2023 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

F1 pundit Patrick SLAMMED for 'out of touch' Las Vegas GP ticket suggestion.
Danica Patrick has been labelled 'out of touch' after suggesting fans who only saw nine minutes of action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Thursday night should buy tickets for the whole weekend next year.
Saturday 18 November 2023 18:27
Cal Gaunt
GPFans

And it didn't take long for fans to take to social media to express their dismay at Patrick's suggestion.
Danica Patrick is out of touch with the reality of this situation. Aye people go to Vegas to experience Vegas but they don’t pay money for an event to miss out on it because of logistical issues that should have been considered beforehand. Poor opinion.
— Ezio Auditore (@JessOcarroll) November 18, 2023
Danica talking about the £200 dollar compensation is madness. ‘Maybe that will drive them to buy a full weekend ticket’ �� madness those people paid hundreds if not thousands of dollars #f1lasvegas
— Jamie Mizen (@JamieMizen) November 18, 2023
@SkySportsF1 Danica a real let them eat cake take on the fans being upset with not getting to see any cars on track yesterday.

Of course, the fans should have known that the #LVGP was meant to not be about the cars but the other things going on in Las Vegas that you cant get to
— Dave (@Boxhead_31) November 18, 2023
Is this Danica woman for real. People spent $1000's to see racing which didn't happen, then when it did they were kicked out. She says it will encourage them to buy weekend tickets next year and"let's face it, there's plenty to do in Vegas" So don't complain people. #F1Vegas
— Lynsey Collins (@forfeksakes) November 18, 2023

‘Danica a real let them eat cake take’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...et-suggestion/


DANICA PATRICK FACES BACKLASH FOR LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX FAN REMARKS
Danica Patrick faces criticism for urging fans who witnessed just nine minutes of action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to purchase full weekend tickets next year
November 19, 2023
Theo Gayle
FormulaNerds

Sky Sports presenter and former racing car driver, Danica Patrick, has stirred controversy by suggesting that fans who saw just nine minutes of the action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix should consider purchasing tickets for the entire weekend next year.

BigRu: “Danica speaks frankly but since she hasn’t been on the same $$$$ level as many fans for many years I’m sure she has no idea where they are coming from. It’s called being grounded. Sorry Danica that’s the way it is.”

Dan: “Get rid of Danica.”
Bailey Dog Racing: “She needs to keep her trap shut, her last four or so comments were unnecessary, especially about Truex, when is she gonna learn to leave it alone, fans of what are or or were real racers have more than once recommended she just keep out of others business both on and off the track.”

‘BACKLASH’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1...x-fan-remarks/


Las Vegas business owners hit out at F1 as race weekend impact felt
Some local businesses in Las Vegas are far from pleased with F1, with this weekend's race keeping customers away
16:10, Fri, Nov 17, 2023
By Joshua Mbu
Daily and Sunday Express

There has been a number of issues off the track surrounding the event's construction and it appears to be hitting local business hard. The owner of Battista’s Hole in the Wall, Randy Markin, says his business has lost hundreds of customers a night as a result of the F1 race and its exclusionary construction, which has made it difficult for visitors to navigate their way around the city.

“We have at least 100 cancellations every night. It’s always the same line, people call up and say, ‘I’m really sorry, I can’t get there. Cabs won’t take us and car services won’t take us,’” he told FOX5. Markin, who is also the General Manager of Stage Door Casino on Linq Lane, revealed the losses the Casino has taken in a short time. “At Stage Door, we’re down a million and a half dollars in sales and that has really hurt my employees,” said Markin.

Popular AYCE seafood buffet was also pictured dead, with zero lines and zero customers. "When they add up the economic benefits of F1, we trust they’ll deduct losses at off-Strip casinos like Palms. Popular AYCE seafood buffet has zero customers, zero line. Bonus: Ask shows how many millions they’re losing over the next few days," a Las Vegas travel source page on X said.

‘Hitting local business hard’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...er-hits-out-F1


Las Vegas Grand Prix windfall? Not for these small businesses.
Despite some of the biggest businesses touting a successful Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, many owners of small businesses near the Strip have mixed feelings.
November 21, 2023 - 11:54 am
Las Vegas Review-Journal

Management at Jjanga Sushi and Oyster Bar, located just outside the racetrack on Flamingo Road near Koval Lane, said they were significantly impacted by the road closures and construction-related traffic in the months leading up to the race. They still prepared for big crowds last weekend by increasing staffing, creating new menus and shifting operations to align with the event times.

“But the reality of the weekend did not match our expectations,” manager Mike Shoro said. “We had issues with people parking in our shared plaza lot and then walking to F1, choosing not to frequent our business or one of our neighbors. It is what it is.”

Amanda Reber, a shift supervisor for the Strip Liquor store, called the weekend a “bust,” even though the store sits in the Gold Key Shops just north of Wynn Las Vegas and within walking distance of the racetrack. “We didn’t see any of the revenue that was brought for Formula One,” Reber said. “They talked a big game, but we didn’t see any of it.”

‘Mixed feelings’;

https://www.reviewjournal.com/busine...esses-2943941/


Max Verstappen moans supported by McLaren boss as key figures demand F1 changes
Max Verstappen's latest complaints are garnering support with F1 bosses facing pressure to make a change.
14:11, Wed, Nov 22, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has become the latest major F1 figure to question the show and glamour around the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Max Verstappen has been leading the charge for change with the reigning world champion extremely frustrated over the extra-curricular activities bestowed upon him in Sin City.

Stella has now offered his suggestions regarding how the Las Vegas GP organisers could improve the event, stating: “I think the timetable is very challenging. It's very challenging for the staff, and it's very challenging for everyone, so ideally this is also a matter that can be reviewed. And, what I could say [also] is that it was a stretch, it was taken to the limit, in terms of the spectacle, in terms of the entertainment and the show.”

“I think it's good to some extent because I'm sure it was enjoyed. But we just have to ask ourselves whether that's just going a little too far. Certainly the point of involving drivers we support 100% because the drivers are the engine of the popularity of the sport and the success of the sport. But at the same time, what I could see is that for the drivers as well, it's been a very busy weekend.”

