be a pest with this topic, but it makes my blood boil,” he told SoyMotor.com.
“I’m looking at the penalties applied during the Chinese GP and I see that Kevin Magnussen has been given a 10-second penalty and two points on his Super Licence for a suicidal manoeuvre on Yuki Tsunoda and ruining his race after destroying his car. Lance Stroll has been given a 10-second penalty and two points, just two, on his Super Licence for crashing into Ricciardo and Piastri. And you ask yourself: ‘Did they change the stewards between Saturday and Sunday?’. How is it possible that the judgement measurement has changed!”
“Fernando Alonso in the Sprint race for fighting against Carlos Sainz, where they made contact but nothing else happened, and they gave us a good battle, he was handed a 10-second penalty and three points for his Super Licence. Are they trying to tell me that what Alonso did is more dangerous than what Magnussen or Stroll did? Does anyone really have a look into this and questions him or herself: ‘There is something wrong here’.
‘Inconsistent steward verdicts in China’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...n-magnussen-dq
Fernando Alonso lifts lid on Aston Martin dynamic with ‘whole project around Lance Stroll’
24 Apr 2024 12:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Despite Mike Krack’s claim the Aston Martin project was built around Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso says there’s more to it with team owner Lawrence Stroll “a racer” who wants to succeed. Alonso has implied there’s more to Lawrence Stroll’s ownership of the Aston Martin team than a safe landing spot for his son’s F1 ambitions.
“He’s a great man, great boss and a great owner of the brand,” the double World Champion told Channel 4. “I think at the end Lawrence is a racer, one of us, and loves motor racing, loves cars. I think what he has done with this team is just probably unprecedented. Taking it from Racing Point, Force India, and taking everything to the highest level possible. And now we are fighting with Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull.”
“So to have leading the project someone that loves racing is very rewarding for everyone. Lance and myself, we are trying to help the team as much as we can,” he said. “I think we have two different driving styles in some conditions, we have two different feelings with the car. I think Lance is a lot more sensitive to things than what I am, which is very important for the team. I think the analysis that Lance can reach and can feed back to the team is crucial to us and to improve the car.”
‘Aston Martin dynamic’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...stroll-project
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Hulkenberg pleased to ‘steal’ another point for Haas as Magnussen rues costly contact with Tsunoda.
Nico Hulkenberg expressed his satisfaction after taking advantage of a drama-filled Chinese Grand Prix to give Haas another points finish and boost the team’s position in the constructors’ standings.
23 April 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Hulkenberg converted ninth on the grid into 10th during Sunday’s race, which saw Kick Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas retire due to engine woes and both RBs fail to finish after Daniel Ricciardo got struck by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll under the Safety Car and Yuki Tsunoda got spun around by the other Haas of Kevin Magnussen.
“It’s never a walk in the park,” the German said afterwards. “But I think it was well managed, well controlled from our side, so I’m very positive and happy about that, that we got the one point which was up for grabs.”
“It shows one of the top five cars [Stroll] had a problem and obviously that’s the spot we kind of stole because of it. Otherwise, it’s not really possible to race with them. It also just shows that we need to have a perfect Saturday in quali and Sunday to be able to be where we are.”
‘Nico Hulkenberg expressed his satisfaction’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...JnqFU3fOaSSsb2
208 starts but no win: Hulkenberg equals 30-year-old de Cesaris record
Posted on 22nd April 2024, 11:56
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Nico Hulkenberg has tied the record for starting the most grands prix without ever winning one. However unlike de Cesaris, Hulkenberg has never reached the podium either. He already holds the record for most grands prix without appearing on the rostrum.
A promising debut season with Williams culminated in a stunning pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix. But by that time the cash-strapped team had already told Hulkenberg he would be replaced by Pastor Maldonado and his Venezuelan millions. After a year on the sidelines, Hulkenberg made an impressive return in 2012 with Force India (now Aston Martin) and could have won at Interlagos that year, where he led 30 laps before going out in a collision with Hamilton.
With his move to Renault in 2017 it seemed Hulkenberg finally had the chance to lead a manufacturer-basked operation to the front. But further podium chances eluded him, most painfully when he crashed out on home ground in 2019, and he was dropped at the end of the year. After a few ‘super-sub’ reappearances, Hulkenberg made a full-time return at Haas, where he has demonstrated his strong one-lap pace, but hasn’t yet had the equipment to challenge for the podium finish which is now well overdue, let alone a victory.
‘208 starts but no win’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/22/...esaris-record/
Nico Hulkenberg ties unwanted F1 record following impressive drive in China
Nico Hulkenberg tied an unwanted F1 record at the Chinese Grand Prix.
22 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Nico Hulkenberg has moved level with Andrea de Cesaris for most races without an F1 victory following the Chinese Grand Prix. The German enjoyed another fine weekend in Shanghai, finishing tenth to give Haas their fifth point of the season.
It’s been an impressive start to the 2024 F1 season for Haas, particularly as ahead of the new campaign, new team principal Ayao Komatsu suggested that they would be right at the back given their lack of development over the winter.
Haas have scored five points in the opening five races, just two fewer than RB in the race for sixth in the F1 constructors’ championship. A big part of their strong form is down to the brilliance of Hulkenberg, who continues to deliver each weekend.
‘Nico Hulkenberg has moved level with Andrea de Cesaris’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104730...ve-drive-china
TECHNICAL F1 Unlocked/TECH WEEKLY: Haas's significant Shanghai upgrade – and what it says about Komatsu's approach as team boss
23 April 2024
Technical Contributors
Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola
Formula One - Official Site
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu said a couple of races ago that, following promising signs in the wind tunnel, he was bringing forward the team’s upgrade. That upgrade appeared last weekend in Shanghai and it was a significant one.
This more ambitious development policy is set to be a cornerstone of Komatsu’s approach in his first year as team principal.
‘Haas's significant Shanghai upgrade’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...gLCfbogL9th5PK
Haas F1 News: Komatsu Calls for Magnussen Penalty Explanation - 'More Tsunoda'
Published Apr 23, 2024
By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
Newsweek
Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has challenged the stewards' decision to penalize Kevin Magnussen following a crash with Yuki Tsunoda during the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. Komatsu contends that the penalty was unwarranted, suggesting that Tsunoda shares at least an equal part of the blame. Despite this, Komatsu makes it clear the penalty cannot be appealed, however, he wants an explanation from the Stewards.
Ayao Komatsu, the Haas F1 Team Principal, voiced strong objections to the stewards' ruling during a post-race interview, as quoted by Autosport. He argued that the incident was a typical racing clash and should not have resulted in a penalty. He explained: "I do not think that's justifiable. I think it's just a racing incident. He didn't run Tsunoda off the track. He dived inside of Turn 6, he hit the apex, Tsunoda was wide, he still left the room, Tsunoda came back progressively."
