2023 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

Ex-F1 driver ponders Hamilton to Ferrari move.
With speculation remaining over Lewis Hamilton's future in F1, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has given his take on the options that the seven-time World Champion might consider.
08 April 9:05AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

"I suppose it’s down to what happens at Mercedes," Herbert told Standard Sport. "Can they turn it around? If that doesn’t work and Lewis still has the fire in his belly and thinks this is not the place for him where does he go?"

In terms of his other options, Herbert feels that time – or a lack of – could be a possible hindrance in any possible switch to Ferrari. "Would he go to Ferrari? Does he want to go there as he feels that's where he gets a championship?" Herbert continued.

"Would he feel he could take his energy and people from Mercedes there like Michael Schumacher did and actually change and steer it in a positive way? The problem with that is time."

‘Speculation’;

https://racingnews365.com/ex-f1-driver-ponders-hamilton-to-ferrari-move


Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari rumours: ‘Problem’ identified with late career switch
07 Apr 2023 8:15 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Amid renewed suggestions that Lewis Hamilton could move to Ferrari to restart his quest for a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 title, Johnny Herbert has said that the 38-year-old faces a race against time.

With the young drivers of today, including the reigning two-time World Champion Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris, brought up on a staple diet of sim racing, Herbert believes drivers of Hamilton’s generation are being put at an immediate disadvantage.

He added: “The biggest difference now is that the majority of the young generation of great drivers on the grid have something that Lewis has never been comfortable with and want to put all their energies in, which is the sim stuff. It adds a sixth sense.”

‘Immediate disadvantage.’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-ferrari-rumour-problem/


Toto Wolff details clear stance on 'plan B' should Lewis Hamilton suddenly quit F1
Lewis Hamilton is in the final year of his Mercedes contract raising fears that he could walk away from the Silver Arrows as he trails behind rival Max Verstappen.
11:24, Sat, Apr 8, 2023
By Benjamin Goddard
Daily and Sunday Express

Mercedes principal Toto Wolff has detailed his clear stance on 'Plan B' if Lewis Hamilton decides to walk away from F1. The seven-time world champion has been highly critical of the Silver Arrows' W13 and W14 cars and claims that engineers failed to listen to him over this year's model.

"It may sound naïve, but I have the greatest difficulty in coming up with a plan B. Plan A is my favourite plan," Wolff told Autosport. "I don't want to negotiate with other drivers because I'm happy with my current duo. That's for sure. At the moment there is no plan B. Lewis is the plan.

'Plan B';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1756167/Toto-Wolff-plan-B-Lewis-Hamilton-F1


No Mercedes Plan B if Hamilton leaves, says Wolff
8/4/2023, 15:12
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that there is currently no Plan B in place in case Lewis Hamilton elects to walk away from Formula 1 at the end of 2023.

“I think it may sound naive, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite,” Wolff told Motorsport.com.

“I don’t want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I’m happy with the ones that are in the team, that’s for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It’s Lewis.”

‘No Mercedes Plan B’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/08/no-mercedes-plan-b-if-hamilton-leaves-says-wolff/


Hamilton pleased to see Bottas ‘flourish’ with personal life
8th April 2023, 12:30
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

When asked about his former team-mate and the level of comfort that he is expressing, Hamilton said: “It’s great, I just saw Valtteri in flip flops right now with his tan lines around his socks, his sock line!

“It’s great to see him flourish and feeling more and more a part of himself and knowing where he wants to go. I think just for everyone, it’s a whole discovery process, isn’t it? Compartmentalising and just making space for happiness away from the track.”

“I think probably the same applies to everyone here, all of us work so hard, we’re all travelling so much, we’re all away from our families and friends so much that we’re missing out on a lot of things. What are you doing to make time for yourself, and for something that makes you happy?”

‘Hamilton pleased’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/08/hamilton-pleased-to-see-bottas-flourish-with-personal-life/


Will ‘disconnected’ Hamilton get key Mercedes change he wants?
Apr 8 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Mercedes has indicated it will revise the further-forward cockpit position of its Formula 1 car that Lewis Hamilton dislikes because it is “important to listen” to the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton said the cockpit position “100% has to change” and when asked by The Race if that will happen next year, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: “We’re looking at the big concept and the driver position obviously is one of the things that’s most important.

“Not only in terms of the rational reasons like weight distribution or aerodynamics but also where the driver has the best feeling in the car. That’s something that Lewis was pretty vocal about. A seven-time world champion has an opinion and that is important to listen to.”

‘Cockpit position “100% has to change”…’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/will-disconnected-hamilton-get-key-mercedes-change-he-wants/


I still love F1 but don’t like driving ‘not-great’ cars – Hamilton
2023 F1 season
Posted on 7th April 2023, 21:28
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Lewis Hamilton says he doesn’t enjoy driving cars that aren’t “great” but is ready to fight for the championship if the Mercedes W14 comes good. “I really do love it,” he said. “I don’t like driving not-great cars.” Mercedes has already said it intends to change the design concept of its W14 after failing to significantly close on the reigning world champions during the off-season.

“I don’t like driving a car that’s not the car that we had meant to have,” Hamilton continued. “But I love that challenge of ‘what can I do with it?’ Okay, wins are not possible right now so what’s the maximum we can get?”

“Can we be a little cheeky and if fifth is the best we can get, can we get a fourth or a third? Can we just make sure we’re consistent and make sure that you’re fit and ready so that when the car does all of a sudden switch on and it is the car that you dreamed of having you’re ready?”

‘Love that challenge’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/07/i-still-love-f1-but-dont-like-driving-not-great-cars-hamilton/

[Fortitude]

Why Marko believes Perez proved a point in Australia.
Sergio Perez started at the back of the grid in Melbourne after crashing out in qualifying, but Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was impressed by the Mexican's recovery.
05 April 1:40PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Perez battled his way through the field in the race and managed to stay out of the chaos at the end, eventually finishing in P5 and taking the fastest lap, something which Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes the Mexican had been targeting.

"This wasn't his weekend, but he took that fastest race lap and that will feel like a kind of reparation after Jeddah. There, of course, he also wanted the fastest lap," he said to ServusTV.

"In the race [Australia] he got the most out of it. We knew overtaking here isn’t easy, or even very tricky, and prior to the race we already took seventh or sixth place into account."

‘Proved a point’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-marko-believes-perez-proved-a-point-in-australia


Perez happy to 'limit the damage' after going from pit lane start to P5 in Melbourne
03 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site.

Sergio Perez took the chequered flag in fifth position at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, and the Red Bull driver was pleased with his work on Sunday, as he managed to “limit the damage” following his early exit from qualifying.

Asked whether Sunday’s outing was all about limiting the damage, Perez said: “Yeah, I think it’s as much as we could do, I mean, when you’re sat in those positions. I had a really good start at the restart, the first standing start I did. I had that really good one, I jumped like, three, four places, but then it was a massive mess.

“I had to back out of it, otherwise I wouldn’t finish. When we looked where we started and how difficult it was to pass with the DRS train that we ended up [in], we managed to limit a bit the damage from yesterday.”

'Limit the damage';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.perez-happy-to-limit-the-damage-after-going-from-pit-lane-start-to-p5-in.1A5jQTJvq9sfXKWfUm4OHm.html


Sergio Perez's eventful Australian Grand Prix
04 Apr 2023
Official Site (Video)

From a disastrous final practice session to finishing P5 on race day, it was an eventful 2023 Australian Grand Prix weekend for Red Bull's Sergio Perez.

‘Disastrous final practice to an eventful 2023 Australian Grand Prix’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.sergio-perezs-eventful-australian-grand-prix.1762255527998299519.html


What’s more alarming for Perez than his costly points loss
14:54 Wed, 05 Apr 2023.
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Sergio Perez started the Australian Grand Prix weekend insisting he was ready to fight for the Formula 1 world championship and Red Bull was now ready to give him “every single opportunity” to challenge for it. Multiple offs in final practice – where setting a representative laptime proved a struggle – perhaps inevitably translated into a crash just five minutes into the first segment of qualifying. “We had a bit of a technical issue from FP3 and we thought we fixed it but we obviously didn’t,” Perez said after qualifying.

Perhaps more disconcertingly, there seemed to be a continuing disconnect between team and driver when it comes to exactly what had gone wrong on Saturday. Team boss Christian Horner didn’t confirm the presence of an issue in the wake of qualifying, instead saying the team would conduct further investigations. And that hadn’t changed 24 hours later after Perez had charged from the pitlane to finish in fifth place and secure the fastest lap bonus point.

Perez’s loss of 14 points to Verstappen opens the gap at the top of the drivers’ championship to 15 but it’s the circumstances around that points loss rather than the tally of points lost itself that is worrying – after all, a reliability problem in Baku for Verstappen would reverse those positions. The ambiguity around the cause and the disconnect between Red Bull and Perez’s reasoning don’t absolve fears of a repeat.

‘Continuing disconnect’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/whats-more-alarming-for-perez-than-his-costly-points-loss/


Perez not happy with 'unacceptable' Red Bull problem
05 April 7:10PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez was left frustrated by "unacceptable" problems with his RB19, which prevented him from challenging for the Australian Grand Prix win. "It was really bad, very bad weekend. What happened on Saturday, it's totally unacceptable," said Perez to media, after the race. We have to get to the bottom of it because I felt that we had a really good weekend up to yesterday [Saturday]."

Perez says the issues that the team experienced set their confidence back, despite having superior pace over the competition. "We worked so hard preparing the Grand Prix and then that just put us back completely we lost all the confidence," he said. "And then I think definitely we had the basic fight for the victory today, but finishing in P5 is damage limitation."

He managed to climb back up to P6 in the race and stay out of trouble during each of the stoppages, which became P5 at the end with Carlos Sainz's time penalty. This was effectively the same level of progress as Verstappen managed in Saudi Arabia when he drove to P2 after starting from P15 on the grid.

'Unacceptable Red Bull Problem’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-not-happy-with-unacceptable-red-bull-problem


Christian Horner downplays Sergio Perez’s claim RB19 issues behind Melbourne woes
06 Apr 2023 12:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Christian Horner has downplayed Sergio Perez’s comments his RB19 was to blame for his qualifying disaster, the team boss saying it was more a case of “all the bits and pieces together weren’t quite perfect”.

Perez had a nightmare Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix where he seemed to be off the track more often than on it during the weekend’s final practice session, only for it to go from bad to worse in qualifying. The Mexican driver lost it at the start of Q1 when he went straight on at Turn 3 and into the gravel where he beached his car, his qualifying session over without a time on the board.

Perez blamed the car, saying that “already in FP3 we had this issue, we thought we had fixed it, but obviously we didn’t.” Helmut Marko, though, blamed the driver as he felt he was “insecure and impetuous”. He added that Perez’s earlier “problems were actually gone from practice.”

‘Christian Horner downplays Sergio Perez’s claim’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-downplays-sergio-perez-rb19-melbourne-woes/


Fernando Alonso hoping for more tensions between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Tensions are building in the Red Bull camp, as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez do everything they can to get the edge.
6 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Double World Champion Fernando Alonso has admitted that himself and Aston Martin are going to be paying “attention” to the current situation at Red Bull, after Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez disagreed ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Alonso knows that Red Bull are currently too strong for Aston Martin to compete with but that a “hot environment” at the Austrians could spice things up, especially if Perez and Verstappen “touch”.

“We know that the Red Bulls are too far ahead now,” Alonso told DAZN. “But hey, anything can happen. A reliability problem, a touch between them. We know there has been a lot of talk about them having a hot environment so we will pay attention,” he smiled.

“Hot environment” at the Austrians could spice things up (EL PLAN)’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-alonso-hoping-for-more-tensions-between-max-verstappen-and-sergio-perez/

[Fortitude]

Toto Wolff rejects radical F1 reform which could see Max Verstappen quit the sport.
The Red Bull man has pledged to walk away from F1 but Toto Wolff may help keep Max Verstappen in the sport.
15:15, Sun, Apr 9, 2023
By Jack McEachen
Daily and Sunday Express

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff could help keep Max Verstappen in F1 if he rejects new proposed changes to the sport. The Red Bull star has hinted he may walk away prematurely if the format of race weekends are altered - as the number of sprint races continues to be increased with more attention placed on them.

After the race format was introduced in 2021, now as many as six Grand Prix will feature the event which could be set to gain even more prominence in the schedule. Haas boss Guenther Steiner explained there could be a second round of qualifying for the sprint race in the Azerbaijan GP this month, which has since been confirmed.

He said: “In Baku we are talking about having a second qualifying in the moment. We don’t know how we do it and if we do it. Instead of FP2 on a sprint event on Saturday morning, we do our qualifying. Then we are in a situation to evaluate would one FP1 be enough to get out what we want and go from there?”

‘Radical F1 reform’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1756466/F1-news-Toto-Wolff-Max-Verstappen-Mercedes-Red-Bull


Verstappen warns against F1 DNA changes – but they seem inevitable
9th April 2023, 13:35
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Max Verstappen, who has never been one to mince words and shy away from saying what he thinks, provided another eye-opening comment at the recent Australian Grand Prix.

Amid a debate over sprint races, a concept that Verstappen has publicly been against since their arrival in 2021, the Dutchman suggested that he would be willing to walk away from the sport should further changes be implemented.

“Even if you change the format, I don’t find that is in the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kind of sprint races,” he said. “I hope there won’t be too many changes, otherwise I won’t be around for too long.”

‘F1 DNA changes’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/09/verstappen-warns-against-f1-dna-changes-but-they-seem-inevitable/


Wolff: F1 must shape rules with 'Stanley knife' not 'baseball bat'
9th April 2023, 11:16
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says Formula 1 bosses should resist taking a “baseball bat” to the weekend format and instead make more precise rule tweaks with a “Stanley knife”. The timetable of a race weekend has been thrust into the limelight following comments from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that he is in favour of scrapping free practice sessions.

The Austrian, who placed his trust in F1 chiefs to use data to shape decisions, said: “I think we all share the same objective that we want the sport to continue to develop well and grow its audiences. We just need to find a common denominator what the best principle is. I’m more on the conservative side, I like qualifying, I like the grand prix, the great prize.”

“But we have to also be open minded about where the sport is going to go and some of the sprint races have been fantastic. So whatever Stefano decides is good, I think he will have all the data on the table what is good for the audiences, what is good for the brand and then we just want to maybe try and tweak things without using a baseball bat, but a Stanley knife… a more precise way to cut it.”

'Stanley knife' not 'baseball bat'

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-f1-must-shape-rules-with-stanley-knife-not-baseball-bat/10454425/


Is F1’s latest sprint race format a change worth making?
Debates and Polls
Posted on 9th April 2023, 8:309th April 2023, 0:05
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Formula 1 plans to introduce a new version of its sprint race format for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.

It follows F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s comments earlier this year about his desire to cut the amount of practice sessions to one per weekend, and ensure every other time the cars appear on track they have something to compete for. The revised sprint format moves closer towards that idea.

Instead of using a Friday qualifying session to set the grid for Saturday’s sprint race, Friday would decide the grand prix grid. A second round of qualifying on Saturday, replacing the second practice session, would set the sprint race grid.

‘Latest sprint race format’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/09/is-f1s-latest-sprint-race-format-a-change-worth-making/


Kelly Piquet WILL NOT let Max Verstappen pile on pounds after F1 retirement.
Saturday 8 April 2023 19:57
Graham Shaw
GPFans

The life of an F1 driver is often a tough one with a brutal exercise regime just one of the sacrifices the stars of the 2023 grid have to make - and reigning world champion Max Verstappen is no different.

But if the 25-year-old current king thought he might be able to loosen his belt a little in retirement - quite literally - he was wrong. The Dutchman admitted earlier this year that he had gained a few pounds as he took time out to properly enjoy the fruits of his second world title win in late 2022. Before the grind to get back into shape for the 2023 season.

During the recent Viaplay documentary 'Max Verstappen: Anatomy Of A Champion', Max was quizzed about his fitness regime, and looked ahead to the future as he admitted: "When I am forty, then I will no longer race. Then I will eat what I want." That is the moment where 33-year-old model and influencer Kelly interjects with a firm and simple answer - "No".

‘Pile on pounds after F1 retirement’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105223/kelly-piquet-max-verstappen-f1-retirement-weight-gain-pounds/

[Fortitude]

Ferrari address rumours of poor atmosphere after horrific start to F1 2023 season.
Fred Vasseur has denied that there is a poor atmosphere at Ferrari and insisted he has the support of the team’s senior figures.
09 Apr 2023 1:15 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

After a poor end to the 2022 season, Ferrari would have hoped to come out of the traps in 2023 much quicker than they have done. They are currently fourth in the Constructors’ standings, 97 points adrift of leaders Red Bull, and Charles Leclerc has failed to finish in two of the opening three races. It would be fair to guess that the atmosphere within the corridors of Maranello is less than ideal…

“The mood within the team is incredibly good,” the Frenchman told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. “Everyone is very motivated, very concentrated and the drivers also provide maximum support. If the question is about the relationship I have with John and Benedetto, trust me, it’s very positive. We certainly didn’t get the results we expect, but we are all working together to improve the situation.”

‘Ferrari address rumours of poor atmosphere’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-poor-atmosphere-f1-2023-season/


How does Ferrari’s awful start in F1 2023 compare to previous seasons?
9 Apr 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Since F1 changed the points system in 2010, Ferrari have never had fewer points than they do now in 2023. Ferrari have endured a miserable start to F1 2023 with just 26 points scored in the opening three races.

Charles Leclerc has two DNFs to his name - in Bahrain he retired due to an engine issue; in Australia he was involved in a Lap 1 collision with Lance Stroll.

‘Ferrari’s awful start’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1023836/1/how-does-ferrari-s-awful-start-2023-compare-previous-seasons


Vasseur denies Sainz request as Ferrari development plans revealed
Saturday 8 April 2023 14:42
Harry Smith
GPFans

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has shut down Carlos Sainz's calls for the Italian team to change their development path, claiming that he is 'sticking to the plan' despite a rocky start to the season. "We are sticking to the plan," Vasseur said when asked about Sainz's calls for a change of concept.”

"We have made some adjustments in terms of balance and behaviour, and it was much better in Melbourne, and we'll continue in this direction. It's not a B-car if that is what you want to say. Ferrari's team principal was quick to shut down any speculation of a B-spec car, claiming that it would nigh-on impossible to pull off.”

"We won't come with something completely different. We will continue to update this one and we'll try to update massively. To do a new project during the season, to start from scratch, to do a new car with the cost cap, but also considering the restriction of the wind tunnel time, I don't want to say that it's impossible, but it's very difficult."

"We are sticking to the plan";

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105236/fred-vasseur-carlos-sainz-ferrari-development-plans/


Ferrari to stick with update plan, no concept change for SF-23
08/04/2023 at 10:33
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur has ruled out the possibility of the Scuderia fielding a B-spec car later this season, insisting the team will stick with its scheduled update plan to evolve its SF-23. Ahead of the start of its 2023 campaign, Ferrari was earmarked as a favourite to hit the ground running in Bahrain.

"We have a flow of updates that will come, not for Baku, because we have the aero package for the level of downforce, and with the sprint race it is not the easiest one, but for Miami, Imola, not Monaco, and Barcelona," Vasseur explained in a call with the media this week. At each race, we'll have an update on the car. We are sticking to the plan.”

"We have made some adjustments in terms of balance and behaviour, and it was much better in Melbourne, and we'll continue in this direction. It's not a B-car if that is what you want to say. We won't come with something completely different. We will continue to update this one and we'll try to update massively."

‘Ferrari to stick with update plan’;

https://f1i.com/news/471200-ferrari-to-stick-with-update-plan-no-concept-change-for-sf-23.html


Ferrari upgrade boost as fast-track plan revealed by Fred Vasseur.
Ferrari principal Fred Vasseur says the team has managed to “speed up” their development process, meaning upgrades for the SF-23 will arrive ahead of schedule.
08 Apr 2023 8:21 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Fred Vasseur has denied that there is a poor atmosphere at Ferrari and insisted he has the support of the team’s senior figures. After a poor end to the 2022 season, Ferrari would have hoped to come out of the traps in 2023 much quicker than they have done.

Toto Wolff confirms ‘layout’ of Mercedes W14 ‘will change’ at Imola. “Surely the start of the season wasn’t what we wanted and what he wanted to have, there was the retirement in Bahrain, the penalty in Jeddah and the retirement in Melbourne, which was certainly not in the plans, but the motivation is intact,” Vasseur said.

“I have a good relationship with Charles, and I’m sure of it. When we talk in the heat of the moment, a few minutes after getting out of the car, both Charles and Carlos [Sainz] can’t be happy, and I should add that I would be very frustrated if I saw them relaxed and happy with the car.”

‘Team has managed to “speed up” their development process’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-poor-atmosphere-f1-2023-season/


Ted Kravitz explains Carlos Sainz's feelings as Ferrari star left crying over injustice.
Sainz was given a penalty for colliding with Fernando Alonso which knocked him out of the points in Melbourne, and was so upset that he shed a few tears in his Ferrari.
20:28, 7 Apr 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Ted Kravitz voiced his sympathy for Carlos Sainz, who was emotional to the point of tears over the penalty he received at the Australian Grand Prix.

Kravitz, speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, said he understood why the Spaniard was so upset given Alonso had suffered no consequences and that the lap, technically, never took place. "Maybe Sainz's thoughts about this was that it never happened," he said.

‘Ted Kravitz explains Carlos Sainz's feelings’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/sainz-crying-australia-ferrari-kravitz-29658210


Ted Kravitz on why crying Carlos Sainz was so upset by Aus GP penalty
07 Apr 2023 6:30 PM
Thomas Maher

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz has opined on why Carlos Sainz was upset to the point of tears after being given a five-second time penalty late in the Australian Grand Prix. Appearing on the Sky Sports F1 podcast after the Australian Grand Prix, Ted Kravitz explained the thinking behind Sainz’s position and said it was perhaps understandable why the Ferrari driver was so upset.

“Maybe Sainz’s thoughts about this was that it never happened,” he said. “You’re putting the Astons back in, like what happened with Sainz never happened. Yet you’re penalising Sainz for the thing that happened, but didn’t happen, because the Astons are still there.”

“And there’s no foul. So, if there’s no harm, Sainz is thinking there’s no harm to Fernando, then there’s no foul on me. He was in tears. If you listen to the team radio at the end of the race, he was crying on the radio after the race.”

‘Why Carlos Sainz was upset to the point of tears’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ted-kravitz-why-crying-carlos-sainz-so-upset-by-time-penalty/

[Fortitude]

Alonso: Upcoming upgrades make for 'interesting' races ahead.
Fernando Alonso says that with upgrades set to kick in, teams are heading into an "interesting" period of the season during which the pecking order could change from race to race.
10/04/2023 at 14:37
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

"It seems that qualifying is quite important now, because race pace is very similar and I think now we enter into a part of the season that is going to be very interesting: which team is developing the car faster?" commented Alonso in Australia recently.

"I think the first three races being away from Europe, it’s difficult to bring upgrades and things like that. But from now on, maybe we see the level of the teams changing a little bit, race-by-race, depending on who brings an upgrade that is good enough."

"I don’t know, for us, it’s all happy days at the moment," he said. "We never expected to be on the podium, maybe even throughout the season and in three races we have three. So everything that comes now is a plus and as I said today, third and fourth is a lot of points so we take every opportunity."

‘EL upcoming upgrades PLAN’;

https://f1i.com/news/471324-alonso-upcoming-upgrades-make-for-interesting-races-ahead.html


Alonso urges Aston Martin humility in 'unexpected' podium streak
Saturday 8 April 2023 15:21
Sam Hall
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has impressed on Aston Martin the importance of remaining humble during an 'unexpected' podium streak. The Spaniard has finished third at each of the opening three grands prix of the season. "So we take this 2023 in a very humble manner and let’s see how it's going."

Across the opening rounds, jokes had been made that the podium had consisted solely of Red Bull drivers given the similarities between the two cars. But this changed in Australia, with Sergio Perez missing out on the top three places as Lewis Hamilton finished second. Referencing these jibes, Alonso said: "No more three Red Bulls on the podium, if Checo (Perez) was here!

‘EL humility PLAN’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105243/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-podium-humility/


Fernando Alonso amused by Mercedes pessimism over W14 car
10 April 2023

Inside Racing

Fernando Alonso has called out Mercedes over their pessimistic comments about the W14 car. “If you read their comments, it seems that they have a car that is not in Q3, but I don’t think that is that bad," he said.

“It’s not as good as Red Bull – no one has a car close to Red Bull – but they are getting better and they will be a contender for wins soon.”

“They did last year and they won a race after a very bad start, so I think this year they are also showing the potential they have.”

‘Called out Mercedes’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16670-fernando-alonso-amused-by-mercedes-pessimism-over-w14-car


Alonso reveals ambitious goals for resurgent Aston Martin
Monday 10 April 2023 11:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has reiterated that he believes he can win a third world title in F1, and that he believes he can do it with Aston Martin.
The veteran Spaniard raised some eyebrows when he announced his switch to Aston Martin in 2022, but the move has proved an inspired one with Alonso picking up three consecutive podiums to start the 2023 season.
"Well that's the aim for sure," Alonso said in an interview with sponsor Bang & Olufsen. "But I think at the moment we have to keep the feet on the ground.
"The aim for the team is just to have a good season. They were struggling a lot in 2022, so I think we have to - let's say walk before [we] run.
"Hopefully we have more podiums, hopefully we fight for race wins, but I think to fight for the championship, I think we need to, as I said, set the team a little bit before doing that."

‘EL ambitious goals PLAN’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105291/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-third-world-title/


Alonso ‘happy days’ but interesting F1 period now looms
Monday 10th April, 2023 - 1:08am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso has declared it to be “happy days” with Aston Martin at present but he is fully aware the F1 landscape could quickly change once racing resumes after the spring break. Alonso is wary of what the European portion of the season will bring that follows the current spring break and the double-header in Azerbajian and Miami at the end of April, start of May.

“It seems that qualifying is quite important now because race pace is very similar,” said Alonso, in comparing his AMR23 to the W14. Now we enter into a part of the season that is going to be very interesting – which team is developing the car faster?”

“With the first three races being away from Europe, it’s difficult to bring upgrades and things like that. But from now on, maybe we will see the level of the teams changing a little bit, race-by-race, depending on who brings an upgrade that is good enough.”

‘EL ‘happy days’ PLAN’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/10/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-interesting-f1-period/


Krack credits Aston Martin success to Vettel’s involvement
14:37 Sun, 09 Apr 2023.
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has credited Sebastian Vettel’s involvement with the team to their 2023 successes. “I think he has his merits in where the [AMR23] is today,” Krack told the media in Australia.

“We had many, many meetings last year where he gave us a hint: do this, or do that, or do not do this with the new car, so I think he has his merits in here. He brought a lot of energy, a lot of positiveness when he arrived,” Krack added.

“He [was] leading by example at all times. He’s there early, he’s working really hard and it is this leading by example that everybody just sees and grabs on and gives an extra level of motivation.”

‘Lot of energy’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/09/krack-credits-aston-martin-success-to-vettels-involvement/

[Fortitude]

Toto Wolff reveals strategy change after U-turn on Mercedes retirement.
“Yes, this is what I do and this is my company,” he affirmed. “The ‘problem’ is that I can’t leave.”
11 Apr 2023 6:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff previously could not have imagined himself as Mercedes principal at 50, but now cannot foresee himself selling up. “In 2020 there was a moment of reflection,” he told Motorsport.com. “My plan in a way was to finish at 49. The idea I had before was to do something else, I wouldn’t have imagined myself beyond 50 as team principal.”

“But something in me has changed, in the past each of my projects was based on a clear guideline: buy shares in a company, develop it, and then sell the shares, and that was the plan when my adventure in Formula 1 began. But in 2020 I came to the conclusion that for the first time in my life I wanted to stay where I was, and I changed the strategy.”

“I thought about other scenarios, even the possibility of moving to Thailand, changing my business, basically changing my life. But in the end, here I am, I’m in my company. I’m one of three shareholders and honestly I think I had a great opportunity to be where I am. It is important to remember that especially when there are ups and downs.”

‘Strategy change’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-strategy-change-mercedes-retirement/


Wolff reveals new mindset about own future in Formula 1
09:23 Sat, 08 Apr 2023.
By: Jonathan Noble
Co-author: Roberto Chinchero
Motorsport.com

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has revealed a totally different mindset about his own future in Formula 1, which means he will never turn his back on the Silver Arrows. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Wolff has said previous ideas of cashing out on his investment in F1 have been banished.

Wolff said the decision he took to wed himself to the Mercedes team, rather than treat it as a simple investment tool, means he has can now no longer turn his back on F1. Instead, he feels a great duty to lay foundations to ensure the F1 outfit has a secure future.

“It’s my company. It's my team,” he said. “The problem is I cannot even walk away. I can only bring up talent and change the scope of my activities to go in a way. It's not a project anymore. It's my company. I'm one of three shareholders and I need to pinch myself every day of this opportunity. It's important with all the up and downs.”

“It’s my company. It's my team”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-reveals-new-mindset-about-own-future-in-formula-1/10454312/


Wolff 'cannot walk away', more committed than ever to F1
09/04/2023 at 10:33
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that he did briefly consider walking away from the sport in 2020 when his previous contract expired. "When I really enjoyed it, I signed another three-year deal, and I really enjoyed it," he explained. "It was 2013/14/15, plus 2016/17/18, and then I signed another one - 2019/20/21.”

"And then came the crucial moment," he declared. "In 2020, I didn't know if I wanted to continue doing this or not. In 2020, I was thinking [about it],” he admitted. “My plan in a way was that when I'm 49, I'm going to stop doing this. Because as a 50-year-old, you're grown up, you're not being team manager anymore."

"I wanted to become a real entrepreneur and keep this forever," he said. “It took me one year to digest that - that I don't want to go back into the industry where I have been doing that for 25 years. That was the moment to keep on," he stated. "It was always previously linked to a contractual term, whereas now it's not anymore."

'Cannot walk away';

https://f1i.com/news/471259-wolff-cannot-walk-away-more-committed-than-ever-to-f1.html


Toto Wolff confirms ‘layout’ of Mercedes W14 ‘will change’ at Imola
09 Apr 2023 7:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff has elaborated a little further on what changes can be expected for the Mercedes car at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. It almost seems like Mercedes’ 2023 season is being split into two parts, pre-Imola and post-Imola as a significant upgrade package is being readied to be installed onto the W14.

“I don’t want to change the goals yet,” he told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. “I always want to think that we are here to fight for a world championship, even if it doesn’t seem realistic. We are only at the beginning, and I want to keep the team motivated to do the best possible job.”

“There are many innovations in the pipeline, the layout of the car will change at Imola and we will see what this step entails.” But even after just three races, winning the world championship already seems like a tough ask with Red Bull 58 points ahead of second place Aston Martin.

‘Layout of Mercedes W14 will change’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-imola-upgrades-mercedes-w14/


Toto Wolff goes viral after snooping on Red Bull car to try and fix Lewis Hamilton woes
Mercedes continue to struggle in 2023 as Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominate at the front of the field.
07:01, Sun, Apr 9, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Toto Wolff has gone viral on TikTok after a clip emerged of him spying on Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix. The Mercedes boss was spotted walking past Sergio Perez’s car during a red flag stoppage in Melbourne. Instead of walking back to the Silver Arrows garage, the Austrian decided to hang around a bit longer. The 51-year-old is then seen to pirouette after peering at the rear right tyre and comes in for a closer look.

To add to the bizarre video, the clip has been dubbed with the Pink Panther theme tune music. Over 214,000 people have liked the clip since last weekend with 13,000 sharing it. Wolff was also spotted talking to Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur during the stoppage. TikTok user @brunomiguelsaraiva said: “RBR living rent-free in Toto's head.”

@just_bant3er posted: “Red Bull did the same, there all at it. That Bull is a rocket ATM, not long before the FIA change the rules like they did to Mercedes.” @bethanysloane111added: “I like Toto and George but I’d rather they sent engineer over to know what they are looking at.”

“RBR living rent-free in Toto's head.”;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1756032/toto-wolff-red-bull-lewis-hamilton-australian-grand-prix


George Russell in scathing blast at Mercedes car as Toto Wolff backs Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes chief Wolff backed Hamilton over the seven-time world champion's criticism of his team's work on their W14 car, and now Russell has spoken his mind about it
17:49, 7 Apr 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

George Russell compared the Mercedes W14 to "a lame horse", following on from previous criticism of the car by his team-mate Lewis Hamilton. He said: "It is comparable to riding a horse. A Mercedes is a faster horse than a Williams. But it's not just about speed. Riding a horse from A to B and it doesn't zig is like sitting in a Formula 1 car that suits your driving style. One merges into another.”

"At the moment, however, we have a lame horse. We know that it has a lot of performance in it, but it is not happy that someone wants to ride it and the way of riding style does not suit him either. It still has its own head, which sometimes runs the risk of throwing you off. We still have to get used to each other and develop it so that it becomes fast and tame."

Last month, Hamilton called out his team in public, accusing them of not listening to his input on the design of the car. He later said he probably should have used different words, but is still "miserable" about working with a car with which he says he has no connection.

‘Still has its own head, which sometimes runs the risk of throwing you off’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/russell-mercedes-criticism-hamilton-wolff-29657294

[Fortitude]

Coulthard reveals MASTERFUL qualities that make Horner an ALL-TIME great F1 boss.
David Coulthard has opened up on what makes Christian Horner such a successful team principal, having worked with the Red Bull boss in his time racing for the team.
Tuesday 11 April 2023 07:00
Chris Deeley
GPFans

"The reality is Christian's a racer," Coulthard told the Inside Line podcast. "We came up through the British karting system, so I was aware of him, I knew of him, I'd watched him progress into cars behind my journey, and I knew of his Arden Formula 3000 team which was winning championships.

"To then see that Christian parachuted in as the new team principal was not at all concerning, because you need someone who understands the dynamic of racing...I had no doubt that Christian had the managerial skills to operate the team. But that's just part of the story. What was lacking at that time was the technical skills to develop and build a really strong car."

"His human skills," he said. "Christian is a nice man, you know exactly where you stand with him. You know what he expects, and you know when he expects it. He's also got a sense of humour and compassion that means when we're not working all the time, there is a time to relax, reflect, and celebrate. Some people are just on all the time. But it's [that, which] a lot of the time you don't see, that are some of the strongest human skills that people like Christian have."

‘MASTERFUL qualities’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105352/david-coulthard-christian-horner-skill-great-podcast/


Christian Horner on pit fence celebration ban: ‘We’ve done it 94 times without injury’
09 Apr 2023 6:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull’s Christian Horner was surprised to see the FIA putting a stop to teams celebrating the success of their drivers on the pit fence. “I was surprised it was an issue, to be honest with you,” Horner told reporters. “But I think anything that relates to safety, obviously, one has to take very seriously.

“But it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a Grand Prix car finishing a Grand Prix and its team celebrating on a fence, and so long as it’s done in a manner that is safe… I personally have never seen an issue with it.”

“I’ve thought it’s been a part of Grand Prix racing and we’ve achieved that 94 times as Red Bull Racing, and not once have we ever had an injury or looked like there being an issue, but you know, if they’re the rules they’re the rules.”

‘94 times without injury’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-pit-fence-celebration-ban/


Horner slates 'LUDICROUS' sprint race decision
Monday 10 April 2023 08:00
Harry Smith
GPFans

F1 will trial an exciting new sprint race format at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix but not everyone is pleased with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner labelling the decision 'ludicrous'. "The reality is it’s absolutely ludicrous to be doing the first sprint race of the year in a street race like Azerbaijan," Horner said.

"But I think from a spectacle point of view, from a fan point of view, is probably going to be one of the most exciting sprint races of the year." Horner was apprehensive about the prospect of incidents at the upcoming races in Baku.

"From a cost gap perspective, all you can do is trash your car and it costs a lot of money around there. So one race is enough in Baku. The fact that we’ve got two... yeah, there could well be some action there. But that's part of the challenge and it's part of the task that we've got."

'LUDICROUS';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105253/christian-horner-ludicrous-sprint-race-azerbaijan-grand-prix/


Horner explains impact of Ricciardo's return on Red Bull
08 April 5:00PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Christian Horner feels that having Daniel Ricciardo back in the Red Bull garage at the Australian Grand Prix had a positive impact on the team.

The 33-year-old made his first race weekend appearance in 2023 in his new role as a reserve driver for the squad and – while he didn't get behind the wheel – was a visible presence throughout the event.

Horner believes that Ricciardo's presence has been positive for Red Bull, and hopes that the experience will continue to help the Australian to find his love for the sport again. "For us, it’s just positive to have him in the team, contributing to the team, to the drivers, to the engineering team," Horner said.

‘Ricciardo's return’;

https://racingnews365.com/horner-explains-impact-of-ricciardos-return-on-red-bull


Horner hails KEY Ricciardo trait after F1 paddock return
Monday 10 April 2023 10:59
Harry Smith
GPFans

Christian Horner has praised the positive impact that Daniel Ricciardo's return to the Red Bull garage had on the team at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix. Speaking to the media after the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Horner said: "It's great to have him back in blue and be back in the team. This is the first Grand Prix he’s attending this year, and he's really throwing himself into it.

"Sitting in all the briefings, he's been working hard on the simulator as well in the UK doing some race support and some development work on that." Horner was also keen to highlight the improvements Ricciardo has made to the atmosphere since returning to Red Bull.

"Daniel's just a positive energy to have around and it's great to see him getting his mojo back, to see that big smile on his face, and he lights up a room when he walks in."

‘Mojo back’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105284/christian-horner-daniel-ricciardo-australian-grand-prix/


Verstappen patience lauded after Hamilton ‘missile’
Thursday 6th April, 2023 - 2:00am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has praised Max Verstappen for the patience he displayed during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix after being forced to avoid Lewis Hamilton’s “missile” on the opening lap.

Hamilton and Verstappen have offered differing views on the manoeuvre that culminated in the RB19 being forced wide off track in order to avoid a collision with his long-time nemesis. In the past, Verstappen may well have held his line, but on this occasion, Horner felt he showed restraint, knowing that despite Hamilton taking second place, he had the pace in his car to reclaim the lead.

“The two Mercedes were fast starting,” said Horner. “They were both very aggressive on the first lap, (with) Max showing great patience not to get embroiled. George got a blinder, and he just sent it down into the first corner so Max got out of that, and by getting out of it to allow him through, that then compromised him through T2.”

‘Verstappen patience’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/06/max-verstappen-patience-lewis-hamilton-australian-gp/

[Fortitude]

Hill: Hamilton 'instinctive' speed may have started to leave him.
Damon Hill questions whether Lewis Hamilton's "instinctive, unconscious speed" has started to wane, leaving the seven-time world champion exposed to the rise to prominence of his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
12/04/2023 at 12:51
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

"You have to be aware of rising forces or empires," Hill explained on the latest F1 Nation podcast. "George has to work very hard to make himself a valued asset of the team, which he’s doing. He has to do the hard work. Lewis doesn’t have to.”

"They know what they’ve got with Lewis – they know, given half a chance, he’ll be back on top form and can deliver extraordinary races. They know George can do that too, but he’s yet to prove it. Lewis is very good at sussing this out – he’ll be thinking: ‘I’ll let you do the hard work, George, because it’s exhausting’.”

"As president of the GPDA he’s got a big workload, George. Lewis’ strategy is to remove distractions and leave time for downtime. Even with Valtteri Bottas, Lewis took a relaxed approach to the start of seasons. He lets things unfold and, eventually when he sees an opportunity, he steps on the gas and disappears into the distance."

'Instinctive speed’;

https://f1i.com/news/471401-hill-hamilton-instinctive-speed-may-have-started-to-leave-him.html


George Russell 'doing what Lewis Hamilton doesn't' as Mercedes driver looks to prove point
Mercedes stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have struggled to match Red Bull so far this season.
13:04, Tue, Apr 11, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

George Russell is doing the opposite of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes as the 25-year-old aims to secure his future at the Silver Arrows. Damon Hill has stressed Russell has to do “all the hard work” as a junior with Hamilton no longer needing to.

Because of this, the Mercedes duo have different roles within the team despite Russell’s success. Hill made the remarks after analyst Tom Clarkson noticed Russell was almost acting like the “spokesperson” for the team at press conferences as Hamilton “sat back”.

‘Opposites’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1756999/george-russell-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-f1-news


Lewis Hamilton’s “instinctive, unconscious speed has possibly left him” says Damon Hill
11 Apr 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Damon Hill has described the process an older driver like Lewis Hamilton must go through when battling a fast, talented teammate.

Hamilton was out-performed by George Russell last season, and didn’t win a single race in 2022 for the first time in his F1 career.

Now 38, he has been out-qualified at the first three grands prix of 2023 by the ambitious Russell.

‘Unconscious speed’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1023964/1/hamilton-s-instinctive-unconscious-speed-has-possibly-left-him


Suspicions raised over Lewis Hamilton ‘mind games’ against George Russell
11 Apr 2023 11:30 AM
Mark Scott
PlanetF1.com

FIA press conference host Tom Clarkson has suspicions that Lewis Hamilton is playing “mind games” with George Russell at Mercedes. Clarkson, like many others, is fascinated by the Hamilton-Russell dynamic at Mercedes and there is a bubbling desire to see the partnership descend into similar scenes of chaos last seen when Nico Rosberg was in the opposite side of the garage.

And Clarkson wonders if Hamilton is already planting the seeds by lulling his team-mate into a false sense of security. “In the press conference [in Australia], after qualifying, they’d qualified second and third in Melbourne. Max, of course on pole,” Clarkson said on the F1 Nation podcast. “And every time a question was posed to both of the Mercedes drivers, Lewis was quite happy for George to answer the question.”

“Is he trying to sort of give him a sort of false hope of being the dominant person, and then he’s going to really hit him hard where it matters most on the stopwatch later on? I don’t know what his thought process was. But it was interesting anyway, to observe that he very much let George be the man.”

‘False hope’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-george-russell-mercedes-mind/


George Russell complains about Lewis Hamilton’s behaviour
Mercedes returned to the podium in Australia for the first time since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
8 April 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Mercedes had a better than expected start to the Australian Grand Prix, as both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton raced past Max Verstappen to seize P1 and P2.

While it might be thought the start would spark joy in the Mercedes garage, it actually left Russell frustrated with the team, as he demanded over the radio to know why he was being attacked by his teammate.

Despite the row between the drivers, Mercedes managed to hold off the charging Dutchman, holding onto the lead in the opening stage of the race. With a poorly timed pitstop pushing Russell back to seventh, the race would get worse for the Brit when his car caught fire, forcing him to retire.

‘Complaints’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/george-russell-complains-about-lewis-hamiltons-behaviour/


Mercedes will 'never' let Hamilton/Russell partnership 'degenerate into a conflict'
07 April 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will "never" let the Lewis Hamilton and George Russell partnership "degenerate into a conflict".

“A good dynamic between the drivers also depends on what the management sets them,” he said via Auto Motor und Sport. “I think we are in a good starting position because both drivers respect each other. Respect each other humanly.”

“We accept that there can be a rivalry between our drivers. But this rivalry must never degenerate into a conflict that could damage the team. I would never allow that. I have never allowed that either.”

"Never";

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16663-mercedes-will-never-let-hamilton-russell-partnership-degenerate-into-a-conflict


F1: George Russell's performances will ‘make life difficult for Lewis Hamilton’
12th April 2023, 12:10
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert believes George Russell will only continue to make life difficult for Lewis Hamilton with his performances at Mercedes.

"George is going to be getting stronger and stronger and it's going to make Lewis’ life more difficult," he said to GIVEMESPORT," just because George is like Max [Verstappen,] like Lando [Norris,] like Charles [Leclerc,] where they're all that next generation coming along. It still shocks me and surprises me - they always seem to get better, always by a little bit.

"Looking back to Ayrton [Senna] or Alain [Prost] people were like ‘wow,’ but there was always something better. Michael [Schumacher] came in and Mika [Hakkinen] came in. Then Lewis and Seb [Vettel] came along, and now we've got Max. So this new generation is going to be stronger than what it was with Lewis. And so he's got to think does he want to end the latter part of his career potentially being beaten by his team-mate?”

‘Getting stronger and stronger’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-george-russells-performances-are-making-life-difficult-for-lewis-hamilton/

[Fortitude]

KRACK: LAWRENCE STROLL IS DEMANDING MORE FROM ASTON MARTIN.
While Aston Martin is having an incredible start to their 2023 season, Lawrence Stroll has his sights set on Aston Martin’s first win says Mike Krack.
April 7, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

Aston Martin finished the 2022 season seventh in the constructors' championship having scored 55 points. Only three races into the 2023 season, the Silverstone-based team has already scored 65 points and three podiums

Although Aston Martin saw both of their drivers finish in the top five in Australia, the Silverstone-based team is hunting for their first victory. While speaking to Formula One, Aston Martin Team Principal Krack outlined Stroll Sr’s expectations for his team. He revealed:

“The [team’s] mission is very clear. [Stroll] has not been having any delay in telling us ‘When are we going to win the next one?’ Obviously, he is happy we have made a step, but this is not enough for his ambitions.”

‘MORE FROM ASTON MARTIN’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/krack-lawrence-stroll-is-demanding-more-from-aston-martin/?nowprocket=1


IMPATIENT Stroll makes Aston Martin demands, asks just one question
Wednesday 12 April 2023 16:10
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Lawrence Stroll has already begun to question when Aston Martin are going to win races in Formula 1, team principal Mike Krack has revealed.

The billionaire owner of the company, and ergo race team, has high expectations and ambitions and is not going to settle for second despite his team's impressive start to 2023. "He has not been having any delay in telling us ‘when are we going to win the next one!’

"Obviously he is happy we made the step but this is not enough for his ambitions. The good thing with Lawrence is you know where you’re standing. He wants more and we will have to deliver more."

‘One question’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105457/lawrence-stroll-aston-martin-mike-krack-f1/


F1 NATION: Damon Hill answers your questions on Max Verstappen, Lance Stroll, Mercedes and more...
11 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

As the Formula 1 paddock pauses for a breather after a thrilling start to the 2023 season, it seemed an appropriate time to roll out a special episode of the F1 Nation podcast – with Damon Hill and Tom Clarkson on hand to answer your questions…

Why is Max Verstappen so at one with his Red Bull? What can Lance Stroll achieve alongside Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin? How long will it take Mercedes to work through their current issues? And what’s the best venue to visit on the F1 calendar?

‘Can Lance Stroll achieve’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-nation-damon-hill-answers-your-questions-on-max-verstappen-lance-stroll.wCOhVAODsawEpauQUv0KW.html


Hill highlights BRUTAL thing Stroll must do to become world champion
Tuesday 11 April 2023 17:40
Harry Smith
GPFans

Damon Hill has outlined the brutal thing that Lance Stroll must do if he wants to achieve his dream of becoming a Formula 1 world champion. The Canadian driver had shown glimpses of his abundant talent during his six seasons in F1 to date but has really impressed with his performances in 2023.

“He’d have to set his goal as ending Fernando Alonso’s career," Hill said when asked by host Tom Clarkson. “Now that sounds brutal, but that’s what George Russell is trying to do, that’s what Nico Hulkenberg is trying to do with Magnussen.”

“You have to establish yourself as the undisputed king, [the] number one in that team. Hill also suggested that Stroll's commitment to the sport could no longer be questioned. This has to be it, to the exclusion of everything else - Formula 1.”

‘Sounds brutal’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105390/damon-hill-lance-stroll-f1-world-champion/


Hill questioned Stroll's commitment to F1 prior to accident
13 April 9:50AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Hill believes that Stroll – whose father, Lawrence Stroll, owns the Aston Martin team – has discovered an increased enthusiasm for being in Formula 1. "It's the ups and downs that are difficult, isn't it?" the former F1 driver said.

"It's the down bits where you're kind of going, 'Oh, God, maybe I don't have to be doing this'. It's no secret that Lance's family is very well off, and maybe he doesn't have to [be in F1]. He could get a job in the business maybe.”

"But he likes his outdoor sports. He's an outdoor active type, and I think he's a very good skier as well and talented, but this has to be it, to the exclusion of everything else, Formula 1.”

‘Stroll's commitment’;

https://racingnews365.com/hill-questioned-strolls-commitment-to-f1-prior-to-accident

[Fortitude]

Gasly reflects on Alpine's 2023 start: We're in no man's land.
Pierre Gasly has a pair of ninth place finishes to his name in 2023 as Alpine have made a slow start to the new season.
13 April 4:15PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

"I wouldn't say that I'm pleased [with where we are] because we obviously want to fight higher up the grid and it feels like we’re a bit in no man's land behind the top four teams," Gasly explained to media, including RacingNews365.com, in Melbourne.

"Even though it's really close, we are still chasing and trying to get closer to those front runners. Generally, I think it's been an OK start, a decent start, but as a team we want to be fighting for bigger points."

After years of not being able to develop their car through a season, Alpine made a breakthrough in 2022, with most of the updates brought to the A522 working as the team intended, with Gasly banking on this track record to help propel the team closer to the big four and away from the midfield.

‘Slow start’;

https://racingnews365.com/gasly-reflects-on-alpines-2023-start-were-in-no-mans-land


Alpine hopes two-part upgrade can match 'huge leap' by Aston Martin
13 April 2023
Inside Racing

“Obviously, Aston has made a huge leap, and we’re the fifth-quickest team, which is not where we want to be,” team boss Otmar Szafnauer said.

“Our target was to be closer to third place but that isn’t the case at the moment. Actually, it may be, because if you say Mercedes is the third-quickest team, maybe we’re closer to them than we were last year.

“But it’s not good enough. It’s not where we want to be, and I think Aston has caught everyone by surprise by the jump they’ve made.”

‘Alpine hopes’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16684-alpine-hopes-two-part-upgrade-can-match-huge-leap-by-aston-martin


Szafnauer makes BOLD Azerbaijan GP prediction with Alpine upgrades on the way
Wednesday 12 April 2023 21:40
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Alpine is confident it can challenge Mercedes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix thanks to some incoming updates. Team principal Otmar Szafnauer has hinted that the new upgrades set to go on the car on the streets of Baku could be worth three-tenths of a second per lap.

“We have put together a great package of updates for the race in Azerbaijan," said Szafnauer. "If our progress is as great as we think, we can compete with Mercedes in Baku, for example.

“We take a lot of updates, but of course, we don't know what Mercedes and others will do. What I do know: our further development is more intensive than last year, and that should pay off on the track.”

‘BOLD Azerbaijan GP prediction’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105469/otmar-szafnauer-alpine-mercedes-azerbaijan-grand-prix-f1/


Gasly confident over Alpine F1 gains with upgrades
15:25 Wed, 12 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Pierre Gasly has expressed confidence that Alpine will make substantial gains throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season with the upgrades it has planned.

That strategy enabled it to beat McLaren to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, with Gasly believing that approach stands Alpine in good stead for 2023. “Yeah, I’m confident,” he said of Alpine’s development plan for the remainder of the campaign.

“I think the team definitely showed last year they were probably the best team in terms of development through the year, so there’s a good understanding and correlation between the upgrades they’re bringing on the racetrack.”

‘Gains with upgrades’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/12/gasly-confident-over-alpine-f1-gains-with-upgrades/


Watch out for Alpine? Six-tenths gain expected from new F1 upgrades
12 Apr 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Alpine could bridge the gap to Aston Martin, Mercedes and Ferrari if their upgrades improve their 2023 F1 challenger as they expect. According to a report in German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Alpine have an “aggressive” development programme in place to improve their fortunes in F1 2023.

Alpine saw both of their cars crash out of the Australian Grand Prix following the final standing start of the race. Szafnauer conceded that spare parts, rather than upgrades, might have to be the immediate focus now.

“It’s not yet a problem for the cost cap, even though the accident cost us dearly,” he added. “But the accident has shifted the priorities. For now, we need spare parts for Baku. You don’t just rebuild things like a front wing in a fortnight. We still have to check whether that has an influence on whether we can bring our development package to its full extent.”

‘Six-tenths gain’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1024000/1/watch-out-alpine-sixtenths-gain-expected-new-f1-upgrades

[Fortitude]

Eddie Jordan: ‘I bet McLaren wish they had Ron Dennis back’.
Eddie Jordan believes the current McLaren outfit wishes their long-time former owner Ron Dennis was still working at the team.
14 Apr 2023 6:45 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Jordan, a team owner himself in the 1990s and early 2000s also praised Dennis and described him as the “unsung hero” to staff members and commented that McLaren would love to have him back nowadays.

“Ron was a perfectionist wasn’t he? He just had everything planned. He wanted the [Ayrton] Sennas, he wanted the [Alain] Prosts. To be fair, we all laughed and joked, we took the mickey out of Ron a little bit because of how clinical he is, both in cleanliness and the way he prepares the car and the people, but I bet they wish they had him back.”

“Because McLaren now are nowhere near where they were. You can say what you like, Ron Dennis was just fantastically dedicated and committed to his team and [he was] the unsung hero to the staff members and people [who worked there.]”

“Ron was a perfectionist”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/eddie-jordan-mclaren-ron-dennis/


Jordan: McLaren F1 must wish it had Ron Dennis back
14 April 2023, 11:15
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Ex-Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan believes McLaren wishes it had former boss Ron Dennis back running the team. Dennis worked at McLaren for several decades and oversaw several championship-winning years during his reign.

Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, ex-F1 driver David Coulthard, who has vast experience working under Dennis, claims that the 75-year-old was misunderstood during his time in the sport. “Ron Dennis was, I think, misunderstood to the outside world,” Coulthard said.

“He took care of them quietly, but in a great way because he understood the importance of the team.” Jordan, who owned an F1 team that bore his name for almost 15 years, says that McLaren probably wishes that he was back running the team.

‘Misunderstood’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/14/jordan-mclaren-f1-must-wish-it-had-ron-dennis-back/


Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan says McLaren "nowhere near where they were" and must 'wish they had Ron Dennis back'
14 Apr 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has suggested McLaren would be better off if Ron Dennis was still in charge. Dennis transformed McLaren into an F1 powerhouse of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, leading the Woking-based outfit to win seven constructors’ championships and 10 drivers’ titles.

He also famously handed Lewis Hamilton his F1 debut in 2007. Hamilton won his first world title with McLaren in his second season in 2008 and remains the team’s most recent world champion.

"Nowhere near where they were"

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1024066/1/jordan-mclaren-must-wish-they-had-ron-dennis-back


Coulthard recounts Dennis 'FAVOURITISM' in McLaren heyday
Friday 14 April 2023 11:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

David Coulthard has claimed that he did not get full support from Ron Dennis for years for much of his time at McLaren. The 13-time Formula 1 race winner was team-mates with Finnish star Mika Hakkinen, and he has admitted that he felt Dennis favoured the more senior driver.

“Do I think I got a fair crack of the whip at McLaren?” asked Coulthard. “From the team, 100%, in terms of machinery, 100%. Emotionally from Ron? It took quite a long time, maybe three, four years of my relationship there, and I was there for nine seasons.”

"Ron would walk in the office, and this happened in the beginning, and I’d instinctively get up – he’s the boss – to shake his hand, and he wouldn’t look, he would walk round and he would sit up next to Mika and his engineers and go: ‘What are we doing?’ And then I’d watch them talk about what they were doing and then he’d say, ‘What are they doing?’. I was they."

'FAVOURITISM';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105553/david-coulthard-mclaren-ron-dennis-mika-hakkinen/


How far away are McLaren's facility updates?
14 April 11:55AM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

McLaren CEO Zak Brown says several of the team's major Formula 1 infrastructure upgrades are about to be delivered. "Our wind tunnel is just about ready to come online. The belt's rolling, the air is going, so it's been calibrated," Brown told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"Our new manufacturing unit, with all-new state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, you can walk in and you can see the buildings and a lot of other infrastructure that we were quite far behind on that we invested in.

‘Brown hints at more to come – "We're just getting started"!’

https://racingnews365.com/how-far-away-are-mclarens-facility-updates


Brown explains McLaren technical restructure
Thursday 13th April, 2023 - 8:06am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has explained why he asked team principal Andrea Stella to look at a restructure the squad’s technical department. Stella’s model sees the technical department effectively divided in three, with Peter Prodromou heading up the aerodynamics team.

David Sanchez, who will join from Ferrari at the start of next year, will oversee the car concept and performance, with Neil Hudley promoted to look after engineering and design. “At the time, which is when I joined McLaren in 2015, there were three technical directors,” Stella explained of his new model.

“I think the separation of competence was very confusing. Even for internal people, it was quite difficult to understand, like, who was doing what. “We want, in the structure that we have deployed, to have clear leadership in relation to the three fundamental areas to make quick cars in the modern Formula 1, which is aerodynamics, car concept, and engineering.”

‘Technical restructure’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/13/brown-explains-mclaren-technical-restructure/

[Fortitude]

Gunther Steiner: Haas plan to copy Red Bull to improve 2023 F1 car.
The Haas team principal made no secret of the team's intentions to copy Red Bull in some departments.
April 14, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Gunther Steiner has revealed that Haas are hoping to copy Red Bull in an attempt to close the gap to the Formula 1 championship leaders. Haas have bought parts direct from Ferrari since they joined F1 in 2016 but Steiner admitted that they would be trying to copy Red Bull’s designs moving forward.

“I would say they (the rules) work,” Steiner told Motorsport.com. “Obviously, at the moment Red Bull has an advantage, but I wouldn’t say they’ll keep that advantage now for the next 20 races. I’m not so sure about that because everybody will catch up, and hopefully we find out how Red Bull came to this advantage and we can copy it, or do something similar.”

‘Haas plan to copy Red Bull’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/gunther-steiner-haas-plan-to-copy-red-bull-to-improve-2023-f1-car/


Steiner wants Haas to COPY 'fantastic' Red Bull 2023 car
Wednesday 12 April 2023 11:50
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Guenther Steiner wants his Haas team to copy the 2023 Red Bull car in an attempt to climb the leaderboard over the course of the season. The RB19 has proven to be a dominant car so far this season having claimed all three grand prix victories so far in the hands of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

“Obviously at the moment Red Bull has an advantage, but I wouldn't say they’ll keep that advantage now for the next 20 races.”

“Everybody will be working hard and then you never have to forget Red Bull has got the penalty they got last year, they can do less development in the wind tunnel this year so they cannot move a lot ahead anymore in theory.”

‘COPY 'fantastic' Red Bull’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105451/guenther-steiner-red-bull-haas-copy-f1/


HULKENBURG: ‘GOOD THINGS HAPPENING’ AT HAAS F1 TEAM AFTER FIRST F1 POINTS FINISH SINCE COMEBACK
The German driver scored his first points since his Formula 1 return for Haas at the chaotic Australian Grand Prix
April 11, 2023
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

Nico Hulkenburg believes there are “good things happening” at his Haas Formula 1 team after a decent start to his 2023 comeback campaign. Hulkenburg returned to Formula 1 full-time after spending three years out on the sidelines. The German joined Haas, replacing fellow German Mick Schumacher to partner Kevin Magnussen for the 2023 season.

The Haas driver has now had three races on his comeback season. He has managed to outqualify teammate Kevin Magnussen significantly, managing to make Q3 twice this season. The German also managed to achieve his first points finish for Haas during his third race with the team.

A strong drive at the Australian Grand Prix earned the 35-year-old a seventh place finish, However, the team protested the results, believing Hulkenburg should have been on the podium. Despite the team’s attempts, their protest was unsuccessful.

‘GOOD THINGS HAPPENING’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hulkenburg-good-things-happening-at-haas-f1-team-after-first-f1-points-finish-since-comeback/?nowprocket=1


Off to a good start as Nico Hulkenberg's reunion with F1 proves a shrewd move from Haas
14th April 2023.09:58
TEAMtalk media
Wheels24

Hulkenburg returned to F1 this season after three years away after Haas signed him to replace Mick Schumacher as Kevin Magnussen's partner.

The decision shocked many around the Formula 1 grid, given the testy past relationship between Hulkenburg and Magnussen, but that appears to be water under the bridge.

Hulkenberg, who has outqualified his teammate in every race so far, has proven to be a shrewd signing for Haas. It's a long way from where they were last season, with Schumacher struggling to get around the track in one piece.

‘Good start’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/off-to-a-good-start-as-nico-hulkenbergs-reunion-with-f1-proves-a-shrewd-move-from-haas-20230414


How Hulkenberg is already repaying Haas F1’s faith
12:56 Thu, 13 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

When it was announced that Nico Hulkenberg would be taking a spot on the 2023 Formula 1 grid at Haas it raised many an eyebrow and brought detractors in their droves – but the German’s storming drive to a brilliant seventh-place finish in the Australian Grand Prix has gone a long way to silencing any remaining critics that he had.

Having out-qualified his respected new team-mate Kevin Magnussen at all three rounds in 2023 and simultaneously maintained a flawless streak of starting inside the top 10 places – something Magnussen has failed to do once – Hulkenberg has demonstrated that he has required very little time to dust off the cobwebs and get up to speed.

However, after an opening two rounds where poor luck and an indifferent race package cost him the chance to convert solid starting spots into a haul of points, everything finally came together for Haas and Hulkenberg at the third time of asking in Melbourne.

‘Repaying Haas F1’s faith’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/13/how-hulkenberg-is-already-repaying-haas-f1s-faith/

[Fortitude]

Hill compares Vowles to Brawn: It's what Williams have been crying out for.
Damon Hill believes that James Vowles will "sort out" Williams, with the new team boss being compared to former F1 stalwart Ross Brawn.
09 April 12:50PM
Author Anna Francis
F1i.com

Positive noises have come out of Williams since the start of the 2023 F1 season, and Damon Hill believes that new team boss James Vowles is exactly what the squad needs.

"They've got James Vowles, who's got such a lot of knowledge from Mercedes, the dominant Mercedes team," Hill told the F1 Nation podcast. "He will be putting ducks in a row." Hill feels that Vowles bears similarities to Brawn, who the former worked with during the Mercedes team's championship-winning Brawn GP period.

"I listen to him and I think he sounds very like Ross Brawn," Hill added. "[He has a] measured way of talking. He never sounds flustered at all, and he's clear in his own mind as to what he's doing. I think he will sort out [the team]. I think it's what Williams have been crying out for for years."

‘Positive noises’;

https://racingnews365.com/hill-compares-vowles-to-brawn-its-what-williams-have-been-crying-out-for


“HE SOUNDS VERY LIKE ROSS BRAWN,” DAMON HILL ON WILLIAMS PRINCIPAL JAMES VOWLES
April 9, 2023
Sam Jones
FormulaNerds

1996 Formula One World Champions Damon Hill has spoken highly of new Williams team principal James Vowles, claiming the former Mercedes man “sounds very like Ross Brawn.”

Vowles joined Williams ahead of the 2022 season, having previously worked as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes, being with the Silver Arrows for 21 years, including the time when the team went under the mantle of British American Racing, Honda, and Brawn GP.

The team are currently sat in last in the constructors championship, however, driver Alex Albon spoke highly of the work at the team and where they are now compared to last year.

‘LIKE ROSS BRAWN’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/he-sounds-very-like-ross-brawn-damon-hill-on-williams-principal-james-vowles/?nowprocket=1


Hill believes Vowles is right man to revive Williams
09/04/2023 at 16:54
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Former f1 champion Damon Hill has backed new Williams team principal James Vowles as the right man for the job, who will succeed in restoring the team to the top of the pile.

Vowles himself recently spoke of a positive vibe at the Williams base at Grove. "The best word that I could use is ‘spark’. There’s a spark and it’s fascinating to see; there are shoulders lifted, and there are heads held high now.

"There is direction, they can see where we’re going and how we’re moving forward," he said last month. It’s a team that clearly have had a difficult winter and a difficult few years prior to that, but they can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and the direction we’re going in."

‘Spark’;

https://f1i.com/news/471287-hill-believes-vowles-is-right-man-to-revive-williams.html


Vowles reveals biggest 'rude awakening' since joining Williams
13 April 8:00AM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

After joining Williams as their new Team Principal ahead of the 2023 F1 season, James Vowles admits that there was an aspect of the team that both surprised and impressed him. "It's a mixture of rude awakening and how impressed I am," Vowles told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"There were some very much what I would consider basics that are in place in other teams and have been since almost 15 years – especially for example around certain software systems, software systems that allow you to properly understand where all your parts are – [that] simply doesn't exist [at Williams]."

"As a result of that, what impresses me is that, before I joined, they built the car you see in front of you," Vowles explained. "15,000 pieces coming together, fitting, working and seemingly going down the track fairly quickly. That's an incredible accomplishment, but clearly not how we can move forward. So we need systems in place and structures in place, and that was probably the one [aspect] that took me aback the most."

"15,000 pieces coming together’;

https://racingnews365.com/vowles-reveals-biggest-rude-awakening-since-joining-williams


The sacrifice Williams will make for its long-term F1 goals
Apr 14 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Williams won’t hesitate to “sacrifice” some of the development of its 2023 Formula 1 car to ensure it achieves its goals of becoming a “step more competitive” in 2024 and 2025. Every F1 team factors in the development of the following year’s car when allocating its budget for the year and since the introduction of the cost cap it’s become an ever more important balance for every team to strike.

“We’re three races in and what’s clear is that of the first three races, we have been in a position to fight for points at all of them,” Williams team boss James Vowles reflected. Vowles has his long-term ambitions for the team at the forefront of his planning for a Williams revival, so he’s not afraid to make short-term sacrifices for the sake of that goal.

“We’re doing our utmost to develop [our 2023 car] but by also keeping an eye on the future,” Vowles continued. “We cannot lose the target that we want to be a step more competitive next year and the year after. The only way you can accomplish that is to sacrifice [some of] what you have this year in the cost cap.”

“Sacrifice”;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-sacrifice-williams-will-make-for-its-long-term-f1-goals/


Williams’ Formula One rise is another sign the ‘backmarker’ era is ending
Apr 14, 2023
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

Alex Albon’s Q3 appearance in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix arguably wouldn’t have happened several years ago. Still, fans may have done a double take when watching qualifying as his blue FW45 stayed in the top 10, edging past Alpine’s Esteban Ocon by a skinny 0.007 seconds. Meanwhile, his teammate Logan Sargeant qualified for P18 but was just 0.086 seconds off of making it to the second round of qualifying.

As Albon put it in Melbourne that Saturday, “We’re in the fight.” The surprise is not a knock on the driver’s talent. Albon competed for Toro Rosso before his promotion to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate until 2021. He rejoined the grid last year with Williams and is part of their push to climb from F1’s basement. Albon can drive an F1 car and drive it well.

The surprise is that he did it in a Williams car. As team principal James Vowles said recently, Williams has “been in the position to fight for points” during the first three races. After all, the Williams’ FW45 recorded several purple sectors during qualifying, which are the driver’s best out of the rest of the grid, and showed flashes of competitiveness.

‘Backmarker era is ending’;

https://theathletic.com/4409799/2023/04/14/williams-f1-standings-midfield-backmarker/


Williams’ Dave Robson: “We leave Melbourne frustrated.”
April 13, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Williams’ Racing Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson felt the team missed an opportunity to score good FIA Formula 1 World championship points in Melbourne after chaos throughout the Australian Grand Prix.

Alex Albon qualified excellently on Saturday, but ultimately failed to convert it into any points in the race. The Thai driver was running as high as sixth on lap seven, when he lost the car and crashed into the wall at turn seven ending his race.

Logan Sargeant had an equally frustrating race as his teammate and was forced to retire after an incident on the red flag restart with Nyck de Vries. The American driver also struggled with strategy throughout the race and was caught out by a red flag, which saw his early pit stop lose him a big chunk of time.

“We leave Melbourne frustrated”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/williams-dave-robson-we-leave-melbourne-frustrated/

[Fortitude]

AlphaTauri planning 'probably five or six' floor upgrades.
AlphaTauri technical director Jody Egginton has revealed the team's thinking behind a multi-stage programme of upgrades to the AT04 for 2023, with improvements to the car's floor a central focus.
15/04/2023 at 13:09
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

"The updates we're bringing now, amongst some other things they're intended to improve low-speed entry stability," he said. "If we've improved the rear load on the entry phase, if you've got more rear load, you've got more stability. Obviously low speed aero performance is a target in every team," he said. "And that's one of the targets we didn't quite nail pre-season.”

"We're looking to make the car more stable on low-speed entry into corners so then the drivers can push harder at late entry, and there's performance to come from that. The changes we've made with floor fence camber - trying to control the strength and position of the floor vorticities and diffuser expansion and reducing tyre wake loss - it's all part of that.”

"At the end of the day, put in very simple terms, we're looking to carry more load into the corner, so the driver can push harder. It gives us a balance advantage as well, if we can carry a bit more aero balance into the corner, at high stability," he commented.

‘Five or six' floor upgrades’;

https://f1i.com/news/471548-alphatauri-planning-probably-five-or-six-floor-upgrades.html


Jody Egginton downplays Franz Tost’s ‘I don’t trust’ AlphaTauri engineers comment
15 Apr 2023 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

AlphaTauri technical director Jody Egginton insists the Faenza-based team remains “united” even after team boss Franz Tost’s scathing criticism of his technical department. Egginton has downplayed his boss’s harsh criticism. “Franz has known the engineering team for a long time,” he said as per motorsport-total.com.

“It’s the same team whose cars made it onto the podium in 2019, 2020 and 2021. “Franz issued a statement that was probably taken a bit out of context and doesn’t show the exact picture. We work as a team, sit down with Franz, discuss things and just keep going. It is what it is,” he added.

“Franz gave a few interviews and said a few things, but we’re going to keep going. That doesn’t change anything, everyone is still united in what we have to do. Ultimately Franz’s disappointment as team principal is that the car isn’t well established enough in midfield to be where we want to be. And he’s expressed that in a way.”

‘Faenza-based team remains “united”’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jody-egginton-downplays-franz-tost-comment/


De Vries: No AlphaTauri atmosphere change after Tost’s ‘no trust’ comment
09:56 Wed, 12 Apr 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
F1i.com

Nyck de Vries says there hasn’t been any changes to the atmosphere at the AlphaTauri Formula 1 team after Franz Tost said he had “no trust” in its engineers. But de Vries, who has joined AlphaTauri as a full-time driver for the 2023 campaign, says there are no overhanging concerns or bitterness within the team after Tost’s remark.

“I honestly think the vibe within the team is great and I felt no difference post certain comments that have been made,” de Vries said. “I think things can be taken a little bit out of context and I think we were all kind of scratching our heads and we all want to be as quick as Red Bull that is currently winning and dominating.”

“So we’re all trying to improve and work hard to make that progress and so are we and we are racers and we are passionate about what we do. But I felt no change within the ambience and atmosphere within the team. So I’m very happy where I am and I’m sure that we’re all very keen to continue to push forward.”

‘No AlphaTauri atmosphere change’;


https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/11/de-vries-no-alphatauri-atmosphere-change-after-tosts-no-trust-comment/


Aero reshuffle and more Red Bull parts in 2024 for AlphaTauri
Apr 15 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

AlphaTauri has made changes to its aerodynamic department and will take more parts from Red Bull next season in an attempt to address its faltering Formula 1 form. “The disappointment from Franz’s side as a team principal is that the car’s not established well enough into the midfield to be where we want,” said Egginton.

“And he’s expressed that in a certain way. But at the end of the day, we’ve hit some of our targets – they were valid targets, they’re good targets – and we’ve not quite hit some of the others yet, but we will.” AlphaTauri already has an aero team of more than 100 people in Bicester but relocating more of the team in the name of efficiency has been speculated since pre-season testing.

With the performance contrast between the two Red Bull teams arguably greater right now than it has ever been, it is no surprise that the parent company has taken a closer look at AlphaTauri, the purpose it serves and how it works – especially in the wake of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death.

‘Aero team of more than 100 people in Bicester’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/aero-reshuffle-and-more-red-bull-parts-in-2024-for-alphatauri/


Trouble for AlphaTauri? No ‘game-changer’ upgrade in the works
14 Apr 2023 2:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Nyck de Vries concedes there’ll be no “game-changer” in AlphaTauri’s 2023 upgrades, rather the team will focus on the “little details” as they try to avoid this year’s wooden spoon.

That weekend AlphaTauri introduced a new floor for the AT04, one that De Vries feels is a step in the right direction. “I think it definitely helped us a little bit,” he said, “being a little bit more competitive. It’s so tight in the midfield, a little difference, it can swing so quickly.”

“So it definitely helped. And that’s encouraging. But we will need to continue to push the team to get close to the top 10.” However, the Dutchman admits there’s no silver bullet or miracle upgrade coming any time soon.

‘No ‘game-changer’ upgrade’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/trouble-for-alphatauri-no-game-changer-upgrade/


De Vries: Vibe at AlphaTauri still great after Tost 'no trust' comment
12/04/2023 at 09:17
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Nyck de Vries says there has been no change in the positive "vibe" within the AlphaTauri team in the wake of the brutal comments expressed by team boss Franz Tost who called into question his engineers' competence.

"We struggled in Bahrain," he acknowledged at the time. "We have to do a lot of things to make the car faster, and especially on the aerodynamic side. There are different programmes going on, but the engineers tell me that we make some good progress. But I don't trust them anymore.”

More upgrades are set to follow, but the Dutchman noting that the Faenza-based squad is following an incremental development process. "I think that all the little things we are constantly bringing - it's not like there is a game-changer, you're not going from P15 to P8 - all the little details are making a difference," he said in Australia.

‘Vibe at AlphaTauri still grea’;

https://f1i.com/news/471385-de-vries-vibe-at-alphatauri-still-great-after-tost-no-trust-comment.html


Helmut Marko: The Red Bull motorsport boss with a fearsome reputation
11 Apr 2023 10:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Helmut Marko has developed a reputation for being one of Formula 1’s most feared, yet successful personalities in the paddock. Like Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner, Marko has also been on the scene since the team joined the grid in 2005, while his duties also extend to Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri.

Marko has been a key pillar behind Red Bull’s glittering F1 record, the team having won five Constructors’ titles and six Drivers’ crowns, while their sister team is also a multi-time race-winning squad, one success under the Toro Rosso name, another as AlphaTauri, yet both wins came at Monza.

For any driver who has experienced the tutelage of Marko, a common observation has been his very stern approach. If a driver is looking for a comforting shoulder and encouragement during their learning process, then they will not get that with Marko.

‘Fearsome reputation’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut-marko-red-bull-career-quotes/

[Fortitude]

Zhou believes stronger result was possible after first points finish of year.
Zhou Guanyu feels that an even better result was possible after claiming his first points of the year at the Australian Grand Prix.
10 April 2:25PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Zhou Guanyu was left feeling happy with his progress over the Australian Grand Prix weekend after claiming his first points of the 2023 F1 season.

The Alfa Romeo driver ended the day in P10 after starting back in P17 on the grid, before being promoted up to P9 following Carlos Sainz's five-second penalty for colliding with Fernando Alonso at the penultimate race restart.

"Obviously at the end of the day it was a good result for me to grab my first points of the season," Zhou explained. "But, if the red flag didn't come, we could have finished maybe P8, P7.”

‘Stronger result was possible’;

https://racingnews365.com/zhou-believes-stronger-result-was-possible-after-first-points-finish-of-year


Guanyu Zhou: “Ninth at the chequered flag is a good result”
April 13, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Guanyu Zhou and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake scored their second points finish of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship in Melbourne as they capitalized on a number of retirements and a late red flag.

The Chinese driver went on to make some impressive overtakes while taking advantage of the red flags to move through the pack.

“Ninth at the chequered flag is a good result, especially considering where we started and the challenging weekend we had. There are positives to take – we had a really good start, which is something we worked really hard on, and we didn’t do any mistakes in a race where there were plenty of spills.”

‘Ninth good result’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/guanyu-zhou-ninth-at-the-chequered-flag-is-a-good-result/


Zhou reveals changes in approach following Silverstone shunt
Zhou Guanyu has revealed his approach to racing slightly changed following his startline crash at last year's British Grand Prix
April 10, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Zhou Guanyu has admitted his approach to racing did change slightly following his crash at the 2022 British Grand Prix. Zhou, who had secured his second consecutive Q3 appearance, was the victim of a multi-car pileup which saw him flipped into the air, narrowly avoiding injury before returning to duty a week later at the Austrian GP.

“It did a little bit, but not how I approached the weekend,” said Zhou exclusively to Total Motorsport.com. “Coming into Austria, I was trying to ensure I returned to where I was. But then straight after everything was new from the car and [going into] a sprint qualifying in Austria, that wasn’t an easy weekend for me, so I had to adapt.”

‘Changes in approach’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-zhou-changes-approach-silverstone-2022-shunt/


Valtteri Bottas calls for Alfa Romeo investigation as pace concerns increase
08 Apr 2023 8:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Valtteri Bottas is hoping Alfa Romeo utilises the break between races to discover the reason for the so-far lack of performance. “It has ,” he said of the Australian Grand Prix, as per GPFans.com. “Definitely off the pace from where we thought we should be.”

“So, something to look into. I’m actually glad that there is a bit of time before the next race so we can figure out something. [We have] some ideas [on how to improve], we need to make sure we fully understand everything.”

‘Calls for Alfa Romeo investigation’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtteri-bottas-calls-alfa-romeo-investigation/


[B]Bottas urges Alfa Romeo to 'find answers' over 'confusing' situation
06 April 6:20PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Valtteri Bottas has called on Alfa Romeo to "find answers" after being left "confused" by his lack of pace in the Australian Grand Prix.

"It was disappointing that after the [penultimate] restart I was P9, but then they put me back to P12, because the timing cut off before or something like this," Bottas told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"So it wasn't my lucky day. [The race] was quite lonely, to be honest. We obviously started from the pit lane, but then with the [first] red flag everyone was more or less on the same tyre. The pace felt a bit better than yesterday, but even with many things happening it just didn't quite [help me]."

'Find answers';

https://racingnews365.com/bottas-urges-alfa-romeo-to-find-answers-over-confusing-situation


The peril Alfa Romeo risks with stalling F1 progress
13:30 Fri, 14 Apr 2023.
By Edd Straw
The Race

In the early stages of last season, Alfa Romeo was flying high with a place in the top five of the constructors’ championship for the first third of the Formula 1 season and points finishes in seven out of nine races. But while 2023 has produced points in two out of three events for Alfa Romeo, it has on average the second-slowest car and has yet to reach Q3.

Alfa Romeo’s start to the season has been disappointing, but not overwhelmingly so. The team still has a long way to go to build up to being able to threaten the leading teams, so being a handy midfield competitor is an acceptable level for the team.

There are still upgrades in the pipeline that will be needed to ensure it consolidates its position as a Q2 regular that can pose a Q3 threat, rather than the Q1 faller it was in Australia. These will likely include changes to the floor, and perhaps even adjustments to make the DRS effect more powerful given Pujolar isolated that as a weakness.

‘The peril’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-peril-alfa-romeo-risks-with-stalling-f1-progress/

[Fortitude]

Ferrari told to WAKE UP by key figure in ASTONISHING outburst.
"Ferrari ��️ needs ❤️ Seriousness and Winning Team in the Pits and Outside it's time to WAKE UP enough with politics and games like this WE WILL NEVER WIN ‼️ ‼ ‼ ‼ ‼" Lapo Elkann.
Sunday 16 April 2023 10:57
Graham Shaw
GPFans

All is clearly not well at Ferrari, and the miserable times at Maranello have fans of the Scuderia ringing their hands in anguish. A further sign of the turmoil at the Scuderia came this weekend from a notable figure - none other than Lapo Elkann, brother of Ferrari president John Elkann.

La Ferrari ��️ ha Bisogno di ❤️Serietà e Squadra Vincente nei Box e Fuori è ora di darci una SVEGLIATA basta con politica e giochini così non si VINCERÀ MAI ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/rKu8sdNR5d
— Lapo Elkann (@lapoelkann_) April 15, 2023

Despite his stunning outburst, Elkann clearly does not have much belief that things will change soon - when a follower responded by saying this might be a turning point he replied "Unfortunately not but things have to be said".

‘ASTONISHING outburst’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105705/ferrari-f1-lapo-elkann-politics-games/


Key Ferrari figure urges team to ‘wake up’ and end the ‘politics and games’
A former key member of Ferrari’s board of directors has lashed out at the team’s current state, urging an end to the ‘politics and games’. 45-year-old Lapo Elkann is the great-grandson of Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat S.p.A. He is also the grandson of Gianni Agnelli, the former CEO and controlling shareholder of Fiat.
16 Apr 2023 1:15 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Taking to Twitter over the weekend, Lapo Elkann shared his thoughts on Ferrari’s current state of competitiveness with the 2022 runners-up having failed to score a podium in the opening three races of the 2023 season. Following the departure of prior team boss Mattia Binotto, who himself was a ‘recent’ promotion to replace Maurizio Arrivabene at the end of 2018, Fred Vasseur has assumed the role of team boss at the Scuderia.

In a follow-up exchange to his tweet, a Charles Leclerc fanpage wrote to Elkann saying: “The only person in Ferrari who will always be there in difficult times for Charles. Thank you Lapo Elkann, you deserve to be the president of Ferrari instead of your brother.” Elkann’s response to this was “I don’t even want to be president.”

One fan, replying to Elkann’s initial tweet, wrote: “Lapo the truth is that in the eyes of us fans, the presidency is ABSENT. “I have never read a press release, a letter, or something from the president or other delegates. FERRARI needs passionate people like you and many other people like you.” Elkann’s succinct response was: “I know, unfortunately.”

‘Wake up’ and end the ‘politics and games’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-wake-up-call-lapo-elkann/


Formula 1: Ferrari must figure things out before it’s too late
11:39 Wed, 12 Apr 2023.
by Siddharth Bharani-Dharan
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

Things are not looking good for Ferrari so far in the 2023 Formula 1 season, and they must fix their issues before losing out on their hopes. Like some other teams, Ferrari have brought a car this season that is not up to their standards. If anything, it is a regression from the F1-75 used last season.

The clock is ticking for Ferrari, as they have fallen behind the pack this season. It has been quite surprising to many, given the fact that they were one of the best teams in Formula 1 last season. Some of their issues from last season have bled over into this one, and it is definitely not what they had hoped for.

Additionally, reliability has been quite an issue for Ferrari this season. They are already using their spare parts, which are supposed to be for the duration of the season. Things have turned out quite poorly for Charles Leclerc especially, as the 25-year-old has endured two DNFs through the first three races of the year.

‘Must figure things out’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/04/12/formula-1-ferrari-must-figure-things-late/


Ferrari boss reaffirms 2023 F1 title aspirations despite slow start
Sunday 16 April 2023 20:58
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Ferrari chairman John Elkann still has his eyes on the 2023 Formula 1 title despite being so far behind Red Bull after just three races. The Scuderia have scored only 26 points at present having had both cars out of the points in Australia while Red Bull won their third race in a row.

Elkann had to reassure employees of the company that they were still aiming to win the title this year having fallen so far away from the front of the pack over the winter.

"In 2022 we improved from the point of view of competitiveness," Elkann said. "But our goal has always been to win, and Vasseur and the whole team are fully concentrated to achieve it."

‘2023 F1 title aspirations’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105666/ferrari-john-elkann-f1-2023-title/


Norris and Leclerc told to ‘knuckle down’ amid struggles
11:33 Sun, 16 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have been told to “knuckle down” and help improve McLaren and Ferrari’s dire situations by Formula 1 journalist Tom Clarkson. “Everything about the first two races makes me feel that Ferrari are a little bit undercooked at the minute,” Clarkson said on the F1 Nation podcast.

“They’re just not getting anything quite right. The car isn’t quite fast enough. Charles is already expressing a little bit of frustration over the radio as he did in Saudi. It just feels that they’re half a step behind Aston Martin and two steps behind Red Bull at the moment. Such is the relentless pace of Formula 1; can Ferrari make up the difference?”

“So what do you do if you’re Charles? What do you do if you’re Lando? I think you’ve just got to knuckle down and try and help motivate the people around you to do everything they can to improve the car,” he exclaimed.

‘Knuckle down’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/16/norris-and-leclerc-told-to-knuckle-down-amid-struggles/


Charles Leclerc 'upset' with Carlos Sainz as tension builds between Ferrari team-mates
Tensions are reportedly rising at Ferrari after Charles Leclerc was left unhappy with his team-mate Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix.
06:11, Mon, Apr 17, 2023
By Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express

Ferrari could be heading for a civil war between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz after it emerged there is tension between the two drivers following the outcome of the Australian Grand Prix. Reports suggest the Monegasque was 'unhappy' with his team-mate's conduct in qualifying and it has added to the frosty relations between the pair, with team principal Fred Vasseur facing a potential intervention to cool the war of words.

F1 pundit Peter Windsor, a former Williams and Ferrari team manager, was surprised by Leclerc's tetchy response and called the driver "naïve" for thinking Sainz, 28, would step aside for him after claiming he was "unhappy" with the tow incident.

Speaking via his YouTube channel, he said: “I thought it was odd that he made that public, that he was upset about that, because you’ve got to live in your own world and you’ve got to be very cocooned when you’re at Ferrari. You’ve got your guys and and you’ve got to work in a very apolitical way, so it was quite a political reaction I think he had to it all.

‘Could be heading for a civil war’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1758741/Charles-Leclerc-Carlos-Sainz-Ferrari-F1-news


SAINZ: ‘WE’RE THE ONES WHO AREN’T HAPPY,’ AS HE CALLS ON THE TIFOSI TO STICK BY THEM
Ferrari find themselves on just 26 points after three races this season.
April 15, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds

Carlos Sainz has called on Ferrari’s loyal supporters to stick by them as he suggests that they are not the only ones who are disappointed with the team’s start to 2023. “We’re the ones who aren’t happy,” said Sainz to Motorsport.com

“You have to realise that nobody is more upset or angry or unhappy about the situation than every single [team member] here. We’re the first to not like the situation. And we’re the ones who are going full throttle to turn [the situation] around because it’s also about our egos, our performance.”

“We’re proud to be Ferrari and we want to take Ferrari forward. And sometimes the comments [in the media] are more of a distraction and drag us down rather than helping us.”

‘CALLS ON THE TIFOSI’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1latestnews/sainz-were-the-ones-who-arent-happy-as-he-calls-on-the-tifosi-to-stick-by-them/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

F1 chief explains stance on new race venues and fires axe warning at "historical" tracks.
Established F1 venues such as Monza, Monaco and Silverstone will need more than just historical significance to guarantee their places on future race calendars, Stefano Domenicali warned.
11:06, 17 Apr 2023
By Anna Malyon
The Mirror

Venues such as Silverstone, Monza, Spa and Monaco have been a part of F1's rich history since the 1950s and are much loved by fans. But their places on the calendar are potentially under threat with cities around the world vying for a slice of the ever-growing F1 pie.

When asked about the possibility of new venues, Domenicali said: "Today, the money is huge, but we need to protect the quality of the events and the sport. When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem.”

"When 'historical' is a value, if you are focused on developing the sport for the future, it's a great value. That's our duty – to make sure that, for example Monza, it's an incredible place but they need to make sure [they invest in] the future infrastructure, in services for the fans."

‘Axe warning’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/f1-potential-new-venues-domenicali-29729539


Formula 1 CEO eager to bring F1 to Africa
11:07, 17th April 2023
CAR Mag

In a recent investor call, Domenicali confirmed that Formula 1 is exploring the potential of adding a race in Africa to the 2024 calendar, making it the only continent where the iconic championship has yet to make its mark in the modern era.

Domenicali’s enthusiasm for the idea is evident as he expresses his eagerness to expand the sport’s global reach. He acknowledges the significance of having a race in Africa to make Formula 1 a truly diverse and inclusive world championship. He even flew to South Africa from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to hold talks with local stakeholders, showing his commitment to exploring the possibility of hosting a race at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, which last hosted a Formula 1 race in 1993.

The anticipation among South African fans is particularly high, with hopes soaring that Formula 1 will return to the country in 2024. The prospect of witnessing the world’s most prestigious race on home soil once again is nothing short of thrilling. Fans eagerly await further developments and keep their fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

‘F1 to Africa’;

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/formula-1-ceo-eager-to-bring-f1-to-africa/undefined


Stefano Domenicali fires stern warning against being ‘arrogant’
The future of the Italian and Belgian Grand Prix has been thrown into doubt.
16 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed that “historic” Grands Prix can’t just rely on their history to gain a slot on the calendar, with the likes of Monza, Spa and Silverstone needing to “look ahead with a different future”.

2024 will be even bigger, with next year set to see 24 races take place across the globe. 24 is a number which Domenicali believes is “right” for F1, with the calendar currently including every possible continent except Africa. Africa is looking increasingly likely to join, though, with a return of the South African Grand Prix on the cards.

“Pretty good – I would say in terms of number, 24 [events] is the right number, and the mix of continents we have today is looking good,” Domenicali said during a Liberty Media investor call. It’s no secret we are still seeing if there’s a chance to go to Africa it’s the only continent missing.”

‘Stern warning’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/stefano-domenicali-fires-stern-warning-against-being-arrogant/


[B]F1 boss reveals potential new races
16:25, 17th April 2023.
Ryan Sidle
SPORTbible

Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali has revealed where the next new Grand Prix could be added to an almost packed out F1 calendar. This season is one of the longest on record, with 23 races taking place, although it would have been 24 if the Chinese Grand Prix hadn't been cancelled.

There can only be 25 races at a maximum, thanks to the agreement between the teams, but the F1 boss has quite a few potential new locations in mind, meaning some of the 'classic' courses could be removed.

"Today, the money is huge, but we need to protect the quality of the events and the sport," the former Ferrari team principal told Sky Sports. When 'historical' is only connected to looking behind, that is a problem."

‘Potential new races’;

https://www.sportbible.com/formula-1/f1-grand-prix-new-races-stefano-domenicali-318819-20230417


Domenicali: Red Bull F1 dominance ‘not important’ to new fans
09:14, 17th April 2023.
by Danielle Van Wittmarschen
Motorsport Week

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has dismissed the idea that new fans are being put off by the early dominance Red Bull has shown early in this season. But Domenicali isn’t worried and congratulates the team on their current form.

“First of all, if a team is faster than the others, congratulations, they did a better job than the others,” he said. He also addressed the possibility of the FIA stepping in to halt Red Bull’s current form.