‘McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has become the latest major F1 figure to question the show’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...pen-McLaren-F1

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton has already made feelings clear on Nico Rosberg's Mercedes comments.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are back on the collision course - this time away from the track - as the pair share their differing views on Mercedes' chances of closing the gap on Red Bull.
06:50, Thu, Nov 23, 2023
By Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express

The former team-mates became accustomed to clashing with each other as they fought for the title, but with Hamilton still racing and Rosberg now working as a pundit, they are still likely to disagree on the German manufacturer's chances of success in the near future.

Rosberg, who won the world championship in 2016, believes there are signs that the team are making vast improvements. "We've seen flashes of brilliance from the Mercedes team just recently. They lack consistency. But look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car over the weekend," Rosberg told the Daily Mail.

"I believe in Mercedes' ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It's always still the same people," said Rosberg. "So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year." Hamilton would likely beg to differ. Whether or not it is an attempt to conceal Mercedes' pace after visiting the factory a few months ago, in public, Hamilton has remained cautious when referring to their chances of closing the gap on Red Bull next year.

‘Collision course’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rcedes-F1-news


Christian Horner drops bombshell revelation that Lewis Hamilton “reached out” over Red Bull move
22 Nov 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Christian Horner has remarkably claimed that Lewis Hamilton “reached out” this year about a switch to Red Bull. Horner told the Daily Mail: “We have had several conversations over the years about Lewis joining. They have reached out a few times. Most recently, earlier in the year, there was an inquiry about whether there would be any interest.”

“'But I can't see Max and Lewis working out together. The dynamic wouldn't be right. We are 100 per cent happy with what we have.” Horner also insisted that Hamilton held talks with the Ferrari chairman.

“He met John Elkann, too. I think there were serious talks,” Horner said. “'It was around Monaco (in May). There were definitely conversations, perhaps with Vasseur, too. But certainly with Elkann.”

‘Bombshell revelation’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104161...-red-bull-move


‘Still’: Rosberg explains ‘problem’ facing Hamilton and Mercedes to win 2024 F1 title
Nico Rosberg has explained the ‘problem’ still facing Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as they strive to beat Max Verstappen and Red Bull to the Formula 1 drivers’ title in 2024.
Wed 22 November 2023 09:00
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

It has been a Red Bull whitewash in 2023 as Verstappen ran clear of the grid to take his third successive drivers’ title. The 26-year-old has won 18 of the 21 Grand Prix so far this year. He has also won 16 of the last 17, including each of the past six, with a run starting back in May. Hamilton has now failed to win in 44 consecutive F1 Grand Prix.

Mercedes are still playing catch-up to Red Bull after pursuing the wrong concept at the start of Formula 1’s latest ground effect era in 2022. The Silver Arrows ultimately ditched the no-sidepod idea this year. But their change in concept was too late for Hamilton’s title chances.

“We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from the Mercedes team just recently,” Rosberg has told the Daily Mail. “They lack consistency. But look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car over the weekend. “So, we’ve seen that they’re starting to understand the car and they just have the problem that you still lack consistency. They still lack in straight line performance but they are starting to understand all that.

‘Still!’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/nic...2024-f1-title/


Rosberg predicts: 'Hamilton will fight for the world title next year'
22 November 7:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Mercedes was once the dominant juggernaut of Formula 1, but now they are struggling to finish on the podium. While times might look tough for the Silver Arrows, former driver Nico Rosberg believes it will not be long before they challenge for titles again. In two Formula 1 seasons Mercedes has taken just one victory: The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix with George Russell. You would have to go further back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to come across Lewis Hamilton's last win with the team, a staggering amount of time considering they were once the juggernauts of F1.

"I believe in Mercedes ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It's always still the same people," said Rosberg. "So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year."

When asked if he would be happy if his former teammate took an eighth title, Rosberg replied: "I would be happy if Mercedes won, because that's kind of my racing family from the past. But then Lewis, I'm neutral there. I just would like a great fight for the championship, and may the best driver win. But I'm not biased in that sense, obviously."

‘Mercedes was once the dominant juggernaut of Formula 1’;

https://racingnews365.com/rosberg-pr...itle-next-year


Lewis Hamilton's 2024 hopes hang in balance as Toto Wolff makes huge Mercedes F1 change
16:42 Mon, 06 Nov 2023.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Toto Wolff declared Mercedes will start their 2024 car plans from scratch after the team's lowest moment in its history. Wolff knows there is more wrong with their cars than just the rear wings and is planning a total overhaul. He declared after the Interlagos race: "A lot of change [is needed]. We need a different car next year. And today proves that is the right thing to do.”

“That is performance but it is not the explanation for a total off-weekend. This car, the development of this car, has been more plasters we put on something not right, and it shows that it is so unpredictable that it can swing either side." An upgrade introduced two weeks ago at the United States Grand Prix appeared to have made a big difference as Hamilton finished second in Austin, before being disqualified, and repeated the trick a week later in Mexico City – and that result was allowed to stand.

‘2024 hopes hang in balance’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-hang-31375174

[Fortitude]

‘Mighty drive’: Martin Brundle hails 25-year-old driver who was simply fantastic in Las Vegas…
Martin Brundle has highlighted how just good Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was last weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tue 21 November 2023 20:00
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

Brundle was writing about the latest new race on the Formula 1 calendar that has already become one of the most unique destinations in the sport’s history.

Speaking about the 25-year-old, Brundle said: “Lance Stroll had a mighty race for Aston Martin to claim fifth from 19th on the grid, and Sainz recovered from his grid penalty and running last on lap one to sixth at the flag.”

Unless Gasly or Ocon can finish on the podium in Abu Dhabi, Stroll will finish in the top ten of the Drivers’ Championship for the first time in his career. He needs to finish eighth or above to break his point record for one season as well and the fact he’s in that position is thanks to his late form.

‘Mighty drive’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mig...-last-weekend/


Aston Martin explain ‘key’ behind Stroll’s Vegas GP comeback
17:08 Tue, 21 Nov 2023
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack believes saving two sets of the Hard tyre for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was the “key” to Lance Stroll’s comeback in the race. “It was a good race but it was also a good race two weeks ago,” Krack said in reference to Stroll’s climb. “Yeah, it was quite good.