Komatsu added that the decision appeared heavily skewed against Magnussen, whom he believes was not solely responsible for the collision. Komatsu continued: "He doesn't go off the track, so maybe the definition 'came back' might be wrong. But it's not like Kevin is wholly to blame. For me, minimum 50/50.”
‘Komatsu contends that the penalty was unwarranted’;
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/haas...3165?piano_t=1
Nico Hulkenberg closes in on Audi F1 move for 2025: “Only the signature is missing”
Nico Hulkenberg is close to agreeing a move from Haas to Audi for the 2025 F1 season.
24 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Nico Hulkenberg is close to signing an agreement with Audi for the 2025 F1 season. According to Sport1, Hulkenberg has agreed to join Audi - the team is currently known as Sauber - for next year.
Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl wanted to replace Bottas with Hulkenberg for this season but Haas were unwilling to let the impressive German go. Hulkenberg will return to Hinwil having spent a year at the team back in 2013. The 36-year-old will reportedly be offered a three-year contract with Audi officially entering the sport in 2026.
Hulkenberg has enjoyed another impressive season with Haas so far, scoring points in three of the first five races in 2024. With Fernando Alonso committing his future to Aston Martin, the F1 driver market dominos are falling. Audi will have to wait for Sainz though as he waits to see what Red Bull and Mercedes decide.
“Only the signature is missing”;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104735...nature-missing
Hulkenberg set to sign for new F1 team
Audi will join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, but is keen to have both its drivers in place at Stake for 2025, with Nico Hulkenberg set to make the switch, RacingNews365 understands.
25 April 9:24AM
Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
In late 2023, RacingNews365 was informed that Audi was very keen on bringing Nico Hulkenberg to the team - and that a contract had been offered to the German for 2024 at the Stake team. Sources have now indicated to RacingNews365 that Hulkenberg is now set to sign for Audi, thus becoming a Stake driver in 2025 before the Ingolstadt concern arrives in '26.
Audi has been keen to secure Hulkenberg for the experience he can offer in helping to steer a team in the right direction, something several engineers from teams Hulkenberg has driven for have confirmed. Haas, the team Hulkenberg is set to leave, was keen to keep the popular German, with his feedback playing a major role in the development of the 2024 car to soothe the tyre management problems that plagued its 2023 machine.
From the first five races, Hulkenberg has three points finishes, compared to just one return in a grand prix throughout the 2023 season. The CEO of the Audi project Andreas Seidl has a clear mind as to who is his preferred driver line-up, with Carlos Sainz also hoping to be snared by the team. Both Sainz and Hulkenberg are drivers with factory experience behind them, with the two having been team-mates at Renault in 2018 before Sainz's move to Ferrari following his McLaren spell.
‘Hulkenberg set to sign’;
https://racingnews365.com/hulkenberg...or-new-f1-team
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Alpine fined 10,000 euros for pitstop blunder.
Pierre Gasly was given the green light to exit the pitbox before the right rear tyre had been properly fitted when a team member incorrectly clicked a button to release the car.
Apr 21, 2024, 08:41 PM
The Straits Times
Formula One stewards fined Renault-owned Alpine 10,000 euros ($10,654) on Sunday after a bungled Chinese Grand Prix pitstop left a mechanic on the ground.
The French driver was stopped before leaving the pitbox, with a mechanic falling backwards in the chaos but able to continue for the remainder of the race. Stewards said Gasly had not been at fault and the team was wholly responsible.
"Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we will investigate the reasons to avoid such incidents in future," said team boss Bruno Famin.
‘Pitstop blunder’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...itstop-blunder
Pierre Gasly explains ‘quite scary’ pit stop moment at the Chinese Grand Prix
21 Apr 2024 2:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Knocking over one of his right rear tyre mechanics in China, Pierre Gasly explained he was shown the green light to leave the pits only for it change to red. The good news is his mechanic is “fine”. Gasly’s chances of surging from 15th on the grid to score a point at the Chinese Grand Prix were hindered when he made a 19-second pit stop, a “scary” moment delaying him in the pits.
“Yeah, quite scary, actually,” Gasly told the media in Shanghai. “My green light, the light went green so I dropped the clutch, but then it went red straightaway. And then I saw him in the mirror, and saw the wheel wasn’t on. The mechanic is fine, which I was a bit scared of.”
“We’ve had a couple of instances this year where I’ve lost some time on the box, so I’m sure we’ll review exactly what’s happened and improve it for next time.” Stationary for 19 seconds, Gasly dropped to the very back of the field.
‘Quite scary’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/pierre...ese-grand-prix
‘Quite scary’ - Pierre Gasly explains botched pit stop as Alpine mechanic hit
Pierre Gasly accidentally hit one of his Alpine mechanics during a pit stop blunder in China.
22 Apr 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Pierre Gasly has explained the “quite scary” moment he knocked over one of his Alpine mechanics during a botched pit stop at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
During the Frenchman’s first pit stop in Shanghai, Gasly was mistakenly given a green light to leave his box before his right-rear wheel had been properly attached to his car.
As he pulled away, one of his mechanics was sent tumbling to the ground by the tyre. Alpine confirmed after the race that the mechanic was “OK” and had avoided injury.
‘Alpine mechanic hit’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104729...e-mechanic-hit
Esteban Ocon’s Unique Path To F1
April 23, 2024
Nicole Powell
Last Word On Sports
Esteban Ocon had a great junior career, although, lack of funding created unique challenges for the driver. Esteban Ocon was a young talent, however, lack of funding and sponsors slowed his progress to Formula One.
After years of struggling to keep his grip in the F1 world because he didn’t bring sponsors the way his peers did, with the support of Mercedes, Ocon now has both feet standing firmly in the sport. Ocon is now an F1 race winner, following his win at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.
‘Unique Path To F1’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...ue-path-to-f1/
Alpine warned despite 'best race' of troubled season
Upgrades were added to the Alpine in China, and whilst its problems were soothed, Esteban Ocon has issued a warning.
25 April 10:35AM
Jake Nichol & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Esteban Ocon has warned Alpine that it is "too early" to suggest it has turned a corner in its troubled 2024 campaign, despite an encouraging Chinese Grand Prix. "At the moment, we haven't scored one point this season, so it is early to say, but it is our best finish of the year with both cars," Ocon told media including RacingNews365.
"We need to be careful what we read into it, and also who was there in that race, there was many things happening and a lot of contenders were at the back, so that is the other thing we need to be careful of. But at the same time, I feel like it was a very strong weekend on the operational side and in my driving, so I'm happy with that.”
"I'm a bit disappointed at the same time not to be in the points, we ended 2.3s away which is difficult to swallow, given the job we did. It was fully maximised and this was my best race of the season, and clearly there was nothing left on the table. Not to have that reward is pretty sad, but we are going in the right direction, small steps at a time."
‘Alpine warned’;
https://racingnews365.com/ocon-issue...roubled-season
Pierre Gasly among Alpine team paying respects to Ted Toleman and Ayrton Senna
Thursday 25 April 2024 16:00, UK
Sky Sports
Sky Sports' Craig Slater is at Alpine's headquarters as they pay respects to Ted Toleman and Ayrton Senna and speaks to Pierre Gasly who reveals what it was like to take a drive in Senna's Formula One car.