“It’s the duty of FIA as the regulator to make sure that they check the compliance of the car with the regulations. If you look at the others, the other teams are very close, very, very close. I’m very confident that with the budget cap, the situation will evolve in the best way for the better competition.”

‘Congratulations’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/17/domenicali-red-bull-dominance-not-important-to-new-fans/


An F1 Grand Prix in Madrid? Stefano Domenicali on tantalising prospect
Friday 24 March 2023 08:57
Oli Lawrie
GPFans09:04 Fri, 24 Mar

Stefano Domenicali has provided an update on the possibility of Madrid one day hosting an F1 Grand Prix. The F1 supremo was talking at the launch of the F1 Exhibition in Madrid, when he confirmed that there are groups looking to make a race in the Spanish capital a reality.

"They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders," he said per Marca. [F1] is becoming more and more popular around the world [and] we know the passion [for F1] in Spain," he added.

"It is a pleasure to see how the interest keeps growing. We know the interest from Madrid and Barcelona and it's great news for us."

‘Tantalising prospect’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/104158/f1-madrid-grand-prix-stefano-domenicali/

[Fortitude]

Wolff shares honest message for Mercedes fans: It's not been easy.
"I just wanted to tell you that we are really grateful for how you have supported us this season so far," Wolff said in a video message shared by Mercedes.
17 April 8:00AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

After a challenging start to the 2023 season for Mercedes, team boss Toto Wolff has taken the move of addressing the squad's fans directly. "It's not been easy, but if it was, it wouldn't be as exciting, and it wouldn't be Formula 1 – the pinnacle of motor racing."

"Everyone here at the factories has been super busy and flat out over the last few weeks preparing to return to the track," he explained. "We're excited for that and to have all of you cheering for us as we race for our next podium, win or championship."

‘Honest message’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-shares-honest-message-for-mercedes-fans-its-not-been-easy


Toto Wolff says Mercedes working ‘flat out’ over break to return to F1 summit
14 Apr 2023 5:07 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff has assured Mercedes fans that the team is working “flat out” to recover performance during this four-week break.

Even if there is no racing, that does not mean teams have got their feet up and one constructor hoping to use this break to their advantage is Mercedes. While their performance last time out in Melbourne was encouraging with Lewis Hamilton securing P2, their results in the first two races were a cause for concern.

Keeping the faith with their unique concept, Mercedes’ lack of speed in the Middle Eastern races prompted the team to return to the drawing board and work on a heavily updated W14, set to be rolled out for the race at Imola. Wolff though has thanked fans for their support and reassured them that work was going on at both the Brackley and the Brixworth bases in order to return the Silver Arrows to the top step that they occupied for so long.

‘Flat out’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wollf-mercedes-flat-out-f1-summit/


Toto Wolff decides to stay with Mercedes indefinitely
The Mercedes team principal had a tough decision to make and chose to remain
April 14, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Toto Wolff has revealed that he chose to “go on indefinitely” in Formula 1 back in 2020 after the birth of his son.

The Mercedes team principal welcomed a baby son in 2017 with Susie Wolff just months after committing to another three-year deal with the German manufacturer. 2020 saw Wolff contemplate walking away from F1 to not only have more family time, but also focus on business ventures elsewhere.

Eventually, the Austrian chose to remain with Mercedes and he now intends to do so for a very long time despite a tough couple of years competitively.

‘Indefinitely’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-toto-wolff-stay-mercedes-indefinitely/


Russell names the trait that makes Wolff an 'UNBELIEVABLE' leader
Sunday 16 April 2023 19:58
Chris Deeley
GPFans

George Russell has opened up on his relationship with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, calling him an 'unbelievable' leader.

"He’s been an integral part of my career," he said of the Mercedes boss. "Highly intelligent, a charismatic bloke, he’s been a huge part of the success of the team and is going to be a huge part of the return of Mercedes after what’s been a difficult season.”

"A huge motivator, an unbelievable leader, he gives everybody his time. It doesn’t matter if they are a chief aerodynamicist or working on the shop floor, he respects everybody. I think that’s why he still has such a team around him and so much trust. I feel fortunate to work with such a great guy."

'UNBELIEVABLE';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105684/george-russell-toto-wolff-unbelievable-leader-mercedes/


Why Mercedes must listen to Hamilton's latest criticism
17 April 11:50AM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Wolff has been forthcoming in highlighting Mercedes' upgrade plans in the early stages of the season, with visible change promised from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Addressing Hamilton's criticism directly, Wolff told media including RacingNews365.com: "We are looking at the big concept of the driver position, [which] is obviously one of the most important [things].

"Not only in terms of weight distribution, aerodynamics, etcetera but also [it is] where the driver has the best feeling in the car, which is something where Lewis is very vocal. And when a seven-time World Champion has an opinion, it is important to listen to it."

‘Must listen’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-mercedes-must-listen-to-hamilton

[Fortitude]

Ferrari 'disappointed' FIA rejected Australia GP penalty review.
The team has responded on social media to the ruling from the FIA to throw out their right of review for Carlos Sainz's penalty at the Australian Grand Prix.
18 April 2:34PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

The statement in full published on their social media reads: "We acknowledge the FIA decision not to grant us a right of review in relation to the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.”

"We are naturally disappointed, and felt that we had provided sufficient significant new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision especially in the context of the particular conditions and multiple incidents that occurred during the final restart.”

"We are however respectful of the process and of the FIA decision. We are now looking forward to entering broader discussions with the FIA, F1, and all the Teams, with the aim of further improving the policing of our sport, in order to ensure the highest level of fairness and consistency that our sport deserves."

'Disappointed';

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Ferrari/Carlos+Sainz


Ferrari’s frivolous case shows right of review being exploited
Apr 18 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

The dismissal of Ferrari’s petition to review Carlos Sainz’s Australian Grand Prix penalty illustrates a growing problem with Formula 1. This is not the first time Ferrari has lodged a frivolous petition that has fallen flat on its face – and predictably so. Remember the attempt to get Sebastian Vettel’s 2019 Canadian Grand Prix penalty for rejoining unsafely overturned?

Then, it submitted no less than seven reasons for the review. It was a scattergun attempt and not one of its justifications for reviewing the penalty stuck. That included the ridiculous contention that Karun Chandhok’s Sky Sports F1 analysis was relevant. While well put together, it didn’t come close to ticking the boxes required for a review.

Ferrari also tried to get a 10-second penalty from the 2016 Mexican GP for Vettel overturned, but again failed to submit new and significant evidence and the petition was rejected. It’s important at this point to underline what the right of review is. It is enshrined in the FIA sporting code that covers all its championships and allows cases to be reopened if new and significant evidence unavailable to the stewards at the time is discovered.

‘Ferrari’s frivolous case’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferraris-frivolous-case-shows-right-of-review-being-exploited/


Why Ferrari failed to get Sainz's Australian GP penalty overturned
18 April 2:25PM
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Ferrari were required to bring 'new, significant and relevant' evidence to the hearing, with the team choosing to bring the following elements to the table for the meeting:
1. The telemetry data of Sainz’s car after the second restart.
2. Sainz’s witness statement; and
3. Other driver’s witness statements, which amount to records of post-race interviews given by Alonso as well as other drivers.
The Stewards noted that Ferrari claimed there was a precedent for all of these elements being used when reviewing a penalty after the Grand Prix.

‘Why Ferrari's new evidence was rejected: Telemetry, Sainz's witness statement, Other driver's statements’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-ferrari-failed-to-get-sainzs-australian-gp-penalty-overturned


Ferrari call for F1 ‘policing’ improvements after Carlos Sainz penalty review dismissed
18 Apr 2023 1:55 PM
Henry Valantine

Ferrari have responded to the FIA’s dismissal of their ‘right of review’ request into the five-second penalty given to Carlos Sainz in Australia, saying they were “naturally disappointed” with the outcome.

Upon dismissing the case, the FIA said there was “no new significant and relevant” evidence that would force them to change their mind, in fact stating that seeing the telemetry presented to them by Ferrari strengthened their viewpoint that he was to blame for his collision with Alonso.

‘Policing’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-respond-carlos-sainz-penalty-dismissed/


Ferrari want talks to ‘improve policing of F1’ after bid for review of Sainz penalty fails
2023 F1 season
Posted on 18th April 2023, 13:41
Written by Keith Collantine

Ferrari has accepted the stewards’ decision not to review Carlos Sainz Jnr’s penalty for causing a collision during the Australian Grand Prix.

However the team says it wants to widen talks between the FIA, Formula 1 and its rivals over the standards of policing in the championship.

‘Talks to improve policing’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/18/ferrari-want-talks-to-improve-policing-of-f1-after-bid-for-review-of-sainz-penalty-fails/

[Fortitude]

Poaching Newey would not fix Ferrari – Alesi.
“Today, if Adrian Newey decided to go to Ferrari, we wouldn’t see his car until 2025 because of the clauses in all the contracts. So it will take time.” Jean Alesi.
19th April 2023, 07:57.
Grandpx.news

Even poaching Adrian Newey from Red Bull would not solve Ferrari’s current performance problems. That is the view of famous former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, responding to former Ferrari tester Daniil Kvyat’s view that the Maranello team needs “a technical revolution”.

Alesi also insists that the only “number 1” at Ferrari is Vasseur. “That’s not the problem,” he answered when asked if making Charles Leclerc the clearly prioritised Ferrari driver over Carlos Sainz would be a wise move.

“If at the next grand prix they said ‘Charles, you are the first driver and Carlos is the second’, it would not help in the process to develop the car, especially the lack of performance and reliability. That’s not the problem, frankly,” Alesi said.

‘“Number 1” at Ferrari is Vasseur’;

https://grandpx.news/poaching-newey-would-not-fix-ferrari-alesi/


Don't blame the sun! Ferrari request to review Sainz penalty in Australia rejected by FIA.
18 Apr 2024.
Wheels24

Ferrari's petition to review the penalty handed to Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month has been rejected by race stewards, the FIA announced on Tuesday.

Sainz had claimed the sun shining in his eyes was a reason why he should not be considered at fault. "Logic would dictate that the position of the sun would have equally impacted other drivers too," the FIA statement continued. "It is not a justifiable reason to avoid a penalty for a collision."

"We are naturally disappointed, and felt that we had provided sufficient significant new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision," Ferrari said in a statement.

‘Don't blame the sun!’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/dont-blame-the-sun-ferrari-request-to-review-sainz-penalty-in-australia-rejected-20230418


Sainz hits out at FIA after Ferrari penalty appeal rejected
19 April 8:50AM
Author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

A bitterly disappointed Carlos Sainz has called for talks about inconsistencies in the wake of Ferrari's failure to overturn his Australian Grand Prix penalty. Writing on his Instagram page shortly after the announcement, a disappointed Sainz said he accepted the decision, but called for discussions about inconsistencies in decision-making.

"Very disappointed that the FIA did not grant us a right to review," Sainz wrote. "Two weeks later, I still think the penalty is too disproportionate and I believe it should have at least been reviewed on the basis of the evidence and reasoning we presented.”

"We have to continue working together to improve certain things for the future. The consistency and decision-making process has been a hot topic for many seasons now and we need to be clearer for the sake of our sport. What happened in Australia is now in the past and I am 100% focused on the next race in Baku."

"Very disappointed”;

https://racingnews365.com/sainz-hits-out-at-fia-after-ferrari-penalty-appeal-rejected


Sainz disappointed by FIA rejection of Ferrari right of review
19/04/2023 at 07:48
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz has expressed his disappointment with the FIA's decision to deny Ferrari the right to petition the penalty handed to the Spaniard in the Australian Grand Prix.

On Tuesday, the Stewards rejected the Scuderia's request for a right of review of the sanction, deeming that no new evidence had been introduced by the Italian outfit as required.

While Ferrari acknowledged in a post-hearing statement the FIA's decision, it felt that it had "provided sufficient new elements for the FIA to re-examine the decision". In a post on social media, Sainz logically echoed his team's stance.

‘FIA rejection’;

https://f1i.com/news/471707-sainz-disappointed-by-fia-rejection-of-ferrari-right-of-review.html


‘For the sake of our sport’: Ferrari calls for debate on stewards after Sainz appeal thrown out
April 19th, 2023 12:56 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Ferrari says it wants high-level discussions on the consistency of stewarding in Formula 1 after failing to have Carlos Sainz’s late-race penalty at the Australian Grand Prix overturned. Sainz was handed a five-second penalty for hitting Fernando Alonso on lap 57 of 58 after the final standing restart. It was one of several crashes that suspended the race for a third time and forced a formation finish.

The punishment is the most lenient time penalty available to the stewards, but because the race finished with the cars bunched up behind the safety car, it dropped Sainz from fourth to 12th and out of the points. The Scuderia took exception to the punishment both for the severe effect it had on the result and also because other drivers who caused more serious crashes on the same lap weren’t punished.

In the days after Australia Ferrari presented the stewards with three pieces of evidence it argued warranted the penalty being re-examined: telemetry data from Sainz car, a witness statement from the Spaniard and also post-race comments from some other drivers, including from Alonso, who said he thought the five-second penalty was harsh.

‘For the sake of our sport’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/for-the-sake-of-our-sport-ferrari-calls-for-debate-on-stewards-after-sainz-appeal-thrown-out/news-story/47b9505372afa8f144b7d125c387c65f

[Fortitude]

Schumacher: Race Control should be ASHAMED after 'bad joke' restart.
"You can’t ask the drivers to slow down if you give them another chance like that. I’m sorry, but that’s a bad joke." Ralf Schumacher
Friday 7 April 2023 11:19
Dan Davis
GPFans

Ralf Schumacher has savaged Race Control for their "bad joke" of a restart during the Australian Grand Prix, a decision that resulted in multiple collisions. "Rules are one thing, foresight is another," he told Sport1.de. "They could have used a Safety Car to prevent chaos.”

"In Australia, chaos at the start is simply programmed so late in the grand prix. The first chicane is extremely fast, everyone wants to improve their position and goes into the dangerous first corner with over-motivation. I know what I’m talking about.

'Bad joke';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105129/ralf-schumacher-race-control-ashamed-joke-restart/


Schumacher feels FIA should be 'ashamed' in vicious attack over Australian Grand Prix call
Ralf Schumacher has aimed fire at the FIA for the red flag drama in the Australian Grand Prix, causing a multi-car late crash.
07:47, Fri, Apr 7, 2023
By Alex Turk
Daily and Sunday Express

Ralf Schumacher has slammed the FIA's decision for a second standing restart in the latter stages of the Australian Grand Prix, labelling it a 'bad joke'. Red flag drama threw the Melbourne race into chaos, and the former F1 driver believes a Safety Car could've helped avoid the late carnage that saw several cars crash out.

Schumacher has pointed to the first chicane in Melbourne being 'very fast', suggesting such a late restart was asking for trouble. In Australia, you can expect chaos on a restart this late in the Grand Prix. The first chicane is very fast. Everyone wants to improve their position and go for dangerous moves in the first corner due to too much motivation. I know what I'm talking about. Race management should be ashamed.”

'Ashamed';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1755883/Schumacher-FIA-Australian-Grand-Prix-F1-news


Ralf Schumacher: ‘Race Control should be ashamed of itself’ for ‘bad joke’ restart
06 Apr 2023 2:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Ralf Schumacher has lambasted Race Control for what he called a “bad joke” of a restart at the Australian Grand Prix, one that ended in carnage with multiple cars crashing out. Sport1 expert Peter Kohl agrees with the German.

“In the end, the race management is responsible for a million dollar bill, which is likely to tear huge holes in the limited budget,” he said. “The level of anger and frustration is correspondingly high. Was the last red flag necessary?”

“The race management has to put up with the criticism that part of the field was burned up because of the show. A rolling start would also have been possible, which certainly would not have left nearly such a mess. The Show Must Go On! – but because of the show you shouldn’t and shouldn’t throw any rational thought overboard.”

‘Million dollar bill’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-race-control-ashamed/


Guenther Steiner predicts chaos with proposed new sprint format
15 Apr 2023 3:30 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has warned F1 teams to prepare for “chaos” as Baku gets set to host two races in two days. The Azerbaijani capital is the venue for the first of six sprint races to be held in 2023 but unlike the other five host circuits, Baku is a street track and home to the narrowest section of any F1 circuit.

Haas team boss Steiner predicted there could be “chaos” at the race which is the next stop on the Formula 1 calendar. “It could be [chaotic], but that makes it interesting,” he told RACER. “Hopefully there is no chaos, but it could be. Baku is always a race…If you think in Australia we had three red flags can you imagine how many red flags we will have in Baku in two races?!”

“Absolutely, I brought it up last year for the first time,” Steiner said. “I said Saturday morning is just like watching grass grow basically because you are out there and you cannot do anything on the car, you just go round. Yeah, you learn something about tires, but is it worthwhile to do it? No. It will be much cooler like this.”

‘Prepare for “chaos””:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenther-steiner-chaos-proposed-new-sprint-format/


Boredom no reason to change F1 rules says Steiner
APRIL 12, 2023
GrandPrix.com

Gunther Steiner says Formula 1 must resist the temptation to react to Red Bull's dominance by changing the rules. "The sporting aspect is the most important thing to safeguard," he told motorsport-total.com.

"And I am confident that the others will catch up with Red Bull sooner or later anyway. I don't think they will have the same margin in the next 20 races," Steiner added.

"Everyone works hard and we must never forget that Red Bull received a penalty last year, the which will oblige them to have fewer hours of development in the wind tunnel, so theoretically they can't progress that much. Everyone will catch up, try to understand what Red Bull's advantage is and then copy it or do something similar," he predicted.

‘Boredom…’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/boredom-no-reason-to-change-f1-rules-says-steiner.html

[Fortitude]

Former F1 driver SLAMS idea of fourth US race and says Las Vegas is 'too glitzy'.
“Vegas is too glitzy for me. Maybe I am old fashioned but I want to go to Spa, Monza, Budapest. I even want to go to Monaco but now that isn’t even glitzy anymore compared to what’s going on here.” Gerhard Berger.
Thursday 20 April 2023
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Formula 1 should not have so many races in the United States, according to former F1 driver Gerhard Berger. 2023 will see three races in the USA, with the addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November – with Stefano Domenicali hinting that a fourth could be added down the line.

F1 already visits Austin, Texas for the United States Grand Prix and Miami, which will be the fifth race of the 2023 season. Berger, whose best F1 result in America was a fourth in the 1987 Detroit Grand Prix, admitted he would prefer to see the pinnacle of motorsport race at traditional tracks he was accustomed to.

‘SLAMS idea of fourth US race’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105929/gerhard-berger-f1-usa-las-vegas/


F1 targets 24-race schedule in 2024 but accepts calendar “does drain people”
2024 F1 season
Posted on 20th April 2023, 8:1320th April 2023, 7:04
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

“We have a calendar, some of which [for] historical reasons, [has] gotten to 24,” said president of F1 owners Liberty Media last week. “It does drain people and there’s a lot of travel.” However F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said achieving that is not straightforward due to the competing needs of different race promoters. “Of course every single promoter has some reasons to have a certain weekend, a certain opportunity,” he said.

“We try to make sure that in the year after year we have a quite leaner approach, as much as we can, in order to minimise the movement. Because of course we have a very ambitious target with our carbon neutrality 2030, that has a big effect. We are a world championship, we are not doing it in the one single region, we’re moving it all around the world. So we take that very seriously.”

“Does drain people”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/20/f1-targets-24-race-schedule-in-2024-but-accepts-calendar-does-drain-people/


F1 aiming to minimise travel as it targets 24-race calendar in 2024
20th April 2023, 11:02.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says it is “no secret” that a 24-race schedule is the target for 2024 but insists reducing travel between races is also under consideration. “Of course every single promoter has some reasons to have a certain weekend, a certain opportunity,” said Domenicali, as quoted by RaceFans.

“We try to make sure that in the year after year we have a quite leaner approach, as much as we can, in order to minimise the movement. Because of course we have a very ambitious target with our carbon neutrality 2030, that has a big effect.”

“We are a world championship, we are not doing it in the one single region, we’re moving it all around the world. So we take that very seriously.”

“No Secret”;

https://readmotorsport.com/2023/04/20/f1-aiming-to-minimise-travel-as-it-targets-24-race-calendar-in-2024/


Fans MOCK 'ridiculous' official F1 Instagram video.
Wednesday 19 April 2023 18:57
Chris Deeley
GPFans

The cartoonishly-styled video explains the basics of Formula 1 for newcomers, running through what a pitstop is, the qualifying and sprint race setups, and that the champion at the end of the season gets a trophy.

The comments weren't especially kind, not least to the American narration, one particularly heavily-liked comment just reading 'This is purely made for Americans'.

"Very bold of F1 to categorize Miami as an 'exciting street circuit'," read another, while a third joked that the video was clearly only made for fans who had come into the sport via Drive to Survive.

‘Fans MOCK’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105919/formula-1-instagram-official-video-explainer-funny/


Williams expects F1 sprint format in Baku to cause ‘mayhem’
15:30 Wed, 19 Apr 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

The upcoming Formula 1 race weekend from Baku will see “mayhem” amid the sprint format, believes Williams Team Principal James Vowles. New plans that are being discussed would see two qualifying sessions, one each for the two races during the weekend.

As that would bring less practice time and more opportunities for teams around a circuit that has caused havoc in the past, Vowles believes that it could be a chaotic weekend. “Irrespective of whether the rules change or not, a sprint race weekend at that tight, twisty track where you go through the castle section is going to cause a little bit of mayhem.”

‘Mayhem sprint format’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/19/williams-expects-f1-sprint-format-in-baku-to-cause-mayhem/


Michelin CEO explains why they 'CANNOT AGREE' F1 return
Thursday 20 April 2023 13:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Michelin and Formula 1 have discussed a return to the sport for the tyre manufacturer, according to Michelin CEO Florent Menegaux. Menegaux has come out and vehemently denied any imminent Michelin involvement in the sport because organisers demand a 'good show'.

"The question is, how do we leverage technology to have a good show?" Menegaux said. "And that’s where F1 comes into play, because we have been discussing with them for a very long time and we are not in agreement.”

"Because they say to have the show, you have to have tires that destroy themselves. And I think we don’t know how to do this. So, we cannot agree. Teams should be understanding tire performance and capitalising on the fact that the tire is going to be performing from the first lap around the circuit to the last.”

'CANNOT AGREE';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105920/formula-1-f1-michelin-tyre-talk-problem/


Michelin not interested in F1 tyres that “destroy themselves”
20th April 2023, 10:53.
Tyrepress

According to comments from Florent Menegaux, we shouldn’t expect to see Michelin in Formula One from 2025. Speaking to US-based automotive site The Drive, the chief executive stated that Michelin isn’t interested in supplying tyres to F1 unless the FIA alters its view on how they should perform. In short, the French firm doesn’t want to make tyres that liven proceedings by falling apart.

“Destroy themselves”;

https://www.tyrepress.com/2023/04/michelin-not-interested-in-f1-tyres-that-destroy-themselves/

[Fortitude]

Alonso Giving Aston Martin ‘an Extra Level of Motivation’ in 2023 – Mike Krack.
“He is leading by example at all times. He’s there very early, he’s working really hard, and it is this lead by example that everybody just sees and grabs on and gives an extra level of motivation.” Mike Krack.
April 18, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Mike Krack says Fernando Alonso has brought a lot of ‘positiveness’ to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team since his arrival at the Silverstone-based team ahead of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

Alonso made the surprise move from the BWT Alpine F1 Team to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin and has started the year with three consecutive podium finishes, which sees him also sit third in the Drivers’ Championship behind only the two Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers.

Aston Martin also sit second in the Constructors’ Championship thanks to his performances, and Team Principal Krack says Alonso has led by example since his arrival and has given everyone a lot of motivation. “I think it was a confirmation basically, of where he’s standing in the team,” Krack is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. “He brought a lot of energy, a lot of positiveness when he arrived.”

‘Extra Level of Motivation’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/alonso-giving-aston-martin-an-extra-level-of-motivation-in-2023-mike-krack/


Alonso ‘leading by example at all times’ says Krack as he reflects on Aston Martin’s journey to podium contenders
20 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has heaped praise on driver Fernando Alonso for the leadership he has brought to the team – as he also reflected on their 12-month journey to currently sit second in the standings.

“He brought a lot of energy, a lot of positiveness when he arrived. He is leading by example at all times. He's there very early, he's working really hard, and it is this lead by example that everybody just sees and grabs on and gives an extra level of motivation.”

“I think the singing of the name was like a confirmation also for him that he really brought a lot into the team. And it was the 100th podium for him, so I think that is also a nice way of celebrating it. I think we were the only team who had not scored any points, with a car that was difficult to drive, very slow, and with drivers that were starting to lose confidence in the team, in the car,” said Krack.

‘Leading by example at all times’

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-leading-by-example-at-all-times-says-krack-as-he-reflects-on-aston.2D4kyE2PFaiRt3TdZHNkmA.html


‘Sebastian Vettel could not motivate Aston Martin like Fernando Alonso has’
19 Apr 2023 12:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso does bring more to the Aston Martin party than Sebastian Vettel did, but Christian Danner says that’s based on motivation with the Spaniard all-in. Speed, though, isn’t the only thing Alonso has brought to the Aston Martin table, team boss Mike Krack recently talking up his “enthusiasm and seemingly inexhaustible energy.

He added: “He is truly fascinating to work with, he sweeps us all away like a powerful wave. You just have to listen to his comments on the radio. They are proof of his enthusiasm. [Alonso] says very clearly: I don’t have a plan B, I’m a racing driver, that’s it. That’s a big difference.”

“You just have to talk to Tom McCullough. It’s amazing how Alonso electrifies people. He has energy and can always implement what needs to be implemented. That’s something that Vettel could certainly be in the beginning, but he was so far away from Formula 1 last year with all his bee hotels and all the things he did there, that as a result he was no longer as good at [motivating the team] as Alonso is still.”

‘Inexhaustible Energy: “I don’t have a plan B”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sebastian-vettel-not-motivate-aston-martin-fernando-alonso/


ASTON MARTIN SET TO CHANGE ENGINE SUPPLIERS FOR 2026?
The Silverstone-based team, currently known as Aston Martin, has run Mercedes engines since the 2009 season. But could they switch to one of Mercedes's competitors for the 2026 Formula One season?
April 18, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

Aston Martin could become Honda’s exclusive partner for the 2026 season onwards. Aston Martin has had a dream start to their Formula One 2023 championship campaign. They currently sit P2 in the constructors’ championship and have scored a podium at every race this season so far.

While the Silverstone-based outfit is experiencing unprecedented success, owner Lawrence Stroll is still demanding more from his team. Although the team doesn’t look able to challenge Red Bull on race day at the moment, they could be championship rivals in the future.

Along with building Formula One’s first smart factory, Aston Martin could be set to make more significant changes in the future. The Spanish edition of Motorsport.com is reporting a potential partnership between the Silverstone-based team and Honda for the 2026 season. They have said: “According to information collected by Motorsport.com, Honda’s leadership is currently only moving in one direction, and that is Aston Martin.”

‘Silverstone-based team and Honda’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/aston-martin-set-to-change-engine-suppliers-for-2026/?nowprocket=1


F1 rumours: The only F1 team that could facilitate Honda’s official F1 2026 return
19 Apr 2023 11:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

A surprise name has entered the running to partner Honda come 2026, Aston Martin said to be the team that the Japanese manufacturer “wants” to join up with. Honda have had an erratic return to Formula 1, winning the World title with Red Bull in 2021 only to withdrawn as their official engine supplier.

But they then did a U-turn, signing a one-year deal with Red Bull to support the Red Bull Powertrain division in powering the team and AlphaTauri for 2022, only to then extend that until 2025 with the teams effectively running rebadged Honda engines.

In the midst of Honda’s in or out, the company then went and signed up for Formula 1 2026, the year the new engine regulations come into effect, but Red Bull had already committed to Ford with Honda’s indecisiveness cited as the cause. Now Aston Martin is being named as the Japanese manufacturer’s likely destination.

‘Honda’s official F1 2026 return’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-rumours-honda-f1-2026-return/


Could Aston Martin switch to Honda power in F1 2026?
Could the team that we currently know as Aston Martin be the recipient of a Honda power unit when Formula 1’s new rules arrive in 2026?
14:05 Wed, 19 Apr 2023.
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

That possibility is one of the more intriguing stories to have emerged during the sport’s April break, and while it may sound a little far-fetched, history has shown that anything can happen in F1, especially when it comes to juggling team identities and PU suppliers. Back in December, Aston technical director Dan Fallows stressed that there are no plans in place at the moment to reduce the reliance on Mercedes, but he left the door open for future changes.

“Honestly, what we look at in the future is all open, really. Lawrence is very open about his ambitions for this team, and I think we always have to evaluate what is the next thing that will help us become more competitive.” The key consideration is that once you have your own in-house gearbox capability, switching PU suppliers becomes much easier, as you are no longer relying on a package deal. It also gives you total freedom in terms of the car design and concept.

The above steps could happen even with a Mercedes PU in the back of the AMR26 in 2026, but a bespoke engine would be the ultimate step towards independence for Stroll. If anyone can find a way for an Aston chassis to run a Honda engine – with or without official badging from the latter – then surely Stroll is the man who can make it happen.

‘One of the more intriguing stories’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-switch-honda-power-in-f1-2026/10458254/

[Fortitude]

F1 media accused of staging tension between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
While claiming the rivalry between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez has been grossly exaggerated by the media, Dutch driver Michael Bleekemolen concedes Perez’s own words haven’t helped.
21 Apr 2023 1:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Both drivers have insisted several times that all is well, as too has their team boss Christian Horner, and yet the niggles over fastest laps, team communication and deleted tweets saying “I want to be a champion” have kept the media interested.

But it’s tension that Bleekemolen feels has been grossly exaggerated. “There is always a battle between two drivers in every team,” he told GPFans NL. “Not only in Formula 1, but everywhere. It is one thing that you have to be faster.”

“I also think that the media is a bit guilty of it. Everything is just thrown together with exciting statements. Phrases are cut out to stick it together differently. Then they suddenly turn into hateful comments towards each other. I think it’s not that bad. Still, I think they both want to finish for each other.”

‘All is well’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/media-staging-tension-max-verstappen-sergio-perez/


Long-time F1 driver makes BOLD Perez prediction
Friday 21 April 2023 13:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

Ex-F1 driver Pedro De La Rosa has made a prediction about Sergio Perez's future in Formula 1 with Red Bull, suggesting that the Mexican could be around beyond the end of his current contract. Perez's current Red Bull contract carries him to the end of the 2024 F1 season, but the rumours regarding his future with the team have already begun.

These rumours have been further fuelled by Daniel Ricciardo's return to the Red Bull setup, while Yuki Tsunoda's impressive performances for AlphaTauri have also heaped the pressure on Perez.

Signs of this pressure were on show in Melbourne when Checo beached his Red Bull car into the gravel during qualifying, leaving him at the back of the field for the Grand Prix.

‘BOLD Perez prediction’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106020/sergio-perez-red-bull-pedro-de-la-rosa/


Pedro de la Rosa explains why Max Verstappen could retire before Sergio Perez
21 Apr 2023 6:45 AM
Michelle Foster

Racing for midfield teams for most of his F1 career, Pedro de la Rosa believes Sergio Perez will have more desire to prolong his time in the sport than his team-mate Max Verstappen.

Verstappen, 25, has often spoken about the longevity of his Formula 1 career with the double World Champion making it clear he won’t be doing a Fernando Alonso and racing into his 40s.

In fact his current Red Bull deal, which runs until 2028, could be his last with the driver keen on pursuing other racing activities outside of Formula 1. That’s in sharp contrast to Perez, 33, whose father recently stated he “will be in F1 for the next 10 years” such is his desire to succeed with Red Bull.

‘More desire to prolong his time’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pedro-de-la-rosa-max-verstappen-retire-before-sergio-perez/


Red Bull 'definitely catchable' despite F1 clean sweep fears
21 April 8:55AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley believes Red Bull is surmountable despite a dominant start to the new Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have shared the opening three pole positions and race wins with the RB19 proving too quick for rival teams, the duo untouchable on their way to victory.

Two-time champion Verstappen made light work of working his way through the field from 15th to second at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix having beaten nearest non-Red Bull rival Fernando Alonso to the chequered flag in Bahrain by 38 seconds.

Such has been Red Bull's performance in the opening rounds that rivals have warned each of the 20 remaining races could be won by Verstappen and Perez - a feat that is yet to be completed by any team in F1 history.

'Definitely catchable'

https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-definitely-catchable-despite-f1-whitewash-fears


Christian Horner suggests six teams have broken Formula 1 cost cap
21st April 2023, 10:05.
Kieran Jackson
The Independent

Red Bull were found guilty of a minor overspend breach of the 2021 financial regulations – but Horner says teams have stated in meetings that they are worried about breaking the 2022 budget cap. As many as six teams could be in breach of the Formula 1 cost cap for 2022, according to Red Bull chiefs Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.

Controversy overshadowed Red Bull’s double world championship triumph last year when they were found to be guilty of a minor overspend breach of the 2021 F1 budget cap – the first year such regulations were enforced. Red Bull were fined £6m and docked 10% of their car development time

Yet there is now concern growing amongst the paddock about last year’s sums, which were submitted to the FIA on 31 March. As a result of the tough economic climate and inflation, Horner revealed that as many as six teams have made it known at F1 Commission meetings that they are at risk of missing the 2022 cost-cap figure, which stands at £111m.

‘Formula 1 cost cap’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-cost-cap-2022-red-bull-b2324125.html


F1 CEO ‘more than nervous’ as Red Bull says ‘six teams’ over cost cap
08:57 Thu, 20 Apr 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he is “more than nervous” in anticipation of last year’s budget cap findings. A cost cap was first introduced in 2021 with the aim of reducing the spending gap between teams and making the sport more competitive in the long term.

It was issued a fine of $7m as well as docked time allocated to development at its factory. Final submissions of the 2022 accounts were submitted last month and are due to be reviewed by the Cost Cap Administration. “I’m more than nervous,” Domenicali told Sky Sports.

‘Six teams’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/20/f1-ceo-more-than-nervous-as-red-bull-says-six-teams-over-cost-cap/

[Fortitude]

Wolff makes big promise: We will consistently bring upgrades.
"The machine is continuing to run in Brixworth and Brackley at a fast pace," continued Wolff.
21 April 8:00AM
Author Luke Murphy
RacingNews365

When discussing the four-week break and the upcoming events, Wolff shared his excitement at the number of developments being brought to the race weekends, but fired a warning to keep expectations "realistic".

"But there is no such thing as a magic bullet that transforms the car, and it's about being realistic with your expectations. Hopefully we will see a steady improvement. What you see on track is only the tip of the iceberg, but the performance of the car and Power Unit is made in these two factories. The mindset is great, the spirit is there and I see a lot of buzz.”

"I believe 100 percent in our organisation, because our perspective is not always on a single race weekend, not even a single season. It's on trying to build our capability so we are successful over multiple years, while recognising the fact you are never going to win every single season, because no sports team has ever done it."

‘Lot of buzz’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-makes-big-promise-we-will-consistently-bring-upgrades


Lewis Hamilton may get what he wants as Toto Wolff issues update on Mercedes development.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has spoken out on what supporters can expect when Lewis Hamilton and George Russell return to the track.
22:58, Thu, Apr 20, 2023
By Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton may finally get the competitive car he desires as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has talked up recent behind-the-scenes developments. A four-week break from competitive action has given the Silver Arrows a chance to work intensively on this year's W14, which is still some way off Red Bull in terms of pace.

Thankfully for Hamilton, who has pulled no punches in publicly calling for engineers to take drivers' recommendations more seriously, Wolff believes that the team are on the 'right trajectory' from what he has seen at the factory.

"In terms of car development, it is encouraging to see that within three races, we understand the car much better, we have defined a clear direction where we need to go and I believe we are on the right trajectory," Toto Wolff told Mercedes' official website.

‘Pulled no punches’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1760854/lewis-hamilton-toto-wolff-mercedes-f1-news


Toto Wolff says Mercedes are now on 'right trajectory' with W14 car but prepared for more setbacks
Last Updated: 20/04/23 6:34pm
By Jonathan Green
Sky Sports

Toto Wolff believes Mercedes are now on the "right trajectory" with their car although acknowledges there will likely be further setbacks in 2023.

However after an improved display at the Australian GP, in which Hamilton finished second to claim the team's first podium of the year, Wolff believes the team now know what is required to improve the W14.

'Right trajectory';

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12472/12861724/toto-wolff-says-mercedes-are-now-on-right-trajectory-with-w14-car-but-prepared-for-more-setbacks


'No sense of entitlement about top spot' at Mercedes
20/04/2023 at 4:04
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has scotched suggestions that his squad feels any sense of entitlement to a top spot on the grid in Formula 1. "We realised we weren’t coming out of the blocks where we expected to be," he acknowledged. "Having said that, we don’t feel any sense of entitlement.

"We [have been] successful over multiple years, while recognising the fact you are never going to win every single season, because no sports team has ever done it.

“This is the toughest competition in the world," he pointed out. "It wouldn’t be such a fantastic challenge if it was easy ... It’s about being realistic with your expectations. Hopefully we will see a steady improvement."

'No sense of entitlement’;

https://f1i.com/news/471776-no-sense-of-entitlement-about-top-spot-at-mercedes.html


Wolff offers hope for 2023: We've 'defined a clear direction'.
Despite a "difficult" start to 2023 for Mercedes, team boss Toto Wolff is feeling hopeful about what is to come from the car in the next few races on the calendar.
20 April 12:15PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

With ups and downs expected along the way, Wolff hopes that the team can "stay rational" throughout the process.

"It's also important to keep on track and not oscillate too much between exuberance and depression; to stay rational and believe in our trajectory, believe in the capability of the team," he added.

"There will be setbacks but there will also be upgrades and plenty of work that will help us get closer to the front."

'Defined a clear direction';

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-offers-hope-for-2023-weve-defined-a-clear-direction

[Fortitude]

Brown says both McLaren drivers are now ‘pushing each other’ as he praises Piastri’s motivation.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes his team have a driver line-up capable of “pushing each other” this season, with the American revealing that he expects rookie Oscar Piastri to soon match the pace of his six-time podium sitter team mate Lando Norris.
21 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes his team have a driver line-up capable of “pushing each other” this season, with the American revealing that he expects rookie Oscar Piastri to soon match the pace of his six-time podium sitter team mate Lando Norris.

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix – Piastri’s first race in Formula 1 in his native Melbourne – Brown was asked what Piastri had brought to McLaren. He replied: “What we want to have… is two drivers that are pushing each other. And I think early indications are that Oscar will be on the same pace as Lando, and the two of them will push each other hard.”

“And that's what you want out of your two drivers, to know that it's kind of down to you, as a team, to provide them with a car to get to the front. So, I'm confident when you look down the list of things you need to have a winning team, having two Grand Prix drivers is critically important and I think we've got that.”

‘Pushing each other’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brown-says-both-mclaren-drivers-are-now-pushing-each-other-as-he-praises.2sYyck4zpP97gW9srVKWDw.html


Norris highlights benefit of Piastri over Ricciardo
Sunday 23rd April, 2023 - 6:00am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Lando Norris feels he and Oscar Piastri are providing a consistency of feedback that is proving a benefit to McLaren in contrast to what he previously experienced with Daniel Ricciardo. The season so far has been a difficult one for both drivers given the limitations of a car which is forcing Norris to overdrive as he has been unable to get into a rhythm with the MCL60.

“I think he’s understood the car well,” said British driver Norris. “It’s obviously not an easy car to drive. I think that’s been made clear by past drivers and with comments I’ve made over the years. He did a very good job in Saudi (Arabia). He got into Q3 – the only Q3 this year so far (for McLaren). With regard to feedback and everything, our comments are probably a little bit more in line than what they have been in previous years, which again is a good thing.”

“Just because it’s a better dynamic for keeping the focus for the engineers, the aerodynamicists, and the rest of the team back at the MTC (McLaren Technology Centre). We kind of want the same thing in general, and I think that’s a good thing, It’s clear from our side. So yeah, from both sides – off track and on track – (it is) good stuff, and yeah, he is keeping me on my toes.”

‘Consistency of feedback’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/23/lando-norris-oscar-piastri-mclaren-benefit-daniel-ricciardo/


Nowhere near as bad as it seems - McLaren 2023 season review so far
Saturday 22 April 2023 14:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

McLaren were perceived as perhaps the slowest car on the grid before the Bahrain Grand Prix, yet they find themselves fifth just three races later. In actual fact, the papaya presence has been so common at the front of the midfield that it came as a surprise to see them struggle to make Q2 in Sakhir. But their problems are nowhere near as bad as anybody is trying to make out right now.

Just looking at Bahrain, Oscar Piastri's debut Formula 1 race ended with him having electrical issues and Lando Norris' progress was curtailed by a persistent engine issue. Despite the need to pit every 10 laps as a result, Norris was still keeping up with the podium battle, albeit a lap down, which proved the speed in the car.

Despite being fifth in the standings after three rounds, McLaren won't be satisfied with their performance so far, and big upgrades are expected in Azerbaijan. Luckily for them, they know the main issue that needs to be resolved and they can focus a lot of their attention on it to get it solved. The car is just far too draggy right now, and it means they get little impact from the DRS when they get the chance to use it.

‘The papaya presence’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105900/mclaren-f1-2023-lando-norris-oscar-piastri-season-review/


Why McLaren’s sure overhaul is no ‘wretchedly unworkable’ repeat
Apr 20 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

McLaren’s overhauled technical organisation looks on the surface quite similar to a problematic and much-derided structure from the Formula 1 team’s not-too-distant past. An aerospace-inspired ‘matrix’ arrangement was adopted by McLaren under Martin Whitmarsh, sharing leadership responsibilities across multiple departments.

It led to patterns of three among the technical leadership – Adrian Newey, Tim Goss and Paddy Lowe, for example. Or latterly Goss, Peter Prodromou and Matt Morris. But the ‘three technical heads’ set-up was picked apart as Zak Brown assumed more control in the late-2010s and overhauled the structure.

But team principal Andrea Stella, who experienced the final years of the old, flawed arrangement, insists “the only common thing in that organisation and this one is the number three”. “The rest is completely different,” he says. “At the time, when I joined McLaren in 2015, there were three technical directors.”

‘Wretchedly unworkable’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-mclaren-is-adamant-it-isnt-repeating-past-tech-team-blunder/


Brown reveals McLaren technical leadership changes were ‘in the works’ since late 2022
19 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

McLaren boss Zak Brown has admitted that change was on the agenda inside the team from the closing stages of the 2022 season, with their rate of car development failing to live up to expectations.

“We had a Team Principal change at the end of the year and the first thing I did with Andrea was kind of help figure out, ‘Why aren’t we developing at the pace that we need to?’ He’s come up with a restructure, a model that really puts the three departments that you put together to build a fast race car: aero, concept and engineering.”

“Fortunately, Andrea’s very technical himself, so we have a technical Team Principal. Those three groups will come together and work hard to give us a fast race car, and I think they’ll have some impact yet this year.”

‘In the works’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brown-reveals-mclaren-technical-leadership-changes-were-in-the-works-since.ojYoupvpuwJfqFzGA6SUg.html


Stella: McLaren structure "completely different" from confusing 2015 F1 era.
McLaren Formula 1 team principal Andrea Stella says that the Woking outfit's three-way split of technical director responsibilities is not the same as a previous model that was deemed unsuccessful.
11:58 Thu, 20 Apr 2023.
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

Stella insists that the current arrangement cannot be compared with the earlier version. "I think the only common thing in that organisation and this one is the number three," he said.

"The rest is completely different. At the time, which is when I joined McLaren in 2015, there were three technical directors. I think the separation of competencies was very confusing. Even for internal people, it was quite difficult to understand who was doing what.”

“And the first difference is that now we know exactly what the criteria are for this separation. In the structure that we have deployed, we want to have clear leadership in relation to the three fundamental areas to make quick cars in modern F1, which are aerodynamics, car concept and engineering.”

‘McLaren structure "completely different" ’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/stella-mclaren-structure-completely-different-from-confusing-2015-f1-era/10458605/


Brown slammed for axing Honda, Ricciardo at McLaren
16:23 Thu, 20 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has been criticised by former Ferrari and Williams team manager Peter Windsor for the decision to remove Honda and Daniel Ricciardo during his time at the helm. With McLaren struggling early in the 2023 season, Windsor, now an experienced F1 journalist, has questioned several of the calls Brown has committed to during his time in the hot seat at Woking.

“He got rid of Ron Dennis’s MP nomenclature, which upset Ron a bit. He’s got ‘MCL’ now,” Windsor began on his YouTube channel. “I think that was quite a big thing. It was a bigger thing than we realised at the time because Ron has taken that quite personally, because Ron likes to think MP4/1 was the start of the real McLaren.”

“Then, when he went in, he got rid of [the] Honda engines pretty quickly, which were free to McLaren, and replaced them with Mercedes, which he had to buy, and I think the number is £23million that he suddenly had to go from what they weren’t paying to what they suddenly had to pay as a Mercedes customer team. So he got rid of Honda. And Honda went on to win World Championships and he’s a Mercedes customer team. You have to say, looking back now, it was a pretty dodgy decision,” he remarked.

‘Slammed - Honda went on to win World Championships’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/20/brown-slammed-for-axing-honda-ricciardo-at-mclaren/

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton branded a 'spoiled little boy' in vicious attack over 'whining' F1 antics.
“He’s a whiner, you know. The tyres, the strategy, he questions everything, and he has screwed up. When you have a [teammate] who is faster than you, it is normal to be quiet and put your head under your wing.” Joan Villadelprat.
14:22, Sun, Apr 23, 2023.
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has been labelled a "spoiled little boy" by former McLaren and Ferrari employee Joan Villadelprat for being a "whiner" about Mercedes' lack of pace once again this season. It's been a disappointing campaign so far for the Silver Arrows after promising so much in the build-up to the 2023 season.

But Villadelprat believes Hamilton has voiced his opinion too much in a scathing attack on the British racing superstar. "Hamilton is fed up and, if he doesn’t win, he’s like a spoiled little boy: you either win or you break the toys,” he told El Confidencial. “I think he hasn’t lost but, after seven titles… What motivates you? Well, win another. And you’re not going to risk your skin if you don’t have that car.”

"What is evident is that Hamilton is not the same as his first or second championship.” Hamilton finished behind team-mate George Russell in the Drivers' Championship last year.

‘Vicious attack’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1761651/Lewis-Hamilton-spoiled-little-boy-F1-antics-Joan-Villadelprat-Mercedes


'Leclerc talking to Mercedes' and the truth about Hamilton and Ferrari - F1 insider.
Sunday 23 April 2023 12:57
Graham Shaw
GPFans

The future of Lewis Hamilton is likely to be the biggest domino to fall in F1 in 2023, and what he does next will have a massive knock-on effect. If Hamilton does decide to end his love affair with Mercedes after claiming six world titles during a glorious run with the Silver Arrows, it will leave a prized seat to be claimed.

According to respected F1 insider Leo Turrini, the man who appears most likely to step into the breach is none other than Charles Leclerc, currently enduring a very frustrating time at Ferrari. Turrini then says current Ferrari president John Elkann enquired about Hamilton's contract situation in 2019, but the British star was very happy winning titles at Mercedes.

Turrini claims that Leclerc, contracted to the end of 2024 at Maranello, is already in contact with the Silver Arrows, explaining in his latest blog for Quotidiano Nazionale: "That Leclerc is talking to Mercedes is the open secret. Everyone knows it, from the remote garage in Maranello to the Indian Ocean.”

‘Massive knock-on effect’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106122/charles-leclerc-mercedes-lewis-hamilton-ferrari-leo-turrini-f1-insider/


‘Fed up whiner’ Lewis Hamilton ‘not the same driver’ any more
23 Apr 2023 11:30 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

A former F1 team manager has dubbed Lewis Hamilton a “spoiled little boy” and that he is no longer the same driver as when he won the title in 2008.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Spanish publication El Confidencial, Villadelprat, who worked for McLaren and Ferrari during his long F1 career as well as Benetton, Tyrrell and Prost, appeared distinctly unimpressed by the seven-time World Champion when asked about whether he feels Hamilton is struggling to match his new teammate George Russell.

Russell has out-qualified Hamilton on three successive occasions and had seized the lead of the Australian Grand Prix ahead of Hamilton in the early stages of the race in Melbourne until an engine issue took him out of contention.

‘Fed up whiner’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-fed-up-whiner-not-the-same-driver/


Jordan urges Hamilton to consider Ferrari switch in ‘nonsense’ claim.
Pundit says “every great champion” needs to drive for the Scuderia
23rd April 2023.10:27
By Marc Mayo
Evening Standard

Lewis Hamilton risks going “stale” at Mercedes and should therefore consider a move to Ferrari, according to Eddie Jordan.

“I think he would like to win his eighth title but I have a passion in that I think he should go to Ferrari - but that’s just me talking nonsense,” Jordan told talkSPORT.

“I think if there’s an opportunity to go somewhere he should go to Ferrari because every great champion should at least have a spell at Ferrari because it just oozes with style and grandeur.”

‘Needs to drive for the Scuderia’;

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/b1076068.html


Lewis Hamilton’s public criticism has angered Toto Wolff
Mercedes is failing to keep up with its Red Bull rivals for the second season in a row, as it struggles to adapt to the new era of regulations.
22 April 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Lewis Hamilton has not been afraid to be open about his thoughts on the performance of the Mercedes W14 so far this season, criticising the design. In front of reporters, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff supported Hamilton’s view, highlighting that he is also “not happy where the team, where the car has been developed to.”

However, former Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan believes that the comments from Hamilton will have caused a rift back at the team’s base between himself and Wolff. “As a team owner you wouldn’t have liked it,” Jordan told Express Sport.

“However, if I was a driver and I heard the team owner saying that ‘I think the engineers have let us down and they have missed something here, and they have missed something there’, I’m critical of Toto and I’m critical of the team.”

“Rift back at the team’s base”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/lewis-hamiltons-public-criticism-has-angered-toto-wolff/


Lewis Hamilton has ‘gone stale’ at Mercedes says Eddie Jordan who compares star to David Beckham and says ‘it’s time to move on’
22nd April 2023, 1:43 pm
Connor Andrews
talkSPORT

Lewis Hamilton has been told to leave Mercedes to avoid ‘going stale’ by former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan – who want him to join Ferrari. Jordan Grand Prix founder turned F1 pundit Eddie Jordan spoke to talkSPORT’s On Track show, and explained why he thinks it’s time for a move.

“I think he would like to win his eighth title but I have a passion in that I think he should go to Ferrari but that’s just me talking nonsense,” Jordan began. “The reason why is I don’t want him to become stale, and I think when he was at McLaren he did well but he moved quickly to Mercedes.”

“I was one of the people with Nikki Lauda who helped that happen, and then there was a refreshed, rejuvenated Lewis Hamilton, and we know what he’s done since then, however, I think it’s time he moved on. I think if there’s an opportunity to go somewhere he should go to Ferrari because every great champion should at least have a spell at Ferrari because it just oozes with style and grandeur.”

‘Gone stale’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1402155/


Why Mercedes adversity will make Hamilton more dangerous
22 April 12:05PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Lewis Hamilton has been unable to avenge his 2021 defeat to Max Verstappen as Mercedes battle issues. But will the adversity faced by the seven-time champion make him a more dangerous rival when given competitive machinery? There have been so many moments in which Hamilton has overcome on-track adversity to secure success.

Who can forget the complete turnaround from disconsolation in the wake of prematurely giving up on his British Grand Prix qualifying attempt in wet-dry conditions in 2014, slipping to sixth on the grid? The dejection stoked emotion in anyone watching the post-session interviews on television, yet on race day Hamilton roared back to secure the victory.

What about the 2021 sprint event at Interlagos where Hamilton was controversially dropped to the back of the grid after qualifying when the FIA discovered his DRS slot gap did not conform to regulations? He put the disappointment behind him, despite the tension of battling for the title with Verstappen, to surge through the field in the sprint to finish fifth, before overcoming a further five-place grid penalty for an engine change to secure victory from 10th on the grid.

‘More dangerous’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-mercedes-adversity-will-make-hamilton-more-dangerous

[Fortitude]

Felipe Massa 'follows lawyer orders' after launching bid to strip Lewis Hamilton of title.
Lewis Hamilton could be stripped of his maiden world title after Felipe Massa launched a bid to bring legal proceedings into the Crashgate scandal of 2008.
12:57, Sun, Apr 23, 2023
By Benjamin Goddard
Daily and Sunday Express

Brazilian ex-F1 star Felipe Massa is reportedly 'following lawyer's orders' by keeping silent and refraining from making public statements after launching his bid to strip Lewis Hamilton of his 2008 world title. The 41-year-old finished second and a single point behind Hamilton in the 2008 Drivers' Championship - but that could now be overturned.

Comments made by F1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone could mean the result of the world championship being overturned 15 years after Hamilton won his maiden world title. The incident being challenged was during the Singapore Grand Prix when Massa dropped vital points after a pit stop error resulted in the Brazilian finishing 13th while Hamilton took third.

'Follows lawyer orders';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1761634/Felipe-Massa-Lewis-Hamilton-F1-news


Bernie Ecclestone blamed for causing Lewis Hamilton title row as legal options discussed
Lewis Hamilton is at the centre of a surprise move from Felipe Massa to get the result of the 2008 F1 World Championship overturned.
09:08, Tue, Apr 11, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Bernie Ecclestone has caused a "fire" with his claim that Felipe Massa was 'cheated' out of winning the 2008 World Championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton. That's the opinion of Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel, who believes there is "zero" chance the title gets overturned.

Ecclestone caused a stir last month when he claimed the result of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix should have been cancelled after learning of Nelson Piquet Jr's deliberate crash. The former F1 supremo decided against taking a stand at the time, admitting he found out about the deliberate crash during the 2008 season, before the story eventually came out a year later.

‘Caused a "fire" ’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1756854/Bernie-Ecclestone-Lewis-Hamilton-2008-title-Felipe-Massa-legal-options


Ex-F1 driver tells Felipe Massa ‘there’s a time limit’ on Lewis Hamilton title dispute
18 Apr 2023 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Felipe Massa should stop all talk of seeking legal action over the 2008 World title with former British F1 driver Tiff Needell saying it’s too late for that. He told Express Sport: “You can’t cancel it now. From that race on people ran tactics from the points that were on the board.

“If he’d appealed for the race to be null and void but I guess they didn’t know it was deliberate. As soon as they had announced it, if they had put an appeal in then, then maybe. There’s a time limit.”

‘There’s a time limit’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ex-f1-driver-felipe-massa-time-limit-2008-dispute/


‘Crashgate’ cost Ferrari that F1 title. So did a familiar fault
Apr 15 2023
By Mark Hughes
The Race

If the only races which counted towards the 2008 world championship were those which had not been illegally subverted, then Felipe Massa would be Ferrari’s most recent Formula 1 world champion. The defrauding of the outcome of Singapore that year lost Massa a race he would otherwise almost certainly have won and in hindsight it lost him the title.

Ferrari and Massa elected not to pursue legal resolutions at the time, when the scandal made its way out into the open. But Singapore 2008 has been in the news again as of late, due to Massa publicly reconsidering that stance.

‘Crashgate’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/crashgate-cost-ferrari-that-f1-title-so-did-a-familiar-fault/


Massa could have won title despite ‘Crashgate’ – Piquet Jnr
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 15th April 2023, 0:0114th April 2023, 20:12
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Nelson Piquet Jnr says the crash he caused during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix needn’t have cost Felipe Massa the world championship that year. Massa is seeking legal action over the race, which Fernando Alonso won after Piquet, his Renault team mate, deliberately crashed in order to cause a Safety Car period. During that period Massa pitted but suffered a botched pit stop which ended his chances of scoring any points.

Piquet insisted his crash wasn’t done “to affect a person directly – it was a team order to help someone within our team. It wasn’t to disturb Felipe,” he told the Pelas Pistas podcast. “It was nothing like that. We don’t know what happened, you know? Felipe could very well have won that race if that hadn’t happened at the pit stop.”

“It wasn’t to disturb Felipe”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/15/racefans-round-up-15-04-6/


McLaren brutally troll Felipe Massa on TikTok after threat to Lewis Hamilton's title
Felipe Massa is looking at taking legal action over Lewis Hamilton's 2008 F1 World Championship.
12:05, Thu, Apr 13, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

McLaren have poked fun at Felipe Massa's plea to have the result of the 2008 F1 season overturned for being in 'denial' at Lewis Hamilton's title. Bernie Ecclestone sensationally revealed recently that he "decided not to do anything" to protect F1 from a "huge scandal" after learning of Nelson Piquet Jr's intentional crash at the Singapore Grand Prix.

‘Brutally Troll’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1757852/McLaren-Felipe-Massa-TikTok-Lewis-Hamilton-2008-title


McLaren aim dig at Felipe Massa amid dispute over Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 title win
Thursday 13 Apr 2023 11:52 am
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s former team McLaren have jokingly slated Felipe Massa’s claim that the 2008 Formula One title belongs to him. It remains to be seen whether Massa, who retired in 2017 having never again challenged for an F1 title, will actually take the matter to court but the 41-year-old seems adamant that he should be considered a world champion.

‘I think if you’ve been punished for something that wasn’t your fault, and it’s the product of a robbery, a stolen race, justice has to be served,’ the 11-time grand prix winner told Motorsport.com. ‘In fact, the right situation is to cancel the result of that race. It is the only justice that can be done in a case like this.’

‘McLaren aim dig’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/13/lewis-hamilton-mclaren-aim-dig-at-felipe-massa-amid-dispute-over-2008-f1-title-18605039/?ito=newsnow-feed


McLaren pokes fun at Massa as he considers action over F1 2008 title outcome
13:26 Thu, 13 Apr 2023.
by Motorsport Week

Ecclestone recently claimed that Max Mosley, then the president of the FIA, knew about the situation during the 2008 season but “decided not to do anything for now”. Massa said that he was “very sad” to hear that Mosley was aware of the incident, and understands that it is unlikely anything will change.

“There are rules, and there are many things that, depending on the country, you cannot go back after 15 years to resolve a situation,” he said. “But I intend to study the situation; study what the laws say, and the rules. We have to have an idea of what is possible to do.”

Amid the situation, McLaren has opted to post a TikTok using a viral sound that contains ‘Denial is a river in Egypt’ (a play on the words ‘The Nile’). Almost 24 hours after the video has been posted, it has over half a million views as well as over 100,000 likes.

‘McLaren pokes fun’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/13/mclaren-pokes-fun-at-massa-as-he-considers-action-over-f1-2008-title-outcome/

[Fortitude]

All talk and no walk - Alpine 2023 season review so far.
The drivers are holding up their end of the bargain right now, they need the team to start doing the same and deliver on the hype they drummed up themselves before a wheel was turned.
Friday 21 April 2023 15:28
Joe Ellis
GPFans

All the talk coming out of Enstone before the 2023 Formula 1 season suggested that this year's Alpine car would be even better than 2022's edition. Podiums and fights with Mercedes and Ferrari were the aim for the French manufacturer, with a car below the minimum weight limit which would allow them to use ballast to gain a performance advantage.

But that extreme focus on weight loss has seemingly caused them to neglect the other fundamentals they need to be successful. They are still probably the pick of the midfield, but Alpine were hoping to be out of that conversation and among the big teams this year, similar to how Aston Martin have progressed.

‘All talk and no walk’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105895/alpine-f1-2023-esteban-ocon-pierre-gasly-season-review/


‘No Point Racing’ if Alpine Do Not Believe they can replicate Aston Martin-like Progress – Ocon
April 18, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Esteban Ocon has full belief that his BWT Alpine F1 Team can contend at the front of the field much like the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team, and if he didn’t, he says there would be ‘no point in racing’.

Aston Martin made a big jump in performance ahead of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season and currently sit second in the Constructors’ Championship after the first three races of the season, three races where Fernando Alonso has finished on the podium. Ocon says that Alpine’s engineers should have the same kind of belief that they can make a big leap forward after seeing what Aston Martin have done, and they should give up in they lose that belief.

“We have to in our mind think it is possible, otherwise there’s no point racing,” Ocon is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. “If you think about it, we finished the season in December and when we restarted it was end of February, beginning of March. So it’s about three, four months.

‘Think it is possible’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/no-point-racing-if-alpine-do-not-believe-they-can-replicate-aston-martin-like-progress-ocon/


Alpine dismiss concerns over impact of 'costly' Australia crash
23 April 8:55AM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

The Australian Grand Prix ended in disaster for Alpine, with Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon making contact at the penultimate race restart which resulted in both retiring. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer has explained whether this could affect the squad in terms of the cost cap. When asked about the ramifications from this on the budget cap, Szafnauer voiced his confidence that the team would not be too greatly affected.

"From a budget cap perspective, I think we are going to be okay, from everything I know," the Team Principal explained to media, including RacingNews365.com. "So I don't think there's any concerns. It will be costly so, from a money perspective, it probably would have been a lot less costly had it not happened."

‘Dismiss concerns’;

https://racingnews365.com/alpine-dismiss-concerns-over-impact-of-costly-australia-crash


Alpine boss reveals COSTLY issue ahead of Baku
Monday 17 April 2023 21:17
Sam Hall
GPFans

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer has revealed Alpine is battling to have enough parts ready for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon collided following a late-red flag restart at the Australian Grand Prix, with both drivers retiring as a result of significant damage sustained.

While the pair have apologised for the contact and moved on, Alpine faces a race against time to simultaneously build a parts store and manufacture upgrades ahead of the Baku weekend. Asked how tough it will be to be ready in time for Azerbaijan, Szafnauer said: "From getting parts ready for the next race, I don’t know yet. It’s a little bit too early to tell. But we will pull out all of the stops to get ample spares to the next race and the upgrade we have coming.”

‘Pull out all of the stops’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/105741/alpine-pulling-out-all-the-stops-replenish-parts-australia-smash/


Alpine expects Baku F1 upgrade to be a ‘reasonable step’
10:36 Wed, 19 Apr 2023.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport

Alpine chief technical officer Pat Fry says the team’s first major upgrade of the year at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix should be a “reasonable step”. The Enstone-based outfit has acknowledged it needs to begin making strides with its in-season development and is planning to introduce its first significant car updates for Baku.

“As last year, we’ve got a reasonable upgrade plan running,” said Fry, as quoted by The Race. “We should have a reasonable step for Baku and then more coming through, so at race four and race six [Imola] there should be some reasonable steps coming.”

‘Reasonable steps coming’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2023/04/19/alpine-expects-baku-f1-upgrade-to-be-a-reasonable-step/


Alpine confident of challenging Mercedes in coming F1 races
10:41 Sun, 23 Apr 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer is confident the addition of some upgrades will enable it to take the fight to Mercedes in the coming Formula 1 races. Alpine is planning to debut an extensive upgrade package at the next round in Azerbaijan – plus further new parts a week later in Miami – and Szafnauer is confident the developments will bring the team nearer to its 2023 target of closing on the top three.

Asked if he is wary of Mercedes’ planned major upgrade for Imola in May taking the German team beyond Alpine’s grasp he said: “No, we think we can fight with them. Yeah, we too have a decent-size upgrade coming for Baku and then a little bit more only a week later in Miami, so we continue to push the upgrades out.”

‘Take the fight to Mercedes’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/23/alpine-confident-of-challenging-mercedes-in-coming-f1-races/


Alpine boss in favour of early F1 season break
Saturday 22nd April, 2023 - 11:49am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer has suggested that the current three-week break early in the F1 season has merit. F1 was last in action on the opening weekend of April and will be back on track at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Round 4 of the championship, at the end of the month.

“Although not planned, in a calendar that has 23 races and some back-to-backs and triple headers, it’s nice to have a three-week break now, a three-week break in August, and a break for Christmas,” said Szafnauer. “Maybe, if it’s just so by luck that we gain the knowledge that it’s good to do it this way, maybe it should be by design in the future.’

‘Current three-week break early in the F1 season has merit’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/22/alpine-boss-in-favour-of-early-f1-season-break/

[Fortitude]

Baku WOES expected for Ferrari after upgrade REVELATION.
Ferrari's upgrade package for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is not expected to solve the major issues with the car.
Monday 24 April 2023 12:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Reports in the Italian media have suggested that Ferrari's upgrades for Baku will not allow the drivers to extract maximum performance from the car. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari's impending upgrades are not enough to unlock the car's maximum performance.

The report states: "The developments that will be seen in a week's time in Baku do not form part of the package of modifications defined to solve the problems that have so far prevented us from extracting the full potential from the Ferrari SF-23."

"The targeted development plan will unfold between Imola and Montmelò, with perhaps a sort of preview in Miami with regards to the wings." This will be a source of frustration for Ferrari fans, who will likely have to watch their team chase down Aston Martin and Mercedes once again in Baku.

‘WOES expected for Ferrari’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106155/ferrari-azerbaijan-grand-prix-upgrades/


The Baku blow for Ferrari which could make them more vulnerable to rivals
24 Apr 2023 6:45 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed the team will not bring upgrades with them to Baku this weekend, but reassured “a flow of updates” will come to the SF-23 soon.

As the team are lagging behind Red Bull, along with the rest of the field, Vasseur also ruled out the possibility of the team running a full concept change this year – instead opting to try and “massively” upgrade what they already have.

“No, I don’t think so,” Vasseur responded when asked if Ferrari will take a different approach with their car design as 2023 progresses, as per Formula1.com.

‘Baku blow for Ferrari’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-azerbaijan-upgrade-blow/


Azerbaijan GP: Frederic Vasseur hands Ferrari fans a huge blow
Ferrari are set to introduce upgrades at several consecutive races, starting from the Miami Grand Prix.
24 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has dealt fans of the Italians a huge blow, after revealing that the Maranello-based team will not be taking any upgrades to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s aim is to “update massively” the SF-23 in the coming races, in a bid to at least return to second in the pecking order. “I think that we will have a flow of updates that some will come,” Vasseur said, as reported by GPFans.

“Not at Baku, because Baku we have the aero package for the level of downforce, [and] with the Sprint race it’s not the easiest one. But from Miami, Imola, not Monaco, but Barcelona – each race will have an update on the car.”

‘Starting from the Miami Grand Prix’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/azerbaijan-gp-frederic-vasseur-hands-ferrari-fans-a-huge-blow/


Ferrari poach Red Bull engineers as Charles Leclerc eyes Maranello exit
Ferrari recently lost head of vehicle concept David Sanchez to McLaren.
23 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

It has been revealed by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport that Ferrari have signed two engineers from rivals Red Bull, with the duo set to join the Maranello-based team next year.

The two engineers that Ferrari have signed are required to enter a “full gardening” leave, meaning they won’t be able to work with the Italians until 2024. This is fairly common when an engineer moves to a rival team, something Ferrari certainly are for Red Bull.

“Two engineers have just been hired and have ceased their activity at Red Bull, they are in full gardening [leave] and will be in force in Maranello in 2024,” reports Corriere dello Sport. “But their names are not yet known, nor is it known how much difference they can make. After all, the Cavallino has hired thirty technicians in the last three years – even from top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes”.

“Full Gardening” leave’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/ferrari-poach-red-bull-engineers-as-charles-leclerc-eyes-maranello-exit/


Charles Leclerc in Mercedes talks as F1 paddock's "open secret" may impact Lewis Hamilton
12:22, 24 Apr 2023
By Anna Malyon
The Mirror

Rumours regarding the futures of both Hamilton and Leclerc have been rife in recent weeks, given the looming expiry of their respective contracts with Mercedes and Ferrari. It is an "open secret" in the Formula 1 paddock that Charles Leclerc has been speaking with Mercedes amid speculation over his Ferrari future.

The Monegasque's contract with the Scuderia expires at the end of next season and, at the moment, there are no signs that a renewal is imminent. He has been heavily linked with Mercedes as a result, especially given the future of Lewis Hamilton is also far from set in stone.

According to renowned Italian F1 journalist Leo Turrini, if Hamilton chooses not to stay at the Silver Arrows the vacant seat would likely be taken by Leclerc. With both Ferrari and Mercedes not close to be competing with Red Bull this season, the two racers have been considering their futures.

"Open secret" may impact Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/leclerc-mercedes-hamilton-ferrari-2024-29793844

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin assess their chances of hunting down Red Bull this season.
Thrice on the podium with a hat-trick of P3s for Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin have emerged as Red Bull’s closest rival not only on the track but in the standings.
24 Apr 2023 11:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

With Red Bull’s advantage on the track all but guaranteeing them a 1-2 result barring complications, such as Sergio Perez’s pit lane start in Australia, Krack acknowledges that making up points isn’t easy with Red Bull on track to grab the majority. As such he’s appreciating the fact Aston Martin have made a flying start to their season to eke out a nine-point advantage over Mercedes, 39 up on Ferrari.

“In a cost cap environment, with such intensity of racing, you have to start with a good car, because to play catch-up along the year – and if you are down on points, as we have seen last year – it’s quite impossible, because there was not much to score,” he said as per The Race.

“Even if you had the fourth-fastest car last year, you were just not scoring enough to make up for any gaps. So we have managed last year to develop the car substantially. Now we start obviously from a higher baseline. So it will be not as easy as it was last year. But we have to make progress to stay where we are because if you don’t do anything, we will go back.”

‘Chances of hunting down Red Bull’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-martin-team-boss-wary-relative-development-race/


‘We need to learn and grow off track’ says Aston’s Alonso as he expects development race to heat up
25 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin must adopt a “humble” approach despite their strong start to the season, with the Spaniard expecting the order to change “a little bit” over the next few races as teams begin to bring major upgrade packages. Speaking after the Australian Grand Prix, Alonso said:

“I think Mercedes, they've also been strong in Jeddah, to be honest. I was within one tenth of George [Russell], fighting to get this extra five seconds or whatever at the end, so it was very, very close. It seems that qualifying is quite important now, because race pace is very similar, and I think now we enter into a part of the season that is going to be very interesting - which team is developing the car faster?”

“I think the first three races being away from Europe, it’s difficult to bring upgrades and things like that. But from now on, maybe we see the level of the teams changing a little bit, race-by-race, depending on who brings an upgrade that is good enough.”

‘Aston Martin must adopt a “humble” approach’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-need-to-learn-and-grow-off-track-aston-martin-alonso-as-he-expects.2lLlyHH3BqMpjK1RQdPUo6.html


The day Alonso gave Schumacher an F1 masterclass
20:24 Mon, 24 Apr 2023.
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

On April 24th 2005 upstart Fernando Alonso and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher went head-to-head in the San Marino GP – and the youngster just came out on top after a brilliantly judged drive.

It was the first time that the two had fought so closely for a race victory all the way to the chequered flag, and Alonso’s superb win appeared to signal a changing of the guard. We didn’t know it at the time but Imola was to be a rare high for a Ferrari team strangled by that year’s tyre regulations – Alonso’s main title opposition was to come from McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen, who should have won the San Marino event.

The Renault driver’s tyres didn’t have the required pace in them, but he judged it brilliantly, never leaving the door open, with superior traction in slow corners giving him a useful boost. Even the wily Schumacher couldn’t find a way by, and Alonso just made it home in front – by only 0.2s. “It was good!,” said Symonds of his man. “That’s what race craft is all about, isn’t it? Everyone says there should be more overtaking in F1, but today I was pleased there wasn’t!”

‘Race Craft’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-schumacher-imola-2005-recap/4784072/


Alonso: Aston Martin one year ahead of schedule to become F1 contender
14:18 Mon, 24 Apr 2023.
By: Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Fernando Alonso says his Aston Martin team's shock improvement in the 2023 Formula 1 season means it is now one year ahead of schedule in its bid to become a world championship contender. According to Alonso, his new outfit's breakthrough over the winter has shortened its planned trajectory to the top by a year.

"I was hoping 2023 to be a learning season and in 2024 maybe to be challenging Ferrari and Mercedes and things like that," said Alonso. "But we challenged them in Bahrain in race one so obviously now everything looks more optimistic."

Alonso cautioned that the true test of Aston's progress will follow once rival teams start bringing sizeable upgrades and the team's in-season development rate will be put to the test, a process which will begin in Azerbaijan.

‘One year ahead of schedule’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/-alonso-aston-martin-one-year-ahead-of-schedule-to-become-f1-contender/10459920/


The rare Fernando Alonso skill that sets him apart from everyone else
24 Apr 2023 1:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has showered praise on Fernando Alonso following his strong start to the 2023 Formula 1 season, claiming his unique ability to manage a race from the cockpit means he doesn’t need a race strategist.

Alonso has long been regarded as one of the most complete drivers on the grid, with Steiner identifying the Spaniard’s rare ability to think through a race as his greatest strength. He (Guenther Steiner) told talkSPORT: “Everybody who watches Formula 1 knows Fernando is a driver who has got skills none of the other drivers have got.”

“In my opinion, he doesn’t need a strategist or anything. He can manage his race from inside the car. He’s so good [at that] and he’s very talented driving as well. That’s where he’s so strong.”

‘EL PLAN: Doesn’t need a strategist’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenther-steiner-fernando-alonso-rare-skill/


Alonso has another six years in him, says Fittipaldi
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 24th April 2023, 0:0123rd April 2023, 23:05
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Fernando Alonso can continue to race competitively for at least another six years, his fellow two-times world champion Emerson Fittipaldi believes. The Aston Martin driver, who has finished third in every race so far this year, will turn 42 in July. Fittipaldi, who raced well into his forties in America’s CART IndyCar series after retiring from F1, believes Alonso can replicate what he did.

“I won my last race in the United States at the age of 47 and Alonso can reach that age at a high level,” Fittipaldi told AS. “He is physically very well and is hungry for victory.”

Despite Red Bull’s dominant start to the season, Fittipaldi said Alonso will be “one of the favorites” to win in Monaco next month, due to the unusually tight nature of the circuit. “The [Red Bull drivers] will also go very strong in Monaco but it is obvious that Fernando will have his options,” said Fittipaldi. “He can win if he is lucky.”

‘Another six years’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/24/racefans-round-up-24-04-6/


KRACK FEELS ‘NERVOUS’ ABOUT BAKU SPRINT FORMAT
Will the street circuit make the weekend difficult for some teams?
April 24, 2023
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds

The Sprint weekend format in Baku will bring the first Sprint on a street circuit. Street circuits are always rather critical regarding car damage – Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack is “nervous”. After a few weeks’ break, Formula 1 returns. Azerbaijan will host the first of six Sprint format weekends.

The Baku City Circuit itself is an exciting but also dangerous race track. The roads are narrow, and the walls are close. It is not uncommon for accidents to happen here with severe damage to the car. When you put this in the context of the budget cap and the time needed to repair cars, the race weekend in Baku becomes an extraordinary challenge.

According to racingnews365, Krack explains: “Straight after the Sprint, you have the covers on and then in the morning, you have only three or four hours to repair your car if it’s heavily damaged. So there is a high risk with that exercise. But again, it’s the same for everybody and Baku is it is not so difficult to overtake [on]. If you take high risk in the corners and then there is a higher risk, but I think I think it will be a good show over the weekend.”

‘NERVOUS’

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/krack-feels-nervous-about-baku-sprint-format/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

How the four-week break could end up hurting Red Bull.
Runaway F1 2023 leaders Red Bull could find their sizeable advantage eaten into as the sport finally returns to track action in Baku this weekend.
25 Apr 2023 5:00 PM
Mark Scott
PlanetF1.com.

Mercedes were one team who made that very clear. “We need to consolidate our understanding and hopefully over the next few races we can make another step,” Wolff said. “It’s also important to keep on track and not oscillate too much between exuberance and depression; to stay rational and believe in our trajectory, believe in the capability of the team.”

“There will be setbacks but there will also be upgrades and plenty of work that will help us get closer to the front. The machine is continuing to run in Brixworth and Brackley at a fast pace. What you see on track is only the tip of the iceberg, but the performance of the car and power unit is made in these two factories. We will consistently be bringing upgrades to the car over the next few races, which is something to look forward to.”

‘Sizeable advantage eaten’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bull-four-week-break-hamper/


Can ‘King of Baku’ Sergio Perez take the fight to Max Verstappen? F1 Azerbaijan GP talking points
24 Apr 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Two victories and a second place finish in the opening three races, combined with a challenging Australian Grand Prix weekend for teammate Sergio Perez, has seen Verstappen open up a 15-point lead in the championship.

It may be early days, but many have already written off Perez’s title chances given Verstappen’s purple streak of form and the Mexican’s torrid weekend last time out in Melbourne. Perez will be looking to kickstart his world championship ambitions this weekend in Baku, a circuit he holds an impressive record at.

Perez has more podium finishes than any other driver in Azerbaijan, having stood on the podium four times in six races, including taking his first victory for Red Bull in 2021.

‘Many have already written off Perez’s title chances’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1024623/1/can-king-baku-perez-take-fight-verstappen


Marko plays down latest Red Bull rumours
25th April 2023, 07:42
Grandpx.news

Dr Helmut Marko has played down the latest wild rumours about Red Bull's involvement in Formula 1. Although the premier team Red Bull Racing is dominating the sport at present, Marko is said to be an odds with the successor of his friend and the energy drink company's late co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

Rumours suggest Marko and new Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, 47, do not get along, which could lead to 79-year-old Marko quitting his prominent role. And yet another rumour is that due to the poor on-track and financial performance of the second team Alpha Tauri, its boss Franz Tost could be ousted.

"I can only say that I will be with Red Bull in Salzburg on Wednesday," Marko told the Swiss newspaper Blick. "And those topics are not on the agenda there." However, the rumours are persistent, and even involve suggestions that recently-retired four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel could succeed either Marko or Tost.

‘Those topics are not on the agenda’;

https://grandpx.news/marko-plays-down-latest-red-bull-rumours/


The RIDICULOUS F1 records Max Verstappen could break before 2023 ends
Tuesday 25 April 2023 18:57
Daniel Austin
GPFans

Four weeks. That’s how long a break the Formula 1 pack has had to improve their cars as they desperately try to catch up to Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Such is the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s dominance, though, that it would take a frankly inexplicable breakthrough from one of their rivals between the last race in Australia and the next in Azerbaijan this weekend for the status quo of the 2023 campaign to shift to any meaningful degree.

So far this year Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez have been in a class of their own, piloting machinery which is simply uncontestably fast in a straight line, and which displays a balletic poise through the corners that allows it to scamper away into the distance seemingly at will.

‘RIDICULOUS F1 records’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106254/max-verstappen-f1-records-broken-2023-red-bull-baku/


Stealing sponsors: Christian Horner sets record straight on Red Bull’s rivals
25 Apr 2023 12:15 PM
Mark Scott
PlanetF1.com

Speaking with The i back in March, Horner said that only added to the perception that Red Bull are the ‘villain’ of Formula 1 and led to an unnamed team trying to cause further disruption within the Red Bull camp. “If we had a British driver like a certain team in Brackley…we are too easily seen as the bad guys,” he told The i.

“It tainted us [the budget cap breach]. These things get used by your rivals. We had one of them contacting our sponsors and partners making suggestions that we would be bringing their brands into disrepute. That was just underhand. My wife has always said to me a pat on the back is only six inches from a kick up the arse. This is like the Kardashians on wheels. As long as you are comfortable with the decisions you are taking. That’s how I live my life.”

“It wasn’t about stealing sponsors,” Horner is quoted as having told Sky Deutschland by grandpx.news. “The intention was to suggest to the sponsors that their partnership could bring the brands into disrepute. An attempt was also made to try and get Horner to confirm which team tried to cause some level of disruption with Red Bull’s sponsors, but he would only deliver a classic response. I’ll leave that entirely to your imagination,” he said.

‘Could bring the brands into disrepute’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-red-bull-stealing-sponsors/


Perez: Red Bull in 'very unique position' to have Ricciardo.
24 April 2023, 12:05PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Daniel Ricciardo's influence on Red Bull following his return to the squad as a reserve driver has been praised by team boss Christian Horner. Sergio Perez has also given his take on the impact of having the Australian around.

Sergio Perez believes that Red Bull are in a "very unique position" following Daniel Ricciardo's return. Perez on Ricciardo's return, "He's, first of all, someone very positive, someone great to have around," Perez told media, including RacingNews365.com, over the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

"He never stops smiling. I think it's great for the team. "We are in a very unique position, to have Daniel around with the amount of experience he has. He's been doing a very good job for us." Alongside acting as a reserve driver, Ricciardo's role also involves simulator work and commercial activities.

'Very unique position';

https://racingnews365.com/perez-red-bull-in-very-unique-position-to-have-ricciardo

[Fortitude]

F1 confirms new standalone sprint race format including half-hour ‘Sprint Shootout’.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council has authorised the changes ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a vote held at an F1 Commission meeting earlier today.
25th April 2023, 16:3225th April 2023, 17:38
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Revised 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule

Session timings and key rules differences between each:

Friday
First practice – 60 minutes
Grand prix qualifying – Q1: 18 minutes; Q2: 15 minutes, Q3: 12 minutes

Saturday
Sprint race qualifying (‘Sprint shootout’) – Q1: 12 minutes; Q2: 10 minutes, Q3: 8 minutes
Sprint race, 17 laps – Pays 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 points to the top eight finishers. Drivers may use DRS on lap after standing start or Safety Car start

Sunday
Grand prix, 51 laps – Pays 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 points to the top 10 finishers, plus a bonus point for fastest lap if the driver who sets it finishes in the top 10. Drivers may use DRS on second lap after standing start or Safety Car start

This article will be updated.

‘FIA World Motor Sport Council has authorised the changes’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/25/f1-confirms-new-standalone-sprint-race-format-including-half-hour-sprint-shootout/


New F1 ‘sprint shootout’ approved by teams for Azerbaijan Grand Prix
16:44 Tue, 25 Apr 2023.
The Independent

There was an unanimous agreement to increase the number of sprint events amongst F1 teams at a meeting of the F1 commission meeting last year, following discussions with the FIA and a vote amongst the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).

As it was last year, the F1 sprint is a 100km race with no mandatory pit stops and drivers racing flat-out to the chequered flag. As it was in the 2022 season, the top eight drivers score points, with the driver who finishes P1 receiving eight points.

‘New F1 ‘sprint shootout’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-sprint-shootout-race-baku-b2326415.html


Will F1’s ‘two-day grand prix’ format enliven its underwhelming sprint races?
2023 F1 season
Posted on 25th April 2023, 18:3025th April 2023, 20:55
Written by Keith Collantine

Let’s start with the good news. Formula 1 has expunged one of the worst features of the sprint races it introduced two years ago.

Following a meeting of the teams today, with the first of this year’s six sprint races just four days away, F1 has announced further changes to its rules with a separate ‘Sprint Shootout’ qualifying session being introduced. This will decide the starting order for the sprint race, while the grand prix grid is unaffected and set by a qualifying session held on Friday.

This corrects the flaw in the format which was demonstrated most clearly by the last sprint round, the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. On that occasion Haas’s Kevin Magnussen mastered changing conditions in qualifying to perfection, defeating drivers from a string of better-funded teams with faster cars to be fastest in Q3.

‘Two-day grand prix’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/25/will-f1-new-two-day-grand-prix-format-enliven-its-underwhelming-sprint-races/


Azerbaijan Grand Prix: 5 great battles from the F1 archive.
25 Apr 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Delve into the F1 archive to take a look at some of the greatest battles in Azerbaijan.

‘5 great battles’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.azerbaijan-grand-prix-5-great-battles-from-the-f1-archive.1764166393815534541.html


F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weather forecast
Tuesday 25 April 2023 13:27
Sam Hall
GPFans

The F1 season resumes with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend as Red Bull looks to extend its dominant start to the campaign.

Max Verstappen leads the standings with two wins from three races and is trailed by team-mate Sergio Perez, who is the only other driver to stand on the top step of the podium this year.

The weekend will feature the Sprint format for the first time season, with a vote taking place on Tuesday to confirm whether a new iteration of this will be run. Before the exact schedule is confirmed, here is the weather for the coming weekend in Baku.

‘Grand Prix weather forecast’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106241/f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix-weather-forecast/

[Fortitude]

Toto Wolff delivers a word of warning ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“We’ve had a few weeks off from racing but both factories have been hard at work,” Wolff said in his latest Mercedes preview.
26 Apr 2023 2:00 PM
Mark Scott
PlanetF1.com

“We’ve tried to maximise this period, bringing planned development to the car and extracting as much as possible from our learnings so far. Australia showed that we are making progress, although we need to be cautious about reading too much into a single result.”

“But the signs in Melbourne were still encouraging and that has been a good motivator for the whole team heading into this gap in the calendar. Over the next races, we want to keep on making small steps forward.”

“The car will continue to evolve in the coming weeks, as we steadily bring performance and upgrades to the track. We’re excited to see their impact, but we know there is no magic bullet.”

‘Maximise’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-azerbaijan-grand-prix-warning/


Mercedes have ‘plenty of firepower’ as they confirm Azerbaijan GP upgrades
James Allison has returned to the technical officer position at Mercedes after vacating the role two years ago.
26 April 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Mercedes’ returning technical officer James Allison has confirmed that the Silver Arrows will have upgrades for this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a circuit which left the team with nightmares 12 months ago. This weekend will mark Allison’s first weekend back as the team’s technical officer, after himself and Mike Elliott switched positions.

“It’s reliable, that’s a definite strength,” Allison told the F1 Nation podcast, when asked about the W14’s characteristics. “It’s got very good pair of punters peddling it around. It’s better than most of the grid out there. But until it’s the quickest one, it will always feel like a weak car to all of us.”

“It’s adequately kind to its tyres, but not as good as some of the cars that we’ve made in the past. It’s got more downforce than most of the cars on the grid, but not sufficient. Its handling characteristics leave a little to be desired, and need to be worked on for sure. But none of this stuff is revelatory. We’ve been talking about it most weekends. And it’s part of what this team needs to address to get winning material back in our hands.”

‘Good pair of punters peddling it around’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/mercedes-have-plenty-of-firepower-as-they-confirm-azerbaijan-gp-upgrades/


Five key questions ahead of the 2023 Azerbaijan GP
26th April 2023, 13:09
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Formula 1’s April break is coming to an end, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from Baku taking place this weekend. But what are the key questions and main talking points ahead of this year’s event? How will the new format play out? F1 is once again shaking up the weekend format for the upcoming event, with the sprint schedule going through further changes.

Will McLaren make a leap forward? McLaren missed development targets with its 2023 car and as a result, started the campaign off the pace of where it was hoping to be. Can anyone stop Red Bull? Red Bull appears unstoppable at the moment. Although it has faced gremlins in the opening rounds, it has overcome them through the sheer pace of the RB19 which has delivered a trio of wins to start the 2023 campaign.

Will Ferrari turn around its fortunes? Ferrari was hopeful that its return to the top step of the podium in 2022 would further translate to a serious championship push the following year. Will Alonso’s hot streak continue? Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin was heavily questioned when it was confirmed last year that he would be departing Alpine, but now, it is shaping up to be one of his smartest career decisions.

‘Five key questions’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/04/26/five-key-questions-ahead-of-the-2023-azerbaijan-gp/


IT’S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
25 April 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

The unusual early-season break is finally over and we’re back to racing this weekend, but not just any racing as the first Sprint event of the season is upon us. So here are a few of the talking points likely to be doing the rounds when the paddock reconvenes in Baku. A new Sprint format: It might seem a little strange for confirmation to come just before the race weekend kicks off, but an exciting new Sprint format has officially been ratified by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council following discussions over the past few weeks.

The development race: There might not have been any racing taking place since the long trip to Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean teams haven’t been hard at work back at their factories. Unlike in the summer break, there’s no mandatory shutdown at this time of year, allowing the usual R&D to take place within the engineering teams. Penalty protests: Speaking of Ferrari, they were one of the few teams to create headlines during the recent break from racing, as Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed they had submitted a petition for a right of review into the penalty given to Carlos Sainz in Australia.

The season building momentum: Have I mentioned it has been nearly four weeks since we last went racing?! It just feels so strange to have such a big break at this stage, doesn’t it? Guenther Steiner’s diary: Aside from Ferrari, another very busy team have been Haas, or more specifically their Team Principal, Guenther Steiner. The Haas team boss will no doubt face plenty of questions about some of the revelations within the book once he’s in the paddock in Baku, and it will also be interesting to see if any of his competitors have had a read as well…

‘5 storylines we’re excited about’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-2023-azerbaijan.1MpGjh0XimzSXRjXHATZMJ.html


‘More eyeballs, more money’: Formula 1 community reacts to sprint weekend changes
April 26th, 2023 12:26 pm
Staff Writers from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

The introduction of a second qualifying session to sprint rounds has divided opinion within the Formula 1 community ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and one driver will be particularly peeved by the changes. On Tuesday, the FIA announced a new format for sprint weekends, in which Saturday is now effectively a stand-alone event with no bearing on Sunday’s race.

Saturday practice has been removed from the schedule and replaced by the “sprint shootout”, which sets the grid for the sprint race later that day. Qualifying on Friday evening will set the grid for Sunday’s grand prix, and the fastest driver in qualifying will be declared the weekend’s pole winner for the official record.

Both Friday qualifying and the sprint shootout will use the familiar Q1-Q2-Q3 format, but the shootout will run on a tighter schedule, giving drivers less time to record their lap times. Subsequently, teams will have just one hour on Friday afternoon, when the track is at its dirtiest and least representative, to lock-in car set-up and evaluate any upgrades.

‘More eyeballs, more money’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/more-eyeballs-more-money-formula-1-community-reacts-to-sprint-weekend-changes/news-story/ecd18837186e7ea8fd350c929a7828ba


Riding momentum, Kannapolis-based Haas F1 Team preps for Azerbaijan Grand Prix
26th April 2026, 11:36
By David Whisenant
WBTV

The Kannapolis-based MoneyGram Haas F1 Team enters the event in seventh position in Formula 1′s Constructors’ Championship, on seven points, buoyed by successive points finishes in the previous grands prix in Saudi Arabia and Australia. Kevin Magnussen collected 10th place around the streets of Jeddah prior to Nico Hulkenberg scoring seventh position in Albert Park, capturing MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s best result since July 2022.

Guenther Steiner – Team Principal: “With the unintended break, we tried to make the best out of it. Firstly, I told people to rest a little bit and get ready for a tough season in front of us as, the real season starts now with the double-header and then the triple-header. The design team is working on the last little bits for upgrades that we bring in the next races, starting in Miami. We also put a few things in place like the race team going to a team bonding event for two days in Wales.”