“I think the key today was to have a good understanding of the tyres and the strategy. It was always the plan to do something we did there. Now obviously there was a bit of luck involved in the beginning to make a lot of positions.”

“But I think all in all, the key today when you look at who had how many Hards left and who didn’t, I think you see in the ranking that the one-stop did not work with the exception of Esteban [Ocon]. I think everybody who did not have two [Hards] went out with one.”

‘The key today’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...s-gp-comeback/


Aston Martin not focused on McLaren in F1 Abu Dhabi finale
17:36 Tue, 21 Nov 2023.
AUTHORAdam Cooper
Motorsport.com

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack insisted that the Silverstone outfit won’t be focused on its battle with McLaren at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekennd.

sked if the team will focus its strategy on beating McLaren, Krack said it simply has to get the best results it can. “For me, it doesn't change anything, compared to two or three races ago,” he said. “We can only influence what we do ourselves.”

“The first bit is we have to have a fast car in Abu Dhabi, because we are behind. So it's something that we are not on the defence, we have to go flat out, and then we see. We have to do the best possible, and then we see what is the result.”

‘We have to go flat out’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...nale/10549705/


Aston Martin to continue F1 car experiments in Abu Dhabi
08:02 Wed, 22 Nov 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Aston Martin has confirmed it will continue experimenting with its 2023 Formula 1 car during this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the subsequent one-day test. Despite Lance Stroll recovering from a torrid run of form to record successive fifth-place finishes, Krack asserts that Aston Martin isn’t on top of its recent problems yet.

“We were not lost before,” Krack contended regarding Aston Martin’s mid-season slump. “I think it would be arrogant to say we are on top of everything. I said many times the cars are very complex and I think there is a lot to learn still from us. I will not say that we are on top of everything, but we have learned a lot from this year.” He added: “Everything that you learned, you have to take into the new car.”

‘Continue experimenting’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...-in-abu-dhabi/


Alonso issues brutal assessment of Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit
Tuesday 21 November 2023 11:57
Edward Hardy
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has claimed that the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit was not built for modern for Formula 1 cars. Despite the return of F1 to Las Vegas for the first time since the 1980s, Alonso expressed dissatisfaction with the suitability of the current crop of F1 cars for the track.

Alonso's critique focused on the challenging nature of the track, comparing it to the other venues on the F1 calendar. "There is not much fun to drive at this kind of circuits, at 360kph, with no grip, no visibility, and bouncing like hell," he said.

‘Brutal assessment’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-aston-martin/


Alonso ranks ‘unthinkable’ 2023 F1 season his best alongside 2012
23rd November 2023, 11:29
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Fernando Alonso believes his performance throughout an “unthinkable” 2023 campaign for Aston Martin ranks alongside 2012 as his greatest season in Formula 1.

“I’m happy with the personal performance,” Alonso said ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “I think together with 2012 is the best season for me personally.

“I rate the best season in my driving and I was happy with everything. I was motivated, I was fit, I was performing in difficult conditions sometimes.”

“Unthinkable” 2023 campaign for Aston Martin’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...longside-2012/


Alonso: Low grip levels of Las Vegas track a ‘danger factor’
21/11/2023 at 08:21
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

While ambient temperatures during the Las Vegas weekend never dipped into the single digits as feared, next season’s round of racing in Sin City will take place two weeks later on F1’s schedule. “It was okay. The only thing was the level of grip, which is extremely low,” he said when asked to describe his evening.

“I know it’s the same for everybody but on a street circuit sometimes there is a danger factor. It seemed like we were running in half-dry, half-wet conditions, and on a street circuit, it’s a little bit strange.”

“These cars are made to go in Suzuka, Barcelona, at Silverstone, and to maximise Formula 1’s potential. So we need to balance the championship, balance the calendar. I think that’s what we are doing, but I don’t think this is the only way to go. We need to keep some traditional races as well, where a Formula 1 car can shine.”

‘Danger factor’;

https://f1i.com/news/494483-alonso-l...er-factor.html

[Fortitude]

McLaren battle Aston Martin at Abu Dhabi GP: Who wins at Yas Marina?
McLaren lead Aston Martin by 11 points in the constructors' championship heading into the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP
November 23, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Oscar Piastri believes that McLaren will bounce back to form after a tough 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix to secure third place in the constructors’ championship ahead of Aston Martin at the Abu Dhabi GP. McLaren qualified 16th and 19th in Las Vegas and only managed to score two points as Piastri finished 10th with the fastest lap, whilst Lando Norris crashed out of the race on the second lap.

The long straights exposed the MCL60‘s weakness with drag and aerodynamic efficiency. “I think definitely I think we’ve got the pace to be able to do it [beat Aston Martin],” Piastri said to media. “I think the sentiment is quite similar to what George [Russell] was saying that if we go out and do what we’re capable of and what the car’s potential is, then we should be okay.”

“But we’ve still got to go out there and do our job to get the most out of what we’ve got. Hopefully we can be quick, fighting well and truly at the front end and then the result will take care of itself.”

‘McLaren lead Aston Martin by 11 points’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ns-yas-marina/


Norris provides condition update after Las Vegas crash
23 November 3:45PM
Author Fergal Walsh
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Lando Norris has insisted that he was “never that bad” physically following his crash at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris hit the barrier at Turn 12 early on in the race to bring his event to an early end. The McLaren driver appeared to be in distress over the team radio after the incident and was brought to the medical facility at the track before being transported to a nearby hospital.

All of the checks were precautionary and Norris was soon released from the hospital. The non-finish in Las Vegas marked Norris' first this year and dented his strong form, having scored five podiums in the previous six races. Norris will be back in the car this weekend in Abu Dhabi for the final round of the season and insisted there are no overhanging issues.

“Honestly, I was never bad,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.com. “They just wanted to do a lot of checkups and stuff, kind of the new normal nowadays it seems. But it was fine. “I was winded, just what you heard on the radio and stuff when I had the impact. I breathed in or out at the wrong time and it just kind of caught me off guard a little bit. It happened quite quickly, it was still a decent impact. But I was fine. I never struggled with anything.”