‘Paying respects’;
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...d-ayrton-senna
Pierre Gasly “in negotiations” with Williams as F1 driver market hots up
Pierre Gasly could move to Williams, according to David Croft.
25 Apr 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Speaking on the latest episode of the Sky F1 podcast, Croft gave his predictions on how the F1 driver market will play out for 2025. “I think Nico Hulkenberg is going to Sauber,” he said. “He will be there at Audi alongside Carlos Sainz. I think that’s where Sainz is heading because Mercedes will bring in Andrea Kimi Antonelli - that makes logical sense and I think Red Bull will keep hold of Sergio Perez - that makes logical sense as well.”
“Where does Zhou go? He could go to Alpine. Remember he was a Renault academy driver so he could go back into that stable again. Ocon or Gasly - or both - are going to have to leave Alpine. Gasly might find himself at Williams. I am sure he’s been in negotiations with Williams to drive alongside Alex Albon.”
“That does free up a space but they also have Jack Doohan waiting in the wings who is very much acclimatised in that team. Haas? No. I think that will be Kevin Magnussen and Ollie Bearman. Zhou is not part of that Ferrari stable so Ferrari will want to bring the young Ferrari driver in. It probably leads you to the conclusion we could do with two more teams on the grid but that’s a whole Andretti story.”
‘F1 driver market hots up’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104736...er-market-hots
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Red Bull issue response as Adrian Newey departure rumours swirl.
Sources have indicated to PlanetF1.com that no preparations are being made for a Newey departure from Red Bull and that the 65-year-old has not given any form of notice that he intends to leave the squad prior to the end of his existing contract.
25 Apr 2024 5:50 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Newey last year signed a new deal that will see him remain employed by Red Bull until the conclusion of 2025 and a request for comment by Red Bull clarified the team’s position.
“Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025,” a Red Bull spokesperson told PlanetF1.com. “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”
‘No preparations are being made for a Newey departure from Red Bull’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...arture-rumours
Red Bull ‘unaware’ Newey wants to join other team.
A spokesperson added they were “unaware of him joining any other team”.
FORMULA ONE
26 APRIL 2024 - 09:58
by ALAN BALDWIN
Financial Mail
The BBC and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, who were first to report the story, said the Briton had told Red Bull he wanted to move on after allegations relating to team principal Christian Horner.
Red Bull said Formula One’s most sought after designer Adrian Newey was signed up until at least the end of next year amid reports on Thursday he was looking to leave the reigning champions. A spokesperson added they were “unaware of him joining any other team”.
“Unaware of him joining any other team”;
https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/li...in-other-team/
Red Bull denies Adrian Newey quit reports
Red Bull Racing has denied reports that star designer Adrian Newey is set to quit the team.
26 April 2024
by Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Reports that he was poised to walk out of Red Bull Racing appear to be wide of the mark, and the team itself has issued a denial of sorts. “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025,” a spokesperson confirmed. “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”
The statement doesn't address the prospect of Newey stepping away from F1 on a sabbatical or retirement. For now, the Englishman continues to work for Red Bull Racing and is active in his role within the team. He will travel to Miami next weekend and sit on the pit wall as normal.
‘Wide of the mark,’;
https://speedcafe.com/red-bull-denie...-quit-reports/
Red Bull responds to Newey claims
25/04/2024
NEWS STORY
Pitpass
All Red Bull is saying, other than repeating the fact that Newey is contracted to the team until "at least the end of 2025", is that it is "unaware of him joining any other team".
While some on social media are salivating at the prospect, claiming that his departure would mark "the beginning of the end for Red Bull", assuming he is held to his current contract, even if it means gardening leave, he would likely not make any impact on his chosen new team before 2027, a year into the new formula.
‘All Red Bull is saying’;
https://www.pitpass.com/77538/Red-Bu...o-Newey-claims
Red Bull release statement in response to bombshell exit rumours that could impact Max Verstappen
Published 19:46 25 Apr 2024 GMT
SPORTbible
Red Bull Racing have released a statement after it was reported that chief designer Adrian Newey wants to leave the team. On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that Red Bull’s chief designer Newey wants to leave the team in the near future.
Responding to those reports, the Formula 1 champions have now broken their silence. As reported by GB News, the statement read: “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025 and we are unaware of him joining any other team.”
The 65-year-old Brit is often regarded as F1’s greatest-ever car designers having played a huge part in Red Bull’s two dominant eras. Newey has also played a key role in Williams and McLaren’s previous success in the sport.
‘Red Bull release statement’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/red-bu...13185-20240425
Red Bull break silence on Newey departure
April 25, 2024
Hannah May
FormulaNerds
Red Bull respond to the rumours: According to PlanetF1.com, Red Bull have claimed that no preparations are being made for the 65-year-old’s departure. The team stated that Newey has not given any notice of his intention to leave.
A Red Bull spokesperson told PlanetF1.com that: “Adrian is contracted until at least the end of 2025.” They added that: “We are unaware of him joining any other team.”
‘Red Bull break silence’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/re...wey-departure/
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Chinese Grand Prix: More competitive race for Williams.
The 2024 Chinese GP would see the Williams Racing Team again come away with another failure to score points but this race would see a more competitive performance.
13:29 Sun, 21 Apr 2024
By Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters
For Alex Albon he would finish in 12th so very close to points. For Logan Sargeant he would start the race from the pits after the team made changes to his car. His race would see him fight with other drivers in the initial stages of the race but he would drop down the order finishing in 17th.
Again both drivers would suffer from tyre degredation throughout the race which made any progress that much more difficult. For the team they feel that they are making progress which can only be a good thing.
‘More competitive race’;
https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st205869.htm
F1 Rumor: Mercedes to Loan Kimi Antonelli to Williams Prior to Mercedes Seat
Published Apr 24, 2024 at 9:00 PM
By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
Newsweek
Mercedes is reportedly planning to place their young prodigy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in a Formula 1 seat with Williams as an interim step before joining the Brackley-based squad. This move comes as part of a development pathway for Antonelli, who is currently too young to qualify for an FIA super licence.
According to Formula One journalist Joe Saward, the 17-year-old Italian racer might soon find himself behind the wheel at Williams Racing on an 18-month loan stint, intended to groom him for a future Mercedes seat, as opposed to potentially taking over from Lewis Hamilton in the 2025 season.
Mercedes' interest in placing Antonelli directly into Hamilton's seat by 2025 underscores the high regard in which they hold their young driver. Antonelli has already been testing extensively in F1 machinery, including two days in the 2021 Mercedes W12 in Austria, followed by additional tests planned in the 2022 W13.
‘F1 Rumor’;
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/f1-r...3978?piano_t=1
F1 driver in danger of losing job because of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff
A decision made by Toto Wolff could cost one F1 driver his spot on the grid.