Guenther Steiner – Team Principal: “I definitely prefer the new set-up because Saturday morning practice is pretty pointless as you couldn’t change anything on the car, you just went out there, did laps and tried to understand the tires – I don’t think that’s very interesting for the fans. A second qualifying is a lot better for the fans and also for us as it gives you excitement. We’ve got a lot of things going on at the weekend, two qualifying sessions and two races, and I think that’s great for the sport.”

‘Riding momentum’;

https://www.wbtv.com/2023/04/26/riding-momentum-kannapolis-based-haas-f1-team-preps-azerbaijan-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

El Crashico, New Sprint, Upgrades - 2023 Azerbaijan GP Preview.
Will the 2 x Qualifying and 2 x Race sessions mean more chaos around the streets of Baku?
Published ‎Apr‎ ‎26‎, ‎2023‎ ‎10‎:‎53‎ ‎PM
Inside Line F1 Podcast (Weblog)

'Land of Fire', 'City of Winds' and the 'Home of the Street Fighters', all tags for Azerbaijan, Baku and the Baku City Circuit respectively are geared towards one goal - entertainment!

After a near four week gap, the questions remain the same - will anyone catch Red Bull Racing? Can Sergio Perez really challenge Max Verstappen? Will all teams bring upgrades? Will Ferrari fire (not literally!)? And is Fernando Alonso REALLY dating Taylor Swift!?

In this banter-filled episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal preview the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. @f1statsguru aka Sundaram shares his stats preview. We're in for a mad weekend...tune in!

‘El Crashico’;

https://omny.fm/shows/inside-line-f1-podcast/el-crashico-new-sprint-upgrades-2023-azerbaijan-gp


Five talking points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Formula One returns this weekend after a one month break. AFP Sport takes a look at five talking points ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Issued on: 27/04/2023
France 24

Red Bull winging it: Three races, three poles, three wins, two 1-2s, two fastest laps - Red Bull arrive in Azerbaijan on a magical roll. Double world champion Max Verstappen kept his cool in Melbourne to fend off Lewis Hamilton and steer clear of the triple red-flag drama, while Sergio Perez sliced through the field from last to claim fifth, and the fastest lap, in the latest display of the Red Bulls' speed supremacy over the rest of the grid.

Mercedes revival? Toto Wolff and his Mercedes men left the Australian Grand Prix with an unexpected spring in their step. Sprint time: Baku stages the first of 2023's six sprint races. Verstappen has the best sprint record, winning three of the six held since they were introduced in 2021.

Tough times at Ferrari: New Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur reckons there are "tonnes of room for improvement on the car" - Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will certainly be hoping that's the case. Baku roulette: Baku boasts the longest straight in F1, the 2.2 kilometre Neftchilar Avenue alongside the Caspian Sea where cars break from speeds of 350kmh into the 90 degree turn one, the circuit then snaking its way through the sinuous medieval city gate section where even the slightest of mistakes can spell disaster.

‘Five talking points’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230427-five-talking-points-at-the-azerbaijan-grand-prix


Alonso 'excited' to try out Sprint format tweaks as he looks to maintain 2023 podium streak in Baku
26 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Fernando Alonso has declared his excitement ahead of the first Sprint of the 2023 campaign, as his Aston Martin team hope to continue their strong start to the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Alonso said: "It's good to be back after a few weeks away from racing. I have recharged the batteries after a high adrenaline start to the season, and I am now looking forward to Baku. The circuit presents us drivers with a unique challenge, as we face lots of tight slow-speed street sections and then extremely high-speed straights that create lots of opportunities for risk and reward.”

"I'm excited to see the return of the Sprint this weekend too. We've seen some fun races in the past there and I'm sure it'll be no different, especially now with two qualifying sessions and two races. After three races we know our car better, but we need to pick-up where we left off in Australia and keep up the development push over the next few races."

‘Good to be back’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-excited-to-try-out-sprint-format-tweaks-as-he-looks-to-maintain-2023.5ItE3GTBDccflzruF60zN6.html


Verstappen makes crucial point for Baku Sprint weekend
26 April 8:35PM
RacingNews365

The first Sprint race weekend of the year will take place in Azerbaijan, with a slightly different format to what has been used previously. Max Verstappen expects it to be a challenge for drivers, as he heads into the event leading the championship.

"Baku is a challenging track to get right. As it’s a street circuit with long straights, it gives us multiple options on what wings we can run," said Verstappen.

"It’s also the first Sprint race weekend of the season so that might make it slightly chaotic." He added: "We just need to try and get a good start into the weekend with a solid FP1 session. Let’s see what we can do."

‘Crucial point’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-expects-baku-sprint-to-be-slightly-chaotic


Esteban Ocon anticipates Sprint weekend in Baku: “We’ll have to be on the pace straight away”
April 27, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

BWT Alpine F1 Team’s Esteban Ocon: “It was good to have a little break after the Australian Grand Prix to properly debrief after the race and analyse the weekend as a whole. Obviously, it did not end well for us but there were many positives to take from the weekend, and we are fully focused on bouncing back strongly in Baku.”

“As a team we’ve already been looking forward to Baku for a while now so we’re all glad this new race week is finally here. An upgrade is planned for this race too, it’s a slightly new format with the Sprint, so that means we’ll have to be on the pace straight away. We need a positive weekend and aim to leave Baku with deserved points for the team.”

“Looking forward to Baku”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/esteban-ocon-anticipates-sprint-weekend-in-baku-well-have-to-be-on-the-pace-straight-away/


Oscar Piastri issues warning ahead of 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
27 April 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has had a challenging start to his Formula 1 calendar, having suffered a DNF and pointless finish in the opening two races. This new format will give the three rookie drivers on the grid, including Piastri, only one practice session around the difficult track before jumping into a race.

“I think it definitely doesn’t make my life any easier, not having more practice sessions,” Piastri said. “But you know, it’s the same for everyone in terms of track time, so that’s not a concern.”

“The way it is at the moment – not that I’ve done one – but it kind of just looks like there are two races that are more or less the same. Obviously, no one wants to take too much risk in the sprint race with the way it is at the moment.”

‘Definitely doesn’t make my life any easier’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/oscar-piastri-issues-warning-ahead-of-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

F1 Baku 2023: Formula 1’s biggest talking points ahead of historically chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
It’s finally here! After four exceptionally long weeks without Formula 1, it’s time to prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the twenty drivers head to Baku for the first street race of the 2023 season.
Published 27th Apr 2023, 15:42 BST
By Susanna Sealy
National World

Last time out (which feels like a lifetime ago now) we saw one of the most chaotic races take place in Melbourne. We had a record number of red flags (three), eight DNFs as well as a catatonic Carlos Sainz who was handed a five second penalty for contact with Fernando Alonso and the Ferrari driver was pushed down to 12th place.

Not only will this weekend be the first street circuit of the year, but it will also be the first Sprint race of the 2023 season. F1 will also welcome the new rules for the sprint race which will see this element of the race weekend act independently from Sunday’s race.

However, from a fan’s perspective, sprint weekends add extra excitement and make the Saturday driving sessions just that much more compelling. Of course, there are still only a maximum of eight points up for grabs so it may well be that no driver is willing to risk a potential crash or upset to the car for just eight points.

‘It’s finally here!’;

https://www.nationalworld.com/sport/formula-1/f1-baku-2023-formula-1s-biggest-talking-points-historically-chaotic-azerbaijan-grand-prix-4122039


5 key talking points to watch for at the Azerbaijan GP
27th April 2023, 13:45
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

There's lots to look out for this weekend, meanwhile, and here are five talking points to keep your eye on over the course of the coming days... How will the new Sprint format be received? F1 has confirmed the changes that are set to come in for Sprint weekends, with the first of the season being held this weekend in Baku.

Can Sergio Perez ace Azerbaijan again? Red Bull driver Perez has had a great run of form here in Baku over the years with several podium finishes and a win under his belt. How will Alpine's upgrades fare? Alpine are hopeful that their upgrades coming to Baku are going to help them close the gap to the fastest four teams.

Where will Mercedes be? Mercedes are working hard on their revamped car and, after they earned second place in Melbourne last time out with Lewis Hamilton, they'll be aiming to try and consolidate. Will Baku throw up more surprises? Over the years we've seen team-mates crashing, blowouts costing wins, cars clashing behind the Safety Car and plenty of thrills and spills around the streets of Baku.

‘5 key talking points’;

https://www.givemesport.com/5-key-talking-points-to-watch-for-at-the-azerbaijan-gp/


NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
27 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 2017 (2016 as the European Grand Prix)
• Track Length – 6.003km
• Lap record – 1m 43.009s, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2019
• Most pole positions – Charles Leclerc (2)
• Most wins – Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen (1)
• Trivia – At its narrowest point (the Turn 8/9 ‘Old Town’ complex), the circuit is just 7.6 metres wide
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 141 metres (shortest on the calendar)
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 40
• Safety Car probability – 50%
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 33%
• Pit stop time loss – 20.40 seconds (including 2.5s stationary)

‘Vital statistics’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023-azerbaijan.7HnFzWTMOk0UmLrLxCQ5Mm.html


What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
27 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Pirelli have announced which tyres they will be bringing to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix – the first Sprint weekend of the season.

F1’s official tyre suppliers have chosen to bring the three softest tyres in their range, with the teams being able to call upon the C3 (hard tyre), C4 (medium tyre), and the C5 (soft tyre), with Pirelli expecting the three softest compound tyres in their range to suit the characteristics of the Baku City Circuit.

However, due to the revised Sprint format, there will be a change in the number of sets of tyres given to the teams. While Pirelli will once again bring two sets of the hard tyre, they will also nominate four sets of the mediums, and just six sets of the softs. The amount of medium compound tyres will be increased because of Saturday’s Sprint shootout, which will require the teams to run the mediums in both SQ1 and SQ2, with the softs only being used in SQ3.

‘Tyre Compounds’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-tyres-pirelli-teams-drivers.1xGQAuax0HLdQXf0DzSw9H.html


Azerbaijan GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures
27/04/2023 at 17:00
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

After a leisurely three-week spring break – at least for F1's drivers – it's back to the grind this weekend in Baku.

Check out our first batch of pictures from this weekend's Azerbaijan GP, round 4 of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

‘Thursday's build-up’;

https://f1i.com/news/472141-azerbaijan-gp-thursdays-build-up-in-pictures-4.html


First pictures from the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend
F1 Pictures
Posted on 27th April 2023, 16:24
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

‘Pictures from the build-up to the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit.’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/27/first-pictures-from-the-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-weekend/

[Fortitude]

Azerbaijan GP: F1 technical images from the pitlane explained.
Delve into the Formula 1 technical features on display in the pitlane as teams prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Apr 28, 2023, 1:11 AM
By: Matt Somerfield
Co-author: Giorgio Piola
Motorsport.com

Ferrari has trimmed its front wing upper flaps in order to cater for the demands of the Baku street circuit and tailor it to the choice it will make with the rear wing. Also worth noting in this image is the curvature of the endplate, a design choice that many teams are making in order to manage the flow around the front tyre and clean up the turbulent wake that would otherwise be generated by it.

A close-up view of the Mercedes W14’s rear end, including its deep central spoon-shaped rear wing, beam wing and diffuser. Note the shut lines in the upper corner of the endplate where the team can quickly change the layout to suit the demands, while the mouse house in the side of the diffuser’s wall is visible from this angle. Mercedes has also changed to a three-tier, stepped lower edge on the brake duct winglet.

A look at the inboard elements of the push-rod rear suspension on the Red Bull RB19 and the main exhaust outlet, which rises up through the gearbox casing. An overview of the rear wing mounted on the RB19 which is devoid of a Gurney flap during the buildup and has a deep V-groove in the central section of the upper flap to offer further assistance in reducing drag. The metal bridge support for the rear wing’s central pillar on the Red Bull RB19 also acts as a higher position with which to mount the upper wishbone.

‘F1 technical images’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/azerbaijan-gp-f1-technical-images-from-the-pitlane-explained/10461446/


Revamped F1 Sprint format and upgrades galore - what to expect at the Azerbaijan GP
Thursday 27 April 2023 22:12
Jay Winter
GPFans

With only one free practice session on Friday morning, the drivers will need to ace their setups for the qualifying in the afternoon. Friday's qualifying will be for the race on Sunday. The Saturday in Baku will have no effect on Sunday's race, with the FIA introducing a "Sprint Shootout" which will decide the starting grid for Saturday's F1 Sprint.

Upgrades galore: The bunched-up midfield battle will be an area to keep an eye on in Baku. With three weeks to tinker with their cars, teams like McLaren will be looking to make up for lost ground from their underwhelming start to the 2023 season. French retaliation: After an extremely unlucky Australian Grand Prix where team-mates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon collided right at the death of the race, the Frenchmen will be looking to bounce back into the points, especially after their 2022 rivals, McLaren leapfrogged them in the constructors' standings.

Shortened DRS zone: In an effort to make overtaking more challenging over the course of the weekend, the FIA has announced a significant change to the DRS zone. Charles chance to bounce back: Charles Leclerc will be looking to bounce back at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a difficult start to the season. The Monegasque driver has suffered two DNFs in the first three races, becoming the first Ferrari driver to do so since Felipe Massa in 2009.

‘What to expect’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106385/azerbaijan-grand-prix-baku-f1-sprint-preview-2023/


New sprint race format is “a practice session with points at the end” – Hamilton
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 27th April 2023, 18:17
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Lewis Hamilton says Formula 1’s changes to the sprint race format won’t make a great difference to how drivers approach them. Hamilton doesn’t believe this changes the balance between risk and reward for the competitors. “I don’t think it makes really a lot of difference now,” he said.

“Obviously before, where you finished in the sprint was where you qualified for the race. Now it is a practice session but there are points at the end of it. I don’t think we’ll be going more [flat-]out than we normally have done in the past.”

Despite that, Hamilton is hopeful the changes will result in an action-packed event. “With the shake-up of the whole format of the weekend, it’s probably the most exciting weekend so far this year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.”

‘Practice session with points’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/27/new-sprint-race-format-is-a-practice-session-with-points-at-the-end-hamilton/


Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur expects further progress in performance of SF-23 in Baku
April 28, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur outlined the team’s efforts since the last race weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, where the team came away empty-handed with zero points, with Charles Leclerc retiring due to a first lap spin and Carlos Sainz receiving a highly-influential penalty for causing a collision.

“It’s been almost a month since the last Grand Prix and in that time we have been working hard in Maranello on the development of the SF-23, both in terms of improving the current car package as well as moving forward with the planned updates that will be gradually introduced over the course of the coming races.”

“Charles and Carlos have played their part, working in the simulator and giving us feedback. In Australia, we had already made a step forward in terms of pure performance and for Azerbaijan, we expect to move on from there.”

‘Further progress in performance of SF-23’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/04/ferraris-frederic-vasseur-expects-further-progress-in-performance-of-sf-23-in-baku/


Alonso sets out aims ahead of Baku as F1 FINALLY returns
Thursday 27 April 2023 13:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has explained that Aston Martin need to "pick up where we left off" in Australia when the lights go out at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Speaking as part of an Aston Martin press release, Alonso said: "It's good to be back after a few weeks away from racing.”

"I have recharged the batteries after a high-adrenaline start to the season, and I am now looking forward to Baku. The circuit presents us drivers with a unique challenge, as we face lots of tight slow-speed street sections and then extremely high-speed straights that create lots of opportunities for risk and reward."

‘Alonso sets out aims’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106313/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-azerbaijan-grand-prix/


Why Vasseur is “not scared at all” amid speculation over Leclerc’s Ferrari future
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 27th April 2023, 17:5127th April 2023, 18:10
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur insists he has no concerns Charles Leclerc may seek to leave the team following his disappointing start to the 2023 season. Nonetheless Vasseur remains confident of agreeing a new deal with Leclerc, telling reporters in Baku today discussions will begin this year. “We will do it in the course of the season,” he said.

“He’s under contract with us for more than one year now and we’ll have time to discuss it. I’m not scared at all and I think it’s not the right moment to do it.” Leclerc remains central to Ferrari’s efforts to score its first world championship victory in 15 years, said Vasseur. “He’s clearly part of the project. He’s not a spectator of this.”

“He’s involved in the development of the team. He’s part of the development because he’s developing himself. He’s a performance contributor both on-track and out of the track. And as long as he will play this role we are on a good path.”

‘Development of the team’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/27/why-vasseur-is-not-scared-at-all-amid-speculation-over-leclercs-ferrari-future/


Baku upgrade means McLaren have ‘car we should have started the year with’ – Norris
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 27th April 2023, 13:4227th April 2023, 13:44
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Lando Norris says McLaren’s 2023 car is now “what we should have started the year with” after the team brought an upgrade package for the MCL60 to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Norris said he believes McLaren have now reached the level of performance that they should have begun the 2023 season with.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Norris said. “I think Australia was definitely a better weekend for us. Things definitely went our way a little bit more. I think we were unlucky, which made things look worse than they were in the first two races. We do have the upgrade – I think that was made clear and obvious very early on in the season. But what we have now, it’s what we should have started the year with.”

‘McLaren have ‘car we should have started the year with’ ’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/27/baku-upgrade-means-mclaren-have-car-we-should-have-started-the-year-with-norris/

[Fortitude]

Baku GP FP1: Max Verstappen quickest in a fiery practice session.
Max Verstappen set the pace in the one and only practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Pierre Gasly’s session went up in flames while Kevin Magnussen stopped on the side of the track.
28 Apr 2023 11:35 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Ahead of F1’s first sprint race weekend of the season, the sports’ higher-ups opted to change the format leaving the teams and drivers with just one practice hour – FP1 – for the entire weekend. And it proved to be a dramatic one with all the drivers losing vital track time due to a red flag for Pierre Gasly’s burning Alpine.

Back at the front Max Verstappen went quickest with a 1:43.834 while Pierre Gasly was told to “avoid shifting” as his Alpine was on fire. Fernando Alonso was warned that Gasly “in front of you might be on fire” and yes he was. He stopped at the castle section with his A523 on fire, the session red flagged.

There were problems also for Kevin Magnussen as he went the wrong way up an escape road before coming to a halt, his session also over. And still Gasly’s Alpine continued to burn with thick black smoke pouring out of the airbox. Alpine reported a hydraulic leak as the potential cause of the fire.

‘Fiery practice session’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/azerbaijan-grand-prix-2023-fp1-report/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
28th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:42.315
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.037
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.139
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.584
5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.810
6. Nyck de Vries AlphaTauri +1.099
7. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.140
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.245
9. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.313
10. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +1.433

‘Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the only practice session ahead of the first Sprint weekend of the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-81964


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
28 April 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-azerbaijan-2023.734R67hTWmY4iTCPthrFwR.html


CHARLES LECLERC SPLITS THE RED BULLS IN A CHAOTIC FREE PRACTICE ONE SESSION AT THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
Following the new sprint weekend format changes, free practice one becomes the only practice session scheduled during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. How will Formula One teams change their approach to the session, going from three hours (or two during a sprint weekend) of practice to one?
April 28, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

The F1 Commission approved significant changes to the sprint weekend format ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Now, free practice one will become the only practice session during a sprint race weekend. The session will be followed by the qualifying for the race, with the sprint shootout (or qualifying for the sprint) scheduled in the old free practice two slot on Saturday.

Carlos Sainz hits the wall and Mercedes struggle with brakes. With the track still green, Carlos Sainz becomes the first driver to get too close to the wall. The Ferrari driver brushed the wall at turn five but seems to get away with it. Meanwhile, both Mercedes drivers were complaining about having brake issues. Lewis Hamilton returned to the pits, while his teammate continued out on track.

‘CHAOTIC FREE PRACTICE’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/charles-leclerc-splits-the-red-bulls-in-a-chaotic-free-practice-one-session-at-the-azerbaijan-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1


Azerbaijan GP practice chaos as Hamilton's brakes fail and Alpine car sets on fire
Practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix had to be suspended after a series of incidents.
11:01, Fri, Apr 28, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton suffered a brake failure as Pierre Gasly’s car caught fire in a chaotic opening to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice. Race stewards were forced to red flag the only practice session after just 15 minutes. Moments into the session, Hamilton was the first to complain of problems as he sent a worrying message to Mercedes engineers. He moaned: “I have no brakes at the moment."

A couple of moments later, team-mate George Russell had a similar concern, addding: "Brakes feel pretty poor, not much deceleration.” However, the session was stopped soon after as Piere Gasly’s Alpine burst into flames. Thick black smoke was seen billowing out of the Alpine as marshals frantically tried to extinguish the fire.

‘Hamilton's brakes fail’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1763943/azerbaijan-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-pierre-gasly-alpine


Azerbaijan GP concern for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell suffer same issue
Hamilton and Russell were suffering brake issues in practice, while Pierre Gasly's Alpine caught fire, Yuki Tsunoda suffered a damaging puncture and Kevin Magnussen was also forced to end his session early
11:03, 28 Apr 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

The first Sprint weekend of the season means less practice time than usual for the engineers to gather the data they like to get ahead of a race. And a fresh change to the format means the Friday morning session is now the only hour of practice they will have for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"Brake pedal is very long, feels like passive," said the concerned Brit, before his race engineer replied to confirm the team was looking into the problem. He added: "I have no brakes at the moment."

Even though who had not encountered a problem themselves were suffering, though. A red flag in practice does not mean the clock stops, and so every team was losing vital experimenting time ahead of an action-packed race weekend.

‘Less practice time than usual for the engineers to gather the data’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/hamilton-russell-azerbaijan-gp-mercedes-29836898


Majority of F1 field take new power unit components for Azerbaijan GP
28 April 1:30PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

A majority of the Formula 1 field have taken new power unit components at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - after the allocation was increased for 2023.

‘The tables below show which drivers have taken which engine components.’;

https://racingnews365.com/majority-of-f1-field-take-new-power-unit-components-for-azerbaijan-gp

[Fortitude]

Charles Leclerc secures shock pole position for Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
In a tight qualifying battle between Red Bull and Ferrari, Charles Leclerc displayed an eye-water performance to come out on top to secure the pole position for Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, beating championship leader Max Verstappen by two tenths of a second.
28 Apr 2023, 16:34
By Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

The opening part of the incident-filled first qualifying segment saw Nyck de Vries hit the barriers down at Turn 3. Replays show he just went in too fast, jammed on the brakes and couldn't make the corner, going straight on into the barriers. The session was stopped to clear the track and make repairs to the barriers.
Just after the session was restarted, the red flags came back out. Alpine's Pierre Gasly touched the wall at Turn 3 and was forced to limp with front end damage Replays show that the Frenchman carried too much speed into the corner, and connected with the back first before the front wing caught on the barriers.
Once the wall was repaired, drivers were in a hurry to hit the track in order to set a competitive lap times. Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc topped the session, displaying impressive pace on a track which he expected to highlight the weakness of his Ferrari SF23.

‘Shock pole position’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/23979


Qualifying Results – 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
28th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Q3
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:40.203
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.188
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.292
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.813
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.974
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.050
7. Lando Norris McLaren +1.078
8. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +1.378
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.408
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.408

‘Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for Sunday’s race at the first Sprint weekend of the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-81981


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
28 April 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-azerbaijan-2023.1g56w8WNTCjK8IVyn3f6fs.html


Leclerc beats Verstappen to pole position for Azerbaijan GP
April 28, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

Charles Leclerc pulled out a sensational lap to beat out the Red Bull cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to put his Ferrari on pole position for the 2023 Azerbaijan GP. In the first runs of Q3 Verstappen and Leclerc set identical lap times of 1:40.445s. But then in the final runs, Leclerc pulled out a 0.188s gap to Verstappen.

That lap breaks the Red Bull domination on pole position over 2023 and keeps Leclerc’s excellent recent record in Baku alive. “For sure, I’m surprised,” Leclerc said after qualifying. “We thought it would be great to be in front of Aston Martin and Mercedes in qualifying.”

“Really happy with the lap, the feeling was good since the start so really happy. The pace seems strong, we know the car is good.” Perez was almost three tenths behind Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari close to one second adrift of his teammate.

“For sure, I’m surprised”;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-leclerc-beats-verstappen-pole-position-for-azerbaijan-gp-2023/


Leclerc storms to Azerbaijan GP pole
Saturday 29th April, 2023 - 12:45am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Leclerc found time as he began his final flying lap with just under two minutes remaining. He was also strong to the second split, though Perez was behind him on track and on a hot lap. The Mexican lost time through the middle sector while Leclerc crossed the line with a 1:40.203s.

Perez could not better it, nor could Verstappen; the Red Bull duo both going faster on the final lap but not fast enough to claim pole. Sainz secured fourth, with Hamilton fifth from Alonso, Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, Stroll, and Piastri.

Pole position for Leclerc marked his third in a row in Baku and a chance to claim another with the Sprint Shootout to follow on Saturday. Friday’s session leaves the Ferrari driver on pole for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with tomorrow’s Shootout to determine the starting order of the F1 Sprint.

‘Leclerc storms’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/29/leclerc-storms-to-azerbaijan-gp-pole/


Leclerc takes Baku pole ahead of the Red Bulls
28th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

The Red Bulls emerged from the pits first for the pole position shootout, they were joined by six of their rivals as Stroll and Piastri waited it out in the pits a little longer. Perez opened the times with a 1:40.563 while Verstappen and Leclerc both set 1:40.445s with the Dutch driver taking provisional pole as he set the time first.

The track emptied of all but the last emergers, Stroll and Piastri, as the others went to swap tyres and set themselves up for their final runs. Leclerc went 0.242 seconds ahead on his last effort, setting the fastest middle sector. Perez had been fastest in sector 1, while Verstappen owned the final third but the Ferrari racer took the position and he will lead the grid away on Sunday with Verstappen alongside him.

Perez took P3 while Sainz was half a second further back in P4. After just scraping through to Q3, Hamilton ended the day in P5, the last car within a second of Leclerc while Alonso took P6. Norris will line up alongside Tsunoda on row four while the last two spots in the top ten saw Stroll and Piastri both set 1:41.611 laps though the Canadian got there first so he’ll take P9.

‘Leclerc went 0.242 seconds ahead on his last effort’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/leclerc-takes-baku-pole-ahead-of-the-red-bulls-81985

[Fortitude]

ANALYSIS: Data reveals EXACTLY how Leclerc secured shock Azerbaijan pole.
Charles Leclerc pulled out a sensational and brave lap to put his car in pole position for the third time around the streets of Baku.
Friday 28 April 2023 23:30
Shubham Sangodkar
GPFans

LEC vs VER (0.188 sec)
The strength of the Ferrari was in all of the traction zones, i.e. Leclerc was able to maximise all his exits compared to Max Verstappen. The strength of the Ferrari was in all of the traction zones, i.e. Leclerc was able to maximise all his exits compared to Max Verstappen.

The first sector was evenly matched, with 0.053sec separating the two drivers, but it was in the second where Leclerc made all the lap time – gaining 0.256sec over the reigning champion. The Monegasque pulled off a really brave turn 12, in which he got onto the throttle earlier than anybody else, carrying impressive speed through the exit of that corner which helps him gain around three tenths up to turn 15.

He nailed turn 15 too, being able to be earlier on traction, which gave him another tenth. The high Red Bull efficiency then made up for lost time on the straights in the final sector, pulling back 0.121sec.

‘ANALYSIS’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106507/azerbaijan-grand-prix-formula-1-analyst-qualifying-leclerc-verstappen/


How Leclerc beat Verstappen to pole and set a new Baku lap record
28 April 10:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to his third consecutive pole and set a new track record at the Baku City Circuit. It was an impressive display of what the Ferrari SF-23 is capable of when everything comes together. There was a moment in the final part of qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen set identical times; 1:40.445s.

Where does Leclerc make up the lap time? The main areas where Leclerc managed to beat Verstappen was towards the end of the first sector and through the middle sector.

Ferrari's drag deficit with the SF-23 meant that the RB19 dominated on the main start/finish straight at the beginning of the lap. It also excels in the first couple of traction zones (exits of Turns 1 & 2), with Verstappen ahead for much of this sector.

‘The main areas’;

https://racingnews365.com/how-leclerc-beat-verstappen-to-pole-and-set-a-new-baku-lap-record


Corner-by-corner: How Leclerc defied the Red Bull juggernaut.
Apr 28 2023
By Mark Hughes
The Race

The Charles Leclerc Azerbaijan Grand Prix pole lap was a thing of beauty – as they invariably are around Baku. The place holds a special resonance with him and has done from the time he dominated the Formula 2 weekend in 2017.

A full breakdown
Pit straight terminal speed with DRS:
Red Bull 342 km/h
Ferrari 330 km/h

T1. Verstappen is on the brake pedal for longer and is 5mph slower at the apex.
T2. Leclerc is again earlier off the brakes but his minimum speed this time is lower than Verstappen’s.
T3. Verstappen is later and harder on the brakes.
T4. A straightforward 90-degree right-hander, where Leclerc is marginally earlier on the brakes and much earlier on the power…
T5-6. The right-left switchback combination doubly rewards the Ferrari’s willingness to rotate…

‘T7 to T15 breakdown’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/corner-by-corner-how-leclerc-defied-the-red-bull-juggernaut/


Leclerc beating Verstappen in Baku qualifying PROVES he's best single-lap shooter in F1
Friday 28 April 2023 19:54
Daniel Austin
GPFans

After four weeks in which Formula 1 fans were starved of on-track action, Charles Leclerc made sure the wait was well worth it as he challenged Red Bull’s supremacy in thrilling fashion in qualifying on Friday, delivering a tremendous final lap to take pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

The result is a huge boost to Ferrari, who have fallen significantly further behind Red Bull in comparison with this stage and last season and who have been haemorrhaging staff members to rivals teams in recent months.

More than anything, though, Leclerc’s stellar showing in Baku underlined the fact that he is currently the best qualifier of anybody in the field in F1, including even Verstappen.

‘Leclerc’s stellar showing’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106477/charles-leclerc-baku-qualifying-f1-sprint-max-verstappen/


‘It’s a very big surprise for us’ – Leclerc shocked after sealing sensational pole in Baku
28 Apr 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc beat Max Verstappen to pole position in Azerbaijan, but says his pace in qualifying was a big surprise both to him and the team – and added he was expecting Red Bull to be much stronger come race day.

‘Leclerc shocked’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.its-a-very-big-surprise-for-us-leclerc-shocked-after-sealing-sensational-pole-in-baku.1764436883982363062.html


Sainz hoping Leclerc pole heralds ‘new season’ for Ferrari
Saturday 29th April, 2023 - 8:00am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Asked whether he was surprised the SF-23 was good enough to fight the Red Bulls for pole, Sainz replied: “Yeah. At the end of last year was also the case where we were fighting for poles and lacking in the race.”

“This year, up until now, we have never had never the pace to fight for pole. It looks like the changes we’ve done recently are allowing us to be back in there, and there are still upgrades to come.”

“So hopefully it’s a sign, or the beginning of a new season, and we have found the problems with our car. Congratulations to Charles because putting a Ferrari back on pole is great news for the team and a huge boost of motivation.”

‘New season’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/29/carlos-sainz-charles-leclerc-pole-azerbaijangp/

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton taken aback by ‘huge’ Mercedes deficit on Baku straights.
Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes still have a lot of work to do to “rectify” the W14 after alarming time losses down the straights in Azerbaijan GP qualifying.
28 Apr 2023 4:55 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

“I didn’t really know what to expect this weekened,” Hamilton admitted in Baku, after taking a P2 finish last time out in Australia. “I knew that the Red Bulls would be particularly quick.”

“I didn’t realise we would have such a huge deficit on the straights, but it’s a good indicator, we’re slower on the straights and then slower in the middle sector, so we’ve got a lot of work to do to rectify that in the car, it’s not the easiest one to drive.”

“I’m happy to be on the third row and hopefully tomorrow we can have a bit of a better battle. We’re trying as hard as we can, giving it absolutely everything out there and just timing and getting into rhythm and really pulling out everything is not easy on this track,” he said.

‘Huge Mercedes deficit’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-straight-line-pace-baku/


Hamilton: Not the position we want – we 'exist to win'
28/04/2023 at 17:04
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Lewis Hamilton suggested that he had pretty much extracted the most from his equipment in qualifying on Friday in Baku, the Mercedes driver clocking in P5 but almost a full second off poleman Charles Leclerc.

"We are trying as hard as we can, giving it absolutely everything out there," said Hamilton. "Timing and getting into a rhythm and really pulling out everything is not easy on this track. In Q2, I struggled, I had more pace, I just didn't get that last lap.”

"My Q3 run one was a really sweet lap, just unfortunately... I just matched it basically at the end but needed just a little more time to nip [ahead] of the Ferrari."

Hamilton reckoned that, all things considered, fifth on Sunday's grid wasn't a bad place to start. "We can't make any changes to the car so this is the pace that we have," he added.

‘We exist to win';

https://f1i.com/news/472336-hamilton-not-the-position-we-want-we-exist-to-win.html


Lewis Hamilton left with little hope in Azerbaijan as Toto Wolff admits to Mercedes U-turn
07:24, Sat, Apr 29, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Mercedes again struggled to keep up with the pace of Red Bull and Ferrari in Friday's qualifying session at the Baku City Circuit.

Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes have not introduced any major upgrades for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix despite Lewis Hamilton previously claiming that the Silver Arrows would embark on a 'new path' this weekend. Mercedes will seemingly not be involved in the battle for victory on the streets of Baku on Sunday, with Hamilton only managing to qualify in fifth position and George Russell poised to start from all the way down in 11th place after being knocked out in Q2.

"I think we have it in a good window but generally he car is not stable for the drivers," the Mercedes boss told Sky Sports F1. "We didn't put any upgrade on the car, that comes for Imola, so we have to do what we can with this package."

‘Left with little hope’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1764139/Lewis-Hamilton-Azerbaijan-Grand-Prix-Toto-Wolff-Mercedes-F1-news


Lewis Hamilton caught spying on Ferrari after being left 'unable to trust' his Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton was unable to challenge the frontrunners as Charles Leclerc clinched a shock pole.
07:25, Sat, Apr 29, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has been spotted spying on Ferrari’s car after being told he cannot trust his Mercedes. The seven-time champion was spotted looking at Charles Leclerc’s car moments after the Monegasque secured pole.

Moments later, Sky Sports host Naomi Schiff suggested the Mercedes star was “unable to trust” his Silver Arrows package with the duo looking uncomfortable. She said: “You could see Lewis and George, they were really fighting the car."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed the team had new upgrades in the pipeline but would not be introduced until the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Hamilton praised Mercedes engineers for working on the new parts and predicted the changes could elevate the team up the order sooner rather than later.

‘Spying on Ferrari’s car’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1764150/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-ferrari-azerbaijan-grand-prix-news


James Allison sets out the one thing he would ‘never’ do with Mercedes W14
28 Apr 2023 5:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

James Allison has ruled out designing a B-spec car at Mercedes with the returning technical director revealing he isn’t considering a “wholesale revamp clean sheet”.

With just one podium from three races and a deficit to Red Bull that has left Lewis Hamilton staggered by the RB19’s straight-line speed, Mercedes have acknowledged they need to something. That something, at least for now, was to bring Allison back into the role of technical director to guide the W14’s development path.

And he’s made it clear he would “never” scrap the current concept and go with something completely different. “I don’t think any of us would ever consider a wholesale revamp clean sheet a good or prosperous approach,” he said in Friday’s press conference in Baku.”

‘James Allison: “never” scrap the current concept’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/james-allison-would-never-do-mercedes-w14/


Allison: Mercedes will see W14 as "weak car" until it's the quickest
14:04 Wed, 26 Apr 2023.
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

"It's reliable, that's a definite strength," he said when asked about the characteristics of the W14. "It’s quite early in the season to be diagnosing what your car is great at or what it isn't great at because the car's not a fixed thing," he said.

"It's a platform that develops all the way through the year. If I had to pluck something out of the air now, I'd say that we tend to be a little stronger at the front-limited circuits, rather than the ones that are heavily rear-limited.”

"So a Bahrain-type track is all about how well a car will look after its rear tyres. Melbourne was a bit more on the front-limited end of the spectrum. Other front-limited tracks, Barcelona's one, Silverstone another.”

‘W14 as "weak car" until it's the quickest’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/allison-mercedes-will-see-w14-as-weak-car-until-its-the-quickest/10460720/


James Allison unsure of Mercedes W14 potential
Mercedes have had plenty of problems with their F1 car since 2022
April 28, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Mercedes technical director James Allison is still unsure about the potential of Mercedes’ troubled 2023 F1 car. Following a difficult start to the 2023 season where Mercedes lost further ground to rivals Red Bull, Allison swapped jobs with his successor Mike Elliott during Formula 1’s three-week spring break.

“If you go off Melbourne, we were the second quickest car, but if you look at Bahrain, we were fourth quickest,” Allison told the press ahead of the 2023 Azerbaijan GP. “I think we’re on an improving trend, but the tracks are quite different in the opening phase of the year, and it’s a little too early to tell.”

“What I do know is that they’re all manner of opportunities to improve the car, and we intend to do that.”

‘Unsure’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-james-allison-unsure-mercedes-w14-potential/

[Fortitude]

Clean sweep of poles for Leclerc in Baku.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc will start on pole for both today’s Sprint as well as the Grand Prix tomorrow after securing pole for the Shootout.
29th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

SQ3
Perez once again headed the pack as they made their way out and put in a very quick 1:41.876 as his opening effort. Verstappen couldn’t challenge his teammate, not happy with his rear grip though the middle of the lap, but Leclerc continued his strong run this weekend and set a 1:41.697 to take provisional pole.

The drivers then proceeded to do a very slow lap to cool their tyres down, and the Ferraris were set to be the final drivers across the line. The last efforts started and Leclerc went into the wall at T5, the Yellow Flags came out but it was only Sainz behind that was compromised.

In the end there was no change at the top so Leclerc will start on pole for both races this weekend. Perez will join him on the front row this afternoon while Verstappen will share row two with George Russell. Sainz and Hamilton will be in P5 and P6 ahead of Alex Albon and Alonso on row 4. The final top ten spots for the Shootout will be filled by Stroll and Norris.

‘Clean sweep of poles’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/clean-sweep-of-poles-for-leclerc-in-baku-81997


Sprint Shootout – 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
29th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

SQ3
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:41.697
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.147
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.290
4. George Russell Mercedes +0.555
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.590
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.805
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.149
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.313
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.367
10. Lando Norris McLaren NC

‘Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the Shootout to set the grid for today’s Sprint, the first of the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/sprint-shootout-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-81998


2023 Azerbaijan GP Sprint Shootout: Logan Sargeant crash brings out the red flags
29 Apr 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

With just seconds left on the clock in the first part of the Sprint Shootout, Logan Sargeant hit the wall at Turn 15, damaging his Williams and bringing out the red flags in Baku.

‘Red flags’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-azerbaijan-gp-sprint-shootout-logan-sargeant-crash-brings-out-the-red-flags.1764500896671952805.html


Ferrari's Charles Leclerc takes pole for Saturday's Sprint race ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez second ahead of Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen - but Lewis Hamilton is only sixth in Baku
Published: 10:27, 29 April 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mailonine
Mail Online

Charles Leclerc took pole position for the sprint race in Azerbaijan, which starts at 2.30pm BST. Despite a late accident, the Ferrari man repeated what he had done in the main qualifying session on Friday afternoon by setting the fastest time on a track that is a personal favourite. He has taken pole here on three previous occasions.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, 0.147sec back, was second quickest with team-mate Max Verstappen third. George Russell was fourth best, Carlos Sainz fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.

‘Charles Leclerc takes pole’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12028093/Charles-Leclerc-takes-pole-F1-Sprint-race-ahead-Azerbaijan-Grand-Prix.html


2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint race starting grid
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 29th April 2023, 10:22
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

‘Charles Leclerc has taken provisional pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for Ferrari sprint race ahead of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/29/2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-sprint-race-starting-grid/

[Fortitude]

Perez wins the first Sprint of the year.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Sergio Perez took victory for Red Bull at the first Sprint of the year after passing Charles Leclerc on track.
29th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman

The first Sprint of the 2023 season only saw eighteen of the twenty drivers line up on the grid as Logan Sargeant was withdrawn from the event after Williams were unable to repair his car in time after a crash in the Sprint Shootout this morning. Alpine had taken Esteban Ocon’s car out of parc ferme conditions to change the suspension setup and as such the French driver will now forfeit his P13 today and P12 for the Grand Prix and instead start from the pitlane in both.

By lap 15 there were none of the top ten drivers had DRS available as the field had spread out slightly. Perez had pulled over three seconds of breathing space between himself and Leclerc while Verstappen was over a second behind the Ferrari, the two lapping over a second slower than the leader.

Perez took the chequered flag nearly four and a half seconds ahead of Leclerc though Verstappen had managed to close back up to the Monegasque he wasn’t able to challenge and had to settle for P3. Russell came home in P4 ahead of Carlos Sainz while Fernando Alonso was P6. Lewis Hamilton finished in P7 while the final point went to Lance Stroll in P8.

‘Perez wins’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/perez-wins-the-first-sprint-of-the-year-82015


Sprint Results – 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
29th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing – 17 laps
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +4.463
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +5.065
4. George Russell Mercedes +8.532
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +10.388
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +11.613
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +16.503
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +18.417
9. Alex Albon Williams Racing +21.757
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +22.851

‘Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s Sprint, the first of six scheduled for the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/sprint-results-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-82016


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in Azerbaijan
29 April 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-f1-sprint-in-azerbaijan-2023.1BmBeSNySYuKeYFyL9xEQy.html


F1 Azerbaijan GP LIVE: Perez overtakes Leclerc in Baku Sprint
29th April 2023, 15:06
Crash.Net

Perez has done it!
He wins the sprint race and takes eight points after overtaking Ferrari's Leclerc, who holds onto second place ahead of Verstappen.
Fourth place goes to Russell, with Sainz fifth ahead of Alonso, Hamilton and Stroll, who claims the final point on offer in eighth.

‘Perez has done it!’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Grands+Prix/Azerbaijan+GP


2023 Azerbaijan GP Sprint: Russell jumps Verstappen for P3 as Leclerc keeps the lead at the start in Baku
29 Apr 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc kept his lead at the start of the Sprint, but behind him George Russell muscled his way past Max Verstappen for P3.

‘Russell jumps Verstappen for P3’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-azerbaijan-gp-sprint-russell-jumps-verstappen-for-p3-as-leclerc-keeps-the-lead-at-the-start-in-baku.1764518065101187056.html


F1 results: Sergio Perez wins Azerbaijan GP sprint
29th April 2023, 15:28
By: Charles Bradley
Motorsport.com

In the first sprint of the season, which included a new qualifying format (see below), Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led from pole ahead of Perez, as Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and George Russell (Mercedes) clashed over third. After a safety car interruption, Verstappen retook third from Russell.

Perez DRS-ed past Leclerc on lap 8 and pulled clear to take victory, while Leclerc clung to second ahead of Verstappen, whose car’s floor and sidepod were damaged during his clash with Russell.

‘Sergio Perez wins’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-results-baku-gp-sprint-perez-leclerc/10462468/


Max Verstappen calls George Russell a 'd***head' in feisty exchange at Azerbaijan GP
Max Verstappen was left furious after failing to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix sprint race.
15:25, Sat, Apr 29, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen branded George Russell a “d***head” as the pair clashed in the pitlane after the Azerbaijan sprint race. Verstappen approached Russell for words in the pits after contact between the duo on lap one.

Russell apologised for the incident and appeared to blame the shunt on a lack of grip at the start. But, Verstappen said: “Mate we all have no grip. You need to leave a bit of space. I expect next time the same, you know. D***head.”

The Mercedes star kept his nose on the inside of turn two and tapped Verstappen’s right hand side. The Dutchman pushed Red Bull to demand an investigation as he urged officials to penalise the ex-Williams star.

‘Feisty exchange’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1764418/max-verstappen-red-bull-george-russell-mercedes-azerbaijan-grand-prix

[Fortitude]

'They've done a tremendous job' – Perez praises Red Bull's performance after victory in Baku Sprint.
“I’m really proud of my guys, because if you look back, we come from a four week break and straight into this new type of format. I think we’ve done a great job, but tomorrow is what matters and we need to focus on that.” Sergio Perez.
29 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Sergio Perez overcame rival Charles Leclerc to win the Sprint in Baku on Saturday and, while the Mexican was full of praise for the “tremendous” work done by his Red Bull team, he had his eyes set firmly on winning Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Perez lost out to Leclerc in the Sprint shootout pole earlier on Saturday, but made up for it in the 100KM dash as, starting second, he kept the pressure on the Monegasque racer, before making the move for the lead down the inside at Turn 1 on Lap 8.

Reflecting on his Sprint victory, Perez said: “Really happy, pleased for the whole team. They’ve done a tremendous job. It’s not easy this format, it puts a lot of pressure on drivers, mechanics and engineers. So, to be able to come away with the maximum points, it’s a good start.”

‘Tremendous job';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.theyve-done-a-tremendous-job-perez-praises-red-bulls-performance-after.13S6738TqZ06tf8m1BKWyk.html


HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action as Sergio Perez wins a dramatic Sprint on the streets of Baku
29 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The Azerbaijan Sprint was a bite-size piece of drama in which all 20 drivers dashed to the line over 17 frantic laps at Baku. And it was Sergio Perez who emerged on top.

Charles Leclerc took Sprint pole in Saturday's shootout having aced Friday's qualifying for the Grand Prix pole, and the Monegasque led Sergio Perez away from the start of the Sprint.

There was much more to come as Perez made a sublime move on Leclerc and took eight points to narrow the championship battle.

‘HIGHLIGHTS’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.highlights-watch-the-action-as-sergio-perez-wins-a-dramatic-sprint-on-the.4SnuD4LPdgXDZ5ab6CgTRK.html


Sergio Perez: Tomorrow is what matters | 'Anything can happen in Baku!'
16:16 Sat, 29 Apr 2023.
Sky Sports

Despite winning the Sprint, Sergio Perez turns his attention to the Grand Prix with an eye on getting his second win of the season in Baku.

‘Tomorrow is what matters’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12869269/sergio-perez-tomorrow-is-what-matters-anything-can-happen-in-baku


Perez makes 'fighting' vow for Azerbaijan double
Saturday 29 April 2023 17:06
Sam Hall
GPFans

"P3 is not ideal for tomorrow's race but I will give it a go and fight for the win." Victory in the Sprint saw Perez close the gap at the top of the drivers' standings by two, to 13 points.

Perez added: "With these sessions, it has been a lot of pressure put on us and our team's engineers, mechanics and drivers, so to get away with maximum points today was the main objective. But obviously, we know that tomorrow is the main race."

'Fighting vow’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106566/azerbaijan-grand-prix-sergio-perez-red-bull-fight/


FACTS AND STATS: Perez sets an unexpected record with Baku Sprint victory as Leclerc cashes in the points
29 April 2023
Sean Kelly
Virtual Statman
Formula One - Official Site

Sergio Perez won an action-packed Sprint at Baku – which has become something of a purple place for the Mexican – while Charles Leclerc's P2 delivered a relatively big points haul. Here are the facts and stats from the 100km dash to the line on Saturday.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez became the first driver to cross the line in P1 twice in Baku as the Mexican won the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and there has been no repeat winner of the Grand Prix here.

Perez has only had one third-place finish in six previous Sprints, at Imola in 2022.
With P2, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took seven points on Saturday – more than he scored over the previous three rounds of 2023. That moves him up to P8 in the championship.
Max Verstappen leads the championship by 13 points over Sprint winner Perez.

‘FACTS AND STATS’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-perez-sets-an-unexpected-record-with-baku-sprint-victory-as.5YSh1NnFcIHMJ67VC0zKBP.html


Perez admits “horrible” Australian GP qualifying “really knocked my confidence”
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 29th April 2023, 7:17
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Sergio Perez says he is rebuilding his confidence after his disastrous Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix four weeks ago. The Red Bull driver was eliminated in the first round of qualifying at Melbourne after skidding off at turn three. He encountered persistent trouble braking at several points around the circuit during the preceding practice session.

He enjoyed a smoother qualifying in session in Baku, taking third on the grid, having been just a tenth of a second slower than team mate Max Verstappen. “It’s much better being P3 than not even making it through Q1,” he reflected afterwards. “I think I’m getting back my confidence,” said Perez. “It really knocked my confidence quite a bit, if I’m honest, what happened in Melbourne. Especially with a three-week break and then you go straight into qualifying, pretty much. It’s all about braking here, having that confidence on the braking and I think I’m getting there.”

“You have to reset yourself and move on from that. I think there were many specific issues that we had, all that day. It was a horrible day that Saturday, FP3 and quali, really bad. But I think we understood a lot of the problems that we had. It was not just a single problem that would be really easy just to get rid of. It was a combination of a few things that caused us to have these problems.”

“Really knocked my confidence”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/04/29/perez-admits-horrible-australian-gp-qualifying-really-knocked-my-confidence/


Sergio Perez worried about nightmare performance ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struggled for success in Australia, only securing P5, after his RB19 struggled with reliability issues.
28 April 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Sergio Perez has revealed that the “horrible” outing in Australia remains fresh in his mind after the Mexican failed to get on the podium for a third race in a row.

Perez didn’t even manage to set a qualifying time before he spun out of the race and into the gravel trap on the circuit. “So hopefully, we don’t get to see that again. You don’t want to see that, especially here in Baku.”

Despite his fears, Perez did manage to have a risk free qualifying, finishing in P3, close behind his teammate and pole sitter Charles Leclerc.

‘Nightmare performance’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/sergio-perez-worried-about-nightmare-performance-ahead-of-azerbaijan-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Wolff – I can understand Verstappen anger.
The confrontation behind the wheel sparked another out of the car in parc fermé, with Verstappen calling Russell “a d***head” and using the f-word on a number of occasions.
Sunday 30th April, 2023 - 7:58am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff naturally defended driver George Russell following his on-track spat with Max Verstappen – but was equally understanding of the F1 champion’s post-sprint anger.

“In the end, they collided, he had a big hole in the car, and that’s certainly sub-optimal for your race. It’s absolutely understandable that he’s upset but on the other side, George defended the position. That’s also clear that they’re going to do that. So it’s not the first time, I guess, they had this situation with each other.”

‘They had this situation’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/30/toto-wolff-max-verstappen-anger-azerbaijangp/


Wolff: Verstappen upset at Russell incident understandable
Verstappen and Russell tussled during the opening lap of the Azerbaijan GP Sprint Shootout.
April 29, 2023
By Matt Neill
Speedcafe

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believes that Max Verstappen‘s frustration with George Russell after the two drivers came together during the Azerbaijan GP Sprint Shootout is “understandable”.

Verstappen made his annoyance with Russell clear as the drivers clashed following the end of the session, with the Dutchman upset about a move the Mercedes made on the first lap of the race, which ended with the pair colliding and the Red Bull sustaining damage.

“First of all, friendly exchanges between drivers is a good entertainment factor. So irrelevant. And yeah, that’s a race situation. You’re trying the outside. That’s never going to be an easy position,” Wolff said. “They collided here to be cold in the car, and that certainly suboptimal for your race. It’s absolutely understandable that he’s upset on the other side.”

“Understandable”;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/wolff-verstappen-upset-at-russell-incident-understandable/


Verstappen MOCKS Russell response after sprint race confrontation
Saturday 29 April 2023 17:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

Max Verstappen admitted there was no resolution to his frustrations with George Russell after the pair made contact on the opening lap of the Azerbaijan sprint race. The Dutch driver sustained floor damage and sidepod damage from the incident but still managed to convert his P3 grid slot to a P3 finish.

After the race, Verstappen confronted Russell about the incident, but neither driver was willing to back down from their viewpoint, with the Dutchman appearing to call the Mercedes man a 'd**khead' as he walked away. Verstappen reiterated this after the Grand Prix in his post-race interview.

Speaking with Sky Sports' Naomi Schiff after the race, Verstappen said: "No, it's not clarified, but I just don't understand why you need to take so much risk. You know, lap one, he's understeered into my sidepod, created a hole. We all have cold tires, you know. It's all easy to lock up but you know. And his beautiful way of explaining - 'Oh mate, you know, locked up. Look at the onboard.' It doesn't make sense. But it's fine, we still got into P3, got some good points, but yeah it is what it is."

‘Verstappen MOCKS Russell response’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106568/max-verstappen-george-russell-azerbaijan-gp-sprint-race/


Mad Max explodes at ‘d***head’ Merc rival after F1 sprint race chaos
April 30th, 2023 7:54 am
AFP from Afp
FoxSports(Australia).

Sergio Perez won Saturday’s sprint race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to maintain Red Bull’s perfect start to the season, but teammate Max Verstappen was in no mood to celebrate. Red Bull’s double world champion was seething over a first lap incident when he was muscled out of third place by the Mercedes of George Russell.

Perez won from pole-sitter Charles Leclerc of Ferrari with Verstappen, whose car picked up some damage, eventually getting his third place back off Russell. The British driver apologised to Verstappen, saying his car had no grip but the Dutch driver snapped back: “Mate, we all have no grip, we all need to leave space! I’d expect next time the same you know!” he added, before calling Russell a “d*******”.

‘D***head’

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-news-azerbaijan-grand-prix-sprint-news-results-max-verstappen-rages-at-george-russell-crash-highlights/news-story/c0d7c997252b6418d33fd985a1e32df3


Horner hits out at 'OVER THE TOP' moment in Sprint race
Saturday 29 April 2023 22:27
Jamie Lauder
GPFans

Max Verstappen pipped George Russell to 3rd place in Saturday’s Sprint Race, but it wasn’t plain-sailing for the Dutchman. Russell’s lap one overtake didn’t come without controversy, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has some words for the English driver after the race, with his perspective on the battle.

“For me, turn one I can live with, turn two was hard-racing between two hard racers, [turn three] felt a bit over the top.”, Horner commented The Red Bull certainly didn’t come away unscathed after the encounter with Russell, with a large hole in the left-hand sidepod.

“When you see a hole like that in the side, it’s got to be three quarters of a second, a lap, at least. Then there’s other complications. The temperature starts going out of control, because the air’s not running through the sidepods as it’s designed to. eorge just runs him too far into the wall (and) unfortunately the result of it was that we ended up with quite a lot of body damage...and that cost him quite a bit of performance.”

'OVER THE TOP moment’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106595/christian-horner-max-verstappen-george-russell-crash-azerbaijan/


Max Verstappen calls George Russell 'princess' in new attack after Azerbaijan altercation
Tension is brewing between Max Verstappen and George Russell following a clash between the drivers in Baku on Saturday.
00:00, Sun, Apr 30, 2023
By Ryan Taylor
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen has taken a swipe at George Russell - labelling the Mercedes star 'Princess George' - as tensions between the pair threaten to reach boiling point. The bad blood was ignited on Saturday in Baku when the duo touched during the opening lap of Azerbaijan GP Sprint causing damage to Verstappen's car.

The incident left the Dutchman furious before the pair came to blows during a fiery verbal exchange in the parc ferme. The incident left the Dutchman furious before the pair came to blows during a fiery verbal exchange in the parc ferme.

Russell defended his part in the collision and stated his cold tyres were partially to blame. Verstappen wasn't interested however and he took offence to the comments before calling the Brit a "d*******". Both drivers relayed their version of events and Verstappen was keen to justify his fury by continually questioning Russell's decision-making.

'Princess George';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1764491/Max-Verstappen-calls-George-Russell-princess-new-attack-Azerbaijan-altercation


Scrap the Sprint urges Verstappen
29/04/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Following a particularly frustrating afternoon, Max Verstappen has called on F1 bosses to drop the Sprint format. A self-confessed "purist" the two-time world champion has made no secret of his dislike of the Sprint, recently admitting that should they continue he would have to reconsider his future in the sport.

At the end of today's Sprint, following a first lap clash with George Russell which holed his car, dented his pride and subsequently caused him to resort to name calling, the Dutchman repeated his dislike of the format. "Just scrap the whole thing," he said. "I think it's important to go back to what we have, and make sure that every team can fight for a win, that's what we have to try and aim for and [not] try to implement all this kind of artificial excitement.”

"I would say I got bored through today's qualifying to be honest," he admitted. "I like to have one particular qualifying, where you just put everything in it, and that was yesterday, which I of course enjoy, and then they have to do it again today. I'm like, 'my God, another qualifying?' I just don't really enjoy that. It's hectic," he added. "I think it's just... it's not proper racing, it's more like gambling. I think I will have more success in Vegas if I go to the casino.”

‘Artificial excitement’;

https://www.pitpass.com/74985/Scrap-the-Sprint-urges-Verstappen

[Fortitude]

Sergio Perez powers to win in duel against his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen at Azerbaijan GP, with Charles Leclerc in third and Lewis Hamilton back in sixth place.
• The Red Bull driver has ignited the championship race with Max Verstappen.
• Sergio Perez wins the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to clinch a comfortable victory.
• Verstappen initially led but lost his position to a pit stop under a safety car.
Published: 13:49, 30 April 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mailonine
Mail Online

Sergio Perez made a contest of the world championship fight by beating Max Verstappen to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Mexican was advantaged by an early safety car phase but was already showing good pace and then controlled the race to make it two wins each for the Red Bull pair. There are just six points separating Verstappen at the top from his team-mate.

It was a brilliant weekend for Perez, who also took the honours in the sprint race on Saturday. Verstappen was runner-up both times. Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari and Fernando Alonso fourth for Aston Martin. Lewis Hamilton, in good form on the day, was sixth for Mercedes, a place off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

‘Ignited the championship race’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12030787/Sergio-Perez-wins-Azerbaijan-grand-prix-clinch-second-win-season.html


Race Results – 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
30th April 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing – 51 laps
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +2.137
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +21.293
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +22.024
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +45.491
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +46.145
7. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +51.617
8. George Russell Mercedes +74.240
9. Lando Norris McLaren +80.376
10. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +83.862

‘Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Here are the provisional race results from today’s fourth round of the 2023 F1 World Championship in Baku’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-azerbaijan-grand-prix-82024


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
30 April 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As It Happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-azerbaijan-grand-prix-2023.1hh7dGM8cJopVqfWqU5foA.html


Perez beats Verstappen to win F1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Apr 30 2023
By Ben Anderson
The Race

Sergio Perez benefitted from a well-timed safety car intervention to beat Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen to victory in Formula 1’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Although both Red Bull drivers were beaten to pole position by Baku City Circuit specialist Charles Leclerc on Friday, the Ferrari and its improved set-up proved no match for Red Bull’s vastly superior race pace on Sunday.

Verstappen and Perez both overtook Leclerc comfortably using DRS in the early laps, turning this race into a straight fight between the Red Bull team-mates. F1 championship leader Verstappen held an advantage of less than 1.5 seconds over Perez for the first 10 laps, before the race turned on a safety car intervention.

Nyck de Vries clipped the inside wall at the Turn 5 left-hander and broke his AlphaTauri’s front-left suspension. Verstappen was struggling for rear grip from his medium Pirelli tyres, so Red Bull called him into the pits just before the safety car was deployed to allow the stricken AlphaTauri to be recovered.

‘Perez beats Verstappen’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/perez-beats-verstappen-to-win-f1s-azerbaijan-grand-prix/


Perez pulls off Baku double to win Azerbaijan GP from Verstappen
The Mexican won his second Azerbaijan Grand Prix to reduce his arrears in the championship
April 30, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport.

Sergio Perez once again displayed his street circuit prowess to lead a dominant Red Bull one-two at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and close the gap on Max Verstappen to six points in the drivers’ championship. The Mexican started third but benefitted from the timing of an early safety car to leapfrog his teammate before keeping the world champion at bay for his sixth GP victory and a Baku double, having won the Saturday Sprint.

“It really worked out today for us,” Perez said. “I think we had better deg on the first stint then the safety car came and bunched everyone up and it was a long race on the hard tyres. “I think it was very close between us. We both hit the wall a few times and the way Max pushed me was really hard but we kept it under control.

“I had a wee bit of luck my front-right tyre didn’t blow up but we survived.” Verstappen can count himself unlucky having passed Charles Leclerc for the lead on Lap 4 before being caught out by the retirement of Nyck de Vries.

‘Perez pulls off Baku double’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-azerbaijan-gp-2023-perez-baku-double-red-bull-verstappen/


Perez too quick for Verstappen to handle in Baku
30/04/2023 at 13:44
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Sergio Perez claimed his second win of 2023, beating his Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen to victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku to close up the gap between them in the championship standings to just six points.

Perez' perseverance at the front was rewarded by finally breaking out of DRS range of Verstappen, who was having a scrappy mid-stint and complaining about his car's handling: "The balance between diff and engine braking is not good!" he reported. With the Red Bulls looking unlikely to make a second stop at this point, feverish discussions at Ferrari saw Sainz and the engineers comparing the merits of Plan A against Plan C, with Plan B - what ever that was - seemingly no longer an option. Behind him on track, Hamilton was starting to fall away from the Ferrari and complaining about his tyres graining.

Verstappen tickled the barrier on lap 33, and Perez also harmlessly clipped the wall at turn 15 a lap later, evidence that both men were still pushing hard, going flat out and not taking anything for granted. There was no doubt about the winner, with Perez holding on to a two second lead over Verstappen at the chequered flag to reduce the Dutch driver's lead in the championship to six points.

‘Perez too quick to handle’;

https://f1i.com/news/472666-perez-too-quick-for-verstappen-to-handle-in-baku.html

[Fortitude]

Baku stewards summon FIA personnel for pit-lane near miss with Ocon.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix stewards have summoned to Race Control FIA personnel responsible for Parc Fermé for allowing a group of people to gather in the fast lane of the pit lane on the final lap of the race.
30/04/2023 at 14:33
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ocon and his team had opted to run a race-long stint on the hard tyre, betting on a late Safety Car that would have delivered a free stop to the Frenchman. Unfortunately, no neutralization was forthcoming which forced Ocon to pit on the final lap of the race for his mandatory second set of tyres.

However, the Alpine charger entered the pit road only to stumble upon a group of people, including the FIA's official photographers, gathered on the fast lane. It was a close call as far as Ocon was concerned. "Yeah, not something that we want to see," he said after the race.

The FIA stewards subsequently summoned "representatives of the FIA responsible for the parc fermé area at pit entry" to meet them at 5:30pm local time over "personnel blocking the fast lane in the pit lane on the final lap of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix while the pit lane remained open." Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of the race, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had witnessed the incident and said that it required "a review".

‘Baku stewards summon FIA personnel’;

https://f1i.com/news/472713-baku-stewards-summon-fia-personnel-for-pit-lane-near-miss-with-ocon.html


Horner takes aim at FIA over frightening pit incident
30 April 4:30PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Esteban Ocon was presented with a wall of people when completing his last-lap pit stop at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has urged the FIA to "police" its protocols better after a frightening incident at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Addressing the incident when speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner explained: "That is something that needs a review because Esteban is within his rights to pit on the last lap and finish the race in the pit lane if he wanted to. That is something the FIA needs to police a bit better before the end of the race."

‘Frightening pit incident’;

https://racingnews365.com/horner-takes-aim-at-fia-over-frightening-pit-incident


Baku stewards investigating FIA staff for Ocon pitlane near-miss
30th April 2023, 15:11
Josh Suttill
The Race

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix stewards are investigating FIA personnel for blocking the pitlane after Esteban Ocon had to take avoiding action to narrowly miss a gaggle of personnel at the start of the pitlane. They were just about able to disperse as Ocon entered the pitlane and made his pitstop.

The Azerbaijan GP stewards released a statement that they’re investigating FIA staff for “blocking the fast lane in the pitlane on the final lap” of the race while the pitlane remained open. Ocon was baffled by the incident when he spoke to the media after the race. “I mean I don’t understand why we are starting to prep the podium and prep the ceremony while we are still racing.”

“There’s one lap to go, there’s still people that didn’t pit, I guess Nico [Hulkenberg, who was on the same strategy as Ocon] didn’t pit at the time. I’m arriving at 300kph, braking very late and I see the people around, this is crazy, it could have been a big, big one today. It’s definitely something that needs to be discussed. It’s something we don’t want to see.”

“I’m arriving at 300kph”;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/baku-stewards-investigating-fia-staff-for-ocon-pitlane-near-miss/


F1 had ‘lucky escape’ as FIA confirm investigation into Esteban Ocon pitlane incident
30 Apr 2023 3:12 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz has branded Esteban Ocon’s last-lap pitlane incident as a ‘lucky escape’ for F1, as the FIA begin their investigation. Sky F1’s pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, well used to the procedures that apply to personnel in the pits and where they are permitted to be, explained the situation after the chequered flag.

He detailed how the FIA allow personnel to get into position in time for the celebrations but a simple monitoring of the race would have made it obvious that a car still had to make their scheduled pitstop. “It could have been a very, very different scene, indeed,” Kravitz said. “Just to explain what normally happens, we normally get to the end of the race and we normally get to the point that everybody knows that everyone’s made their pit stops and that there probably aren’t going to be any more pit stops. It doesn’t mean that there won’t be.”

“The parc ferme barriers come out and the official photographers, the FIA photographers, and people are released by the FIA and the local marshals – either through an access gate on the other side [of the pitlane] so people can get into position and get ready. So clearly, it’s not fishing for a penalty or a fine or anything like that. But the lesson does need to be learned as to when they can let people in for pure safety’s sake, as we’ve been saying throughout the programme. F1 had a bit of a lucky escape today.”

‘Lucky escape’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-lucky-escape-fia-investigation-esteban-ocon-incident/


FIA labelled “fortunate” by stewards after “very dangerous” pit lane incident
30 Apr 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

The F1 stewards at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have labelled the FIA as “fortunate” after a “very dangerous” incident took place in the pit lane on the final lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “We stressed that the requirements of ensuring a safe and orderly event are paramount. This was acknowledged by the FIA team.”

“We walked through the relevant procedures and protocol with the FIA representatives in detail and required them to take immediate steps to reconsider these procedures and protocols with the relevant stakeholders [including FOM, the teams and the FIA] to ensure that this situation does not occur again.”

“The FIA representatives expressed their regret at what happened and assured us that they would do so in time for the next event.”

“Fortunate”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1025290/1/fia-labelled-fortunate-stewards-after-very-dangerous-pit-lane-incident


FIA criticised by own stewards for ‘very dangerous’ Baku F1 error
30th April 2023, 16:22
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix stewards have called the FIA “lucky” that a dangerous pitlane incident at the end of the Baku Formula 1 race had no serious consequences. The Baku stewards said this created a “very dangerous situation” for those in the pitlane and considered it “fortunate that there were no serious consequences” as a result.

They said the FIA team in question acknowledged the “paramount” need to ensure a safe and orderly event, and “expressed their regret at what happened”. The stewards tasked the representatives to take immediate steps to reconsider the relevant procedures and protocol along with F1 and the teams “to ensure that this situation does not occur again”.

The FIA says it has received the stewards’ decision and will update the relevant procedures ahead of the next race in Miami next weekend.

‘Very Dangerous’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/fia-criticised-by-own-stewards-for-very-dangerous-baku-f1-error/


FIA "regrets" Azerbaijan GP pit lane shambles as F1 car almost mows down photographers
Esteban Ocon pitted on the last lap of the race in Baku and narrowly avoided hitting a group of photographers who had to dive out of the way after they were let into the pit lane early
16:16, 30 Apr 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

The Formula 1 stewards admitted "it was fortunate that there were no serious consequences" from the incident which saw Esteban Ocon almost hit several people in the pit lane at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Photographers and a few other people had been allowed into parc ferme by FIA officials to prepare for the podium ceremony in Baku. But the race was still going on and Ocon was yet to pit, as his Alpine team had taken a strategy gamble.

But the stewards have acknowledged that it could have been a disaster. After summoning the FIA representatives to their offices, a statement was released in which it published its determination about what had happened.

‘Could have been a disaster’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/fia-regrets-azerbaijan-gp-pit-29852843


FIA to take 'immediate steps' to prevent repeat of Baku pit-lane hazard
30/04/2023 at 16:28
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

The FIA says it will take "immediate steps" to ensure that the dangerous pit-lane incident and near miss with Esteban Ocon that occurred at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix does not happen again.

'Immediate steps';

https://f1i.com/news/472746-fia-to-take-immediate-steps-to-prevent-repeat-of-baku-pit-lane-hazard.html

[Fortitude]

OPINION: FIA must wake up after Baku calamity.
The scary scenes involving members of F1's travelling media entourage and Esteban Ocon at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was the latest in a string of near-misses involving FIA decision-making.
01 May 7:00AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

F1's governing body must now assess where its priorities lie after the latest in a string of frightening scenarios. Ocon was entering the pits at the start of his final lap but was met with a crowd of people at pit entry, with parc fermé being set up to welcome race winner Sergio Perez who was a considerable distance ahead. Luckily the crowd scattered as they rushed to avoid the oncoming Alpine, all escaping what could have been a serious incident.

This is not the first incident in recent times that has caught the attention of drivers, team personnel and fans alike. It is time for the FIA to leave its worries over trivial matters behind and focus on regaining a sense of control over its functions.

One FIA member was beginning to put a barricade across the pit lane entry as Ocon approached in what would have been a dreadful turn of events. It was clear that parc fermé was situated too near the fast lane on which the Frenchman was arriving. A similar incident occurred in Australia last year where VIPs were allowed into the pit lane when Alex Albon pitted on the final lap, so the warning signs were there.

Another lapse in judgement, this time from a higher power in the FIA, saw a recovery vehicle allowed on track in treacherous conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix last year, evoking painful memories of the tragic incident that claimed Jules Bianchi's life at the same circuit eight years prior.

‘Lapses in judgement’;

https://racingnews365.com/fia-must-wake-up-after-baku-calamity


Alpine: FIA fix after Ocon scare 'not rocket science'
30 April 9:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Alpine Sporting Director Alan Permane believes any fix from the FIA to avoid the frightening scenes at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will not be "rocket science". Speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Permane explained: "It is something we have seen before. There is a keenness... I don't know why but photographers are allowed - I understand people want to get the shots of cars coming into parc fermé - but the race track is still live.

Insisting Ocon would have been in full control of the situation, Permane said: "Rob, our Chief Mechanic, came on the intercom to say there was people in the pit lane and Esteban, at that point, is going 80kph, don't forget so he could stop the car pretty quickly if he needed to.

"So whilst it was quite scary to look at, I suspect he was in full control and no one was in serious danger. It was a bit like a scene from the Group B rallying days with the crowd parting as he got there."

'Not rocket science';

https://racingnews365.com/alpine-fia-fix-after-ocon-scare-not-rocket-science


FIA to investigate 'shambolic' pitlane incident
April 30, 2023 — 10.12pm
The Sydney Morning Herald

Photographers and personnel getting ready for the post-race podium were forced to jump out of the way as Esteban Ocon made a last-lap pitstop.

'Shambolic';

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/fia-to-investigate-shambolic-pitlane-incident-20230501-p5d4gx.html


FIA verdict REVEALED following Ocon pit-lane CHAOS in Baku
Sunday 30 April 2023 19:10
Harry Smith
GPFans

The FIA has expressed regret after breaking the International Sporting Code at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Representatives of the FIA were summoned to the stewards after photographers and officials flooded the pit entry before Esteban Ocon made his final-lap pit stop.

The resulting chaos was shocking for everyone watching as Ocon's Alpine car narrowly missed those standing in the pit lane, prompting some disgusted exclamations from David Croft and Ted Kravitz. Flirting with pitlane disaster. An official FIA document was released after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, laying the blame for the incident on the FIA.

The stewards confirmed that the pit-lane chaos was the direct result of the FIA's actions, ruling that they "took steps to set up the parc ferme area and also permitted media and other personnel to gather in the start of the pitlane and the pit wall during the last lap of the race, while the pit lane was open". This claim was later accepted by the FIA who reportedly "expressed their regret at what happened and assured us that they would do so in time for the next event".

‘FIA verdict REVEALED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106688/esteban-ocon-pit-stop-azerbaijan-grand-prix-fia/


FIA to review procedures after pitlane 'shambles' in Baku
18:16, Sun, 30 Apr 2023.
The Straits Times

HIGH RESOLUTION CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPH: Sky Sports television commentators called the scenes, with a throng of people already in the pitlane as the car arrived, “an absolute shambles”. PHOTO: TWITTER/ESPN

BAKU - Formula One’s governing body promised an immediate review of procedures after mechanics and photographers were in the fast lane when Alpine’s Esteban Ocon pitted at the end of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“The FIA representatives expressed their regret at what happened and assured us that they would do so in time for the next event,” the statement added.

‘Pitlane Shambles';

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/fia-to-review-procedures-after-pitlane-shambles-in-baku


Esteban Ocon wants FIA to act after he narrowly avoids pit-lane ‘disaster’
30/04/2023 | 15:58 PM
By Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent, Baku
BreakingNews.ie

Esteban Ocon has demanded Formula One’s governing body takes action after he said a “big disaster” was narrowly avoided in Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On-board video footage from the French driver’s car showed dozens of people – who had gathered at the entrance to the pit-lane with the race still ongoing – scrambling to get out of his way.

“I would not have liked to have been in there with the speed I was arriving. If I missed the braking point it could have been a big disaster. It was crazy.” Ocon continued: “I don’t understand why they are starting to prep the podium while we are still racing. There is one lap to go. I am arriving at 300kph (185mph) and I am braking very late.”

“It is clear. We need to wait until all the cars have passed the chequered flag and ensure there is no racing in the pit lane. It is not a mystery. It is very simple. We don’t want to see this happening again. I am sure the FIA has seen it and they will take action. And if they don’t take action, I will go and speak to them.”

‘Narrowly avoids pit-lane disaster’;

https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/esteban-ocon-wants-fia-to-act-after-he-narrowly-avoids-pit-lane-disaster-1469396.html

[Fortitude]

Red Bull confirm Verstappen Perez ‘free to race’ for F1 title.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are “free to race” for this season’s Formula 1 title following the Mexican driver’s stand-out performance across the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
Monday 1st May, 2023 - 2:07am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Far from being the expected cruise to a third consecutive championship, Verstappen is at least coming under threat for that bid from within his own team given Red Bull’s rivals are tripping over themselves to simply be best of the rest. “At the moment it’s the two of them,” said Horner. “There’s a slight gap to the rest of the field but there are 19 more races to go and five sprint races, so there’s a huge amount of racing at a whole variety of different circuits.”

“It could ebb and flow between the two of them, reliability could be a factor. Of course, what we’re more focused on at the moment is building a buffer with both of the drivers because when we get back to Europe, I’m sure there are going to be sizeable upgrades (from their rival teams). And, of course, we have a reduced capacity to develop this year, so that’s where our focus is – trying to build a gap.”

Asked whether the duo are free to race, Horner replied: “They were free to race today. All year, so far, they’ve been free to race.” As to whether that will be the case for the remainder of the year, Horner added: “Yeah, until the team’s interests, if you’re competing against a competitor, becomes bigger than the drivers’ interests. But as it is at the moment, they’re free to race.”

‘Free to race’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/01/red-bull-sergio-perez-max-verstappen-f1-title-free-to-race/


I’d be leading the championship if not for Melbourne problems, says Perez after Baku victory.
30 Apr 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video).

Sergio Perez insists he’s right in the championship hunt after his second win of the season, and is raring to challenge again next week in Miami.

‘I’d be leading the championship’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.id-be-leading-the-championship-if-not-for-melbourne-problems-says-perez-after-baku-victory.1764611765923908546.html


Max Verstappen details Azerbaijan GP 'pain' in cool down room chat with Sergio Perez.
Perez won the Baku race with Verstappen forced to settle for second, having pitted from the lead moments before a safety car gave his team-mate a cheap stop for new tyres
15:54, 30 Apr 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Max Verstappen admitted it was "painful" to lose out on victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix because of a poorly-timed safety car. As usual, the three podium finishers met in the cool down room while waiting for the post-race ceremony. Their discussion was caught on camera and broadcast on Sky Sports, with Verstappen and Leclerc the first to arrive and begin talking.

"You were pushing flat-out?" asked the Monegasque as they watched highlights of the race. Verstappen replied: "We were quite close but when you're following close, it's really tough. At one point it opened up a bit..." Perez then entered the room, and commented on how devoid of incident the race was. "Not much action out there?" he asked, before Leclerc declared in reply: "For me, it was the loneliest race ever. Fernando [Alonso] was coming back at the end – I think he finished six-tenths behind me."

The Mexican then turned to his team-mate as the TV showed Verstappen's poorly-timed pit stop and said: "You were unlucky there." The reply from the championship leader was: "It was a bit painful but it happens. Sometimes. You had it last year in Jeddah."

'Bit painful but it happens';

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/max-verstappen-details-azerbaijan-gp-29852697


‘I learned a lot of things’ – Verstappen takes the positives from Baku despite losing out to team mate Perez
30 April 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Although he was naturally disappointed not to claim victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen feels he gathered plenty of valuable information about his Red Bull that will aid his cause moving forward.

Reflecting on his afternoon at the wheel, Verstappen said: “I think, of course, the Safety Car was a bit unlucky. Then I had to push again, I tried to stay very close [to Perez], to try and get into the DRS, but I think the tyres were overheating a bit because of that, trying to follow.

“But also, the balance, I was struggling to be really consistent. I was playing around with the tools a little bit and, I think when I got that sorted, I would say the last 10 laps were actually quite good again. [It was] just a little bit too late [to challenge Perez], I think a lot of things learned again throughout the race, and, of course, at the end of the day, a good team result.”

‘I learned a lot of things’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-learned-a-lot-of-things-verstappen-takes-the-positives-from-baku-despite.6Xq6FIGKhBT6ovoFYXccWO.html


[B]Red Bull’s Christian Horner celebrates one-two result after dominant showing in Baku
May 1, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner was pleased to see the team achieve its third one-two result of the season, making for twenty-five since the team’s debut. Horner praised Sergio Perez for his stellar victory at Baku City Circuit, leading the pack from the time of his well-timed pit-stop during the lap eleven safety car until the checkered flag.

“Checo absolutely excelled today. He had the pace and really controlled the race, he benefited from the timing of the safety car but it was a phenomenal performance from him today and all weekend. Hats off to him.”

“We were unlucky with the safety car and the pit stop for Max. Sometimes things like that don’t go your way but that is racing and we will learn from it. Other than that it was an excellent performance from the whole team, another 1-2, our 25th!”

‘25th 1-2’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/05/red-bulls-christian-horner-celebrates-one-two-result-after-dominant-showing-in-baku/


Sergio Perez: “I am definitely in the fight for the title”
May 1, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez claimed victory at Baku City Circuit, rounding out an incredible weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Having started in third place, the Mexican driver bested pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and team-mate Max Verstappen to secure his second win of the season.

“It has been an unbelievable weekend, I am super pleased and I cannot say more about the Team, it has been a tremendous day for us and I am so proud of everyone. I want to say a big thanks to Thibaut, he is one of my mechanics who is at home for personal reasons, but he is still a very big part of our Team.”

“The Team enjoy calling me the King of the Streets, I am super happy for them all. They have been tremendous all weekend, from the sprint race yesterday through to the way we executed the race today, it was perfect.”

‘King of the Streets’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/05/sergio-perez-i-am-definitely-in-the-fight-for-the-title/


Finally, Perez breathes life into title race
23:14 Sun, 30 Apr 2023.
Jonathon McEvoy.
Mail+

A World Championship fight that was lying half-dead on the floor was provided a kiss of life here in Baku, Sergio Perez winning ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.

Perez has been hailed as ‘King of the Streets’, including by his race engineer Hugh Bird after he took the chequered flag, and can at least keep Max honest. The Mexican is a winner in Monaco, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and here twice. On his day and this was one, he can be the equal of Verstappen, and they stand on two race victories each.

‘Perez breathes life into a World Championship fight that was lying half-dead’;

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-mail/20230501/282484303083954

https://www.mailplus.co.uk/edition/sport/formula-one/276049/finally-perez-breathes-life-into-title-race

[Fortitude]

Leclerc admits that Red Bull are in a league of their own despite his improved performance in…
“They’re in another league once it comes to [the] race. The really good lap [in qualifying] managed to put us in front, but then over 51 laps, it was just not possible. They have so much more pace than we do in race pace.”
20:10 Sun, 30 Apr 2023.
Darius Needham.
FormulaNerds.

After the race, Leclerc heaped praise on Red Bull as he believes that they are clear of everyone out on track. “As I said yesterday, I think they found something that we didn’t yet and that’s where our focus is at the moment. Everybody’s working flat out to try and understand what we can do in the races, especially to just get more performance.”

Leclerc held of Fernando Alonso towards the end of the Grand Prix to claim third place in Baku. Coming into the weekend, the Monegasque driver had only scored six points in three races and was looking to improve on his and Ferrari’s poor start to the season.

‘League of their own’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/f1latestnews/leclerc-admits-that-red-bull-are-in-a-league-of-their-own-despite-his-improved-performance-in-baku/?nowprocket=1


Leclerc: Ferrari behind Aston Martin on race pace
Monday 1st May, 2023 - 11:55am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Charles Leclerc has claimed Ferrari has only the third fastest car in race trim behind Red Bull and Aston Martin following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Leclerc recorded his and Ferrari’s best result of 2023 with third on the streets of Baku.

“Got closer, maybe a little, but still very far behind in race pace at least,” he said of the gap to the cars ahead. I also think we are behind Aston Martin in terms of race pace, so we really need to work on that.” Leclerc hung on to third in the race by just 0.8s from a charging Fernando Alonso.

‘Ferrari behind Aston Martin’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/01/leclerc-ferrari-aston-martin/


Plenty of pole positions for Leclerc, but few wins
Published: 10:01, 1 May 2023
By Associated Press
Mail Online

There are plenty of different causes for Leclerc's comparative lack of wins, ranging from a slow or unreliable car (the Ferrari overheated when he led from pole in Spain last year), team strategy blunders (a pit stop mix-up at the next race in Monaco) to driver error (a crash while in the lead after starting on pole in France a few weeks later).

Where the next win might come from for Leclerc isn't clear. "Still a lot of work to do in terms of race pace," he said. "I think we´ve done absolutely everything, we´ve tried everything. But (the) bottom line is that we are just not quick enough."

‘Pole positions, few wins’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-12032985/Plenty-pole-positions-Leclerc-wins.html


Leclerc highlights key issue in pace deficit to Red Bull
01 May 1:15PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc has revealed he was forced into protecting his Formula 1 tyres in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as he could "kill" them if he pushed throughout. Leclerc: Ferrari 'kills' its tyres: "Well, we have to with our car otherwise we kill [the tyres] and then we cannot get them back and then this has a big influence on our performance," Leclerc explained to media, including RacingNews365 when asked about the tyre life on the SF-23.

"So, I think we did the perfect management today. But, we are just not quick enough. Whether we lack at the beginning of the stint, or at the end of the stint, this we can change but yeah, we just don't have enough performance for now.

"At the end, it [was] the same car [in the sprint and Grand Prix], I managed it differently, but actually the outcome doesn't change. We've optimised absolutely everything. The thing we should be happy about after a weekend like this is that we've maximised every session.”

‘Ferrari 'kills' its tyres’;

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-highlights-key-issue-in-pace-deficit-to-red-bull


Vasseur: Leclerc to Mercedes reports are 'BULL***T'
Monday 1 May 2023 07:59
Ilaria Mastio
GPFans

Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the rumours about Charles Leclerc leaving Ferrari for Mercedes are 'bull***t'. Talking to SkySport Italia after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Ferrari team principal dismissed the idea of the Monegasque driver moving to Mercedes from the Scuderia.

Vasseur said: “Yes, the rumours about Charles and Mercedes are bull***t. Charles said he loves Ferrari and wants to win with Ferrari. We are at the beginning of the season, where there is much gossip we will hear every weekend, but we are not worried.”

Vasseur said: "I'm very proud of Charles this weekend. He was perfect. He pushed when we asked him to push, creating a gap with Alonso. He just made a mistake on the second lap in Q3. It wasn't a mistake; he was already on pole, so he reached the goal."

'BULL***T';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106697/charles-leclerc-to-mercedes-fred-vasseur-f1-rumours/


Vasseur expects more ‘Leclerc gossip’ in 2023
1st May 2023, 07:56
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Leclerc also rounded out the Baku race weekend, in which he was quickest in both the sprint and main qualifying sessions, by re-pledging his commitment to Maranello. “Fred has a good medium and long-term vision for the team,” he told Bild am Sonntag newspaper. “I have no doubt that he is the one who can bring Ferrari back to the top.”

“Of course you can see from the outside that the car isn’t fast enough, but he has a good eye for what could work even better in the individual departments,” Leclerc added. Leclerc is under contract until the end of 2024, but Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko said recently that there would be escape clauses in the deal.

“There are setbacks along the way,” said Leclerc. “Last year and this year we didn’t take the step that we wanted. We have to do that now. But we also have to be able to deal with it. Michael (Schumacher) and Jean (Todt) also had immense pressure and still won several world championships in a row. So we can’t complain.”

‘Re-pledging his commitment to Maranello’;

https://grandpx.news/vasseur-expects-more-leclerc-gossip-in-2023/

[Fortitude]

Alonso encouraged by ‘bad weekend’ for Aston Martin.
“In a bad weekend, let’s say, for an Aston, we are fighting for the podium against one of the best weekends for Ferrari.”
Monday 1st May, 2023 - 3:25pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso was left encouraged following a “bad weekend” for Aston Martin which resulted in a fourth-place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The two-time world champion missed the podium by 0.8s at the line to chalk up his worst result of the season. Alonso saw the positives, however, as Aston Martin remained competitive despite a more difficult weekend.

“I’m very happy with the result, of the pace of the car,” he said. “I think the weekend was not maybe as competitive as the first three races, but even with that I think today in the race, the pace was very good, very strong. We challenged for the podium, only one second to Charles [Leclerc], so that’s very encouraging for us. They were on pole position on the Sprint race, pole position for the main race, and they were just one second in front of us on Sunday, so good news.”

Alonso climbed four places in the race, one of those coming with an opportunistic move on Carlos Sainz following the Safety Car restart. From there, he managed his tyres through the opening phase of the stint before turning up the pace in the closing 10 laps as he pursued Leclerc. His cause was aided by a fully functional DRS flap, an element that had caused issues earlier in the weekend. “It worked today,” he smiled. “So a lot of speed – I’ve never been that fast for the whole weekend!”

‘Fighting for the podium’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/01/alonso-encouraged-by-bad-weekend-for-aston-martin/


Aston Martin seeks permanent DRS solution after lubricant fix in Baku
11:15 Mon, 01 May 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were reckoned to have lost 0.2s on the main straight in Baku during the Friday practice run and both the grand prix and sprint race qualifying sessions. The malfunction was primarily caused by an aerodynamic characteristic of the new low-drag wing specification, which meant the overtaking device was oscillating and would only intermittently activate. This was exacerbated by the coastline street track's bumps and air pressure on the long straight.

Asked by Motorsport.com to explain the quick fix, Krack said: "I cannot tell you, but it was not far from using WD40! The car is in parc ferme so there is not so much you can do. We tried to clean the surfaces and tried to check your gaps, everything. We checked everything with the FIA and the FIA was very helpful on this and you will have seen also we changed one flap on Fernando's car.”

"We would've liked to have solved it earlier or not have it in the first place. But at the end of the day, it is not such a drama." Krack confirmed a full analysis of the failure would be undertaken and a lasting fix installed for the Miami GP this weekend.

‘WD40!’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-seeks-permanent-drs-solution-after-lubricant-fix-in-baku/10463675/


Alonso impressed by Aston running so close to Ferrari
30/04/2023 at 18:32
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso admitted that he was surprised to find Aston Martin as close to Ferrari as they were in today's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, thanks to a combination of tyre management and weather conditions in Baku.

"With the mediums, the Ferraris had massive degradation in the first stint. On a normal hot race, I think they'd struggle a little bit more. [Instead there were] some clouds at the end so track temperature was dropping," he said. “So I think they got lucky, the hard tyre had less degradation than expected.”

"The tailwind was quite random and here in Baku you are always on the edge," he continued. “We put the hard tyre on when the safety car came. It was 38 laps to the end it held on quite okay. The job that everyone has done in Aston Martin is extraordinary," he said. "Between Lance and me, we are aware of that. We are trying to help the team as much as we can.”

‘Surprised to find Aston Martin as close to Ferrari’;

https://f1i.com/news/472776-alonso-impressed-by-aston-running-so-close-to-ferrari.html


[B]Alonso 'got me clean': Sainz GUSHES after F1 legend's impressive overtake
Sunday 30 April 2023 18:45
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Carlos Sainz has praised Fernando Alonso for his stellar moves during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after his fellow Spaniard overtook him during a tricky race for the Ferrari driver.

The Ferrari driver praised the work of Aston Martin driver Alonso after he overtook him. Alonso took home P4 in the race, breaking a clean sweep of podiums so far this season. Sainz said: “Fernando got me right, clean, and then defended in a great way.”

'Got me clean';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106680/carlos-sainz-fernando-alonso-f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix-overtake/


ALONSO: LECLERC ‘LUCKY’ FINISHING THIRD AT F1 AZERBAIJAN GP
Alonso missed out on a podium to maintain his 100% podium record by just missing out to Leclerc by one second at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
April 30, 2023
Nathan Hartley

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso believes that Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc “got lucky” during the latter stages of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Alonso finished the race in fourth place – only one second behind Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque started the race on pole but was no match to the Red Bull’s superior pace.

Alonso believes that Leclerc was “lucky” to hang on to the third place. The Spaniard believes that the late overcast conditions helped the Monegasque to manage his hard tyres more effectively. Ferrari are known to have tyre wear struggles this season. Therefore, if the temperature stayed the same, Alonso reckoned that he would have overtaken the Ferrari driver before the chequered flag.

“I think with the mediums, the Ferraris had massive degradation in the first stint. On a normal hot race, I think they will struggle a little bit more. Today was good for them but Miami [next race, humid conditions] is going to be different.”

‘Miami’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/alonso-leclerc-lucky-finishing-third-at-f1-azerbaijan-gp/?nowprocket=1


Alonso preparing Stroll to lead Aston for ‘next 10-15 years’
06:06, Mon, 01 May 2023.
By Valentin Khorounzhiy and Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Fernando Alonso says the help he gave his Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is a reflection of the fact he wants to best prepare Stroll to “lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years”.