‘Condition update’;

https://racingnews365.com/norris-pro...as-vegas-crash


Lando Norris in awkward Ted Kravitz moment as F1 star asks 'what am I meant to say'
Lando Norris and Ted Kravitz were caught up in an awkward interview moment ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
13:26, Thu, Nov 23, 2023
By Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Greeting the McLaren driver in the media pen, Kravitz said: "Luckily for you, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," referencing the 24-year-old's crash on lap four of the race. This produced an awkward giggle from Norris, who replied: "Thank you... what am I meant to say to that?" Norris had bottomed out when driving over a bump on lap four of the Las Vegas GP last weekend, sending him crashing into the outside wall at high speed before he cannoned off into the run-off area at Turn 12.

He was lucky not to collect team-mate Oscar Piastri in the wreck too with the rookie narrowly avoiding being struck by the out-of-control McLaren car on entry to the next corner. Kravitz went on to ask Norris whether or not he can achieve a podium in Abu Dhabi this weekend, to which he responded: "Yeah, I mean I hope so.”

"It's always been a track that I have liked and enjoyed... still prefer the old track to the new one but yeah I normally always perform well here. The car has always been decent here. But obviously we've taken some steps forward this year so I think we can have a good one. I would love to end the season on a high and with a podium, so that's our goal."

‘Awkward Ted Kravitz moment’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...is-Ted-Kravitz


Oscar Piastri pays tribute to Australia's Cricket World Cup heroes ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Formula One star flaunts gift from Brett Lee
Published: 11:03, 23 November 2023
By Ollie Lewis For Daily Mail Australia
Mail Online

Oscar Piastri rocked up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wearing an Australian cricket top gifted to him by Brett Lee in an ode to the men's team after their World Cup triumph. Piastri watched from afar as Pat Cummins's side stormed to a six-wicket victory over tournament hosts and overwhelming favourites India on Sunday, becoming world champions for a record sixth time.

The McLaren star is a big cricket fan and took on teammate Lando Norris in the 'F1 Ashes' earlier this year, winning comfortably, and has now paid tribute to his countrymen ahead of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. 'Bowled up to the paddock like this today,' he tweeted alongside a photo of himself in the famous green and gold. '[Thank you] Brett Lee for your 2003 WC shirt'. Lee responded on Instagram: 'Absolute legend mate! It suits you. Go the Aussies'.

‘Oscar Piastri rocked up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wearing an Australian cricket top’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...up-heroes.html


Lando Norris: I'd love to end the season with a podium finish
11:00 Thu, 23 Nov 2023.
Sky Sports

Despite having crashed out of the last race in Las Vegas, McLaren's Lando Norris is optimistic he can finish the season on a high with a podium in Abu Dhabi.

‘Optimistic’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...-with-a-podium


New on-board footage shows Lando Norris' 180mph crash at the Las Vegas Grand Prix from a 360-degree angle with the British McLaren star recording a first DNF of the season in Sin City after just three laps
Published: 19:06, 22 November 2023
By Dominic Hogan For Mailonline
Mail Online

Footage of Lando Norris' 180mph-crash at Sunday's Las Vegas Grand Prix has emerged, with the British McLaren driver unable to continue after just three laps of the race. On-board footage shows the incident, with Norris seeming to re-adjust at high speed when looking to avoid what looks to be a small piece of debris from the car in front of him.

As a result, he loses control heading into Turn 11, before spinning and colliding with the barrier on his right-hand side. With the sudden change in speed, his car spins so that the whole of the left-hand side is in contact with that barrier.

Norris then continues to spin in a circle as his car hurtles towards the barriers, where he at last comes to a halt. The Brit was surprisingly unhurt, and was able to leave his car and make his way off the track unassisted at the end of a bitterly disappointing weekend for him on a personal level.

‘New on-board footage shows Lando Norris' 180mph crash’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rand-Prix.html

[Fortitude]

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice stopped as Carlos Sainz smashes up Ferrari in big crash.
Second practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was red-flagged after just a few minutes when Carlos Sainz crashed his Ferrari at high speed on his first flying lap.
13:25 Fri, 24 Nov 2023.
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

It also leaves the Ferrari engineers with a major repair job to get the car ready for FP3 and qualifying on Saturday. Speaking over the radio, Sainz blamed the accident on that car that was ahead of him on track.

He told the team: "I've crashed, guys. Dirty air from the car [in front]. It gave me a massive snap, the dirty air and the bump, I think." He then climbed out of his car under his own power to show that he was not suffering any lasting effects from the impact.

The Ferrari was quickly removed from the track but it was clear that the red flag was not going to be a short stoppage. Extensive damage was done to the Tec-pro barrier that Sainz hit when he crashed which needed to be repaired before the green flags could wave again. The clock kept ticking in the meantime, meaning all the teams were losing valuable track time.

‘Smashes up Ferrari in big crash’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...dhabi-31519615


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24th November 2023
by Emer Hedderman

Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:26.072
2. Felipe Drugovich Aston Martin +0.288
3. Daniel Ricciardo AlphaTauri +0.361
4. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.381
5. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.559
6. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.593
7. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.604
8. Robert Shwartzman Scuderia Ferrari +0.631
9. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.648
10. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.653

‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-83612


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24 November 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Y0QqSosHd.html


Mercedes star George Russell quickest in opening practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with one of TEN rookies finishing second... as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are among those to sit out the session
Published: 11:16, 24 November 2023
By Press Association Sport Staff
Mail Online

George Russell finished fastest in opening practice for the concluding round of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi. Triple world champion Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton sat out the first running with 10 rookie drivers blooded at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Three Britons were among them with Zak O'Sullivan, 18, and Jake Dennis, 28, making their Formula One weekend debuts for Williams and Red Bull respectively. Ollie Bearman, 18, who in Mexico made history by becoming the youngest British debutant at a Grand Prix, was handed his second practice appearance by Haas.

Dennis, in a Red Bull machine which Hamilton has described as the fastest ever seen in Formula One, finished 16th of the 20 runners, 1.1 seconds off the pace.