05:50, Thu, Apr 25, 2024
By Amos Murphy
Daily and Sunday Express
Formula One struggler Logan Sargeant is now at risk of losing his job because of a key decision made by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. The German constructors continue to plot plans for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, which could mean Sargaent is booted off the grid.
Mercedes team principal Wolff is said to want up-and-coming star Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join the Mercedes constructor, but not until he’s gained F1 experience elsewhere. One of the solutions Wolff and co. are currently looking at is signing Antonelli to Williams, before making the switch to Mercedes later in his racing career.
That’s according to F1 journalist Joe Saward, who claims that should Antonelli be signed to Mercedes, he’ll be loaned to Williams as a replacement for Sargeant as per GB Blog. While no timescale has been attached to this move yet, given Antonelli doesn’t turn 18 until August - and therefore isn’t currently eligible for a super licence - it’s likely to come at the end of the 2024 season.
‘Danger of losing job because of Mercedes boss’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Kimi-Antonelli
Williams have now told journalist what they think about signing Kimi Antonelli in 2025
Thu 25 April 2024 11:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
Williams Racing appear to be one of the options for Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join the grid in 2025. The 17-year-old is competing in his first season in Formula 2 but Toto Wolff is already preparing him for a career in F1.
Speaking on the Autosport Podcast, journalist Alex Kalinauckas shared what he had heard from Williams in the paddock about the prospect of signing the teenager. Talking about Antonelli, Alex Kalinauckas said: “Mercedes’s preference, whether this happens for 2025, or 2026, or 2027 is that its highly-rated driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is promoted into Formula 1 and ideally Mercedes wants to do that for next year. This is a team that’s happy to wait to make its decision.”
Who else could replace Logan Sargeant at Williams? If Williams decide they want a more experienced driver than Mercedes junior Antonelli for 2025 despite being open to the move, then there are a few other options on the table. However, Kalinauckas believes Williams could potentially negotiate an engine discount should they bring Antonelli on board.
‘One of the options for Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wil...nelli-in-2025/
Williams: Responsibility for Sargeant penalty in China ‘falls on us’
25/04/2024 at 15:09
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Williams team boss James Vowles says the British outfit must shoulder some of the blame for the penalty suffered by logan Sargeant in last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, insisting the onus falls on the team to provide better tools and information to prevent such incidents.
Unfortunately, replays showed that the German driver had crossed the line ahead of his rival, while Sargeant’s momentum had carried him past the Haas. This constituted an illegal overtake in the stewards’ book.
“It was a harsh penalty, when you see just matters of tenths translate into seconds, that’s difficult,” admitted Vowles in Williams’ post-race video debrief. “More so, it’s very difficult for the driver to adjudicate whether he was ahead or behind.”
‘Falls on us’;
https://f1i.com/news/506325-williams...all-on-us.html
Opinion: Williams need to be careful about replacing Sargeant
Should Williams stick it out with Logan Sargeant until the end of the season? If they choose not to, who should replace him?
11:04 Wed, 24 Apr 2024
Morgan Holiday
FormulaNerds
Williams obviously doesn’t trust him to be able to score points, given the situation in Australia when Alex Albon wrecked his own car and the team let him race in Sargeant’s for the weekend. Openly saying “We don’t trust you to perform” is hardly conducive to a healthy working relationship. Unless Sargeant improves drastically and soon, they’re going to be thinking about replacing him before his contract is up at the end of the year.
If Williams Racing wants to make the harsh (albeit, maybe necessary) decision to dump Sargeant mid-season, their priority needs to be choosing a driver they can trust to keep up with Albon and not make little mistakes. Why get rid of one driver only to get another one you can’t trust to do what Sargeant currently can’t?
It’s hard to get behind the idea of a team dropping their driver mid-season when they’re struggling to perform. It’s harsh and unfair. But motorsport is often harsh and rarely fair, so it would be hard to blame Williams if they choose to replace Sargeant before the end of 2024.
‘Why get rid of one driver only to get another one you can’t trust to do what Sargeant currently can’t?’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/opinion...cing-sargeant/
Williams could ask for ‘special dispensation’ to replace Logan Sargeant with ‘immense’ driver
Wed 24 April 2024 16:00
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Logan Sargeant’s Formula 1 career appears to be hanging by a thread. It’s only his second season in the sport, but it could be his last. Williams team principal James Vowles told the American that he had to be the ‘surprise’ of the year to retain his drive. That’s after he scored one point to Alex Albon’s 27 in his rookie year.
But the American has failed to produce any major improvement so far this term. While neither Williams driver has scored a point, Albon leads the qualifying head-to-head 4-0 and the race battle 3-1. Back in Australia, Vowles even decided to bench Sargeant after Albon caused significant damage to his own car in a practice shunt. Williams didn’t have a spare chassis, so they let the Thai driver jump in his teammate’s cockpit.
According to journalist Joe Saward, writing on his website, Williams might consider seeking ‘special dispensation’ to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes junior doesn’t turn 18 until late August, which means he’s ineligible for a superlicence. Williams’ vision would be an 18-month deal for Antonelli, who would then likely graduate to Mercedes. They effectively ‘loaned’ George Russell for three years between 2019 and 2021 before he made the same step.
‘Special dispensation’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wil...mmense-driver/
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F1 Driver Nico Hulkenberg Signs New Contract With Kick Sauber, To Leave Haas After 2024 Season.
This will mark Nico‘s return to the team, which he previously drove for back in 2013. Sauber will then become Audi in 2026.
APR 26, 2024 AT 3:37 PM
BY JJ STAFF
Just Jared (Weblog)
“We are very pleased to welcome Nico back here in Hinwil from 2025 and to compete with him in Formula 1,” Sauber team CEO Andreas Seidl shared in a statement. “With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of Audi’s F1 project.”
“Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together,” Andreas continued. “Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team.”
On his move, Nico says, “I’m returning to the team I worked with back in 2013 and have fond memories of the strong team spirit in Switzerland. The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula 1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me.”
‘Nico‘s return to the team’;
https://www.justjared.com/2024/04/26...r-2024-season/
Alain Prost sends two-word message to Nico Hulkenberg on social media after Audi move confirmed
17:01 Fri, 26 Apr 2024.
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
F1 legend Alain Prost has taken to social media to offer his immediate reaction after Nico Hulkenberg sealed a move to Audi. Hulkenberg is leaving Haas upon the expiry of his contract. Prost won four world championships between 1985 and 1993 at McLaren and Williams. He worked alongside Hulkenberg as part of his advisory role at the Renault team.
Hulkenberg released a statement on Instagram following Audi’s announcement, writing: “I am thrilled and honoured to return to Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in 2025 and to represent the global German car manufacturer and technology pioneer Audi on its way into Formula 1 in the future. It‘s a big project with high ambitions and a huge challenge, a challenge that I am very much looking forward to. The conversations with Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann were very trustful, characterised by a lot of appreciation and mutual understanding regarding the common goals.”