“Yeah, it has been like this. I know that I will be in the sport for a few more years but not many, and he will lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years, so I hope I can help Lance in the next few years.” In Baku, Alonso took time out to recommend that the team advise Stroll to copy a brake bias change he’d done on his car.

“We talk a lot during the weekend, already from Thursday – what we both felt here in the past, in traffic what we will do, what will be the plan for each of the cars. If we feel something in the car during the race that we didn’t speak about and there’s something new that can help the other car, normally we communicate to the team.”

‘Next 10-15 years’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/alonso-preparing-stroll-to-lead-aston-for-next-10-15-years/

[Fortitude]

Wolff admits Leclerc 'is on the radar' to replace Hamilton.
The Monegasque driver has been tipped as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton when he leaves Mercedes.
02 May 2:45PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

"The only time I talked with him is when we discussed where the gate is in Melbourne to board the plane," Wolff said when asked about contacting Leclerc to media including RacingNews365. "Charles is a super guy, and of the long-term future, someone you have to have on your radar, but not for the short and medium term."

"Nobody doubts Charles' ability and he is a good guy. He is 100% committed to Ferrari, and we are 100% committed to putting pen to paper with Lewis." Hamilton's deal expires at the end of the season, with Wolff previously admitting that the seven-time champion could leave the team if they are unable to provide him a car capable of fighting for what would be a record-breaking eighth title.

‘Seven-time champion could leave the team if they are unable to provide him a car capable of fighting’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-admits-leclerc-is-on-the-radar-to-replace-hamilton


Toto Wolff confirms Charles Leclerc on Mercedes ‘long-term’ driver radar
02 May 2023 7:42 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff has confirmed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is on his “radar” for a drive with Mercedes in the future, but “not for the short or medium term.”

A report from Italian journalist Leo Turrini last week claimed it was an “open secret” within the paddock that the Ferrari driver and Mercedes team principal have been in talks over a potential move in future, with his contract with the Scuderia expiring at the end of the 2024 season.

“Open secret”

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-charles-leclerc-mercedes-radar/


Lewis Hamilton left frustrated as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff demands F1 changes after Baku
Toto Wolff has called for F1 change after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell were frustrated during the Azerbaijan GP in Baku.
11:15, Mon, May 1, 2023
By Alex Turk

Hamilton spent the latter stages of the race hunting down Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in fifth, finishing less than a second behind the Spaniard.

But even despite being within DRS range, the seven-time world champion couldn't pass Sainz and had to settle for sixth.

‘Frustrated’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1764808/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Toto-Wolff-F1-news-Azerbaijan-Grand-Prix


Wolff: Leclerc 'someone you must have on your radar'
02/05/2023 at 11:52
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Toto Wolff admits that Charles Leclerc is someone that Mercedes has to have on its radar for the long term, but the Austrian denied that he was taking a short term interest in the Ferrari driver.

Ahead of last weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Italian media claimed that it was an "open secret" that Mercedes was courting Leclerc and that it considered the Monegasque as its first choice as Lewis Hamilton's successor.

The seven-time world has yet to agree to a new and likely final deal with Mercedes, which has sparked a wave of speculation about the latter's future.

‘Radar’;

https://f1i.com/news/472961-wolff-leclerc-someone-you-must-have-on-your-radar.html


Wolff adds to the Leclerc speculation saga
02/05/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Admitting that Charles Leclerc is a driver that everyone should have on their radar, Toto Wolff helps to fan the flames in terms of speculation over the youngster's future. The trials and tribulations of Mercedes and Ferrari has allowed the usual suspects in the media free rein in terms of clickbait headlines relating to the futures of Lewis Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff further muddied the waters with a throwaway remark in response to being asked about the speculation surrounding Leclerc and Mercedes. "The only time I talked with him is when we discussed where the gate is in Melbourne to board the plane," joked the Austrian.

Of course, both drivers are fully committed to their respective teams, as are the majority of the rest of the grid, should you ask them, but with continued speculation over Max Verstappen's future one has to ask how far that commitment might stretch should Red Bull announce a vacancy anytime soon.

‘Speculation over Max Verstappen's future’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75013/Wolff-adds-to-the-Leclerc-speculation-saga

[Fortitude]

F1 race or influencer Olympics? The glitz and glamour to expect at the Miami Grand Prix.
Stars are descending upon the city to party the weekend away. The Seminole Hard Rock will host performers Wisin y Handel and the Jonas Brothers, and Carbone Beach is yet to announce a highly anticipated line-up.
Tuesday 2 May 2023 22:27
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

The Miami Grand Prix is entering its second year on the F1 calendar and hopes are high for a mass of celebrity attendees, after stars such as Michelle Obama and Michael Jordan watched last year’s race.

The Miami race was added to the calendar for the 2022 season, joining the United States Grand Prix, which is held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Since then, yet another American location has joined the F1 calendar as the teams head to Las Vegas in November.

‘Glitz and glamour’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106777/miami-f1-grand-prix-alix-earle-larsa-pippen-celebrities-events/


MIAMI GRAND PRIX
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTODROME - MIAMI
05 - 07 may
Scuderia Toro Rosso - Official Site

Miami International Autodrome is the venue for the Grand Prix, just a few kilometres from Downtown. The United States thus holds the record for the most cities to have hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with Miami being the eleventh.

The street circuit runs around the famous Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The promoter came up with 36 different possible layouts before arriving at the definitive version. All the hard work over several years has produced a track that is fast and spectacular, with three long straights each with a DRS zone, where speeds are expected to reach 320 km/h.

Electrifying track. It’s a street circuit, but its design has all the hallmarks of a permanent facility. Miami International Autodrome runs round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The track is fast and smooth, with three DRS zones, but there are also places where drivers have to brake right on the limit, producing some great overtaking moves.

‘MIAMI GP: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW’;

https://scuderia.alphatauri.com/en/gp-f1/miami-grand-prix/


SESSION TIMES FOR THE 2023 F1 MIAMI GP
The 2023 Miami GP is the first of three F1 races in the USA this season
May 2, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

Formula 1 heads across the pond to the USA for the first time in the 2023 F1 season for the Miami GP, so make sure you know all the F1 session times for the action at the Miami International Autodrome. The Miami GP made its debut on the F1 calendar last year with the 5.412km circuit set in the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, and has the feel of a street circuit.

Miami sees a return to the traditional F1 weekend with qualifying for the main race scheduled for 16:00 (local time) on Saturday, and the Miami GP at 15:30 (local time) on Sunday.
Date Session Local UK (BST) US (EDT) US (PDT) Aus (AEST)
May 5 Practice 1 14:00 19:00 14:00 11:00 04:00*
May 5 Practice 2 17:30 22:30 17:30 14:30 07:30*
May 6 Practice 3 12:30 17:30 12:30 09:30 02:30*
May 6 Qualifying 16:00 21:00 16:00 13:00 06:00*
May 7 Grand Prix 15:30 20:30 15:30 12:30 05:30*
*Denotes Next Day

‘Traditional F1 weekend’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/session-times-2023-f1-miami-gp/


Can Sergio Perez make another street circuit statement against Max Verstappen? F1 Miami GP talking points
2 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Crash.net looks at some of the biggest talking points heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix as F1 heads straight from Baku to the USA. Can Perez stay ahead of Verstappen? Sergio Perez reignited his F1 world championship bid with victory in last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and he now has an opportunity to maintain his momentum in Miami.

The start of Ferrari’s upgrade push. Despite bringing no upgrades to Baku, Ferrari enjoyed their strongest weekend of the season so far as Charles Leclerc beat the Red Bulls to pole position for the sprint and main grand prix. More damage limitation for Mercedes? After their uptick in form in Melbourne translated into a podium, Mercedes ended up being the fourth-fastest team in Baku as they slipped back behind both Ferrari and Aston Martin.

Can F1's erratic rookies get off the mark? The 2023 season has been something of a baptism of fire for F1 rookies Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant so far.

‘Talking points;’

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1025388/1/can-perez-make-another-street-circuit-statement-against-verstappen


MIAMI GP WIN WOULD MAKE PEREZ A TRUE TITLE CONTENDER – BUTTON
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd May 2023, 21:07
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans.com

If Sergio Perez wins this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, he will lead the Formula 1 world championship for the first time in his career. Jenson Button reckons such a win would instigate a title challenge.

“I am really impressed with Sergio. Max, he has to be the toughest team mate, because he just gets out there and gets it done in terms of his speed,” said Button. “I think [Perez] did a really good job at the weekend, and back-to-back wins if you like with the sprint race and the main event. That will give him a lot of confidence.”

“I think we are only going to really know when we go to the next race. Kind of a street race as well: If he can pull out a win there, I mean that would be a massive deal for him. And I think that would give him confidence for the season.” Button says Perez needs to demonstrate he can be a consistent threat to his team mate. “We haven’t seen him throughout the season obviously be as competitive as Max. Max is on it every weekend.

‘True title contender’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/02/miami-gp-win-would-make-perez-a-true-title-contender-button/

[Fortitude]

Miami to hold first of F1’s new pre-race driver introduction ceremonies.
A new pre-race driver introduction ceremony will take place for the first time ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 12:273rd May 2023, 12:27
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Formula 1 previously experimented with a presentation of this kind at the United States Grand Prix in 2017. However RaceFans understands a different ceremony is planned for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Last week the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved changes to the F1 sporting regulations to allow more time for drivers to assemble on the grid prior to the start of the race. The pre-race grid procedure now begins 50 minutes before the start of the formation lap instead of 40 minutes ahead.

“At certain races, this additional time will be used for the presentation of the drivers to the fans,” the FIA noted. Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix is due to begin at 3:30pm local time. The driver introduction and national anthem observance will take place at 3:08pm.

‘Introduction ceremony’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/miami-to-hold-first-of-f1s-new-pre-race-driver-introduction-ceremonies/


Last minute change to Miami GP schedule
03 May 8:45AM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

A slight tweak has been made to the schedule for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix, affecting Friday practice. The Friday Formula 1 free practice times for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix have been slightly brought forward.

F1 is visiting the Miami International Autodrome for the second time this weekend, but changes have been made to the planned schedule with both first and second practice brought forward from their original start times.

‘Slight tweak’;

https://racingnews365.com/miami-gp-set-for-last-minute-schedule-change


Vasseur: Miami GP to kick off Ferrari SF-23 upgrade effort
03/05/2023 at 13:17
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur says the Italian outfit will kick off in earnest in Miami this week its 2023 development programme for its SF-23.

"We will start to bring updates on the car from Miami and for the next couple of events and we will see how the car will react to the updates," said Vasseur in Baku.

"The update is one thing but the fact that you are able to extract all of the potential out of the update is another one."

‘Ferrari SF-23 upgrade’;

https://f1i.com/news/473017-vasseur-miami-gp-to-kick-off-ferrari-sf-23-upgrade-effort.html


Vasseur: Ferrari to kickstart 2023 F1 development plan in Miami
03/05/2023 at 12:52
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix will be the start of Ferrari introducing updates to its 2023 Formula 1 car.

“We will start to bring updates on the car from Miami and for the next couple of events and we will see how the car will react to the updates,” he disclosed.

“The update is one thing but the fact that you are able to extract all of the potential out of the update is another one.”

‘2023 F1 development plan’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/03/vasseur-miami-the-start-of-ferraris-2023-f1-development-plan/


Aston Martin hoping DRS fix works in Miami after Stroll manages fault in race
2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 8:153rd May 2023, 7:03
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

He hopes to confirm ahead of Sunday’s race at the Miami International Autodrome that their DRS is now working as intended. “I’m not an aerodynamicist, so I need to be careful to jump to a conclusion before we have done the full analysis”, said Krack. Asked whether it will be fixed in Miami he said: “I think so.”

‘EL PLAN’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/aston-martin-hoping-drs-fix-works-in-miami-after-stroll-manages-fault-in-race/

[Fortitude]

IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Straight from Azerbaijan it’s time for Formula 1’s first trip across the Atlantic this year as we head to Florida and one of the newest races on the calendar.
03 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

Ahead of the second race of the back-to-back that’s restarted the season, here are some of the talking points that will be on the agenda in the Miami paddock this weekend... 1. Red Bull driver battle heating up. I’m allowed to say it: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was not a thriller. Baku is a circuit that has the potential to deliver absolute chaos at times, and has been voted the best race of the season in the past, but you can never guarantee excitement and it was a largely processional few hours on Sunday.

2. Ferrari’s growing threat. At the same time that Perez has ensured Verstappen is not running away with the title at this point of the season, so too has Charles Leclerc provided a reminder that there could be external threats this year. 3. A true home race for America’s new star. Logan Sargeant’s arrival on the Formula 1 grid has been met with added excitement as America finally has a full-time driver to get behind, and it could be argued he has three home races this year with Austin and Las Vegas still to come.

4. Alpine looking to bounce back. There was less to cheer for at Alpine over the past seven days, as a disastrous Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend prevented the team from showing their potential. Alpine had an upgraded car to test out during FP1 but a reliability issue for Pierre Gasly saw him session end in a cloud of smoke, before he then crashed in qualifying. 5. One of the most lively events of the year. If there’s one thing that we can guarantee about all of the teams in Miami, it’s that they are in for an extremely busy couple of days. Last year’s inaugural race was one of the most intense and spectacular weeks as the whole city embraced F1’s arrival, and this year looks like providing more of the same.

‘5 storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-from-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-miami-gp.7bO71qGMIzmA0KYzt55PHK.html


Could weather cause a concern for F1 teams at the Miami GP?
03 May 3:40PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff

However, there could be a risk of showers in store for race day. With thanks to our friends at WeerOnline.nl, here's the current weather forecast for the 2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix.

Warm in Miami with a chance of showers
High temperatures and humidity are not unusual in southern Florida, and these conditions look to be in store for Formula 1's return to Miami.

When the action kicks off with Friday's practice sessions, plenty of sunshine is forecast and temperatures could reach 31 degrees Celsius… Similar conditions are expected on Saturday. However, the chance of local rain or a thunderstorm increases during the afternoon. While more sunshine is forecast for Sunday, the possibility of showers is higher than earlier in the weekend.

‘Risk of showers in store for race day’;

https://racingnews365.com/could-weather-cause-a-concern-for-f1-teams-at-the-miami-gp


Chance of thunderstorms on Sunday could lead to first wet race of 2023 in Miami
2023 Miami Grand Prix weather
Posted on 3rd May 2023, 18:54
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

When F1 cars hit the track for the first time at 2pm local time on Friday it is expected to be the hottest time of the day with the temperature forecast to be 30C.

The air temperature is only anticipated to drop by one or two degrees by the time the second practice session starts at 5:30pm, with winds staying just as strong. Third practice at 12:30pm on Saturday is forecast to take place in similar temperatures, and slightly weaker winds of the same direction coming from the United States’ East Coast only 10 kilometres away.

There is a slight chance of rain for when qualifying begins at 4pm. On Sunday the grand prix’s start time of 3:30pm is again set to be the hottest part of the day, meaning drivers can expect it to get cooler throughout the race. However Sunday’s forecast also brings a much higher chance of rain. Recent forecasts put it as high as 66% in the local area, and therefore could see herald the arrival of rain before the race finish and the first wet grand prix of 2023.

‘Chance of thunderstorms on Sunday’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/03/chance-of-thunderstorms-on-sunday-could-lead-to-first-wet-race-of-2023-in-miami/


Miami GP offers F1 chance to dismiss 'boring' fears
23:42 Wed, 03 May 2023.
France 24

The dreaded word 'boring' has been reappearing in the vocabulary of Formula One, after a season dominated so far by defending champions Red Bull, so it is perhaps timely that the championship arrives in Miami this week.

Last year's inaugural Miami Grand Prix encapsulated the buzz around the sport in the United States with celebrities and socialites keen to be seen with mojitos in hand watching the stars of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive'.

The impact of the reality show on F1's growth in the US has been well documented and this season sees three Grand Prix races in the country with Las Vegas added to the calendar alongside the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

‘Dreaded word 'boring'’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230503-miami-gp-offers-f1-chance-to-dismiss-boring-fears


Why spectacular Miami GP could knock CLASSIC F1 race off the calendar
Wednesday 3 May 2023 22:42
Amar Mehta
GPFans

For decades, the Monaco Grand Prix has been the crown jewel of the F1 calendar, but a new race is bidding to usurp Monte Carlo. The glitz and glamour, the celebrities, the sun-kissed marina and cars racing round the ultra-narrow street circuit, passing iconic landmarks like the Monte Carlo casino – it was the place to be seen.

The drivers still unanimously still love the challenge. “Without Monaco for me it’s not F1,” said Ferrari’s Monégasque driver Charles Leclerc last year. “There’s no track that comes close to the adrenaline we get in Monaco. It’s part of F1 history and should stay in F1.”

He reflects a view held widely, but there is a bigger picture. "We accommodate Monaco because of its heritage and because of its history. That’s it,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “You’ve got to evolve. If you stand still, then you’re going backwards.”

‘From Monaco to Miami??????????????????????????????’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106885/miami-grand-prix-f1-monaco-formula-1-usa-monte-carlo/


Sainz sees Miami as opportunity to rectify tough Azerbaijan GP weekend
17:00 Wed, 03 May 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Carlos Sainz says he views the quick turnaround to the next Formula 1 round in Miami as a positive after enduring a tough weekend in Azerbaijan. The Spaniard ended up over half a second behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in both qualifying sessions in Baku, finishing two places and over a whole pit stop worth of time behind the sister Ferrari by the time Sunday’s race concluded.

Sainz attributed some of his troubles to the interruption of the Sprint schedule which meant the drivers were only allocated one hour of practice before their set-up choices were locked in for the weekend. The one-time F1 race winner remarked that he was pleased the next round in Miami was taking place only a week after Baku with a return to the traditional weekend format.

“No, because we haven’t had time to sit down and analyse,” he said when asked if he had an explanation for his struggles. “We’ve had to very quickly go into the next session to fine-tune the car with the front wing, and the switches, to put it in a bit of a better place.”

‘Opportunity to rectify’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/03/sainz-sees-miami-as-opportunity-to-rectify-tough-azerbaijan-gp-weekend/

[Fortitude]

F1 pitlane invasion: FIA vs FIA and how chaos came so close to catastrophe.
Just when you think you've seen it all in Formula 1, you can trust the FIA to come along and make you realise there's always something unprecedented around the corner.
Monday 1 May 2023 19:45
Jim Kimberley
GPFans

Sunday's 17:25 document from the FIA's stewards summoning the, uhhh... FIA, to explain themselves might not be Abu Dhabi 2021 levels of egregious, but I don't think anyone had it on their 2023 bingo card. Of course, it's correct that the FIA must investigate the steps which led to the terrifying scenes greeting Esteban Ocon upon his pit lane entry on the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

FIA must get priorities right. I'm certain this pit lane near-miss will be the last one we see, thanks to the serious questions about the procedure which will come this week, but that the FIA had to summon the FIA to start that conversation when so many innocuous issues like jewellery and political statements seemingly sat higher in the priority list is ridiculous.

As it's said on every ticket or pass I've had to every circuit I've visited, "Motor Racing is dangerous." Perhaps to help the FIA from needing to summon themselves in the future, the circuits should append: "Letting dozens of people onto a live pit lane during a race is utter madness."

‘FIA vs FIA’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106756/f1-pitlane-invasion-fia-azerbaijan-grand-prix-2023-analysis/


F1 photographer blames FIA for Esteban Ocon ‘shambles’
Esteban Ocon completed all but the final lap of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the same set of Hard tyres.
1 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Formula 1 photographer Evgeniy Safronov has spoken out on the “certainly dangerous” incident which occurred on the final lap of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided hitting several photographers.

Safronov was one of the photographers down by parc ferme and saw the chaos unfold, with the Russian having revealed that the governing body told the photographers and officials that they could enter the pits “a little earlier than usual”. “I was there,” Safronov said. “It’s a great example of when the race was not the best so we need to discuss something.”

“And we need better headlines than all the ‘It could have ended in tragedy’. I’ll tell you what happened. This time the FIA gave the go-ahead a little earlier than usual. And it wasn’t just photographers but also officials. Yes, it was certainly dangerous,” he noted. “It shouldn’t have happened. But in the very, very last case, there was a person behind the wheel and his car had brakes.”

“A little earlier than usual”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/f1-photographer-blames-fia-for-esteban-ocon-shambles/


‘Not rocket science’: Alpine fire jibe at FIA
The FIA is facing calls from Alpine to make changes to prevent a repeat of the terrifying scenes at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
3 May 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

The end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw potentially serious scenes unfold in the pitlane after Esteban Ocon came in for a last lap tyre change while individuals were scattered across a live pit lane. In a potentially dangerous moment, given the speed Ocon was moving at, personnel had to dive out of the way to avoid a serious incident, with the Alpine driver’s onboard camera showing how close the situation was to a “major incident.”

Alpine’s Sporting Director Alan Permane said that the way to avoid a similarly scary incident was not “rocket science”, stating how the situation should never have occurred. “It is something we have seen before…I don’t know why but photographers are allowed – I understand people want to get the shots of cars coming into parc fermé – but the race track is still live,” Permane said. “I don’t think it is rocket science to fix that.”

‘Not rocket science’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/not-rocket-science-alpine-fire-jibe-at-fia/


Lewis Hamilton critical of FIA decision to shorten DRS down Baku straight
02 May 2023 6:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton cannot understand why the FIA decided to shorten the DRS zone down Baku’s start/finish straight. As Formula 1 returned to the Baku City Circuit for the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a major change made to the track was the shortening of the DRS zone down that monster main straight, with the drivers now having 100 meters less DRS time on that section of the track.

“They shortened the DRS this year down the straight, I don’t know why they did that, we have always had great racing the way the DRS was,” said Hamilton as per RacingNews365.com. “By the time we turn DRS on, it was too late.”

‘Critical of FIA decision to shorten DRS’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-baku-drs-criticism/


Explained: How the FIA develops potential new F1 rules and regulations
02 May 2023 7:30 PM
Thomas Maher

Ever wondered how Formula 1 introduces new rules to the championship? The FIA have detailed how the process works from beginning to end.

F1 Commission meetings are held on at least three occasions throughout the F1 season and consist of a representative from each of the F1 teams, a representative from each of the four current power unit manufacturers, an FIA representative member, and one for the commercial rights holder (FOM/Liberty Media).

The attending personnel are given different voting weighting, depending on who they represent. Each team representative is given a weighting of a single vote, while the FIA and FOM representatives are given a weighting of 10 votes each (equal to the amount of teams participating in the championship).

‘Explained……’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/how-fia-introduces-new-f1-rules/

[Fortitude]

NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.
Formula 1 returns to the Sunshine State for Round 5 of the 2023 Formula 1 championship, so here’s everything you need to know for this weekend’s visit to Miami.
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Featuring expert insight from former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and former F1 strategist Bernie Collins, along with the fan view via our F1 Play predictor game.

There's no Sprint this weekend but there will be plenty of action with Free Practice 1 and 2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the 2023 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday. Head to the RACE HUB to find out how and when you can catch it all.

Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 2022
• Track Length – 5.412km
• Lap record – 1m 31.361s, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2022
• Most pole positions – Charles Leclerc (1)
• Most wins – Max Verstappen (1)
• Trivia – Miami is the 11th different Grand Prix venue in the United States and the 77th different venue to host a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 170 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 110
• Safety Car probability – 100%
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 100%
• Pit stop time loss – 20.18 seconds

‘NEED TO KNOW’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-Miami-2023.4JiY5RHAt5dOrj4yEHsJRs.html


The key talking points heading into the Miami Grand Prix
4th May 2023, 12:56
George Dagless
Give Me Sport

F1 has gone from Baku to Miami this week in one of the most logistically challenging periods of the season, as the shores of the Caspian Sea are traded for Miami beach and the Hard Rock stadium. Track resurface: There were elements of the Miami track last year that the drivers were a little concerned about, in terms of how uneven it was, and so hopefully that will not be an issue this year.

Humidity, and potentially rain, to be a factor: The humidity and heat in Miami is set to be a big factor this weekend and the drivers will need to be fully prepared for the rigours of driving in those conditions. Can Ferrari build on Baku? Ferrari had a strong weekend in Azerbaijan overall. Charles Leclerc showed his brilliant one-lap pace at the wheel of the SF-23 to seal pole for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, though the race pace was not there to match Red Bull unfortunately.

Can Sergio Perez close the gap further in the title fight? Had it not been for a brake issue in Australia, and having to start in the pitlane and scramble back through the field, Sergio Perez claimed in Baku, the Mexican would be top of the championship standings instead of six points behind team-mate Max Verstappen. A welcome return to the normal schedule? The first Sprint weekend has been and gone and we're back to a more traditional schedule this weekend in Miami, with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday.

‘Key talking points’;

https://www.givemesport.com/the-key-talking-points-heading-into-the-miami-grand-prix/


F1 Fantasy: top picks and predictions for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
4th May 2023, 12:01
Author Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine

F1 makes a 6500 mile journey this week from the streets of Baku to the beaches of Miami – a site of great opportunity for F1 Fantasy players and their teams. Whilst 2022 saw F1 Fantasy players step into the unknown for the first Miami Grand Prix, 2023’s visit to Florida is on much more steady ground, with Red Bull seemingly in firm control.

With similar track characteristics to Baku, the Miami International Autodrome could play to the strengths of the RB19, as it is composed of two long straight-aways divided by a blend of medium and low speed corners.

Having won on every outing so far this season, spending $45.7m to have both Verstappen and Perez in your line-up is a safe bet to cover all bases, but with teams beginning to bring upgrades and the gap at the front beginning to close, there are plenty of mor economical options available. Here’s who we think you should consider for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.

‘F1 Fantasy’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/f1-fantasy-top-picks-and-predictions-for-the-2023-miami-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1#


Perez title bid reality with Miami win
Thursday 4th May, 2023 - 11:13pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Sergio Perez will be firmly in the hunt for this year’s F1 title if can score his third grand prix victory of the season this weekend. That is the verdict of 2009 champion Jenson Button who has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the Mexican driver.

‘Title bid reality’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/04/sergio-perez-miamigp-title/


Fans take centre stage as AMF1 Team brings the spark to the Miami heat
4th May 2023, 15:05
Aston Martin F1 - Official Site

We see you, we hear you, we're with you. As we arrive in Magic City for the Miami Grand Prix, an incredible venue for a Formula One race that serves to underline the growing popularity of the sport, we’re shifting the focus from the team to you, our fans.

From opening the doors to the AMF1 Team garage to provide unforgettable and inspirational experiences for fans and local students to taking F1 to the streets of Miami via thrilling partner-led events, this is how we're bringing the spark to the Miami heat…

‘AMF1 Team brings the spark’;

https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/news/feature/fans-take-centre-stage-as-amf1-team-brings-the-spark-to-the-miami-heat


FIA shortens F1’s two longest DRS zones on Miami Grand Prix track
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 4th May 2023, 16:274th May 2023, 16:27
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

The FIA has reduced the length of two DRS zones at the Miami International Autodrome, despite some drivers criticising a similar change at the previous race. Azerbaijan Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez said after the race that he disagreed with the decision to reduce the DRS zone over the Baku race weekend.

“I feel these cars are generating a bit more downforce and, by generating that little more downforce, the car behind struggles a little bit more to follow,” Perez explained. “So in my opinion, it wasn’t the right thing to shorten up the DRS, because it’s getting harder to overtake than last year already in itself so it’s something we should review.”

‘FIA….’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/fia-shortens-f1s-two-longest-drs-zones-on-miami-grand-prix-track/


FIA introduce Miami Grand Prix rule change despite Lewis Hamilton and Russell criticism
The FIA have confirmed rule changes will be made for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix.
By Luke Chillingsworth
17:12, Thu, May 4, 2023
Daily and Sunday Express

The FIA has introduced major DRS changes for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix just a week after criticism from drivers including Lewis Hamilton. Two out of the three DRS zones have been shortened ahead of the weekend despite opposition to similar updates in Azerbaijan.

Lewis Hamilton stressed the updates had a sizeable impact on the racing. The 38-year-old explained: “They shortened the DRS this year down the straight, I don’t know why they did that, we have always had great racing the way the DRS was. By the time we turn DRS on, it was too late.”

Team-mate George Russell also raised concerns over the move and called out the FIA for making changes without consulting those behind the wheel. Speaking in Baku, he remarked: “The drivers have had zero input. I’ve been a little bit disappointed again that we weren’t in that loop — I’m not even sure the FIA are aware that we feel that overtaking is harder, yet they’re basing the DRS off historic information. It’s going to make it challenging to overtake.”

‘Drivers have had zero input’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1766305/fia-rule-changes-miami-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton-george-russell-f1-news


Resurfaced Miami GP circuit poses unknowns as organisers opt for more spectacle
4th May 2023, 16:47
Charlen Raymond
Wheels24

This weekend's Miami Grand Prix is the first time in 2023 that two Formula 1 races will be staged on successive weekends.

For 2023, race organisers opted to resurface the track, moving away from the limestone and granite composition. Thus, for this year's edition, the circuit will be paved with asphalt which promotes overtaking. "We could have just come back with the racetrack that we had last year," said Tom Garfinkel,

"The goal we set out was to have great racing and a lot of overtaking (and) side-by-side racing. The track we had last year, there were parts where there was one (racing) line where there should have been a possibility to overtake. We weren't happy with that."

‘Resurfaced circuit poses unknowns’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/resurfaced-miami-gp-circuit-poses-unknowns-as-organisers-opt-for-more-spectacle-20230504

[Fortitude]

We’re Going To The Miami Grand Prix, Anything You’d Like Us To Check Out?
We’ll be there throughout the weekend to gather as much cool automotive content as we possibly can. Here’s a preview of what we expect to do and a question for you.
22:39 Thu, 04 May 2023.
by Stephen Rivers
Carscoops

Entering the fifth race of the 2023 F1 season, there are a number of interesting story-lines to follow. Red Bull has a commanding lead in the standings and its pair of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are separated by just six points in the overall driver standings.

As we noted earlier this week, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc believes his team has “a lot of work to do” to keep up with Red Bull and Aston Martin heading into Miami. Despite that, he managed to pick up Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a third-place finish in Azerbaijan. According to organizers, the track has been resurfaced in an effort to improve the event and more capacity has been added so that more fans can attend in person.

We’re going there thanks to the folks over at Pirelli who tell us that we’ll get the chance to experience hot laps at the Miami International Autodrome along with the perks that come with paddock club access. We’re also going to have some time to spend with Pirelli’s general manager of operations, Andrea Casaluci. If you have any questions you’d like us to ask him in regards to F1 tires, shoot away.

‘We’re Going To The Miami Grand Prix’;

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/05/were-going-to-the-miami-grand-prix-anything-youd-like-us-to-check-out/


Miami GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures
04/05/2023 at 22:00
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

It was a long haul from the shores of the Caspian Sea to Miami and equally wide change in culture. But Formula 1 has set up shop in Florida's Magic City and opened for business.

Check out our gallery of pictures from Thursday's media at the Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins on loan to this weekend to Formula 1.

‘Build-up in pictures’;

https://f1i.com/news/473109-miami-gp-thursdays-build-up-in-pictures-2.html


First pictures from the 2023 Miami Grand Prix weekend
F1 Pictures
Posted on 4th May 2023, 18:364th May 2023, 23:03
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Pictures from the build-up to the 2023 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/first-pictures-from-the-2023-miami-grand-prix-weekend/


RANKED: Perez's all-street Red Bull victories ahead of Miami showdown
Thursday 4 May 2023 20:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

Sergio Perez will travel to the upcoming Miami Grand Prix as F1's undisputed street circuit supremo following a dominant drive in Baku last weekend. 5. 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Perez needed just six races to record his first ever victory for Red Bull, pouncing on Verstappen's misfortune and a Hamilton error to make his return to the top step of the podium.

4. 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Sergio Perez failed to defend his second career pole position for more than a few dozen metres in Jeddah as he lost the lead to Fernando Alonso at the race start, but Checo wasted little time in reclaiming P1, returning to the front on lap four. 3. 2022 Monaco Grand Prix: Recovering from a qualifying spin that cost team-mate Max Verstappen a shot at pole position, Perez capitalised on some Ferrari self-sabotage to claim victory in F1's most prestigious Grand Prix.

2. 2022 Singapore Grand Prix: Rather than kicking on after his Monaco Grand Prix victory, Perez struggled as Verstappen dominated the field after the 2022 summer break. 1. 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Perez's most recent Grand Prix victory may be his most impressive to date. While many have cited luck as playing a considerable role in his previous Red Bull wins, there can be no doubt that Checo was the fastest of the Red Bull duo in Baku.

‘RANKED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106887/sergio-perez-red-bull-wins-ranked-f1-miami-grand-prix/


“I’d have got him” – Perez certain he would have won in Baku without Safety Car
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 5th May 2023, 8:005th May 2023, 8:02
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans

Sergio Perez says he won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on “pure pace” and would have beaten his team mate even without the Safety Car period which aided his strategy.

Perez closed on Verstappen shortly before the leader pitted, and suspects he would have been quick enough to overtake him later in the race. “Yes, I think so,” he said when asked. “I think on that first stint on that lap if he wouldn’t have pitted, you never know, but I was quite close on the DRS but he was struggling already with the tyres. So I think I would have got him.”

He doesn’t believe Red Bull timed Verstappen’s pit stop to prevent the world champion being passed by his team mate on-track. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I think they pitted Max because they thought that he was struggling with his tyres. People behind were pitting so it was just a reaction to probably people behind doing the pit stops. So I think they want to make the best strategy for both cars as possible.”

“I’d have got him”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/05/id-have-got-him-perez-certain-he-would-have-won-in-baku-without-safety-car/


Oscar Piastri excited to get top grips with 'fast a flowing' Miami GP circuit
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Despite being new to the Miami circuit, McLaren's Oscar Piastri has managed some hot laps around the track and is looking forward to putting the MCL60 through its paces at the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

‘Oscar Piastri excited’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.oscar-piastri-excited-to-get-top-grips-with-fast-a-flowing-miami-gp-circuit.1764993690411820004.html


Aston Martin's Alonso 'quite confident' ahead of Miami GP
04 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Fernando Alonso discusses recent advances by Ferrari and Mercedes, but remains excited by Aston Martin's potential ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.aston-martins-alonso-quite-confident-ahead-of-miami-gp.1764993528785391157.html


FIA right to shorten F1’s DRS zones in Miami and Baku – Alonso
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 4th May 2023, 18:50
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans

“It was the easiest [overtaking] here, last year, apparently,” Alonso told media including RaceFans in Miami. “So that’s why I think FIA shortened the DRS. In Baku it also was one of the easiest last year, so they shortened the DRS. I heard Lewis [Hamilton] was saying that this year it was too short. Which I think for them, with the high downforce it was too short.”

“For Red Bull it was too long because at the start/finish line they overtook Leclerc and he was opening to braking on the outside for turn one. So if you take one car it was too long, if you take another car it was too short. I guess it was about the calculation that the FIA do after have seeing last year’s races. Baku and Miami they were on the high side in terms of overtaking and how easy it was so that’s why they shortened it. Let’s see this year.”

‘EL PLAN’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/04/fia-right-to-shorten-f1s-drs-zones-in-miami-and-baku-alonso/

[Fortitude]

History predicts CHAOS if Miami GP weather forecast holds true.
Forecasts suggest the subtropical Floridian weather has a high likelihood of rainfall on Sunday afternoon over the Magic City — with some reports suggesting any wet conditions would be the thundery variety rather than a springtime shower.
Thursday 4 May 2023 23:27
Jim Kimberley
GPFans

As new Formula 1 races go, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix didn't entertain as much on track as it did off, but that looks likely to change for 2023. Wet conditions are the great leveller in Formula 1 that provides some parity across the cars, and in a season that Red Bull looks peerless, there's no better time for a soaked street circuit to spice up the action.

You only have to look at last year's rain-affected Monaco Grand Prix for an example of how much a downpour can make even the toughest-to-pass street track entertaining. Wet grands prix at street circuits are a rare beast, but when they happen, two drivers of the current grid reign above everyone else.

‘History predicts CHAOS’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106945/miami-grand-prix-f1-rain-weather-forecast-history-hamilton-verstappen/


Miami Grand Prix weather: Rain possible as F1 returns stateside
04 May 2023 10:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

The teams and drivers can expect toasty conditions in Miami across the race weekend, but that does not guarantee a dry track on Saturday or Sunday.

Sunday, race day of the Miami Grand Prix, proceedings get underway from 1530 local time, at which point there is a 17 per cent chance of a thunderstorm arriving on the scene.

The rain threat grows from there as the Grand Prix progresses, though with the rain threat not really ramping up until around 1800, it means that like in Baku, the precipitation could potentially arrive after the chequered flag has flown.

‘Rain threat’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/2023-miami-grand-prix-weather/


Russell looks to move on from Verstappen spat ahead of Miami GP
George Russell says his incident with Max Verstappen in Baku is in the past
May 4, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

George Russell insists there’s no issue between him and Max Verstappen as the fallout continues from their battle in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Sprint Shootout.

Starting one place behind Verstappen, Russell held the inside through the opening three corners side-by-side in Baku with the reigning Formula 1 world champion and eventually wrestled third place, but drew the ire of the Dutchman at the end of the sprint.

‘Move on’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/russell-verstappen-baku-spat-bed-miami-gp/


George Russell sends defiant message to Max Verstappen at Miami Grand Prix after Baku feud
George Russell has opened up on his battle with Max Verstappen.
06:57, Fri, May 5, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

George Russell has warned Max Verstappen he will not change his on-track behaviour after the pair clashed at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Mercedes star stressed he would “continue racing the same” and suggested he didn’t understand the hype around the feud.

Speaking ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Russell said: “I’ll continue racing the same way I always would. I mean a lot has been said about that coming together but from my side it was pretty straightforward. I went for a move, got the move done and moved on.”

‘Defiant message’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1766399/george-russell-mercedes-max-verstappen-red-bull


Shrinking DRS zones prompt F1 driver complaints
May 5 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

Formula 1 drivers have questioned whether reducing the length of DRS zones, as happened for last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix and has been implemented for Miami this weekend, is the right move given the lack of overtaking in races so far in the 2023 season.

Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell was among those to question the move given it was clear the DRS zone on the start/finish straight in Baku was not long enough. He had already suggested that the Baku change was made without F1 properly appreciating how much harder overtaking was becoming in 2023

‘Shrinking DRS zones complaints’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/shrinking-drs-zones-prompt-f1-driver-complaints/


Drivers take aim at F1 DRS changes: Completely wrong direction
05 May 7:00AM
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Formula 1 drivers have hit back against the latest DRS tweaks made ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Several Formula 1 drivers have criticised the decision to shorten the Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix amid overtaking problems in recent events.

Drivers formed a fairly uniform stance against the latest modifications to DRS zones, with two of the three activation zones in Miami now being shortened compared to last year's event. Speaking ahead of the Miami GP, Mercedes' George Russell said that the drivers had not been consulted for their opinions prior to the latest tweaks.

‘Completely wrong direction’;

https://racingnews365.com/drivers-take-aim-at-f1-drs-changes-completely-wrong-direction

[Fortitude]

Russell fastest in Miami GP FP1 as Hulkenberg crash brings out red flag.
George Russell topped the timing charts in the first practice session of the Miami GP for Mercedes after the session was red flagged for a crash by Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.
5th May 2023, 20:08
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport

George Russell had early struggles during the session after coming on the radio to complain to his engineers about steering issues with the Mercedes.

Despite the engineers saying the team would lose too much time in the session by coming in to repair the issue, Russell was insistent, and came in after just five minutes of the session back to the garage to replace the steering rack.

The Mercedes driver returned to the track eventually, and topped the timing charts in the final laps of the session, around two tenths faster than his teammate Lewis Hamilton as the circuit began to pick up across the session.

‘Russell was insistent’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-verstappen-fastest-miami-gp-fp1-hulkenberg-crash/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
5th May 2023, 20:12
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:30.125
2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.212
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.324
4. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.424
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.599
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.979
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.106
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.212
9. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +1.267
10. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.417

‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session ahead of the first of three US races for the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-miami-grand-prix-82041


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Miami Grand Prix
05 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it Happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-miami-2023.4QFD0G77HtMuAQHtmFkycK.html


2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-miami-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


F1 Results Today: Miami Grand Prix Practice Times
Friday 5 May 2023 21:08
Graham Shaw
GPFans

Mercedes held sway as F1's big weekend at the Miami Grand Prix got under way with the opening practice session (FP1) on Friday.

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets with flying laps very late in the 60-minute session to pip Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

‘Mercedes held sway’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107031/f1-results-today-miami-grand-prix-practice-fp1-fp2-times/


Mercedes on top in opening Miami practice
5th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Heading into the final ten minutes Verstappen’s 1:30.549 was the best so far, half a second ahead of Charles Leclerc who was his closest rival at that stage. Pierre Gasly had a moment at T17, lost the rear and spun into the run off but managed to keep his Alpine out of the barriers and continue with the session.

After having languished around the lower part of the timesheets for the majority of the opening practice the Mercedes drivers waited to show their pace at the very end with first Lewis Hamilton and then Russell taking the top of the charts. Russell’s best time was a 1:30.125, two tenths ahead of his teammate while Leclerc was P3. Verstappen had changed to the hards at the end so he wasn’t improving his times when the track reached his best at the end, he finished P4.

Carlos Sainz took P5 while Gasly in P6 was the last driver within a second of Russell with a 1:31.104. Fernando Alonso was the seventh fastest while Lance Stroll kept the Aston Martins together and ended P8. Despite crashing and missing half the session, Hulkenberg’s earlier time still saw him end P9 while Esteban Pcpn rounded out the top ten with a 1:31.542.

‘Mercedes on top’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/mercedes-on-top-in-opening-miami-practice-82044

[Fortitude]

Verstappen tops Miami GP FP2 as Leclerc crashes late in session.
Max Verstappen beat the Ferraris to top spot in the second practice session at the Miami Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc brought out the red flag with a late crash.
May 5, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

The Dutchman laid down an ominous marker in FP2 at the Miami GP. The Dutchman had some minor issues with his headrest early in the session, but returned to the track to post a 1:27.930 and eclipse Carlos Sainz in second by nearly four tenths.

Leclerc finished third, a further tenth back, but came unstuck on the Miami International Autodrome circuit with 10 minutes left on the clock. The Monegasque had a snap of oversteer before locking up and hitting the barrier at Turn 8. Sergio Perez continued to struggle and could only manage fourth, nearly half a second of the pace set by his teammate and championship rival.

Lando Norris took an encouraging sixth for McLaren, although Oscar Piastri finished well down in 16th. After setting the pace in FP1, Mercedes struggled, with Lewis Hamilton seventh and George Russell 15th. The pair both lost the rear at various points throughout the session, which will be a concern ahead of what is likely to be a dry qualifying.

‘Ominous marker in FP2’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/verstappen-tops-miami-gp-fp2-as-leclerc-crashes-late-in-session/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
5th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:27.930
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.385
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.468
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.489
5. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.730
6. Lando Norris McLaren +0.811
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.928
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.000
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.007
10. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.116

‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of the first of three US races for the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second-practice-results-2023-miami-grand-prix-82052


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Miami Grand Prix
05 May 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-miami-2023.6t21usWZS6j6zthwAISYLv.html


How Friday practice for the 2023 F1 Miami GP unfolded
18:41 Fri, 05 May 2023.
Crash.Net

‘How Friday practice unfolded’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-miami-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


What happened in second F1 practice at Miami GP
May 5 2023
By Jack Cozens
The Race

Championship leader Max Verstappen put his Red Bull well clear of the chasing pack in second Formula 1 practice at the Miami Grand Prix.

Key moments:
> Verstappen almost four tenths clear
> Ferraris next best ahead of Perez
> Third-fastest Leclerc later crashes at Turn 6
> Russell’s Mercedes “three-wheeling” and 15th

Verstappen issued more complaints about his headrest during the session, akin to the ones he had during the Azerbaijan GP weekend, but that didn’t slow his progress as he was regularly at the top of the times.

‘What happened’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-happened-in-second-f1-practice-at-miami-gp/


FIA official visits Red Bull garage at Miami Grand Prix after Max Verstappen complaint
Max Verstappen faced a major concern at the Miami Grand Prix.
00:06, Sat, May 6, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer was spotted in Red Bull’s garage after Max Verstappen demanded an urgent change at the Miami Grand Prix. The Dutchman identified a major problem with his headrest and HANS device which helps keep drivers' necks safe behind the wheel.

"I'm just stuck all the time my head." Moments later, Red Bull mechanics were seen frantically working on the car in a bid to get Verstappen out for some afternoon running.

Red Bull’s chief engineer Paul Monaghan was then spotted in conversation with Bauer. Team boss Christian Horner later admitted the team had made a “quick fix” to the issue in the garage.

‘FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer was spotted’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1766960/fia-red-bull-max-verstappen-miami-grand-prix


Leclerc admits he simply ‘pushed too much’ before his crash in FP2
06 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc brought out the red flags with a crash in second practice in Miami and explained afterwards he was simply pushing too hard behind the wheel when he went off line and into the barriers.

‘Pushed too much’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.leclerc-admits-he-simply-pushed-too-much-before-his-crash-in-fp2.1765103696488522733.html

[Fortitude]

Hamilton calls Mercedes’ Miami practice pace “a kick in the guts”.
Lewis Hamilton said it felt like a “kick in the guts” to realise how far away from the pace Mercedes are at the Miami Grand Prix.
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 6th May 2023, 0:226th May 2023, 0:23
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans


“It’s the same as every weekend,” he (Lewis Hamilton) said after the session. “We’re a second down. It’s a great weekend, it’s a great place to be, lots of positives. It’s just we’re not particularly quick. It’s a struggle out there, we’re just trying lots of different things.”

“P1 looked quite good and then to come into P2 and the true pace comes out, it’s just this kick in the guts. So it’s a little bit difficult to take sometimes. But it’s okay, we’ll just keep on working on it and we’ll regroup tonight and try and see if we can make some set-up changes and get the car in a sweet spot.”

“I think maybe the heat or maybe it’s just the balance we have at the moment. So I’m going to stay optimistic and I’m going to stay hopeful that we can get the car in a better place tomorrow and maybe be a couple of steps up. But it feels like apart from last year we had hardcore bouncing, it generally feels like we’re racing pretty much the same car, and so that’s the difficult thing.”

“It’s the same as every weekend”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/06/hamilton-calls-mercedes-miami-practice-pace-a-kick-in-the-guts/


Lewis Hamilton ‘desperate’ for Mercedes upgrade after ‘kick in the gut’ in Miami
06 May 2023 1:11 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes “desperately need” upgrades after another “kick in the gut” in Friday practice for the Miami Grand Prix.

“As I said, I’m trying to stay positive with it. We’re working as hard as we can, we’re dying [for], desperately need those upgrades, that’s for sure.”

“Just got to keep our head down for one more race and hopefully we’ll start a new path [at the] next race.”

‘Upgrades’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-desperate-mercedes-f1-upgrade-miami/


Russell expecting difficult Miami GP – "There’s no grip whatsoever!"
06 May 7:50AM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

George Russell says he is expecting Sunday's Miami Grand Prix to be difficult for everyone, citing the lack of grip available offline at the Miami International Autodrome.

"We'll go into Sunday a bit of an unknown," Russell said after FP2 on Friday. "The track's been resurfaced. It's still not performing like any other circuit, so it's a true outlier here, which is cool in some regards.”

"I think is going to be really difficult to race because you can't drive offline, and you've seen a few people, myself included, you put one wheel off and there's no grip whatsoever."

‘Grip? What grip?’;

https://racingnews365.com/russell-expecting-difficult-miami-gp-theres-no-grip-whatsoever


Drivers fear racing will be “really difficult” in Miami despite new track surface
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 6th May 2023, 0:43
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Formula 1 drivers are concerned overtaking will remain difficult at the Miami International Autodrome despite the new surface laid for the track’s second race. Lando Norris said the surface has improved in some respects compared to last year. “It’s better because it’s not coming up and breaking up and things,” he said.

“But in terms of grip it was still pretty low. It’s getting better, I think it’s probably just never been used before. It’s got a lot better since this morning, probably a good few seconds’ worth. This morning was pretty sketchy, though, on the first few laps it was like ‘oh, no, it seems a bit like last year’. But I think it’s just a much more use-able surface. It just needs some running, I think.”

The high temperatures at the circuit add to the challenge of extracting the available grip, said Lewis Hamilton. “The grip is really quite low on this new circuit. “It’s interesting to see some of the offs. I mean, it is slippery, particularly for the rear end. It’s very, very high track surface [temperature] today so there’s a lot of sliding for a lot of people, including me and so a lot of overheating of the tyres.”

‘In terms of grip it was still pretty low’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/06/drivers-fear-racing-will-be-really-difficult-in-miami-despite-new-track-surface/


Alonso worried about overtaking chances in Sunday’s race thanks to slippery surface in Miami
06 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Fernando Alonso has warned overtaking will be difficult in the Miami Grand Prix given there is so little grip off the racing line on the new track surface.

‘Alonso worried’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.alonso-worried-about-overtaking-chances-in-sundays-race-thanks-to-slippery-surface-in-miami.1765100630570809224.html


Alonso predicts overtaking will be 'difficult' in Miami
06/05/2023 at 01:42
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso said that he expected overtaking will prove to be difficult this weekend at Miami International Autodrome because of the newly resurfaced track proving more slippery than expected.

"So far I think the new track surface seems to be better, but we were basically just cleaning the racing line today," he continued. "When you move away from it, it’s very slippery so that could make overtaking difficult.”

"Qualifying tomorrow is important, but our strength is normally on Sunday, so we’ll see what we can do.”

‘Alonso predicts’;

https://f1i.com/news/473360-alonso-predicts-overtaking-will-be-difficult-in-miami.html


Lando Norris's less than subtle jab at Daniel Ricciardo as the McLaren driver says fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri is pushing him harder ahead of Miami GP
• Piastri and Norris are preparing for Miami GP
• Drivers have similar times on the track
• Norris says Piastri is pushing him harder than Ricciardo
Published: 23:50, 5 May 2023
By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia
Mail Online

After four rounds and five qualifying sessions, the pair is split by an average of just 0.055 seconds. Only the Mercedes and Alfa Romeo drivers have been split by less. The margin arguably flatters Piastri given he’s outqualified Norris only once this year, at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Briton crashed out of Q1 that weekend, blowing out the gap to 1.2 seconds for that round.

However Norris said the tight margins showed that the young Aussie was pushing him harder than Ricciardo did during his two-year stint at McLaren. 'He's very fast,' Norris said of Piastri. 'Probably he has been pushing me a little bit more than the past couple years. So yeah, enjoyable.

'He's a lovely guy — down to earth, normal guy, hard worker and so on. So it's good, fun. It's different to Daniel — I feel like a bit of a contrast of Australian — but still good fun.'

‘Tight margins’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12052841/Lando-Norris-says-Oscar-Piastri-pushing-harder-Daniel-Ricciardo-ahead-Miami-GP.html

[Fortitude]

Verstappen fastest ahead of Miami qualifying.
Max Verstappen was well ahead of the pack in the final practice of the weekend, four tenths ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
6th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

In the end Verstappen’s 1:27.535 was the best of the session, four tenths quicker than Leclerc in P2 while Perez was half a second off his teammate. Sainz was P4 ahead of the two Alpines of Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Valtteri Bottas was the best of the Alfa Romeos with a 1:28.456 in P7 while Nico Hulkenberg was the last driver within a second of the reigning champion. Albon ended the practices in P9 while Russell’s 1:28.606 saw him into P10.

‘In the end’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-fastest-ahead-of-miami-qualifying-82117


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
6th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 1:27.535
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.406
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.515
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.590
5. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.872
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.893
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.921
8. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.962
9. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.026
10. George Russell Mercedes +1.071

‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of the first of three US races for the 2023 F1 World Championship’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-miami-grand-prix-82115


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from final practice for the Miami Grand Prix
06 May 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it Happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-third-practice-in-miami-2023.7xykYjmDYUaqT4kPZ09PNZ.html


2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix - Final practice & Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-miami-grand-prix-final-practice-qualifying-live-updates


Verstappen comfortably tops Miami GP FP3 from Leclerc
Championship leader Max Verstappen topped FP3 at the Miami GP, despite Charles Leclerc benefitting from track evolution
May 6, 2023
By Nigel Chiu
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen was fastest in final practice for the Miami Grand Prix as he underlined his status as favourite for pole position later on Saturday. Verstappen‘s 1:27.669 was set with 25 minutes to go but kept him at the top of the timesheets from Charles Leclerc, who jumped into second place in the final minute.

There was a lot of track evolution during the session, yet Verstappen was still 0.406 seconds faster than Leclerc. Carlos Sainz was third with Sergio Perez 0.598 seconds behind his teammate and also set his best time relatively early on.

It’s been downhill for Mercedes since George Russell led Lewis Hamilton in FP1, with both drivers complaining about different issues in final practice. Hamilton thought he was losing a lot more time on the straights compared to normal, whilst Russell was struggling at Turn 2 over the bump, complaining of hopping.

‘A lot of track evolution’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-verstappen-tops-miami-gp-fp3-leclerc/


What happened in final Miami Grand Prix practice
6th May 2023, 18:45
By Jack Cozens
The Race

Max Verstappen was again head and shoulders clear of any of his Formula 1 rivals in the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix.

Key moments:
> Verstappen spends most of session 0.5s clear
> Leclerc gets a Ferrari into second spot
> Alpines impress in tight midfield
> Mercedes struggles continue with Russell best in 10th

Though the order behind chopped and changed as the field continued to rubber-in the Miami track surface throughout FP3, Verstappen was an almost ever-present fixture at the top of the leaderboard and ended the session 0.406 seconds clear.

‘Head and shoulders clear’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-happened-in-final-miami-grand-prix-practice/

[Fortitude]

Perez on pole, Verstappen ninth as Leclerc crash ends qualifying.
Sergio Perez secured pole position for the Miami Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc crashed in the final lap of qualifying, leaving Max Verstappen down in ninth place.
2023 Miami Grand Prix qualifying
Posted on 6th May 2023, 22:216th May 2023, 22:43
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

With Leclerc’s Ferrari the closest to Verstappen’s fastest Q2 lap, it seemed that Red Bull would face stiff competition in their efforts to secure a front row lockout. When the green light appeared to begin the final, Verstappen was the first driver out on the circuit, soon followed by team mate Perez – both on fresh sets of soft tyres. Verstappen was the first over the line to begin his lap, but a mistake through the long turns six, seven and eight led him to abandon his first flying lap, while Perez set a provisional pole position time of 1’26.841.

Alonso went second fastest on a used set of tyres, three tenths slower than the Red Bull driver, with Sainz sitting third after his first lap on a new set of softs. Verstappen returned to the pits without setting a time, waiting until just over three minutes remained until venture back out with team mate Perez right behind him. The two Ferraris were the first over the line with just over two minutes on the clock to start their final laps, Leclerc first ahead of Sainz.

As Leclerc made his way around turn six, he lost the rear of his Ferrari and spun through 360 degrees, ending up in the barrier for the second time in consecutive days. The yellow flags flew, ruining the laps of all over drivers following behind him, including his team mate.

‘Leclerc crash ends qualifying’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/06/perez-on-pole-verstappen-ninth-as-leclerc-crash-ends-qualifying/


Qualifying Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
6th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing -1:26.941
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.361
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.508
4. Kevin Magnussen Haas +0.926
5. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.945
6. George Russell Mercedes +0.963
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +1.020
8. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.094
9. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing NC
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo NC

‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying ahead of tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from Miami’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-miami-grand-prix-82123


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix
06 May 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-miami-2023.5Zbx4EpVWU9NvGu4olFRti.html


How qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix unfolded
6th May 2023, 17:14
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘How qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix unfolded as Sergio Perez took a surprise pole position thanks to the red flag caused by Charles Leclerc's crash’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-miami-grand-prix-final-practice-qualifying-live-updates


Leclerc SMASH hampers Verstappen as Hamilton hits new US low – Miami GP Qualifying
Saturday 6 May 2023 23:11
Dan Davis
GPFans

Red Bull's Sergio Perez took pole position for the Miami Grand Prix while Max Verstappen's last-gasp charge was halted by another Charles Leclerc crash. After Leclerc collided with the barriers for the second time of the weekend in Q3, the red flags were waved, bringing an end to an incident-packed session.

Lewis Hamilton endured his worst-ever qualifying result on US soil. The superstar exited in Q2 and will start the main event in 13th.

‘SMASH’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107106/charles-leclerc-smash-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-miami-grand-prix/


Lewis Hamilton suffers new F1 low in Miami GP qualifying as Sergio Perez takes pole
Max Verstappen was favourite for pole position in Miami but was thwarted by a late red flag, while the big story was a horror show for Lewis Hamilton who failed to even reach Q3
22:00, 6 May 2023
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror

Lewis Hamilton suffered his worst ever Formula 1 qualifying on US soil in another session to forget for Mercedes.

Prior to this weekend, he had never qualified outside of the top six in America. But the Brit will be starting 13th on the grid for Sunday's race in the Sunshine State, Sergio Perez took pole position thanks to a helping hand from Charles Leclerc.

An eventful Q1 saw several driver hampered by traffic ahead of them and almost saw Hamilton crash. He had to swerve to avoid hitting the back of the dawdling Kevin Magnussen and clipped the wall with his front wing as a result, putting his qualifying plan out of sync.

‘Worst ever Formula 1 qualifying on US soil’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-miami-qualifying-verstappen-hamilton-29914443


Perez: My 'worst weekend' up until Miami F1 pole
06 May 11:22PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez feels his Formula 1 pole position has come "after my worst weekend" at the Miami Grand Prix - presenting him with chance to lead the Drivers' championship for the first time.

Perez had been a chunk of time behind title rival Max Verstappen in the sister Red Bull, but a mistake from the World Champion on his first lap in Q3 allowed Perez to sneak onto provisional pole.

However, before the second runs could be completed, Charles Leclerc crashed at Turn 7, and with just 1:36 left on the clock, the session was not restarted, leaving Verstappen down in ninth and Perez on a third career pole - and first not in Saudi Arabia. If the Mexican out-scores Verstappen by seven points, he will lead the standings, but says the pole position comes after a tricky weekend for him.

'Worst weekend';

https://racingnews365.com/perez-my-worst-weekend-up-until-miami-f1-pole


'It's painful' | Max Verstappen disappointed with P9 for Miami GP
6th May 2023, 22:59
Sky Sports

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen reacts to an immediate P9 finish after Charles Leclerc brought out the red flag to end qualifying early.

‘Painful’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/f1/12875114/its-painful-max-verstappen-disappointed-with-p9-for-miami-gp

[Fortitude]

Perez relieved to take Miami pole after enduring 'worst weekend up to qualifying'.
Sergio Perez took his third career F1 pole position with P1 for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, and the Red Bull driver exuded relief and excitement after a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday.
23:07 Sat, 06 May 2023.
Formula One - Official Site

Perez took provisional pole while team mate Max Verstappen had to abort his first flying lap due to a snap of oversteer, which left the reigning champion scrambling to set another lap.

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, Charles Leclerc spun off in the dying moments of Q3 and left the championship leader ninth on the grid for Sunday’s race. For Perez, it was a first pole position at a Grand Prix venue other than Jeddah.

“I think it’s been my worst weekend up to qualifying,” he said. “I just couldn’t figure out how to pull those tenths that I was missing all the time to Max and to the Ferraris. I was just re-setting everything. We did a small change into qualifying that really made everything became more alive. I think with this tarmac we were just playing a bit with the tools, and we put the lap in when it mattered.”

‘I was just re-setting everything”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.perez-relieved-to-take-miami-pole-after-enduring-worst-weekend-up-to.1RhcNmxJotjXqbTQh63U6Z.html


Sergio Perez after surprise pole: ‘It was my worst weekend until qualifying’
06 May 2023 10:28 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Sergio Perez said it had been his worst weekend of the season so far up until he took a surprise pole in Miami. Speaking moments after hoping out of his RB19, Perez seemed as surprised as anyone with the final result, admitting it had been his worst weekend of the season until qualifying.

“I think it’s been my worst weekend up until qualifying really,” the Red Bull man said. “I just couldn’t figure out how to put [in] those tenths that I was missing all the time to Max and to the Ferraris. I was just resetting everything. We made a small change going into qualifying and really everything became more alive.”

‘Surprise pole’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-suprise-miami-pole-reaction/


Perez makes 'TERRIBLE' admission despite clinching Miami pole
Sunday 7 May 2023 00:26
Dan Davis
GPFans

Sergio Perez admitted his surprise after sealing pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, insisting he endured a 'terrible' weekend before drama struck in qualifying.

Perez: 'Nothing worked for me'. "I've had a terrible weekend, nothing worked for me," he said. "After FP3 we made an adjustment and that really helped me for the Q3 lap – which we had only one. It's pretty easy to make mistakes here. The power line has very little grip.

"We have to focus on our own race and not making mistakes. It’s a race that will certainly bring a lot of yellow flags and safety cars. I’m not thinking about Max, I’m thinking about tomorrow already, there’s a lot of variables we can’t control – like rain, which is a possibility tomorrow," he added.

‘Focus on our own race and not making mistakes’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107123/sergio-perez-f1-miami-grand-prix-pole-terrible/


Miami crowd in RAPTURES as Perez admits qualifying 'came alive'
Sunday 7 May 2023 06:57
Chris Deeley
GPFans

The Miami crowd chanted Sergio Perez through his post-qualifying interview after the Mexican claimed pole position on Saturday. Perez even had to ask former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick to repeat interview questions to him as a delighted crowd cheered him on.

"I’m enjoying (fighting Max), I’m just thinking race by race, and I will go out, cheer for my team, because they have done an amazing job, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow. Tomorrow is an amazing opportunity...we will just go out there and try to enjoy this amazing ground."

‘RAPTURES’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107124/sergio-perez-miami-grand-prix-qualifying-crowd/


Perez on pole for the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen 9th: 'I'm enjoying the battle'
7th May 2023, 08:34
Wheels24

Duel provides drama. With Red Bull consistently the fastest this season, the duel between their two drivers is so far the source of the most drama. Perez said he had been struggling in practice before finding his pace when it counted. "It wasn't coming together. I was struggling for balance, confidence," he said. "It has been my worst weekend up to qualifying. I was just resetting everything we did, we made a small change into qualifying that really everything became more alive. We put in the lap when it mattered," added the Red Bull driver.

Verstappen was left frustrated that he had not been able to complete a peak lap before the red flag. "I was trying to put it on the limit and then I made a mistake and had to abort the lap," Verstappen said. "Then you rely on a bit of luck that there is not going to be a red flag, but that can happen on a street circuit. I'm just a bit upset with myself. "It's going to be difficult. I made it difficult for myself, so I have to accept that," he said.

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, enjoying a strong season, claimed second place and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz will start in third in an all-Spanish speaking front row of the grid.

‘We put in the lap when it mattered";

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/perez-on-pole-for-the-miami-grand-prix-verstappen-9th-im-enjoying-the-battle-20230507


Perez vs Alonso off the line, and a chance of rain – What To Watch For in the Miami Grand Prix.
From the chance of a change in the championship lead to Max Verstappen on the comeback trail, and from multiple drivers out of position to a tricky track facing potential rain, we highlight some key things to look out for when the lights go out at the Miami International Autodrome…
07 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

1. Perez chasing the championship lead. Much of the talk leaving Azerbaijan was of Sergio Perez’s impressive performances on street tracks and how he was maintaining a strong challenge to Max Verstappen in the title race at this early part of the season.

2. Verstappen looking to limit the damage. The championship leader ran wide in the first sector and ended up aborting his lap, giving him just one attempt in the final part of qualifying… … but he never got the chance to rectify his mistake… Asked what his target is from there, the Dutchman replied: “Minimum P2.”

3. Out of position drivers throughout the grid. Kevin Magnussen who stands out in fourth for Haas who will be hoping to hold on to as many points as possible. 4. Grip versus no grip. Even small errors can be punished heavily, as a driver running slightly wide will find themselves struggling to regain control and fighting to limit the amount of time that they lose. 5. Rain in the air. And it could be made even tougher if the track surface becomes wet.

‘What To Watch For’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.perez-vs-alonso-off-the-line-and-a-chance-of-rain-what-to-watch-for-in-the.7yI6YfJhDMTNDLTOOwrNQi.html


HEAD-TO-HEAD: How Perez edged ahead of Alonso to take pole for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
06 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Watch to see how pole-sitter Sergio Perez and P2 Fernando Alonso compared in qualifying at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.

‘HEAD-TO-HEAD’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.head-to-head-how-perez-edged-ahead-of-alonso-to-take-pole-for-the-2023-miami-grand-prix.1765188997711051307.html

[Fortitude]

Christian Horner 'delighted' with Sergio Perez pole but frustrated with Max Verstappen's ninth.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was thrilled for Sergio Perez after he secured pole but is disappointed for Max Verstappen after Charles Leclerc's red flag meant he'll start ninth for Sunday's race.
22:29 Sat, 06 May 2023.
Sky Sports

‘Thrilled’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/f1/12875103/christian-horner-delighted-with-sergio-perez-pole-but-frustrated-with-max-verstappens-ninth


Miami Grand Prix: Max Verstappen targets 'minimum P2' after qualifying ninth
Last Updated: 07/05/23 7:29am
Sky Sports

Max Verstappen has his sights firmly set on at least a second-place finish in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix despite having to settle for ninth on the grid in qualifying.

The reigning world champion was left to rue an error while on a hot lap in Q3 and was then left aghast when the session was red flagged and ultimately curtailed with 1min 36sec remaining when Ferrari's Charles Leclerc crashed heavily at Turn Seven.

Verstappen shouldered the blame for his failure to qualify higher up the grid, but the drivers' championship leader is targeting at least finishing on the second step of the podium after winning the inaugural race in Miami last year.

'Minimum P2';

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/37119/12875132/miami-grand-prix-max-verstappen-targets-minimum-p2-after-qualifying-ninth


Max Verstappen 'upset' as Christian Horner questions F1 bosses decision
Max Verstappen will face a difficult Miami Grand Prix after a miserable qualifying session for the championship leader.
00:01, Sun, May 7, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen was “upset” after a late Charles Leclerc crash left him languishing near the bottom of the top 10 in qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix. The Dutchman made a mistake on his first flying run in Q3 which left him in P9.

He was expected to improve on his second lap but an accident from Leclerc brought the session to an early end. Verstappen said: “I was trying to put it on the limit and then I made a mistake and had to abort the lap. Then you rely on a bit of luck that there is not going to be a red flag, but that can happen on a street circuit. I'm just a bit upset with myself. It's going to be difficult. I made it difficult for myself, so I have to accept that."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner questioned if the session could have been restarted. The red flag was shown with just over 90 seconds remaining with Perez’s pole lap a 1:26.8.

‘Put it on the limit and then I made a mistake’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1767304/max-verstappen-christian-horner-miami-grand-prix-qualifying


Red Bull’s Christian Horner asked if race director’s call was “legit” in F1 Miami Grand Prix qualifying
7 May 2023
F1 Desk
Crash.Net

Christian Horner was seeking answers about whether the race director had correctly applied the rule in the barmy end to F1 Miami Grand Prix qualifying that left Max Verstappen in P9. Verstappen was scuppered by a red flag caused by Charles Leclerc, which ended the session early. His teammate Sergio Perez will start the grand prix in pole position.

Sky’s Ted Kravitz reported afterwards: “Why couldn’t we get it going again? Time was ticking down. Once he saw Leclerc’s crash, arguably had he pressed the red flag right then with [approximately] 1m 38s to go, possibly that would have been enough for an out-lap for a 1m 28s lap. Ten seconds for an out-lap. Arguably not, but possible.”

“But that’s not what happened. [Race director Niels] Wittich had to go through his procedures, which he did, check that the situation merited a red flag, which it did, and by that time there was only [1m 36s] left. It wasn’t possible to do the out-lap. That’s why he said the session will not resume.”

‘Ted Kravitz’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1025752/1/horner-asked-if-race-director-s-call-was-legit-miami-qualifying


Red Bull “go to pains to provide equality” between Verstappen and Perez at all times
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 6th May 2023, 9:206th May 2023, 2:28
Written by Will Wood and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says that his team go to “pains” to ensure parity between drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. As Red Bull enjoy a healthy advantage over their rivals, this year’s world championship is likely to be won by one of their drivers. Horner said the team have therefore worked hard place to avoid giving either driver preferential treatment.

“I think that it’s a luxury problem, first of all,” Horner said. “I think any team principal in the pit lane would hope to have that issue. It’s something we’ve experienced before and I think the most key thing is to ensure that paranoia doesn’t creep in, that both drivers are treated equally.”

Red Bull make every effort to ensure both their drivers are treated as equally and fairly as possible, Horner said. “You go to pains to provide equality to the point of who drives out the garage first each weekend, it alternates,” he said. “It even alternates in the debrief who talks first. But it’s racing, it’s Formula 1, and occasionally something will happen like a Safety Car or a pit stop.”

‘Ensure parity’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/06/red-bull-go-to-pains-to-provide-equality-between-verstappen-and-perez-at-all-times/

[Fortitude]

Mercedes car 'a nasty piece of work,' blasts Toto Wolff.
A FURIOUS Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff labelled his team’s car as a “nasty piece of work” and expressed frustration at the lack of improvements made to the vehicle in the past year.
7th May 2023, 10:56
Author AFP
The42

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton finished 13th in qualifying on Saturday at the Miami Grand Prix and George Russell narrowly made it into sixth place on the grid as Mercedes again failed to keep pace with the dominant Red Bull.

Last year the Mercedes struggled at Miami with bouncing but Wolff said he said he expected more improvement from the past year’s work. “It is worse than I thought, we have had 12 months since we were last in Miami and the car is just marginally better.

“Maybe it is not bouncing on the straight but that is the only thing that is better than last year. The car is not fast enough and we haven’t got any comprehension why that is. It is just not acceptable,” he said.

‘W14: Not acceptable’;

https://www.the42.ie/mercedes-car-a-nasty-piece-of-work-blasts-toto-wolff-6062018-May2023/


Toto Wolff slams Mercedes W14 after Miami GP qualifying.
Toto Wolff called the Mercedes W14 a 'nasty piece of work' after qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix.
7th May 2023, 16:40
George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Lewis Hamilton will line up in 13th for today's race whilst George Russell goes from sixth, but both had their struggles during the session on Saturday.

Indeed, the team is clearly hoping that their upgrades for Imola, in a couple of weeks from now, will make their car a little more consistent in terms of its performance but, for the time being, Wolff has labelled the W14 a 'nasty piece of work' ahead of Sunday's race.

"[There's a] lack of comprehension of what it is that makes this car such a nasty piece of work. I think that the car is not a nice car, not a good car, and I wouldn't even be able to point out where the issue is because it's everywhere. The performance is just really bad."

‘W14: 'nasty piece of work'

https://www.givemesport.com/toto-wolff-slams-mercedes-w14-after-miami-gp-qualifying/


Mercedes baffled by 'unacceptable' inconsistency of W14
07/05/2023 at 10:27
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Toto Wolff says Mercedes is at a loss to understand the abrupt performance changes from one day to the other of its W14 car, calling the fluctuations "unacceptable". Mercedes enjoyed a positive start to its Miami Grand Prix weekend, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton topping Friday's opening practice.

But hours later in FP2, the pair had dropped into the thick of the midfield, well adrift from their front-running rivals, while Saturday's final practice delivered a similar depressing verdict. In qualifying, Russell was sixth fastest while Hamilton failed to make the Q3 cut after his crews mistimed the Briton's final run.

"I think that the car is not a nice car, not a good car," Wolff added. "It's everywhere. It’s the pace, the performance of the car, it’s the lack of understanding of the car [about why] it is not delivering. It is the full spread of activities. I would say the performance is just really bad."

‘W14: 'Unacceptable' inconsistency;

https://f1i.com/news/473614-mercedes-bewildered-by-unacceptable-inconsistency-of-w14.html


Mercedes in the dark over what makes the W14 a ‘nasty piece of work’
07 May 2023 8:40 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

From a 1-2 in Friday’s opening practice to narrowly avoiding a double Q2 elimination on Saturday, Toto Wolff has labelled Mercedes’ W14 a “nasty piece of work”. Despite kicking off the Miami Grand Prix weekend with a 1-2 in the opening practice hour where George Russell was ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes were aware by the end of Friday’s running that they were in trouble.

Falling a second behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in FP2, Hamilton called it a “kick in the gut” and admitted there “isn’t just one” specific area where the car was struggling. 24 hours later it had gone from bad to worse with the Briton out of qualifying in Q2, the seven-time World Champion down in 13th place.

It was almost a double elimination for Mercedes with Russell sneaking into Q3 by 0.052s. He went onto qualify in sixth place but was still a second down on pole-sitter Sergio Perez. Worryingly for the Mercedes team-mates, Wolff admits the team has no idea why the car is slow. “It’s worse than I ever thought it would be,” he said as per Racingnews365.com.

‘W14: No idea why the car is slow. “It’s worse than I ever thought it would be”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-in-the-dark-w14-nasty-piece-of-work/


George Russell sends angry "questions" demand to Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton humiliation
Mercedes endured another disappointing qualifying session in Miami on Saturday, with George Russell left confounded by the team's drop-off in performance over the weekend
09:34, 7 May 2023
By Jacob Leeks Sports Reporter
The Mirror

Mercedes star George Russell has demanded answers to his car's struggles this season after another disappointing qualifying session in Miami.

“Everybody is working so, so hard to bring more performance to the car, it’s definitely not for a lack of effort and it’s just not coming to us at the moment. So there’s a lot to think about. A few questions that need answering.”

"The car is just not working for us this weekend. We’re struggling a lot with the balance and it’s bouncing around a little bit. The performance isn’t coming to us which is a shame as everyone is working so hard to achieve it," he added.

‘W14: Angry "questions";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-george-russell-miami-qualifying-29915558


Russell delivers BRUTAL Mercedes verdict after Miami misery
Sunday 7 May 2023 10:57
Graham Shaw
GPFans

Saturday was another tough day at the office for Mercedes and George Russell delivered a BRUTAL verdict on the struggling F1 giant's performance in qualifying at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix.

He said on French TV: "I'm not going to take much pride in qualifying in sixth place. We were one of the slowest cars to finish a lap in Q3. We were lucky. We are working to get more results, we need to be able to do better. We need to understand things better, it's a real challenge. I'm not happy at the moment."

He bemoaned: "No top three for me tomorrow, there is a big question mark over the degradation of the tyres, maybe we can benefit from it... The Red Bulls are far ahead, the Ferraris are constantly ahead of us. I have to sit down to understand this performance .... It's not easy."

‘W14: One of the slowest cars to finish a lap in Q3’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107136/george-russell-mercedes-f1-miami-grand-prix-2023-qualifying-verdict/


George Russell: P6 grid slot ‘very flattering result’ for Mercedes
07 May 2023 12:14 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

George Russell admitted his place on the third row for the Miami Grand Prix was a “very flattering result” for Mercedes, given the performance they showed in qualifying.

Mercedes driver Russell acknowledged performance is “just not coming to us” at Mercedes currently, with the team not having brought any upgrades with them to Florida this weekend.

“I mean, I wouldn’t necessarily say quite pleased,” Russell admitted to Sky Sports F1 after the session. “I’ll take the result, of course, it’s a very flattering result for the performance that we showed – a really decent lap in Q2 to just scrape through, just to get into Q3, and that’s not where we should be.

‘W14 performance is “just not coming to us”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-flattering-miami-grid-slot/

[Fortitude]

"Unbreakable" Red Bulls vs "Lonely" Alonso - Miami GP 2023 Review 2023.
Max Verstappen shone during the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, blasting from 9th to 1st and holding a significant lead over the rest of the pack for most of the race.
7th May 2023, 02:57
Motorsport.com

Perez's alternative tyre strategy couldn't keep up, whilst Alonso, Ferrari and Mercedes just can't match up... but were there glimpses of hope?

Jon Noble and Martyn Lee talk about everything from the Miami Grand Prix, and even look to how the upcoming Imola / Monaco / Barcelona triple-header may provide some grounds to let Alonso fight Red Bull for real.

"Unbreakable";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/unbreakable-red-bulls-vs-lonely-alonso-miami-gp-2023-review-2023/595575/


Race Results – 2023 Miami Grand Prix
7th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 57 laps
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +5.384
3. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +26.305
4. George Russell Mercedes +33.229
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +42.511
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +51.249
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +52.988
8. Pierre Gasly Alpine +55.670
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +58.123
10. Kevin Magnussen Haas +62.945

‘Miami Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results for today’s 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship race from Miami’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-miami-grand-prix-82139


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
07 May 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-crypto-com-miami-grand-prix-2023.6qa6Z9uYNZNrXh87ghz1fJ.html


2023 F1 Miami Grand Prix - LIVE UPDATES! Verstappen wins from P9
19:53 Sun, 07 May 2023.
Crash.Net

Max Verstappen won the F1 Miami Grand Prix from ninth ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.
Lewis Hamilton complained via team radio that he might not last the race after first-lap contact with Nico Hulkenberg but he continued.
Follow all of the action from Miami here with the Crash.net live blog.

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-miami-grand-prix-race-day-live-updates


‘Max was the fastest’: Perez admits Verstappen was too good in Miami GP
May 7th 2023
Author Dominic Tobin
Motor Sport Magazine

Max Verstappen dealt a hefty blow to his team-mate’s F1 championship dreams as he won the Miami Grand Prix from ninth on the grid, with a peerless display of pace and tyre management that Sergio Perez admitted that he couldn’t match.

After an error in qualifying — compounded when Charles Leclerc’s crash ended the session earlier — Verstappen said he was upset with himself, but was targeting second place in the race at a minimum.

He was there by the 15th of 57 laps and, having started on the hard tyre unlike the frontrunners on much-less durable mediums, appeared to have the advantage. Verstappen took the lead when Perez pitted and, with tyres 20 laps older than those of his team-mate, more than matched his lap times.

‘Max was the fastest’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/max-was-the-fastest-out-there-perez-admits-verstappen-was-too-good-in-miami-gp-win-from-ninth/?nowprocket=1#


Crowd’s boos “absolutely fine as long I stand on the top” – Verstappen
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 8th May 2023, 0:508th May 2023, 0:27
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Verstappen was booed by some in the crowd before the start of the Miami Grand Prix and during the podium ceremony following his victory. The Red Bull driver was unbothered by the reaction. “I think if I would be driving in the back, nobody would be even doing anything in terms of reaction, right?” he said. “I think it’s normal when you are winning and they don’t like who is winning.”

“So this is something for me which is absolutely fine as long I stand on the top that’s for me, the most important. I take the trophy home and they go back to their houses and they can have a nice evening.”

‘Crowd’s boos absolutely fine’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/08/racefans-round-up-08-05-6/


'After 4 podiums we obviously want more' says Alonso after taking P3 in Miami
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso scored his fourth podium in five races with a consummate performance in the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, but the two-time champion was clearly itching for a win…

“The car is amazing, and [it was] a little bit of a lonely race, today," he said. "Nothing really to do in front of us with the Red Bulls and behind us. We did expect a little bit stronger opposition, but the Ferraris, they were a little bit worse than expected. It’s not easy, it’s never easy, but it was a lonely race."

“I think at the beginning of the year a podium was amazing; now after four podiums we obviously want more, at least a second place," Alonso said. "But the two Red Bulls they are always unbreakable, and always super-fast, but as I said, maybe Monaco, maybe Barcelona we have a possibility. “We take the podium going into the triple[-header], Imola, Monaco and Barcelona, which hopefully we can keep on going.”

'After 4 podiums we obviously want more';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.after-4-podiums-we-obviously-want-more-says-alonso-after-taking-p3-in-miami.3wNvOOfui7wiSzmv0KW4kF.html


‘No other sport does this’ – Miami pre-race show irks F1 drivers
7th May 2023, 00:24
By Josh Suttill and Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

A number of Formula 1 drivers have criticised elements of the pre-Miami Grand Prix proceedings that included a driver-by-driver introduction 20 minutes before the start of the race. This new procedure, which won’t be a permanent fixture of F1 grands prix, drew the ire of some drivers who found it distracting and unnecessary despite acknowledging the entertainment value it brought.

“None of the drivers like it but it’s not for us at the end of the day,” Norris said after the Miami GP. Third place finisher Fernando Alonso says he’s “not a big fan of those kinds of things just before the race” and wants uniformity in pre-race proceedings across the calendar.

Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas agreed that it was unnecessary and called it “distracting” right before the race. “There’s no other sport where the athletes do so much stuff before the start of the race or event,” Bottas remarked. There needs to be a limit at some point.”

‘Distracting’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/no-other-sport-does-this-miami-pre-race-show-irks-f1-drivers/

[Fortitude]

Leclerc blasts 'inconsistent' problems with SF-23.
The Ferrari driver has blasted the 'inconsistencies' with the SF-23 which restricted any chances of a fightback from a poor qualifying in the Miami Grand Prix.
08 May 2023, 12:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Charles Leclerc has blasted the "inconsistencies" with the Ferrari SF-23 after a tough Miami Grand Prix. Leclerc was struggling with tyre degradation in the opening stages of the race, making it clear that there are a lot of problems despite the team bringing upgrades to the race this weekend.

"I was just speaking just now with Carlos and what we are lacking is consistency in the car," Leclerc told media. "It's not even from corner to corner, it's just in the same corner I can have a huge oversteer rebalance and then a huge understeer balance; our car is so wind-affected."

Midway through the race Leclerc could be heard describing the "bouncing" on his car over team radio, which also affected his pace relative to Lewis Hamilton, who overtook him for P6 in the closing stages. He added: "I had a lot of bottoming, especially in the high speed, which is something I can't quite explain because I didn't have that yesterday and neither had it before yesterday."

'Inconsistencies';

https://racingnews365.com/leclerc-blasts-inconsistent-problems-with-sf-23


Frustrated Sainz says he “cannot push” in races at the moment
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 8th May 2023, 8:168th May 2023, 2:41
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans

Carlos Sainz Jnr said his Miami Grand Prix was “tough” as he was unable to extract the maximum from his Ferrari without taking too much life out of his tyres.

“I was a bit surprised with how much we struggled on the hard tyres after our very strong stint on the medium,” he said. “We tried the undercut on Fernando, obviously it worked but it meant pushing the tyres for three or four laps to get the undercut.

“For some reason with our car right now we have zero flexibility with how much we can push. I had to stay under the limit for the rest of the race if I wanted to make it to the end. With the wind conditions, how tough we are on tyres, that hard stint just became too long for us.”

“Cannot push”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/08/frustrated-sainz-says-he-cannot-push-in-races-at-the-moment/


Leclerc's race undermined by Ferrari car's 'inconsistencies'
08/05/2023 at 00:19
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Charles Leclerc endured a difficult Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, the Ferrari charger struggling all day with his SF-23's "inconsistencies" and an overall lack of pace.

"I was just speaking just now with Carlos and what we are lacking is consistency in the car," he said after the race. It's not even from corner to corner, it's just in the same corner I can have a huge oversteer rebalance and then a huge understeer balance; our car is so wind affected."

Leclerc also unexpectedly suffered from a bottoming phenomenon midway through his race that hindered his effort to defend P6 from Lewis Hamilton. "I had a lot of bottoming, especially in the high speed, which is something I can't quite explain because I didn't have that yesterday and neither had it before yesterday."

'Inconsistencies';

https://f1i.com/news/473773-leclercs-race-undermined-by-ferrari-cars-inconsistencies.html


‘It’s very tough for us at the moment’ – Sainz reveals Ferrari struggles with ‘unpredictable’ car
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Carlos Sainz finished fifth in Miami, but he said his focus was on finding out why Ferrari’s car was so fast in qualifying trim, but a second per lap off the pace on race day.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.its-very-tough-for-us-at-the-moment-sainz-reveals-ferrari-struggles-with-unpredictable-car.1765275800982966204.html


‘We are very, very far away’ – Leclerc despondent at gap to Red Bull after Miami GP
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc finished in P7 in Florida, but is baffled as to how Ferrari can have such good pace in qualifying, but not in race trim.

‘Very, very, very, very, very far away’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.we-are-very-very-far-away-leclerc-despondent-at-gap-to-red-bull-after-miami-gp.1765273684052745510.html


Fred Vasseur: We need to make a step forward
23:34 Sun, 07 May 2023.
Sky Sports

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admits they need to improve in the coming races after seeing his drivers finish fifth and seventh in Miami.

‘Need to make a step forward, need to improve in the coming races’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/f1/12876024/fred-vasseur-we-need-to-make-a-step-forward


Ferrari will not copy rivals 2023 cars
MAY 7, 2023
GrandPrix.com

Frederic Vasseur has ruled out simply "copying" the technical solutions of the cars that are faster than Ferrari at present. "It is a mistake to assume that the speed of a car depends only on aerodynamics," said the Frenchman. "In fact, there are many complex factors.”

"If you are going to just be copying someone else's decisions, it means that you will always be late. And now with the budgets so limited, it is almost impossible to copy something during the season anyway. So we have to stick to our original plans and continue to develop the platform we created."

‘Complex factors’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/ferrari-will-not-copy-rivals-2023-cars.html


Fred Vasseur questioned about Charles Leclerc’s mounting crash tally
07 May 2023 6:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

With his repair bill growing by the week, in Miami by the day, Fred Vasseur accepts Charles Leclerc has to “push to get ahead” given the pace of his Ferrari. He binned his SF-23 in the final minutes of Baku’s sprint shootout while in Miami he broke his front suspension in a practice crash and then went onto damage the rear of the car in qualifying, both incidents taking place at Turn 7.

It had former F1 driver Martin Brundle asking Vasseur if Leclerc’s mistakes are something he has to ‘tolerate because it’s Charles and his speed or is it too much’. “Well depends on the circumstances,” the Ferrari team boss replied to the Sky Sports commentator.

“If you’re speaking about the crash in Baku, I think it was the right time to push and perhaps he over pushed. He was in pole with the first lap and knew that everybody would do a second lap and that he had to push. It’s not the same thing to crash in the last lap of Q3 in qualy in Baku and to crash in FP2, that’s another story.”

‘Mounting crash tally, repair bill growing by the week’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fred-vasseur-charles-leclerc-mounting-crash-tally/


Ferrari chief DEFENDS Leclerc after second crash ruins Miami qualifying
Sunday 7 May 2023 15:57
Chris Deeley
GPFans

Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur has defended Charles Leclerc after the Monegasque driver's spectacular crash brought a premature end to qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix.

“Charles was pushing, trying to get to the pole position," Vasseur said after the session. "It is what it is; he had the pace to do well and be in the front row but let's see tomorrow.”

"You have to push when fighting for a pole; you cannot say that he pushed too much. I prefer a driver who finds the limit and tries to get on the pole than one who says at the end of the race, 'If I had pushed more, I would have done better'."

"It is what it is”;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107125/charles-leclerc-fred-vasseur-miami-grand-prix-f1-qualifying-crash/

[Fortitude]

Alonso in Aston Martin apology: They were laughing.
EL PLAN: Asked if his 'minus 12' request was genuine, Alonso told Sky Sports F1: "No, I had Plan A and Plan B and I mixed them up, [so] minus 12 was not what I meant.”
08 May 11:40AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

The Spaniard's team radio message regarding strategy in the early stages of the Miami Grand Prix has been confirmed as a mix-up. Fernando Alonso has revealed his bizarre radio call regarding strategy during the Miami Grand Prix left his Aston Martin team laughing.

Alonso radioed to his team to request his strategy be altered to "Plan A minus 12", meaning he wished to pit 12 laps ahead of his tactical schedule. Instead, the Spaniard was the last to switch to Hards and would go on to finish third, behind the Red Bull duo led by Max Verstappen.

Asked if his 'minus 12' request was genuine, Alonso told Sky Sports F1: "No, I had Plan A and Plan B and I mixed them up, [so] minus 12 was not what I meant. I said sorry a few seconds later, they understood because they were laughing. It was not possible to do minus 12 because we had already passed that lap."

‘EL PLAN: "Plan A minus 12"!’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-in-aston-martin-apology-they-were-laughing


Max Verstappen jokes Fernando Alonso’s a ‘life coach’ after latest Lance Stroll moment
08 May 2023 2:45 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Alonso later stated he wants to build Stroll up into a team leader, the Spaniard explaining: “I know that I will be in the sport for a few more years but not many, and he will lead the team for the next 10 or 15 years, so I hope I can help Lance in the next few years.” He was back at it at the Miami Grand Prix, this time applauding Stroll’s “great move into Turn 1” as the Canadian overtook Alex Albon for position.

But given that position was 13th while Alonso was up in third place, the double World Champion was asked ‘how were you able to see that’ in the post-race press conference. “I think this circuit we have big TV screens out of some of the slow-speed corners so it was very easy to follow the race on TV,” he replied.

That had race winner Verstappen joking: “You’re like a life coach! The last race you’re like ‘try my brake balance!’” Alonso added: “I saw one overtake and I was just curious which position it was. It was a little bit of an unexpectedly lonely race for us. We were thinking to have a more difficult race.”

‘EL PLAN: ‘Life Coach’!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-jokes-fernando-alonsos-a-life-coach-after-latest-lance-stroll-moment/


Alonso waiting for ‘unbreakable’ Red Bull to ‘crack’
Monday 8th May, 2023 - 8:43pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso has conceded that frustration is starting to creep in after scoring his fourth third place of the F1 season.

As to whether it was frustrating at being unable to finish higher than third, he added: “It is, it is. Obviously, we want to step higher on the podium for P2, and eventually one day we have an opportunity to win a race.”

“At the moment it didn’t happen because Red Bull is better than us. It’s stronger, faster, and the reliability has always been outstanding for them as well, finishing both cars in every race. If one day there is a crack, if there is an opportunity, we need to make sure we are in that position and we’re still not making mistakes at any point in the weekend.”