‘Mercedes star George Russell quickest in opening practice’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...t-session.html


HIGHLIGHTS: Russell leads impressive Drugovich and Ricciardo in Abu Dhabi FP1
24 November 2023
Formula One - Official Site

George Russell led the way in the first practice hour at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the pace ahead of Aston Martin’s impressive reserve driver Felipe Drugovich and Daniel Ricciardo.

In unrepresentative conditions to what the drivers will face in qualifying and the race, Russell set the pace from start to finishing before ending up with a time of 1m 16.072s on the soft tyre.

‘HIGHLIGHTS’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...7wcCrrMqN.html

[Fortitude]

Abu Dhabi GP: Leclerc fastest as Sainz, Hulkenberg crashes cause lengthy red flags.
Charles Leclerc went fastest in a heavily interrupted Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2 session after Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz had a hefty crash early in the session.
24 Nov 2023 2:12 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

A sizeable impact at Turn 3 caused a 25-minute stoppage, before a further crash for Nico Hulkenberg caused further delays to the action as only around half of the free practice hour was filled with meaningful running.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were pipped to top spot in FP2, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez rounding out the top five on Friday. A far from ideal Friday for Sainz given the huge repair job his team had in FP1 last weekend in Las Vegas, although that particular incident was through no fault of his own.

‘Hulkenberg crashes cause lengthy red flags’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dh...023-fp2-report


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24th November 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:24.809
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.043
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.173
4. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.215
5. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.303
6. George Russell Mercedes +0.313
7. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +0.414
8. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.506
9. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.512
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.552

‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second...and-prix-83615


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
24 November 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Abu+Dhabi+GP


Lost running leaves Verstappen hunting balance as one Ferrari starts strongly
2023 Abu Dhabi GP Friday practice analysis
Posted on 24th November 2023, 22:20
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

You can tell the paddock already has one eye on their winter holidays. Out of all the rounds on the F1 calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix holds the distinct honour of hosting the final race of the championship – which it has almost every season since it joined the series in 2009.

As the season finale, this event is supposed to be the grand climax of the year. The final chapter that sees all of the major storylines of the season culminating with champions crowned and the crucial places in the constructors’ standings finalised along with the millions of dollars of prize money to go with it.

However, at the end of the most one-sided season in the history of the sport, it’s hard not to wonder how many of the competitors are simply going through the motions to the end of the weekend, where they will receive a well-earned break from traipsing across the globe on a relentless racing schedule. Perhaps this was best illustrated by the world champions, Red Bull, choosing to run both of their compulsory Friday young driver allocations in the same first practice session at the Yas Marina circuit.

‘Verstappen hunting balance’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/11/24/...arts-strongly/


Lewis Hamilton's Abu Dhabi GP fear says it all as Max Verstappen fight 'years' away
Lewis Hamilton is worried about Mercedes at the F1 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
18:51, Fri, Nov 24, 2023
By Charlie Malam
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton is fearful about the prospect of missing out on Q3 in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend and his comments speak volumes about the team's troubles. The 2023 season comes to a close on Sunday in the Middle East where Hamilton has previously lifted six of his seven F1 titles.

Asked if he's optimistic of qualifying high up the grid after FP2, Hamilton said: "At the moment, no. I'm just going to try and see if there's a way to get into Q3. We've had difficult qualifying sessions and getting out of Q1 into Q2, for example, has always been a tough battle.”

"Even getting into Q3 is a challenge. It's going to be close. I'm not making excuses - I'm going to try and get on it tomorrow." And those are words seven-time world champion Hamilton probably never expected to come out of his mouth.

‘Max Verstappen fight 'years' away’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Max-Verstappen

[Fortitude]

ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX: F1 FREE PRACTICE 3 RESULTS.
George Russell leads McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as Max Verstappen struggles in the final practice session of 2023 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
November 25, 2023
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Hitting the a quarter of the way through the session, Mercedes driver George Russell set the fastest time of the session. The 25-year-old set a 1:25,163 on the soft tyre, going 0.254 seconds quicker than Perez. Verstappen set his first time of the session – only enough to go third and half a second off Russell at the top.

Verstappen struggling still? The Dutchman was not afraid to express his discomfort with the RB19 yesterday. He felt that the balance was off, which was agreed with his teammate Perez. The 2023 world champion reported on the radio that his rear was “sliding a lot” after setting his first lap of FP3.

‘George Russell set the fastest time of the session, Verstappen struggling still?’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ab...ice-3-results/


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
25th November 2023
by Emer Hedderman

Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:24.418
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.095
3. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.392
4. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.511
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.681
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.735
7. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.776
8. Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +0.787
9. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.804
10. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +0.840

‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice ahead of the 2023 F1 World Championship finale at the Yas Marina Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-...and-prix-83621


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
25 November 2023
Formula One - Official Site
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...JylSFfOhN.html


F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 - Final Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
25th Nov. 2023, 10:20
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-abu...e-live-updates


F1 Watchalong - Abu Dhabi GP FP3- with Commentary & Timings
25 November 2023
stuffeyy

‘FP3- with Commentary & Timings’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOpdh_wqw-g


Verstappen goes without key Red Bull figure ahead of Abu Dhabi F1 finale
Saturday 25 November 2023 09:42
Sam Cook
GPFans

Max Verstappen was without his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, during his practice session on Friday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The pair sat together during FP1 as rookies Jake Dennis and Isack Hadjar took the wheel of the two Red Bull cars as part of Formula 1 young driver rules. However when Verstappen jumped back in the car for FP2, there was no sign of Lambiase, who is lovingly known as GP.

Verstappen will be glad to hear that Lambiase is fully expected to be back for qualifying and the race at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, meaning we will likely be able to hear a fair amount of arguing between the pair. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner recently joked that Lambiase and Verstappen were like a married couple, and had been sent for marriage counselling during the summer break earlier this year.

‘Lambiase is fully expected to be back for qualifying’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...-abu-dhabi-gp/


F1 race directors change Abu Dhabi GP rules at last minute because of Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen gave the stewards cause for concern ahead of Saturday's action at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
10:52, Sat, Nov 25, 2023
By Harry Smith


Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race director Niels Wittich was forced to declare overtaking in the pit lane as prohibited outside of extenuating circumstances after Max Verstappen caused chaos with his actions during Friday’s second practice session.