“At the same time I would like to express a special thank you to the entire Haas F1 Team, especially Gene and Guenther, for placing their trust in me 1.5 years ago and making a comeback in F1 possible. I will do everything I can in the remaining 19 races to be as successful as possible.” In reply, Prost wrote ‘congratulations Nico’, while Christian Klien, who took part in Hulkenberg’s rookie season with three races at HRT also had a message. “Bravo, mega,” he said.
‘Audi move confirmed’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ala...ter-audi-move/
Nico Hulkenberg Haas switch to Sauber confirmed and it could impact Oliver Bearman future
Published: 14:26, 26 Apr 2024
Robert Calcutt, Sports Writer
talkSPORT
Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas and join Sauber at the beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The German, who was previously at Sauber in 2013, will then drive for Audi after they finalise their takeover to compete from 2026.
Upon the announcement of his next move, the 36-year-old said: "The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters F1 with such determination, it is a unique opportunity.”
The Times report that Ferrari youngster Oliver Bearman is favourite to take the German's spot amid an impressive breakthrough year. Bearman, who is just 18, replaced Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March as the latter needed surgery for appendicitis.
‘Could impact Oliver Bearman future’;
https://talksport.com/sport/1844252/...er-bearman-f1/
British teenager Oliver Bearman primed for F1 seat as Nico Hulkenberg leaves Haas
The 18-year-old made his F1 debut as a stand-in for Ferrari in Jeddah and this move frees up space at the most likely destination
26 April 2024 • 11:31am
Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Telegraph
British teenager Oliver Bearman, who made a sensational Formula One debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia last month, has been handed a boost as he looks to secure a permanent seat next season, with Haas confirming the departure of Nico Hulkenberg at the end of this year.
“Seventh in your first race in F1 having only done FP3 in a new car is impressive,” Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc noted afterwards. “Everybody has noticed how talented he is and I guess it’s just a matter of time before he’s in an F1 car.”
Bearman will get another opportunity to show what he can do when he drives for Haas in first practice at Imola next month, one of a number of scheduled free practice outings for the youngster this season.
‘Primed for F1 seat’;
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-...liver-bearman/
Nico Hulkenberg explains big Audi F1 move after Haas departure announced
26 Apr 2024 10:31 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Nico Hulkenberg has talked up the “very special” chance of driving for Audi, following confirmation of his move to Sauber for 2025, with the team set to be taken over by the German manufacturer the following year.
Hulkenberg will depart Haas at the end of the season in another key piece of the F1 2024 driver market puzzle falling into place, with the German returning to the Hinwil-based team for a second spell on a multi-year contract, through its transition to Audi.
Having impressed the entire paddock since his full-time return to the grid with Haas after a three-year stint largely on the sidelines, Hulkenberg has been snapped up to be one of Audi’s first representatives when they join the grid from 2026.
‘Talked up the “very special” chance of driving for Audi’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/nico-h...uber-audi-move
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Lewis Hamilton 'refusing to accept reality' as Brit accused of causing Mercedes problems.
Lewis Hamilton has been accused of being unwilling to accept the reality surrounding Mercedes’ W15. The British driver has once again struggled so far this season, with former F1 technical director Gary Anderson urging Hamilton to ‘learn’ from team-mate George Russell.
09:23, Sun, Apr 28, 2024
By Amos Murphy
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton has suffered his worst start to an F1 season. “It has been there on occasion – two poles and one win since the end of 2021 – but has been fleeting. The Mercedes is generally inconsistent. This is all likely leading him astray and Hamilton does not seem willing to accept the reality."
He warned that Hamilton's stance could harm Mercedes further down the line, adding: “There is a knock-on effect that hampers the car’s development long-term, too. If you make odd choices on set-up then a team fails to find a baseline for performance and setup. It limits learning about the car. If that is absent then the development path, knowing what to work on in the wind tunnel and improving aerodynamic performance, will be confused too.
'Refusing to accept reality';
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...on-Mercedes-F1
Lewis Hamilton ‘not accepting reality’ as Mercedes warned of W15 set-up experiments
28 Apr 2024 7:45 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton is not “willing to accept the reality” of Mercedes’ situation in F1 2024, with his setup experiments likely to have “long-term” consequences for the team’s development of the W15 car.
That is the view of former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, who has urged Hamilton to “look and learn” from team-mate George Russell in the seven-time World Champion’s bid to kickstart his season. Writing in his column for the Telegraph, he said:
“There might be something in Hamilton chasing the few times that Mercedes have found their sweet spot in the last few years. “It has been there on occasion – two poles and one win since the end of 2021 – but has been fleeting. The Mercedes is generally inconsistent. This is all likely leading him astray and Hamilton does not seem willing to accept the reality.”
‘Mercedes warned of W15 set-up experiments’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...tup-experiment
Mercedes confirm W15 ‘upgrade package’ with ‘no pleasure’ admission made
26 Apr 2024 6:30 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com
Allison explained that upgrades will soon be arriving on the W15 to try and bring the team closer to those at the front of the competitive order, but also to fix what he described as the “underlying balance that is causing us difficulty.”
He revealed that the W15 struggled to get to grips on a track which is particularly tough on its front tyres in the Shanghai International Circuit, which made what was a well-driven race by both drivers tougher to digest as the result did not perhaps reflect how well they had gone on Sunday.
“It’s obviously a pleasure to talk about things when you’ve had a great race and it’s lovely to the pleasure of seeing your car do well,” Allison said in Mercedes’ post-China debrief. “It’s somewhat less pleasurable to do the same when things are not as enjoyable, when the car is not as good…”
‘Upgrades will soon be arriving on the W15’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...pgrade-package
Ferrari mess it up with Lewis Hamilton as worries raised for 2025 season
Lewis Hamilton will join up with Ferrari when the 2025 season gets underway, but his move to the Scuderia is starting to raise eyebrows.
09:01, Sun, Apr 28, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Ferrari were wrong to let Carlos Sainz in order to sign Lewis Hamilton, according to Express Sport readers. The legendary Brit shocked the motorsport world when his switch to the Scuderia was announced in February, but his performances since then have raised concerns about his longevity in the sport.
In a survey of 1,610 Express Sport readers, 82 per cent believed that Vasseur had made a mistake in not renewing Sainz’s contract, with only 18 per cent believing that the Frenchman was correct to cast the former Renault and McLaren star aside and sign Hamilton when he had the chance.
Sainz’s third Grand Prix victory of his career was then backed up by another podium in Japan before his streak of top-three finishes came to an end with a P5 in Shanghai last weekend. Such consistent displays have left him just seven points behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, despite missing a race through illness.
‘82 per cent believed that Vasseur had made a mistake in not renewing Sainz’s contract’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...milton-Ferrari
Rosberg admits 'huge surprise' at Hamilton's Ferrari switch
14:25 Fri, 26 Apr 2024.