‘EL PLAN: If one day there is a crack’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/08/fernando-alonso-miamigp-red-bull-unbreakable/


Alonso makes HUGE Aston Martin prediction for Monaco and Barcelona
Monday 8 May 2023 07:57
Jack Walker
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has insisted that Aston Martin have a shot at victory in Monaco or Barcelona, after showing impressive pace at the F1 Miami Grand Prix.

Can Aston Martin beat Red Bull? Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Alonso was in buoyant mood and hinted that the team in green believe they can challenge the Bulls for the win in the upcoming triple-header. “The car is amazing. [It was] a little bit of a lonely race today, nothing really to do in front of us with the Red Bulls,” said Alonso.

El Matador hungry for more. The two-time world champion is evidently thoroughly enjoying being back in the fight towards the front of grid after so many years away, and he isn’t about to relinquish his chance of a win in 2023 any time soon. “It is always [fun] and the start on the wrong side of the grid we were a bit worried but everything was fine, and we take the podium and go into the triple-header Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona which hopefully we can keep on going."

‘EL PLAN: El Matador hungry for more’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107201/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-monaco-barcelona-f1-victory-chance/


Alonso: Aston must be ready to jump on "crack" in Red Bull’s F1 form
7Th May 2023, 12:18
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin must stay focused and ready to pounce when there is a “crack” in Red Bull’s form if it wants a Formula 1 victory.

But rather than start setting unrealistic expectations for the battle ahead, Alonso said Aston Martin needed to accept that Red Bull remained a clear step ahead.

However, he believed that at some point a weekend would come when Red Bull got it wrong – and it was essential that Aston Martin was therefore in the position to make the most of it. “Obviously, we want to step one step higher on the podium for P2 and eventually one day we have an opportunity to win a race,” he said after the Miami Grand Prix.

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin must be ready to jump on "crack"!’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-aston-must-be-ready-to-jump-on-crack-in-red-bulls-f1-form/10466870/


Alonso calls for changes after Miami pre-race driver introductions
08 May 3:20PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

The Miami Grand Prix featured a unique pre-race build-up, including a driver introduction ceremony. This has sparked plenty of reaction, with Fernando Alonso amongst those to explain what he "disagrees" with about the format.

"I understand the point of view of everybody but I'm not a big fan of those kinds of things just before the race," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"If we have to do it, I think we need to remove some of the other stuff we are doing like the parade lap or something like that, because it's really in the middle of the preparation with the engineers and the strategy meeting."

‘EL PLAN: Remove some of the other stuff’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-calls-for-changes-after-miami-pre-race-driver-introductions

[Fortitude]

EXCLUSIVE: ‘There will be consequences’ – Furious Rossi demands Alpine improve fast after stuttering start to 2023.
For Rossi, their struggles are not down to a lack of resources. Yes, they do not have the kind of facilities, hardware and software to rival Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari – but Alpine have invested heavily in all of those areas in recent years and are continuing to do so.
08 May 2023
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Formula One - Official Site

It is clear the Frenchman is irritated by the situation. Having come in and restructured the team, and playing a very hands-on role for more than a year, Rossi recruited Otmar Szafnauer from Aston Martin as Team Principal and stepped back to do his day job of running Alpine Cars, of which F1 is one strand and features only two of his 18 direct reports.

It was now up to Szafnauer – with his wealth of experience that includes 13 years at Force India/Racing Point/Aston Martin – to utilise his extensive F1 experience and continue Alpine’s upward trajectory. So, does that mean Szafnauer is responsible for Alpine’s poor start to 2023?

‘There will be consequences’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.exclusive-there-will-be-consequences-furious-rossi-demands-alpine-improve.4Tbxdxh5xV4fS2a4u2T2yl.html


Alpine CEO makes Szafnauer demand and threatens changes
17:49 Mon, 08 May 2023.
By Josh Suttill and Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi says “he won’t wait until the end of the year” to make changes if Alpine’s Formula 1 team keeps underdelivering in 2023. Rossi launched into a scathing criticism of Renault’s works team ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, telling French broadcaster Canal+ that Alpine’s season had been “disappointing” and it was in a position “that is not at all worthy of the resources invested”.

More criticism from Rossi during the Miami GP weekend has emerged in an interview on Formula 1’s website, with Rossi saying the team is “making too many mistakes” this season. Rossi called for a mindset change within the team that “starts with owning up to your mistakes, to not repeat the mistakes and to learn from your mistakes”.

He said there’s been “a lot of excuses” for the “poor performance and a lack of operational excellence” this year. “I need to tackle this, I need the right people to tackle this,” Rossi added. “I need the team to be aware they need to do that as it’s not up to me – it’s up to them, they have to do it. It’s their responsibility. I hope they make the same diagnosis. I will make it clear to them that this is the diagnosis and they need to fix that.”

“Won’t wait until the end of the year”;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/alpine-ceo-makes-szafnauer-demand-and-threatens-changes/


Gasly lost two places in last five laps as ‘I had to save a lot of fuel’
2023 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 8th May 2023, 16:558th May 2023, 16:29
Written by Ida Wood and RJ O'Connell
RaceFans

Pierre Gasly scored his best finish of the season so far last weekend but was disappointed with the result as he fought further up the order during the race. “I had a great start, managed to pass for P4, and tried to keep up the pace with Sainz and Alonso in front of me,” said Gasly. “But unfortunately they were just faster than us today.”

“So I tried to do the best we could. In the second stint I was running in P6 then with 15 laps to go, I needed to do a lot of fuel-saving, which was a little annoying when you know that you have a Ferrari and Mercedes behind catching and closing on you. I wanted to give everything we could, but at the same time we needed to save the fuel, and we saw Charles just catching us slowly lap by lap. And unfortunately with four laps to go he managed to pass.”

The circumstances of the race made it more difficult than usual for teams to accurately judge how much fuel they needed. Miami’s new track surface gave varying levels of grip during the race weekend and the grand prix ran without a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car appearance.

‘Needed to do a lot of fuel-saving’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/08/gasly-lost-two-places-in-last-five-laps-as-i-had-to-save-a-lot-of-fuel/


Alpine CEO slates team’s ‘unacceptable’ and ‘amateurish’ early season performances
08 May 2023 10:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi was not holding back in his criticism of the team’s early season form, saying they were showing “amateurishness” in Bahrain and it wasn’t any better in Baku.

“It’s disappointing, it’s actually bad,” he said. “This year ended up starting with a flawed performance and flawed delivery. It’s obvious our position in the standings is not worthy of the resources we spend, and we are quite far – in fact very far – from this year’s end goal.”

“I’m noting not only an obvious lack of performance and rigour in the delivery, but also potentially a state of mind that is not up to this team’s past standards.” He added: “I did not like the first grand prix, because there was a lot of – I’m sorry for saying this – amateurishness, which led to a result that wasn’t right. It was mediocre, bad. And the last race in Baku was tremendously similar to the one in Bahrain. That is not acceptable.”

‘Unacceptable’ and ‘Amateurish’

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-ceo-slates-unacceptable-amateurish-performances/


Alpine CEO slams own team in epic spray as midfield bolter exposes brutal truth
May 9th, 2023 5:04 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
FoxSports(Australia).

There’s a special place for the spray among the armoury of motivational tools. Carefully calibrated it can energise the troops to lift to another level at a critical juncture. Misdirected and it will be little more effective than a kick to the guts at a low moment.

Whether Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi’s evisceration of his own team at the weekend’s Miami Grand Prix falls into the former or latter category is up for debate. Five rounds into the season and Rossi is clearly fed up. If drivers aren’t fumbling qualifying performances, they’re crashing into the walls or they’re wiping each other out of races.

If the team isn’t making mistakes serving penalties, its cars are spontaneously combusting. All Alpine has to show for five rounds of racing is a paltry 14 points and sixth in the constructors championship behind McLaren — and McLaren has been the outright slowest car at two races so far this year.

‘Epic spray’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/alpine-ceo-slams-own-team-in-epic-spray-as-midfield-bolter-exposes-brutal-truth/news-story/091f9c6b0614303e2557b681f681e9de


Angry Alpine CEO warns ‘the buck stops with Otmar Szafnauer’ for team failure
09 May 2023 7:30 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

After slamming the team for “amateurish” performances at the start of the year, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has warned that team principal Otmar Szafnauer is ultimately responsible for the team’s success or failure.

Szafnauer moved across to Alpine at the beginning of last season after leaving the same role at Aston Martin, the team which he had represented in its various guises for over a decade, with Alpine jumping up to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship at the end of 2022.

But the beginning of this season has been much tougher from their perspective overall, with a series of reliability issues and a collision between their drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, ending both of their races in Australia in April.

‘Buck stops with Otmar Szafnauer’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-ceo-buck-stops-otmar-szafnauer/


Szafnauer to speak with CEO Rossi over Alpine 'amateur' blast
08 May 4:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi had branded the team's start to 2023 as "amateurish" following various mishaps. Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer says he will be seeking discussions with CEO Laurent Rossi after he branded the team's start to the 2023 Formula 1 season as "amateurish."

The Enstone squad have had a slow start to the campaign, featuring a horror weekend in Baku where they suffered a fire, a crash and were forced to start Esteban Ocon from the pit-lane, while he and Pierre Gasly collided in the Australian GP restart chaos. "Reading something like that in the paper puts no more pressure on, everyone wants to do well here," Szafnauer told media, including RacingNews365.com, of Rossi's comments made to French TV over the Miami weekend.

"They're well experienced technicians and engineers at the highest level, and we put pressure on ourselves so we just have to fix it. I have no idea [why the comments were made], you'll have to ask him, but I'll be asking him. This weekend was busy that I haven't had a chance yet.”

‘Seeking discussions’;

https://racingnews365.com/szafnauer-responds-to-rossis-alpine-amateur-blast

[Fortitude]

F1 suffers ANOTHER near-miss in the pit-lane, with McLaren star Lando Norris narrowly missing a pedestrian in Miami... just a week after Esteban Ocon had people blocking the track in Baku before the race was over.
The FIA are investigating the incident, which occurred on lap five of 57, when an individual – believed to be a local marshal – walked in front of Lando Norris's McLaren as the Briton entered the pits.
Published: 10:28, 9 May 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mailonine
Mail Online

Formula One narrowly avoided a pit-lane collision with a pedestrian for the second time in consecutive weeks in Miami on Sunday, it has emerged. Footage of the near-miss was loaded on to Sky Sports' F1 website, but has since been taken down.

An FIA spokesman said: 'We are aware of the incident and looking into it with local organisers.' The scare came a week after Alpine's Esteban Ocon yanked on the brakes to avoid running over dozens of people who were crossing at the pit-lane entrance to prepare for the post-race celebrations during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

‘FIA are investigating’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12062897/F1-suffers-pit-lane-near-miss-Lando-Norris-avoid-collision.html


‘Learned nothing’: Lando Norris’ terrifying F1 pit lane near-miss
May 9th, 2023 6:42 am
Andrew McMurtry from News.com.au
Fox Sports (Australia)

Lando Norris has narrowly avoided turning a horror Miami Grand Prix into a tragedy after man walked across the pit lane as he entered for his scheduled stop. Coming just a week after photographers descended onto the pit lane in front of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in Baku, the F1 was faced with another near-miss.

While last week Ocon had at least a little straight to slow down, it’s a blind corner in Miami and the man crossed the track near the entrance to the pit lane. On the footage, it was clear Norris adjusted his wheel slightly to the left when he saw the man.

Incredibly, it comes after the FIA published new post-race prodecures, meaning team mechanics can’t moved into Parc Ferme with cooling fans until the last car has taken the chequered flag, while: “Any other personnel or VIPs are not permitted to enter the pit lane until after the last car has taken the chequered flag”. Infringements will result in the removal of passes from the teams and even reporting the team to the Stewards. Fans couldn’t believe they were seeing another near-miss just a week after the Baku incident.

‘Learned nothing’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/learned-nothing-lando-norris-terrifying-f1-pit-lane-nearmiss/news-story/762bedda9d092f70fb303642bd70483c


F1 narrowly avoids disaster with another TERRIFYING pitlane near miss
Monday 8 May 2023 13:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

For the second time in as many weeks, F1 nearly saw a disaster on the pitlane as Lando Norris narrowly avoided a pedestrian at the Miami Grand Prix. The McLaren driver was a very early stopper having started on the soft tyres only to be punted at the first corner by Nyck de Vries.

After failing to make up many places on the opening few laps, the Brit opted to come in early for clean air but one man was not aware. Footage that emerged on Twitter saw of the McLaren driver's onboard camera which saw the man only just get out of the way before Norris came through.

‘TERRIFYING’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107248/f1-miami-grand-prix-lando-norris-pitlane-near-miss/


Lando Norris almost hits man in the pit lane as F1 has another terrifying close call
Less than one week after Alpine driver Esteban Ocon nearly hit a group of photographers in the pit lane, Formula 1 has another near miss they will have to learn from
17:57, 8 MAY 2023
BY Patrick Austen-Hardy
Daily Star

For the second race in a row, Formula 1 was terrifyingly close to a tragedy in the pit lane. McLaren ace Lando Norris pulled into the pit lane for a change of tyres during the Miami Grand Prix. However, as the Brit ACE came hurtling down, a man could be seen walking directly across the pit lane entrance in the way of his car.

While Norris did not have to swerve out of the way, it was another terrifyingly close call that raises more questions about pit lane safety, particularly after Esteban Ocon almost ploughed into a row of photographers during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix just one week ago.

‘Another terrifying close call’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1/f1-norris-nearly-hits-spectator-29927270


FIA investigate second pit-lane incident after Lando Norris near-miss
Lando Norris did not need to avert his course to avoid the man walking across the pit-lane but the outcome could have be very different
9 May 2023 • 11:09am
By Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Telegraph

The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, says it has launched an investigation into a second pit-lane incident in as many weeks after footage emerged of another near-miss during Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix. Onboard cameras from Lando Norris’s McLaren, as shown on the below video from footage originally broadcast by F1 TV, show a man walking across the pit-lane entrance just as Norris arrives for a pit-stop.

The Briton did not need to swerve to avoid the man, but the outcome might have been different had he arrived a second earlier. The incident comes just a week after stewards at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ordered the FIA to review its parc fermé procedures after a group of "permitted media and other personnel” were allowed into the pit-lane before the race had finished.

‘Launched an investigation’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/09/miami-grand-prix-lando-norris-pit-lane-fia-investigation/


Lando Norris nearly ran over a marshal during Miami Grand Prix in latest F1 near-miss
Tuesday 9 May 2023 11:44 am
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

The FIA have launched an investigation after British F1 star Lando Norris came close to running over an official during the Miami Grand Prix. Footage has emerged showing Norris’ McLaren coming in for a stop on lap-five of last Sunday’s race and only narrowly avoiding hitting what appears to be a volunteer marshal who was walking across the pit-lane.

An FIA spokesperson told the PA: ‘We are aware of the incident and looking into it with local organisers.’ This near-miss has come just a week after the shocking scenes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Esteban Ocon came incredibly close to running over a large group of officials and photographers as he came into the pits on the last lap of the race.

‘The FIA have apologised and Formula One, they assured us that this is not going to happen any more,’ the Alpine driver said ahead of the Miami race…. But this latest incident will bring yet more scrutiny upon the FIA at a time where their decision making is being widely criticised and their relationship with F1 is looking very strained.

‘Yet more scrutiny upon the FIA’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/09/f1-lando-norris-nearly-ran-over-a-marshal-during-miami-grand-prix-18752170/?ito=newsnow-feed

[Fortitude]

McLaren face "reality check" after poor Miami F1 showing wiped out Baku progress.
McLaren has been served a “reality check” by its poor performance in Formula 1’s 2023 Miami Grand Prix that offsets its progress in Baku, according to team boss Andrea Stella.
17:13 Mon, 08 May 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Co-author: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

Lando Norris lost an estimated 0.2 seconds per lap in Florida following a Turn 1 hit from Nyck de Vries that damaged his floor. He finished 17th as Oscar Piastri classified in 19th. The team had considered retiring Piastri altogether as the rookie worked to manage spiking brake temperatures while a fix for a brake-by-wire hydraulic system fault was sought.

With that misfortune arriving straight after a 9-11 result in Azerbaijan when a revised floor was introduced, the dismal Miami showing has left McLaren to face a “reality check”. Team principal Stella said: “The main takeaway is that after a decent weekend in Baku from a performance point of view, we had a reality check.”

“The information we gained here helps us understand that some development directions still need to be pursued, like improving the car in off-brakes, off-throttle. At the moment, the car just doesn't work in this condition. At tracks like this, this becomes too much of a limitation.”

“Reality Check”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-face-reality-check-after-poor-miami-showing-wiped-out-baku-progress/10466862/


Oscar Piastri’s F1 ‘misery’ as big McLaren gamble blows up in their face at Miami Grand Prix
May 8th, 2023 7:57 am
James McKern from News.com.au
Fox Sports (Australia)

Oscar Piastri’s difficult start to the season continued at the Miami Grand Prix on Monday morning (AEST). As Red Bull’s Max Verstappen etched his name into the Formula 1 record books with a dominant win, it was at the other end of the grid where things fell apart for McLaren.

The young Australian star was always going to be behind the eight-ball after starting from 19th place on the grid. But it qwas a gamble with the tyres from McLaren that left both drivers stranded.

A usual tactic for back of the grid runners is to throw on the harder compound and go as long as possible, however McLaren attempted to buck that trend.

‘Misery as big McLaren gamble blows up in their face’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/oscar-piastris-f1-misery-as-big-mclaren-gamble-blows-up-in-their-face-at-miami-grand-prix/news-story/67471b89946a9d3da7e88ddfd28e2b4b


Piastri reveals he had a ‘major failure’ on his McLaren just six laps into the Miami GP
09 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

McLaren endured another weekend where bad luck and reliability woes combined to cost them any chance of points in Miami. Lando Norris was in the wrong place at the wrong time, hit from behind into the opening corner by Nyck de Vries, while Oscar Piastri was left frustrated after a systems failure negated any chance he had of progressing through the field.

“We had some kind of major failure about six or seven laps in on the brake by wire, and energy recovery, something like that, so I was managing a lot of issues after that," he revealed after the race. "I had a really good Lap 1, which was the highlight of the weekend, but yeah frustrating afternoon, trying to drive round the issues.”

“I mean it’s been a tough weekend, but I think we are still very motivated to try and get the car further to the front. I think Baku was obviously a very different weekend to this one, where we were a lot faster. So, we need to understand why that was a good weekend relative to where we were and why this weekend is bad. Obviously, the reliability issues during the race we need to get on top off as well.”

‘Major failure on his McLaren’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.piastri-reveals-he-had-a-major-failure-on-his-mclaren-just-six-laps-into-the.4to1LQqPGjUGkhR1swG7Jz.html


Piastri recounts McLaren brake-by-wire failure
Monday 8th May, 2023 - 1:25pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Oscar Piastri said his brake pedal felt “about two metres long” after suffering a brake-by-wire issue in his McLaren during the Miami Grand Prix. “It was a calculated risk on the strategy,” he said of starting on the soft compound Pirellis. “We went into the race with two [sets] of hard tyres. Try something a bit different because, to be honest, we weren’t going to get to the points on pace today.”

“So [we] tried something different [and it] didn’t really work. It worked on the first lap, got a lot of positions off the start, and then about three or four laps after the pitstop I had a BBW failure, with some other failures as well. That was why the pace was so terrible. After that, I had a brake pedal that was about two metres long, it felt like, amongst other things.”

‘McLaren brake-by-wire failure’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/08/piastri-brake-by-wire-mclaren/


McLaren underline Piastri excellence after 'critical' problem
09 May 8:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has praised Oscar Piastri for the way the rookie handled what could have been a race-ending brake issue at the Miami Grand Prix.

Australian Piastri was on the back foot from the start as internal gremlins threatened to end his event prematurely. “He needed to drive the entire race with a problem on the brake-by-wire, which Oscar was excellent in being able to cope with,” Stella told media, including RacingNews365.com.

“After having locked the tyres three or four times, he kind of realised how he needed to adapt the way he was braking to the issue.”

‘Could have been a race-ending brake issue’;

https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-underline-piastri-excellence-after-critical-problem

[Fortitude]

‘I was dreaming of a little more than one point,’ admits Magnussen after starting on row two in Miami.
Kevin Magnussen started fourth for Haas in Florida, and though he came away with a point for 10th place, he admitted afterwards he had his heart set on a little more than that, given his high grid slot.
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Heart set on a little more’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.i-was-dreaming-of-a-little-more-than-one-point-admits-magnussen-after-starting-on-row-two-in-miami.1765275986288293774.html


Magnussen should have no regrets about fighting a losing battle
May 9 2023
By Matt Beer
The Race

For 38 of the Miami GP’s 57 laps, Magnussen expertly resisted everything Leclerc could throw at him, showing zero deference to Ferrari as either a more competitive car or Haas’s technical partner. If Leclerc got down the inside, Magnussen hung on around the outside. If Leclerc got him in a DRS zone, Magnussen made sure he got DRS back at the next one.

The difference to so many other top team vs underdog battles in recent F1 seasons is that in Miami Magnussen and Haas didn’t give up against Leclerc until they were absolutely sure that this was not a winnable battle. And in a season when pretty much everyone behind Red Bull is within the same second much of the time, that’s absolutely the right attitude to have.

“Obviously, I was dreaming of a little more than one point today,” Magnussen admitted on Sunday night. But all the big teams finished the race and had no problems. So it was a pretty difficult race to score points. There were no gifts as such.” And there were definitely absolutely no gifts given away by Magnussen.

‘Showing zero deference to Ferrari’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/magnussen-should-have-no-regrets-about-fighting-a-losing-battle/


2023 Miami Grand Prix: Leclerc and Magnussen swap positions three times in running battle
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc overtook Kevin Magnussen only for the Dane to immediately re-take the place, before Leclerc got back in front again a lap later, to take P9.

‘Running battle’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-miami-grand-prix-leclerc-and-magnussen-swap-positions-three-times-in-running-battle.1765269138554318099.html


Magnussen: Long fight with Leclerc in Miami 'tough on tyres'
10/05/2023 at 08:41
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Kevin Magnussen says he should have perhaps better managed his tyres during his long fight with Charles Leclerc in the Miami Grand Prix as the battle took its toll on the Haas' rubber.

"I had a s****y start and then had a long fight with Leclerc, which was tough on my tyres and I probably should have looked after my tyres a little more in hindsight," the Haas driver acknowledged. "But anyway, I think we had a strong day and got one point."

"There [were] no gifts as such and I still got one point, so I'm pretty happy with that. [There was] probably a little more degradation than I'd love to have, but I think we made a good step forward this weekend."

'Tough on tyres';

https://f1i.com/news/474097-magnussen-long-fight-with-leclerc-in-miami-tough-on-tyres.html


Magnussen dreamt of more in Miami
Tuesday 9th May, 2023 - 4:07am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Kevin Magnussen went into the Miami Grand Prix dreaming of more than the single point he scored but was otherwise left satisfied.

“Obviously I was dreaming of a little more than one point today but I think all the big teams finished the race today and had no problems, so it was a pretty difficult race to score points – there were no gifts, as such.”

Having started fourth, Magnussen slipped to seventh on the opening lap before battling with Leclerc. That saw the pair swap places, the Haas driver holding the advantage until pitting the Haas on Lap 14.

‘Dreamt of more’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/09/magnussen-happy-but-dreamt-of-more-in-miami/


Magnussen hails 'step forward' for Haas after Leclerc battle
08 May 2:45PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Kevin Magnussen feels that Haas made a "good step forward" during the Miami Grand Prix weekend after the Dane secured a points finish.

"There [were] no gifts as such and I still got one point, so I'm pretty happy with that. [There was] probably a little more degradation than I'd love to have, but I think we made a good step forward this weekend."

Starting from P4 on the grid enabled Magnussen to battle with cars he is not frequently close to on track. This was something that he enjoyed, though he admits that he would rather have track position in the first place. "It's fun to race, of course," the 30-year-old explained. "But I would have preferred to not race and just be in front."

'Step forward';

https://racingnews365.com/magnussen-hails-step-forward-for-haas-after-leclerc-battle

[Fortitude]

Ralf Schumacher takes another jab at Guenther Steiner’s ‘good practices’.
It’s fair to say there’s no love lost between Schumacher and Steiner with the German blaming the team boss for his nephew Mick losing his race seat at the end of last season.
10 May 2023 1:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Ralf Schumacher has delivered his latest jab at Guenther Steiner saying if Haas’ “good practices” are upheld, he expects to hear all about the cost of Nico Hulkenberg’s Miami crash.

With Hulkenberg into the wall in Friday’s first practice at the Miami Grand Prix, Schumacher just had to say something.

“If the team’s good practices are maintained, we will know tomorrow what the crash cost – and next year at the latest with the Netflix documentary we will know what is being thought about it,” Speedweek quotes the Sky Sports’ pundit as having said.

‘No love lost’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-jab-guenther-steiner-good-practices/


Ralf pokes Steiner after Hulkenberg crash
MAY 7, 2023
GrandPrix.com

"If the team's best practices are maintained, we will know very soon what the crash cost," Ralf told Sky Deutschland.

However, Ralf insisted that his jibe at Steiner is actually not criticism of a crash by the otherwise impressive returning German Hulkenberg, 35.

"To be fair, Nico has often been outstanding, making the car look better at the moment than it is. You have to give Nico a big compliment, he's just doing a good job."

‘Crash cost’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/ralf-pokes-steiner-after-hulkenberg-crash.html


Schumacher pokes Steiner after Hulkenberg crash
"We will know very soon what the crash cost"
7 MAY 2023 - 12:30
By GMM

Schumacher, 47, and Gunther Steiner fell out badly over the Haas team boss’ treatment of Mick last year - and the ultimately decision to oust him.

"And next year at the latest we will all find out in the Netflix documentary what he thinks about it too," Schumacher added, again referring to Hulkenberg’s crash.

"We will know very soon”;

https://motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/en/formula-1/schumacher-pokes-steiner-after-hulkenberg-crash,181289.html


Guenther Steiner: I grew up a butcher's son – it taught me how to fillet a driver
Haas F1 team principal on his new book, his complicated relationship with Mick Schumacher and the sport's continued growth in the States
5 May 2023 • 2:21pm
By Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Telegraph

Of all the team principals currently operating in Formula One, only Guenther Steiner could turn a conversation about Miami and the F1's current burgeoning popularity in the United States into a rhapsody about the cocaine boom of the 1980s and drug-smuggling in motorsport.

"F*king hell! It must have been a good time in Miami back then!" exclaims the Italian in his distinctive Germanic-sounding twang as we look ahead to this weekend's grand prix in the Sunshine State, a 'home' race of sorts for Steiner's North Carolina-based Haas F1 team. "Have you seen that Netflix show Bad Sport?" he asks. "One of the episodes was about this IndyCar driver in the 1980s [Randy Lanier] who funded his drive by smuggling drugs into Miami."

The son of a butcher, Steiner could have followed his father into the family business but eventually ran away with the motorsport circus. "If I buy a cut of meat I know what I'm looking at," he says of his butchery skills these days. "But I couldn't skin a cow." Could he fillet a Formula One driver? "Haha. Maybe." Steiner did a bit of that in the last season of Drive to Survive; his treatment of Mick Schumacher earning him criticism in some quarters for being overly harsh.

“"F*king hell!”;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/05/guenther-steiner-colourful-character-on-a-mission-with-haas/


Guenther Steiner names the next team principal he wants to see write book
09 May 2023 10:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has singled out Toto Wolff as the one team principal he would like to see write his own autobiography. Steiner has been on somewhat of a tour to promote his book and was recently speaking to the Miami Herald where the subject of whose memoir he would like to read was brought up.

“Oh, I am overthinking this,” he said. “Toto Wolff because a lot of us don’t know where he really comes from. There’s still some mystery there. I know quite a bit about where he was before F1, so putting that on paper, I’ll pick him.”

The day-by-day review format of Steiner’s book was a little different than standard autobiographies and he said the reason for that was that he did not think there was enough in his life to make an autobiography interesting. I was not ready for that, and they came up with the idea of a year as Guenther as a team principal, and I liked it a lot better.”

“Toto Wolff… … I’ll pick him.”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenther-steiner-names-the-next-team-principal-he-wants-to-see-write-book/

[Fortitude]

Bottas says Alfa Romeo’s qualifying pace in Miami flattered the team ahead of disappointing race.
The Finn finished down in P13 and said his speed in the race “reflects more the true pace we have at the moment” – and welcomed news they will be getting an upgrade package in Imola.
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Upgrade package in Imola’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.bottas-says-alfa-romeos-qualifying-pace-in-miami-flattered-the-team-ahead-of-disappointing-race.1765275030208211503.html


Zhou eyeing Imola upgrade after Alfa Romeo struggle with grip on race day in Miami.
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Zhou Guanyu said he was “just sliding around” during the Miami Grand Prix as he struggled for grip all race long – something he hopes an upgrade package will help solve for the next race at Imola.

“Just sliding around”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.zhou-eyeing-imola-upgrade-after-alfa-romeo-struggle-with-grip-on-race-day-in-miami.1765274914250447226.html


Bottas identifies 'main focus' for Alfa Romeo: A lot of work to do
10 May 5:10PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Despite reaching Q3 in qualifying with Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo failed to score points at the Miami Grand Prix. Bottas admits that the team need to make a big improvement.

"There are some positives to take from this weekend, although there is still a lot of work to do to be fighting in the top 10," Bottas explained after the race. The start of my race was quite good: we made up a few places and were well into the points.”

"I tried my best to keep up the fight and defend my position; unfortunately, we didn't quite have the pace we showed [on Saturday], when we had managed to be competitive on the single lap. I think our finishing position reflects where we stand at the moment, and we must keep working to improve."

'Main focus';

https://racingnews365.com/bottas-identifies-main-focus-for-alfa-romeo-a-lot-of-work-to-do


2023 Miami Grand Prix - Sunday
23:59 Sun, 07 May 2023.
Alfa Romeo Racing - Official Site

Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake put up a fight in the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, with both cars involved in the action from lights to flag. Despite a feisty performance and a strong opening stint, Valtteri Bottas finished outside of the points in 13th, with team-mate, Zhou Guanyu, completing his performance in 16th.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative: “We saw some real signs of improvement this weekend, especially in qualifying, which had been a weaker point earlier this season. We take this as an encouragement and as a spur to keep working hard. We may not have scored points today, but we have a foundation on which to build – starting tonight, back in Hinwil, where the team is already at work, analysing today’s race and producing the upgrades that will make their debut in Imola.”

“Today’s race saw us fight for a place in the top ten for a large part of the afternoon: in a race with no retirements, this was as far as we could go. The season remains long, and we’re motivated to make another step forward next time around: everyone is pushing for it and I’m confident we will keep moving in the right direction.”

“Some real signs of improvement this weekend, especially in qualifying”;

https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/2023-miami-grand-prix-sunday/


Formula 1: Two possible directions for Guanyu Zhou’s future
15:21 Sun, 07 May 2023.
by Siddharth Bharani-Dharan
Beyond the Flag (Weblog)

As things currently stand, the Formula 1 future of Guanyu Zhou at Alfa Romeo has the potential to go in two very different directions. Coming into the 2023 Formula 1 season, the general expectation from many was that Guanyu Zhou would run the course of his contract and depart from Alfa Romeo at the end of the year. However, there could be a growing chance that he stays with the Zurich-based team for one more season.

With Valtteri Bottas being the team leader, most believed he would perform a lot better than the 23-year-old Chinese driver, but that has not been the case. Zhou has been quite even with Bottas through the first four races of the year. Zhou is only two points behind Bottas and has finished higher than him twice. But the C43 has been underwhelming so far, causing both drivers to struggle at times and leaving the team in eighth place in the constructor standings.

On the flip side, the team may choose not to bring back Zhou. Alfa Romeo could look for a new face in the garage as they enter a new era in which Audi’s larger stake begins. Lando Norris is one name Alfa Romeo could look to immediately. There is growing speculation that the 23-year-old will depart McLaren after this season. Even though his contract doesn’t expire until 2025, Alfa Romeo could use this opportunity to their advantage.

‘Two very different directions’;

https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/05/07/formula-1-two-possible-directions-guanyu-zhou-alfa-romeo/

[Fortitude]

Alex Albon explains his anger over Williams team radio messages.
Alex Albon has admitted he did not agree with Williams’ strategy decision during the Miami Grand Prix and was left feeling frustrated.
10 May 2023 7:15 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

After qualifying in P11, Albon had been expected to again challenge for the points-paying spots but his Williams car was rarely seen towards the top end of the grid.

He ended the race 14th, his worst finish this season, and still has just the one point to his name despite a reasonably positive start to the season. It seems Albon’s biggest complaint came with the team’s instructions over tyres and he was particularly frustrated when told to ease up and try and preserve his rubber.

“I think at the time I got told to manage the tyres we weren’t catching the cars in front,” said Albon, as per Motorsport.com. “So it was either try and not manage and try and catch the cars and overtake them, or just stay at the back.”

‘Anger’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-albon-anger-williams-radio-messages/


Albon at odds with Williams, explains testy radio messages
10/05/2023 at 10:28
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Alex Albon put his foot down in last Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, on the track but also on the radio with his Williams team following a disagreement with his race engineer during the event.

The Thai-British racer questioned his team's call to push at one point in the race while he later found himself at odds with the Williams pitwall when he was asked to manage his rubber and felt that he should do the opposite.

"I'd rather be aggressive and then suffer the consequences later than never try and just finish last. So that was why I think I said I don't really agree with it. But then at the same time, we wanted to push very hard in the first few laps with the tyre, and it was making the tyre grain up. So I didn't agree with that either. So a bit of everything."

‘Testy radio messages’;

https://f1i.com/news/474102-albon-at-odds-with-williams-explains-testy-radio-messages.html


Albon: Miami showed Williams true pace
Wednesday 10th May, 2023 - 8:38am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Albon had started the race 11th but suggests that’s something of a false positive and relates more to the performance of others than himself. “We don’t have the pace, so we’re just trying to do different things,” he said.

“I do think we’re the ninth or 10th slowest car, that’s the reality of it – we’re just getting the most out of it most weekends. On a track where the tyres do get hot, where there is deg, exposes our weaknesses.”

“[Sunday] was a really clear example. These kinds of circumstances normally suit us. We did a great job in qualifying and this was our true pace.”

‘Williams true pace’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/10/albon-miami-showed-williams-true-pace/


Sargeant apologises for 'painful' first lap error in Miami
09/05/2023 at 13:49
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Logan Sargeant has apologised to his Williams team for the error he made at the start of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix which effectively doomed any hopes he had of a decent race. "It sucks. It was a mistake on that first lap that ruined our chances, so sorry to the team - but I’ll take it on the chin.”

On the first lap after the lights went out, he ran into the back of Lance Stroll's Aston Martin at the turn 14-15 chicane and damaged his front wing, forcing him into an emergency pit stop for repairs. “I put the car in a place I shouldn’t have in that second sector and took my front wing off,” Sargeant told the media in the paddock at the Miami International Autodrome on Sunday. “That ruined the race from there.”

'Painful';

https://f1i.com/news/474051-sargeant-apologises-for-painful-first-lap-error-in-miami.html


Sargeant admits he ‘put the car in a place I shouldn’t have’ as Lap 1 damage wrecks his home race
09 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Logan Sargeant endured a trying first race on home soil, the Florida native propping up the field in Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix as he came home last – and admitting afterwards that he gave himself a mountain to climb after contact with another car meant he needed to pit for a new front wing on the very first lap.

“I put the car in a place I shouldn’t have on Lap 1," he said. "It was a decent opening lap until that point as well. I should’ve just settled and went from there. [I] took the wing off and pretty much ruined my race from there.”

That damage required a pit stop, and as well as the new front wing Sargent was fitted with a set of the hard compound tyres. He managed to make the one-stop strategy work in so far as he got that set of tyres all the way to the end, but his race became more about tyre management than pace. And with all 20 cars finishing, there was little in the way of opportunity to move up the order.

‘Endured a trying first race’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sargeant-admits-he-put-the-car-in-a-place-i-shouldnt-have-as-lap-1-damage.AAY2TMt1jUo1caSiDh821.html

[Fortitude]

Boss Tost admits rookie de Vries ‘under pressure’.
Russian racing driver Egor Orudzhev observed last week that if the 28-year-old Dutchman doesn't up his game soon, "I think Helmut Marko will fire him".
07:57 Tue, 09 May 2023.
Grandprix.com

Alpha Tauri team boss Franz Tost admits Formula 1 rookie Nyck de Vries is "under pressure" to perform in 2023.

Indeed, de Vries has had a troubled start to his first full season on the grid, often crashing or clearly trailing the pace of teammate Yuki Tsunoda. In Miami, he finished 18th compared to Tsunoda's 11th.

"In itself, Nyck's performance was not that bad," boss Tost, explaining that de Vries needed an unscheduled pitstop for a flat-spot, is quoted by the Dutch publication Formule 1. When asked if he is satisfied with de Vries performance so far in F1, he added: "Satisfied is perhaps a bit of an exaggeration.

‘Under pressure’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/boss-tost-admits-rookie-de-vries-under-pressure.html


Tsunoda came up short but 'gave it everything' in Miami GP
10/05/2023 at 16:38
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Yuki Tsunoda came up short in last weekend's Miami Grand Prix, the AlphaTauri charger concluding his race hot on the heels of Haas' Kevin Magnussen but just outside the top ten.

"Yeah, really tough – I literally gave it everything," said Tsunoda who fought hard to score his third consecutive P10 finish. "I was pretty happy with the performance. It’s a shame that I couldn’t score points, but yeah, [I’m] happy with it."

Tsunoda's takeway from his trip to Miami was the confirmation of a more consistent level of performance. "It’s good that I’m being consistent and hopefully I can be consistently in the points [in the future]."

'Gave it everything';

https://f1i.com/news/474131-tsunoda-came-up-short-but-gave-it-everything-in-miami-gp.html


Tsunoda insists he’s ‘happy with the performance’ despite just missing out on points in Miami
07 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Yuki Tsunoda has now finished in 11th place three times this season – including again in Miami, and the Japanese racer insists he’s giving it everything behind the wheel.

‘Happy with the performance’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.tsunoda-insists-hes-happy-with-the-performance-despite-just-missing-out-on-points-in-miami.1765274375857064287.html


Tsunoda hopes 'big updates' for Imola can get AlphaTauri back on track
10 May 10:25AM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Yuki Tsunoda is hoping that "big updates" planned for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will get AlphaTauri back on track, after a disappointing start to the season.

The AlphaTauri driver qualified in P17 but managed to recover to P11 in Miami after pulling off moves in the opening stages of the race, notably running side-by-side with Zhou Guanyu at the Turn 14 chicane before using his straight-line speed to get past at Turn 17.

"It's kind of a trend of AlphaTauri, sometimes when the qualifying is bad the race is good. So obviously we have to find out why we are good, but it's really pretty surprising," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

'Big updates';

https://racingnews365.com/tsunoda-hopes-big-updates-for-imola-can-get-alphatauri-back-on-track


Franz Tost axes AlphaTauri engineer he ‘didn’t trust’ after slow start to 2023
06 May 2023 7:15 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Franz Tost is back to trusting his own engineers after a troublesome figure is “out”, according to the AlphaTauri team boss. “The engineers tell me we make some good progress but I don’t trust them anymore,” Tost said in Jeddah. “I just want to see the lap time because this is the only thing that counts.”

“Because during the winter months they [the engineers] told me, ‘the car is fantastic, [we] made big progress’ then we came to Bahrain and we are nowhere.” Of course when any team principal responds like that, the follow up question on everyone’s mind is always going to be: who has got the sack?

Tost was not pressed on the matter during the conference but Motorsport.com has reported that it is head of aerodynamics Dickon Balmforth who has fallen on his sword. Balmworth joined AlphaTauri in May 2018 having previously spent 12 years at Red Bull and before that almost three years at Williams.

‘Franz Tost axes AlphaTauri engineer he ‘didn’t trust’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/franz-tost-engineer-alphatauri-departure/


Franz Tost explains why he decided to quit AlphaTauri
2023 is Franz Tost's 18th and final season as AlphaTauri's team principal, with Laurent Mekies set to replace him.
by Nick Golding
4 May 2023
Formula1News

Following some speculation, it was officially confirmed ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost would be leaving the Faenza-based team at the end of 2023, with Ferrari’s racing director Laurent Mekies to replace him in 2024.

Despite having been their team principal for so long, Tost isn’t exactly pleased for his time with the team to be coming to an end, with him ultimately being a fan of “the challenge”. “No, my shoulders are still strong,” Tost joked to GPblog and others. “And generally I like the challenge, I like the pressure, and this was not a problem, for me, not a problem.”

So what exactly does the future hold for Tost once he’s left AlphaTauri and the Red Bull family? As it stands, he’s unsure, with his initial plan being “to take a step back” and assess his options. “Don’t know yet, was asked already, but don’t know yet, it’s not decided,” said Tost.

‘Decided to quit AlphaTauri’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/franz-tost-explains-why-he-decided-to-quit-alphatauri/

[Fortitude]

Adrian Newey received Mercedes phone call in attempt to sign him – report.
Toto Wolff reportedly had one of his colleagues phone Adrian Newey in an attempt to lure him over to Mercedes with Red Bull’s Helmut Marko having the last laugh.
10 May 2023 12:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

According to F1-Insider.com, Mercedes went as far as to approach the design guru in the weeks before he committed his future to Red Bull.

‘Shortly before Red Bull’s mastermind Adrian Newey extended his contract with Red Bull a week ago,’ claims the publication, ‘he received a phone call from a former Red Bull employee, who is now one of the personal assistants of the Mercedes team boss and shareholder is Toto Wolff.

‘On behalf of her boss, the lady tried lure the top-class aerodynamicist to Mercedes. Newey, however, declined with thanks and preferred to commit himself to Red Bull for another year.’ That opened the door for motorsport advisor Helmut Marko’s latest jab at Mercedes. “Mr. Wolff does not seem to have the full confidence in his own people to fix the problems with their car,” he said.

‘Last laugh’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-unsuccessful-approach-adrian-newey/


Mercedes attempt to poach Red Bull's Adrian Newey as Toto Wolff assistant makes phone call
Mercedes and Red Bull have been poaching staff from one another for several years now.
07:20, Wed, May 10, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Mercedes clearly recognise the role Adrian Newey has had on Red Bull's current dominance in F1 as they reportedly tried to poach the Chief Technology Officer from their rivals recently. Newey is widely regarded as one of F1's greatest car designers having helped Red Bull once again set the benchmark this year.

And it seems as though Mercedes wanted to test the waters on whether Newey fancied a new challenge in recent weeks. According to F1 Insider, Newey received a phone call from 'one of Toto Wolff's personal assistants'. Newey is said to have 'declined with thanks' before signing a new deal with Red Bull.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner clearly had no concern of Newey potentially leaving before the new contract was signed. "Adrian and I work together, we've been sitting next to each other, for 18 years now," Horner said last week. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner clearly had no concern of Newey potentially leaving before the new contract was signed. "Adrian and I work together, we've been sitting next to each other, for 18 years now," Horner said last week.

‘Attempt to poach’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1768375/Mercedes-Red-Bull-Adrian-Newey-Toto-Wolff-assistant-Ferrari-F1-news


Mercedes fail in bid to poach Adrian Newey from F1 rivals Red Bull as Toto Wolff mocked
Adrian Newey recently signed a new Red Bull contract amid rumoured interest from Ferrari, but it appears the Italians weren't the only ones interested in the celebrated car designer
16:06, 9 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Mercedes reportedly launched a sensational bid to poach Adrian Newey away from their bitter Red Bull rivals before the designer committed his future to his current team. The 64-year-old's contract was due to expire at the end of this season, sparking reported interest from Ferrari. But it was confirmed ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend that Newey had put pen to paper on an extension with his current team.

But it seems Ferrari were not the only ones working on a bid to snatch Newey away from Red Bull. According to F1 Insider, Mercedes made an attempt to lure him away from their biggest F1 rivals and help them to reverse their declining fortunes. The Silver Arrows won eight constructors' titles in a row but were slow to adapt to the new car regulations which came into force in 2022.

They have been playing catch up ever since and remain some way off the performance levels of defending champions Red Bull. The report claims Mercedes wanted to bring in Newey to help them to solve their car performance woes. But he is said to have thanked them for their offer and declined, before signing on again with Red Bull.

‘Mercedes fail’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-adrian-newey-poach-redbull-29935909


LEGENDARY DESIGNER ADRIAN NEWEY SIGNS RED BULL EXTENSION
Technical genius has designed all of Red Bull's title winning cars, utilising innovative designs and aesthetically pleasing chassis
May 1, 2023
James Phillips
FormulaNerds

The odds of Red Bull staying at the top of F1 have become more likely with the news that legendary designer Adrian Newey has extended his contract with the reigning World Champions. Newey has enjoyed a highly successful career in F1 that marks him out as one of the sport’s all time greatest figures. Starting out in 1988, his designs made an immediate impression. His first car for the new defunct March team achieved a P2 finish.

Fired in 1989, the team began its decline that would see it close its doors. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as his designs had attracted the attention of Frank Williams. The dominance of Newey’s designed cars was crushing, Williams winning five Constructor titles in six years. Contract issues saw him move to McLaren for 1998. His first car, the MP4/13 won both titles that year. After another title in 1999, Newey’s title run stopped.

He moved to Red Bull for 2005, a team starting out from the ashes of the failed Jaguar operation. The technical regulation changes for 2009 saw Red Bull emerge as a powerhouse in F1. Every title-winning Red Bull from 2010-2013 and 2021 onwards has been designed or heavily influenced by Newey.

‘Technical genius’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/legendary-designer-adrian-newey-signs-red-bull-extension/?nowprocket=1


Former Red Bull driver crushes rival’s hopes of one day poaching Adrian Newey
12 May 2023 6:02 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Adrian Newey penned a new Red Bull deal to end speculation over a potential team swap, something which David Coulthard never foresees happening. And it has been predicted by David Coulthard, who drove for Red Bull from 2005-2008, and played a key role in luring Newey to Red Bull, that this team is where the 64-year-old will see out his Formula 1 career.

“He’s been with the team for such a long period of time, he’s in his 60s, the question is did he want to take a new challenge with another team?” Coulthard stated on Channel 4. “Every team wanted him. He’s committed to Red Bull long-term, this will be his last Formula 1 team.”

‘Former Red Bull driver crushes rival’s hopes’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/david-coulthard-red-bull-last-team-adrian-newey/

[Fortitude]

Wolff cools expectations over Mercedes’ Imola F1 upgrades.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has told fans not to expect a seismic improvement in performance as it prepares for its first major upgrade package of the season.
10:46 Wed, 10 May 2023.
by Rob Kershaw
Motorsport Week

The German side previously identified the sixth race of the season in Italy as the point at which it would introduce the first set of changes to the W14 that it hopes will bring it closer to the fight at the front with Red Bull.

Mercedes has just one podium finish so far this year through Hamilton in Melbourne, and although alterations to its inconsistent car are forthcoming, Wolff asserts that they will not be game-changing.

“Like I said already, we need to manage our own expectations, because we’re bringing an update package that’s going to consist of new suspension parts, and bodywork and some other things,” he explained. “But I have never in my 15 years in Formula One seen a silver bullet being introduced, where suddenly you unlock half a second of performance.”

“Like I said already”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/10/wollf-cools-expectations-over-mercedes-imola-f1-upgrades/


Mercedes: Imola upgrade will set new baseline from where to develop
08/05/2023 at 18:03
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Toto Wolff is keeping his expectations in check regarding the impact of the upgrades Mercedes will introduce next week at Imola, but the changes should establish a new baseline from where the team can develop its troubled W14.

"But what I'm looking forward to is that we take certain variables off the table, where we believe we could have introduced something that we don't understand in the car. [I am hoping] we can go more to a stable platform, and then we should see where the baseline is and what we can do from there."

Wolff said the magnitude of the changes implemented by Mercedes at Imola will be "pretty large" and cover both the aero and mechanical spectrums of the car. "I think we are chasing downforce and we're trying to do the best possible job in terms of the mechanical platform," the Austrian explained.”

‘The magnitude of the changes’;

https://f1i.com/news/474014-mercedes-imola-upgrade-will-set-new-baseline-from-where-to-develop.html


Wolff hopes updates will discover 'poisonous' traits of W14
09 May 9:25AM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Mercedes will introduce a long-awaited major upgrade package at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. "I think we are chasing downforce and we are trying to do the best possible job in terms of the mechanical platform," Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"So what we are doing is introducing new bodywork and a new floor and new front suspension. That is a pretty large operation, large surgery. There is going to be a lot of learning. In the virtual world, it is good lap time."

Explaining the changes will help determine the Brackley-based outfit's future development path, Wolff added: "The upgrade we are bringing is going to help us to set the direction, to understand the various areas we believe could play a role in why the car is so poisonous to drive."

‘Large operation, large surgery’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-confirms-poisonous-mercedes-surgery


Wolff plans to perform SURGERY on ‘poisonous’ W14 in upgrade reveal
Tuesday 9 May 2023 20:47
Harry Smith
GPFans

Toto Wolff has claimed that the Mercedes W14 is a 'poisonous' car to drive as he explained a major upgrade package ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

After the Miami Grand Prix, Wolff told the media: "I think we are chasing downforce and we are trying to do the best possible job in terms of the mechanical platform.”

"So what we are doing is introducing new bodywork and a new floor and new front suspension. That is a pretty large operation, large surgery. There is going to be a lot of learning."

‘Plans to perform SURGERY’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107319/toto-wolff-mercedes-upgrades-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/


Toto Wolff not pleased with George Russell performance
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has rejected praise over the performance of his drivers in Sunday’s Grand Prix after a disappointing weekend.
8 May 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

“That’s the story of the car, that we have very good sessions like on Friday, then we had very difficult qualifying, and then on Sunday we have solid pace,” Wolff told reporters.

“But solid pace is not where we want to be, and we need to understand why we are lacking that speed for a lap.”

“So there is nothing to be relieved of by having a more decent Sunday, because you’ve got to start at the front and you’ve got to be able to manage the Red Bulls and the other teams, and that’s not the case yet.”

‘Rejected praise over the performance of his drivers’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolff-not-pleased-with-george-russell-performance/


Toto Wolff slammed for ‘PR nonsense’ after embarrassing Lewis Hamilton performance
Lewis Hamilton failed to make it into Q3 on American soil for the first time in his F1 career.
8 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

@F1_Jordan wrote on Twitter: “Merc still a second off, embarrassingly lost It gets more frustrating with all the PR nonsense they come out with, especially Wolff after Australia talking about “clear improvements” when it was all track specific Too much talking, not enough doing!!!”

@Mrz999 added: “0 upgrades and losing ground every weekend, this Imola upgrade will only bring us back to Bahrain level competitiveness. Seasons gone.”
@F1Merc44 commented: “They haven’t brought any big upgrades, did people really think the car would get a second quicker without any upgrades?”
@sirhqmilton said: “It’s embarrassing. The teams a lost, hopeless case. Nothing can fix this tractor even with those upgrades”

Others like @lakeshow12345 noted that the team are “truly lost” if the Imola upgrades aren’t a success: “Upgrades are scheduled for next race. If improvements don’t work, then they are truly lost.”
@lewishammers” Feel like we’re constantly being gaslit by them to make us think the car is getting better when in reality it’s not. Expecting nothing from these Imola updates.”

‘Nothing can fix this tractor’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolff-slammed-for-pr-nonsense-after-embarrassing-lewis-hamilton-performance/

[Fortitude]

Is Leclerc too error-prone to become F1 World Champion?
When Charles Leclerc crashed out of qualifying at Turn 7 during the Miami Grand Prix, I can't have been the only one thinking the same thing: Does he commit too many errors to be a World Champion?
13 May 6:15PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

The mistake during Miami Grand Prix qualifying was Charles Leclerc's second after crashing out at Melbourne in four corners of racing. RacingNews365.com asks: Can the Monegasque end Ferrari's 15-year Drivers' Championship drought?

It was a key moment for Leclerc as he could have snatched pole away from Red Bull for a second successive time in 2023, after Max Verstappen made an unforced error on his first lap.
Instead the Ferrari driver took enough kerb to unsettle the rear of his SF-23 and spun off into the TecPro for a second time at that corner, an impressive feat given the run-off is as large as the Miami Beach at Turn 7.

‘Too error-prone?’;

https://racingnews365.com/is-leclerc-too-accident-prone-to-become-f1-world-champion


More brutal Charles Leclerc criticism: ‘He’s driving beyond his capabilities’
May 2023 1:00 PM
Henry Valantine 12
PlanetF1.com

David Coulthard believes the recent mistakes from Charles Leclerc are evidence that he is “driving beyond his own capabilities” at the moment.

“It’s not acceptable and that’s a chink in his armour,” Coulthard said of Leclerc’s errors on Channel 4. He’s brilliantly fast, he extracts a lot from that car, but he makes too many mistakes and there’s too much damage.”

“He knows it, the team will know it, they’ll accept it because what else can you do? You know, you’re not going to fire him, he’s the strongest asset they have there in terms of extracting the last little bit from the car.”

‘Beyond his capabilities’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charles-leclerc-criticism-driving-beyond-capabilities/


Charles Leclerc urged to ‘stop crashing his car’
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari have had a poor start to the 2023 season, dropping behind Aston Martin and Mercedes.
12 May 2023
by David Freeman
Formula1News

2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button remains sympathetic to Charles Leclerc as things take a turn for the worst. After the Miami GP, the former World Champion stated:

“He probably does take more risk than most and he has even said that in qualifying, but he has also put it on pole position when we didn’t think they had a chance over the Red Bull, so it is a tricky one.”

“We are always going to pick him up on what just happened. I like how he goes racing, I like how he puts everything on the line.”

‘Stop crashing his car’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/charles-leclerc-urged-to-stop-crashing-his-car/


What Ferrari makes of Leclerc shunts that ‘reflect his mindset’
May 13 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

Ferrari’s Jock Clear believes crashes from Charles Leclerc such as his one on the final run of Q3 during the Miami Grand Prix weekend are “a reflection of his mindset” when taking on a rival in a quicker Formula 1 car. Clear, a vastly experienced engineer, is Leclerc’s Ferrari driver coach. They have worked together since Leclerc joined Ferrari ahead of the 2019 season, meaning Clear knows the 25-year-old well.

“I think so,” said Clear when asked if Leclerc has to find the limit. “And in some ways this maybe is a reflection of his mindset when he is up against a car [Red Bull] that is demonstrably quicker than him. It’s, ‘I’m just going to have to make the difference myself’, which, of course, physics ultimately catches you out.”

“We’re not going to say to him, ‘Look calm down, Charles’ because over the course of a year his qualifying is outstanding and that puts him in a very strong position for a lot of races, as it did last weekend [in Baku], clearly.”

“Over the course of a year his qualifying is outstanding”;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-ferrari-makes-of-leclerc-shunts-that-reflect-his-mindset/


Charles Leclerc's defiant promise after Miami GP crashes speaks volumes about Ferrari ace.
Leclerc crashed not once but twice in Miami, sparking criticism from some about the way he drives and suggestions from some that his penchant for a mistake is a liability for Ferrari.
13:21, 12 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Leclerc insists he has no plans to make any major changes to his approach when he gets behind the wheel. When asked if he felt his driving style might need some tweaks, he simply replied: "No, I don't think so." Clearly, Leclerc has not suffered a dent to his confidence through those collisions. The Ferrari racer did admit, though, that he might need to approach the final part of qualifying a little differently.

He added: "I obviously need to, in those weekends especially, just manage it differently in Q3. But, at the end, it's like this. I think I put myself also in a difficult situation because I wanted a very aggressive set-up for qualifying. Knowing that this was the set-up, I will need to extract the most out of the car. I probably did a step too far, and this is something I'll look at."

‘Leclerc's defiant promise’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/charles-leclercs-defiant-promise-after-29963288


Coulthard: Leclerc errors are ‘not acceptable’
13:40 Sat, 13 May 2023.
by Rob Kershaw
Motorsport Week

Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard reckons Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc needs a World Championship under his belt in order to reduce the number of errors he is making.

The 13-time race winner suggested that a title may have a calming effect on Leclerc. “But I think that all he needs is a World Championship and then he will be the complete package,” added Coulthard. “Right now, he doesn’t have that World Championship. Therefore, he’s driving a little bit desperate and driving beyond his own capabilities.”

‘Leclerc errors are ‘not acceptable’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/13/coulthard-leclerc-errors-are-not-acceptable/


Coulthard: 'Unacceptable' mistakes a chink in Leclerc's armour
14/05/2023 at 08:43
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

In Miami last time out, Leclerc crashed twice over the weekend at the same corner, his second error occurring in qualifying and potentially costing him pole position or at the very minimum a spot on the front row of the race.

The Ferrari charger's Australian Grand Prix was also a wash-out due to a mistake and a contact on the opening lap of the race in Melbourne. Last year, Leclerc's early championship battle with Max Verstappen suffered a massive set-back when he crashed in his home race at Paul Ricard while the event.

Whether the five-time Grand Prix winner is error-prone is a difficult call to make given Ferrari's often sorry state in terms of performance, reliability or operational mistakes and which often push Leclerc to the ragged edge and beyond.

‘Push Leclerc to the ragged edge and beyond’;

https://f1i.com/news/474299-coulthard-unacceptable-mistakes-a-chink-in-leclercs-armour.html


Charles Leclerc told to calm down as his driving comes under fire
Ferrari are continuing to struggle and star man Charles Leclerc is bearing the brunt of the criticism this year.
by David Freeman
13 May 2023
Formula1News

The Miami Grand Prix will have served as a reality check for Charles Leclerc. Saturday’s qualifying ended in despair with him spinning off, signalling the end of the session – the hunt for pole foiled. Former F1 driver and pundit Jolyon Palmer has spoken out on Leclerc’s poor form.

“For such a talented driver, it’s fair to say he makes a lot of mistakes. Leclerc has bemoaned the 2023 Ferrari as being inconsistent with balance, overly wind sensitive and overall tricky to drive, which it might well be, but his driving has also got to be questioned.”

“What we are lacking is consistency from the car,” Leclerc said. “Not even from corner to corner, just in the same corner I can have a huge oversteery balance and then a huge understeery balance.”

‘Calm down’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/charles-leclerc-told-to-calm-down-as-his-driving-comes-under-fire/

[Fortitude]

FIA vs FIA and how chaos came so close to catastrophe.
Just when you think you've seen it all in Formula 1, you can trust the FIA to come along and make you realise there's always something unprecedented around the corner.
Monday 1 May 2023 19:45
Jim Kimberley
GPFans

In the Sliding Doors alternate universe of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the media didn't get out of the way in time, there wouldn't be memes filling social media about Ocon's pit lane entry being akin to old-school rally stages; there'd be Formula 1 under the microscope from every news outlet on the planet.

At a time when the sport's popularity is booming, a car running over a dozen people would be one of the world's top stories for weeks. Alpine withdrawing from Formula 1, a forever-changed Esteban Ocon, life-changing injuries for some, manslaughter charges for others, funerals, and grieving families fill that parallel universe I'm so glad not to inhabit. It's a serious failing.

‘FIA vs FIA’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/106756/f1-pitlane-invasion-fia-azerbaijan-grand-prix-2023-analysis/


FIA criticised after tow truck appears on track mid-race in Miami
The FIA has faced criticism from motorsport fans after footage emerged online showing a tow truck on track during the start of the Porsche Carrera Cup.
13 May 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

The FIA is under fire from motorsport fans after a potentially dangerous incident at the start of the Porsche Carrera Cup in Miami. The Porsche Carrera Cup North America, now in its third season, saw drivers take to the track around Miami in between Grand Prix events at the Miami International Autodrome for round three of the championship.

‘Tow truck appears on track mid-race’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fia-criticised-after-tow-truck-appears-on-track-mid-race-in-miami/


F1 star drives wrong way around Miami Grand Prix track as FIA takes dim view
The F1 stewards usually prefer it when all 20 drivers are going in the same direction around a circuit, so were bemused when one of them briefly lost his bearings in the Miami sun
17:59, 7 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Stewards at the Miami Grand Prix gave one Formula 1 star a telling off after he drove the wrong way around the circuit at this weekend's event. It happened during practice on Friday, when Nyck de Vries was getting to grips with a circuit upon which he has never raced before. And the Dutchman was pushing a little too hard when he lost control and his AlphaTauri was sent into a spin at Turn 12.

He did not hit a wall or barrier and his engine did not cut out so he was able to get moving again quickly. But De Vries decided there wasn't enough room to turn his car around at that part of the track. So he drove backwards along the track to find a better place to spin his car back around into the right direction. Unsurprisingly, the stewards took a dim view of his decision to drive into oncoming traffic.

As De Vries used the run off area to swing his car back around, the stewards noted the incident and later looked into it. An investigation did not lead to a penalty for the AlphaTauri driver, but he was given a warning. "It's a new track for me and grip levels are extremely low, so you get quicker with each lap that you do," explained the Dutchman. "Even though the temperature is quite high, tyre warm-up seems to be a challenge because they need a long time before they perform."

‘FIA takes dim view’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/stewards-miami-nyck-de-vries-29919068


FIA investigates second pit-lane incident after Lando Norris near-miss
9 May 2023 • 11:09am
By Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Telegraph

The incident comes just a week after stewards at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ordered the FIA to review its parc ferme procedures after a group of "permitted media and other personnel” were allowed into the pit lane before the race had finished.

Ocon, who said he had been "arriving at 300kph" prior to entering the pit lane, described the situation as “crazy" and said F1 had been lucky to avoid a “big disaster. I had to brake, I had to avoid and it was pretty scary,” the Frenchman said. “Luckily it was all good. I had no idea that they were there. I've never seen that before."

‘It was pretty scary’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/09/miami-grand-prix-lando-norris-pit-lane-fia-investigation/


FIA launch investigation that could result in 'removal of passes' as F1 rule broken
The FIA tried to draw attention to new post-race rules brought in for the Miami Grand Prix.
16:09, Tue, May 9, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Formula One's governing body has confirmed they're looking into footage that showed another near-miss in the pit lane at the Miami Grand Prix. The FIA came under scrutiny in Baku when Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided catastrophe at the end of the race when he came into the pits where a group of people had already gathered.

An FIA spokesperson told the PA news agency: "We are aware of the incident and looking into it with local organisers." It comes after the FIA also issued a threat to ban anybody who infringed on the pit-lane rules.

"The FIA has apologised," he told Sky Sports News. "They assured us that this is not going to happen anymore. Thank God nothing happened and so all good from now.”

'Removal of passes';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1768240/FIA-launch-investigation-Lando-Norris-pit-lane-McLaren-F1-news

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin set to ditch Mercedes and use Honda engines.
Honda and Red Bull's partnership will conclude at the end of 2025, prior to the new power unit regulations being introduced.
13 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

It’s been reported that Aston Martin won’t be using Mercedes power units from 2026, with the Silverstone-based team expected to enter a new partnership with Japanese manufacturer Honda.

Honda have been on the search for a partner for 2026 ever since Red Bull announced that they’d be entering a technical partnership with Ford, as are sister side AlphaTauri.

The Japanese manufacturer’s options for the new power unit regulations have been slim, with only a handful of midfield teams being available. However, it appears that Aston Martin are their preferred choice, with the British team expected to become a Honda works’ side when the new regulations are introduced.

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin set to ditch Mercedes’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/aston-martin-set-to-ditch-mercedes-and-use-honda-engines/


The logic behind a blockbuster Aston Martin-Honda F1 project
14th May 2023, 08:13
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

If Aston Martin joins forces with Honda for a Formula 1 project beginning in 2026, as is looking likely, it will be a serious statement of intent. Aston Martin’s Mercedes partnership runs to the end of 2025 and it has always been likely that it would consider its options for the new rules.

That is plenty of time to fine-tune it for the 2026 car to fully benefit, and being affiliated with an engine manufacturer is a natural accompaniment to that. Which is why a works engine deal has been on the cards for quite a while, to the point of Aston even considering a Red Bull Powertrains-esque solo project.

But why Honda? The two companies have a recent previous connection in F1. They had a brief overlap during Honda’s first two years supplying Red Bull Racing with engines in 2019 and 2020, as Aston Martin – under its previous ownership – was the team’s title sponsor at the time.

‘EL PLAN: The logic’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-logic-behind-an-aston-martin-honda-f1-project/


Aston Martin looking ahead to 2024 car
08:26 Fri, 12 May 2023.
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Alonso is realistic that Aston Martin won’t be able to challenge Red Bull for the title. “Hopefully some of the tracks we will be a little bit closer to them,” he said. “And some of the upgrades that we will bring later in the season maybe put us in a different or more competitive position.”

“But I think our main focus, to be honest, is just looking behind and trying to keep Mercedes and Ferrari in the constructors’ championship under control.” And with that strategy, Aston Martin may be able to already get a start on developing its car for 2024.

“We absolutely want to start next year’s car as soon as possible,” technical director Dan Fallows, who left Red Bull a year ago, is quoted by France’s Auto Hebdo. “For us, it’s not about sacrificing this year’s car. Inevitably, it (the 2024 car) will be an evolution of this year’s car.

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin is already starting to look ahead to its 2024 car’;

https://grandpx.news/aston-martin-looking-ahead-to-2024-car/


Krack lifts lid on SECRET behind incredible Alonso F1 form
Thursday 11 May 2023 15:59
Harry Smith
GPFans

Mike Krack has explained the secret to Fernando Alonso's incredible 2023 form, claiming that the Spaniard's motivation is sky high. In an interview with Sport BILD, Krack explained: "He is part of the success. Without him, we wouldn't be where we currently are.”

"We knew we had made a big step forward in the winter, but the fact that we were on the podium four times in the first five races is something I didn't expect.”

"It's all about motivation. It's unbroken with Fernando. We would have to take another step because Red Bull is very, very strong, but, if we put him a title car, he can be world champion."

‘EL PLAN: Motivation. It's unbroken with Fernando’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107405/fernando-alonso-f1-mike-krack-aston-martin-sebastian-vettel/


TREMAYNE: Alonso’s re-emergence is the feel-good story of 2023 – and his best chance of a win is coming soon
12 May 2023
David Tremayne
Hall of Fame F1 Journalist
Formula One - Official Site

Habitual success can breed complacency, a sense of entitlement or enhanced ambition. Guess which one applies to Fernando Alonso…

“Fernando, what can we say?” old McLaren team-mate Jenson Button said after the Miami GP as the crowd roared their approval of his result. “Four podiums out of five races. Now the smile is there, it’s great…” “Not bad,” Fernando replied with deliberate understatement, the pirate beard failing to hide his cheerful smile.

This is the man who first won a Grand Prix in Hungary back in 2003, who unseated Michael Schumacher in 2005 and ’06, who went on to recover from some unfortunate career choices to expand his horizons, win at Le Mans, and come close at Indianapolis. Still, like the magician that he is, able to find grip where that crucial task at the topmost level can still defeat so many others. Racing in his forties as hard as he ever did in his twenties, but with so much wider experience.

‘EL PLAN: The magician that he is’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-alonsos-re-emergence-is-the-feel-good-story-of-2023-and-his-best.52r23ksZd9i3WP8mWex9iw.html


Aston Martin ‘not holding back’ in development battle with Mercedes and Ferrari
Sunday 14th May, 2023 - 7:51pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Mike Krack is adamant Aston Martin is pacing itself in this season’s F1 development war and not getting sucked into the plans of rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. The team has so far been steady with regard to updates as it continues to build on the solid platform provided by the AMR23 which has been the surprise of the season to date.

Addressing what to expect over the next few races, team principal Krack said: “We’re pushing quite hard on the developments, and we’re quite confident that for the next few events, the data differences will not be too big as the development race goes on. “But then what comes after, say mid-season, we cannot say at this stage, because you have to see then who has spent how much and where you are at that stage, and you will also have the new car (for 2024) to develop.”

“We do our thing, we have our plan, and it will not change so much if one or the other team brings upgrades every race. This cannot change our plan, otherwise, we are always reactive. It’s important you define yourself, you put a roadmap in place, you define what you need when, and you follow it.”

‘EL PLAN: Roadmap in place’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/14/aston-martin-f1-development-battle-ferrari-mercedes/


Alonso addresses Aston Martin future and reveals what is TEMPTING him
Saturday 13 May 2023 22:57
Dan Davis
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has revealed he is "tempted" to extend his stay with Aston Martin but also admitted he may look to retire from Formula 1 on a high. The team's vast improvement this year has enabled both Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll to push for podiums, and the evergreen veteran has secured four top-three finishes from the opening five races of the season.

It is believed his current contract stretches across 2023 and 2024, although Alonso has insisted he is feeling "fresh", leading to speculation he may sign a new deal. And now, Alonso has confirmed that is indeed the case.

"Things seem to be going better than we expected this year and maybe that means being tempted to extend the contract in the future," he told Spanish sports newspaper Marca, via Formula1News. "But there is also the temptation to finish, and do it with a smile on my face. I don't know, honestly."

‘EL PLAN: Sign a new deal’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107589/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-f1-future-contract/

[Fortitude]

Ferrari needs a technical boss, not Vasseur.
Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola is not confident new team boss Frederic Vasseur can turn the situation around at Maranello.
15th May 2023, 08:12
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Having ousted Mattia Binotto at the end of last year, the fabled Italian team is struggling even more than it did in 2022 now with Frenchman Vasseur at the helm. “I’m sorry,” Mazzola told Quotidiano Motori, “but I think Vasseur has the wrong approach when it comes to the problems at Ferrari.

“And I say that with full knowledge of the facts,” he insisted. “Now I fear that (Charles) Leclerc will not renew his contract.” In 2021, Mazzola said the biggest problem at Ferrari is its lack of a “dominant” leader like Luca di Montezemolo, Jean Todt and Ross Brawn. Now, he insists: “Maranello has been missing a technical director for years. Too many years.”

However, he insists he is not trying to be too hard on Vasseur. “Let’s give him some time,” said Mazzola. “But I’m not sure he can match Jean Todt. He shares the French passport with his illustrious predecessor – we’ll see about the rest. “But Todt had already won everything at Peugeot before going to Maranello. What has Vasseur won in his career?”

“I think Vasseur has the wrong approach”;

https://grandpx.news/ferrari-needs-a-technical-boss-not-vasseur/


'Vasseur don't mention aerodynamics, would affect technical pyramid'
9 MAY - 06:52
GPblog.com

Ferrari's results in Azerbaijan were encouraging, but a week later the Italian racing stable seem to have made exactly no progress. In Miami, updates were included for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, but none of it helped much. Where does it lie? Corriere dello Sport thinks team boss Frederic Vasseur is not telling the whole story.

After the fifth Grand Prix of the season, Vasseur chose his words carefully. He pointed to 'the lack of consistency in performance' as the cause of the problems. The Frenchman, who replaced Mattia Binotto last winter, agreed that it was mainly to do with the level of tyre wear. The drivers, especially on Sunday, have (too) little confidence in the car.

The Italian newspaper read: "However, there is one word the team boss will stay away from: aerodynamics. Because admitting that a deficiency in that area is the root cause would affect the entire technical pyramid." In that area, Ferrari is in a bit in the corner where the blows are falling anyway, as at the beginning of this season the head of aerodynamics David Sanchez suddenly decided to leave.

‘One word the team boss will stay away from: AERODYNAMICS’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/203584/vasseur-and-ferrari-need-to-get-down-to-business-in-2023.html


Vasseur risks DISAPPOINTING Tifosi with Ferrari upgrade message
Tuesday 9 May 2023 07:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Ferrari will have new upgrades coming to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but Fred Vasseur has warned it won't be a huge update. The Scuderia head to their home race at Imola after a wretched weekend in Miami where Charles Leclerc crashed twice at the same corner throughout practice and qualifying.

Vasseur, the Prancing Horse team principal, has urged his team to open their eyes to the problems as they look to salvage their season. "It's a strange feeling, you have to open your eyes and consider the situation,"

"Red Bull? Surprising performance between tests and races. We are there with the others, while Red Bull flies by. Leclerc? In the first third of the race he struggled a lot, then he recovered and had the same pace as Sainz. The result, however, is a pity. the switch. Updates will arrive at Imola, but they're not the main thing."

‘DISAPPOINTING Tifosi’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107264/fred-vasseur-ferrari-f1-imola-upgrades-tifosi/


Vasseur faced with Ferrari 'moving target'
05 May 6:20PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Frederic Vasseur took over as Ferrari Team Principal in January and has been presented with a number of challenges in the first four months. Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has been faced with a "moving target" since taking over from Mattia Binotto.

On-track struggles with reliability and tyre degradation left the Scuderia behind Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes in the opening races despite sparkling one-lap pace - underlined by Leclerc in Azerbaijan with pole for both Sprint and grand prix.

But off track, Vasseur has been given a baptism of fire with changes behind the scenes at Ferrari - the latest being Laurent Mekies' impending departure to take over as AlphaTauri Team Principal at the end of the season and with a gulf between Red Bull and the chasing pack, the former Sauber CEO faces a stern test to lay the foundations for a revival for the Maranello-based outfit.

'Moving target';

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-faced-with-ferrari-moving-target


Vasseur petitions Ferrari to understand inconsistent pace.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur doesn't necessarily think their 2023 car is simply stronger over one lap than the race
May 10, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Frederic Vasseur says Ferrari‘s pace is too inconsistent as the team endured a difficult Miami Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz started third and was on podium contention before a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane, and poor tyre wear on the C2 hard compound saw him drop to fifth.

Charles Leclerc‘s crash in Q3 meant he began the Miami GP from seventh and spent most of the race battling with Haas‘ Kevin Magnussen, before finishing where he started. “We are far too inconsistent from one lap to the other and we have to understand why,” Vasseur told the media.

“In qualifying, I think the pace was decent but we are not able to put everything together. And in the race it’s quite similar that the first stint went pretty well for Carlos but we lost 25 seconds on one side of the garage and we lost 25 seconds in the final stint.”

“But we really need to focus attention on this inconsistency because that is key for us”;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-vasseur-ferrari-understand-inconsistent-pace/


Ferrari management questioned after ‘unforgiveable’ Charles Leclerc error
13 May 2023 4:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Peter Windsor, the Formula 1 commentator, has questioned the impact of new Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur after Charles Leclerc’s “unforgiveable” mistake in Miami left his career at a “crossroads”.

Speaking during a recent YouTube stream, former Williams and Ferrari team manager Windsor feels Vasseur should have intervened to prevent Leclerc making a second mistake in qualifying. He said: “I was getting quite bullish about the whole new Charles/Freddy Vasseur partnership – sort of Colin Chapman/Jim Clark or Patrick Head/Alan Jones.

“Not that Freddy is a designer, of course, but after what they had [under Mattia Binotto] I was getting bullish about Charles having this bond with Freddy Vasseur who’s a real racer. They should be on the same wavelength. And yet it all went south. It was terrible.”

‘Ferrari management questioned’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-management-unforgiveable-charles-leclerc/

[Fortitude]

Mick Schumacher F1 return hopes boosted as Toto Wolff plan revealed.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is reportedly working to get Mick Schumacher back onto the F1 grid, and has turned to an old friend in a bid to make it happen.
14 May 2023 5:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse

As per a report from Sport1, Wolff has taken on the challenge of this mission to make Schumacher a Formula 1 driver once again. Competition for the 20 seats on the grid is always fierce, but fortunately for Schumacher, Wolff is not short of contacts outside of Mercedes, and he is reportedly using one of them to try and open a door for his reserve driver.

Wolff is no stranger to the Williams team, having owned shares in the team previously, while he is very familiar with their team principal James Vowles, who before taking up that role early in 2023, was Mercedes’ long-standing strategy chief. Sport1 claim that Wolff is attempting to convince Vowles to give Schumacher a Williams seat in the place of their F1 2023 rookie Logan Sargeant.

The American racer delivered a promising start to his first F1 campaign, though having struggled to really kick on from there while team-mate Alex Albon has delivered some standout performances, Sport1 say Sargeant is now considered a “shaky candidate” by Williams.

‘Toto Wolff plan revealed’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-plan-mick-schumacher-f1-return/


Toto Wolff lobbies for Mick Schumacher F1 seat as he aims to 'convince' rival team boss
Mick Schumacher could make a sensational F1 return as one of the sport's newest rookies could soon be axed.
08:16, Mon, May 15, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Toto Wolff is pushing for Mick Schumacher to make an F1 return at Williams, according to reports. German media have claimed Logan Sargeant’s F1 future may be under threat with Williams bosses thought to be dissatisfied with his performances.

F1Mania feels that performances at the next three races in Imola, Monaco and Barcelona could decide his future. But, the American could be axed ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix if he doesn’t improve with Wolff believed to be pushing for the squad to take on Schumacher.

According to Sport1, Sargeant's dismissal could see a revival for Schumacher with Wolff thought to be lobbying ex-colleague Vowles to take him on. Wolff snapped up Schumacher as the team's reserve driver after he was axed by Haas at the end of last season.

‘Sensational F1 return’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1770235/toto-wolff-mick-schumacher-james-vowles-f1-news


Toto Wolff pushing for Mick Schumacher to replace Sargeant by Canadian GP
Logan Sargeant reportedly has the upcoming triple-header to save his Formula 1 career.
15 May 2023
by Nick Golding

Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher might be returning to the Formula 1 grid sooner than expected, following a report by German media outlet Sport1. Sargeant has appeared in Q2 and has shown at times some very respectable pace; however, he’s struggled in the last few races.

He crashed into Nyck de Vries at the Australian Grand Prix and finished last at his home race in Miami, whilst Alex Albon battled much higher up. With no seat likely to be available for Schumacher at Mercedes anytime soon, the German will presumably need to leave the Brackley-based team if he wants to return to the grid next season, something Wolff appears to be helping with.

Schumacher was actually linked to Sargeant’s Williams seat before the rookie was confirmed by the team, with the German having reportedly been on standby if Sargeant failed to accumulate enough super licence points.

‘Upcoming triple-header to save Formula 1 career’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolff-pushing-for-mick-schumacher-to-replace-sargeant-by-canadian-gp/


Wolff opens door for SENSATIONAL Schumacher F1 return
Sunday 14 May 2023 11:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Helmut Marko has already ruled out hiring Schumacher to replace the Dutchman which has seen Wolff look elsewhere to try and get him back on the grid. The Mercedes team principal is hoping he can convince his former ally Vowles, who now runs the Williams outfit, to drop the American rookie in favour of the former Haas man.

Sargeant appears to have been given the upcoming triple header at Imola, Monaco and Barcelona to prove he deserves to stay in the seat at Williams. If he doesn't manage to do so compared to his impressive team-mate Alex Albon, he could lose his drive and see Schumacher step in for the Canadian Grand Prix.

‘SENSATIONAL Schumacher F1 return’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107626/toto-wolff-mercedes-mick-schumacher-williams-james-vowles-f1/


Helmut Marko comments on Daniel Ricciardo or Mick Schumacher racing with Red Bull
Nyck de Vries was signed by AlphaTauri following his points finish at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix.
15 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has ruled out an early return to Formula 1 for Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher, with the Austrian not set to use either driver should Nyck de Vries need replacing.

It’s been reported that De Vries has the upcoming triple-header to save his F1 career, with the Dutchman having endured a nightmare start to his rookie campaign. Marko has taken notice of Tsunoda’s sublime start and admits that the gap between the Japanese driver and De Vries is “too big”.

However, the Dutchman’s seat at AlphaTauri isn’t at risk for the time being. “Nothing will happen in the next three races,” Marko told F1 Insider. “We spoke to De Vries and he agrees with us: he needs to improve.

‘Ruled out an early return to Formula 1, for Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/helmut-marko-comments-on-daniel-ricciardo-or-mick-schumacher-racing-with-red-bull/

[Fortitude]

Have Red Bull’s rivals made an upgrade breakthrough? Five talking points for Imola.
This weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola could be a pivotal point in the course of the 2023 season, with many teams planning to bring substantial upgrades to their cars.
2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Posted on 16th May 2023, 7:1516th May 2023, 7:04
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Although it is only round six of this year’s world championship, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is set to effectively mark the start of the second phase of the 2023 season. The opening five rounds of the championship were dominated by Red Bull, who claimed every chequered flag first every time to storm to a commanding 122-point lead over their nearest rivals Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship. In the drivers’ standings, Max Verstappen leads team mate Sergio Perez by 14 points, courtesy of his third win of the season in Miami.

But this weekend in Imola marks a key point of the season. Many of the ten teams have been building to this round to introduce their first major upgrade packages of the season, not least of which Mercedes, who will be looking to make progress in their efforts to chase down the runaway Red Bulls.

However, the nine teams chasing Red Bull could be in for a rude awakening. The world champions themselves have no intentions of allowing themselves to be caught and may well have new parts of their own just as their rivals. Although this weekend could see the start of the next phase of the season, do not be surprised if it continues very much the same way as the first.

‘Upgrade breakthrough?’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/16/have-red-bulls-rivals-made-an-upgrade-breakthrough-five-talking-points-for-imola/


It's just Imola - 2023 Emilia Romagna GP Preview
22:22 Mon, 15 May 2023.
Inside Line F1 Podcast (Weblog).

It's time for the 'Long Name Grand Prix' this weekend. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix has historically had really long names - courtesy multiple sponsors, and of course, the region/government of Emilia Romagna. But did you grow up calling this race Imola?

There will be two key points this weekend - upgrades and rumours. All eyes on Mercedes, yes? @f1statsguru presents his stats preview segment for this weekend's race. Tune in!

‘It's just Imola’;

https://omny.fm/shows/inside-line-f1-podcast/its-just-imola-2023-emilia-romagna-gp-preview


IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
15 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

Off the back of all the excitement of Miami, the next venue is one of the most iconic on Formula 1’s calendar as we head to the stunning Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. And as the European section of the season gets into full swing, there’s plenty to talk about ahead of the race at Imola… 1. That Mercedes upgrade: If you hadn’t heard that Mercedes are bringing some new parts to Imola, you’ve done a really good job of avoiding the news.

2. Ferrari seeking consistency (and they’re not alone): While the first major Mercedes update arrives this weekend, Ferrari have been bringing new bits to recent races – including a new floor in Miami – and will continue to do so as they search for one specific item. 3. Alpine looking to respond to boss's criticism: If the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes are looking to rectify issues, at Alpine it’s more a case of delivering a response to their CEO.

4. The Red Bull driver battle: You didn’t think I was going to leave this one out, did you? As impressive as Max Verstappen was in recovering from ninth on the grid in Miami to win for the third time this season, even on a weekend were Sergio Perez admitted he wasn’t driving at his best throughout, he still made Verstappen work hard for the victory. 5. An iconic circuit to kick-off the triple header: You can expect there won’t be a huge number of fans in the grandstands this weekend who share the same sentiments as Red Bull do above, with the tifosi out in force to support Ferrari at one of their home races.

‘Stunning Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-emilia-romagna.1ApuFAD6WAp0IIqnH1nChP.html


Emilia Romagna Grand Prix under threat as wild weather wreaks havoc in Imola
May 16th, 2023 12:52 pm
Staff Writers from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

The upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is predicted to be bombarded with wild weather this weekend, with the Italian region grappling with torrential rain and flood warnings. The Imola Regional Weather Service has issued a red level rain warning – the highest level possible – with forecasters predicting almost 160mm of rain on Tuesday and a further 110mm on Wednesday, The Herald Sun reports.

The rain is expected to ease ahead of this weekend’s race, but Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session is predicted to be hit by fresh rainfall and a potential storm. Earlier this month, two people in the Emilia-Romagna region were killed due to extreme flooding, with hundreds forced to flee their homes. A spokesperson confirmed the Imola track had not been damaged during the carnage.

The threat of floods and landslides has prompted calls for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which is scheduled to get underway at 11pm AEST on Sunday evening, to be abandoned.

‘wild weather wreaks havoc’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/emilia-romagna-grand-prix-under-threat-as-wild-weather-wreaks-havoc-in-imola/news-story/140ce434284a844abf025283cedea3a2


F1 NATION: Ferrari under pressure and Mercedes bring 'make or break' upgrades – our Emilia Romagna GP preview
16 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Imola is intense. The legendary Italian circuit has hosted incredible battles ever since it staged the Italian Grand Prix back in 1980, and this year's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix sees two Red Bull drivers going in with the title in mind while Mercedes and Ferrari look to claw back some performance.

The storylines just keep on coming and, as we near Round 6 of the season, there is plenty to look forward to, with the field heading to Imola to contest the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

‘Make or break upgrades’

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-nation-ferrari-under-pressure-and-mercedes-bring-make-or-break-upgrades.7tK56vyfdvj7LyjttqmfOx.html

[Fortitude]

Emilia-Romagna GP to go ahead despite warnings due to heavy rain this week.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is expected to go ahead despite a severe weather warning being issued ahead of the race due to the possibility of flooding.
16th May 2023, 13:16
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

The FIA’s own weather report (which will not be updated until an hour before the first practice session on Friday) anticipates the first few days in the paddock to be gusty and wet, but for conditions to be calmer by the time drivers take to the track.

Friday could be as cool as 11C but if the rain clouds move away then it could be as warm as 17C when first practice it scheduled to start at 12:30pm. There is a 40% chance of rain, however, and potentially some 20kph winds too. Similar temperatures are expected for third practice and qualifying on Saturday. Warmer conditions are expected in the afternoon but the risk of rain during qualifying remains.

A sunny morning means the track temperature should be at its highest when it comes to the race on Sunday, and the wind will continue to ease. However that also means any rainclouds which drift in are unlikely to blow away quickly.

‘Expected to go ahead’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/16/emilia-romagna-gp-to-go-ahead-despite-warnings-due-to-heavy-rain-this-week/


Paddock evacuated due to risk of flooding at F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
16 May 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

The paddock at the F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix has reportedly been evacuated due the risk of flooding. The news was reported by CanalPlus, the French TV broadcasters, who were arriving at Imola on Tuesday.

Il vient d'être demandé à toutes les équipes présentes sur le Circuit d'Imola d'évacuer les lieux dans les 30 mn.
Les pluies torrentielles et un début d'inondation de certaines zones en sont évidemment la raison principale. pic.twitter.com/7ItwrFSA33

All the teams present on the Imola Circuit have just been asked to evacuate the premises within 30 minutes.
Circuit have just been asked to evacuate the premises within 30 minutes.

‘The paddock reportedly been evacuated’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1026466/1/paddock-evacuated-due-risk-flooding-f1-emiliaromagna-grand-prix


What are the chances of rain affecting the Imola Grand Prix?
16 May 12:15PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff

With the Emilia Romagna region suffering from heavy rainfall in the last two weeks, will things ease up in time for the race at Imola? Two weeks after the Miami Grand Prix, Formula 1 embarks on a triple-header, with the first stop being the legendary Imola circuit for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

There will be a greater risk of rain for Qualifying on Saturday, which may mean that the new qualifying format will not be used. On both days, temperatures will be around 20 degrees Celsius and there will be moderately windy conditions.

Rain is also a possibility for the race day, but the greater risk will be in the morning, with some dry spells anticipated for the race time in the afternoon. However, rain during the race cannot be completely ruled out at this stage, as showers will be present in the region on Sunday.

‘The chances of rain’;

https://racingnews365.com/what-are-the-chances-of-rain-affecting-the-imola-grand-prix


Formula 1 circuit evacuated on safety grounds to leave Imola Grand Prix in danger of being called off
16th May 2023, 3:23 pm
Connor Andrews
talkSPORT

The 2023 Imola Grand Prix is at risk of cancellation after staff were told to evacuate the area due to the risk of flooding.

Track action in Emilia-Romagna in east Italy is scheduled to get underway on Friday, with teams and drivers arriving throughout the week, but weather forecasts have jeopardised that just days before the event.

This is the situatuon right now of the river next to Imola circuit. The personnel has been evacuated as precaution. #f1 #EmiliaRomagnaGP pic.twitter.com/dflBCQK0ry
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) May 16, 2023

‘The river next to Imola circuit’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1426109/


F1 evacuate Imola circuit due to floods as Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at risk
This weekend's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Italy is scheduled to take place in Imola - but heavy rain in the region has left the upcoming Formula 1 race in doubt
16:24, 16 May 2023
By Tom Blow Sports Writer

F1 chiefs are anxiously waiting to see if the Santerno will burst its banks, which could send water flooding into the paddock. Staff at Imola have returned to their hotels while the situation unfolds, leaving all 20 drivers wondering if a race will go ahead.

It is understood that F1 have not yet seriously thought about a contingency plan - and there is hope that the weather calms down before the weekend’s GP. There will be more to follow on this breaking news story.

‘F1 evacuate Imola circuit due to floods’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/italian-grand-prix-rain-imola-29995249


What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?
16 May 2023.
Formula One - Official Site

F1’s Official tyre suppliers have brought the three softest compounds in their range for this weekend’s action in Imola, with the drivers able to call upon C3 (hard tyre), C4 (medium tyre), and the C5 (soft tyre).

They will also have access to the intermediates (green), and a new full wet tyre (blue), that Pirelli will also be bringing for the first time, andy they will be used if the weather requires.

??A new full wet tyre (blue)??;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.what-tyres-will-the-teams-and-drivers-have-for-the-2023-emilia-romagna-grand.6izLWa94Bas9PvDcefU5nT.html

[Fortitude]

SWIMOLA! Flood alert for Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix as F1 personnel EVACUATED.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix could be heavily disrupted this weekend with social media images showing the Santerno river that runs next to the circuit already overflowing.
Tuesday 16 May 2023 17:57
Dan Ripley
GPFans

Recently nonstop torrential rain caused riverbeds to flow in northern Italy, resulting in landslides. The damage has been tragic with two reported deaths and hundreds more quickly evacuated from their homes.

Now more rapid downpours are expected to hit Emilia-Romagna early this week, while rain is expected to continue throughout the entire weekend, with storms having previously been forecasted to hit the track during qualifying.

So far there has been no damage done to the Imola circuit, located 40km from Bologna, and so far F1 chiefs are confident the event will go ahead as expected. Race fans are likely to be severely hit with car parks and spectator areas in severe threat of being waterlogged.

‘SWIMOLA!’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107745/imola-flood-alert-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-f1/


Italian Met Office issues severe weather warnings as Emilia Romagna GP faces flooding risk
16 May 2023
by David Freeman
Formula1News

Life-threatening weather looks likely to spill over as the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix takes place this weekend.