Verstappen found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons on Friday following some impatient overtaking manoeuvres in the pit lane. The reigning world champion was in a rush to get out on track at the start of FP2, attempting to barge past both Mercedes drivers in the underpass. After moving past George Russell he came across his team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the middle of the pit lane, moving onto the outside kerb in an attempt to get around the seven-time world champion.

In doing so, Verstappen nearly made contact with the outside wall as he risked damage to his RB19 to gain track position. Having moved past both Mercedes cars, the Dutchman then pulled the same trick on Alpine driver Pierre Gasly before settling into his place in the queue.

‘F1 race directors change Abu Dhabi GP rules’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Max-Verstappen


FP3: Russell leads Norris as Verstappen struggles during final Abu Dhabi GP practice
25 November 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Mercedes driver George Russell topped the timesheets in Saturday afternoon’s third and final practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading the way from McLaren’s Lando Norris while Max Verstappen continued to battle balance problems aboard his Red Bull.

After a disrupted first day of running, FP3 gave the field a chance to catch up on mileage and dial their cars in further at the Yas Marina Circuit, albeit with the side note that the conditions were largely unrepresentative compared to the evening qualifying session and race.

Across several soft tyre runs, Russell worked his way down to a benchmark time of 1m 24.418s to finish just under a tenth clear of Norris, with the latter’s team mate, Oscar Piastri, three tenths back in third position. Fourth went to the Williams of Alex Albon, as the Grove outfit push to secure P7 in the constructors’ standings, with Charles Leclerc the lead Ferrari in fifth but commenting over the radio that “I don’t understand” where the pace had gone after topping FP2.

‘Russell leads Norris as Verstappen struggles’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...oneJwg0MJ.html


Abu Dhabi GP: George Russell capitalises on Max Verstappen’s problems to top FP3
25 Nov 2023 11:35 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

George Russell claimed the final practice P1 of the 2023 championship as Max Verstappen struggled with a “jumping” RB19 around the Yas Marina circuit. Russell showed good place in Saturday’s final practice as he laid down a 1:24.418 to beat the McLaren teammates.

The trio took advantage of Verstappen’s troubles as the reigning World Champion finished down in sixth place having gone through no fewer than four set-up changes as he remained unhappy with the balance of his RB19 that was “bottoming” and “jumping”.

After Friday’s interrupted running, Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in his rebuilt SF-23 didn’t waste any time getting into their programmes with the Ferrari driver 0.003s up on the Briton. They were blitzed by Sergio Perez as the Red Bull driver crossed the line with a 1:25.4 with half the field posting times within the first 10 minutes of play. Lando Norris was second in the early running ahead of Lance Stroll.

‘George Russell capitalises on Max Verstappen’s problems’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dh...023-fp3-report

[Fortitude]

Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen pips Leclerc to pole for finale as Sainz, Hamilton toil.
Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc to pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri getting his McLaren onto the second row.
25 Nov 2023 3:10 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

George Russell took fourth for Mercedes and Lando Norris ranked fifth for McLaren, though will be ruing a piece of oversteer on his final lap that could have left him higher up the grid come Sunday.

It was tougher going for Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton however, with Sainz knocked out in Q1 while the seven-time World Champion qualified P11 for the second race in a row in his Mercedes. The biggest name to drop out in Q1, however, was Carlos Sainz.

While he was only 0.578s off Verstappen’s Q1 benchmark, the close field saw him qualify P16, blaming traffic on his lap for not optimising his lap. Both Alfa Romeo drivers also dropped out, along with Kevin Magnussen, but after his big crash in FP2 on Friday, Sainz will have to perform a strong recovery on Sunday to make up the lost ground.

‘Max Verstappen pips Leclerc’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dh...lifying-report


Qualifying Results – 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
25th November 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:23.445
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.139
3. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.337
4. George Russell Mercedes +0.343
5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.371
6. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.523
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.639
8. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.663
9. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.726
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +1.103

‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship finale around the Yas Marina Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying...and-prix-83624


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
25 November 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...7ENQoTcZe.html


F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 - Qualifying - As it happened
25 November 2023, 15:06
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘Qualifying - As it happened’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-abu...ng-it-happened


F1 Watchalong - Abu Dhabi GP QUALIFYING - with Commentary & Timings
25 November 2023
stuffeyy

‘Abu Dhabi GP QUALIFYING’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsD4O14XXQE


Lewis Hamilton adamant something’s wrong with his W14: “We set our cars up the same…”
25 Nov 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Speaking after qualifying, Hamilton conceded he was struggling with the “balance” of his W14. "Not great. Just struggling with balance,” he said. “I don't have any answers. Honestly, at this point it is what it is. We set our cars up the same but they don't read the same.”

"There's something not right on our side. I'm sure we will dive into it but all weekend we have struggled with the car. Two 11ths...it takes some good going for me not to get into Q3, so I will try and move my way up tomorrow."

‘Lewis Hamilton adamant something’s wrong with his W14’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/104201...-our-cars-same


Carlos Sainz left rueing traffic hell after early Abu Dhabi GP qualifying exit
Sainz suffered an early exit from qualifying in Abu Dhabi after complaining of traffic issues.
November 25, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Carlos Sainz believes leaving the pits late cost him a spot in the second part of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After a heavy accident in FP2, Sainz came into Qualifying on the back foot on a weekend where the Maranello-based outfit needs maximum points to secure second in the constructors’ championship.

But Sainz found traffic during his fast laps in Q1 after leaving the pitlane late, and could not set a lap good enough to secure a spot in Q2, relegating him to 16th on the grid for the grand prix. “Clearly, the pace all weekend hasn’t been the strongest, and we needed a perfect Q1 and Q2 given how tight the field is,” explained a disappointed Sainz to the media after Qualifying.

“We had a very scrappy Q1 we went very late, we had a problem with the front wing we were the last car out. Once I opened my last lap, I found myself a load of traffic in sector 1 and lost a couple of tenths, which cost me the spot in Q2.”