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were team mates at Mercedes and fierce title rivals for four seasons, but the 2016 champion admits that the news that Hamilton is to switch to Ferrari in 2025 had nonetheless come as a big shock to him.
"At the moment it also seems in performance terms to be the right decision for him," Rosberg argued. "Maybe he makes an amazing move like at the time, 12 years ago, when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes.”
“McLaren were winning races, Mercedes were nowhere, and the moment he moved McLaren went backwards and Mercedes started winning races. Maybe he can [achieve] the same timing done again.”
‘Big shock’;
https://f1i.com/news/506377-rosberg-...ri-switch.html
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‘Walking out on your family’ – Adrian Newey comments resurface as Red Bull exit rumours swirl.
A clip has resurfaced of Adrian Newey admitting that leaving Red Bull “would be like walking out on your family” amid rumours that the F1 design legend is poised to quit the team.
27 Apr 2024 5:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Writing in his 2017 autobiography, Newey pointed to the adventurous and innovative culture within Red Bull – where Christian Horner stands as F1’s longest-serving team principal, having remained in situ since the team arrived on the grid in 2005 – as the motive behind his decision to stay put.
He said: “We’d gone from being the paddock joke, the upstart, the party-hard fizzy drinks company, to four-time World Champions, and we’d done it the old-fashioned way, using principles that to me were in-keeping with the true spirit of motor racing. I thought back to the beginning of the 2012 season when we couldn’t get the car right, and I remembered with pride that our shoulders hadn’t dropped. We’d got our heads down, worked through it and solved the problem.”
“I thought how we’d developed young drivers instead of buying up star names; how we’d helped put Milton Keynes on the map; how throughout it all we’ve never stopped working; how we’d always taken the road less travelled, even when it meant facing seemingly insurmountable problems or technical challenges; how we never took the simple option in search of an easy life or sat back on our laurels feeling pleased with ourselves and decided ‘that’ll do’. We’d always continued innovating.”
‘Walking out on your family’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian...l-exit-rumours
‘To be honest’: Ivan Capelli says it’s ‘unlikely’ Adrian Newey joins one Red Bull rival next season
Sun 28 April 2024 14:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
The future of Adrian Newey is arguably even more interesting than anything happening in the Formula 1 driver’s market. Talking about Newey’s future, Capelli said: “To be honest, from what I can know of his thoughts, he is unlikely to arrive in Italy, unless there is an economic proposal that would make anyone pale.
“Out of habit, out of conceptuality of the work and mental organisation, and out of how he is used to, I still see him as very rooted in England.” Despite Capelli thinking Newey wouldn’t join Ferrari, the Italian team are reportedly preparing to offer him a role outside of Formula 1 to tempt him to join the manufacturer.
‘To be honest’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/iva...l-next-season/
Adrian Newey to Ferrari? Fresh doubt cast over historic move for F1 design guru
28 Apr 2024 2:30 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Capelli worked with Newey at Leyton House, where the technical guru began his F1 career before achieving success with Williams and McLaren, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. And the Italian believes it is unlikely that Newey will join Ferrari unless the team make an offer too good to turn down.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “To be honest, as far as I can tell of his thinking, he is unlikely to arrive in Italy unless there is a financial proposal that would put anyone to shame. “By habit, by conceptualisation of work and mental organisation and the way he is used to it, I see him still very much rooted in England.”
‘Adrian Newey to Ferrari?’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/will-a...ferrari-doubts
Perez defiant over F1 future as Red Bull talks continue
Sergio Perez is locked in contract talks with Red Bull - but is firm that he intends to go nowhere.
28 April 11:50AM
Jake Nichol & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Now a veteran of 262 starts, Perez is firm that he intends to stay in F1 long-term. "Absolutely, 100%, I am fully committed," Perez explained when asked by RacingNews365 of his future plans. At the end of the day, I've been in this sport for a long-time, but I am only 34, and when you see drivers carrying on, we see longer careers these days, so I am still very fresh and very motivated. I have no doubt, 100% that I will be here next year."
"I don't think that if you were to do this job, you cannot be at 95% for the sake of doing it, especially when you have a family back home," Perez added. "It is important that when you commit to Formula 1, you are fully committed until your last day, and that is the approach I take: I am fully committed to F1 like when I started. It is important to do that for my family, but I just don't know for how long I will be able to have this motivation.”
"At some point, there are some priorities out of here, and it is something at some point I will have to consider how long I want to [continue]. [With the team], it is all about the future, how we both see the future together. Obviously, if you as a team and driver have the same target in mind, it is very easy, especially after so many years. We've been together for four years, so I do expect everything will be quite easy going forward."
‘Perez defiant’;
https://racingnews365.com/perez-defi...talks-continue
Honda surprised by "unbelievable" Red Bull 2024 F1 car changes
Honda says it was "very surprised" by the "unbelievable" extent of Red Bull's design changes for the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Filip Cleeren
Ronald Vording
Motorsport.com
Its decision to go for an aggressive evolution for the RB20 - instead of playing it safe - paid off, with Verstappen winning four out of the first five races of the year, and team-mate Sergio Perez also finding more confidence and competitiveness in the new car.
The Milton Keynes squad's drastic redesign also involved a lot of installation changes for its Honda power unit. Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe said the engine manufacturer was taken aback by all the changes that were made.
"For this year's Red Bull car, we were very surprised to see that they changed so much for the RB20," Watanabe said. "Last year we won 21 out of the 22 races together, but they still changed the concept. It is unbelievable! They made a lot of requests to adapt our engine to the new concept for the RB20. After we saw the RB20 in real life we were so surprised by all the changes that they made."
"Very surprised" by the "Unbelievable";
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/h...nges/10603623/
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F1 star Lando Norris gets injured partying in Amsterdam.
McLaren Formula One star Lando Norris is set to race at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix despite suffering a busted nose in an Amsterdam partying accident.
April 29th, 2024 2:47 pm
Matthew Sullivan from News.com.au
Fox Sports (Australia)
Norris is enjoying a strong start to the F1 season and made the most of a gap between races to celebrate King’s Day in the Netherlands with renowned Dutch DJ Martin Garrix.
Footage has surfaced on social media of Norris living his best life on a party boat on a canal in Amsterdam over the weekend. The 24-year-old Brit could be seen dancing along to the music among the throng of revellers dressed in orange, the national colour of the Netherlands.
‘Injured partying in Amsterdam’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...a1c4207ae58f24
McLaren's Lando Norris suffers brutal facial injury after partying in Amsterdam with F1 superstar pictured in bandages days before Miami GP
• Lando Norris was snapped sporting a nasty gash on his nose during celebrations
• But the injury is not expected to affect his involvement in the Miami Grand Prix
• Norris has finished on the podium twice this year and is catching the eye again
Published: 00:26, 29 April 2024
By Daniel Davis
MailOnline
McLaren's Lando Norris sustained a gruesome facial injury while partying in Amsterdam ahead of next weekend's Miami Grand Prix. Norris was pictured sporting a cut on his face while on board a boat in the Dutch capital, having seemingly revelled in the King's Day celebrations.