The Italian Met Office has issued new flood warnings with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on the horizon. Fortunately for the Italian Grand Prix, there has been no damage to the track meaning the race will go ahead.

With numerous teams adding new additions, the chance of corroborating upgrades looks thin as the rain will impact the running considerably.

‘Flooding risk’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/italian-met-office-issues-severe-weather-warnings-as-emilia-romagna-gp-faces-flooding-risk/


Imola faces floods days before Emilia Romagna GP – F1 on red alert
The Emilia Romagna region of Italy has been hit by unprecedented, persistent rain
May 16, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

The 2023 Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is now on red alert due to excessive flooding at Imola and the surrounding areas.

The first of two trips to Italy in 2023 is due to kick-start a triple-header for F1 with Monaco and Barcelona to come next but the unprecedented rain and flooding has put the race in question.

Several rivers in the local area have burst their banks and it has led to evacuation of the area for many and even two deaths. Rain is forecast for the whole weekend but if it comes with the same intensity then the track may not be raceable at all.

‘Imola faces floods’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-imola-floods-before-emilia-romagna-gp-2023-red-alert/


F1 personnel evacuated from Imola paddock amid flood fears
16th May 2023, 17:29
By Matt Majendie
Evening Standard

Images on social media showed the rapidly rising Santerno river adjacent to the circuit before the announcement was made around 3pm BST for all F1 personnel to evacuate the paddock with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.

Further heavy rain is expected to fall for the remainder of Tuesday and throughout Wednesday, which is expected to further exacerbate the situation.

Italian officials had already issued flood warnings for the region for Tuesday and Wednesday with schools closed and people warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Operational plans are already being put in place to deal with the wet weather.

‘Operational plans’;

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/b1081549.html


Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could be CANCELLED due to extreme weather... after Imola was evacuated due to flood risks just days before race weekend
• An anticipated 100mm of rainfall is due in the region before Wednesday evening
• The circuit lies dangerously close to the banks of the rising river Santerno
• Extreme weather is set to continue over race weekend, including strong winds
Published: 18:02, 16 May 2023
By Tamara Prenn For Mailonline
Mail Online

Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could be threatened with cancellation after personnel were forced to evacuate the paddock at Imola due to flood risks. The northern Italian region has been hit with heavy rain and flooding throughout May, and was given a red weather alert as rain and wind look set to continue.

As much rainfall as 100mm is predicted to fall through Wednesday evening in the region, where hundreds of residents have already been evacuated, local schools are closing, and all but essential travel is advised against.

Formula One have said that the race is set to go ahead as planned at present, and there is hope that the television broadcast of the event won't be effected by the extreme weather.

‘Could be CANCELLED’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12090585/Emilia-Romagna-Grand-Prix-CANCELLED-Imola-evacuated-flood-risks.html

[Fortitude]

F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Circuit Flooding Causes Evacuation.
Sunday's Formula 1 race expected to go as scheduled.
Published: May 16, 2023
By Phillip Horton
AutoWeek

Preparations for this weekend’s Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix have been affected by severe rainfall affecting the Imola circuit and surrounding region. As much as six inches of rainfall has been forecast through Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Personnel in the Formula 1 paddock, setting up the standard infrastructure, were instructed to evacuate on Tuesday afternoon as a precaution.

Conditions are set to improve from Wednesday afternoon onwards though there remains a risk of showers influencing track activity throughout the grand prix weekend.

Spectator areas and car parks—the majority of which are on grass—are also likely to be adversely affected by the excessive rainfall. Teams and other personnel are traveling to the event as normal and no disruption is expected to the weekend’s on-track timetable.

‘Sunday's Formula 1 race expected to go as scheduled’;

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a43907167/f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-circuit-flooding-causes-evacuation/


Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola: F1 race start time, weather forecast and how to watch
Plus: How to watch, latest odds, driver standings and session start times for this weekend's F1 race in Imola
16 May 2023 • 8:01pm
By Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT and Luke Slater
The Telegraph

Formula One staff were forced to evacuate the Imola paddock on Tuesday amid concern over heavy rain and possible flooding ahead of this weekend’s grand prix. Officials moved to calm fears over the viability of the race itself, with Tuesday’s evacuation described as merely precautionary while authorities monitor the situation on what is traditionally a quiet day during race weeks.

A picture circulating of the Imola paddock showed no more than a few big puddles, while F1 personnel were able to continue to set up their garages and paddock homes before the evacuation order. But equally there is an acceptance that water levels in the nearby Santerno River, which runs parallel to the paddock, could rise before they fall.

Already videos of the river on social media show the Santerno running exceptionally high. The fear is that it breaches its banks before the weekend’s estimated 120,000 spectators arrive, causing a major headache for race organisers. Imola has had issues with its car parks flooding in previous years, but this would be on another scale in terms of managing that number of people.

‘Water levels in the nearby Santerno River, which runs parallel to the paddock, could rise before they fall’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/16/emilia-romagna-grand-prix-imola-f1-start-time-weather-flood/


How to watch 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: F1 live stream and start times
May 16th 2023
Author Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine

Don’t miss a moment as F1 returns to hallowed ground this weekend, making its first 2023 stop on Italian soil for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. All of the action will be broadcast on TV and live-streamed as usual, and we’ve got the details below.

Miami offered glitz and glamour but there will also be celebration in the air at Imola, which marks its 70th anniversary this year. Also filling the sky could be a blanket of cloud, with rain predicted throughout the weekend.

Could unpredictable weather give Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin the chance of preventing a Red Bull victory for the first time this season? Or will the upgrades that many teams are bringing to Italy help to close the gap?

‘70th anniversary’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-to-watch-2023-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-f1-live-stream-and-start-times/?nowprocket=1#


Emilia Romagna GP: Williams Racing Grand Prix Preview
May 17 2023
By Williams Racing
WilliamsF1 Supporters

Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance: The sixth race of the season sees us return to Europe for a triple-header. We start in Italy, at the Imola circuit, before moving on to Monaco and Barcelona.

As well as a return to Europe, this weekend sees the introduction of a new tyre format. This Alternative Tyre Allocation (“ATA”) event – which will be repeated at the Hungaroring later in the year – will see each team have only 11 sets of dry tyres available for the whole weekend. The 11 sets of tyres this weekend are a mix of Pirelli’s softest compounds.

As well as fewer sets of dry tyres this weekend, we also have the introduction of a new Pirelli wet tyre, which will run without heating blankets. Given the weather forecast, this may become very relevant this weekend.

‘Return to Europe for a triple-header’;

https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st204726.htm


F1 Mailbag: McLaren’s Imola GP outlook and a fun Red Bull hypothetical
May 16, 2023
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

It’s a new race week, and Formula One is heading to Italy for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. It’s the start of F1’s European leg of the schedule and the first triple-header of the season, which will include Italy, Monaco, and Barcelona, before an off-week.

However, a red alert weather warning was issued for the Emilia Romagna region, and reports surfaced Tuesday that the track is being evacuated, given the heavy rain. As of the publication of this story, there has been no public change to the race weekend.

This week’s mailbag is more of a miscellaneous recap, touching on the Imola upgrades, addressing whether the drivers’ comments about the Miami intros were fair, and much more.

‘F1 Mailbag’;

https://theathletic.com/4524439/2023/05/16/imola-gp-f1-mailbag/

[Fortitude]

Exceptional rains in drought-struck northern Italy kill 8, cancel Formula One Grand Prix.
The heavy rains also forced Formula One to cancel this weekend's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to not overtax emergency crews that were already stretched thin in responding to the rivers of mud that have torn through the region, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and homes.
MAY 17, 2023 — 10:05AM
By LUCA BRUNO and NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

IMOLA, Italy — Exceptional rains Wednesday in a drought-struck region of northern Italy swelled rivers over their banks, killing at least eight people, forcing the evacuation of thousands and prompting officials to warn that Italy needs a national plan to combat climate change-induced flooding.

Days of rainstorms stretched across a broad swath of northern Italy and the Balkans, where ''apocalyptic'' floods, landslides and evacuations were also reported in Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia.

The deputy governor of Emilia-Romagna, Irene Priolo, said eight people were killed and others unaccounted for in flooding that forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people. Among the dead was a farmer who defied floodwaters to try to save equipment on his property, officials said. His wife was among the missing.

‘Drought-struck northern Italy kill 8’;

https://www.startribune.com/exceptional-rains-in-drought-struck-northern-italy-kill-8-cancel-formula-one-grand-prix/600275512/


F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix canceled because of deadly floods in Italy
May 17th 2023 at 11:12AM
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Autoblog

IMOLA, Italy — This weekend's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in northern Italy was canceled Wednesday because of deadly floods in the region. “It is such a tragedy to see what has happened to Imola and Emilia-Romagna, the town and region that I grew up in and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding and the families and communities affected," F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said.

Formula One personnel had earlier been told to stay away from the track after floods affected large parts of the Emilia-Romagna region. Some residents of Imola, where the track is located, were warned to move to higher floors of their homes. The Santerno River runs right next to the track. Matteo Salvini, the infrastructure minister in Italy’s government, had requested that the race be canceled to favor the flow of resources and aid to the hardest hit areas of the flooding.

‘Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding’;

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/05/17/f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-canceled-flooding-italy/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG4hbpc06lAMKQ-NSPCuX-w6n8n3oE52K8DmNl5HlFwQbvnC1hIf7QuFjvg6aY1BotNjl-Rmdkzdqaq55McqgGOtB6WAQBlB2Ku3nIwfMSTA7eEwYUoGhQNR JpHgKgdkVwFFIRgjlj3eCOTCZl5_6N4KfZ3rVNllcivzSFJyqy BR


F1 drivers and teams fully behind Emilia Romagna GP cancellation
Thursday 18th May, 2023 - 12:15am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

F1 drivers and teams have offered their full support to the swift and decisive action taken to cancel the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Just 20 hours after all F1 personnel were told to evacuate the paddock at Imola due to rising floodwaters stemming from the nearby Santerno River, a decision was taken that this weekend’s event cannot go ahead as planned.

F1 and the FIA have made it clear that the efforts of the emergency services are of paramount importance given they are already stretched to breaking point in their relief efforts.

‘Emilia Romagna GP cancellation’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/18/f1-drivers-teams-fully-behind-emilia-romagna-gp-cancellation/


Cancelled Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix unlikely to reappear on 2023 F1 schedule
2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Posted on 17th May 2023, 15:08
Written by Keith Collantine

The extent of the damage to the circuit and surrounding infrastructure will be the first constraining factor on when a race may go ahead. Between now and the beginning of the summer break, which follows the Belgian Grand Prix in August 30th, there are no gaps in which a race could be added which wouldn’t create an unprecedented quadruple or quintuple-header.

Although Italy will hold a round of the world championship at Monza in September, Imola seems unlikely to return to the schedule until next year. Another factor to take in now is that the 2023 cancellation gives Imola an extra challenge to appear on the 2024 calendar, as F1’s sporting regulations state: “A Competition which is cancelled with less than three months’ written notice to the FIA will not be considered for inclusion in the following year’s championship unless the FIA judges the cancellation to have been due to force majeure.”

‘Unlikely to reappear’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/17/cancelled-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-unlikely-to-reappear-on-2023-f1-schedule/


'Not possible to safely hold the event' - Italian Grand Prix cancelled
17th May 2023, 14:08
The42

The civil protection agency said 14 rivers had broken their banks across the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, and 23 towns were flooded. It urged “maximum caution”, as mayors warned people to stay on high ground.

“About 5,000 people have been evacuated, but that number might rise,” Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci told Radio 24. - ‘They are heroes’ - In Forli, an AFP photographer saw people in a state of shock late Tuesday, fleeing through floodwaters in the dark in their bare feet.

Images showed streets transformed into rivers, and firemen moving people to safety in rubber dinghies. Elsewhere, muddy waters rushed at great speed under the arches of the covered walkways in Bologna, while locals in Cesena swam down a road to rescue a three-year-old child.

'Not possible to safely hold the event';

https://www.the42.ie/not-possible-to-safely-hold-the-event-italian-gp-cancelled-6070135-May2023/


Imola could land one-year F1 extension after cancellation
Thursday 18th May, 2023 - 1:21am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

The president of the Automobile Club d’Italia, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, has suggested the cancellation of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could result in a one-year extension to its current F1 contract.

“I am deeply saddened by what is happening in Emilia Romagna,” said Sticchi Damiani. “The cancellation was inevitable in the face of such a dramatic situation. Given the complexity of the calendar, it is reasonable to imagine that the 2023 edition will be held in 2026. But at the moment it is certainly not a priority”.

‘One-year extension’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/18/emilia-romagna-gp-cancellation-imola-one-year-contract-extension/


Canceling the Imola GP was the only choice for F1
17th May 2023, 16:29
By Luke Smith
The Athletic

As the plane broke through the clouds on its descent into Bologna, the streaks of rain grew stronger on the windows. The view beyond the rain was far more concerning: Large parts of towns and settlements were visibly flooded, brown water reaching far beyond river banks. Unprecedented rainfall over the past two weeks had led to widespread flooding in northern Italy’s Emilia Romagna region.

As the days ticked down toward the planned grand prix at Imola, one of F1’s most historic tracks, the situation showed few signs of improving. “Whose idea was this?” one fan asked his mates, tongue-in-cheek. “Why didn’t we go to Hungary or Monaco instead?”

The plane landed just before 10 am local time. An uneasy silence grew as the fans disembarked, went through passport control and prepared to pick up their bags. They’d made it to Italy, but would they get to see a race? Three hours later, F1 answered: The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix would not be going ahead.

‘The only choice’;

https://theathletic.com/4528234/2023/05/17/f1-imola-gp-canceled/

[Fortitude]

Why was the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled?
The flooding in the Emilia Romagna region has left homes ruined and thousands evacuated.
Wednesday 17 May 2023 18:26
Harry Smith
GPFans

Firstly, F1 explained that: "It is not possible to safely hold the event for our fans, the teams and our personnel, and it is the right thing to do given the situation faced by the towns and cities in the region."

Also at the centre of the decision to postpone was the strain the event would have had on the local emergency services. Given the dangers and risks involved in holding an F1 race, local emergency services must be on hand in the event of incidents to ensure the safe running of the event.

Putting on the Grand Prix would have taken emergency services away from the life-threatening circumstances facing residents of the Emilia Romagna region.

‘Homes ruined and thousands evacuated’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107830/imola-gp-cancelled-reasons-why-f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/


MAJOR Imola rescheduling update with '99 per cent' chance revealed
Thursday 18 May 2023 07:52
Harry Smith
GPFans

No hope in 2023: Unfortunately for those hoping to see F1 cars back on the tarmac of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, it looks like there will be no rescheduling of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix for 2023.

As reported by TuttoSport, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the president of the Italian Automobile Club, said: “The Imola GP is cancelled, [with] 99 per cent chance it will be re-scheduled for 2026 after the contract extension.”

This is in line with the comments of Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater, who explained: "Almost impossible that it will be [rescheduled]. That's the guidance that I've been given."

‘MAJOR Imola rescheduling’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107829/imola-gp-rescheduled-f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/


Pictures show why Imola GP simply had to be cancelled
22:03 Wed, 17 May 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

In the end, F1 was left with simply no other choice than to cancel the Emilia Romagna GP at Imola this weekend.

Extreme weather has battered the region over recent weeks and, after another deluge in the build up to the grand prix weekend, F1 made the early, and correct, decision to go no further with the schedule at the iconic race track.

Landslides and floods have devastated communities and businesses in the region and, as the emergency services battle to protect those most severely affected, F1, understandably, felt it simply could not ask them to stretch even further to support a sporting event the size of a grand prix.

‘Pictures’;

https://www.givemesport.com/pictures-show-why-imola-gp-simply-had-to-be-cancelled/


‘We’re sorry’: Imola’s devastating ‘23 reality laid bare as F1 reacts to seismic call
May 18th, 2023 6:57 am
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Organisers of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix accept that their race is unlikely to be rescheduled this season after severe weather forced its cancellation. Northern Italy’s deadly flooding event forced F1 to call off the Imola race on Wednesday, having evacuated the paddock in the face of heavy rain the night before.

On Wednesday night the death toll had risen to nine, with several more people still missing and more people still displaced from their homes, while several towns had been completely inundated by dramatically high water levels. Formula 1 was decisive in calling off this weekend’s activities, though it appeared to leave the door open to the possibility of rescheduling the race later in the year.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali later confirmed to Italy’s Sky Sports that he would prefer to find space for Imola in this year’s calendar. “We are sorry for the Imola fans and enthusiasts, we will try to find the right solution,” he said. “Given the tight calendar of 2023, it is difficult to think of being able to recover this year, but we have a moral obligation for those who have worked so hard, and we‘ll see.”

‘Imola’s devastating ‘23 reality laid bare’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/drivers-back-f1s-decisive-imola-call-but-classic-race-is-unlikely-to-be-rescheduled/news-story/e271fd11b3c5c1c7e5a2907484b91863


Emilia Romagna GP cancelled: What will F1 do next?
The 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was cancelled due to devastating floods in Northern Italy
May 17, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

After Formula 1 announced the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola would be cancelled because of poor weather, questions were immediately raised as to what will happen to the race? Will it be cancelled or just postponed?

With a tightly congested calendar in place for 2023, finding a free weekend later in the year when F1 could race at Imola would be an arduous task due to the lack of time on hand to fix a date for the rescheduled race.

What next for Imola? Despite an official statement from F1 not mentioning whether the race would be cancelled completely or rescheduled, Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) president Angelo Sticchi Damiani confirmed the race will not go ahead in 2023, opening discussion of having a race instead in 2026.

‘Cancelled or just postponed?’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-emilia-romagna-gp-2023-cancelled-what-next/

[Fortitude]

F1 all clear for Monaco GP as staff allowed back into Imola track.
Essential Formula 1 personnel have been allowed back into the Imola circuit on Thursday to help pack down and get ready to ship equipment to the next race in Monaco.
18th May 2023, 11:45
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

With F1 on a tight schedule to get out of Imola and get things built up for next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, there was still some time pressure to get things moving – especially as some Italian roads remain closed so journey times will likely increase.

The demand not to enter the track was valid throughout Wednesday but on Thursday morning, as the weather situation eased, it was agreed that staff that were essential to the de-rigging of team equipment could enter. This will allow any team garages, motorhomes and other facilities that had been put up early this week to get packed away, so then arrangements for the drive to Monaco can be sorted.

With work now underway at Imola, F1 has no concerns that there will be any consequences from the race cancellation on next weekend’s Monaco GP.

‘Ship equipment to the next race in Monaco’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-all-clear-for-monaco-gp-as-staff-allowed-back-into-imola-track/10470787/


F1 not expecting Imola cancellation to impact Monaco Grand Prix
18 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

F1 does not anticipate any impact to the preparation for next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Access to the circuit remains restricted but Crash.net understands that essential personnel were allowed back in on Thursday morning to de-rig the paddock.

This is to aid the packing up and shipping out process, with teams needing to travel to Monaco in time for the next race on May 28. It is expected that all equipment will arrive on time and there will be no delays in setting up for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Some areas of the region received half their annual rainfall in just 36 hours, resulting in 14 rivers breaking their banks and the flooding of 23 towns, including Faenza, where the AlphaTauri F1 team’s factory is located.

‘No delays’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1026539/1/f1-not-expecting-imola-cancellation-impact-monaco-gp


F1 does not anticipate any delays to Monaco after Imola cancellation
18 May 11:57AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Formula 1 does not expect there to be any set-up delays to next weekends Monaco Grand Prix, as personnel have been allowed access to the Imola circuit to dismantle motorhomes and equipment.

The Monaco GP is still scheduled to take place on 26th - 28th May as planned, making it the first in what will become a double-header with the Spanish GP between 2nd - 4th June.

‘F1 does not anticipate any delays’;

https://racingnews365.com/f1-does-not-anticipate-any-delays-to-monaco-after-imola-cancellation


Imola circuit to refund ticket holders for cancelled grand prix
2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
Posted on 18th May 2023, 13:12
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

The circuit will offer “all buyers who have purchased tickets through the sales network and the TicketOne.it purchasing platform” the choice of a refund of their ticket prices or the opportunity to convert their tickets for the 2023 event to next year’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix instead.

Due to the ongoing impact of the flooding in the region, the circuit says that ticketholders will be contacted with details about how to claim their refunds or ticket conversions via an email from the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI Sport) through TicketOne.it over the coming days.

‘Refunds’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/18/imola-circuit-to-refund-ticket-holders-for-cancelled-grand-prix/


Why the Emilia Romagna GP could not be rescheduled
18 May 2:50PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

After a slow and steady start to the campaign, the F1 calendar is into the heart of its action with a busy summer period lined up.

The only gap for Imola to slot into before the summer break would have been on July 16. On the face of it, an Austria-Britain-Imola triple-header would have been logistically possible, but the presence of Hungary and Belgium immediately after left the prospect of an absurd quintuple-header.

That brings the calendar to the end of August. The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for September which would have made the most sense in terms of logistics. But Zandvoort kicks off what is already a triple-header at the end of August and Imola slotting in after Monza would spark another five-in-a-row stretch, ending in Japan.

‘Could not be rescheduled’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-the-emilia-romagna-gp-could-not-be-rescheduled


F1 drivers de Vries, Tsunoda affected by Italy flooding as grand prix canceled
May 18, 2023 GMT
Associated Press

IMOLA, Italy (AP) — Formula One drivers Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda have shared stories of struggling to get out of the deadly flooding in northern Italy after this week’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was canceled. De Vries and Tsunoda drive for AlphaTauri, which is based in Faenza, a city close to the Imola track and which has been flooded. Rescuers used boats to transport people through the flooded streets of Faenza on Thursday.

Nyck de Vries: “Faenza is already flooded and I am unable to get to my hotel. Returning to the highway is no option either. Stuck in a little village with one fully booked hotel,” he posted on Instagram on Thursday, recounting his experience with pictures and video of roads blocked by landslips.
“Fortunately McLaren got stranded there earlier and their front jack (mechanic) Frazer was kind enough to give me his room. The following morning, the hotel lobby turned into an emergency shelter for people who were forced to escape their homes during the night.”

Yuki Tsunoda: “After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted: dust, mud, and the smell of gasoline everywhere,” the Japanese driver posted on social media on Wednesday. “Currently people are struggling to find food and especially places to stay, after many have been evacuated from their own homes.”

‘Shared stories’;

https://apnews.com/article/f1-imola-canceled-floods-vries-tsunoda-3de8c909ba595a589355b5916b2ca33d

[Fortitude]

F1 star spotted shifting mud in flooded Italy streets after Emilia Romagna GP called off.
Formula 1 fans hailed Yuki Tsunoda after he was spotted helping locals with the clean-up effort after severe flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
18:41, 18 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Free of his F1 responsibilities this weekend, Tsunoda might have made the trip to Monaco early to prepare for the next race. But instead, he was pictured with other AlphaTauri staff on Thursday with a shovel in hand helping to clean up streets in Faenza – one of the worst affected places.

Fans on social media were full of praise for the Japanese racer. One wrote: "I'm so proud of @yukitsunoda07, he's becoming a fine leader. I'm sending my thoughts and prayers.” Another said: "This is what you wanna see out of the F1 role models, well played Yuki."

And a third added: "Yuki honestly seems like such a pure and kind person – kudos to anyone doing anything to support the affected areas this week. The sport may be global but the teams are still local and connected to their communities." On his own account, Tsunoda shared footage of the flooding and a description of what he had seen as he urged fans to support the emergency flood relief fund which has been set up. "After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted," he wrote.

"This is what you wanna see out of the F1 role models, well played Yuki";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/f1-star-spotted-shifting-mud-30016881


Emilia Romagna GP cancellation: Tsunoda helps flood relief efforts
19 May 8:30AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Yuki Tsunoda has given a helping hand to the Emilia Romagna flood relief efforts after the cancellation of this weekend's Grand Prix at Imola. The AlphaTauri driver has been pictured assisting with the clean-up operation in the region following excessive rainfall and flooding.

Writing on Twitter, Tsunoda said: "After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted: dust, mud, and the smell of gasoline everywhere.”

"Currently people are struggling to find food and especially places to stay after many have been evacuated from their own homes."

‘Tsunoda helps flood relief efforts’;

https://racingnews365.com/emilia-romagna-gp-cancellation-tsunoda-helps-flood-relief-efforts


Watch: AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda joins clean-up efforts in flood-hit Faenza
18 May 2023 7:37 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Yuki Tsunoda has been putting his free time to fantastic use by helping the people of Faenza in their clean-up mission following the recent flooding. AlphaTauri have been posting information on their social media channels relating to how people can donate to aid the recovery mission, and Tsunoda has certainly been playing his part too.

Footage and images would emerge on social media of Tsunoda helping the people of Faenza to clean up the town as the flood waters begin to subside, with the town looking to get back to some sort of normality. The images also show the scale of the devastation suffered in the region, Formula 1 rightly determining that it would have been inappropriate to press on with the race weekend and place unnecessary extra strain on the emergency services.

Here's Yuki Tsunoda in the streets of Faenza, helping in the recovery from the recent flooding.
So admirable ❤️ pic.twitter.com/B63KVw14f9
— formularacers (@formularacers_) May 18, 2023

‘Yuki Tsunoda joins clean-up efforts’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/yuki-tsunoda-joins-clean-up-efforts-faenza/


Tsunoda spotted in Italy flood clean-up; De Vries reveals near-miss in torrential rain: F1 Pit Talk
May 19th, 2023 5:04 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports

The Emilia-Romagna floods have affected millions of people in the northern Italian region, including some from the two Formula 1 teams based in the region. While F1 has been caught up in the storms, AlphaTauri and Ferrari are particularly connected to the tragedy, with both teams based in the inundated region.

On Thursday Ferrari announced that it would donate €1 million to the recovery effort. The team said the money would go towards “projects for environmental recovery and the management of hydrogeological instability” in the region. “In times of difficulty Ferrari has always stood by its community,” Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said. ”We wanted to provide a concrete and immediate response to the most urgent needs of the population of Emilia-Romagna, which has been tried by a serious environmental disaster.”

But while Ferrari has been touched by the disaster, AlphaTauri has been directly and severely affected, with parts of its Faenza home town submerged by more than a metre on Tuesday, when the rain was at its heaviest. It’s elicited a necessarily different response from the team — and from its drivers. Yuki Tsunoda has swapped his steering wheel for a shovel to help clean up his adopted home town of Faenza after this week’s flood.

‘Swapped steering wheel for a shovel’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/tsunoda-spotted-in-italy-flood-cleanup-de-vries-reveals-nearmiss-in-torrential-rain-f1-pit-talk/news-story/550307fdcde83edade96c70ab584dc27


Yuki Tsunoda takes to the streets in Faenza to shovel mud
22:58 Thu, 18 May 2023
GP ONE

https://www.gpone.com/en/2023/05/18/auto-news/yuki-tsunoda-takes-to-the-streets-in-faenza-to-shovel-mud.html?refresh_ce


Emilia Romagna flooding: Yuki Tsunoda reveals extent of awful damage in AlphaTauri’s hometown
17 May 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Yuki Tsunoda has shown images of Faenza engulfed by the dreadful floods that caused the cancellation of the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

“After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted: dust, mud, and the smell of gasoline everywhere,” AlphaTauri driver Tsunoda posted to social media. Currently people are struggling to find food and especially places to stay,after many have been evacuated from their own homes. Please, anything you can do to help is appreciated.”

‘Yuki Tsunoda reveals extent of awful damage’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1026513/1/yuki-tsunoda-reveals-extent-awful-flooding-alphatauri-s-hometown


Formula One drivers affected by flooding in Italy as grand prix is cancelled
18 May, 2023 14:39
Associated Press Reporters
The Irish News

AlphaTauri said its factory has not been affected by the floods and “everything is being done to ensure the safety of our employees and their families”.

The team and both its drivers issued appeals for donations to help people affected by the floods. It is unlikely the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will be rescheduled because of the busy calendar.

‘Flooding in Italy’;

https://www.irishnews.com/news/worldnews/2023/05/18/news/formula_one_drivers_affected_by_flooding_in_italy_ as_grand_prix_is_cancelled-3286659/

[Fortitude]

Ferrari donates €1 million to the Emilia-Romagna flood relief fund, F1 matches it.
With the grand prix at Imola called off because of flooding, Ferrari and F1 each chip in seven-figure sums.
Published: 19 May 2023
Joe Holding
TopGear

Just a couple of days after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was sensibly called off in light of severe flooding in the region, Ferrari and Formula 1 itself have both announced they'll donate €1 million to the relief effort.

The money will go to the Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection, and will be spent on boosting the area’s environmental recovery and help manage the ‘hydrogeological instability’ that’s contributed to the disaster so far.

“In times of difficulty, Ferrari has always stood by its community,” said Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna. “We wanted to provide a concrete and immediate response to the most urgent needs of the population of Emilia-Romagna, which has been tried by a serious environmental disaster. With the coordination of the local authorities, to whom our heartfelt thanks go for their tireless work, this aid will bring comfort and a tangible sign of the solidarity of the entire Ferrari family.”

‘Ferrari has always stood by its community’;

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/ferrari-donates-eu1-million-emilia-romagna-flood-relief-fund-f1-matches-it


Emilia Romagna GP: Formula 1 donates £870k, food and water to flood relief effort after Imola cancellation
Last Updated: 19/05/23 2:31pm
Sky Sports

Formula 1 has donated £870,000 (€1m) to the Emilia Romagna flood relief effort and also donated food and water that would have been used at this weekend's cancelled grand prix to a group organising food banks for those affected.

F1 has donated £870,000 to the Emilia-Romagna Region's Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection to support the communities affected by the flooding in the region.

‘Flood relief effort’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12884457/emilia-romagna-gp-formula-1-donates-870k-food-and-water-to-flood-relief-effort-after-imola-cancellation


Formula 1 adds €1 million to Emilia Romagna relief fund
19/05/2023 at 16:17
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who was born and grew up in the Emilia Romagna, was particularly affected by this week’s natural disaster.

“The situation facing the communities in the region is terrible, but I know that the resilience and passion of the people in the region, like so many across Italy, will prevail through this crisis.”

“We must do everything we can to support them at this difficult time and that is why we are donating to help support the relief efforts on the ground. My thoughts, on behalf of the entire Formula 1 community, are with everyone affected and we want to thank the emergency services for their incredible work.”

‘Resilience’;

https://f1i.com/news/474609-formula-1-adds-e1-million-to-emilia-romagna-relief-fund.html


F1 makes enormous donation to Emilia-Romagna disaster relief after deadly floods
19 May 2023 1:39 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Formula 1 will give €1 million to the disaster relief fund in Emilia-Romagna after heavy flooding has caused major disruption in the area. The region has faced severe weather since the start of the month causing the Santerno River, which runs right next to the track, to burst its banks and cause damage to the paddock area.

Formula 1 said it would provide €1 million to the Emilia-Romagna Region’s Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection to support the communities affected by the flooding in the region, matching the figure donated by Ferrari.

Food and water that would have been used in the Paddock Club, the circuit, team/F1 hospitality has also been donated to a group organising food banks to aid those affected by flooding.

‘Disaster relief fund’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-donation-disaster-relief-emilia-romagna-imola/


F1 donates €1m to Emilia Romagna flood relief
19/05/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

F1 has followed the example of Ferrari in donating to the relief fund set up in the wake of widespread devastation in the Emilia Romagna region.

On Thursday, Ferrari announced that it is donating 1 million euros to the Emilia-Romagna region's Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection, the money to be used to help the local population affected by the recent flooding, with a particular focus on projects for environmental recovery and the management of hydrogeological instability.

Today (19/05/2023), Formula 1 announced that it too will be making an immediate €1m donation to the agency.

‘€1m’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75132/F1-donates-1m-to-Emilia-Romagna-flood-relief

[Fortitude]

Impressive driver lineup to join Verstappen in replacement Imola race.
A host of professional racing drivers will join Max Verstappen in the Real Racers Never Quit event.
19 May 6:43PM
Author Luke Murphy
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen will be joined by a host of professional racing drivers to race in an online event at the Imola circuit, following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Verstappen's sim racing outfit Team Redline, with whom Verstappen competes in numerous virtual races, will revive their Real Racers Never Quit event, which was used during the COVID outbreak in 2020.

Following the confirmation of the event, which takes place at 15:30 CET on Sunday May 21, a host of drivers from the Red Bull stable, Formula E and Formula 2 have been announced for the event.

‘Replacement Imola race’;

https://racingnews365.com/impressive-driver-lineup-to-join-verstappen-in-replacement-imola-race


Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have different weekend plans after Imola GP cancelled
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled on Wednesday after severe flooding in the region.
13:00, Fri, May 19, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have put together very different schedules after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled. Red Bull star Verstappen will still be racing as he participates in an esports event.

Meanwhile, Hamilton has snubbed track action for partying as he was spotted at a glamour ball on Wednesday. The Mercedes star was snapped at the launch of Hailey Bieber’s beauty line in London just hours after F1 bosses officially confirmed the race would not go ahead.

The 38-year-old was spotted wearing a black suit jacket on top of an olive green tiger print shirt. He also donned sunglasses, thick glittering earrings and black boots at the event held at the Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone.

‘Glamour ball’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1772236/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-f1


Max Verstappen among sterling line-up announced for virtual Imola replacement race
19 May 2023 7:59 PM
Henry Valantine

Max Verstappen will be racing in the virtual world this weekend, with his sim racing team announcing an esports event with a high-profile grid after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled.

A virtual alternative is going to take place on Sunday and Verstappen is headlining a field that contains a host of Team Redline’s own drivers, along with multiple guests which were announced on Friday, including Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan, reigning F2 champion and Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich and star of Australian Supercars, Shane van Gisbergen.

Current Formula 2 drivers Ayumu Iwasa, Richard Verschoor, Jak Crawford, Isack Hadjar and Enzo Fittipaldi have also been named, as well as Formula E’s Antonio Felix da Costa and Oliver Rowland.

‘Virtual Imola replacement race’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-virtual-imola-replacement-race/


Max Verstappen thinks outside the box to find new race to take part in after Imola cancellation
Verstappen and a swathe of other racing drivers are still planning on competing this weekend despite the cancellation of the F1, F2 and F3 races at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
19:26, 19 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

At the time of writing, none of Verstappen's F1 rivals have been announced as taking part. But plenty of those who would have been competing in F2 and F3 this weekend have signed up, along with a swathe of Red Bull junior drivers and some from other series.

Among the F2 stars set to take part are Red Bull development drivers Isack Hadjar, Ayumu Iwasa, Jak Crawford and Enzo Fittipaldi. Jack Doohan, an Alpine junior, has also confirmed his participation along with F2 racer Richard Verschoor and reigning F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, now an Aston Martin F1 reserve driver.

Representing the Formula E championship will be Porsche racer Antonio da Costa and Oliver Rowland of Mahindra Racing. And Australian Supercars driver Shane van Gisbergen will also be taking part, along with Red Bull esports driver Sebastian Job and a handful of Team Redline regulars. Williams junior Luke Browning, who won the prestigious Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award in 2022, will fly the flag for F3 alongside Gabriel Bortoleto. And Formula 4 racer Arvid Lindblad, also part of the Red Bull setup, rounds off the list of drivers confirmed so far.

‘Max Verstappen thinks outside the box’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/max-verstappen-race-imola-redline-30026525


Inside Max Verstappen's race preparation as Red Bull star dominates Hamilton and Leclerc
Max Verstappen has given fans a special behind-the-scenes look at his pre-race build-up.
14:08, Fri, May 19, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth

Max Verstappen has lifted the lid on his pre-race preparations in a behind-the-scenes look into the Red Bull garage. A video released by Verstappen shows the Dutchman going through reaction tests, exercises and debriefs before stepping into the car.

It gives an insight into how the 25-year-old gets into race-winning mode, having beaten Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in recent seasons. The footage was taken at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where Verstappen secured P2 behind team-mate Sergio Perez. The reigning champion starts off with a reaction test using an innovative Blazepod system.

The tool lights up different buttons with drivers timed on how quickly they can hit each one. The device is used by many drivers on the grid including Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly.

‘Special behind-the-scenes look at his pre-race build-up’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1772266/max-verstappen-red-bull-training-exercise-lewis-hamilton

[Fortitude]

More details confirmed for Verstappen's Imola charity sim race.
Following the news that Max Verstappen will compete in a replacement race at Imola this weekend, more details on the format have been revealed.
20 May 3:00PM
Author Luke Murphy
Co-author Jan van der Burgt

Max Verstappen's sim racing team, Team Redline, have confirmed more details about the format for the relaunched 'Real Racers Never Quit' contest. Following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to severe flooding in the region, Team Redline confirmed that they will run a virtual racing event at the Imola circuit.

The contest will include Verstappen, along with a collection of professional and sim racing drivers, and takes place on Sunday 21st May at 15:30 CET. Speaking to RacingNews365, Team Redline director Atze Kerkhof credited Verstappen with the idea, and explained how easy it was to compile a list of promising drivers.

"The idea was all on the initiative of Max Verstappen himself," said Kerkhof. "When it became clear that the F1 race was not going ahead, they approached us asking if we could set something up at short notice."

‘Imola charity sim race’;

https://racingnews365.com/more-details-confirmed-for-verstappens-imola-charity-sim-race


Max Verstappen team-mate heaps praise on Red Bull star for role in Imola back-up plan
Max Verstappen has played a key part in organising something a bit different for F1 fans to sink their teeth into this weekend.
21:13, Sat, May 20, 2023
By Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen has received high praise from fellow Team Redline member Atze Kerkhof for the role he has played in organising a live streamed virtual replacement for this weekend's cancelled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The sim race will take place on Sunday afternoon, giving F1 fans something to keep up with on the day they would normally see Lewis Hamilton and co battle it out on track.

F1 authorities cancelled the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to severe flooding in the area, which has forced thousands of residents out of their homes and left at least 14 dead. Drivers from varied racing backgrounds, including several members of Team Redline - the sim racing squad he joined in 2015 - are part of the 24-strong line-up poised to compete in Sunday's virtual contest.

One of Verstappen's fellow Team Redline members, Kerkhof, who will also take part in the race, claims that the initiative was the Dutchman's doing. "Max himself came up with the idea of organising a sim race so that there is still something to do this weekend for the fans," he told Motorsport.com, via GP Blog.

‘Key part in organising something a bit different for F1 fans’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1772645/max-verstappen-red-bull-imola-f1-news


Verstappen to race at Imola F1 REPLACEMENT this Sunday
Saturday 20 May 2023 10:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Max Verstappen will be taking part in a virtual race this weekend after his sim racing team confirmed that an esports event will go ahead following Formula 1’s decision to cancel the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The full line-up is still to be announced, but with Verstappen among those confirmed for the event, fans are already rightly beginning to get excited. The race is set to take place at 2:30pm (GMT) on Sunday 21 May, where it will be shown live on streaming platform Twitch through Team Redline’s own channel.

‘Imola F1 REPLACEMENT’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107963/verstappen-imola-f1-race-red-bull/


Van Gisbergen joins Verstappen for Imola sim racing event
Saturday 20th May, 2023 - 8:18pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Max Verstappen, Shane van Gisbergen, and Jack Doohan are set to compete in the virtual world in a sim racing event on Sunday.

You asked, we delivered: RRNQ makes its long-awaited return this sunday! ������
Stay tuned for the line-up…@VerstappenCOM @redbull pic.twitter.com/G92ZkdwmGL
— Team Redline (@TeamRedlineSim) May 18, 2023
�� Shane van Gisbergen confirmed to join #RRNQ �� pic.twitter.com/vWOC3qfxxd
— Team Redline (@TeamRedlineSim) May 19, 2023
�� Jack Doohan confirmed to join #RRNQ �� pic.twitter.com/eIpqsdasIV
— Team Redline (@TeamRedlineSim) May 19, 2023
�� Max Verstappen confirmed to join #RRNQ �� pic.twitter.com/veUQJti2yX
— Team Redline (@TeamRedlineSim) May 19, 2023

‘You asked, we delivered’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/20/van-gisbergen-joins-verstappen-for-imola-sim-racing-event/


Max Verstappen among drivers competing in iRacing event at virtual Imola circuit Sunday
May 20, 2023
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

Fans can watch via Team Redline’s Twitch channel for free starting at 15:30 CEST/9:30 a.m. ET.

Driver line-up
1. Max Verstappen: F1 driver for Red Bull
2. Gianni Vecchio: Team Redline driver
3. Enzo Bonito: Team Redline driver
4. Luke Bennett: Team Redline driver
5. Chris Lulham: Team Redline driver
6. Jeffrey Rietveld: Team Redline driver
7. Kevin Siggy: Team Redline driver
8. Atze Kerkhof: Team Redline driver
9. Josh Thompson: Team Redline driver
10. Diogo Pinto: Team Redline driver
11. Sebastian Job: Red Bull Racing eSports team
12. Gabriel Bortoleto: F3 driver for Trident
13. Jack Doohan: Alpine F1 reserve driver, F2 driver for Invicta Virtuosi Racing
14. Richard Verschoor: F2 driver for Van Amersfoort Racing
15. António Félix da Costa: Formula E driver for Porsche
16. Oliver Rowland: Formula E driver for Mahindra
17. Shane van Gisbergen: Australian Supercars and will make NASCAR debut at Chicago with Trackhouse Racing
18. Felipe Drugovich: Aston Martin F1 reserve driver
19. Luke Browning: F3 driver for Hitech Pulse-Eight and part of the Williams Driver Academy
20. Arvid Lindblad: F4 driver and part of the Red Bull Junior Team
21. Enzo Fittipaldi: F2 driver for Rodin Carlin and part of the Red Bull Junior Team
22. Ayumu Iwasa: F2 driver for Dams and part of the Red Bull Junior Team
23. Isack Hadjar: F2 driver for Hitech Pulse-Eight and part of the Red Bull Junior Team
24. Jak Crawford: F2 driver for Hitech Pulse-Eight and part of the Red Bull Junior Team

‘Fans can watch via Team Redline’s Twitch channel for free starting at 15:30 CEST/9:30 a.m. ET’;

https://theathletic.com/4536166/2023/05/20/max-verstappen-sim-race-event-imola/


TeamRedline

Imola charity sim race

https://www.twitch.tv/teamredline

[Fortitude]

Verstappen, Doohan winners in Imola flood relief sim event.
Live-streamed on Twitch, the event saw more than 24,000 viewers, with proceeds raised going directly to the flood relief effort.
Monday 22nd May, 2023 - 2:09am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Max Verstappen and Jack Doohan were winners in a special Team Redline sim racing event at Imola to raise money for Italian flood relief. The sim racing event was held in place of what would have been the Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, an event cancelled due to floods in the region around Imola.

Four races were held, starting with Formula 3 for which Verstappen qualified on pole and won. The field, which included Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, a raft of F2 and F3 drivers, and a host of sim racers, then switched to the Mazda MX5.

Though fastest in qualifying for the race, a community vote saw Verstappen start last, with Red Bull-backed Formula 2 racer Ayumu Iwasa winning. Having watched on for the opening two races, Norris joined in the Formula Ford encounter, the third race of the programme.

‘24,000 viewers’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/22/verstappen-doohan-winners-in-imola-flood-relief-sim-event/


Max Verstappen praised for organising Imola GP replacement race
21 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has been praised by fellow Team Redline member Atze Kerkhof, with the Dutchman being responsible for making today’s charity sim event possible.

Kerkhof revealed that it was Verstappen who spoke to Team Redline about putting an event on to support the flood relief in Emilia-Romagna, with the sim racer admitting that it “says a lot” about the Red Bull driver’s character.

“Max also puts a lot of time and energy into racing outside Formula One,” Kerkhof told Motorsport.com. “The fact that he immediately started thinking about organising an alternative event after the race in Imola was cancelled says a lot in that respect.”

‘Max Verstappen praised’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/max-verstappen-for-organising-imola-gp-replacement-race/


Live: Verstappen in action in Imola charity race
21 May 4:11PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

In one of a number of charity events this weekend, Verstappen has been joined by a number of top racers to raise money for the relief effort, which you can watch below!

‘Imola charity race’;

https://racingnews365.com/live-verstappen-races-top-drivers-in-benefit-race-on-imola


Lando Norris causes carnage after gatecrashing Max Verstappen stream
21 May 2023 4:32 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Lando Norris joined Max Verstappen as a surprise guest among a star-studded virtual line-up during an afternoon of sim racing in aid of charities providing help for the Emilia-Romagna region. McLaren driver Norris had set up his own stream on Twitch as a watchalong of the event to try and raise further awareness and help encourage more donations.

He had not initially planned on taking part in the racing, but eventually set up a steering wheel and joined in the fun in qualifying for the Formula Ford portion of events. The whole stream took place in good spirits and for his appearance, Norris jumped the start from near the back of the grid, seeing him sail into the lead and proclaim at the top of his voice: “MV1, eat my dust, baby!”

Verstappen quickly reeled him in, however, and passed Norris around the outside at Piratella, seemingly going outside the white lines in doing so and Norris retorted with a smile: “Track limits! FIA!”

‘Jumped the start from near the back of the grid: “MV1, eat my dust, baby!” ’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-joins-max-verstappen-sim-stream/


Verstappen surprised by Norris in hilarious Imola charity event
21 May 5:32PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

F1 World Champion Max Verstappen was targeted by his teammates and joined by a surprise guest during a hilarious running of the Real Racers Never Quit charity race.

A switch back to single-seaters in the third race saw McLaren's Lando Norris join affairs having watched along with proceedings on his own Twitch stream. The Briton's struggles behind the wheel left him open to lighthearted criticism from the event commentary as well as the other drivers.

Norris did provide laughter when jumping the entire field at the start of the final race, before being caught by Verstappen for an F1 driver showdown. The Dutchman escaped the incident as the field bunched up, with Norris predictably in the middle of the carnage.

‘Lighthearted criticism from the event commentary as well as the other drivers’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-surprised-by-norris-in-hilarious-imola-charity-event

[Fortitude]

F1 teams face Monaco GP challenges amid desire to reschedule aborted Imola race.
Teams have been packing up everything they had set up in the Imola paddock to move it to Monaco.
06:00, 21 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
Mirror

More immediate attentions turn to the next race, just a week away. Teams had already transported their equipment to the Imola track and set a lot of it up before the race was called off, meaning it had to be disassembled again ready to be move.

Essential staff were allowed back into the paddock on Thursday to begin that process. The flooding did not affect the circuit too badly – but many roads in the region were rendered impassable by the deluge which has presented some challenges.

Teams have had to use some alternative routes to transport freight out of the badly affected areas but, by and large, disruption has been minimal. Had the Imola race gone ahead, then the disassembly and transport process would not have begun until afterwards and so they have had an earlier start than usual.

‘Desire to reschedule aborted’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/f1-monaco-logistics-imola-cancelled-30030902


‘Our people are stuck’: Some teams could be forced to miss 2023 Monaco GP
The Emilia-Romagna region has been devastated by torrential rain and horrific flooding in recent days.
20 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Following the cancellation of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Formula 2 director of operations Marco Codello has warned that transporting everything to Monte-Carlo for next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix is set to be incredibly difficult, with no plan having been made yet in regard to when they’ll leave Imola.

‘Incredibly difficult’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/our-people-are-stuck-some-teams-could-be-forced-to-miss-2023-monaco-gp/


How cancelled Imola GP has shown Tsunoda’s biggest F1 change
Saturday 20 May 2023 12:57
Daniel Austin
GPFans

Rather than disappear for a few days, either taking an extra little holiday or just hanging around Monaco early, one driver stepped up to help the relief effort. On Thursday AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda was spotted assisting in the clean up alongside colleagues from his team, using a shovel to shift mud and water away from streets in the area. Afterwards, the 23-year-old also posted a call to action on his social media channels.

“After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted: dust, mud, and the smell of gasoline everywhere,” he wrote online, before appealing for donations from F1 fans. “Currently people are struggling to find food and especially places to stay, after many have been evacuated from their own homes. Please, anything you can do to help is appreciated.”

Given AlphaTauri are based in Faenza, a small town located in Emilia Romagna and only a half-an-hour drive from the Imola track, the impact on the team, its personnel and their families is clear. Seeing Tsunoda take on such a leadership role in the aftermath of the devastation is the testament to the character development he has undergone since joining F1 and latterly moving to Italy to be closer to the team.

‘Character development’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107944/yuki-tsunoda-imola-flood-f1-grand-prix-cancelled-weather/


Imola avoids HUGE F1 fee after Grand Prix cancellation
Saturday 20 May 2023 13:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Imola has avoided a whopping fee from F1 despite the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, according to reports.

There really was nothing Imola could do to prevent the cancellation of the race with the efforts of everyone local focused on helping the region get through these floods.

The £20million fee is usually mandatory for any track to host an F1 race but circumstances such as this can make the fee null and void.

‘Imola avoids HUGE F1 fee’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/107965/f1-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-imola-cancellation-20m-fine/


Monaco GP delay? Ferrari boss weighs in on fears after Imola F1 cancellation
Sunday 21 May 2023 13:55
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted that Formula 1 teams should have enough time to get to Monaco to set up for the race without delays after the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

“We were supposed to leave Imola on Sunday evening, which gives us a margin now,” he told France’s Auto Hebdo. Despite access being restricted during the week, teams would never have been expected to pack down and ship out their gear until after the race on Sunday.

Even if there are delays in the journey from Imola to Monaco, given F1’s decision to cancel the race ahead of the weekend, there should be enough time for teams to mobilise without too great a cause for concern.

‘Gives us a margin’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108021/f1-monaco-delay-imola-cancellation-ferrari-fred-vasseur/

[Fortitude]

WATCH: Monaco Grand Prix Preview – who will master the Monte Carlo streets in 2023?
21 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site.

Sergio Perez showcased his street racing credentials at last year’s Monaco Grand Prix as he reigned supreme to seal a dramatic victory – but can he do the same in 2023? The Red Bull driver, along with his team mate Max Verstappen, has shone this year with the team winning every Grand Prix so far in 2023.

With Verstappen at the top of the drivers’ standings on 119 points, and Perez just behind in second on 105 points, the duo look set to star once again around the streets of Monte Carlo. Could Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin challenge on a circuit unlike any other?

‘Who will master the Monte Carlo streets’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-monaco-grand-prix-preview-who-will-master-the-monte-carlo-streets-in.1Vdch22ym2UL2ShUtetcez.html


Who will master Monaco? 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Preview Show
21 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site.

Join Will Buxton, Lawrence Barretto, Jolyon Palmer and Sam Collins in this look ahead to the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix.

‘Who will master Monaco?’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.who-will-master-monaco-2023-monaco-grand-prix-preview-show.1766501078588635688.html


The most dramatic moments from the Monaco Grand Prix
06:07 Mon, 22 May 2023.
Sky Sports

Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Monaco Grand Prix.

‘Most dramatic moments’;

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12884392/the-most-dramatic-moments-from-the-monaco-grand-prix


Full weekend schedule for the F1 2023 Monaco GP
22 May 8:55AM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Date Event Time (BST) Time (Local)
Friday 26 May Practice 1 12:30-13:30 13:30-14:30
Friday 26 May Practice 2 16:00-17:00 17:00-18:00
Saturday 27 May Practice 3 11:30-12:30 12:30-13:30
Saturday 27 May Qualifying 15:00-16:00 16:00-17:00
Sunday 28 May Race 14:00 15:00

‘Full weekend schedule’;

https://racingnews365.com/full-weekend-schedule-for-the-f1-2023-monaco-gp


Best Onboard Moments: 2008 Monaco Grand Prix
22 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Travel back to 2008 and drive through the streets of Monte Carlo for a memorable and action-packed 2008 Monaco Grand Prix.

‘Best Onboard Moments’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.best-onboard-moments-2008-monaco-grand-prix.1766511995116151784.html


IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix
22 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

1. Well, it’s Monaco! There’s just something so utterly mind-blowing about seeing Formula 1 cars on the streets of Monaco, and it never gets old. 2. Thoughts with Emilia-Romagna: As excited as we all are to get back to action in Monaco, there remains the sadness that there was no racing possible at Imola last weekend. The scenes in the Emilia-Romagna region were terrible as the widespread flooding and landslides hit the area, leading to the decision – made with all the relevant local authorities – to call off the race.

3. A threat to Red Bull? While the two team mates could well enjoy another thrilling battle on a track where Perez won last year, Monaco also provides the best opportunity for the chasing pack to put an end to Red Bull’s run. 4. The question marks surrounding upgrades: If we rewind to last week’s It’s Race Week feature, one of the main topics was about upgrades, and the new Mercedes parts that were planned for Imola in particular. Not that Mercedes were going to be on their own, of course,

5. Rookies ready for a steep learning curve: Upgrades might be an unknown for some teams, but so too will be how rookie drivers will take to the challenge of Monaco. 2023’s grid is full of immense talent, but prior knowledge of how it feels to take a Formula 1 car around this track certainly helps the more experienced drivers get up to speed.

‘5 storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-monaco-grand-prix.5dCCUmOzNwRN7Un2LCV4ie.html


Sky Sports pundit calls Mercedes desperate for ‘introducing’ Monaco upgrade
Mercedes were set to introduce their new concept in Imola last weekend, before the Grand Prix was cancelled.
22 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Ex-Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer doesn’t understand why Mercedes are introducing their new concept at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit where the Briton believes “you’re not gonna learn” much. Palmer discussed Mercedes’ choice to introduce the new concept in Monaco whilst discussing what the teams will be telling their drivers to do this weekend, with a common message being to avoid the famous barriers.

“Don’t crash, but it’s so easy to do,” Palmer told F1’s official YouTube channel. “I’ve been in a situation with Lotus before they became Renault, where the parts were so few and far between. It was very much, ‘if you crash, we might not be racing but we certainly won’t be racing the new part. That’s the thing about Monaco, it’s not the place to bring upgrades. The track is so different to anything else.”

‘Not the place to bring upgrades’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/sky-sports-pundit-calls-mercedes-desperate-for-introducing-monaco-upgrade/


Forecasts suggest RAIN could play havoc at the Monaco Grand Prix
19:19 Mon, 22 May 2023.
Harry Smith
GPFans

Stormy skies in Monaco - According to a forecast from The Weather Channel, there is "potential disruption due to thunderstorms" until Wednesday, just one day before the paddock opens for F1 activity.

The forecast predicts that rain will be a constant throughout this week, and while Tuesday is expected to remain sunny, the rain will be a consistent threat from Wednesday onwards.

‘RAIN could play havoc’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108085/monaco-grand-prix-weather-forecast-f1/


Session times for the 2023 F1 Monaco GP
The 2023 Monaco GP is set to provide one of the most exciting qualifying sessions of the season
May 22, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

Formula 1 is back after an unscheduled three-week break with the Jewel in the Crown, the Monaco Grand Prix. Find out the session times for the sixth round of the 2023 F1 season. Monaco is all about qualifying, with Q3 being one of the highlights of the year as the drivers look to find the limit without going over the edge.

The 2023 Monaco GP takes place on the weekend of May 26-28 and will be a 77-lap race. Red Bull continue to dominate the season, having won all five races so far and Max Verstappen leads the F1 driver standings by 14 points from teammate Sergio Perez. But, the slow average speed will mean Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes will fancy their chances at beating Red Bull on merit.

‘The most exciting qualifying sessions of the season’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/session-times-2023-f1-monaco-gp/

[Fortitude]

Charles Leclerc’s Monaco curse: From F2 double DNF to crashing Lauda’s iconic Ferrari.
Whether he believes it or not, the Charles Leclerc Monaco curse is well-known amongst F1 fans and dates further back than his start in motorsport’s premier competition.
22 May 2023 7:30 AM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

It may be his hometown but Monaco has not been a happy hunting ground for Charles Leclerc so far in his career. When Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut for Sauber in 2018, he became just the fourth driver in the history of F1 to hail from Monaco and compete in a race.

Leclerc’s first appearance around the historic Monte Carlo circuit came in 2017 during his F2 days. The future Ferrari man was driving for Prema Racing when he claimed pole and was leading during the early stages but trouble would come following his first pit stop. The next time Leclerc would race at the circuit would be in an F1 car with Sauber and it looked like he may be on course to finish the race for the first time, that was until lap 72…

By the time the next race came round, Leclerc was now in the seat of a Ferrari but the streets of Monte Carlo continued to prove a difficult obstacle. To start with, he was eliminated in Q1 meaning he began the race in P15 due to Antonio Giovinazzi’s grid penalty.

‘Charles Leclerc’s Monaco curse’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charles-leclerc-curse-monaco/


Can Leclerc overcome Monaco Grand Prix curse?
23 May 12:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has failed to finish on the podium at his home race with a number of nightmarish results along the way. Charles Leclerc will arrive at his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix aiming to finally reach the podium.

His F1 record on the streets of the Principality makes for painful reading, with his fourth-place finish last year his best result. But with Red Bull so dominant and Aston Martin fancying their chances of a strong result, is Leclerc's curse set to continue?

‘Leclerc's curse’;

https://racingnews365.com/can-leclerc-overcome-monaco-grand-prix-curse


Charles Leclerc downplays early season 2023 crashes as ‘normal’
22 May 2023 3:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Criticised by former F1 drivers over his recent crashes, Charles Leclerc insists “mistakes are normal” because he is pushing hard in an under-performing Ferrari.

Crashing twice at the Miami Grand Prix, both accidents at Turn 7 first in practice and then in qualifying, David Coulthard told Channel 4 that it was “not acceptable and that’s a chink in his armour” while Martin Brundle told Sky Sports “it’s holding him and the team back.”

According to Leclerc, mistakes are “normal” as he has to “explore the limits” of the track in order to bring out the best in his Ferrari. “I concentrate entirely on the speed and on exploring the limits of the racing car, mistakes are normal,” he insisted to Speedweek.

“Mistakes are normal”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charles-leclerc-downplays-early-season-2023-crashes-as-normal/


Leclerc has ‘full trust’ in Vasseur’s Ferrari mission
Tuesday 23rd May, 2023 - 1:43pm
By Ian Parkes

Charles Leclerc is adamant he is fully behind Fred Vasseur’s plans for Ferrari despite a difficult start to his reign as the new Scuderia boss. “He’s just starting this process now,” said Leclerc. “Until now he has basically been trying to analyse the situation as quickly as possible in order to do the best changes possible for the future.”

“I think the big part of the job will be done from now on so we will see, but obviously, I speak a lot with Fred and I know what are his middle- and long-term plans for the team. I’m completely behind him and I trust him fully. I’m sure these are the right choices and it goes in the right direction for the team. So for that, I’m looking forward to it. But let’s wait and see.”

‘Full trust’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/23/charles-leclerc-full-trust-ferrari-fred-vasseur-mission/


Leclerc 'NOT CONFIDENT' in short-term Ferrari F1 future amid Hamilton bid
Monday 22 May 2023 17:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc has admitted that he is "not confident" about Ferrari's short-term future due to the "significant" gap in performance between his team and Red Bull.

Regarding the car concept, Leclerc admitted that it was still too early to draw conclusions. "For the car concept, we are looking into it, and it is still too early to take conclusions out of it," he said. "It hasn't worked the way we wanted, but that doesn't mean we need to change completely from now. But we have some ideas on where we need to work on."

Leclerc's admission comes at the same time as Ferrari are reportedly preparing an offer of £40 million per season to bring Hamilton to Maranello for 2024, according to Mail Sport. According to the report, talks between the two parties are advancing and Ferrari president, John Elkann, is already in close contact with Hamilton regarding the move.

'NOT CONFIDENT';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108084/charles-leclerc-ferrari-lewis-hamilton-red-bull-f1-future/


Ferrari plan for Charles Leclerc speaks volumes amid mega Lewis Hamilton contract offer
Lewis Hamilton will reportedly be tempted to join Ferrari by a huge contract offer with his Mercedes future not set in stone, though questions remain over what it would mean for their current drivers
16:03, 22 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

A Daily Mail report claimed Ferrari chairman John Elkann has been in close contact with Hamilton over his future in a bid to tempt him away from the Mercedes team he has called his family. A £40m contract will reportedly be offered to the 38-year-old on top of the assertion that he will have a better chance of winning more titles with the Italian outfit.

According to prominent reporter Giuliano Duchessa, writing for Formu1a.uno, Ferrari has turned to Leclerc first to open renewal talks. Elkann is said to be heavily involved in those talks as well, with the team perhaps wary of persistent links between Leclerc and a move to Mercedes.

It is a hint that Sainz might be the one replaced if Ferrari were to tempt Hamilton to quit Mercedes and make the move to Maranello. That said, Leclerc may well be the driver the Silver Arrows turn to replace the seven-time world champion if faced with the prospect of losing him.

‘Tempted to join Ferrari by a huge contract offer’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/ferrari-plan-charles-leclerc-speaks-30044979


Inside Ferrari's plans to sign Lewis Hamilton as two scenarios could see brutal sacking
Lewis Hamilton could be at the centre of a driver transfer storm with Ferrari set to axe one of their stars.
08:38, Mon, May 22, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth

Ferrari are prepared to lose one of their drivers in a bid to secure the services of Lewis Hamilton, according to reports. The Italian marque are understood to have two scenarios on the table with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both at risk of losing their seats.

The deal would see Carlos Sainz get sacked from the team just three seasons into his Ferrari career. This would create one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid and issue a statement of intent on the team’s ambitions for success.

However, the squad would effectively have two star drivers in the team which may cause issues in any future title battle. Tensions rose at Red Bull when Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were partnered up while a similar situation emerged between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the Silver Arrows.

‘Two scenarios could see brutal sacking’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1772951/ferrari-lewis-hamilton-contract-new-deal-charles-leclerc-carlos-sainz

[Fortitude]

Ted Kravitz mocks Ferrari over £40m Lewis Hamilton offer as Sky F1 pundits in agreement.
Ted Kravitz sneered at the "low-ball offer" reportedly made by Ferrari in an attempt to convince Lewis Hamilton to join.
07:00, 24 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

"They are after the best and the biggest in Formula 1 at the moment as they seek to rebuild so it shouldn't be a surprise if they offer Lewis Hamilton everything. If it was £80m that John Elkann had said then that would get people's attention. I don't think he's likely to go, maybe if he wins the elusive eighth at Mercedes once they get the car right eventually then potentially he might go and see if he can win another one with Ferrari but he may be into his 40s by then."

Not only that, but the Sky Sports pit lane reporter feels the Scuderia has adopted something of a scattergun approach to recruitment of late. "Firstly, I think the £40m offer is a bit of a low-ball offer for Lewis Hamilton," he said on the latest episode of the Sky F1 podcast.

"Number two, I think Ferrari are offering everybody a job for anything at the moment. Everyone is on Ferrari's shopping list because Fred Vasseur says he is going to put together a crack team of amazing people around Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to make them realise this is incredible. They offered Adrian Newey a job with big money!

‘Sneered at the "low-ball offer"!’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/ferrari-hamilton-contract-kravitz-lazenby-30060092


Lewis Hamilton has already been told F1 'needs' him at Ferrari so he can copy Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton has been linked with a move to Ferrari this week and some prominent faces in the paddock have already called on him to follow in Michael Schumacher's footsteps.
06:40, Wed, May 24, 2023
By Andrew McLean
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has already been told to join Ferrari by Formula 1 team boss turned pundit Eddie Jordan with the Irishman suggesting the sport needs him to follow in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher. Jordan is not the only person to encourage the seven-time world champion to join the Scuderia either with the move likely to be popular with F1 fans.

Jordan has previously stated that the partnership would be a match made in heaven as he urged Hamilton to make the move for his final years in the sport. “There’s only one place he could go to in my opinion and that is Ferrari,” he told Express Sport in an exclusive interview last month.

“A guy with the talent that he is, and I think it might be a [match made] in heaven. I think Ferrari needs shaking up and I think Lewis Hamilton needs shaking up if they are going to continue.

‘Follow in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1773546/Lewis-Hamilton-F1-Ferrari-copy-Michael-Schumacher


Money powering Hamilton-Ferrari rumours – Marko
24th May 2023, 07:29
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Rumours suggesting Lewis Hamilton could switch to Ferrari may be powered by the money, according to key rival Red Bull’s top Austrian official Dr Helmut Marko. The speculation of contact between the seven time world champion and Ferrari president John Elkann was clearly the top story in Formula 1 on Tuesday.

“I think it’s just a rumour,” former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. “Hamilton is very happy where he is right now,” he added, referring to Mercedes. “And even Ferrari is a bigger question mark at the moment.”

Red Bull’s Marko agrees – and he thinks he knows what is powering the Ferrari rumours. “There are two things that really annoy Hamilton,” he told f1-insider.com. “First, that he is no longer world champion and will find it difficult to win it again in the future. He knows there is no place for him at Red Bull,” Marko added. “And whether Ferrari will be better for him on the sporting side is not set in stone.”

‘Money powering Hamilton-Ferrari rumours’;

https://grandpx.news/money-powering-hamilton-ferrari-rumours-marko/


Hamilton to Ferrari? Intriguing, but don’t bank on it
Toto Wolff said in March he wouldn’t mind if the British F1 star ‘looked elsewhere’
Last Edited May 23, 2023 | 11:00 PM
Gulf Times

Lewis Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the Formula One season and, inevitably, speculation that the seven-times world champion could move to Ferrari is again picking up speed. There are also a number of reasons why certain parties might want to give the rumour mill an extra shove with this weekend’s showcase Monaco Grand Prix looming.

A move for Hamilton would be a timely reminder from Ferrari that they are not sitting still, although Sainz would not be impressed. Hamilton needs a winning car to challenge for a record eighth title and the coming races will be crucial in helping him assess whether Mercedes can provide it, or whether to have a last shot at somewhere else.

‘Intriguing, but don’t bank on it’;

https://www.gulf-times.com/article/661620/sports/hamilton-to-ferrari-intriguing-but-dont-bank-on-it


Hamilton replacement SORTED says Mercedes driver development chief
Tuesday 23 May 2023 17:58
Jay Winter
GPFans

Mercedes' head of F1 driver development believes the Silver Arrows already have Lewis Hamilton's replacement as the team's leader among their ranks. Gwen Lagrue expressed his utmost confidence in Mercedes driver George Russell as the rightful successor to their seven-time world champion – whether he departs to Ferrari, as recent reports suggest, or eventually when he retires from the sport or leaves Mercedes.

In an interview with Autohebdo, Lagrue sang Russell's praises for making the best of the hardware he's had despite Mercedes' stuttering progress since the 2022 regulations switch. Does he have what it takes to claim leadership of the team, though?

“You always know that when you have the car to win, not before,” he said. “Nevertheless, what I have observed is that each time he has had a window of opportunity, he has managed to do something transformative. "That's very reassuring. If we are able to give him the car, he will do the right thing."

‘Hamilton replacement SORTED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108159/lewis-hamilton-george-russell-mercedes-f1-successor/


Mercedes tipped to have new Lewis Hamilton 'insurance policy' amid Ferrari speculation
Mercedes could face competition from Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton according to reports released this week.
06:21, Wed, May 24, 2023
By Andrew McLean

Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz has suggested that Charles Leclerc could be Mercedes' ‘insurance policy’ for Lewis Hamilton should the seven-time champion decide to leave or retire before the team are ready. The 38-year-old has been linked with a move to Ferrari this week with the Scuderia reportedly keen to pair him with Leclerc however the Silver Arrows may try to take him the other way if they lose Hamilton.

“Mercedes need an insurance policy if Lewis decides to either stop or leave. Kravitz said on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. “At this moment that policy looks like Charles Leclerc while they wait for their juniors.” For his part, Leclerc has admitted he has not held any talks with Mercedes over a potential move but did not rule anything out in the future.

'Insurance policy';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1773614/Mercedes-Lewis-Hamilton-insurance-policy-Ferrari-Charles-Leclerc

[Fortitude]

Mercedes and Toto Wolff finally listen to Martin Brundle a year later ahead of Monaco GP.
The Sky Sports F1 host urged Mercedes to axe their concept after struggling in the first few races of 2022.
12:02, Wed, May 24, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

He stressed the constructor may be forced into a “redesign” if they wanted to catch Red Bull and return to the front. Brundle said: “There must be a point coming soon when they have to accept this car and concept doesn’t work and have a redesign for the second half of the season.”

It's a really difficult situation Mercedes find themselves in. The next race or two, starting here, is critical for them solving the problem. Can they understand it? Can they fix it?” Mercedes battled through with the difficult design last year and had little success with many believing they should ditch the model for 2023.

However, George Russell picked up a stunning win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix which left Mercedes with a difficult decision. They stuck by their existing concept for 2023 believing they had finally solved the biggest issues. Lewis Hamilton has since suggested there was a dispute over the team’s direction with the seven-time champion apparently in disagreement.

‘They stuck by their existing concept’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1773791/mercedes-toto-wolff-martin-brundle-monaco-grand-prix


Mercedes finally abandon 'zeropod' F1 car design as Toto Wolff makes Monaco GP prediction.
Mercedes have persisted with their unique aero package ever since it debuted at the start of the 2022 season but, with the gap to Red Bull still huge, that is set to change.
16:49, 24 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Mercedes will run a new aerodynamic package at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix which signals the end of the team's failed 'zeropod' experiment.

While the new aero design has not officially been seen in public, some close-up images have been leaked on social media. Mercedes will have "an opportunity to learn about the upgrades" this weekend, said team boss Toto Wolff – though he admitted this Monaco track is not the ideal place to introduce such big changes.

"We need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event," said the Austrian. "We are introducing the first step in a new development direction. It won't be a silver bullet – from my experience, they do not exist in our sport. We hope that it gives the drivers a more stable and predictable platform. Then we can build on that in the weeks and months ahead.”

‘Finally abandon 'zeropod'!’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-sidepods-monaco-toto-wolff-30067777


The ex-Red Bull employee bringing a ‘very strong edge’ to Mercedes
22 May 2023 9:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes did sign at least one other Red Bull team member, and it’s one Wolff believes could be a game-changer as his teams looks to regain lost glory. Former Red Bull chief operating officer Poole joined Mercedes in the build-up to this year’s championship, signed as a special advisor with the aim of analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the current organisation.

“Jayne is a person that I admired over the last 10 years, that I got to know 10 years ago, and I always had a very respectful relationship with,” said Wolff in an interview with Motorsport.com. “She worked for the competitor, but you can respect people working for a competitor and acknowledge their performance.”

“Her role at Red Bull was, in my opinion, a very large part of the success of the team over the last years. That relationship came to an end, like many relationships come to a natural end. I wanted to hire Jayne for a long time, but it was just never an option. And then it became now.”

‘Ex-Red Bull employee’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bull-employee-mercedes-edge/


Mercedes’ Toto Wolff: “We are introducing the first step in a new development direction”
May 24, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Toto Wolff says the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team will continue its push to improve its W14 this weekend during the Monaco Grand Prix despite having lost the opportunity to run its upgraded package due to the cancellation of last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

“Following the cancellation of the race in Imola, our thoughts are still with the people of the Emilia-Romagna region that have been affected by the terrible flooding,” said Wolff. “We have been saddened by the images but inspired by the rescue work of the emergency services and the resilience shown by the communities. We look forward to returning to Imola in happier circumstances next year.”

“The revised calendar means that Monaco is now the starting point of the European leg of the season. It is a unique event but will still provide an opportunity to learn about the upgrades to W14 – but we also need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event. We are introducing the first step in a new development direction.”

“New development direction”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/05/mercedes-toto-wolff-we-are-introducing-the-first-step-in-a-new-development-direction/


TOTO WOLFF HITS BACK AT LATEST HAMILTON TO FERRARI RUMOURS
The speculation surrounding a Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton swap is not going away. The latest rumours allege that Ferrari is about to make a £40 million bid for the seven-time world champion
May 23, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

Throughout the 2023 Formula One season, speculation surrounding the future of Lewis Hamilton has been a hot topic. While it is highly likely that the seven-time world champion will stay with Mercedes, there has been near-constant talk about the Brit moving to Ferrari. Although Hamilton and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff have shut down these rumours on multiple occasions, they have still lingered.

Recently, however, Wolff has seemed to indicate that Hamilton’s contract renewal may not be on the cards after all. Speculation has hotted up again with rumours of Ferrari offering Hamilton £40 million to join the Scuderia. But the Mercedes boss has stepped in to put the rumours to rest.

Whilst speaking to oe24, Wolff opened up about the speculation surrounding Hamilton leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari. He said: “There rumours come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract. But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure.”

‘The speculation surrounding a Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton swap is not going away’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/toto-wolff-hits-back-at-latest-hamilton-to-ferrari-rumours/?nowprocket=1


Ferrari making ‘no comment’ on Lewis Hamilton rumours
Lewis Hamilton has previously told the media that he plans to stay at Mercedes for many more years.
24 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Despite Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff having labelled the recent rumours linking Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari as “not true”, Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater has revealed that a move for the seven-time World Champion is “under consideration” by the Italians.

Slater revealed that whilst an offer hasn’t yet been sent to Hamilton, Ferrari are potentially on the cusp of making one, with the side not preparing to comment on the situation, something which could say a lot in itself. “What I can say is there is something in this from Ferrari,” said Slater on Sky Sports News.

“So as I understand it, the official line from Ferrari to me when I’ve contacted them is no comment to make on this, which in itself is a bit brisk, but other sources in Italy have told me that a move or an approach for Hamilton is under consideration.”

‘Sources in Italy’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/ferrari-making-no-comment-on-lewis-hamilton-rumours/

[Fortitude]

Monaco Grand Prix: Five key storylines to follow.
Perez to take battle to Verstappen on another street track. Aston Martin eye glory. Mercedes' delayed upgrades get first look. Leclerc under pressure? Qualifying to carry added importance.
24 May 7:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, RacingNews365.com takes a look at five storylines to follow across the event. Perez to take battle to Verstappen on another street track: Sergio Perez has pinned his name to the mast as F1's street track specialist, though this claim has been brought into dispute after Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen's dominant ninth-to-first victory in Miami last time out.

Aston Martin eye glory: Aston Martin will ride a wave of delight entering the weekend given the coup in securing a works partnership with Honda for F1's new power unit regulatory era beginning in 2026. Mercedes' delayed upgrades get first look: Mercedes' long-awaited upgrade package was supposed to have debuted at Imola last weekend only for the tragic flooding in Emilia Romagna to force the race's cancellation.

Leclerc under pressure? Before the Aston Martin and Honda announcement stole the limelight, rumours of a Ferrari move for Hamilton were again in circulation. Qualifying to carry added importance: A lot has been made about the racing spectacle at the Monaco Grand Prix in modern F1, with the longer, wider cars preventing overtaking action.

‘Five key storylines’;

https://racingnews365.com/monaco-grand-prix-five-key-storylines-to-follow


THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on the latest F1 news ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix
24 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

This week the Formula 1 circus is descending on the tiny Mediterranean principality of Monaco for one of the most historic races around - the Monaco Grand Prix.

How much do you know about this showpiece event? And have you been keeping an eye on all the other F1 news that's been happening over the past week? Hit go in the quiz below to test your skills – and don't forget to share your score with your friends...

‘10 quiz questions’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.this-week-in-f1-10-quiz-questions-on-the-latest-f1-news-ahead-of-the-monaco.64z6XYpCA3FS6I7UmSuHod.html


Haas’ Günther Steiner anticipates tough qualifying in Monaco: “Sometimes you get it right, but sometimes you get it wrong”
May 24, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

The FIA Formula 1 World Championship now moves onto the next round, the Monaco Grand Prix. When asked what the event represents for him, Steiner said that is an “important” venue due to its history and extravagance.

“Monaco to all of us means mixing glamour with racing. It’s an event which has been there a long time, a lot of people go there and a lot of people dream to go there one day because it’s an outstanding location and an important one for Formula 1. We always go there being prepared for a lot of activities to show what the sport is about. In Monaco, we all put a lot of effort into the free practice sessions and on to qualifying because it’s important to qualify well.”

“Overtaking isn’t impossible but it’s very, very difficult. You put the biggest effort into it and the drivers focus on it. Communication is like always – trying to communicate to drivers when there is traffic because if you’re on a hot lap and you find traffic, you’re in a mess. It’s very important to keep on top of it and to keep drivers as calm as possible. Already the stress of it is enough in Monaco because it’s high-speed through a lot of tight walls.”

‘Anticipates tough qualifying’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/05/haas-gunther-steiner-anticipates-tough-qualifying-in-monaco-sometimes-you-get-it-right-but-sometimes-you-get-it-wrong/


Brown explains McLaren car’s fluctuations in form ahead of Monaco after Miami GP ‘sucked’
24 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

McLaren CEO Zak Brown says the team’s point-less outing in Miami “sucked” but is optimistic that their performance in Monaco and the races that follow will improve, believing they will have “a strong second half of the year”. “I think we will go alright in Monaco; we obviously came to the table with an underdeveloped car at the start of the year.”

“We knew that we called our shot, and it turned out we knew we weren’t going to be where we want to be. “But the exciting part is we think we are going to get a lot better. For Monaco, not a lot of development, so I think it is going to be more the second half of the year.”

“But we’ve run well at Monaco, and we think it’s a track that suits our car more than Miami. So, I think we should be okay, but it’s very tight through the field. So, you only need to be off by a tenth or two to be right towards the front, or right towards the back.”

‘McLaren car’s fluctuations in form’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brown-explains-mclaren-cars-fluctuations-in-form-ahead-of-monaco-after-miami.6WPsvDqVLZwHMGdW5RMB2M.html


Ferrari star shoots down injury rumours after image sends scare through F1 world
May 25th, 2023 1:28 pm
Matthew Sullivan from News.com.au
Fox Sports (Australia)

Carlos Sainz has dispelled rumours he is in doubt for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix after he reportedly injured himself during a charity football match. The Ferrari driver was one of several of F1 stars involved in the match this week at Monaco’s Stade Louis II along with teammate Charles Leclerc and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.

But an image of Sainz sitting on the bench getting strapping applied to his right leg with a concerned look on his face sent a scare through F1 fans. Sainz went off the field in the second half and was seen receiving treatment on his leg.

After last year’s charity game, he was also seen putting ice on his ankle but didn’t miss the following race. But it appears the F1 world can breathe easy after the Spaniard said he simply sustained a minor knock in the game, describing it as “a contact”.

‘Ferrari star shoots down injury rumours’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/ferrari-star-shoots-down-injury-rumours-after-image-sends-scare-through-f1-world/news-story/c30ffca663e18f47576bbfd54660035c


F1 street king Perez fearful of 'TRICKY' Monaco Grand Prix
Wednesday 24 May 2023
Dan McCarthy
GPFans

Sergio Perez says this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix may be slightly awkward due to potentially inclement weather conditions. Despite being bestowed as the "king" of the street circuit, Perez admits the weather conditions, which have been forecasted by some to be wet, will make the race awkward.

The Mexican, who won last year's rain-affected race in Monaco, said: "The weather could be tricky again here, which means we have to maximise every moment we get in the car. It’s important we get our set up right and qualifying goes well to have any chance of winning on Sunday."

'TRICKY Monaco Grand Prix’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108200/sergio-perez-red-bull-f1-explains-fears-of-tricky-monaco-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Alonso senses an opportunity on the streets of Monaco.
Fernando Alonso sensing a chance to end dominant Red Bull’s run of success at the most glamorous and historic of street circuits.
May 24, 2023 | 11:19 PM
Reuters Monaco
Gulf Times

Aston Martin’s Alonso, winner in Monaco with Renault and McLaren in 2006 and 2007, will be ready for any opportunity that comes his way after securing four third places so far in 2023.

“We seem to have a car that is maybe not the fastest on the straights. We need to improve that, but we are very good on the corners,” he told Sky Sports television when asked where he might win.

“I would say that the slowest speeds of the championship, let’s say Monaco, Budapest, Singapore; these kind of circuits, I think we put our main hopes at the moment.”

‘EL PLAN: Senses an opportunity’;

https://www.gulf-times.com/article/661691/sports/alonso-senses-an-opportunity-on-the-streets-of-monaco


Alonso sees an opportunity on the streets of Monaco
Favourites Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have between them won all five races so far this season
24 MAY 2023 - 17:51
ALAN BALDWIN
Financial Mail

London — Monaco kicks off Formula One’s flood-delayed European season on Sunday with Fernando Alonso sensing a chance to end dominant Red Bull’s run of success at the most glamorous and historic of street circuits.

‘EL PLAN: Sees an opportunity’;

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/other-sport/2023-05-24-alonso-sees-an-opportunity-on-the-streets-of-monaco/


Fernando Alonso eyeing chance to end Red Bull winning streak
25th May 2023, 10:02
The Straits Times

MONTE CARLO – Fernando Alonso will seek to break Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s winning streak and claim his first win since 2013, as Formula One resumes this weekend with the 80th running of the classic Monaco Grand Prix.

After four third-place finishes from five races, the 41-year-old has emerged as not only the biggest threat to two-time world champion Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez, but also this season’s box-office attraction, a wily wolf with unrivalled experience.

“We have a car that maybe isn’t the fastest on the straights, but very good in the corners,” Alonso explained, with a flash of his customary mischievous grin. “So we need to improve that – but it is good for the circuits that are slower like Monaco and Budapest and Singapore, these kind of circuits. I think (that is where) we put our main hopes at the moment.”

‘EL PLAN: Wily wolf with unrivalled experience’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/fernando-alonso-eyeing-chance-to-end-red-bull-winning-streak


Alonso ‘a big motivation ball’ – Aston Martin owner Stroll
Wednesday 24th May, 2023 - 7:35am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso has been described as “a big motivation ball” by Lawrence Stroll following the two-time F1 champion’s arrival at Aston Martin. “It was never an ambition (to sign Alonso) until we decided to part ways with Sebastian, and then it was very apparent to me Fernando was the driver I wanted,” said Stroll, speaking to this writer in an interview for The New York Times.

“Actually, there wasn’t even a second choice. Should have been, I guess, in hindsight, but I was then quite determined to get Fernando, for several reasons. His talent – he is clearly one of the greatest drivers to ever be in Formula 1; his motivation, for whatever reason, has never been higher.”

“We stayed in contact. When I spoke to him, he said, ‘Listen, I can bring something to this team in my last few years I’m going to drive and hopefully have some sort of role within Aston Martin for many years to come after when I stop driving’. “When he said that, I did not need a lot of convincing.”

‘EL PLAN: A big motivation ball’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/24/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-motivation-ball-lawrence-stroll/


David Coulthard: Why Fernando Alonso has been stronger in his 40s than Michael Schumacher
15:03 Sat, 20 May 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

David Coulthard has examined why Fernando Alonso is performing better in his 40s than Michael Schumacher did in F1. Michael Schumacher, of course, drove in F1 in his 40s but had a few years away from racing before his comeback and his results were not quite up to where he wanted them to be.

Had he been in F1, or another category, between his exit at the end of 2006 and comeback at the start of 2010, though, he may well have been able to produce similar displays to how Alonso is now. Clearly, that is what Coulthard thinks with him telling the Formula For Success podcast:

“When Alonso stepped away from F1 the first time, he went straight into sports cars, IndyCar, he did the Dakar, he’s got a kart track and you see him out testing his karts at his facility in Spain. There’s the expression, ‘don’t let the old man in.’ If you let the old man or the old woman in, that, ultimately, is what you end up becoming.”

‘EL PLAN: See him out testing his karts at his facility in Spain’;

https://www.givemesport.com/david-coulthard-why-fernando-alonso-has-been-stronger-in-his-40s-than-michael-schumacher/


Fernando Alonso picked over Hamilton and Verstappen as ‘most complete driver on Earth’
21 May 2023 2:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso has been selected over Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as the “most complete driver on Earth.” The former Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul, who since departing F1 in 2020 now works as team principal for Hyundai Motorsport, said Alonso was the “most complete driver on Earth.”

“They are very involved, professional, disciplined and rational drivers,” Abiteboul told Spanish newspaper AS of the two former Spaniards he was in charge of, Alonso and Carlos Sainz. “At the same time they are Latinos and I have a good connection with that kind of people.”

“Carlos is impressive for his attention to all the details, in particular the mechanical part of the car, as if he was an engineer, and he has helped to improve the car since he was at Toro Rosso. Fernando needs no introduction. He is probably the most complete driver on earth and it is a joy to see him back at the top of Formula 1.”

‘EL PLAN: Probably the most complete driver on earth’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-most-complete-driver/

[Fortitude]

Monaco GP 2023: Sky Sports F1 pundits predict four-team battle for pole and Fernando Alonso to end win drought.
Will Red Bull's 100 per cent win record in 2023 come to an end at the Monaco GP? Sky Sports F1's Simon Lazenby thinks four teams are in contention for pole position on Saturday; Ted Kravitz tips Fernando Alonso for win on Sunday.
25/05/23 7:10pm
Sky Sports

The Monaco GP this weekend looks set to have the first four-team battle at the front of the 2023 season, according to the Sky Sports F1 pundits. Red Bull have dominated the year so far, winning all five grands prix plus the Baku Sprint, but Formula 1's arrival in Monte Carlo may see that about to change.

The unique characteristics of the historic Circuit de Monaco's narrow streets can see the form book go out the window, and this year may be no different as Red Bull's straight-line speed advantage is somewhat negated while Aston Martin and Ferrari can capitalise on their strength in slow-speed corners.

‘EL PLAN: Ted Kravitz tips Fernando Alonso for win on Sunday’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12887905/monaco-gp-2023-sky-sports-f1-pundits-predict-four-team-battle-for-pole-and-fernando-alonso-to-end-win-drought


'It's not our strongest circuit' – Perez and Verstappen admit Red Bull could 'struggle' to 'show our strengths' at Monaco
25 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez admit Red Bull could “struggle” at the Monaco Grand Prix on a circuit that is not their “strongest”. Red Bull have won all five races this season – with Verstappen and Perez sitting first and second respectively in the drivers' championship – but both racers are wary of what might be in Monte Carlo despite that dominance.

Red Bull have won the last two races in Monaco with Verstappen taking victory in the Principality back in 2021, while Perez held off both the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as his team mate to take the win last year. However, despite their recent success in Monaco and their impressive start to the season, Perez is not so sure that Red Bull will have it all their own way this weekend, with the Mexican expecting a difficult battle with their rivals.

“We certainly know it’s not our strongest circuit,” admitted Perez, who has finished on the podium twice in Monte Carlo. “We will struggle a bit to show our strengths, but it’s still Monaco.”

'It's not our strongest circuit';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-not-our-strongest-circuit-perez-and-verstappen-admit-red-bull-could.3DQlEBAZfasZrE9gt0UBI1.html


Marko makes BOLD claim over Verstappen and Perez rivalry ahead of Monaco GP
Thursday 25 May 2023 20:12
Matthew Hobkinson


Helmut Marko has claimed that Sergio Perez is on the same level as Max Verstappen when the Mexican “is having a good day” ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. And heading into this weekend’s race at Monaco, Marko believes that Perez can go level on wins with Verstappen if he performs to the best of his abilities.

“Perez has improved,” he told Formel1.de’s YouTube channel. “He has become more consistent. However, nevertheless, throughout the season, Max is the faster one. And that was evident in Miami as well. In sector one, I believe, he took half a second off Perez. And that was in just four corners, and it remained consistent throughout the practice sessions and proved itself in the race as well…”

“In Jeddah, I think it was, he was suffering from a severe flu and simply wasn't in the physical condition to challenge Perez. And when Perez is having a good day, he's on the same level as Max, and it always comes down to minor details that make the difference.”

‘Marko makes BOLD claim’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108257/max-verstappen-sergio-perez-helmut-marko-f1/


Aston Martin with ‘Great Hopes’ to Fight for Monaco Grand Prix Victory – Mike Krack
May 25, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Mike Krack says the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team are going for the win this weekend, with the Monaco Grand Prix potentially offering the Silverstone-based team their best chance of the season so far to beat Oracle Red Bull Racing. “It would be nice to say yes and do it,” Krack is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. “We all have great hopes here for Monaco with our two drivers, we have a great car. In the simulator they were all quite excited.”

“But we must not forget the competition. It is true that there are not so many straights here. It’s also true that we have not seen a Red Bull or Ferrari or Mercedes in high downforce configuration, because we did not have a maximum downforce track so far. So I think it would be easy to say, ‘Ah we going to be easily at the front.’ I don’t think it will be that easy. I think we will have to be 100% at all times.”

‘EL PLAN: Great Hopes’

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/05/aston-martin-with-great-hopes-to-fight-for-monaco-grand-prix-victory-mike-krack/


Lewis Hamilton ‘excited’ to try Mercedes F1 upgrades at Monaco GP after being “lost” in 2022
25 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton says he is “so excited” to finally try out Mercedes’ long-awaited F1 upgrades after admitting the team “were a little bit lost” in how to solve their issues. Hamilton, who admitted he has been “counting the days” until the upgrades arrive, hopes they will enable Mercedes to cut their vast performance deficit to pace-setters Red Bull.

“The upgrade, it will be difficult to see how it works at this kind of track but I’m hopeful that it puts us a little bit closer to these guys,” the seven-time world champion said on Thursday. I don’t think we will be fighting for a win necessarily, but hopefully we will be more in the fight.”

Hamilton praised the hard work of his team behind the scenes to produce the upgrades after Mercedes U-turned on their controversial decision to keep the faith in their unique sidepod approach over the winter.

‘W14 Upgrade - “So excited”!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1026794/1/hamilton-excited-try-mercedes-f1-upgrades-after-being-lost

[Fortitude]

Sainz fastest for Ferrari as Albon crash ends first practice.
Sainz’s best time of a 1’13.372 was over three tenths of a second faster than Fernando Alonso, with Lewis Hamilton third-fastest in the revised Mercedes W14.
26th May 2023, 13:45
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Lewis Hamilton fitted the medium compound tyres and took to the track in the heavily revised Mercedes. He immediately went quickest of all on his first timed lap with a 1’14.035, while Alonso went second with a lap just half a tenth slower than his former McLaren team mate.

When the session resumed with 20 minutes remaining, Alonso headed back out on the same set of medium tyres he had previously been running on, going quickest of all with the first lap under 1’14 of the session. Alonso’s time at the top did not last long, however, as Sainz used a second set of medium tyres to pip Alonso by half a tenth and reclaim first for Ferrari.