‘Carlos Sainz left rueing traffic hell’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...alifying-exit/

[Fortitude]

Why Ferrari are favourites to beat Mercedes and secure second in the constructors championship.
Mercedes and Ferrari go head-to-head for second place in the 2023 F1 constructors' championship.
November 26, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

With nearly everything related to the 2023 F1 world championship already confirmed, Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix focuses more on the fight for minor placings. Particular attention will be placed on the battle for second in the constructors’ standings between Mercedes and Ferrari, with the two teams separated by four points heading into the Abu Dhabi GP.

Although second isn’t regarded with the same fanfare as winning the constructors’ title outright, price money given to each team is up for grabs when lights go out in Abu Dhabi, with wind tunnel time also decided.

Saturday’s qualifying session saw neither a Mercedes nor Ferrari on pole despite showing promising speed in practice. Still, Charles Leclerc’s excellent second run has put him second on the grid, whilst George Russell is the highest of the Mercedes in fourth. But how will the battle for second play out?

‘Head-to-head’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/why...-championship/


Verstappen’s nearest challengers are focused on other rivals in finale
2023 Abu Dhabi GP pre-race analysis
Posted on 25th November 2023, 23:26
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

But there’s been nothing as close to a sure bet in Formula 1 history perhaps like Max Verstappen and Red Bull in 2023. A total of 18 wins from 21 rounds – an unparalleled level of sustained victory over such a long calendar of racing. Which is why it was so surprising to hear Red Bull team principal Christian Horner informing Verstappen after he had stormed to the final pole position of the 2023 season that team adviser Helmut Marko had lost €500 to him in a friendly wager by betting he would fail to qualify on the front row of the grid. After all, who would bet against Max Verstappen in 2023?

The reality is, heading into qualifying, there were valid reasons to be cautious about putting money on the world champion. After a disrupted Friday with only a limited level of running, Verstappen had complained about the balance of his car being anything but balanced. After an evening to go over the little data they had, Red Bull made changes to the car but the end result seemed the same. However, come qualifying, whatever settings changes race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and his team made to car number one did the trick.

‘Helmut Marko had lost €500 to him in a friendly wager’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/11/25/...als-in-finale/


Ferrari boss Vasseur points blame after Sainz shock in Abu Dhabi
Saturday 25 November 2023 23:57
Sam Cook
GPFans

Another superb qualifying run from Charles Leclerc will see him line up alongside Red Bull's Max Verstappen for Sunday's race, his fifth consecutive front-row start. However, Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz failed to make it out of Q1 for the first time since the 2019 Brazilian GP, leaving him with plenty to do if he is to score points for his team. With Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton qualifying fourth and 11th respectively, it's all to play for at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.

Fred Vasseur has been commenting on a mixed final qualifying session of 2023 for Ferrari. “It was a bit dependant, but I think it was so tight that everything was possible," he told Sky Sports F1. "At one stage I was scared also to be out with Charles, I don’t know if it was Q1 or Q2. But it was a lot about the out lap and I think that at the end we understood a little bit more the approach and Charles did a mega job. But now it’s tomorrow that we score points and we have to score four points more than Mercedes. Everything is possible," he said before being asked about whether Sainz was unlucky to fall in Q1. "Yeah but today I don’t think you have to put everything on luck."

'Everything is possible';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/10...attle-success/


Tsunoda looking to 'do all I can' to gift Tost P7 in the championship while Albon expects strong Williams in Abu Dhabi
25 November 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Yuki Tsunoda is hopeful of giving departing AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost the “best gift” by beating Williams to seventh in the constructors’ championship – while Alex Albon is expecting a close battle between the teams in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Tsunoda showed a good turn of pace throughout qualifying as he was third fastest in Q1 behind only Max Verstappen and Albon before placing eighth at the end of Q2. He continued to impress in Q3 as he went up to sixth on his first lap and, while his final attempt of the evening was good enough for seventh, he was promoted up the order after Sergio Perez’s time was deleted.

Reflecting on his performance, a delighted Tsunoda said: “Starting P6 is a great position. It won’t be easy because there are a couple of fast cars behind. Obviously, we have to put it all really, really together."

‘Tsunoda looking to do all I can';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...W2wOL4t6w.html


Alonso hopes for ‘miracle’ to beat McLaren to P4
25 November 2023
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week

Fernando Alonso believes that Aston Martin needs nothing short of a “little miracle” if the marque is to pip McLaren to fourth in the standings after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Aston Martin enjoyed incredible early season form with its AMR23, in which Alonso claimed six podiums in the opening eight rounds.

The Silverstone-based marque held second in the standings until the Spanish Grand Prix but has since slipped to fifth going into the final event at the Yas Marina Circuit. Aston Martin was out-qualified by McLaren on Saturday when the Woking-based squad placed both of its cars in the top five in qualifying.

“I’m happy with qualifying, only one-tenth I think from Lando [Norris],” said Alonso who qualified seventh for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Unfortunately for our battle in the Constructors’ Championship both of them will start in front of us, but let’s see what we can do. Obviously, we need something to happen to beat them, but this is F1. It’s not exact mathematics and maybe tomorrow we have this little miracle and we will push until the last lap.”

‘Hopes for miracle’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/...mclaren-to-p4/


Reaching Q3 in old-spec car shows major Haas upgrade failed – Hulkenberg
Formula 1
Posted on 25th November 2023, 18:41
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Nico Hulkenberg put the old-specification Haas chassis nine places ahead of the new version on the grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and called it “the story of our season” afterwards. Haas introduced a major overhaul of its chassis at the United States Grand Prix four races ago. However Hulkenberg has not been entirely comfortable with the new version and switched back to the old shape at the last round.

In qualifying today Hulkenberg lapped three-tenths of a second quicker in Q1 than team mate Kevin Magnussen managed in the revised VF-23. While Magnussen was eliminated in the first round and will start 17th, Hulkenberg went on to reach Q3 and claimed eighth on the grid. The previous version of the car tended to be very tough on its tyres during races and Hulkenberg says it remains to be seen whether he will be better off in the old specification by the end of the weekend.

“We’ll see about that tomorrow night,” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “But I think it just confirms my impression that the updated car didn’t really give a significant step. They are probably very, very similar in terms of performance. Which in itself is not great because an update, you need it to work. So maybe it proved a point there. We’ll see tomorrow night.”