Images quickly circulated on social media showing Norris, 24, with a bloodied bandage stretched across his face - although he appeared in good spirits. It is said that Norris had accidentally cut his nose on broken glass. His participation in the Miami spectacle is not thought to be at risk, however. Indeed, PlanetF1 have reported that Norris is 'completely fine' after the incident.
‘Suffers brutal facial injury’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-F1-Miami.html
Lando Norris' face bandaged up after suffering injury in Amsterdam party ahead of Miami GP
Lando Norris' face was bandaged up after partying in Amsterdam.
15:04, Sun, Apr 28, 2024
By Amos Murphy
Daily and Sunday Express
Lando Norris was spotted with a bandaged face following an injury he picked up in Amsterdam. The British driver was enjoying some time off in the Dutch capital when the incident occurred, with the injury coming just days before the Miami Grand Prix.
Norris was believed to be in Amsterdam to take part in Koningsdag (King’s Day) celebrations when he cut his face. It’s said the 24-year-old picked up his gash - which was caused by broken glass - while partying on a boat.
Despite the nasty-looking injury, Norris isn’t expected to miss the Miami Grand Prix, which kicks off on Friday. Norris heads into the first of three GPs in the United States on the back of a strong start to the 2024 Formula One campaign.
‘Lando Norris' face bandaged up’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ami-Grand-Prix
Lando Norris sustains facial injury ahead of Miami Grand Prix after Amsterdam party
28 Apr 2024 1:45 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
McLaren driver Lando Norris has been pictured with bandages after sustaining a facial injury ahead of next weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
Images surfaced on social media on Saturday evening showing Norris nursing a cut to his face while partying on a boat in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, where the McLaren driver was believed to have been reveling in the Koningsdag (King’s Day) celebrations.
It is thought that Norris, 24, cut his nose on broken glass. His participation in the Miami GP, one of three United States-based races on the current F1 calendar, is unlikely to be in doubt, and PlanetF1.com understands that Norris is completely fine following his unknown escapade.
‘Lando Norris sustains facial injury’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-...msterdam-party
Norris in McLaren vow as Red Bull challenge issued
Lando Norris believes he and McLaren can win a grand prix this season after a surprisingly strong performance at the Chinese Grand Prix.
24 April 5:45PM
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
Lando Norris has asserted he and McLaren can win a grand prix this season, despite the formidable start to year Max Verstappen and Red Bull are having. The Briton went on to elaborate, voicing confidence in his and his team's ability to take a win this season, despite how tough a task it is proving to be.
“Max [Verstappen] is doing a good job, Red Bull are doing an amazing job. I can’t fault them and I can’t be too annoyed at that, but I feel like I’m getting a lot out of the car, especially on Sundays," he explained.
“So, I have to be happy with the job I am doing. And one day – I think it's coming. I think this year. I'm not overconfident in saying it, I think we can get a win this year, but it's going to be difficult. We have a lot of work to do, but we're working hard."
“We have a lot of work to do, but we're working hard";
https://racingnews365.com/norris-in-...allenge-issued
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Hamilton to Ferrari move questioned by former F1 boss Ecclestone.
"Too much of a handful - an unneccessary handful." Ecclestone has claimed, he would not have signed the likes of a Hamilton during his days when he ran Brabham for 16 years during the 1970s and '80s.
29 April 12:30PM
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
It is a move that has captured the headlines since it was announced, but one now questioned from many angles by Bernie Ecclestone. Explaining, he added: "He really sort of commands a little at Mercedes. Toto has let him be like that, to keep him on board and keep him happy.
"But I never had that with the drivers. They're still good, good friends of mine, genuine friends, not for finance or whatever. Good friends. I'd rather have that sort of relationship rather than the fact I jump when somebody says jump, or defend a situation. If I wanted to do something, I'd do it if I thought it was the right thing to do."
"People thought they'd done a clever deal in taking him, but I think it's a bit of an ego thing that he (Hamilton) got latched into it all." Ecclestone added: "Fred (Vasseur, team principal) knew him from their early days, and I think John Elkann (chairman) at Ferrari, from his point of view, it was a bit of an ego thing that he's managed to capture one of the leading Formula 1 drivers - the best Formula 1 driver, in many people's opinion.
‘Bit of an ego thing’;
https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-t...oss-ecclestone
F1 boss issues Hamilton warning over Ferrari ‘mentality’
Lewis Hamilton's career will receive a shake-up in 2025 as he will depart Mercedes for rival Ferrari and pair up with Charles Leclerc.
28 April 6:30AM
Fergal Walsh
RacingNews365
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has stated Lewis Hamilton must adapt to the mentality at Ferrari when he arrives at the team in 2025. “Lewis needs to understand the mentality of Maranello and Italy and I'm sure that he's totally curious to understand that,” he said.
“On the other hand, when there is such an incredible personality coming into the team and in Ferrari, there will be a lot of focus on him. Charles will take that as a new fire for him to push him to be even stronger so I think all the things are positive for the team.”
“For us as Formula 1 it’s incredible news,” Domenicali told Sky F1. “It's a new opportunity, a new chapter of Lewis’ career, a new chapter also for Ferrari. These ingredients have taken us already into 2025, even if we are just at the beginning of the chapter of 2024. I think it will be an incredible story.”
“Lewis needs to understand the mentality of Maranello and Italy”;
https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-w...rari-mentality
Lewis Hamilton snaps at F1 journalist with X-rated answer over Ferrari switch
Published 18:59 18 Apr 2024 GMT+1
Marcus Chan
SPORTbible
Lewis Hamilton snapped at a Formula 1 journalist with an X-rated answer after being asked about his move to Ferrari. Since the 2024 F1 season began, Hamilton has often been asked about his imminent move to Ferrari. After the Japanese Grand Prix earlier in the month, Hamilton stormed out of an interview after being asked about his future.
Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton was annoyed by another question about his new team. He said: “I don't feel like I need my decision vindicating. I know what was right for me, and that hasn't changed since the moment that I made the decision. There has not been a moment where I questioned it, and I'm not swayed by other people's comments.”
“Even today, there's people continuing to talk s**t and it will continue on for the rest of the year.” Hamilton added: “And I'll have to just do what I did the previous time. Only you can know what's right for you and it will be an exciting time for me.”
“People continuing to talk s**t”;
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/?search=...rchheadlines=1
Lewis Hamilton offers X-rated response amid Mercedes woes and Ferrari switch
The 39-year-old Mercedes driver has scored just 10 points from the opening four rounds of the 2024 season
Thursday 18 April 2024 13:48
Philip Duncan
The Independent
Lewis Hamilton said “people continue to talk s***” about him” amid his worst start to a Formula One season.
Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari next year, was asked if Mercedes’ early-season troubles vindicated his decision to quit the team, which carried him to six of his record-equalling seven world championships.