Alonso was second, three tenths slower than the Ferrari, with Hamilton third and Perez fourth for Red Bull. Leclerc was fifth in the second Ferrari, ahead of Max Verstappen. The championship leader endured a tough session, clearly unhappy with the balance of his car, the team unable to make some of the changes he wanted until the break before second practice.

‘Sainz fastest’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/26/sainz-fastest-for-ferrari-as-albon-crash-ends-first-practice/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Monaco Grand Prix
26th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari -1:13.372
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.338
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.663
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.666
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.721
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.872
7. Lando Norris McLaren +1.095
8. Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.213
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.281
10. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.294

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

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-monaco-grand-prix-82156


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Monaco Grand Prix
26 May 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-monaco-2023.65XCS0EUvtcx7dTEVv1SrR.html


F1 Monaco Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
26th May 2023, 13:34.
Crash.Net

F1 is back this weekend after the last race at Imola was cancelled due to intense flooding.
The Monaco Grand Prix is the 'jewel in the crown' with many drivers desperate to win in the principality.
Aston Martin and Ferrari are expected to be on the pace, while all eyes will be on Mercedes' new upgrade.

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-monaco-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


What happened in frenetic opening Monaco GP F1 practice
26th May 2023, 13:43.
By Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz topped the opening practice session of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, which was curtailed by a crash for Alex Albon.

Key moments:
> Four different cars in top four
> Hamilton third in upgraded Mercedes
> Albon shunt one of two red flags
> Verstappen unhappy with his RB19

The red flag denied the chance for anyone to dislodge Sainz, who had spent much of the session out front. He led a Ferrari 1-2 after the opening runs – albeit with the Ferrari duo just two of the three drivers in the field to opt for mediums rather than hards – and then reclaimed top spot with a 1m13.372s after swapping for a fresh set of mediums.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso ended up his nearest rival, three tenths off, at one point particularly exasperated by traffic in the form of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Perez was the lead Red Bull, and only fourth, 0.003s behind the upgraded Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton.

‘Frenetic opening Monaco GP F1 practice’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-happened-in-frenetic-opening-monaco-gp-f1-practice/


Sainz leads Alonso in Red Flag shortened Monaco FP1
26th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Monaco Grand Prix – Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were the only two in the 1:13s as a late crash for Alex Albon saw the practice session end early.

At the halfway point Hamilton was at the top of the times with a 1:14.035 on the mediums, a few tenths ahead of Sainz and Norris. The session was Red Flagged with just over 22 minutes on the clock for debris left after Nico Hulkenberg had tagged the barrier at the chicane which punctured his rear tyre and spun him.

It was a Spanish 1-2 for the rest of the session after Sainz pipped Alonso with a 1:13.690 and the two continued to bring the times down until Alex Albon crashed at Sainte Devote which brought the Red Flags out again and with only a handful of minutes left in the session, it wouldn’t be resumed.

‘Red Flag shortened Monaco FP1’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/sainz-leads-alonso-in-red-flag-shortened-monaco-fp1-82160

[Fortitude]

Verstappen quickest as Sainz ends his Friday in the barriers.
Verstappen narrowly went faster than the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Sainz in the session. The latter crashed at the exit of the Swimming Pool chicane which ended his running with 20 minutes of the session remaining.
26th May 2023, 17:1026th May 2023, 17:16
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Fernando Alonso set the first representative time of the session with a 1’14.611, before Verstappen became the first driver of the day to break into the 1’13s to go quickest of all. His team mate Sergio Perez went second with a lap almost three tenths slower, before Alonso improved to split the two Red Bulls. Lewis Hamilton briefly popped up to the top of the times in the updated Mercedes, beating Verstappen’s best by just one-thousandth of a second, before the championship leader shaved a tenth off his personal best to retake the top spot. Norris was sent out for his first laps in the McLaren 10 minutes into the session.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, Verstappen improved to a 1’12.462 to move back to the top of the times, a tenth of a second faster than Sainz’s previous benchmark. Leclerc improved to go just over half a tenth away from Verstappen into second place ahead of his team mate. Sainz continued to push on his soft tyres in an attempt to reclaim the fastest time, but he misjudged the exit of the Swimming Pool chicane and clipped the inside barrier, damaging his suspension and sending him into the outside barrier. With the Ferrari laying crashed at the side of the road, the red flags flew so Sainz’s car could be cleared.

‘Verstappen quickest’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/26/verstappen-quickest-as-sainz-ends-his-friday-in-the-barriers/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Monaco Grand Prix
26th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:12.462
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.065
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.107
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.220
5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.444
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.498
7. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.529
8. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.588
9. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.627
10. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.700

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

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second-practice-results-2023-monaco-grand-prix-82168


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Monaco Grand Prix
26 May 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-monaco-2023.5BGQDQDxkjQjGYrat4MY2.html


How Friday practice for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix unfolded
26th May 2023.
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

The Monaco Grand Prix is the 'jewel in the crown' with many drivers desperate to win in the principality. Aston Martin and Ferrari are expected to be on the pace, while all eyes will be on Mercedes' new upgrade.

‘Friday practice’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-monaco-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Sainz crashes, Verstappen fastest – all the Monaco FP2 details
26th May 2023, 17:16
By Jack Cozens
The Race

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen topped the second Monaco Grand Prix practice session ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, whose crash brought out a red flag in the final 20 minutes of the session. Key moments:
> Late red flag as Sainz hits Swimming Pool chicane wall
> Verstappen hits the front but Ferraris close behind
> Top 14 covered by one second
> Red flag limits Albon to 11 minutes on track

Verstappen’s session-best time, a 1m12.462s, put him a mere 0.065 seconds ahead of Leclerc though with Sainz also just 0.107s off. Alonso was fourth and within a quarter of a second of the pace too in his Aston Martin. He ended the session half a second up on team-mate Lance Stroll, who was outside the top 10.

Lando Norris put his McLaren an excellent fifth but was asked to abort his final run once the session resumed to abort his lap and minimise his throttle use on his way back to the pits. Norris, who’d earlier been delayed from starting his running while McLaren worked on the front end of his car, did not return to the track.

‘Key moments’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-grand-prix-practice-2-2023-sainz-crash-verstappen-fastest/


Monaco GP FP2: Max Verstappen tops tight session, Carlos Sainz crashes out
26 May 2023 5:00 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen went fastest in FP2 for the Monaco GP, edging clear of both Ferrari drivers, though Carlos Sainz prompted a red flag with a crash late in the session. Verstappen set the fastest first sector of anybody, but weaved his way through slower cars on his fast lap and may have lost a little bit of time in doing so, going third quickest when he crossed the line.

But attempting a second run, the Red Bull driver put himself back to the top of the standings, a 1:12.462 nudging Sainz off P1, before Leclerc put himself between the Dutchman and his Ferrari team-mate.

A reminder of the perils of Monaco was there for Yuki Tsunoda, who clipped the wall on the entry of the Nouvelle Chicane and caused a puncture on his AlphaTauri. Shortly afterwards, however, Sainz prompted the red flag to be brought out by crashing into the inside wall on the second apex of the Swimming Pool section.

‘FP2: Max Verstappen tops tight session’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/monaco-grand-prix-2023-fp2-report/

[Fortitude]

The most important pole fight of 2023 also looks like the hardest to call.
Just as last year’s Monaco qualifying demonstrated, every single flying lap counts when the threat of a sudden red flag remains constant. With hundredths or even thousandths of a second could determine whether a driver starts on pole, playing it safe is not an option.
26th May 2023, 21:59
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Given they have spent the first five race weekends of the 2023 season struggling to offer any serious threat to Red Bull’s supremacy, it was perhaps a little surprising how both Ferrari and Aston Martin arrived in Monaco full of confidence about their potential to put up a fight.

Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur and Aston Martin’s Mike Krack had no interest in playing the cautious team principal role heading into Monte Carlo. Instead, both highlighted this weekend as one where the tight and twisty street circuit could offer the best chance yet for them to take on Red Bull. And based on what both teams showed during the opening practice day of the weekend, they had good reason to feel confident.

At the end of two hours of running, the margin between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc at the top of the time sheets was just 0.065 seconds – a physical difference of almost exactly three metres at the timing line. Heading into the most important qualifying of the season, where pole position offers the greatest chance of victory of any race on the calendar, that is a margin Red Bull know they cannot feel comfortable with.

‘Hardest to call’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/26/the-most-important-pole-fight-of-2023-also-looks-like-the-hardest-to-call/


Ferrari in the ascendancy as Alonso looms large in pole fight: Quali talking points
May 27th, 2023 10:06 am
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Max Verstappen beat Charles Leclerc to top spot at the end of Friday practice at the Monaco Grand Prix, but this isn’t business as usual. Rather than Verstappen holding his regular large advantage over the field, the Dutchman was just 0.065 seconds quicker than the Monegasque.

With Carlos Sainz around 0.1 seconds off the pace and Fernando Alonso only 0.2 seconds adrift, hopes that the battle for pole — and therefore the battle for victory — would be unusually close around the peculiar Monte Carlo street circuit appear to be being realised. Red Bull Racing, though fastest by the end of the day, looks vulnerable.

“Compared to Ferrari especially we’re still a bit lacking on the general ride of the car, how it handles the kerbs, the bumps, the drops in camber,” Verstappen said. “That’s still something we need to work on for tomorrow, because you can see they are very, very close. Once you go to the limit in qualifying we need a bit more to stay ahead of them.”

‘Quali talking points’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/ferrari-in-the-ascendancy-as-alonso-looms-large-in-pole-fight-quali-talking-points/news-story/7714c3077aab5e1df33431d12f5aab91


Could Monaco be the first grand prix Red Bull do not win this season?
Rivals eyeing chance to break dominance of Max Verstappen's team, whose floating victory pool has taken on a different look due to drought
26 May 2023 • 8:28pm
By Tom Cary, SENIOR SPORTS CORRESPONDENT, IN MONACO

If a Red Bull driver ends up winning this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix – they have dominated every other race so far this season – the victor will not be able to perform the team's now traditional celebratory leap into the pool on their floating Energy Station in the harbour.

Max Verstappen topping the timesheets in second practice on Friday may have had a familiar feel to it. But there are reasons to suggest this might be a track at which Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez are vulnerable. When you throw in the fact that this circuit does not particularly suit Red Bull’s challenger, which is at its best in medium- and high-speed corners, you have the potential for an upset.

“I've got no doubts or illusions that the challenge is going to be much greater this weekend,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted on Friday. Their rivals, in particular Ferrari and Aston Martin, who looked very close in pace to Red Bull on Friday, are definitely interested. In a world where unicorns are floating in Red Bull’s pool, pigs might fly.

‘Verstappen and team-mate Sergio Perez are vulnerable’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/26/monaco-grand-prix-red-bull-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton/


Wolff relieved by Mercedes pace: 'At least the car isn't worse'
26 May 8:00PM
Author Luke Murphy
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff was pleased by the benchmark set by the updated Mercedes cars, albeit with Lewis Hamilton still over half-a-second off the pace of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. "At least the upgraded car is not much worse than the car was before. That's a good sign for Monaco. For once, the car didn't do anything we don't like," Wolff told Sky Germany.

Toto Wolff says that the heavily-updated Mercedes W14 'isn't doing anything we don't like' after its debut at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix practice session. Mercedes Team Principal offered a tentatively-positive verdict on the updates, and suggested there were no major areas for concern.

When commenting on the closeness of the field ahead of qualifying, Wolff said: "In the end it's all going to be within two, three tenths."

'At least the car isn't worse';

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-relieved-by-mercedes-pace-at-least-the-car-isnt-worse


Steiner gives HUGE Haas win prediction ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Guenther Steiner has insisted that Haas will win Formula 1 races “at some stage”, admitting that he believes it is just a matter of time before one of their drivers takes the chequered flag in first place.
Friday 26 May 2023 23:27
Matthew Hobkinson
22:27 Fri, 26 May 2023.

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, Haas are preparing for their 150th race as an F1 team since their debut in the sport came in Australia back in 2016.

“The present objective this year is to move up in the constructors’ championship from last year, getting better every year, it’s as simple as this,” he told the F1 Nation podcast.

“And at some stage we want to be winning races. I don’t know how far away it is and I’m not going to say it’s this season or next season, but at some stage, it will happen with Haas.”

‘HUGE Haas win prediction’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108294/guenther-steiner-haas-f1-monaco/


Brundle causes 'ANXIETY' for F1 fans during FP2 at Monaco GP
Friday 26 May 2023 19:14
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Formula 1 fans could not hide their disbelief after Martin Brundle was pictured standing metres away from the cars as they raced around the track during FP2.

Brundle was on track for Sky Sports at the Nouvelle chicane to analyse the drivers during the second practice session. “It’s fascinating down here,” he told Sky Sports. “Seeing how the drivers use the furniture of the kerb to turn the car. If you look at the inside rear tyre [of the cars], it’s in the air!

“The car is jacked, it’s like a three-wheeler. The right-front [tyre] goes over the kerb, it jacks the car and the back then slides which positions the car beautifully for the exit so they can get the car as straight as possible, as early as possible, and get better traction.”

‘Has Martin Brundle got a death wish?? He’s inches away from those cars!’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108352/martin-brundle-monaco-grand-prix-f1-anxiety/

[Fortitude]

Monaco GP FP3: Red Bull 1-2 as Lewis Hamilton crashes his new Mercedes.
With Race Control announcing that the session would not be restarted, FP3 ended with a 1-2 for Red Bull with Verstappen 0.073s ahead of Perez with Stroll third.
27 May 2023 12:35 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen topped a Red Bull 1-2 in final practice for the Monaco Grand Prix but none of the drivers were able to do a final flying lap after Lewis Hamilton brought out the reds when he crashed at Mirabeau.

The VSC came out only for Hamilton to then bring out the red flags shortly after the track action resumed with the Mercedes driver into the barrier at Mirabeau, damaging the front left of his revamped W14. The front left of his car’s wing was wedged into the barrier. “Sorry,” he said.

With Race Control announcing that the session would not be restarted, FP3 ended with a 1-2 for Red Bull with Verstappen 0.073s ahead of Perez with Stroll third. As for Hamilton, while he made his way back to the pits, his W14 was lifted high above the circuit giving Mercedes’ rivals a good look at the car’s new floor.

‘Race Control announcing’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/monaco-grand-prix-2023-fp3-report/


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Monaco Grand Prix
27th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:12.776
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.073
3. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.166
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.485
5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.620
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.677
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.699
8. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.710
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.720
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.745

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

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-monaco-grand-prix-82181


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from third practice for the Monaco Grand Prix
27 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-third-practice-in-monaco-2023.5t7BFQyLytCVOo8OxrdyFm.html


F1 Monaco Grand Prix - Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
27th May 2023, 11:34
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

It's Saturday at the Monaco Grand Prix which means it's time for the best qualifying session of the year.

‘Follow all the action from Monte Carlo here with the Crash.net live blog.’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-monaco-grand-prix-final-practice-qualifying-live-updates


Hamilton crashes, Red Bull 1-2 in final Monaco practice
27th May 2023, 12:45
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Max Verstappen topped the final Formula 1 practice session before qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton crashed his upgraded Mercedes, bringing the session to a premature end. Key moments:
> Late red flag as Hamilton crashes
> Verstappen fastest…but only by a narrow margin
> Top 16 covered by one second
> Magnussen stops Haas on track

Hamilton had an uncharacteristic crash with just over five minutes of FP3 remaining when he lost control of his W14 at Mirabeau right after setting the fastest first sector time. That caused a red flag and the session wasn’t resumed, preventing a flurry of late laps and leaving Verstappen as the final practice pacesetter on a 1m12.776s. He was 0.073s faster than Red Bull team-mate and defending Monaco GP winner Sergio Perez.

The top three was completed by the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll, who was just 0.166s slower than Verstappen. Stroll’s team-mate Fernando Alonso ended up 14th after he was denied a late flying lap by both Hamilton’s crash and Kevin Magnussen bringing his Haas to a halt just before Portier – an incident that triggered a virtual safety car period that only ended a few minutes before the red flag.

‘Key moments’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-crashes-red-bull-1-2-in-final-monaco-practice/


Monaco GP: Red Bull top final practice as Lewis Hamilton crash ends session early
27th May 2023, 13:00
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Red Bull took P1 and P2 in the final practice session of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. There have been suggestions that this Sunday's race could be the first this season without a Red Bull driver on the top step of the podium, with them potentially a little more vulnerable in qualifying thus far this campaign compared to in the race.

In FP3, Max Verstappen was fastest from team-mate Sergio Perez, though Lance Stroll was not far behind in the Red Bull and he'd certainly create quite the story if he could repeat, or improve, that performance in a few hours from now.

Carlos Sainz was the fastest Ferrari, bouncing back nicely from his crash in FP2, whilst Lando Norris was fifth-quickest - another strong practice session for him after a good showing yesterday.

‘Red Bull: Potentially a little more vulnerable in qualifying’;

https://www.givemesport.com/monaco-gp-red-bull-top-final-practice/


F1 Monaco GP: Max Verstappen fastest in messy final practice as Lewis Hamilton crashes upgraded Mercedes
27 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Max Verstappen set the pace in a truncated final practice at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton crashed his upgraded Mercedes car. Reigning world champion Verstappen pipped Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by just 0.073s to top a crucial final hour of practice ahead of what is arguably the most important qualifying of the season.

But a true picture of the competitive picture was skewed after the closing stages of FP3 were interrupted by several stoppages that prevented drivers from improving. Hamilton had just set the fastest first sector of anyone before he slid into the barriers at Mirabeau, causing damage to his newly-revised W14 and bringing the session to an early end.

‘True competitive picture was skewed’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1026957/1/verstappen-tops-messy-fp3-hamilton-crashes-upgraded-mercedes

[Fortitude]

Verstappen denies Alonso Monaco GP pole, Perez crashes in Q1.
Formula 1 championship leader Max Verstappen denied Fernando Alonso a sensational Monaco Grand Prix pole, while his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez crashed out of qualifying early on.
May 27 2023
By Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race

Verstappen hardly took it easy after Perez’s exit – he grazed the wall at Antony Nogues in Q1 and topped the first and the second segment – but the pole shoot-out brought a stern challenge. The championship leader was only fifth after his initial attempt and though he went quickest after giving it another go on the same set, he was sensationally dethroned almost immediately by the Alpine of Esteban Ocon.

By the time Verstappen had come out on his second Q3 set of softs, he was fifth again – moved down also by Alonso and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Yet he struck back again at the very last moment, overcoming a deficit to Alonso after the first two sectors with a sensational final sector to record a pole-clinching 1m11.365s – despite tagging the wall during the lap.

Alonso settled for a front row spot, ahead of home hero Leclerc and Ocon – who’d smacked the wall at Ste Devote earlier but got away with it. Leclerc is under investigation for an impeding incident involving McLaren’s Lando Norris.

‘Sensational final sector’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-denies-alonso-monaco-gp-pole-perez-crashes-in-q1/


Qualifying Results – 2023 Monaco Grand Prix
27th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:11.365
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.084
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.106
4. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.188
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.265
6. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.360
7. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.568
8. George Russell Mercedes +0.599
9. Lando Norris McLaren +0.717
10. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.889

‘Monaco Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying ahead of tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from Monaco’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-monaco-grand-prix-82184


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix
27 May 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘As It Happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-monaco-2023.4u07BHCXdeIfjTK6aGVwQa.html


How qualifying for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix unfolded
27th May 2023.
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

It's Saturday at the Monaco Grand Prix which means it's time for the best qualifying session of the year.

‘Follow all the action from Monte Carlo here with the Crash.net live blog’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-monaco-grand-prix-final-practice-qualifying-live-updates


Verstappen claims Monaco pole in STUNNING shootout
Saturday 27 May 2023 17:31
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Max Verstappen left it until the final seconds to take a sensational pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix. In the most important qualifying sessions of the year, thanks to the nature of the circuit making it difficult to overtake, the double world champion finally found a way to overcome a rapid Fernando Alonso.

A time of 1:11:365 was more than good enough to claim pole position, giving him a very good chance of victory and a substantial championship lead. Alongside him on the narrowest grid of the season will be Alonso, who looked likely to take pole before a stunning final sector from Verstappen.

Perez throws it away. With just seven minutes on the clock, Sergio Perez crashed out of qualifying at Sainte Devote, damaging his Red Bull car and bringing out the red flag. A rear-end slide saw his RB19 slam into the tyre wall and end his qualifying day there and then, even though he was fifth fastest at the time of the crash. It means starting way down in the field at the most difficult-to-overtake track in the world, leaving the chances of even points slim at best.

‘STUNNING shootout’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108417/max-verstappen-monaco-grand-prix-qualifying/


Verstappen snatches pole position from Alonso in thrilling Monaco GP qualifying session
27 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will start the Monaco Grand Prix from pole position after coming out on top in a breathless qualifying hour at the Monte Carlo circuit, pipping Aston Martin rival Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

In a pole shootout that did not feature Verstappen’s team mate, Sergio Perez, who crashed out of Q1, several drivers had spells at the top of the timesheets amid a sequence of laps that had fans on the edge of their seats.

With Alonso on provisional pole, it took a mighty effort of 1m 11.365s from Verstappen to secure P1, denying the Spaniard what would have been his first pole since the 2012 season by just under a tenth of a second.

‘Verstappen snatches pole’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-snatches-pole-position-from-alonso-in-thrilling-monaco-gp.4jHGOGbDO2KGFY3G8ESZJ9.html


Fernando Alonso aims cheeky dig at Max Verstappen after losing out on Monaco GP pole
Fernando Alonso just missed out on securing pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix.
16:30, Sat, May 27, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Fernando Alonso has fired a cheeky dig at Max Verstappen after the Red Bull star pipped him to Monaco Grand Prix pole. The Aston Martin star claimed Verstappen had been “inconsistent” and prayed he would struggle again in the Principality on Sunday. “Max has been a little bit inconsistent so maybe it's one of those bad ones tomorrow."

Alonso missed out on pole by less than a tenth of a second after a thrilling qualifying session but the Spaniard was confident the team could still challenge. He added: "I feel good. Obviously pole position means a lot in Monaco but today Max was a little bit faster, which is a shame.”

"I think first row on the grid here for us is quite a big thing. The last sector seemed to be our weakest point on the circuit. Let's see tomorrow what we can do in terms of strategy, if there is any weather coming. We will try to win it.”

‘EL PLAN: Strategy to win it’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1774954/fernando-alonso-max-verstappen-monaco-grand-prix-qualifying

[Fortitude]

Alonso: Risk taken during Q3 laps was at an ‘uncomfortable level’.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso says he went beyond the limit during qualifying as he secured a spot on the front row of the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix.
18:23 Sat, 27 May 2023.
by Rob Kershaw
Motorsport Week

The Spaniard looked set for his first pole position since Germany 2012 in the dying moments of Q3 on Saturday, before a rapid final sector from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen gave the Dutchman his first-ever pole in the Principality.

Fernando Alonso: “We came here with some concerns about our performance on Saturdays, we seem very god on Sundays and taking care of the tyres, degradation is good on our car. But we struggle a bit on street circuits to put the temperature to hit the lap in Q3 but we are starting the first row of the grid in Monaco so I think it’s job done today.”

Alonso drew attention the time he lost to Verstappen in the final sector, adding that this has been the team’s most problematic area over the weekend. “I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he tried a different approach in qualifying. “I think both laps in Q3 we were increasing the level of risk to an uncomfortable level let’s say I think both laps were a little bit over the limit sometimes but everything went fine.

‘EL PLAN: Beyond the limit during qualifying’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/27/alonso-risk-taken-during-q3-laps-was-at-an-uncomfortable-level/


Why Fernando Alonso took ‘uncomfortable level of risk’ in Monaco pole quest
27 May 2023 6:44 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso was going all out in his search for pole position in Monaco on Saturday, and admitted he was taking “uncomfortable” risks as he tried to secure P1 on the grid. The Aston Martin driver had earmarked Monaco as a potential venue where he might have a chance of victory this season, and had sat top of Q3 heading into the dying moments of the session.

The search goes on for Alonso for his first pole position since the 2012 German Grand Prix, but having come onto team radio and said he was “driving like an animal”, it certainly was not through lack of effort on his part. So much so, that he was even pushing the boundaries to the edge of what he was comfortable with on Saturday.

‘EL PLAN: “Driving like an animal”!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-uncomfortable-monaco-risk/


Alonso took ‘uncomfortable’ risks in Monaco Qualifying
Sunday 28th May, 2023 - 4:48am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso suggests competition for pole position during Qualifying for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix saw things reach an “uncomfortable level.” Alonso will line up second for tomorrow’s race after missing out on pole by just over a tenth of a second to Max Verstappen.

“When they told me that we were P1 just sooner than Max completed the laps, I knew the possibility was there to be P2,” Alonso said. “It’s a long race; I don’t think that overtaking opportunities will come at all as it is Monaco,” he said.

“It is a very demanding race, on the car, on the gearbox, on the brakes, there are a lot of things that you need to care of over 78 laps. “So we have to be focussed, very concentrated, we have to be sharp on the strategy, pit stops, you know anything can happen. If an opportunity comes, we will take it.”

‘EL PLAN: “Sharp on the strategy”!’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/05/28/alonso-took-uncomfortable-risks-in-monaco-qualifying/


Alonso increased risk to 'uncomfortable level' in qualifying
27/05/2023 at 17:02
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso says he went all-in and then some in Saturday's mesmerizing qualifying session in Monaco on his way to securing a spot on the front row of Sunday's race. Alonso seized the top spot from local hero Charles Leclerc in the final minute of the session with a lap that put the Aston Martin driver on the ragged edge more times than he cared to remember.

But the two-time world champion's best effort was ultimately beaten by a flying Max Verstappen who edged Alonso by just 0.084s by outpacing the latter in the final sector. The 41-year-old acknowledged however that Monaco's final sector was his weakest.

The Aston Martin garage erupted when Alonso popped to the top of the timing screens, but he knew that Verstappen would pull out the stops to snatch pole. Fernando Alonso: "So when they told me that we were P1 with just Tsunoda and Max completing the laps, I knew that the possibility was there to be P2."

‘EL PLAN: All-in and then some’;

https://f1i.com/news/475348-alonso-increased-risk-to-uncomfortable-level-in-qualifying.html


Alonso was “over the limit” in pursuit of Monaco Grand Prix pole
27th May 2023, 16:49
Written by Keith Collantine

Fernando Alonso says there was little more he could have done to beat Max Verstappen to pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver came within a tenth of a second of taking pole in a closely-fought qualifying session. Verstappen took pole away from him with his final lap.

Alonso admitted he was already pushing very hard and doubts there is more he could have done to beat Verstappen. “I think both laps in Q3 we were increasing the level of risk into an uncomfortable level,” he said. “I think both laps in Q3 were a little bit over the limit sometimes, but everything went fine.”

‘EL PLAN: Pushing very hard’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/27/alonso-was-over-the-limit-in-pursuit-of-monaco-grand-prix-pole/


HIGHLIGHTS: Relive an action-packed qualifying as Verstappen takes pole in Monaco over Alonso
27 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Max Verstappen left it late to take his first ever pole position in Monaco, pipping Fernando Alonso in dramatic fashion on his final attempt in Q3 to seal a P1 start in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Verstappen was the final driver to set a lap in Q3 and headed into the final sector two-tenths down on Alonso in provisional pole. However, a strong final sector saw the Red Bull driver pip the Spaniard by just 0.084s, with a time of 1m 11.365s.

‘EL PLAN: Relive an action-packed qualifying’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.highlights-relive-an-action-packed-qualifying-as-verstappen-takes-pole-in.4wU2t057eCgl3FCgl9SCLX.html

[Fortitude]

Verstappen wins Monaco GP despite late-race rain chaos.
Max Verstappen withstood a rain shower and two brushes with the barriers to extend his Formula 1 points lead with victory in a dramatic Monaco Grand Prix.
28th May 2023, 16:00
By Matt Beer
The Race

The Red Bull driver pulled away from front-row partner Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin in the first half of the race as Esteban Ocon’s Alpine held the rest of the pack up, effectively neutralising the potential strategic intrigue of Verstappen being on mediums but Alonso running hards in that stint.

Both were still on their original tyres when the rain arrived with 26 laps to go. Verstappen escaped clouting the Portier barrier while Alonso initially pitted for fresh medium slicks even though everyone else was taking on intermediates at that moment. Alonso was back in the pits for inters on the next lap, but had such a big margin over Ocon that he didn’t lose second place.

Verstappen tagged the wall again coming out of the Swimming Pool section in the closing stages, also without damage, as he headed for victory by 28 seconds. Alonso pulled clear of Ocon following his additional stop, while the Frenchman completed a race under constant pressure to take Alpine’s first podium of the 2023 F1 season.

‘Late-race rain chaos’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-gp-report-verstappen-wins-rain-chaos/


Monaco Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from Monaco.
28th May 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -78 laps
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +27.921
3. Esteban Ocon Alpine +36.990
4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +39.062
5. George Russell Mercedes +56.284
6. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +61.890
7. Pierre Gasly Alpine +62.362
8. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +63.391
9. Lando Norris McLaren +1 lap
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1 lap

‘Monaco Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from Monaco’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-monaco-grand-prix-82208


FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2023
28th May 2023, 13:10
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/f1-live-lite.html#lap-by-lap

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-grand-prix-de-monaco-2023.6EpEX4thwqJdCCSvBqHhVi.html


2023 F1 Monaco Grand Prix - LIVE UPDATES! Weather causes chaos
28th May 2023, 13:11
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Max Verstappen won the Monaco Grand Prix from pole position.

‘This is how it happened...’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-monaco-grand-prix-live-updates-max-verstappen-v-fernando-alonso


Max Verstappen wins thrilling Monaco GP as rain sparks late drama
The Dutchman led from start to finish and captured a dominant Monaco GP win
May 28, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen sealed a dominant and chaotic Monaco Grand Prix win from Fernando Alonso to extend his lead in the world championship to 39 points. A typically processional race around the streets of Monte Carlo came to life when rain started falling with more than 20 laps remaining, sparking a flurry of activity in the pits as teams attempted to gauge the right cutoff point.

But there was no denying Verstappen, who opened up a healthy gap from pole in the dry phase of the race, before Red Bull got the big call correct to put their star driver on the intermediate tyres to take the chequered flag by 27 seconds and his fourth victory of the season.

“It was quite a difficult one because we were on the medium and Fernando was on the hard. We didn’t want to go that long but we had to stay out with the rain coming,” Verstappen said. “The tyres were graining and then the pace picked up a little bit but it was still very tricky to drive. Then it started to rain and we had to make the call to go onto the inters.”

‘Led from start to finish’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-verstappen-wins-monaco-rain-late-drama/


Verstappen survives TORRENTIAL rain to dominate chaotic Monaco GP
Sunday 28 May 2023 17:07
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Max Verstappen converted his stunning pole position into a 39th Formula 1 victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. The reigning double-world champion nailed the start and built a substantial lead over Fernando Alonso, managing traffic and a downpour of rain with 25 laps to go to claim 25 valuable championship points.

Hallelujah for rain: It looked to be a processional finish but the heavens opened with just over 20 laps to go, forcing everybody to pit for intermediate tyres. Alonso had pitted just before the rain for medium tyres but had to come back to the pitlane for treaded tyres while Verstappen stayed out and made just the one stop to pull out a big lead.

All of the drivers were really struggling to keep their car in a straight line with George Russell, Lance Stroll, Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant all having big moments. Russell even collided with Sergio Perez as he rejoined, earning him a penalty.

‘TORRENTIAL rain’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108483/max-verstappen-wins-f1-monaco-grand-prix-red-bull/

[Fortitude]

Bungling Ferrari and Aston Martin are sending Max Verstappen flying towards a third F1 title.
Red Bull’s life is made even easier when rivals like Aston Martin botch their tyre strategy in Monaco.
May 28, 2023 6:07 pm
By Kevin Garside
Chief Sports Correspondent
i News

Cudda, wudda, shudda or whatever the Spanish equivalent might be, is a sentiment that might torment Fernando Alonso until Monaco harbour drains of water. What where the Aston Martin pit wall thinking, pitting Alonso for dry tyres just as the rain began to fall?

Had he bolted on the intermediates as the conditions demanded, Max Verstappen, dicing with a sodden track on spent slicks, would have been toast and Alonso would be a Monaco winner for the third time.

Such are the split-second margins on a street circuit where little happens until the meteorology hits the fan. The pair were out on their own, a two-man procession way ahead of the field.

‘Bungling Ferrari and Aston Martin’;

https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/bungling-ferrari-and-aston-martin-are-sending-max-verstappen-flying-towards-a-third-f1-title-2371389?ITO=newsnow


Fernando Alonso call forced Max Verstappen and Red Bull strategy change in Monaco
Verstappen judged things to perfection at the 2023 Monaco GP
May 28, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen believes Fernando Alonso’s opening stint on hards forced him to stay out longer during Sunday’s 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. Verstappen, who narrowly took pole, drove faultlessly, leading every lap to win for the second time in Monte Carlo and extending his lead in the Driver Standings over Sergio Perez, who failed to score any points.

“It was quite hectic towards the end,” Verstappen said to select members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “But the whole race was all about management. Because Fernando starting on the hards [it] made me do a very long stint. Almost doubled to what we would have liked, but because of the rain, we couldn’t stop. If it had been dry, I would have put the hards on and waited until Fernando did his pitstop.”

“But we couldn’t do that because the risk of rain was around, so we had to stay out of the tyres we’re graining, which wasn’t easy, but luckily it picked up a little bit. Even on the intermediates, it was still very slippery through the second sector, and the hard bit is you have a good lead, but you don’t risk too much but not drive so slow because you have no temperature in your tyres.”

‘Red Bull strategy change’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-fernando-alonso-forced-red-bull-max-verstappen-strategy-change-monaco/


Max Verstappen claims hitting wall in wet Monaco GP helped him secure victory to extend world championship lead
Max Verstappen claimed his fourth win of the season at a rain-affected Monaco GP to extend world championship lead to 39 points; Verstappen tapped the barriers at Portier when trying to negotiate wet track when still on dry tyres; Christian Horner explains why team had felt 'on the ropes'
Last Updated: 28/05/23 8:17pm
Sky Sports

And Verstappen said the wall had helped prevent him from spinning out from the lead. "I locked the rears and I couldn't get out of it, so it's just trying to control it with a bit of drifting," Verstappen said. "Luckily the wall in a way stopped it from sliding even more."

"Then it started to rain and on very worn tyres it was very difficult, I clipped a few barriers - I just had no grip. Even on the intermediates it was super slippery and it took a few laps to feel comfortable."

But Red Bull boss Christian Horner said they had felt "on the ropes" over the weekend. "I was nervous from about the moment the red light came on. When they pull the covers off and you see quite a few have gone on the hard tyre, you think 'okay, there's rain around, if they can go far enough, if the mediums degrade…' Horner told Sky Sports F1.

‘Hitting wall in wet’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12892174/max-verstappen-claims-hitting-wall-in-wet-monaco-gp-helped-him-secure-victory-to-extend-world-championship-lead


Verstappen admits being LUCKY during 'incredibly slippery' Monaco GP
Sunday 28 May 2023 20:51
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Max Verstappen took his 39th career victory at the Monaco Grand Prix despite clipping the walls and enduring slippery conditions in an action-packed race. Verstappen explained that skimming the barriers a couple of times actually helped his race.

He said: “Clipped the walls a few times, but it was super difficult out there – that's Monaco! “I locked the rears and I couldn’t get out of it, so it was just trying to control it with a little bit of drifting. Luckily the wall in a way stopped it from sliding even more.

“It’s super nice to win it, it’s also super nice to win it in the way we did today with the weather and everything to stay calm and bring it home. A lot of points for the team as well, so that’s great.”

‘Being LUCKY’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108493/max-verstappen-f1-monaco-grand-prix-rain-win/


Monaco GP: Max Verstappen Admits He Was Lucky To Survive And Win
Max Verstappen explained that he was struggling while racing on a set of worn medium tyres, having started the race on them, as the rain began.
• Updated: May 29, 2023
• Agence France-Presse
NDTV.com

Max Verstappen tip-toed through the rainswept conditions in the latter stages of his victory in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix and then declared he had been lucky to survive several brushes with the barriers. In the aftermath of a challenging race in increasingly difficult conditions, Red Bull's defending world champion and the current series leader admitted he was fortunate in the way his car smacked the railings.

Victory also gave some relief to agitated team boss Christian Horner who admitted he had felt apprehensive ahead of the Monaco race. "We were on the ropes here," he said. "We knew coming into this weekend that it was going to be our biggest challenge in the first half of the year and the low-speed nature was playing to their strengths.”

‘Lucky To Survive And Win’;

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/monaco-gp-max-verstappen-admits-he-was-lucky-to-survive-and-win-4074553


Max Verstappen Wins In Monaco, Ferrari Disasterclass and Ocon Shines, What Happened At The Monaco Grand Prix?
Updated: May 28, 2023 7:14 pm
World In Sport (Weblog)

From pole to victory! Max Verstappen claimed his second victory in Monaco within the past 3 seasons. A rain impacted race which saw him cross the line 27 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso who finished in second place. Alonso securing his first P2 finish this season, claiming a potentially crucial 18 points which could benefit himself, as well as Aston Martin in the constructors championship later down the line.

Ferrari Impload With Rain Arrival: From Lap 50 onwards the threat of rain had started to really become a factor for all teams and the majority had to start thinking about strategy, Ferrari at the time comfortably sat in P4 (Sainz) challenging P3 (Ocon) to get a podium as well as P6 (Leclerc) fighting Hamilton for P5.

Esteban Ocon’s Miraculous podium: Esteban Ocon take a bow! What a result the Frenchman has achieved for the team, after a superior qualifying getting P4 (which became P3 after Leclerc’s grid penalty) he managed to finish the race where he qualified.

‘Ferrari Disasterclass’;

https://worldinsport.com/max-verstappen-wins-in-monaco-ferrari-disasterclass-and-ocon-shines-what-happened-at-the-monaco-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

Mike Krack laments dodgy radar after Fernando Alonso strategy botch.
Aston Martin principal Mike Krack has defended the thinking behind the team’s strategy call in Monaco which saw Fernando Alonso miss a potential golden opportunity to pressurise race winner Max Verstappen.
28 May 2023 6:45 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

When the rain began to fall in the second half of the Monaco race, initially drivers attempted to tiptoe through the worst-affected section around Mirabeau and stay on the dry tyres.

The rain though would soon spread across the circuit, taking that option off the table, and that spelt bad news for Alonso who shortly before the rain started, had pitted to swap his hard tyres for mediums, having been set to run the alternate strategy to leader Verstappen.

Krack would explain that the call was not “a gamble”, rather their radar had said that no rain was coming, and so they reacted accordingly. “We thought it was only a short shower, our radar was not very good because we did not expect any actually,” Krack told F1TV. “And then it came and it came much, much more than we were anticipating.

‘EL PLAN: Defended the thinking’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mike-krack-fernando-alonso-monaco-strategy/


Did Alonso and Aston Martin throw away a Monaco win?
20:31 Sun, 28 May 2023.
Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor
ESPN.com

MONACO -- With the benefit of hindsight, Fernando Alonso had a clear shot at his 33rd Formula One victory at Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix. Had Aston Martin fitted intermediate wet-weather tyres to his car on Lap 54 instead of slick medium-compound tyres, and had he then completed a clean outlap with Max Verstappen pitting on Lap 55 (as he did in reality), Alonso would have emerged in the lead with 23 laps to run.

Arguably, given the changing track conditions, it's impossible to say what would have happened from Lap 54 onwards. But when you add up how much time Verstappen lost by staying out until the end of Lap 55 on slick tyres, and how much Alonso had to gain by switching to intermediates on Lap 54, it's also a fair assumption that the Aston Martin driver would have taken the lead.

‘EL PLAN: With the benefit of hindsight’;

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/37747923/did-fernando-alonso-aston-martin-throw-away-monaco-win


Explained: How Aston Martin missed their golden chance as split-second call proves costly
May 29th, 2023 1:35 pm
Michael Lamonato
Fox Sports (Australia)

In a parallel universe Fernando Alonso has won his 33rd victory after taking the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix in a fairytale finish for Aston Martin in the least predictable weekend of the Formula 1 season to date. But in reality Monte Carlo ended with Max Verstappen standing atop the podium for the 38th time and probably the sport’s best hope of a non-Red Bull Racing winner this season dashed in the spray of a late-race rain shower.

The difference between these two worlds is a single decision made with 24 laps to go. The window of opportunity was opening. But Alonso and his pit wall were indecisive over team radio. The Spaniard noted that the top part of the track was very wet but the bottom was dry. He said he wasn’t sure what tyre would be best. In the end the team made the call: it would be mediums — slick dry-weather tyres. He was called in at the end of lap 54 of 78.

Immediately it turned out to be wrong. The track was so wet on his out-lap that Alonso had to make a second stop to switch to intermediates, which put paid to his chances of winning the race. Verstappen, on the other hand, was able to switch directly to intermediates, earning a massive 20-second advantage that won him the race.

‘EL PLAN: Window of opportunity was opening’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/explained-how-aston-martin-missed-their-golden-chance-as-splitsecond-call-proves-costly/news-story/97bc0b0ab77e8afa387b56f1d64635b8


'Aston Martin cost Alonso a win' - F1 Twitter's best Monaco GP memes
Sunday 28 May 2023 21:22
Ronan Murphy
GPFans

Rain caused CHAOS at the Monaco Grand Prix, but for F1 Twitter, the most chaos of the day was caused by the decision not to put Fernando Alonso onto intermediate tyres.

fernando alonso after aston martin pit him for slicks during a rain session potentially costing a WIN pic.twitter.com/HhpZhlyUK3
— j¹⁶ (@hugsricciardo) May 28, 2023

Alonso fans to the strategist who pitted him onto slicks #F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/Jf0NcKMjYh
— F1 Portrayed By Top Gear (@TopGearFormula1) May 28, 2023

This is the chaos we asked for pic.twitter.com/2lnGG4wXlm
— F1 Reaction Pictures (@FormulaReaction) May 28, 2023

‘EL PLAN: Alonso fans to the strategist’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108510/aston-martin-cost-alonso-a-win-f1-twitters-best-monaco-gp-memes/


Fernando Alonso surprised by questioning over key Monaco strategy call
28 May 2023 8:05 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack has since revealed that the radar had told the team that very little, if any rain was going to reach the track. “I don’t know,” said Alonso when asked if that extra stop saw his victory chances slip away? “I heard this question in the TV pen as well. Which, I was surprised a little bit. I didn’t leave the race from the cockpit, as you probably saw on the outside. For me, it was very clear that the track on that lap we stop was completely dry, apart from Turn 7 and 8. So, how will [I] put the inters? It was completely dry, 99 per cent of the track. So, I stopped for dries.”

“The weather forecast, it was small shower, and the small quantity of rain as well, what we had, as a team, and we had a lot of margin behind us, to put the dry tyres and, if necessary, the inter tyres, so, you know, maybe it was extra safe, I don’t know. But that minute and a half that it took to go through Turns 5, 6, 7 and 8 again, it changed completely, so the out-lap on the dry tyres, it was very wet when I go to those corners, but the lap that we stopped, it was completely dry.”

‘EL PLAN: Key Monaco strategy call’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-monaco-strategy-question-surprise/


Monaco GP: Did Alonso and Aston Martin let Red Bull ‘off the hook’?
May 28, 2023
By Luke Smith

If there was any Formula One weekend where Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin had a shot at defeating Red Bull this year, Monaco looked like the big one.

As other drivers switched to the intermediate tires suited for the rain, Alonso pitted — and put on slick mediums. Just a lap later, he changed his mind, pitting again to take on the inters. The double stop threw away any chance Aston Martin had of victory. Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner admitted post-race he was surprised by the call, saying it “totally got us off the hook.”

All season, Alonso has stressed the strength of the Red Bull car means Aston Martin can only win thanks to some outside influence causing a chaotic race. We certainly got that today. Did the team miss its golden chance to win, and fuel some hope of an unlikely title challenge? Let’s get into it.

‘EL PLAN: ‘Off the hook’?;

https://theathletic.com/4559190/2023/05/28/verstappen-monaco-gp-win-alonso/


Alonso admits SHOCK before controversial pit-stop after losing Monaco win to Verstappen
Sunday 28 May 2023 19:57
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Despite the drizzle, the two-time world champion was changed onto medium tyres, as most of his competitors opted for grippier intermediates. The Aston Martin soon had to head back into the pits to opt for the intermediate tyres, losing valuable time and widening the gap to the leading Red Bull.

After the race, Alonso told Sky Sports: “I mean, it was not (an) easy race especially when the rain came. It was very difficult to put temperature on the intermediate tyres. “Turn five especially, and seven – they were very risky. At the end, we secure second place.”

‘EL PLAN: Alonso admits SHOCK’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108509/fernando-alonso-f1-monaco-grand-prix-rain-tyres-aggressive/


FERNANDO ALONSO SPEAKS OUT AFTER STRATEGY CALL RUINED CHANCE TO BEAT MAX VERSTAPPEN
The Spaniard is still on the lookout for his first grand prix win since 2013
May 28, 2023
Sam Jones
FormulaNerds

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has spoken out after struggles keeping the car on track saw him lose out to current world champion Max Verstappen in the Monaco grand prix.

“It was difficult and we started on the hard tyres, so gave up the possibility into Turn One,” said Alonso after the race. “We hoped to play the long game with the strategy but Max drove super well on the medium tyres to extend that first stint. We didn’t have any chance then the rain made things a bit complicated out there.”

‘EL PLAN: STRATEGY CALL’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/fernando-alonso-speaks-out-after-strategy-call-ruined-chance-to-beat-max-verstappen/?nowprocket=1

[Fortitude]

Mercedes admit they’re looking at copying Red Bull floor after Sergio Perez crash.
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has admitted that the Formula 1 paddock will be “all over” the photos of Sergio Perez’s RB19, which was risen to safety during Q1 on Saturday at the Monaco Grand Prix.
28 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Sergio Perez's and Lewis Hamilton's cars were both lifted into the air on Saturday at the Monaco GP. Perez crashed in the opening stages of Q1 on Saturday at the Circuit de Monaco, with his incident at the opening corner having resulted in the session being red flagged.

Interestingly though, Williams’ head of vehicle performance Dave Robson revealed that it’s difficult to “figure” Red Bull’s secrets out based on the images, due to their floor being “so curved”. “It’s so complex that on a 2D photo, because of the way the light is, it’s so curved, you can’t figure any of it out,” Robson said, as reported by RaceFans.net.

“I guess it’s just coincidental they do it all like that because that’s how they get the downforce. But it doesn’t half make it difficult to copy!” Shovlin on the other hand, believes people will be looking intently at the images, more so than at their W14 which was also risen to safety on Saturday.

‘Formula 1 paddock will be “all over” the photos’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/mercedes-admit-theyre-looking-at-copying-red-bull-floor-after-sergio-perez-crash/


Rival F1 teams analyse Red Bull crane photos
12:59 Sun, 28 May 2023.
ESPN.com

Formula One rivals hope to discover some of dominant Red Bull's most closely guarded secrets from photographs of the underside of Sergio Perez's car after it was craned off the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. The floor is the most aerodynamically sensitive area of the car, with ground-effect sculpting responsible for much of the performance.

It is also the hardest part for rival teams to get a glimpse of, unless a car overturns or is lifted into the air -- as Perez's was after the Mexican crashed into barriers in Saturday qualifying. Monaco marshals typically use cranes to clear stranded cars from the metal-fenced track because of the close confines and lack of runoff.

"With these regulations, the most important bit is the bit you don't normally get to see," Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin told reporters on Sunday. So the teams will be all over those kinds of photographs. Monaco is a good opportunity to get that kind of shot."

‘Analyse Red Bull crane photos’;

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/37745896/f1-teams-analyse-crane-photos-secrets-red-bull-floor


Marko slates Perez over 'stupid' crash
27 May 9:15PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

The Mexican hit the barrier on the exit of Sainte Devote having seemingly been distracted by an Alpine on the inside of the first corner. Perez missed his braking point and the hefty collision left extensive damage to the left-hand side of his RB19, with Team Principal Christian Horner concerned a chassis change could be needed.

The incident leaves Perez last on the grid for Sunday's race, leaving a dent to his title hopes. "If you have a car like that, you shouldn’t be out in Q1," Marko told Sky Deutschland. "That was a stupid mistake on his part. Maybe he was thinking too much about the championship.”

‘Shouldn’t be out in Q1’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-slates-perez-over-stupid-crash


Helmut Marko’s unflattering verdict on Sergio Perez’s qualifying crash
28 May 2023 11:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Marko was not at all impressed. “To Sergio,” he told Sky Deutschland, “if you have a car like that, then you shouldn’t be thrown out in Q1. That was a stupid mistake on his part. Maybe he was thinking too much about the World Championship.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner tried to find a reason for his driver’s costly shunt, saying perhaps he was “distracted” by traffic. “I can only think he was distracted by the Alpine on the right-hand side because he just misjudged that first turn and the circuit was only going to get faster and faster,” he said.

“He’ll be kicking himself for that. I think he just went in too fast. Maybe he was distracted. You can see the overspeed, he had a bit of a snap on entry and it wasn’t a small tap.”

‘Helmut Marko: “To Sergio”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut-marko-unflattering-verdict-sergio-perez-qualifying-crash/


‘My team don’t deserve this’ – Perez explains what happened with his session-ending Q1 crash
27 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Sergio Perez was at pains to apologise to his team after he crashed the car in qualifying. And given he will start from the back of the grid, the Red Bull racer isn’t holding much hope of a good result in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

‘At pains to apologise’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.my-team-dont-deserve-this-perez-explains-what-happened-with-his-session-ending-q1-crash.1767062620212169430.html


Perez apologises to Red Bull after “unacceptable” mistake and point-less race
2023 Monaco Grand Prix
Posted on 28th May 2023, 18:33
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Sergio Perez apologised to his Red Bull team after leaving the Monaco Grand Prix empty-handed. “I think we’ve paid the price for my mistake,” he told media including RaceFans afterwards. “That’s been very costly.” Max Verstappen’s win means Perez has fallen from 14 points off the championship lead to 39 adrift. “I just have to apologise to my whole team because it is unacceptable to have this kind of mistake,” he said. “I just have to move on, learn from it, and I cannot afford another zero in the championship.”

He tangled with Stroll as he tried to follow his team mate through while Verstappen was lapping the pair of them. He was forced to make a second pit stop when he ran into Magnussen after the Haas driver skidded on the way into the chicane and slowed. “I broke my front wing with Magnussen who just braked out of the chicane,” said Perez. “It just went bad. When you are in those positions you always have to risk a lot.”

“I had no idea what was going on,” he added. “But unfortunately I had quite some damage.” Perez said he should have reacted sooner to the shower which hit the track late in the race. “Then the rain came, we were one of the last ones to pit,” he said. “And then I clipped the wall. It was just sort all of a mess.”

‘Perez apologises to Red Bull’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/28/perez-apologises-to-red-bull-after-unacceptable-mistake-and-point-less-race/


Perez endures miserable Monaco: 'It was all a mess'
28/05/2023 at 20:21
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Just a month ago, Sergio Perez was crowned king of the street circuits after a mighty performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku City. But this weekend saw another street circuit - iconic Monaco - take a big bite out of that.

“It was a really difficult day out there. Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong,” he acknowledged. “It was the worst weekend I can remember in a while."

Although Perez was second quickest in FP3 on Saturday, his hopes of closing the gap to his Red Bull team mate in the championship standings collapsed with a costly error at the start of qualifying.

‘Perez endures’;

https://f1i.com/news/475700-perez-endures-miserable-monaco-it-was-all-a-mess.html


Perez ‘can’t afford’ another point-less weekend amid F1 title hope
17:18 Sun, 28 May 2023.
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week

Sergio Perez says he “can’t afford” another non-point finish during the 2023 Formula 1 season as he seeks to challenge for his first title this year. After crashing out of qualifying in the early stages of Q1, Perez started the race in 20th and stated prior to lights out that he expected his race to be a ‘nightmare’.

An incident-filled race for Perez – which involved collisions with Lance Stroll, Kevin Magnussen and George Russell – saw him rise to just 16th and his deficit to championship leader Verstappen has now grown to 39 points.

“We paid the price for my mistake [in qualifying] and that’s been very costly,” Perez said following the race. “I just have to apologise to my whole team because it is unacceptable to have this kind of mistake.”

‘Apologise to my whole team’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/28/perez-cant-afford-another-point-less-weekend-amid-f1-title-hope/


‘Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong’ – Perez downbeat after failing to score in Monaco
28 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Sergio Perez had a tough job on his hands in Monaco as a crash in qualifying meant he started from the back of the grid – and his race didn’t go much better as he eventually came home in P16 and well out of the points.

‘Perez downbeat’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.everything-that-could-have-gone-wrong-went-wrong-perez-downbeat-after-failing-to-score-in-monaco.1767151677137190094.html

[Fortitude]

‘I don’t care’: Ferrari star explodes at own team as row over tactics goes public in latest flop.
On team radio, he was heard saying: “This is exactly what I talked about.” His engineer responded: “The target was to cover Hamilton.” “But I don’t care about Hamilton,” said Sainz. “I was quick”.
May 29th, 2023 11:19 am
AFP from Afp
x Sports (Australia)


Ferrari race strategy was again under scrutiny after Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished sixth and eighth at the Monaco Grand Prix. A year after local hero Leclerc’s hopes of victory were upset by a late call to take slick tyres in the 2022 race, won by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, the Italian team were embroiled in another public row over their tactics.

This time it involved a frustrated Sainz who was called in to pit against his will when he was locked in a battle with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who finished third. Sainz’s race engineer called him in to switch from hard tyres to medium in a bid, he said, to cover off the threat from Mercedes’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

In a heated exchange, partly revealed on team radio, it was clear that Sainz objected to the decision because he wanted to stay out and fight Ocon for third. A heated Sainz continued to complain to his engineer after making his stop telling him the team were making a mistake again.

“I was quick”;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2023-monaco-grand-prix-carlos-sainz-fumes-at-ferrari-as-teams-latest-strategy-flop-under-scrutiny/news-story/9042cba583b99d0f269bd23190ca2928


Carlos Sainz criticises Ferrari for ‘debatable’ first pit stop call in Monaco
29 May 2023 11:40 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Raging at Ferrari over a perceived botched strategy, Carlos Sainz believes the Scuderia could’ve been “a bit more patient” during the Monaco Grand Prix. Sainz spent the better part of the Monaco Grand Prix starring at Esteban Ocon’s rear wing as the Spaniard wasn’t able to find a way past, and when he did try at the Nouvelle Chicane, he broke the front wing endplate off of his SF-23.

His mechanics took up their positions in the pit lane with a new front wing but Sainz insisted on staying out. That turned out to be the first of three occasions where he was told to pit but refused to with the other two relating to tyre changes.

He eventually came into the pits on lap 34 to switch from hard tyres to medium, one lap after Ocon had pitted, with Sainz questioning why he hadn’t been left out to run longer especially as he came out behind the Alpine driver.
Sainz: “What the f***! This is exactly what I talked about!”
Race engineer Riccardo Adami: “The target was to cover Hamilton.”
Sainz: “I don’t care about Hamilton, I was quick!”

‘“What the f***!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-ferrari-debatable-first-pit-stop-monaco/


Carlos Sainz growing frustrated with Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton rumours swirl
Ferrari had to settle for P6 and P8 in Sunday’s Grand Prix after poor qualifying saw them start the Monaco GP on the backfoot.
29 May 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Carlos Sainz had a disappointing weekend in Monaco, as he failed to make progress through the field after suffering contact with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon early in the opening stages of the race.

The Spaniard suffered minor front wing damage as he fought for a podium against Ocon but he was unable to get past the Frenchman, as the Alpine driver proved unpassable.

When rain started to fall on the track, Sainz suffered even more frustration, having to double stack behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, dropping down to eighth place. “We had a bit of an eventful race always chasing Ocon and on the gearbox of Ocon,” Sainz explained post-race.

‘Double stack frustration’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/carlos-sainz-growing-frustrated-with-ferrari-as-lewis-hamilton-rumours-swirl/


Sainz: Ferrari should have been 'more patient' with Monaco strategy
28/05/2023 at 18:41
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz says he was surprised by Ferrari's decision to call him in for a switch from hards to mediums after 33 laps, insisting the team just have been "more patient". Sainz held his own in fourth place just behind Alpine's Esteban Ocon during the first half of his Monaco Grand Prix.

As the pair battled in the early stages of the race, Sainz hit the Alpine driver's car as they barreled into the Nouvelle Chicane, a contact that damaged the Ferrari's front wing endplate. However, having started the 78-lap event on the hard tyre, Sainz justifiably pressed on hoping to extend his stint to the full life of his hard tyres.

Ferrari made several dummy calls, urging Sainz to box to force Ocon into pitting, but Alpine didn't take the bait. But when the Scuderia's pitwall called in Sainz for real after 33 laps, just after Ocon had suffered a slow stop, the call backfired and left the Ferrari charger once again chasing the Frenchman.

‘Dummy calls’;

https://f1i.com/news/475628-sainz-ferrari-should-have-been-more-patient-with-monaco-strategy.html


‘The pace was there but we didn’t get the calls right’ – Sainz frustrated after P8 finish in Monaco
28 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Carlos Sainz reckoned he absolutely had the pace to challenge for the top positions in the Monaco Grand Prix – but was hampered by his pit stop strategy before coming home in eighth place.

‘Didn’t get the calls right’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.the-pace-was-there-but-we-didnt-get-the-calls-right-sainz-frustrated-after-p8-finish-in-monaco.1767155050159614955.html


Vasseur defends Ferrari strategy after Sainz airs frustration
29 May 9:50AM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Vasseur: No regrets over Ferrari strategy calls. "I think that it was a good strategy because when we asked him to pit it was to cover Hamilton, and it was to avoid [losing] a position against Hamilton," Vasseur told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"I think it was a good call because position [is] key on track. It would have been better to extend if we [were] not at risk with Hamilton, but in this situation I think it was the good call."

‘Frederic Vasseur: Good call’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-defends-ferrari-strategy-after-sainz-airs-frustration


Ferrari defends Monaco strategy call after Sainz criticism
29/05/2023 at 10:52
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur countered Carlos Sainz's criticism of the team's strategy in Monaco, insisting it had made the right call regarding the Spaniard's race given the circumstances at the time.

An angry Sainz vented his frustration to his crew over the radio, but was told that the call was made to protect his position against the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton in fifth place which was gaining ground on the Ferrari. "I don't care about Hamilton," Sainz quipped. "This is weak!".

Vasseur begged to differ however, the Frenchman explaining after the race that Sainz would have likely lost out to Hamilton had he extended his stint on the hard tyre. "I think it was a good strategy because when we asked him to pit it was to avoid losing a position against Hamilton," said the Scuderia boss.

"This is weak!" Vasseur begged to differ’;

https://f1i.com/news/475755-ferrari-defends-monaco-strategy-call-after-sainz-criticism.html

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin got Fernando Alonso’s strategy wrong at Monaco – but he should have overruled them.
Spaniard is experienced enough behind the wheel and should take some responsibility for missing out on chance to end Red Bull’s winning run.
29 May 2023 • 11:36am
GARY ANDERSON
FORMER JORDAN AND JAGUAR F1 TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
The Telegraph

Did Aston Martin throw away victory? That is difficult to say as there are a lot of ifs and buts but they certainly threw away their best chance of winning. Alonso and Verstappen had differing strategies from the start. Neither had pitted by lap 50, with Alonso on the more durable hard tyre and Verstappen with worn mediums on which he was starting to struggle. Alonso and Aston Martin then had the advantage and the luxury of being able to go longer than Verstappen, wait for the rain to come – or not – and then make their decision.

You could hear the uncertainty from Alonso’s radio messages in the run-up to his stop. He was confused about what to do and was then told he would go onto a fresh set of medium tyres. It all happened so quickly but need not have. The team’s thinking was perhaps that their best chance of beating Verstappen was to be on fresh slick tyres if the rain stopped soon enough and was light enough, with the Red Bull driver either on old mediums or new intermediate tyres. It was a left-field choice more fitting of a team with a driver in 15th, not second.

Aston Martin would not have lost much by waiting another lap or so. Alonso’s hard tyres at that stage were perfectly fine and he is skilled enough to keep it on the track in those conditions. The longer they waited, the easier the call would have been. Instead they gambled at an outside chance of victory. It was a decision that did not need to be made when it was.

‘EL PLAN: An outside chance of victory’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/05/29/how-aston-martin-got-fernando-alonsos-strategy-wrong-and-co/


Gary Anderson: Aston didn’t use Alonso enough in key Monaco call
May 29 2023
By Gary Anderson
The Race

When it comes to Formula 1 strategy calls it’s the old saying that hindsight is 20/20 vision. However, you can also look at that two ways: you can be part of the 20 that got it right or you can be part of the 20 that got it wrong. I have always looked at race strategy as a living thing. Yes you need a basic plan or two in place before the race starts but if you set your plan in stone then for sure someone else will do a better job.

As the laps unfolded the gap between them got bigger, opening up to around 10 seconds. Being on the hard tyre, and with Verstappen starting to complain about his mediums, Alonso had the best opportunity to go long and actually wait for the light rain that was in the area to either intensify or move off. But instead Aston Martin pitted on lap 54 for new mediums, and it sounded over the radio as though this was exactly as planned pre-race. Team boss Mike Krack said Aston did take the changing weather into consideration but thought it was going to dry quickly and that new medium slicks would handle a briefly damp track better than old hards would. But that wasn’t the reality of what was happening on track.

Your best weather feedback is your driver. They are the ones that know the track conditions and the grip level all around the track. In Monaco it was dry in the pits but wet from the Casino Square down to the entry to the tunnel, so I believe Alonso with his experience should have overruled the team’s decision to pit and done at least one more lap on his hard slicks. I also believe there should have been much more communication between the team and the driver about the track conditions.

‘EL PLAN: Aston didn’t use Alonso enough’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-aston-didnt-use-alonso-enough-in-key-monaco-call/


Did Alonso throw away a shot at the Monaco GP victory?
29 May 4:30PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

It was Fernando Alonso's first legitimate chance of victory against Red Bull, so how would it have turned out if he pitted for Intermediates instead of Mediums? It was three laps of chaos midway through the Monaco Grand Prix which decided the fate of Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin.

The pivotal point for Alonso came on Lap 53 when his times dropped as low as 1:30.862, it was at this stage that Aston Martin decided to call him in for his scheduled stop. Over team radio Alonso discussed the conditions with his engineer, initially saying he would go for Intermediates but believed the track was too dry throughout.

Alonso: "Turns seven and eight, I'd normally go for inters but the rest of the track will be too dry I guess. I don't know mate." Chris Cronin: "Ok mate, we're going to box this lap. And it will be for Mediums." He later claimed that the track was "99 per-cent dry" when he elected to come in, however at the same time both Mercedes drivers and Alpines stopped for Intermediates.

‘EL PLAN: Throw away a shot at the Monaco GP victory?’

https://racingnews365.com/did-alonso-throw-away-a-shot-at-the-monaco-gp-victory


Kravitz reveals how Verstappen MISTAKE could have led to Alonso victory at Monaco GP
Monday 29 May 2023 13:12
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Ted Kravitz has claimed that Fernando Alonso would have still needed Max Verstappen to have made a mistake in order to win the Monaco Grand Prix, despite Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack admitting they made the wrong decision to send the Spaniard back out on slick tyres when the rain came.

‘EL PLAN: Alonso victory at Monaco GP’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108535/fernando-alonso-max-verstappen-monaco-grand-prix-ted-kravitz/


Analysis: Why Aston Martin made medium tyre call – and did it cost Alonso victory?
2023 Monaco Grand Prix
Posted on 29th May 2023, 13:3929th May 2023, 15:53
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

After the Monaco Grand Prix Fernando Alonso was quick to reject suggestions that his Aston Martin team had cost him victory by not putting him on intermediate tyres when he made his first pit stop on lap 54. Alonso defended the decision to fit another set of dry weather tyres, the medium compound, despite the rain which was falling around the track. But other drivers who pitted shortly before Alonso and also took slick tyres admitted after the race their teams had made a mistake. Did Aston Martin therefore slip up, and could they even have squandered an opportunity to win?

Among the drivers to come in was Alonso’s team mate, Lance Stroll, who took a set of intermediate tyres two-and-a-half laps before his team mate. Unfortunately their opportunity to gain information from his experience was lost when he retired soon afterwards.
Driver Team Lap Time Tyre
Pierre Gasly Alpine 47 16:04:16 Medium
Lando Norris McLaren 50 16:08:48 Hard
Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo 51 16:10:46 Intermediate
Lance Stroll Aston Martin 51 16:10:52 Intermediate
Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo 52 16:12:35 Intermediate
Alexander Albon Williams 52 16:12:37 Intermediate
Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri 53 16:13:18 Intermediate
Logan Sargeant Williams 52 16:13:19 Intermediate
Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 54 16:13:32 Medium
Nyck de Vries AlphaTauri 53 16:13:47 Intermediate
George Russell Mercedes 54 16:13:57 Intermediate

Aston Martin asked Alonso if he wanted intermediates, and he answered that depended on whether the rain would intensify. Aston Martin were convinced the rain would only be brief and light:
Alonso Yeah it’s raining also out of 10.
Cronin Report of rain at turn three, bit of rain turn three.
Alonso Yeah. What is the forecast rain?
Cronin So our forecast is saying it’s light, light rain only.
Alonso Yeah, the hard tyre is not the best, man. I don’t know what to do.
Alonso Yeah raining heavy in seven. Very slow.
Cronin Is it still medium tyres, though? Still medium tyres? Turn seven.
Alonso How is the pace?
Cronin Slippery track ahead. So similar to Verstappen, very similar to Verstappen. Just have a think if you think it’s inters.
Alonso Depends on the forecast, mate
Cronin We think it is a short shower on the radar.

‘EL PLAN: Analysis, Analysis, Analysis’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/29/analysis-why-aston-martin-made-medium-tyre-call-and-did-it-cost-alonso-victory/


Would Alonso have won in Monaco if he'd made the right tyre call when the rain hit?
09:51 Mon, 29 May 2023.
Mark Hughes
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

The closest Fernando Alonso came to denying Max Verstappen his dominant Monaco Grand Prix victory was when the rain came in the second half of the race. The timing of their respective pit stops and the choices made there brought a momentary uncertainty to the outcome.

Everyone was delaying pitting because it wasn’t clear if the rain was going to quickly pass – in which case stopping for intermediates would have been disastrous – or continue, in which case stopping for fresh slicks would have been potentially ruinous.

Because his tyre temperatures were falling and losing him 1-1.5s per lap to Verstappen, Alonso pulled the trigger first, but as he made his in-lap it was still only those three corners from the hairpin which were seriously wet. In discussing with his engineer what the choice of tyre should be when he stopped, intermediates or medium slicks, Alonso emphasised they should do something different to Verstappen. Doing the same wasn’t going to win them the race.

‘EL PLAN: Should do something different to Verstappen’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.monday-morning-debrief-would-alonso-have-won-in-monaco-if-hed-made-the-right.3QpWrt2oyb2PpbUdYAPWqq.html

[Fortitude]

Jeremy Clarkson owes Alpine beers after Esteban Ocon shock podium at Monaco GP.
Jeremy Clarkson has promised to buy Alpine’s F1 staff “many” beers after Esteban Ocon picked up a surprise podium at the Monaco Grand Prix.
By Luke Chillingsworth
19:57, Sun, May 28, 2023
Daily and Sunday Express

Jeremy Clarkson made the bold statement as Esteban Ocon secured P3 in Monaco. The former Top Gear host said he would buy the team drinks if they held on for a top-three finish. Ocon duly delivered, benefitting from a series of errors from other drivers to take P3. Clarkson posted on Twitter: “Come on @AlpineF1Team I’ll buy you all a pint if you get a podium here.”

The post received over 6,500 likes with some questioning whether he would stick to his statement. However, minutes after the chequered flag, Clarkson seemed to suggest he was being serious. He added: “Well done @AlpineF1Team I owe you many Hawkstones.” Alpine’s staff were quick to comment underneath the message after spotting it after the race.

‘Many Hawkstones’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1775212/jeremy-clarkson-alpine-esteban-ocon-monaco-grand-prix


Revealed: How much it will cost Jeremy Clarkson to honour bet with Alpine
29 May 2023 9:50 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Ocon’s podium finish led the French driver to yell “Estie bestie’s on the podium, baby!”, revealing a new nickname he’s picked up within the team, while his drive also secured him the honours of the F1 Driver of the Day.

Assuming Clarkson follows through on his promise, it won’t cost the presenter ‘Diddly Squat’ either. According to his website, depending on quantity ordered, a bottle of Hawkstone costs around £2.50. With Alpine boasting around 1000 employees on its F1 team, Clarkson will have to stump up around £2500 worth of his beer to stay true to his word!

‘£2500 worth of his beer’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/esteban-ocon-jeremy-clarkson-offer-monaco-podium/


Jeremy Clarkson owes Alpine employees many pints
Esteban Ocon's podium at the Monaco GP was his first rostrum since winning the 2021 Hungarian GP.
29 May 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Some Alpine employees discovered Clarkson’s promise, before commenting that they’d love a drink. Chris Shawe wrote on Twitter: “Will be in the office Tuesday waiting for the delivery!” Alpine wind tunnel engineer Brett Foster added: “Looking forward to it!”

Esteban Ocon: “I’m speechless, I’m on a cloud at the moment – I don’t know what to say! Before the weekend, if you told us that we were going to be in the top 10, we would have been happy, you know?” Ocon said after the race, as reported by the Express.co.uk.

“But it’s not the top 10, it’s not the top 5, it’s a podium! We are on it, and the energy I’ve received from everyone from [this] weekend has been awesome. I can’t thank everyone enough for the support I got, and that one goes to all the team, from Viry to Enstone to the track. This one’s for us and hopefully there’s many more to come.”

‘Waiting for the delivery!’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/jeremy-clarkson-owes-alpine-employees-many-pints/


Esteban Ocon’s F1 Monaco GP podium means Jeremy Clarkson owes Alpine a lot of beer
29 May 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Jeremy Clarkson is set for a costly round after promising to buy Alpine F1 staff beers if Esteban Ocon finished on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Clarkson later said: “Well done @AlpineF1Team I owe you many Hawkstones.” Alpine’s F1 factory in Enstone is just a short drive from Clarkson’s ‘Diddly Squat’ Farm in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Clarkson’s attempts at running his farm, including the production of his own ‘Hawkstone’ beer, are the subject of a documentary series on Amazon Prime Video. Clarkson is an avid fan of F1 and attended the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year.

‘Clarkson’s ‘Diddly Squat’ Farm, the production of his own ‘Hawkstone’ beer’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1027200/1/esteban-ocon-s-podium-means-jeremy-clarkson-owes-alpine-lot-beer


Delighted Ocon ‘on a cloud’ as Alpine claim first podium since 2021 in Monaco
28 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Esteban Ocon claimed the third podium of his Formula 1 career with a fine drive to P3 at the Monaco Grand Prix – with the Frenchman describing himself as ‘on a cloud’ after giving Alpine their first rostrum appearance since 2021.

Starting P3 on the grid following Charles Leclerc’s penalty for impeding Lando Norris in qualifying, Ocon swiftly fell off the back of the squabble between eventual winner Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso for the top two positions.

‘On a cloud’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.delighted-ocon-on-a-cloud-as-alpine-claim-first-podium-since-2021-in-monaco.6YzMdBNx2FkwQg5MxStxmt.html


‘Speechless’ Esteban Ocon on cloud nine after ‘surprise’ Monaco podium
28 May 2023 9:05 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Esteban Ocon is still flying high on his cloud after scoring a sensational podium finish on merit for Alpine in Monaco. “It’s been a while, feels good, I can tell you that! I’m speechless at the moment. I’m a little bit on my cloud still,” Ocon reflected when speaking to media post-race.

“You know, before the weekend, if you told us that we are going to be in the top 10, we would have been happy. It would have been a strong weekend. But we are not in the top 10, we are not in the top five, we are on the podium this weekend here in Monaco. And yeah, that shows really that never stopped believing.”

‘Speechless’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/speechless-esteban-ocon-monaco-podium/


Ocon praises Alpine for 'never putting a foot wrong' in Monaco
28/05/2023 at 19:42
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Esteban Ocon says his Alpine team performed flawlessly for the duration of a Monaco Grand Prix weekend that the Frenchman concluded on the third step of the podium. After the race, a jubilant Ocon congratulated his Alpine crews for a job well done from start to finish, including the team's preparation period in Enstone.

"We’ve done it," said an elated Ocon after the race. "What a super weekend from everyone at the team! From the first day, from the simulator really. All the practice sessions we improved the car, from beginning to end, and we didn’t make a wrong foot any time, even when we put the inter tyres it was the perfect lap to do so."

‘Alpine team performed flawlessly’;

https://f1i.com/news/475645-ocon-praises-alpine-for-never-putting-a-foot-wrong-in-monaco.html


Ocon hopes Monaco podium is the ‘start of something’ for Alpine
10:05 Mon, 29 May 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Esteban Ocon says that he is hopeful his podium result at the Monaco Grand Prix is the “start of something” for Alpine following a difficult start to the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Ocon enjoyed a strong qualifying session in which he rocketed to third and didn’t relinquish the position during the race despite pressure from some of his rivals.

“We did bring some updates [to Monaco] that were supposed to be quite small but everything we had it went in the right direction today,” Ocon said.

“Start of something”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/29/ocon-hopes-monaco-podium-is-the-start-of-something-for-alpine/

[Fortitude]

Toto Wolff gives new Mercedes verdict: From ‘awful’ W13 to ‘not good’ W14.
Toto Wolff delivered an unsettling verdict on Mercedes’ progression that has gone from an “awful” W13 at last year’s Monaco Grand Prix to a “not good” W14 this season.
29 May 2023 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes introduced their new W14 at the Monaco Grand Prix, the team doing away with the zero-pod concept in favour of bulkier sidepods while also running a new front suspension, cooling system and floor. It lived up to expectations in that it wasn’t the silver bullet Wolff had previously said didn’t exist, nor did it see the team enter the fight for pole position or the race win.

But it did close the gap, at least between last year’s Monaco qualifying where George Russell was seven-tenths away from pole and this year’s where Lewis Hamilton was less than four-tenths down. “It’s so difficult [to assess] because we were in the mix with Aston Martin and with Ferrari, I would say,” Wolff said. “On a positive note, maybe encouraging because we have never been really good here.”

“We have been three tenths behind pole. Last year was six tenths, the car was awful last year and this time around the drivers said it’s not good. So, there’s a step in description. But we really need to be careful. We’ve got to go to Barcelona, collect more data. It’s a new baseline. I don’t expect us clearing Aston Martin and Ferrari there either. It is more about understanding what does this car do now and how do we need to set it up?”

‘ “Awful” W13 to a “not good” W14’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mercedes-verdict-awful-w13-not-good-w14/


Toto Wolff reveals ‘nasty’ part of W14 still giving Mercedes problems
30 May 2023 12:06 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed the rear of the W14 is still somewhat “nasty” for his drivers, even after their upgrades in Monaco. “The car felt together, which is important, but it’s still a bit nasty on the rear – so that’s something which we need to dial out of the car for the next few races,” Wolff told reporters in Monaco, as per Motorsport.com.

The Spanish Grand Prix will offer Mercedes and others a much better opportunity to assess how their upgrades work in the real world, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya being a regular testing circuit in Formula 1 and a more conventional layout on which to gather data.

That will be the team’s priority over the weekend as they look into how their new parts have worked in relation to simulations at their factory, but the team principal knows it will take more than one race to establish how high their new performance level is. “I think Barcelona is not enough,” Wolff said.

‘ “Nasty” ‘;rear of the W14

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-nasty-mercedes-w14-element/


Toto Wolff sticks the boot in on George Russell after denying his Lewis Hamilton request
Toto Wolff reflected on a frustrating day for George Russell at the Monaco Grand Prix.
07:07, Mon, May 29, 2023
By Jack McEachen

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff did not hold back when discussing George Russell’s error at the Monaco Grand Prix that likely cost him a podium place in a rain-hit race. The Brit looked set to benefit from a slow pitstop by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, but appeared to get distracted by a yellow flag and ultimately ended in P5.

Not only did he drop behind Ocon and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, but he was also hit with a five-second penalty for an unsafe rejoin amid a collision with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. He was then shut down by Wolff when asked to swap places with Hamilton, before the team principal bluntly claimed that without the error a podium place would have been secured.

‘Sticks the boot in’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1775244/F1-news-Toto-Wolff-George-Russell-Lewis-Hamilton


Russell “venting” over lost third place prompted radio call from Wolff
2023 Monaco Grand Prix
Posted on 28th May 2023, 20:1730th May 2023, 1:11
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham


“I’m really kicking myself because P3 was almost guaranteed after not pitting,” he admitted. “I came out, there was a yellow flag, I backed off, and as soon as I touched the brakes, I locked up and followed Stroll up the escape route. That’s probably a lesson that actually when you’re not on it and you’re not focussed, you make those mistakes. Probably if there wasn’t a yellow flag there, I would have just been focusing more and I wouldn’t have gone off and cost most the team a comfortable P3.”

As he rejoined the track, Russell tangled with Sergio Perez. The stewards ruled the Mercedes driver returned to the track in an unsafe fashion and gave him a five-second time penalty. Russell “was venting my frustration at myself” on the radio when Wolff spoke to him, he said. “As a driver, you sometimes want to get this frustration out of your body and maybe it’s not necessarily easy for everybody to understand why.”

“Venting”

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/28/russell-venting-over-lost-third-place-prompted-radio-call-from-wolff/


George Russell explains why Toto Wolff intervened on Monaco radio
29 May 2023 10:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

George Russell says he was “venting my frustration at myself” during the Monaco Grand Prix, that prompting Toto Wolff to speak to him over the radio to calm him down. Informed of his penalty, Russell asked the team if he could switch positions with Hamilton in order to potentially hunt down Ocon.

He even went as far as to say he wouldn’t cross the line more than five seconds ahead of Hamilton thus ensuring his team-mate finished ahead. As the conversation continued, Wolff promptly got onto the radio to calm his driver down. Wolff later told ServusTV that swapping positions was never going to be an option.

“He generally puts a lot of pressure on himself, that’s his way,” he said of his conversation with Russell. “We might have to consult and coordinate. I don’t think he also really thought we would swap positions. I said we are not even discussing that. Staying calm is important. Without his error, it would have been a podium finish, we were ahead of Ocon.”

‘Toto Wolff intervened on Monaco radio’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-explains-toto-wolff-radio-monaco/


Wolff on Hamilton-Ferrari rumours: We have a pact
29 May 1:45PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff has quashed reports suggesting that Ferrari have held talks with Lewis Hamilton over a 2024 Formula 1 drive, with Wolff revealing a "pact" that he holds with Hamilton. Speculation emerged prior to the Monaco Grand Prix that the Scuderia were reportedly preparing to make a £40 million offer to Hamilton to race for the team.

When asked about the reports linking Hamilton to Ferrari, Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com: "There's nothing behind that. I think that, how it is at the moment with us, we are in a super happy position with Lewis. There weren't any stumbling blocks in the contract negotiations.”

"We have a pact – and we've had that since many, many years – that we wouldn't talk to any other driver before we have taken a decision to stay together or not, so I was never a millimetre in doubt that there was any discussion. Someone just placed that [story], maybe to, in a way, play a role in what seemed to be negotiation, but it is not negotiation. It is sitting at a table and saying, 'What is it we need to adapt to in the contract?' ”

‘We have a pact’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-on-hamilton-ferrari-rumours-we-have-a-pact


Mercedes boss’ foul play claim in $75m Ferrari link as star’s F1 pact revealed
May 30th, 2023 1:51 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suspects debunked stories about Lewis Hamilton’s defection to Ferrari were planted to destabilise his team during contract talks. The UK’s Daily Mail reported last week that Ferrari had offered Hamilton $75 million to move to Maranello in 2024 and that the seven-time champion was already in high-level discussions with Scuderia president John Elkann.

Both Hamilton and Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur strongly denied that there was any truth to the report when asked in Monte Carlo at the weekend. The short-lived story followed reports in the Italian media at the end of April that Charles Leclerc was talking to Toto Wolff about a possible Mercedes drive in the event Hamilton retired at the end of the year, though both rebuffed the claims.

Formula 1 silly season is usually a fraught time of year, particularly when a driver with as high a profile as Hamilton is on the market. But Wolff said he suspected rumours that Hamilton would leave Brackley were malicious given the advanced level of discussions he was having with his driver.

‘Foul play claim, suspected malicious rumours, debunked stories’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/not-a-negotiation-wolff-suspects-interference-in-hamiltonferrari-rumours/news-story/c67df07b470465c2d27bdaab97766449

[Fortitude]

Will Alonso deliver dream win for home fans? Seven Spanish GP talking points.
Even just another podium finish will likely be enough to kick off the biggest party seen at the Spanish Grand Prix since that day back in 2013. The only question is, can Aston Martin successfully deliver once again?
31st May 2023, 7:1531st May 2023, 7:17
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

It’s difficult to believe, but the last time Fernando Alonso stood on the top step of a podium was over a decade ago at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. Unsurprisingly, it was a victory that proved popular with the local fans – many, many thousands of whom had travelled to the Circuit de Catalunya purely in support of the then-Ferrari driver.

But while he has taken 15 podium finishes since that day, he has not yet been able to break through and secure that long-awaited 33rd grand prix victory. Just days ago he came closer than he has ever been to winning since his return from retirement last weekend in Monaco with a well-deserved second place. However, he was still nearly half a minute adrift of Max Verstappen at the chequered flag – a sign of just how big that final step remains for Aston Martin to beat Red Bull.

That advantage Red Bull continues to hold out front makes the possibility of Alonso pulling off a stunning upset no higher this weekend than it has been at any other point in the season. But that won’t matter at all to the many fans who will be cheering him on in Barcelona. Even just another podium finish will likely be enough to kick off the biggest party seen at the Spanish Grand Prix since that day back in 2013. The only question is, can Aston Martin successfully deliver once again?

‘Dream win for home fans?’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/31/will-alonso-deliver-dream-win-for-home-fans-seven-spanish-gp-talking-points/


5 big talking points heading into the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend
31st May 2023, 10:37
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Can Sergio Perez bounce back? Perez had a shocking weekend last time out in Monaco but gets a chance to respond as quickly as is possible in F1 with another GP a matter of days later.

Will Fernando Alonso give the home fans something to celebrate? The expectation on Fernando Alonso this weekend going into a home GP is probably about as high as it has been for a decade, given how well he is driving and how good the Aston Martin is this season.

‘Talking points: Where will Mercedes stack up? Where will Alpine be? How will track tweak change the spectacle?’;

https://www.givemesport.com/5-big-talking-points-heading-into-the-spanish-grand-prix-this-weekend/


Five key questions ahead of the 2023 Spanish GP
31st May 2023, 10:26
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

How will the new final sector affect racing? One of the major talking points for the upcoming race weekend is the removal of the final sector chicane, which was detested by drivers and fans alike. Can Ferrari show greater race pace? Ferrari is enduring a dismal period, scoring just a single podium result in the first six rounds of the 2023 campaign. Its qualifying pace has been more positive, and it even scored a pole position in Baku.

Will Mercedes’ upgrades be further realised? The highly anticipated upgrades that Mercedes was originally meant to introduce at the cancelled Imola round broke cover in Monaco. Can de Vries continue his forward momentum? Under pressure to perform, Nyck de Vries enjoyed a positive Monaco Grand Prix weekend, which threatened to be his biggest challenge in the sport yet.

Can Alonso pull off a dream home result? It’s been over 10 years since Fernando Alonso took to the top step of the podium, and it occurred at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2013.

‘Key questions’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/05/31/five-key-questions-ahead-of-the-2023-spanish-gp/


IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix
31 May 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

1. How does Perez respond? The Monaco race weekend delivered plenty of thrilling action and a stunning qualifying session that was followed by the dramatic race, but for Sergio Perez it was a Grand Prix to forget. 2. Fernando’s home race. Carlos Sainz has enjoyed excellent home support in recent years, but there seems to be an added something in the atmosphere at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when Fernando Alonso is racing there in a competitive car.

3. A true view of Mercedes’ upgrades. The list of upgrades being brought to Monaco by all of the teams was a long one after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was called off, but it wasn’t the circuit that anyone was expecting to learn the most about their respective new parts. 4. A new track layout. I might have said Barcelona has been regularly used for testing in Formula 1, but that has tended to be on a layout that included a chicane prior to the final corner.

5. The start of something at Alpine? While there was increased scrutiny on Alpine around the Miami Grand Prix, the team performed well on race day in Florida and then brought a number of upgrades to Monaco as they looked to try and build on what is a strong baseline car.

‘5 storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-spanish-grand.3tLldasxPiJ4UetgYYto0E.html


Spanish GP weekend set to be a timely examination of Sergio Perez's title credentials
11:57 Mon, 29 May 2023.
George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Despite what happened at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Sergio Perez can absolutely win the world title this season - but he now has very little margin for further error.

Indeed, he now lies 39 back from Max Verstappen, who won, in the standings and, though that is a gap that can be overhauled relatively quickly, it still feels sizeable given who is in possession of the advantage. Perez now must respond.

Reflecting on the weekend, he admitted he could now not afford another race this year to come away from pointless if he wants to achieve his championship dream and, clearly, he now needs a handful of races where he outscores his in-form team-mate - and likely this side of the summer break before the threat of Red Bull intervening and protecting Max on the way to a third world title grows large.

‘Must respond’;

https://www.givemesport.com/spanish-gp-weekend-set-to-be-a-timely-examination-of-sergio-perezs-title-credentials/

[Fortitude]

Alpine 'EXPECT' to beat Mercedes and race Ferrari at Spanish Grand Prix.
Alpine's Sporting director Alan Permane says the French team "expects" to be ahead of eight-time constructors champions Mercedes and race Ferrari at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Wednesday 31 May 2023 13:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Although Monaco can be known to produce one-off winners due to its unique nature, Permane is adamant that their car isn't only competitive in Monte Carlo. "I don't think this is a Monaco special car," he said. "It is just the upgrades we put on for Imola and also for here... the car is working well. I fully expect to be in front of Mercedes and with Ferrari at the next race."

While the British engineer seems to have high hopes for his team, Permane also shut down the idea they could challenge Aston Martin or Red Bull. "Max is too far away, and when Checo is on his game, he will be as well," he explained.

"Fernando is going to be very difficult but I don't see why we can't race with Ferrari and Mercedes, which we have done [in Monaco] and as we did do in Miami as well. They were quicker than us ultimately, but we were in a race with them. That is where we are aiming for."

‘French team "expects"!’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108647/alpine-mercedes-ferrari-spanish-grand-prix-2023-preview/


‘Define the path’ – What’s at stake for Mercedes in Barcelona
Jun 1 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

The performance and behaviour of the upgraded Mercedes Formula 1 car at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix will “define the path ahead for us”, according to trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin.

The underfloor, front suspension and new sidepods were the key elements of the upgrade, which team principal Toto Wolff characterised as “a fundamental shift in the design direction”. This is the first step in this concept, on which Mercedes will continue to build not just this year but with next year’s car.

The current Mercedes W14 is a compromised version of this new direction thanks to being constrained by aspects of the car architecture that cannot be changed this year either It’s already an improvement, but it’s necessary to accumulate real-world data to correlate with the design and development work being done at the team’s Brackley base. This will feed into not just the development plan for the rest of the year, but also the 2024 car project.

‘Car architecture: Define the path’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/define-the-path-whats-at-stake-for-mercedes-in-barcelona/


F1 - 2023 Spanish GP SCHEDULE OF PRESS CONFERENCES
17:08 Wed, 31 May 2023.
FIA (Press Release)

THURSDAY, 01 JUNE
Press Conference:
1430hrs
Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
1505hrs
Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Logan Sargeant (Williams)

TV Pen:
1430hrs
Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)
1505hrs
Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Alex Albon (Williams)

‘FIA (Press Release)’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2023-spanish-gp-schedule-press-conferences


What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix?
31 May 2023
Formula One - Official Site

“Traditionally, Barcelona has been one of the most popular venues for testing: both for cars and tyres,” said Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola. “It’s a complete track, featuring several different types of speeds and corners, and it also has a very long straight. As a result, aerodynamic efficiency is key to being competitive.

“The final sector has been modified for this year, reverting to the original layout without a final chicane. This makes it a much more flowing track now and also adds to the entry speed onto the main straight. There are two corners, Turn 3 and Turn 9, which are particularly demanding in terms of lateral forces exerted on the tyres.”

“We’ve chosen the same three types of tyre as the season-opener in Bahrain, but it’s important to remember, when comparing to last year, that this year’s C1 is an entirely new compound, specifically designed to bridge the gap between the hardest tyre in the range (now called the C0) and the C2.”

‘What tyres’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.what-tyres-will-the-teams-and-drivers-have-for-the-2023-spanish-grand-prix.3IaSmXq9Xlor4RI0Kk4MBr.html


Spanish GP: F1 2023's true pecking order to be revealed at Circuit de Catalunya this weekend?
Last Updated: 01/06/23 6:21am
By Jonathan Green
SKY

Red Bull remain team to beat in Barcelona after 100 per cent start to year, but order behind intriguing as Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Alpine run upgrades on representative circuit

The Circuit de Catalunya is arguably the most familiar to the drivers and teams, having regularly played host to testing sessions over the years. Several teams will be running upgrades on their cars this weekend, either for the first time or certainly running them for the first time in representative conditions.

"Barcelona is the best judge of a chassis - it's all about chassis and aero there," Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle said. So as the development war steps up, could we see F1 2023's true pecking order begin to emerge?

‘F1 2023's true pecking order to be revealed’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12893630/spanish-gp-f1-2023s-true-pecking-order-to-be-revealed-at-circuit-de-catalunya-this-weekend


Verstappen to confirm F1 fears?: What to expect at the Spanish GP
31 May 5:15PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Formula 1 returns to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix with a revision to the track layout. The old double right-hander to finish the lap has returned, signalling an end to the slower chicane that had replaced the corner in 2007.