‘Reaching Q3 in old-spec car’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/11/25/...ed-hulkenberg/


Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas ultimatum: Change or fail
25 November 2023, 08:43
Andrew Maitland
Grandpx.news

Nico Hulkenberg’s return to Formula 1 this year with Haas has been great for his personal brand – and far from smooth sailing. As the 2023 season draws to a close, Hulkenberg, the team’s fastest driver this year, is delivering a blunt and uncompromising message to the Haas management: significant changes are imperative.

The German driver, at 36, didn’t mince words about the deep-rooted issues plaguing Haas, firmly directing his concerns at team boss Gunther Steiner and the higher echelons of the team’s management. Speaking to Ekstra Bladet newspaper, Hulkenberg issued what seemed like an ultimatum: “Gunther (Steiner) and the others in the management have to ask some serious questions and look at all areas.” He emphasized the need for a thorough overhaul, suggesting that mere tweaks wouldn’t suffice.

His decision to abandon the updated ‘B’ car in Las Vegas was a move that Hulkenberg believes sent a clear signal to the team. “I demonstrated to the team that the new car is not faster and that is of course a problem,” he told Sky Deutschland. His action was more than just a choice; it was a statement underscoring the gravity of the situation.

‘Ultimatum: Change or fail’;

https://grandpx.news/nico-hulkenberg...hange-or-fail/

[Fortitude]

Mercedes and Ferrari produce thrilling F1 fight as Max Verstappen wins Abu Dhabi GP.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell did just enough for Mercedes to beat Ferrari to second place, while Max Verstappen strolled to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory unchallenged.
26th November 2023, 14:34
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Sergio Perez did his best to spoil the Mercedes party at the end after getting the better of Russell with a few laps to go. But a five-second time penalty meant he did not have enough of a gap to snatch the last podium place from the Brit.

And the fact Hamilton out-scored Carlos Sainz meant Mercedes had enough points to hold on to second place in the constructors' championship. Charles Leclerc let Perez past in a desperate attempt to slow Russell down, but it wasn't quite enough for Ferrari to leapfrog their rivals.

So Leclerc was second after Perez's penalty and Russell third, dropping the Mexican down to fourth place. Hamilton scored minor points while a Ferrari gamble with Sainz to wait for a safety car did not pay off and the Spaniard did not score at all.

‘Mercedes and Ferrari produce thrilling F1 fight’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...esult-31531378


Race Results – 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
26th November 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 58 laps
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +17.993
3. George Russell Mercedes +20.328
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +21.453 *
5. Lando Norris McLaren +24.284
6. Oscar Piastri McLaren +31.487
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +39.512
8. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +43.088
9. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +44.424
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +55.632

‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship finale race around the Yas Marina Circuit’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-resul...and-prix-83640


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
26 November 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...AheshBvEI.html


F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 - As it happened
26 November 2023, 12:18
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘Follow the final F1 race of the season here with the Crash.net live blog’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-abu...3-live-updates


F1 Watchalong - Abu Dhabi GP RACE - with Commentary & Timings
26 November 2023
stuffeyy

‘Abu Dhabi GP RACE’;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LenDjq364mU


Six F1 drivers under investigation for Abu Dhabi GP pitcrew infringements
UPDATEDNOV 26, 2023, 3:00 PM
AUTHORFilip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

During the second half of the 2023 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton and Pierre Gasly were flagged for investigation over a possible pitstop infringement. They were soon joined by Verstappen, Williams drivers Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon plus Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu.

The FIA stewards said the matter would be investigated after the 58-lap race and further clarification from the governing body pointed out that the infringements were related to "pitcrew potentially not wearing the required eye protection during a stop".

Article 34.13 of the sporting regulations says: "All team personnel carrying out any work on a car in the pitlane when the car is in its pitstop position during the qualifying session, the sprint shootout, the sprint session or during a race pit stop, must be wearing helmets which meet or exceed the requirements of ECE 22.05 – European motorcycle road helmet, DOT – USA motorcycle road helmet or JIS T8133-2015, class 2 – JPN protective helmets for automobile users.
"The use of appropriate eye protection is compulsory."

‘Six F1 drivers under investigation’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/s...ents/10552164/


Abu Dhabi GP: Win No.19 for Max Verstappen as Mercedes beat Ferrari to P2
26 Nov 2023 2:35 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

It was a fitting end to the 2023 championship as the season’s dominant driver Max Verstappen cruised to victory in Abu Dhabi in yet another measured performance from the Red Bull driver. The victory, secured by 16 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez on the road, marked his 19th win in a 22-race season.

Perez was second at the line as Charles Leclerc tried to play a strategy game to give the penalised Perez a five-second gap to fourth placed George Russell. It, however, didn’t work with Leclerc second in the race, Russell third and Lewis Hamilton ninth.

That meant Mercedes beat Ferrari in the battle to finish second in the Constructors’ Championship by three points while Yuki Tsunoda’s four points weren’t enough for AlphaTauri to pip Williams to seventh.

‘Win No.19’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dh...23-race-report


Verstappen caps supreme season with Abu Dhabi GP, Mercedes hold off Ferrari
Max Verstappen's fitting 2023 Abu Dhabi GP victory capped an all-conquering season for Red Bull
November 26, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen eased to a record-extending 19th victory in the 2023 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell in an entertaining season finale. The big championship battles stayed alive until the end of the race, with both Leclerc and Russell staying abreast of the latest developments in the Ferrari–Mercedes battle for fourth.

Leclerc did all he could, but Carlos Sainz finished outside the points meaning Russell‘s third-place finish – just his second podium of the season – was enough to secure the place for Mercedes. Sainz was running in the top 10 for much of the race but ran hards on his first two stints, meaning he would’ve needed a red flag to save his race.

Sergio Perez finished second on the road but had picked up a five-second penalty for colliding with Oscar Piastri – Leclerc even let him by attempting to help him build up a cushion to Russell but ultimately Perez dropped to fourth. It capped a good recovery drive from the Mexican who was jumped by Lewis Hamilton at the start but fought his way through thanks to a very strong long second stint.

‘Verstappen caps supreme season’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...d-off-ferrari/