“I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating,” he said. “I know what is right for me, and that hasn’t changed from the moment I made the decision.”
‘Lewis Hamilton offers X-rated response’;
https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-...-b2530785.html
Lewis Hamilton fumes at Ferrari question and hits out at pundits in frosty exchange
Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated by the line of questioning ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
10:51, Thu, Apr 18, 2024
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton was left furious with questions about his move to Ferrari ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, complaining about pundits 'talking s**t' and the ongoing speculation about the decision. Hamilton's current team have endured a miserable start to the 2024 campaign, picking up just 34 points from the opening four races, while Ferrari already have one win and a further four podiums to their name.
Before Hamilton can think about his switch to Ferrari, the 39-year-old will look to resurrect his form. With just 10 points to his name after four races this has been, by his own admission, his worst-ever start to a season. Hamilton will turn 40 before he makes his Ferrari debut in Melbourne next spring, but the legendary Brit has no intention of calling time on his F1 career in the near future.
‘Lewis Hamilton fumes’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...milton-Ferrari
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EL PLAN: Aston Martin’s masterplan is coming together – so can Alonso ‘finish the job’ and lead them to glory in 2026?
The double world champion, who made his debut more than two decades ago in the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, earlier this month said “I am here to stay” in F1, signing a deal to race for Aston Martin until at least the end of 2026.
27 April 2024
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Formula One - Official Site
Age is but a number to the Spaniard, who reckons he’s leaner and fitter than he’s ever been before. His reactions are seemingly as sharp if not sharper than on the first day he turned a racing wheel – and he’s clearly still got the speed and racing instincts. In committing to Aston Martin – in what is the longest contract of his career, he says, as it includes a commitment to stay with the brand in a non-racing role when he eventually hangs up his helmet – he put retirement on the back-burner yet again.
“[Retirement] came to mind,” he says when we chatted on the terrace of the Aston Martin hospitality unit in China. “I know that day will happen eventually – and soon. This is probably my last contract in F1 and I wanted to make sure I was in a happy place that was ambitious enough to fight for championships hopefully in 2026. We did some great things in 2023 and I think we’re at the start of this journey. It felt natural to keep on the project – and finish the job.”
‘Finish the job (EL PLAN)’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...48j5pk8uuQIYOW
Alonso's 'rare' longevity inspires admiration from rivals
28/04/2024 at 08:18
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Alonso already holds the record for the most Grand Prix races started since his debut in Australia in 201. The number will hit an astonishing 400 by the time the season gets to Qatar, assuming he takes part in all the rounds until then. "I think it takes a lot of dedication," McLaren driver Lando Norris told the media in China last week when asked about Alonso's formidable endurance. "I don't think anyone thinks Fernando lacks that in any way.”
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, himself among the older tier of drivers at 34, said that Alonso's longevity in the sport was less to do with physical endurance than it was his mental stamina and drive. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Fernando," the Mexican driver said. "Not because he can drive until he’s 45 or 50. It's the level of motivation that he has in the sport after so many years.”
"Drivers can go as long as they want. There is not a physical limitation, it's more to do with motivation," he insisted. "There's so many races, Formula 1 really takes a lot out of your life. You give everything to the sport. It's something that I have huge respect for, for Fernando."
‘Alonso's 'rare' longevity’;
https://f1i.com/news/506440-alonsos-...om-rivals.html
Trouble for Fernando Alonso? Eddie Jordan warns F1 is ‘making a very serious mistake’
25 Apr 2024 5:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Asked if Alonso’s stay is a good thing or whether the two-time World Champion is hanging on for too long, Jordan said: “Hanging on, I think, but he’s able to drive the car as quickly as anyone else, so why shouldn’t he? I can see people for and against it. Where I’m against it is not his fault. I’m blaming the cars. I’ll never say a Formula 1 car is easy to drive, but it is easier to drive [today].”
“You don’t see the bull [being taken by the horns] like, for example, Nigel Mansell, when he was just about able to get out of the car because his neck was hanging off. David, you were around in this era when fitness was such an important thing. I think at, 45 years of age, if you asked Alonso to go back into a car that is similar [to] 20-odd years ago, I think he would have retired by now and I think a young, up-and-coming person would have had a chance.”
‘Eddie Jordan warns F1 (of EL PLAN)’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...n-f1-criticism
‘A lot of respect’ – F1 drivers praise Alonso’s endurance as he extends career with new Aston Martin deal
16:19 Mon, 29 Apr 2024.
Formula One - Official Site
Fernando Alonso’s fellow Formula 1 drivers have shared their respect and admiration for the Spaniard after he committed to a new long-term deal with Aston Martin that will take him into his mid-40s.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc shared that view, commenting: “It’s difficult to imagine myself in 15 or 18 years time still in F1. However, we can definitely see how motivated Fernando still is and how high of a level he’s still performing at the moment, and this is what matters at the end – age is a number.”
“On my side, I would love to be racing still for many years. However, I’m not so sure whether [it will be] in F1. I would like to experience other things like Le Mans; that’s definitely a place where I will see myself race one day.”
‘A lot of respect’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...48j5pk8uuQIYOW
'Best win so far' puts Alonso on path to first title
12:35 Wed, 24 Apr 2024.
F1i.com
On this day in 2005, Fernando Alonso took a brilliant victory in the San Marino GP over Michael Schumacher that confirmed the Spaniard as a genuine title contender. Even so, the final part of the race saw him hunted down by a charging Schumacher who was fighting back from a disappointing qualifying that had left the Ferrari starting the race from a distant 13th place on the grid and being held up for a large part of the race by Toyota's Jarno Trulli. Alonso was delighted after managing to hold on to the lead all the way to the chequered flag.
It was Alonso's fourth career win in Formula 1 and his third win that season for Renault after victories in Malaysia and Bahrain. Alonso never lost the lead of the championship standings for the rest of the season, with Raikkonen eventually moving up to second place ahead of Schumacher by the final race of the season in China.
‘On this day in 2005’;
https://f1i.com/images/403179-best-w...rst-title.html
Alonso: Stroll ‘sensitive feedback’ crucial to Aston development
27/04/2024 at 18:11
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Fernando Alonso has highlighted the “sensitivity” of Lance Stroll’s technical feedback, a key ingredient in Aston Martin’s car development according to the Spaniard.
Furthermore, Alonso believes that Stroll brings a critical perspective to the table, describing his teammate as being "a lot more sensitive to things" regarding the car's behavior. This heightened sensitivity allows Stroll to provide detailed feedback to the engineers, which Alonso considers "crucial" to improving the car.
“I think Lance and myself, we are trying to help the team as much as we can,” commented Alonso last weekend in China. “I think we have two different driving styles in some conditions. We have two different feelings with the car. I think Lance is a lot more sensitive to things than what I am, which I think is very important for the team.
‘Sensitive feedback’;
https://f1i.com/news/506432-alonso-s...velopment.html