Max Verstappen took the upper hand over Sergio Perez in the F1 title battle after contrasting fortunes at the Monaco Grand Prix, whilst Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon secured podiums behind the Dutchman. So what should you expect from the Spanish GP weekend?

‘Alonso to spark Spanish fiesta, Mercedes' first real look at upgrade package, Alpine recover from Rossi polemics, Chicance removal to aid overtaking?’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-to-confirm-f1-fears-what-to-expect-at-the-spanish-gp

[Fortitude]

EL PLAN.

Spanish Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso gears up for success at home.
It’s been nearly a decade since there was this much hype surrounding the Spanish Grand Prix.
1st June 2023, 08:25
The Telegraph, Calcutta

41-year-old arrives revitalized with Aston Martin team that is one of the surprises of the season and has been running near top from start. The last time the Formula One crowd in Spain had such high hopes of celebrating a victory by Fernando Alonso — the country’s biggest racing idol — was back in 2013, when the two-time champion was driving for Ferrari.

Alonso went on to win that race in Barcelona, but since then has never been in a realistic position to make it to the top step of the podium again at home. That was his last win in F1 anywhere, and the last by any Spaniard in the local race. The 41-year-old Alonso arrives revitalized with an Aston Martin team that is one of the surprises of the season and has been running near the top from the start.

Alonso has five podium finishes in six races so far, and is coming off a season-best second-place finish in Monaco last weekend. The Spaniard said he doesn’t want to “disappoint anyone” by coming into his home race with too many expectations, and will not put “any pressure on my team or myself.”

‘EL PLAN: Arrives revitalized’;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Aston+Martin/Fernando+Alonso


Alonso: Title chances remote against Red Bull but 'not giving up'
31/05/2023 at 09:21
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso admits that Red Bull currently remains out of reach of its F1 rivals, but the Spaniard isn't giving up yet on his title chances this season with Aston Martin. Alonso secured his best result of the season in last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, finishing second behind the race's unassailable winner Max Verstappen.

The 41-year-old's fifth podium in six races has positioned him third in the Driver's standings, 51 points adrift from Verstappen but just 12 points behind the Dutchman's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. While Verstappen continues to extend his lead in the championship with each passing race, Alonso isn't conceding the title to the bulls yet.

"We will need weekends where Red Bull has some issues, like Sergio [Perez] had here [in Monaco] with the DNF or zero points. And if Max has one or two of those, we will be a little bit closer in the championship. This is motorsport. Anything can happen. But on pure pace. I think we don't have the chance yet. But we will not give up for sure."

‘EL PLAN: Need weekends where Red Bull has some issues’;

https://f1i.com/news/475899-alonso-title-chances-remote-against-red-bull-but-not-giving-up.html


Revived Barcelona layout to be ‘more fun’ – Alonso
1st June 2023, 07:44
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

The big novelty at this weekend’s Spanish GP will be the absence of the slow chicane at the end of the Circuit de Catalunya layout. “New protection and deceleration systems” including Tecpro barriers “allow the corners to be reinstated” a spokesman for the Barcelona track said at the time.

16 years after his aforementioned statement, the now 41-year-old Alonso admits he is looking forward to racing his Aston Martin through the revived corners. “I think it will probably be more fun to drive like this,” he is quoted by Diario Sport.

“That section was too slow for our cars. It wasn’t fun to race there, but we have to wait and see if this new design helps with overtaking.”

‘EL PLAN: More fun’;

https://grandpx.news/revived-barcelona-layout-to-be-more-fun-alonso/


Revitalized Alonso gives Spaniards hope of ending winning drought at home in F1
May 31, 2023 9:13 AM PT
BY TALES AZZONI
ASSOCIATED PRESS
U-T San Diego

It’s been nearly a decade since there was this much hype surrounding the Spanish Grand Prix.
The last time the Formula One crowd in Spain had such high hopes of celebrating a victory by Fernando Alonso — the country’s biggest racing idol — was back in 2013, when the two-time champion was driving for Ferrari.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the Spanish and Aston Martin fans out in full force supporting our team,” Alonso said Wednesday. “I hope to see lots of green in the grandstands over the weekend. So far, we have scored lots of third places, a second place in Monaco and the next one we need is the top step. To do this we have to maximize every part of our weekend and capitalize on any opportunities that may come our way.”

Alonso said he won’t be obsessed with winning at home, and will try to “enjoy every moment” of what he called a “celebration” in Barcelona. A record crowd is expected this weekend to support Alonso and fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. More than 40,000 tickets were sold in the first few hours after being put on sale last year, and more tickets were made available again earlier this year. More than 100,000 people are expected for Sunday’s race.

‘EL PLAN: Ending winning drought’;

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2023-05-31/revitalized-alonso-gives-spaniards-hope-of-ending-winning-drought-at-home-in-f1


Aston Martin 'will be the next Red Bull' as Christian Horner makes Fernando Alonso point
Red Bull are dominating the Formula 1 world this season, but Aston Martin have made remarkable progress and have shown signs of being able to compete with the leaders
15:55, 31 May 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Aston Martin WILL dominate the Formula 1 world in the future, in the eyes of Sky Sports commentator David Croft. Aston Martin have delivered a competitive car, have hired scores of top staff from rival team and are building new state-of-the-art facilities at their Silverstone base. With all that in mind, Croft is confident that title challenges are in the team's future.

"There'll be a wind tunnel to come as well. There'll be a conference centre eventually on that. There'll be an engine project with Honda. They'll be making their own gearboxes," he said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast. "They'll no longer be getting technical support from other people. They'll be doing it all themselves.”

"With that comes challenges, but with that comes a lot more advanced information as to where the mounting points for the engine are going to be on the chassis, for instance. They could be, and I think they will be, the next Red Bull in Formula 1 – they've got the vision, they've got the money, they've got the strategy, they've got the people."

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin WILL dominate the Formula 1 world’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/red-bull-aston-martin-alonso-30123127

[Fortitude]

EL PLAN: “A special energy”

Alonso addresses chances of Spanish GP victory as home fans give him 'special energy'.
Fernando Alonso will have the home crowd on his side, saying he always finds the fans give him “a special energy” when he races here.
01 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The 12th of May 2013 is the date on everyone’s minds – the last time Fernando Alonso crossed the line to take the chequered flag and win in Formula 1. A decade may have passed by the Spaniard but he has lost none of his sharpness and is on an incredible run of results heading into his home race.

Having never finished lower than fourth this season – his first as an Aston Martin driver – the Spaniard already has five podiums to show for himself with second in Monaco last weekend the closest he’s come to a win in nine years. As a result, many are asking when he can finally break the drought and make it to the top step of the podium.

For the romantics, Spain would be a perfect location to do that but the Aston Martin man is keeping those expectations measured. “I don’t think realistically we can fight for the victory, let’s be clear,” he said. “Red Bull have been very dominant all season long and I don’t see any reason why, in Barcelona, they should not aim for a one-two. But let’s see what we can do.”

‘EL PLAN: “A special energy”;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-address-chances-of-spanish-gp-victory-as-home-fans-give-him-special.4JpIofOboo8XcBxXfH7P5C.html


Alonso out to claim 33rd victory at home
Aston Martin driver and Max Verstappen ready for Barcelona battle
ALAN BALDWIN
01 JUNE 2023 - 17:11
Financial Mail

Max Verstappen took his first Grand Prix win at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya with 33 on his car in 2016 and the same number will be a focus for Fernando Alonso fans when the Spaniard returns to the scene of his last victory.

“Mission 33” — the long-awaited 33rd career win — has been a rallying cry for fans of the 41-year-old Spaniard, now enjoying a revival with Aston Martin. His 32nd win was with Ferrari in May 2013 and Sunday’s race could be emotional.

If the heart beats for Alonso, with even Verstappen admitting in Monaco last weekend that he would love to see his fellow double champion win again, the head points to Red Bull’s runaway championship leader.

‘EL PLAN: “Mission 33”;

https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/other-sport/2023-06-01-alonso-out-to-claim-33rd-victory-at-home/


PADDOCK INSIDER: Alonso's inspired Aston Martin move could yield so much – and what a story it would be
01 June 2023
Lawrence Barretto
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Formula One - Official Site

When Fernando Alonso left Formula 1 at the end of 2018, after 17 years in the sport, the Spaniard did not know what the future would hold. Despite his near unrivalled belief in his own ability, even he knew coming back in a driving capacity – and with a team that could compete – was a long shot.

“We will come back maybe one day as a tourist and as a commentator and enjoy Formula 1 in a different way,” he said after the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – a race where he finished 11th after a wild performance that saw him pick up three penalty points in three separate incidents.

Fast forward four-and-a-half years and Alonso can hardly believe what is happening to him. After a first F1 career ladened with near misses, bad luck and some bad judgement in terms of team moves, the double world champion – at 41 – has found himself in a position to achieve what looked like the impossible, a return to the top step of the podium.

‘EL PLAN: The impossible’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.paddock-insider-alonso-inspired-aston-martin-move-could-yield-so-much-and.6Mf7efMFw8MCEZo5IolZYr.html


Alonso: Spanish GP win unrealistic with 'very dominant' Red Bull
01 June 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

The omens for the double world champion to score victory No.33 at his home race have been coming thick and fast in the build-up to this weekend's race in Barcelona. However, on Thursday, Alonso, who claimed his last F1 win came in Spain back in 2013, was quick to pop the hype balloon with a dose of reality.

“It feels good. Obviously, there is a special energy every time in Spain when I come here and I see all the fans," he said ahead of his 25th F1 race weekend in his home country via Formula1.com. “I don’t think, realistically, we can fight for the victory. Let’s be clear," Alonso stated.

“Red Bull has been very dominant all season long so I don’t see any reason why in Barcelona they should not aim for a one-two, but let’s see what we can do. A few updates for everybody, especially for Ferrari and Mercedes in Monaco, so let’s see.”

‘EL PLAN: Let’s be clear’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16756-alonso-spanish-gp-win-unrealistic-with-very-dominant-red-bull


Fernando Alonso highlights negative impact of Aston Martin’s unexpected rise
01 Jun 2023 8:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

While Aston Martin are delivering beyond all expectations so far in F1 2023, Fernando Alonso highlighted that this means the team is struggling to match the development rate of their rivals.

The development war is truly now ramping up though for F1 2023, Mercedes having introduced a heavily-revised W14 in Monaco, while this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix is set to mark the introduction of major upgrades at Ferrari.

And Alonso believes this is putting Aston Martin’s immaturity in terms of experience in the upper echelons of the grid on full display, in-season development being an area of their game which they must “speed up” in future to hang with the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari.

EL PLAN: In-season development, “speed up”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-upgrade-slow-speed/


'Search for perfection difficult in changing conditions' - Fernando Alonso defends Aston's Monaco strategy
01 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Speaking ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Fernando Alonso is only positive regarding the Aston Martin team's P2 performance last time out.

EL PLAN: Only positive’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.search-for-perfection-difficult-in-changing-conditions-fernando-alonso-defends-astons-monaco-strategy.1767505149122423222.html

[Fortitude]

Spain GP FP1: Red Bull 1-2 with Ferrari’s old-spec SF-23 faster than the new version.
Red Bull led the way from start to finish in the opening practice hour for the Spanish GP, delivering a crushing blow to Mercedes and Ferrari’s recent upgrades.
02 Jun 2023 1:34 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Although Mercedes delivered a heavily updated W14 in Monaco and Ferrari followed suit in Spain, neither team was able to take the fight to Red Bull in FP1 at the Barcelona circuit.

Running new prototype tyres for Pirelli, and new parts, for Ferrari and Aston Martin, Friday’s practice got underway under a sense of anticipation as the crowd waited to see whether their leading Spaniards, Sainz and Fernando Alonso, could take the fight to Red Bull.
From the get-go, they were off the pace.

For those testing new parts, Hamilton was seventh, 2.2s down, while Sainz, running the new Ferrari parts in a back-to-back test with his team-mate Leclerc, was a further 0.04s back. As Sainz whipped into the pits for his first stop of the session for new tyres, the flo-vis paint on his upgraded Ferrari was evident with the Spaniard covering 15 laps in the first 20 minutes.

‘Crushing blow’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/spain-grand-prix-2023-fp1-report/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
2nd June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 1:14.606
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.768
3. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.812
4. Nyck de Vries AlphaTauri +0.898
5. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.939
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.941
7. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.083
8. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +1.088
9. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +1.120
10. George Russell Mercedes +1.147

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

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-spanish-grand-prix-82226


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Spanish Grand Prix
3rd June 2023, 12:30
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it Happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-spain-2023.2OxKtC4c3RcJH3doYrpq4q.html


F1 Spanish Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES
2nd June 2023, 2:31
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net1

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-spanish-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Unhappy Max Verstappen tops FP1 ahead of Spanish GP
June 2, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen posted the fastest lap of the first practice session ahead of the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. The Dutchman carried on where he left off in Monaco, topping the timesheet in Barcelona courtesy of a 1:14.606 on the soft tyres that was good enough to finish almost eight tenths clear of Sergio Perez.

It might have appeared smooth sailing, but it sounded anything but from inside the cockpit, as Verstappen complained about his engine mode and porpoising. Despite that, he was in a league of his own, with the majority of drivers struggling to get within a second of his benchmark time.

Esteban Ocon continued his fine form to take third ahead of his teammate in fifth, with Nyck de Vries surprisingly splitting the Alpines in fourth. Home hero Fernando Alonso was the best part of a second down on the ultimate pace in sixth, perhaps underlining the superiority of the Red Bull.

‘Unhappy Max tops FP1’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-verstappen-red-bull-unhappy-tops-spain-fp1/


Verstappen leads Perez by seven-tenths as times tumble at revised Catalunya track
2023 Spanish Grand Prix first practice
Posted on 2nd June 2023, 13:522nd June 2023, 13:52
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Championship leader Max Verstappen led team mate Sergio Perez by seven tenths of a second as drivers familiarised themselves with the revised layout of the Circuit de Catalunya. Aston Martin sent Fernando Alonso out the moment the green light appeared at the end of the pitlane with a large aero rake installed on his AMR22. He performed some slow laps to generate some base data for his team on their new front and rear wings parts before returning to the pit lane.

Teams were also testing the new construction of tyres from Pirelli which are due to be introduced at the British Grand Prix in three rounds’ time. The vast majority of teams opted to run those prototype tyres for their initial laps, although the two Mercedes drivers of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both decided to complete runs on the revised rubber.

Many drivers had their first experience of the much faster turn 13 as they bypassed the chicane which was introduced in 2007. However many drivers, including Verstappen and Russell, reported some porpoising in their car as they rounded the final right hander at speeds of 250kph.

‘Times tumble’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/02/verstappen-leads-perez-by-seven-tenths-as-times-tumble-at-revised-catalunya-track/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen completes Spanish GP Friday clean sweep.
The two-time champion set a benchmark of 1:13.907 to finish 0.170secs faster than Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.
02 June 6:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen completed a Friday clean sweep at the Spanish Grand Prix by finishing top of second practice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Verstappen had underlined Red Bull's early dominance with a margin of almost eight-tenths over teammate Sergio Perez and will enter the weekend as the driver to beat.

The session was dominated by continued struggles with a bump at the final corner which has been exaggerated by increased speeds compared to previous years after the old chicane was removed from the layout. Drivers have experienced excessive bouncing due to cars bottoming, with the Ferraris and Mercedes' struggling to comply more than their rivals.

‘Clean sweep’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-completes-spanish-gp-friday-clean-sweep


Verstappen still fastest but Alonso comes closest in second practice
2023 Spanish Grand Prix second practice
Posted on 2nd June 2023, 17:19
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

2023 Spanish Grand Prix second practice result
Position Number Driver Team Model Time Gap Laps
1 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull-Honda RBPT RB19 1’13.907 33
2 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin-Mercedes AMR23 1’14.077 0.170 29
3 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas-Ferrari VF-23 1’14.177 0.270 31
4 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull-Honda RBPT RB19 1’14.219 0.312 29
5 31 Esteban Ocon Alpine-Renault A523 1’14.242 0.335 29
6 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari SF-23 1’14.246 0.339 31
7 55 Carlos Sainz Jnr Ferrari SF-23 1’14.274 0.367 31
8 63 George Russell Mercedes W14 1’14.392 0.485 31
9 77 Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo-Ferrari C43 1’14.448 0.541 31
10 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine-Renault A523 1’14.457 0.550 28

‘FULL 2023 Spanish Grand Prix second practice result’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/02/verstappen-still-fastest-but-alonso-comes-closest-in-second-practice/


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from second practice for the Spanish Grand Prix
02 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-spain-2023.1UBX1bMx3F4wnGVNqzB4Xo.html


How Friday practice for the F1 Spanish Grand Prix unfolded
2nd June 2023, 12:31
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘How Friday practice unfolded’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-spanish-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Spanish GP FP2: Max Verstappen pips Fernando Alonso to top spot, Hulkenberg P3
02 Jun 2023 5:01 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Just as they were for most of the Monaco weekend, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso were locked together at the top of the standings in FP2 for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Aston Martin driver looking particularly planted through the fast Turn 14 and setting a purple sector 3 to go second quickest of anybody, 0.170s behind Verstappen’s benchmark, while team-mate Lance Stroll could only manage P18, nine tenths off Alonso’s pace in the session.

The closeness of the pack in practice also hints that qualifying could well be a tight session once again, as was the case in Monaco, though if anyone is going to challenge at the front of the field, Alonso or Perez look the most likely based on Friday’s evidence.

‘Pips Fernando’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/spanish-grand-prix-2023-fp2-report/


Max Verstappen quickest in Spanish GP FP2 as Fernando Alonso closes in
The championship leader set the fastest time of the second practice session in Spain
June 2, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen made it a Friday clean sweep at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, setting the fastest lap of the second practice session at the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. The world champion cut a frustrated figure during FP1 and complained of porpoising but appeared happier when cars returned to the track for FP2.

That being said, his gap at the top of the timesheet was cut from nearly eight tenths to less than two, with his 1:13.907s on the soft tyres leaving him 0.170s ahead of the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard also ended the session able to match Verstappen closest in terms of race pace, setting up the prospect of an exciting GP.

‘Fernando Alonso closes in’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-verstappen-quickest-fp2-spain-fernando-alonso-closes/

[Fortitude]

EL PLAN.

Alonso taking energy from vocal home crowd as he looks to ‘put on a good show’ following P2 in Friday practice.
Offering his thoughts at the end of day one, Alonso said: “I think it’s so tight that one or two-tenths will put you in a completely different spot on the classification, so don’t pay too much attention on the times.”
02 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site.

Fernando Alonso enjoyed a strong start to his home Grand Prix weekend as he placed second to Max Verstappen on the opening day of practice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, describing FP1 and FP2 as a “productive” pair of sessions.

Asked if Aston Martin’s latest updates – which include developments around the front and rear wing – are helping him, he commented: “They do, they do. Absolutely. There is not a new part that we put in the car that is not helping the performance. That is something that has been always the case with the team from Bahrain. I’m happy with upgrades, and let’s see tomorrow, when everyone goes to full power, where we are.”

‘EL PLAN: Taking energy’;


Alonso aiming to repay 'special energy' of Spanish fans
02/06/2023 at 19:31
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

"I heard 67 per cent of the merchandise on the grandstand is green, which is amazing,” he beamed, comparing it to his heyday with Renault. “This is going back to the 2005, 2006, 2007 years, where everything was in one colour. I really feel that support, that special energy," he continued. "It was amazing at the fan forum this morning.”

"While driving I cannot hear them, but I feel how enthusiastic they are, so hopefully we put in a good show for them.” But he's not getting carried away: “It’s so close over one lap that I think a couple of tenths will put you in a completely different position in the classification, so we won’t read too much into the times. We went through all the programme that we had before the free practice, which is a good thing, learning about the tyres," he said.

‘EL PLAN: 'Special energy'

https://f1i.com/news/476250-alonso-aiming-to-repay-special-energy-of-spanish-fans.html


Alonso hot on Verstappen's heels in second Spanish GP practice
02 June 2023, 18:44
BY REUTERS
Times LIVE

Red Bull's Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace in both practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday, with home hero Fernando Alonso delighting the crowd with the second fastest lap.

The Dutch driver was 0.768 seconds quicker than Mexican team mate and closest rival Sergio Perez in the first session and then 0.170 faster than Aston Martin's Alonso in the late afternoon.

Alonso's 32nd and last win was at the same circuit a decade ago with Ferrari and his form at the age of 41 — with five podiums in six races including second in Monaco last weekend — has fired up the fans.

‘EL PLAN: Fired up fans’;

https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/motorsport/2023-06-02-alonso-hot-on-verstappens-heels-in-second-spanish-gp-practice/


Mercedes struggles continue in FP2 as Alonso closes gap to Verstappen
Friday 2 June 2023 18:24
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Max Verstappen put in another impressive performance in second practice to top the timing sheets, but Fernando Alonso ramped the pressure up on both Red Bull and the Dutchman after he ended up just 0.170secs behind him in second place.

Alonso made sure that the two-time world champion will be checking his rear-view mirrors ahead of Saturday's qualifying. The F1 veteran, who finished nearly a second behind Verstappen in first practice, roared back to life in the following session to end up within two-tenths of the Red Bull driver.

‘EL PLAN: Verstappen will be checking his rear-view mirrors’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108796/fernando-alonso-max-verstappen-spanish-grand-prix-f1-fp2-report-red-bull-mercedes/


Fernando Alonso omen spotted at Spanish Grand Prix as sign points to victory on home soil.
Alonso has not won an F1 race for a decade but has enjoyed a remarkable season so far this year and looks the man most likely to be the first to challenge the Red Bulls as the performance gap closes.
16:48, 2 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

The fairytale outcome would be for that victory to come in front of those adoring Spanish fans. Alonso has waited 10 years to get back onto the top step of the podium in F1 – this very same event in 2013 being the last time he did so.

His next F1 win will be the 33rd of his career, which happens to be Verstappen's race number – when he's not sporting the '1' reserved for the defending world champion. So fans have been keeping an eye out for any further signs of that figure, fuelled by Alonso himself who has declared it to be a "good number".

So they were very excited when the official F1 social media accounts pointed out the fact Alonso's car is housed in garage 33 at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend. The more superstitious felt it was an omen that the 41-year-old could do something special.

‘EL PLAN: ‘33’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/fernando-alonso-spanish-gp-verstappen-30142134


Formula 1: 'Special energy' inspires Fernando Alonso at Spanish Grand Prix practice
Fernando Alonso said he was delighted with the big turnout of fans bedecked in the Aston Martin green in the grandstands
June 03, 2023 09:23:11 IST
Agence France-Presse
Firstpost

Two-time former world champion Fernando Alonso said his army of home fans had given him a “special energy” on Friday when he was second behind Max Verstappen in opening practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 41-year-old Spaniard, who has reeled off five podium finishes for Aston Martin in six races this year to take third place behind the two dominant Red Bull drivers in the championship, was only 0.17 seconds slower than Verstappen. “It is so tight here,” he said.

‘EL PLAN: Fans bedecked in the Aston Martin green’;


Fernando Alonso: “The upgrades we’ve introduced are helping the performance of the car”
June 2, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Fernando Alonso says it is too early to take anything away from the timing screens at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, despite the Spaniard ending second fastest overall to Max Verstappen.

“A lot of the grandstands are green and our Aston Martin merchandise is very popular,” he said. “The fans have been amazing and it’s great to see their support. Hopefully we can put on a good show for them tomorrow.”

Alonso feels Aston Martin’s recent updates to the AMR23 have helped the performance of the car, and he is keen to see where they will end up during Saturday’s Qualifying session amongst a field that appears to be extremely closely matched.

‘EL PLAN: Upgrades helping performance’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/fernando-alonso-the-upgrades-weve-introduced-are-helping-the-performance-of-the-car/


Aston Martin have “more time to find” after successful upgrade – Alonso.
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd June 2023, 18:16
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin have “more time to find” in their set up after finishing Friday closest to Max Verstappen. With half a second covering the top eight drivers, Alonso says he expects a competitive weekend at the front of the field. “It’s so tight that I think one or two tenths will put you in a completely different spot in the classification,” he said. “So don’t pay too much attention to the times.”

“There is not a new part that we put in the car that is not helping the performance,” he continued. “That’s something that has been always the case with the team from Bahrain. So I’m happy with the upgrades and let’s see tomorrow, when everyone goes to full power, where we are.

‘EL PLAN: “More time to find” ’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/02/aston-martin-have-more-time-to-find-after-successful-upgrade-alonso/

[Fortitude]

FP3: Verstappen quickest in mixed FP3 conditions.
Spanish Grand Prix – Max Verstappen was fastest in a Red Flagged and rain-affected final practice where there was only proper running in the opening minutes.
3rd June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

With rain imminent, and lightning already lighting up the skies, the cars all lined up at the end of the pit lane to get whatever dry times that they could possibly get. The Williams cars were at the head of the queue Logan Sargeant opened the times with a 1:16.529 on the softs. Teams had been predicting rain about ten/fifteen minutes into the session but it wasn’t rain that stopped the dry running but a Red Flag after nine minutes when Sargeant’s Williams got out of shape going through the final corner sending him through the gravel and ended up beached at the barriers.

After five minutes all but the AlphaTauri and Ferraris, who’d sone install laps on hards or mediums before switching to the softs, had set times and it was Max Verstappen at the top of the charts with a 1:13.664, two and a half tenths ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez while the Mercedes cars of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were behind them.

The leaderboard didn’t change after the Red Flag so it was Verstappen on top ahead of Perez and Hamilton. Carlos Sainz was P4 ahead of Alonso and Russell. Charles Leclerc’s 1:14.353 saw him in P7 just ahead of Valtteri Bottas while Yuki Tsunoda was the last driver within a second of Verstappen. Norris and Zhou Guanyu had both set a 1:14.681 but the McLaren racer was the first to do so so he took P10.

‘Max Verstappen fasted’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-quickest-in-mixed-fp3-conditions-82317


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
3rd June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:13.664
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.250
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.408
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.576
5. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.600
6. George Russell Mercedes +0.614
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.689
8. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.696
9. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.995
10. Lando Norris McLaren +1.017

‘Spanish Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race in Barcelona’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-spanish-grand-prix-82313


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from third practice for the Spanish Grand Prix
03 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-third-practice-in-spain-2023.5cTBXKhRrXkI7Ov2rSzXdv.html


F1 Spanish Grand Prix - Final practice & Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
3rd June 2023, 11:23
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Follow all of the F1 action this weekend from the Spanish Grand Prix here with the Crash.net live blog.

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-spanish-grand-prix-final-practice-qualifying-live-updates


Verstappen tops Spanish GP final practice as Hamilton third
The Red Bull driver was over two tenths faster than teammate Sergio Perez.
June 3, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen once again was top of the timing charts in final practice ahead of qualifying for the Spanish GP. The Red Bull driver was 0.250s faster than teammate Sergio Perez at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, while Lewis Hamilton showed significant improvement for Mercedes in third.

Home favourites Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were fourth and fifth in the session, ahead of the second Mercedes of George Russell, with Charles Leclerc back in seventh for Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas was eighth for Alfa Romeo, with the AlphaTauri of Yuki Tsunoda and Lando Norris of McLaren rounding out the top ten.

Sargeant in the gravel. The session came under red flags after just ten minutes of running when the Williams of Logan Sargeant slid off into the gravel at Turn 1. The drivers were slow to make their way back out on track once the session resumed as the rain started to come down in Barcelona, with most coming back out on intermediate tyres and a number struggling for grip.

‘Red Bull driver was over two tenths faster’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-verstappen-tops-spanish-gp-final-practice-hamilton-third/


Spain GP FP3: A damp squib with Max Verstappen P1 before rain came down
03 Jun 2023 12:32 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen was quickest in the opening 10 minutes of Saturday’s final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, after which the rain changed the complexion of the session. With rain forecast for 12:40 local time, light to start with and then increasing in intensity as George Russell was told, the drivers were quickly out onto the track for the start of the third and final practice at the Barcelona circuit.

Out on the soft Pirellis, Verstappen immediately went P1 with a 1:13.6, a quarter of a second up on Sergio Perez, with Lewis Hamilton P3 in the early running. Ferrari were also quickly out with their new-look sidepods – Carlos Sainz up to fourth place and Charles Leclerc P7 as the rain began to intensify.

Russell reported that, while it was raining, the “track just doesn’t seem that wet”… and, moments later, Ocon had a moment on the lines. Despite being given an extra set of intermediate tyres, some of the drivers – including Lewis Hamilton – climbed out of their cars with Mercedes’ Bradley Lord declaring the driver knew “well enough” what needed to be done.

‘A damp squib’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/spain-grand-prix-2023-fp3-report/


Spanish GP: Verstappen goes fastest before rain hits in Practice 3
03 June 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

Max Verstappen went fastest before rain arrived in Practice 3 at the Spanish Grand Prix. With a thunderstorm approaching, drivers rushed out on track to get some dry running on the soft tyres.

But the rush still wouldn't be enough to prevent Verstappen from claiming P1 with a 1m13.664, a quarter of a second clear of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Lewis Hamilton reported poor driveability from his Mercedes but was still able to claim third ahead of the two Spaniards, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.

Lando Norris was the first to venture out for a lap on intermediates with the two Ferraris following a few minutes later. But while there was definite rain falling the circuit never got properly wet, meaning the tyres only lasted a handful of laps before chunking up and degrading.

‘Verstappen goes fastest’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16775-spanish-gp-verstappen-goes-fastest-before-rain-hits-in-practice-3


Verstappen stays on top as Sargeant crashes in rain-hit final practice
2023 Spanish Grand Prix third practice
Posted on 3rd June 2023, 12:50
Written by Will Wood

Max Verstappen continued his run of topping every session in Barcelona as rain affected final practice ahead of qualifying. The championship leader set the quickest time of the weekend so far with his only push lap early in third practice to go a quarter-of-a-second faster than team mate Sergio Perez. Rain then fell on the circuit, leading to Logan Sargeant crashing his Williams.

Lewis Hamilton was third for Mercedes as drivers’ fastest times were all set in the opening 10 minutes. With dark clouds hanging ominously in the horizon, there was a big rush out onto the Circuit de Catalunya as the final hour of practice began. All drivers headed out on soft tyres in an effort to perform a quick qualifying simulation run while they could, with Perez going quickest of all with a 1’13.914 ahead of the Mercedes pair of Hamilton and George Russell.

The chequered flag flew at the end of the hour, with Verstappen on top of the order, two-and-a-half tenths ahead of his team mate Perez. Hamilton’s best time from the early running put him third for Mercedes, with the two local favourites of Sainz and Alonso fourth and fifth. Russell was sixth ahead of Leclerc’s Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas,Yuki Tsunoda and Norris completed the top 10.

‘Sargeant crashes in rain-hit final practice’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/03/verstappen-stays-on-top-as-sargeant-crashes-in-rain-hit-final-practice/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen takes dominant Spanish GP pole as big names make early exits.
Verstappen‘s teammate and nearest title challenger Sergio Perez endured another poor Saturday, scraping through Q1 before running off track in Q2 and finishing 11th, giving the Dutchman another great chance to extend his championship lead. June 3, 2023.
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen dominated a dramatic qualifying for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix to take his fourth pole position of the season, as a number of big names made early exits in Barcelona. The world champion topped all three practice sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and made it a clean sweep over a single lap courtesy of a 1:12.272s that was good enough to beat Carlos Sainz by 0.462s.

“The car was really good,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1. “Qualifying was really tricky with the weather but once it started to dry out, and in Q3, the car was on rails. It was really enjoyable to drive today. I love coming to Barcelona, I love the track, I love the fans – they love racing. I have a lot of great memories here and hopefully tomorrow we can have another one.”

‘Verstappen takes dominant Spanish GP pole’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-verstappen-dominant-spanish-gp-pole-big-names-exit-early/


Qualifying Results – 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
3rd June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:12.272
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.462
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.520
4. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.544
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.546
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.722
7. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.811
8. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.957
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.235
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.410

‘Spanish Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race in Barcelona’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-spanish-grand-prix-82323


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix
03 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-spain-2023.25puEvaHBvPc9oNwlTRZQ9.html


Mercedes teammates Hamilton and Russell collide in Spanish GP qualifying
The drivers came together in an incident on the main straight in Barcelona during Q2.
June 3, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell made contact during the second qualifying session for the Spanish GP in a bizarre incident. Hamilton claimed that Russell had eased off down the main straight of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during Q2 as he was coming up to the back of his teammate, forcing the seven-time champion to the outside and bringing the two cars together.

The Mercedes team were able to repair the damage to Hamilton’s car in time for Q3 with a new front wing, while Russell was eliminated in Q2 in 12th alongside the Red Bull of Sergio Perez. Hamilton will start the race in Spain from fifth, with Max Verstappen once again taking pole position.

‘Hamilton and Russell collide’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-hamilton-russell-collide-spanish-gp-qualifying/


Lewis Hamilton slams "dangerous" George Russell after Spanish GP qualifying collision
Towards the end of Q2 in Barcelona, Russell and Hamilton made contact which broke the seven-time world champion's front wing and made him furious with his team-mate
15:56, 3 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Lewis Hamilton slammed team-mate George Russell for a "really dangerous" move which caused damage to his Mercedes. It happened towards the end of Q2 as the two British drivers were trying to complete their final flying laps. Russell had the DRS open while Hamilton had a nice slipstream behind a car in front of him, meaning they both arrived at a corner at around the same time.

But Russell did not leave enough room for his team-mate on the track, forcing Hamilton onto the grass. There was also contact between them which ripped off the right front wing endplate off the more experienced Brit's car, and which left him very unhappy. He made as much clear over the radio as he reported the problem it had created. He said: "George just backed off. That's really dangerous. I might have some damage on the car."

Fortunately for Hamilton, he had already gone fast enough to secure his place in Q3 and was able to get a front wing replacement for the final part of qualifying. Russell, who was apologetic over the radio, was not so lucky as he only went 12th fastest

‘That's really dangerous’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-hamilton-russell-barcelona-qualifying-30147532


F1 qualifying results: Verstappen on pole for Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc to start P19
The F1 circus invades Barcelona this weekend
Sat, Jun 3, 2023, 3:14 PM
John Parker
Yahoo! Sports: Dr. Saturday (Weblog)

Hamilton fastest in Q1, Leclerc eliminated. After a frustrating Friday in which Lewis Hamilton mused he might be out early in qualifying, the Mercedes driver turned the fastest lap in Q1 with a 1:12.937. Last year's pole-sitter Charles Leclerc complained about his rear tires throughout the session and was eliminated, along with Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant.

Perez, Russell out Q2. Red Bull's Sergio Perez and Mercedes' George Russell were surprisingly eliminated in Q2, along with Zhou Guanyu, Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda. Perez went into the gravel early in his final flying lap, forcing him to abort and try again on now-dirty tires. Russell made contact with teammate Lewis Hamilton late in the session as well. Perez's teammate Max Verstappen was fastest in the session, clocking a 1:12.760.

‘Verstappen on pole’;

https://sports.yahoo.com/f1-qualifying-results-verstappen-on-pole-for-spanish-grand-prix-leclerc-to-start-p19-141405032.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFNInzTd8vHo2fyDSniJbxMREx2h jfDYOGYKzdl1XblSSQ1cI1qJhNNf_H5H4myJR63g23z1xDptF6 QvT6KH1I8ya45z_JhHhpc9q7Wgc-fqw5JAf-VHxZnqAjnwcXt7iEdO4wpJWOxk0a3Vfg7OI1h8Zyb19RMFRxQ7 zMwfsF5O


Charles Leclerc fumes at Ferrari's "weird behaviour" amid Spanish GP qualifying shocker
Leclerc was on pole for the Spanish Grand Prix last year but endured a torrid session this time around, as one of the best qualifiers on the grid was slower than all other drivers except one
15:32, 3 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Leclerc was on pole for the Spanish Grand Prix last year but endured a torrid session this time around, as one of the best qualifiers on the grid was slower than all other drivers except one. In Q1, by the time everyone had taken the chequered flag, only Logan Sargeant was below him on the timesheets. After having it confirmed over the radio that he had qualified 19th, Leclerc simply responded: "Unbelievable."

Unsurprisingly, he sounded very irritable as he faced the TV cameras as the rest of the session continued. Leclerc said: "I don't have the answer for now. The left hand corners were undriveable.”

"There's something off in the left hand corners that we need to analyse and understand it was very far off what I expected. I thought it was the tyres on the first set, but I went on to the second set and it was exactly the same.”

"Unbelievable";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-leclerc-ferrari-qualifying-barcelona-30147380

[Fortitude]

Winners and losers from the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying.
Another action packed qualifying session as Max Verstappen rose above his competitors to take pole for the Spanish Grand Prix.
03 Jun 2023 8:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Winners: Max Verstappen - On a day when everyone struggled around him, Max Verstappen put in an effortless performance to secure pole yet again. Lando Norris - A very impressive performance from Norris as he secured his best qualifying result of the season so far. Nico Hülkenberg - It may be one of the lesser spotted stories but Nico Hülkenberg has quietly gone about his business since his return to Formula 1.

Losers: Charles Leclerc - Truth be told, Leclerc has not really looked quick all weekend. Sergio Perez - If the Monaco Grand Prix was the closing of the lid, qualifying in Spain was the final nail in the coffin of Sergio Perez’s title ambitions. George Russell - If a team boss could make a list of things they do not want to happen in a qualifying session then ‘your drivers crashing into each other’ would be pretty high up there.

‘Winners and losers’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/winners-losers-2023-spanish-grand-prix-qualifying/


Lewis Hamilton offered Spanish Grand Prix boost as FIA hand out Pierre Gasly penalty
Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth behind Pierre Gasly for the Spanish Grand Prix but the Alpine star has landed himself in hot water with the FIA.
19:52, Sat, Jun 3, 2023
By Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has been handed a major boost ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix after the Mercedes star could only qualify fifth at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The race stewards investigated Gasly after the session had concluded as footage appeared to show the Alpine driver impeding both Verstappen and Sainz in separate incidents. The Alpine driver was demoted to 10th following a double penalty from the FIA.

‘Major boost’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1777106/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Spanish-Grand-Prix-FIA-Pierre-Gasly-penalty-F1-news


F1 Spanish Grand Prix starting grid: How today’s race will begin
4 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

2023 F1 Spanish Grand Prix - STARTING GRID
Pos. Driver Nat. Team
1 Max Verstappen NED Oracle Red Bull Racing
2 Carlos Sainz ESP Scuderia Ferrari
3 Lando Norris GBR McLaren F1 Team
4 Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team
5 Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team
6 Esteban Ocon FRA BWT Alpine F1 Team
7 Nico Hulkenberg GER MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
8 Fernando Alonso ESP Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team
9 Oscar Piastri AUS McLaren F1 Team
10 Pierre Gasly FRA BWT Alpine F1 Team

‘This is how Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, round seven of the 2023 F1 world championship, will begin...’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/results/1027715/1/f1-spanish-grand-prix-starting-grid-how-today-s-race-will-begin


Helmut Marko: Sergio Perez getting ‘wake-up call’ from World Championship ‘dream’
04 Jun 2023 6:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes it is time for Sergio Perez to “wake up” and forget about winning the Formula 1 title after his latest qualifying disaster at the Spanish Grand Prix. He told Sky Deutschland: “With Sergio, things have not been going well since Monte Carlo. He needs to concentrate more on racing, not on the title. I hope he recovers himself.

“The whole weekend it was already the case that he was three-to-five tenths slower. It’s now the second consecutive weekend [with problems]. Checo is getting a relatively hard wake-up call now, but I’m sure he’ll pick himself up again.”

‘Wake-up call’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut-marko-sergio-perez-wake-up/


Turn five error ended my chance of reaching Q3 – Perez
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd June 2023, 19:25
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham

Sergio Perez says his qualifying session was effectively over after his trip through the gravel at turn five before his elimination in Q2. The Red Bull driver was knocked out in Q2 in 11th place. Nico Hulkenberg beat him to the final place in Q3 by 0.051 seconds. It is the second successive event in which Perez failed to reach Q3, following his crash during qualifying last weekend in Monaco.

Speaking to media including RaceFans after the session, Perez said the mistake at turn five had ultimately cost him his place in the top 10. “The conditions were tricky and I ended up losing the car into turn five,” Perez explained. “Once we lost it, the tyres were too warm, too hot, and I couldn’t get them back to a good temperature window and I just didn’t have the grip on my final lap, which was a shame.”

‘Turn five error’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/03/turn-five-error-ended-my-chance-of-reaching-q3-perez/


Carlos Sainz sets ambitious Ferrari target after ‘needed’ Spanish GP qualifying result
03 Jun 2023 7:15 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Carlos Sainz is aiming to secure his first podium finish of the F1 2023 season at the Spanish Grand Prix after admitting he “needed” a breakthrough result in qualifying in Barcelona.

“It was super tight, very, very tricky conditions out there today and even getting through Q1/Q2 without any issues and putting [together] a good lap only with one set in Q3 was probably one of the most tricky qualis I’ve had here in Barcelona in terms of conditions.”

“So I think P2 is as far as I could make it today and that 12.7 [was] a pretty good lap.”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-ferrari-target-spanish-gp/


Lando Norris plays down McLaren performance improvement
Lando Norris qualified a surprise third for the 2023 Spanish GP in the McLaren
June 3, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

After having his final lap scuppered in Monaco, Norris enjoyed a stellar qualifying session in Barcelona, setting the third-fastest time and securing McLaren’s first top-three starting position of 2023.

“Nothing’s really changed on the car,” Norris told media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “As much as I’d love to say, Oh, the car [is] improving, it’s not changed much. I think just going into qualifying, things started to come alive at all, a little bit more confidence with the rears and to lean on the car and tyres. Where we’re going to be tomorrow is a tough one.”

‘Qualified a surprise third’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-l2023-ando-norris-plays-down-mclaren-improvement-spanish-gp/


More passing? Multiple stops? Rain? Only the winner seems not in doubt
2023 Spanish Grand Prix pre-race analysis
Posted on 3rd June 2023, 23:45
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

After Red Bull’s rivals invested many hundreds of thousands of working hours developing their upgrades packages in pursuit of the RB19, Max Verstappen took little more than 72 seconds to destroy their hopes. “Overall, the whole weekend, it has been really enjoyable to drive the car,” Verstappen said after taking his fourth pole of the season. “It was really hooked up.”

But behind Verstappen, the battle that threatens to erupt over the final podium places should give fans every reason for excitement. Remarkably, the top seven places on the grid are all occupied by seven different teams. Less than half a second covered Carlos Sainz Jnr in second to Nico Hulkenberg, who will line up seventh for Sunday’s race courtesy of Pierre Gasly’s double penalty promoting him and five others.

All six drivers lining up behind Verstappen have every reason to be targeting solid points at a minimum and even a podium at best – with second-placed Sainz expecting the competition to be fierce among that group in the race.

‘More passing? Multiple stops? Rain?’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/03/more-passing-multiple-stops-rain-only-the-winner-seems-not-in-doubt/


F1 Spanish GP: 7 questions that will decide Barcelona’s winner
21:46 Sat, 03 Jun 2023.
By Luke Smith and Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

Can Verstappen capitalize on another Pérez setback? Sergio Pérez said after his disappointing run to 16th in Monaco, where he was lapped twice by Verstappen, that he could afford no more zero-scores to stand any chance of winning this year’s championship.

Will Sainz or Alonso lead Spain’s home podium hopes? It’s truly a toss up. Will upgrades change the competitive order? Spain marked the arrival of a handful of F1 car upgrades, most notably on the Ferrari, which has abandoned its “bathtub” sidepods in favor of a more Red Bull-style design.

Can McLaren capitalize on Norris’s unexpected P3? Lando Norris was shocked after he clinched third place in qualifying and quickly tamped down expectations for race day.

‘7 questions’;

https://theathletic.com/4577852/2023/06/03/spanish-grand-prix-formula-one/


Verstappen “on another level” but we should’ve been right behind him – Wolff
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd June 2023, 20:133rd June 2023, 23:49
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

“That’s why the disappointment is big because we expected more,” Wolff continued. “Having said that, if you look at the gaps it was very, very compressed with everyone. You can get it wrong easily. You can see that Leclerc is out in Q1, Perez is out in Q2, so that’s a bit of a mystery today,” he added. “The wind changed 180 degrees and some were caught out, maybe, because of that.”

‘Toto Wolff says…’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/03/verstappen-on-another-level-but-we-shouldve-been-right-behind-him-wolff/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen dominates in Spain as Mercedes get double podium.
Spanish Grand Prix – Aside from a first corner challenge, Max Verstappen was untouchable in Spain as he beat the Mercedes by over twenty seconds.
4th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

It was almost a perfect start for the Spanish crowd as Sainz challenged for the lead at the first corner but Verstappen had the inside and was able to hold station. It was disaster for Norris though as and Hamilton made contact and the McLaren driver had to pit for a new nose and hard tyres at the end of the opening lap.

In the end the rain stayed away and Verstappen took the chequered flag 24 seconds ahead of Hamilton, the Dutch driver also taking the fastest lap, a 1:16.330. Russell came home in P3 to give Mercedes a double podium and take his first of the season.

Perez took P4 ahead of Sainz as the Aston Martins took the flag line astern in P6 and P7. Unfortunately for Alonso his worst result of the season comes at his home race, his previous worst had been P4 in Baku. Ocon was P8 while, as a result of Tsunoda’s time penalty, Zhou took P9 with Pierre Gasly taking the final point in P10.

‘Max dominates’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-dominates-in-spain-as-mercedes-get-double-podium-82394


Race Results – 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
4th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -66 laps
2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +24.090
3. George Russell Mercedes +32.389
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +35.812
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +45.698
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +63.320
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +64.127
8. Esteban Ocon Alpine +69.242
9. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +71.878
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +73.530

‘Spanish Grand Prix – Here are the complete (provisional) results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from Barcelona’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-spanish-grand-prix-82391


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
04 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-aws-gran-premio-de-espana-2023.2PWgv7kevoILOta3h3R51I.html


Mercedes ROAR back at Spanish GP as Verstappen claims F1 victory in Barcelona
Sunday 4 June 2023 16:47
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Max Verstappen drove to victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, after Mercedes showed their pace to see Lewis Hamilton and George Russell claim podium finishes at Barcelona. Verstappen took the chequered flag in first place for the fifth time this season, ahead of Hamilton and Russell in second and third respectively in a much-improved showing for the Silver Arrows.

Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz would round off the top five, after the Red Bull driver failed to catch up with Russell in the dying stages of the race. An action-packed start, as Verstappen held off an aggressive start from Sainz heading into the first corner, the action was unfolding just behind.

Norris, starting in third, made contact with Hamilton as the McLaren's front wing touched the left-rear tyre of the Mercedes at turn two. It was a disastrous start for Norris as he was forced into the pits to replace his front wing, dropping down to 20th as a result of the incident.

‘ROAR back’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108934/mercedes-spanish-grand-prix-max-verstappen-red-bull-lewis-hamilton-george-russell-f1-barcelona/


F1 Spanish GP: Max Verstappen romps to victory as Lewis Hamilton leads double Mercedes podium
4 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Max Verstappen cruised to a crushing victory at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton led a double Mercedes podium. Aside from having to fend off Carlos Sainz’s attack into Turn 1 at the start, Verstappen breezed to his third consecutive win as he racked up his 40th grand prix victory.

The two-time world champion’s fifth win in seven races has seen him further strengthen his position at the top of the drivers’ world championship, with teammate Sergio Perez enduring another difficult weekend. Having survived first-lap contact with McLaren’s Lando Norris, Hamilton claimed a distant second place behind Verstappen as Mercedes upgraded W14 demonstrated impressive race pace.

‘Double Mercedes podium’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/race-report/1027851/1/verstappen-romps-spanish-gp-win-hamilton-leads-double-merc-podium


Max Verstappen celebrates 40th F1 win with crushing Spanish Grand Prix victory
4th June 2023, 16:01
Charlen Raymond
Wheels24

Max Verstappen turned up the pace again to win the Spanish Grand Prix for the third time in his Formula 1 career.

The Red Bull driver led from start to finish and was never under threat from any of the racers around him. Even at the start, when Ferrari's Carlos Sainz launched an attack on the Soft tyre, the Dutchman defended on the Mediums and never looked back.

Verstappen is in a league of his own in 2023 and has already amassed five wins from the season's opening seven races. "Yeah, good race that," the driver said as he celebrated his 40th F1 victory. "It's a big pleasure to drive with a car like this. A win here, it's incredible."

‘40th F1 win’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/max-verstappen-celebrates-40th-f1-win-with-crushing-spanish-grand-prix-victory-20230604

[Fortitude]

Winners and Losers from the 2023 F1 Spanish Grand Prix.
Dominance with a capital D, light at the end of the tunnel, a harsh penalty and an out-of-sorts Spaniard. It's the Winners and Losers from the 2023 F1 Spanish Grand Prix.
04 June 9:50PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Whereas a couple of races ago, there were questions as to whether there would be a Formula 1 title fight in 2023, that notion has now been firmly shut in crushing style by Max Verstappen. A 14-point lead after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has now turned into 53 in just three races after the World Champion delivered three wins on the trot and, for the first time this season, a Grand Chelem.

Verstappen will be the 2023 World Champion, and match Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as the only drivers to win three titles on the trot - and with Red Bull's advantage seemingly going to be locked in until the end of 2025, it would take a brave person not to declare the Dutchman as favourite for '24 and '25 before the rules reset comes in.

‘Winners and Losers’;

https://racingnews365.com/winners-and-losers-from-the-2023-f1-spanish-grand-prix


Alonso´s long wait for 33rd F1 win goes on after disappointing Spanish GP
Published: 18:37, 4 June 2023
By Associated Press
Mail Online

MONTMELO, Spain (AP) - The prospect of Fernando Alonso ending a decade-long wait for his 33rd Formula One win in front of tens of thousands of fans at his home race proved too good to be true on Sunday. Alonso turned in his worst performance of the season when the two-time former world champion finished the Spanish Grand Prix in seventh place, one spot behind Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll.

Spanish fans had packed the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hoping to witness their idol finally return to the top of the podium. The last time Alonso won, he did so right here on the same track back in 2013 with Ferrari when he claimed victory No. 32. He also won the Spanish GP in 2006 with Renault.

But the Spanish driver was unable to recover from a mistake in Saturday´s qualifying when he drove his car into the gravel and damaged its floor. He could do no better than an eighth-place start and only managed to move up one spot through 66 laps. "We didn´t have the pace of other race days," Alonso said. "In reality, it all started with qualifying on Saturday, which was our weak point. Mercedes has taken a step forward and was too much for us. But I am not worried, we will (try to) beat them in Canada."

‘Wait for 33rd F1 win goes on’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-12158107/Alonso-s-long-wait-33rd-F1-win-goes-disappointing-Spanish-GP.html


Red Bull’s Max Verstappen not paying attention to Mercedes improvement
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen dominated the 2023 Spanish GP
June 4, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Max Verstappen has played down Mercedes’ level of progression after taking a dominating victory in Sunday’s 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. Mercedes, who brought a new upgrade package for the Monaco GP, secured their first double podium of 2023 in Barcelona, with Lewis Hamilton second and George Russell third.

However, both were over 20 seconds adrift of Verstappen, who cruised to his fifth win of 2023 and his third at Barcelona. “I think they had a very strong race, to be honest, they’re improving,” Verstappen told select members of the press, including Total-Motorsport.com. “But from our side, it’s not about being worried we just have to focus on ourselves.”

“At the moment, it all looks great, but you can’t stand still in this world. [We’ll] keep on trying to find things on the car [and] try [to] understand why the hard [tyre] wasn’t working with the car. We’ll see what happens in the coming races. I don’t know if there are going to be tracks that are better or worse [for us].”

‘Played down Mercedes’ level of progression’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-red-bull-max-verstappen-not-paying-attention-mercedes-2023-improvement/


Christian Horner: George Russell 'got away' with Spanish GP corner cut | Mercedes driver: I gained no advantage
4th June 2023, 19:51
Sky Sports

George Russell was not penalised for cutting the first chicane on the opening lap of the Spanish GP but Christian Horner says the Mercedes driver "managed to get away" without receiving a penalty; Russell held off Sergio Perez to take third place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Christian Horner believes the decision not to penalise George Russell on the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix was "the difference" in ensuring Sergio Perez missed out on a podium finish.

‘Corner cut’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12896499/christian-horner-george-russell-got-away-with-spanish-gp-corner-cut-mercedes-driver-i-gained-no-advantage


Perez’s fourth place was better than Red Bull’s simulation forecasted
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 4th June 2023, 19:00
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said their simulation “said on a clean race P5, he did one better than that in P4.” Although Perez lost a place to Russell who started behind him, he got ahead of Carlos Sainz Jnr who lined up on the front row of the grid. Horner said their simulation “felt that maybe the Ferrari would have better race pace than it had.”

“The fact that he was getting within a couple of seconds of the podium as well at the end there and hunting down George, it was a very good recovery particularly the second half of the race for Checo,” Horner added. Perez said he “had to be quite patient, especially in the first lap of the race. Not taking unnecessary risk for us was important. Just being patient and try to go long and then the race was later on. But unfortunately, we just finished a bit further behind than George.”

‘Simulation forecasted 5th, one better at 4th’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/04/perezs-fourth-place-was-better-than-red-bulls-simulation-forecasted/


Horner’s Fiery Response to Nico Rosberg: Defending Sergio Perez’s Spanish Grand Prix Performance
June 4, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

In his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner wasted no time in delivering a swift response to Nico Rosberg’s comments regarding Sergio Perez’s performance at the Spanish Grand Prix. Rosberg implied that Perez’s lap times were lacking in the initial stages of the 66-lap competition, a notion that Horner seemed keen to challenge.

“You were just saying he did a good race but I thought it was quite a lack of performance, especially during the early part of the race,” began Rosberg. “Isn’t that true? I mean, comparing to Max there were some laps where there was quite a gap.”

Horner showed no interest in engaging in criticism towards his own driver, instead choosing to respond to Rosberg’s remarks with a cleverly veiled retort of his own. “You’re a critical kind of guy, aren’t you? You’re tough on these guys. Now you’re out of the car you have to criticise all the guys,” replied Christian Horner.

‘Fiery Response’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/horners-fiery-response-to-nico-rosberg-defending-sergio-perezs-spanish-grand-prix-performance/


Ferrari are “struggling more than I expected” this year, Leclerc admits
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 4th June 2023, 17:19
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Charles Leclerc admitted Ferrari’s season is going worse than he feared after failing to score in the Spanish Grand Prix. He went into today’s race at a disadvantage as he started in the pit lane following set-up changes to his car. Leclerc qualified a lowly 19th after reporting a strange handling problem in qualifying which led his team to replace the rear end of his SF-23.

“To be honest we are struggling more than what I expected,” he admitted in response to a question from RaceFans at Circuit de Catalunya today. “We’ve had quite a few disappointing days this year, so unfortunately it’s just in line with the rest of the year,” he added. “But still overall we are lacking a lot of performance especially in the race again.”

“I think where we really need to put all our focus is to try and be more often at the peak of our tyres and know how to manage them better,” he added. “Two or three degrees makes a huge difference on balance, and this weekend we’ve been struggling getting completely in the window and be happy with the car. So there will be a lot of work on that.”

‘Ferrari are struggling’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/04/ferrari-are-struggling-more-than-i-expected-this-year-leclerc-admits/

[Fortitude]

Wolff claims Mercedes gap to Red Bull a LIE after 'MEGA' Spanish GP result.
Toto Wolff believes Mercedes are much closer to Red Bull than the Spanish Grand Prix may suggest.
Sunday 4 June 2023 19:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

'Mega' Mercedes making progress. “We had a good race car. Lewis probably came out a good five or six seconds behind Max when he cleared Carlos,” Wolff told Sky Sports. ”I think we are just much closer. You see where the benchmark is. It’s at the end, more than 20 seconds, maybe it was 15 in reality, but that’s just not where we aim to be.”

“We just need to chip away. We are really good at grinding. Once there is a setup direction and a development direction, we just go for it and we have that advantage in terms of aero time.

‘Wolff claims Mercedes gap to Red Bull a LIE’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108952/toto-wolff-lie-mercedes-red-bull-f1-spanish-grand-prix/


Toto Wolff’s Candid Remarks: The Performance Gap Between Mercedes and Red Bull Revealed
June 4, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

According to team principal Toto Wolff, the team’s progress in terms of performance is noteworthy, but even more significant are the insights gained regarding the areas requiring further enhancements to unlock additional speed.

“But I think it is a new baseline. It is from where we can continue to work with a certain stability, and without needing to question certain parts of the car, whether it’s the bodywork, the floor, or the front suspension. It is now established, and this is what we are taking forward now.”

‘Toto Wolff’s Candid Remarks’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/german-manufacturer-unveils-enhanced-f1-challenger-stuns-with-exhilarating-maiden-run/


Wolff: Double Spanish GP podium vindicates upgrade decision.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished second and third in Spain for the team's best result of the season.
04 June 5:20PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

"Let's keep our expectations real, there's such a long way to go in order to catch Red Bull, and we just need to grind away," Wolff explained to Sky Sports F1 after the first podium for the team since Australia.

"It's a good moment to see that the development direction is right. We just need to chip away and as you know from our lap times, we are really good at grinding. Once there is a set-up direction and a development direction, we just go for it and we have that advantage in terms of aero time, but we also need to be realistic.”

“Podium vindicates upgrade decision”;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-double-spanish-gp-podium-vindicates-upgrade-decision


Toto Wolff warns of ‘mega window’ behind sudden Mercedes resurgence
04 Jun 2023 4:32 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff was understandably pleased to see Mercedes take their first double podium of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix, but warned the conditions in Barcelona opened up a “mega window” that allowed the W14 to perform at its best.

While both Mercedes drivers made it onto the podium, Verstappen still took a dominant victory at the front of the pack, earning a third career Grand Chelem of pole, fastest lap, race victory and leading every lap on his way to leading Hamilton home by 24 seconds come the chequered flag.

‘Mega window’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mega-mercedes-spain-window/


Mercedes boss warns team to stay realistic after double podium
Issued on: 04/06/2023
France 24

Barcelona (AFP) – Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff on Sunday thanked his engineers for a successful upgrades package -- but warned the team to stay realistic after a double podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix.

A happy Wolff said he was keen to keep their big improvement in perspective and for the team to keep their feet on the ground. "I'm very happy for the hard work that has been done," said Wolff. "We took some decisions to go in another direction. We changed so many parts, with many variables we don't understand. And it was a risky move...”

‘Stay realistic’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230604-mercedes-boss-warns-team-to-stay-realistic-after-double-podium


Toto Wolff happy with Mercedes progress after 'risky move'
17:31 Sun, 04 Jun 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

"I'm very happy for the hard work that has been done," Wolff said to Sky. "We have to be realistic today, the conditions were perfect - not too hot, not too cold, the car was in a mega window. Let's keep our expectations real. There's such a long way to go to catch Red Bull but it's a good moment to see the development direction is right."

A positive result indeed for Mercedes, and they'll be hoping there's plenty more to come with us heading to Montreal up next.

‘More to come’;

https://www.givemesport.com/toto-wolff-happy-with-mercedes-progress-after-risky-move/



Mercedes issue glowing review of W14 upgrades: “From here we seek performance”
4 Jun 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Mercedes have revealed their delight at the early impact of the new upgrades to their W14 - a welcome revelation to their legions of fans. The developed parts which first appeared a week ago in Monaco have received their first proper run at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix, and have left team principal Toto Wolff beaming.

“I think it's solid,” Wolff said about the upgraded W14. “It is from where we can continue to work with a certain stability. And without needing to question certain parts of the car - whether it's the bodywork, the floor, or the front suspension.”

“We seek performance”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1027733/1/mercedes-issue-glowing-review-w14-upgrades-here-we-seek-performance


Wolff gives Mercedes WINNING verdict after new W14 upgrades
Sunday 4 June 2023 13:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

The Mercedes team principal has been encouraged by the progress the W14 has made since the radical new upgrades were brought to the Monaco GP, where the team finished fourth and fifth.

No huge leap expected. Wolff is expecting to see an improvement, especially in race trim, for Mercedes with these new upgrades but can't see how they will completely close the gap to Red Bull.

‘WINNING verdict’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108905/toto-wolff-mercedes-f1-spanish-grand-prix-bet/

[Fortitude]

Ferrari upgrades did nothing for its confusing main weakness.
After a chastening Spanish Grand Prix in which Ferrari’s upgraded Formula 1 car exhibited much the same limitations as its predecessor, its biggest confusion clearly remains unresolved.
Jun 5 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Carlos Sainz qualified on the front row at a time Ferrari’s chief rivals Mercedes and Aston Martin have each introduced upgrades. Ferrari reckons its new sidepods and floor, plus a circuit-specific rear wing, brought it two or three tenths of a second of laptime – if so, then this qualifying result would not have been possible with the old-spec SF-23.

In the race, though, Sainz went backwards. And Charles Leclerc, starting from the pitlane, barely went forwards. Sainz slipped from second to a limp fifth while Leclerc failed to make it into the points, finishing 12th on the road and 11th after a time penalty for Yuki Tsunoda.

“The global picture is the same,” admitted Vasseur. “We are there in quali and we are not there in the race. We are inconsistent on the same car between compounds and sometimes between the same compounds.”

‘Confusing main weakness’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferrari-upgrades-did-nothing-for-its-confusing-main-weakness/


Ferrari struggling to understand consistency issue with F1 car
5th June 2023, 10:16
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

The car has regularly been fast over one lap, which was evident once again at the Spanish GP, where Carlos Sainz qualified second. However, the team continues to struggle in races, with the car behaving differently from stint to stint. In Barcelona, Sainz slipped down to fifth place at the flag, while from a pitlane start following his qualifying issues, Charles Leclerc could not rise higher than 11th.

"I think the main issue for us is not the potential on the lap, or this type of corner or this other," said Vasseur. "The main issue is the consistency. Charles's car for example, between the first and third stint with the same compound, the first one the balance was out of the place, and the last one was okay-ish.”

"And Carlos he did a decent first stint, a good last stint, and in the middle he lost 15 or 20 seconds on the competitors." He added: "It's very difficult to understand and to fix it, because it's not always the same, not always the same problem." Vasseur said it wasn't a matter of tyre degradation in Spain. "I don't think that it was tyre deg. It could become tyre deg if you push more. But it's not the main issue.”

‘Ferrari struggling to understand’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-struggling-to-understand-consistency-issue/10478965/


Ferrari weaknesses ‘came alive’ in Spanish GP despite upgrade
16:40 Sun, 04 Jun 2023
By Josh Suttill and Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Carlos Sainz says the “weaknesses of the car came alive at a circuit like this” after a torrid Spanish Grand Prix for Ferrari. Home hero Sainz stuck his SF-23 on the front row in Barcelona – but while he briefly challenged poleman Max Verstappen for the lead at Turn 1 on the opening lap, he’d spend the rest of Sunday looking in his mirrors and desperately managing his rubber.

“Honestly I just spent the whole race managing tyres because we know we are very hard on them,” Sainz said after the race. “With this high-deg circuit I just couldn’t push, we know it’s a weakness of our car and coming to a high-deg circuit and a two-stop race we were just managing the whole way, trying to make it to the target laps of the stint and still falling short of some of them.”

“The weaknesses of the car coming alive at a circuit like this, with the high-speed corners and how hard we are on tyres. Also shows yesterday we must have done a pretty good lap, I think today was again a bit back to where the car is in race pace. Probably this sort of track is not great for us.”

‘Weaknesses came alive’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/ferrari-weaknesses-came-alive-in-spanish-gp-despite-upgrade/


Mystery surrounds Ferrari over Charles Leclerc’s ‘undriveable’ SF-23
05 Jun 2023 9:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Fred Vasseur has revealed Ferrari have yet to conduct a full examination of Charles Leclerc’s SF-23 after a troubled weekend at the Spanish GP ended with a distant P11. “I don’t understand what we are doing wrong, but we are doing something wrong,” said a dejected Leclerc.

Ferrari will now examine Leclerc’s car with Vasseur revealing they weren’t able to do an in-depth search after qualifying. “We don’t know about Charles,” he told Sky Germany. “We weren’t allowed to search because of the regulations so we modified the car so that he could race.
“We have to examine the car in the factory.”

‘Undriveable SF-23’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-charles-leclerc-mystery-sf23/


Sainz DOUBLES DOWN on Ferrari criticism after 'worst possible' home race
Sunday 4 June 2023 21:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Sainz: We know our weakness. “Unfortunately, this is our situation exactly what I was talking about yesterday," Sainz said to Sky Sports.

"We know race pace and high-speed corners is our main weakness and unfortunately Barcelona has a high degradation tarmac, a high degradation configuration and a lot of high-speed corners which is our main weakness and that’s why today we were struggling so much out there.”

"Also, with the predictability of the car and everything, we were just, I did everything I could, I did the most optimal driving and stint that I could do but unfortunately P5 was the best I could achieve.”

'Worst possible home race’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108973/sainz-in-worst-possible-ferrari-verdict-after-demoralising-home-race/


Leclerc: Disappointing Spanish GP ‘in line with the rest of the year’
Monday 5th June, 2023 - 8:15am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Charles Leclerc has admitted the struggles he endured during the Spanish GP were indicative of a tough season, which has proved an even greater challenge than expected. The Monegasque started from the pit lane on Sunday after the team opted to change the rear end of his car, before finishing 11th.

Such have been Ferrari’s woes this season, Leclerc sits only seventh in the drivers’ standings with 42 points from seven races, 128 down on points leader Max Verstappen – a competition he led heading into last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. “To be honest, we are struggling more than what I expected,” he confessed of 2023 to date. He added: “We’ve had quite a few disappointing days this year so unfortunately, it’s just in line with the rest of the year.”

‘Tough season’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/05/leclerc-disappointing-spanish-gp-in-line-with-the-rest-of-the-year/


Ferrari duo lament more disappointment
19:14 Sun, 04 Jun 2023.
France 24

Leclerc, who had hoped to mount a title challenge this year, is 128 points adrift of defending champion Max Verstappen in seventh place and on Sunday struggled to make any impact after starting from the pitlane. He said: “For some reason we seem never to get in the right window of the tyre and when we do, it’s a bit of a surprise to us… So, there’s a lot of work we need to do.”

Team-mate Sainz, who was unable to take advantage of starting from the front row of the grid alongside Verstappen, said the team had embarked on using a package of upgrades without first understanding them. “We’ve identified our weaknesses and we know exactly where we are lacking,” Sainz told Sky F1.

“The feedback is there and the intention is there, but we need time. Mercedes proved they’ve done a good step and that’s a good reference. We have to try our best and push flat out back at Maranello. We probably put on our upgrade at the worst possible circuit for us.”

‘More disappointment’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230604-ferrari-duo-lament-more-disappointment


Sainz 'couldn't push' as Ferrari's tyre woes exposed in Spain
04 June 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

Carlos Sainz admitted he "just couldn't push" his Ferrari due to continued tyre wear woes at the Spanish Grand Prix. Speaking afterwards, Sainz admitted there was nothing he could do to stop Lewis Hamilton or George Russell due to Ferrari's limitations.

While Mercedes' performance rebounded thanks mostly to a raft of upgrades introduced in Monaco, Sainz explained how Ferrari's tyre problems disguised the true potential of their own new package. "Difficult to tell," he said on if the upgrades had worked.

"So probably we haven't seen the best of them yet. I still believe with the bouncing and the high-speed weakness we have we were never going to be very competitive around here. So, it's too early to tell but I think they did a tremendous effort to bring it, so hats off to all the factory, let's keep pushing and let's keep improving."

‘Ferrari's tyre woes exposed’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16785-sainz-couldn-t-push-as-ferrari-s-tyre-woes-exposed-in-spain

[Fortitude]

Alonso admits Aston 'didn't have the pace' in Barcelona.
For only the second time this season, Fernando Alonso failed to score a podium in F1, a shortfall due in Barcelona to Aston Martin's relative lack of pace.
05/06/2023 at 08:42
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Alonso lined up P8 on Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix grid, ran as high as fourth thanks to the pit stops gyrations and finished his home race seventh, just one position behind Aston teammate Lance Stroll.

It was a relatively uneventful afternoon for the two-time world champion who relied on a soft-soft-hard two-stop strategy to reach the checkered flag. "We didn't have the pace, so that's the biggest problem," Alonso admitted.

"It was not that we were unlucky or on differing strategies or anything like that, I think we were slow compared to the Mercedes – slow on the soft, slow on the hard.”

'Didn't have the pace';

https://f1i.com/news/476755-alonso-admits-aston-didnt-have-the-pace-in-barcelona.html


Alonso: Aston Martin "didn't have the pace" in Barcelona F1 race
18:48 Sun, 04 Jun 2023.
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

Fernando Alonso admits that his Aston Martin Formula 1 team simply “didn’t have the pace” with which to challenge at the front in the Spanish Grand Prix.

"We didn't have the pace, so that's the biggest problem," Alonso noted. "It was not that we were unlucky or on differing strategies or anything like that, I think we were slow compared to the Mercedes – slow on the soft, slow on the hard.”

"And we just concentrated on the Alpines, AlphaTauris, and kept up the pace with the Ferraris. At the end, I think we outscored the Ferraris this weekend because they only scored with Carlos [Sainz]. And we lost points with the Mercedes, but they have done a better job this weekend. So let's try the next one."

‘Outscored the Ferraris’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-aston-didnt-have-the-pace-in-barcelona-f1-race/10478748/


Alonso: Aston Martin must understand reasons for ‘tricky’ Barcelona race
5th June 2023, 10:36
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Fernando Alonso: “I think sixth and seventh positions were the maximum for us. I thought our performance seemed better in qualifying, so I think we need to look at why and aim to bounce back for Canada. We still scored some solid points and we had no risk at the end of the race.”

Like Alonso, Stroll asserts that Aston Martin will need to ensure it identifies the reasons for the issues that hampered the side’s competitiveness in Barcelona to avoid a repeat in the coming rounds.
“It was a fun battle with Lewis [Hamilton] on the first lap; I’ve pulled that move off before so I knew there was a gap and figured Lewis would leave me a bit of space, which he did,” he explained. “That put me in a good position going into Turn Five and I could hold the place.

‘Must understand reasons’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/05/alonso-aston-martin-must-understand-reasons-for-tricky-barcelona-race/


Fernando Alonso explains Aston Martin’s stark loss of form at Spanish GP
The Spaniard endured a scrappy weekend at his home F1 Grand Prix
June 4, 2023
By Andrew Wright
Total Motorsport

Fernando Alonso admitted Aston Martin simply didn’t have the pace to do any better than sixth and seventh at the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. The British team have been Red Bull’s closest challengers this season but lost second place in the constructors’ championship to a resurgent Mercedes at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Alonso added: “Yeah, I mean it was 10 laps to the end I was with a little bit fresher tyres but like one or two tenths faster than him, no more than that and I will you know not get crazy. I damage one floor yesterday I didn’t want to damage another one today or he damaged the floor or anything. Just tried to secure the place.”

‘Not get crazy’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-fernando-alonso-explains-aston-martin-loss-form-spanish-gp/


Alonso in Aston Martin revelation: We had no plan
04 June 7:35PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Fernando Alonso has revealed Aston Martin entered the Spanish Grand Prix without a strategic plan. Assessing the strategy battle, Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com: "We didn't have a plan, to be honest.

"We were not sure about the degradation. George was so fast on the first stint, when he overtook me, we changed our minds a little bit - we didn't want to run too close to the cars in front and extend the first stint.”

"By doing so, we also extended the second and we knew our opportunity was in the final 15 laps of the race, but not enough to fight at the front, just to fight the midfield."

‘Without a strategic plan’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-in-aston-martin-revelation-we-had-no-plan


Alonso: Aston Martin ‘didn’t have a plan’ in Spanish GP
Monday 5th June, 2023 - 10:43pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso has admitted that Aston Martin “didn’t have a plan” in terms of strategy when it came to executing the Spanish Grand Prix. Strategically, Alonso revealed the team had no firm plan heading into the race, and instead reacted to events of the opening laps.

“At the beginning, we didn’t have a plan, to be honest, because we were not sure about the degradation,” he explained. “We just concentrated on the Alpines, AlphaTauris, keeping up the pace with the Ferraris at the end. So we have to work a lot during the weekend to be happy with the car. We were always happy from FP1 where here (Barcelona) we had to work.”

“The upgrades, from the other people, I think maybe they didn’t show the full potential in Monaco, Miami – a street circuit – so here we saw that maybe they [Mercedes and Ferrari] are a bit stronger, but I’m not worried. There’s going to be better weekends and worse weekends, and we will have our opportunity.”

‘Reacted to events’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/05/alonso-aston-martin-didnt-have-a-plan-in-spanish-gp/


Fernando Alonso reveals Aston Martin upgrade plan to ‘crush’ F1 rivals
05 Jun 2023 2:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Aston Martin appeared to take a step or two back in the pecking order in Barcelona, but Fernando Alonso warns of Canadian GP upgrades that can allow them to “crush” the competition. “I’m happy because qualifying was the Achilles heel of the whole weekend,” Alonso began as per SoyMotor.com.

“After starting from so far back, I was able to come back but only so far and both [George] Russell and Checo [Sergio Perez] were faster than us today, so there was a lot to do. Then we saved points. In terms of Constructors, it’s true that Mercedes took some important points from us, but we took points from Ferrari again.”

“In Canada we will bring more stuff, in Silverstone too… It will depend on who brings the improvements. Even with a normal time, we would have been on a par with Hamilton and maybe we would have had a better chance. I think it’s a race and in Canada we crush them.”

‘Crush the competition’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-upgrades-crush-rivals/

[Fortitude]

‘Starting from fourth would have been a very different race’ – Gasly laments grid penalty that dropped him to P10 in Spain.
Pierre Gasly qualified fourth – but two grid penalties dropped him to P10 on the grid, and he lost another four places on the opening lap, meaning he faced an uphill battle to make it back into the points.
04 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Two grid penalties’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.starting-from-fourth-would-have-been-a-very-different-race-gasly-laments-grid-penalty-that-dropped-him-to-p10-in-spain.1767786703885384761.html


Gasly expects Alpine to be “fighting for the top five soon” after Spanish GP
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 5th June 2023, 17:08
Written by Ed Hardy and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Pierre Gasly was encouraged by the progress Alpine have made despite his disappointing result in the Spanish Grand Prix. “We definitely made a step forward,” said Gasly, who is tenth in the championship. “We need to fight to get that consistency and show we’re able to maintain that pace regardless of the tracks we’re going to. But I think we did it in quali and today there were clear signs that the pace was there.”

“It was always going to be more messy from the middle of the pack,” added Gasly. “By lap one I’m 14th, 10 positions behind where we qualified, and it changes your entire race. The pace when we were alone was good, but spending all your time in a DRS train, traffic and overheating the tyres, you can’t really maximise the package. It feels like an underachieved result compared to the pace we had. I believe we had the pace for Aston today.”

“Fighting for the top five soon”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/05/gasly-expects-alpine-to-be-fighting-for-the-top-five-soon-after-spanish-gp/


Ocon says Alpine have made ‘huge step forward’ as he insists they can keep progress going
05 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Esteban Ocon is keeping the positives of Alpine’s recent progress at the forefront of his mind despite the team failing to make the same impression on race day as they did in qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ocon remained buoyed by Alpine’s upturn in results at recent events, bringing the team back up to fifth in the constructors’ standings to head the midfield group. Asked if Alpine understand the difference in their qualifying and race pace in Spain, Ocon added: “I think we know, yes. Making it a change, that’s going to be more tricky.”

“But what we have to remember from the last two weeks is we’ve scored… I’ve scored 19 points in two races – this we can be extremely proud of. We’ve made a huge step forward in terms of car pace and I’m sure we can keep that going and find an extra [step] in the race.”

‘Buoyed by Alpine’s upturn in results’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ocon-says-alpine-have-made-huge-step-forward-as-he-insists-they-can-keep.m6aGxhLOODYTDmLaDseM0.html


Ocon frustrated after Alpine’s Saturday pace falls off ‘significantly’ on race day in Spain
04 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Esteban Ocon says the team knows why their pace dropped off between qualifying and the race, but admits fixing it will be easier said than done.

‘The team knows why’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.ocon-frustrated-after-alpines-saturday-pace-falls-off-significantly-on-race-day-in-spain.1767787421016996923.html


Ocon: Alpine drop off in pace in Spanish GP 'significant'
05/06/2023 at 16:21
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Esteban Ocon was unable to mix it up with the front-runners in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix after Alpine suffered a "significant" drop off in pace between qualifying and race day. Ocon was coy on the reason for his A523's performance slump in race trim, but suggested that Alpine had a clear understanding of the issue.

"It was my only chance to try and keep him behind," commented Ocon on his short but tough battle with Alonso. He was too fast so I had to defend quite hard, but I backed off because I thought I would not be able to do it."

"For two laps I managed to keep in front but the pace we had today compared to qualifying had dropped off significantly and we were not as fast as Saturday as the good group in front, and that's what we need to work on and understand."

‘Alpine had a clear understanding of the issue’;

https://f1i.com/news/476822-ocon-alpine-drop-off-in-pace-in-spanish-gp-significant.html

[Fortitude]

Lando Norris admits McLaren are 'NOWHERE NEAR as quick' as the top five teams after falling from third to 17th in a miserable Spanish Grand Prix, claiming the car's been 'slow all year'.
• Lando Norris finished 17th in Sunday's Spanish Gand Prix despite starting third
• He was forced to pit on the first lap after a collision and never recovered
• The driver has admitted his McLaren is 'nowhere near' as fast as the top teams
Published: 22:30, 4 June 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy for the Daily Mail
Mail Online

Asked what went through his mind on the point of impact with Hamilton, the 23-year-old revealed: ‘F***. 'Everybody checked up and I was too close to Lewis to react and brake, so it was just unlucky, a racing incident. Lewis didn’t do anything wrong. I touched his wheel, nothing happened to him. Maybe it made him quicker today.’

Norris was full of doom and gloom as he surveyed the wreckage of an afternoon that left him with a meagre 12 points from the opening seven rounds and 11th in the standings. That is a poor state of affairs for Surrey-based McLaren, the second most successful team in F1 history, after showing signs of recovery in recent years. ‘Our pace today was as expected – bad,’ said Norris.

'NOWHERE NEAR as quick';

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12158215/Lando-Norris-admits-McLaren-NEAR-quick-five-teams.html


McLaren laments ‘one-lap wonder’ as both drivers out of top 10 at Spanish Grand Prix.
June 5th, 2023 6:14 am
Matthew Sullivan from News.com.au
Fox Sports (Australia)

It was a case of so near yet so far for Oscar Piastri and McLaren at the Spanish Grand Prix. McLaren put together an excellent qualifying, with Lando Norris setting the third fastest lap and Piastri putting his car in P9.

So there were hopes both cars might be able to finish in the top 10 in the race, but it was disappointment for a weekend that showed much promise. Norris was overtaken by Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap and was forced to make a very early pit stop to replace his front wing after he and Hamilton made contact.

David Croft said in commentary on Sky Sports: “It’s the worst possible start for him. Absolute disappointment for Lando Norris. He’s gone down to the bottom of the pack.”

‘McLaren laments’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/mclaren-laments-onelap-wonder-as-both-drivers-out-of-top-10-at-spanish-grand-prix/news-story/5facb7a5252e170aaf08a30a74e4964c


Why McLaren’s Spanish GP qualifying pace was a lie
Jun 6 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

The Spanish Grand Prix weekend was the first test of the recently upgraded McLaren Formula 1 car on what could be called a ‘pure’ aerodynamic circuit. Lando Norris’s third place in qualifying suggested a dramatic step forward, but the race proved that, in his words, “we’re slow”.

“Because we’re slow, we have been all year,” he said when asked why he was so pessimistic about being able to score points without the first-lap incident. “There’s nothing else to say. Yesterday the cars weren’t any different, and yesterday was a special day.”

“Some good teams struggled a lot and some of the worse teams did a better job, so it was just an odd day, people making a lot of mistakes and we capitalised on that. Apart from that we’ve been off the pace all season, struggling to finish in the points in half the races.”

‘Qualifying pace was a lie’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-mclarens-spanish-gp-qualifying-pace-was-a-lie/


‘It was just racing, I was just unlucky’ – Norris philosophical after Lap 1 clash with Hamilton that ruined his race.
04 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

After making contact with Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap, Lando Norris was forced to pit for a new front wing and eventually finished 17th – though he said afterwards he would have faced a tough battle to finish in the points anyway.

‘Just racing, just unlucky’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.it-was-just-racing-i-was-just-unlucky-norris-philosophical-after-lap-1-clash-with-hamilton-that-ruined-his-race.1767787191646103726.html


Norris rues 'unlucky' first lap collision with Hamilton but says Spanish GP went 'as expected' after lowly P17 finish
04 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Lando Norris finished this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix down in 17th, but the McLaren driver insists his race went “just as expected” believing his team are not yet quick enough to battle for points on a Sunday.

“Obviously Lap 1 cost us everything but, at the same time, we would have been unlikely to finish in the top 10 today. I guess everyone’s expectations were too high after yesterday.”

“We tried to manage as much as we could but, at the same time, today was the pace that we’ve had all year and we were just normal paced. Yesterday was, I don’t know, unknown, a special day for us. As expected today.”

'Unlucky';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-rues-unlucky-first-lap-collision-with-hamilton-but-says-spanish-gp.cgtPtQIMCsw6ntFopyz21.html


Piastri: Spanish GP struggle brought McLaren 'back to reality'
06/06/2023 at 09:41
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

"A long afternoon, just didn't have the pace to really do anything," he commented. "It was a pretty poor first lap from myself, which didn't help things, but I don't think we really had the pace to stay in the points anyway."

"I don't think we're in normal circumstances able to put the car that high up on the grid," he added. Today was maybe a bit more back to reality, probably a more difficult day than what we would have hoped." McLaren's current woes appear to be linked to a disparity between how the MCL60's tyres react in different conditions.

"We seem to switch on the tyre very well when it's cold and difficult conditions, like Monaco on the Intermediates was the same story as qualifying here," Piastri explained. "So we need to try and work on that with the team and see what we can do to make our lives easier on Sundays."

‘How the MCL60's tyres react’;

https://f1i.com/news/476840-piastri-spanish-gp-struggle-brought-mclaren-back-to-reality.html

[Fortitude]

Zhou: Points in Spain a 'massive relief' for Alfa Romeo.
Zhou Guanyu delivered a top-ten finish to Alfa Romeo in the Spanish Grand Prix, a result the Chinese charger described as "a massive relief" for the Swiss outfit after three pointless races.
05/06/2023 at 17:39
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Zhou launched his race from P13 in Barcelona but the Alfa driver clocked in ninth at the end of an impressive opening lap. Zhou opted for a two-stop strategy during which he used all three available compounds, eventually stabilizing his race just inside the top-ten.

However, a fierce battle with AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda in the second half of the race resolved in Zhou's favor after his Japanese rival was handed a five-second penalty by the stewards for running the Alfa off the track.

"That feels like a massive relief for us, and for the team here and back in Hinwil," commented Zhou whose only points finish this season before Spain had been in Australia. It was a tricky start to the season for the team. We finally got some points that we deserved, and the car was mega.”

'Massive relief';

https://f1i.com/news/476827-zhou-points-in-spain-a-massive-relief-for-alfa-romeo.html


Alfa Romeo upgrades 'improving' our performance - Zhou Guanyu
03 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Zhou Guanyu suggests the Alfa Romeo upgrade package has improved the team's performance ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

'Improving our performance’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.alfa-romeo-upgrades-improving-our-performance-zhou-guanyu.1767697493027311162.html


2023 Spanish Grand Prix - Sunday
18:34 Sun, 04 Jun 2023.
Alfa Romeo Racing - Official Site

Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK brought home two precious points from the Spanish Grand Prix as Zhou Guanyu delivered a flawless race in Barcelona. The Chinese driver made a leap forward at the start, settling into the top ten during his first stint: a good strategy saw the team react to the unfolding situation on track and, by the end of the afternoon, this resulted in Zhou crossing the line in tenth place – and immediately promoted to ninth, following a penalty to Yuki Tsunoda.

Valtteri Bottas’s race was compromised at the start, as damage to the floor of his C43 from some debris had a severe impact on his car’s performance. In a race with no yellow flags, on-track incidents or retirements, Valtteri, starting in 16th, had no chance to recover to the points. The Finn ran line astern with Zhou for a few laps in the middle of the race, eventually playing the team game and providing a good rear guard action to his team-mate before finishing in 19th.

‘Brought home two precious points’;

https://www.sauber-group.com/motorsport/f1-news/2023-spanish-grand-prix-sunday/


Bottas reveals ‘significant damage’ after Spanish GP
Tuesday 6th June, 2023 - 2:27am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Valtteri Bottas has revealed to Alfa Romeo discovering “significant” damage on his car during its post-Spanish Grand Prix inspection. After struggling for pace throughout the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Bottas finished 19th of the 20 cars that took the chequered flag. It was only the 15th time in F1 history an entire field has finished a grand prix.

Team-mate Zhou Guanyu, meanwhile, finished ninth to score two valuable points for the team, highlighting the difference between the two cars. Post-race, Bottas suggested there was something wrong with his C43 when speaking to the media.

“For me, it’s pretty clear there was something not right with the car, because I was more than one second per lap off, just sliding around,” he said. “Whether it was a mechanical or aero issue I cannot say, because the balance was not, like, way off, but there was just a lack of overall grip. So, we’ll see if there’s something damaged in the car.”

‘Significant damage’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/06/bottas-reveals-significant-damage-after-spanish-gp/


BOTTAS EXPLAINS ‘SIGNIFICANT FLOOR DAMAGE’ AS REASON FOR 19TH PLACE IN BARCELONA
The Finnish driver already had a feeling that something was wrong with the car after qualifying
June 6, 2023
Lena Ferle
FormulaNerds

Problems with Bottas’ car since qualifying. The Finnish driver struggled to keep up with the pace of the rest of the field. His teammate, Guanyu Zhou, also managed to score two points for Alfa Romeo in ninth place. Bottas suspected something was wrong with his C43 immediately after the race, according to speedcafe.com.

“For me, it’s pretty clear there was something not right with the car, because I was more than one second per lap off, just sliding around,” Bottas said. “Whether it was a mechanical or aero issue I cannot say, because the balance was not, like, way off, but there was just a lack of overall grip.”

“So, we’ll see if there’s something damaged in the car.” At that point, however, it was not sure what had caused these problems with Bottas’ car – let alone whether it was damage to the C43 at all.

‘SIGNIFICANT FLOOR DAMAGE’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/bottas-explains-significant-floor-damage-as-reason-for-19th-place-in-barcelona/


"Something not right with the car," says Bottas
09:39 Mon, 05 Jun 2023.
Pitpass

Even the presence of his mum couldn't help Valtteri Bottas achieve a points finish in Spain, as he struggles with car that didn't feel right. Joined on the grid by his mother, that was about as it got for the 10-time grand prix winner, who ended the day 19th.

"For me it's pretty clearly there was something not right with the car," he told reporters at race end, "because I was more than one second per lap off, just sliding around. With no realistic hope of a points finish himself, Bottas was at least able to assist his teammate, the Finn holding off Kevin Magnussen for a few precious laps allowing Guanyu Zhou to build a decent gap.

"It's good to see that my team-mate was up there, he could fight in the top ten, so that's positive," said Bottas. "But, first of all, we need to find out what was wrong with my car. I had a chat with Zhou and he was saying the pace was quite good... it's good, but not for me," he added. "It's good to see that the upgrades are doing the job."

‘Car that didn't feel right’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75321/Something-not-right-with-the-car-says-Bottas


How the first team to fit intermediate tyres in Monaco got the call right
2023 Monaco Grand Prix
Posted on 31st May 2023, 14:51
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Alfa Romeo were the first team to react to the rain in the Monaco Grand Prix by switching to intermediate tyres, and the wet weather was in their race strategy all along. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu started 15th and 19th respectively, and were running 13th and 17th prior to their pit stops when the rain came. Alfa Romeo’s well-judged strategy moved them up to 12th and 14th, and they each gained another place before the end of the race.

Xevi Pujolar, the team’s head of trackside engineering: “Initially we were prepared like it will rain, maybe even for the start of the race,” he told media including RaceFans. “And then we had our dry configuration for the race. “When we were on the grid – and now actually we spend quite a lot of time on the grid – we were getting gradual updates. In he 15, 20 minutes before the race start we thought if it rains at all, it will be in the last part of the race. So then we said ‘okay, we stick to our dry plan, and then we’ll see if the rain is coming or not’. So our race tyre choice was based on a dry forecast, and then take it from there, we’ll see if the rain comes.”

Being ready proved crucial as the rain arrived earlier than that, on lap 51 of the 78-lap race, and Bottas was the first to react. “We could hear our drivers [and] also some other competitors saying there is some drops at times. So we were ready. It was difficult to know the intensity of the rain, but Valtteri was quite good on that and quite clear on his call. It was strange because when he was calling that it was getting very wet in sector two, the pit lane was completely dry. So that’s why probably it made a bit of confusion. Some of the teams were struggling to commit to the rain because the pit lane was completely dry.”

‘The call right’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/31/how-the-first-team-to-fit-intermediate-tyres-in-monaco-got-the-call-right/

[Fortitude]

Haas drivers suffer from the same costly problem as they leave Spain empty-handed.
Haas team mates Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen finished this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in 15th and 18th respectively, leaving both drivers to lament the high degradation of their tyres that hampered their hopes of scoring points.
06 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

When asked to describe his Sunday in Barcelona, Hulkenberg replied: “Tough. Difficult. Unfortunately, the deg was really high for us. And we had to three-stop the race, where I think the competition two-stopped, and still the pace is similar to them.”

“At the beginning of every stint, we were very competitive, but our tyres just fell off so quickly, and we had to do a three-stop which wasn’t that optimum,” said Magnussen.

“Hopefully, we can try and learn about what caused it and improve, but certainly it was a tough race. When you have a bad weekend like this, you tend to find some interesting answers and that’s what I’m hoping for now. Onto the next one."

‘Same costly problem’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.haas-drivers-suffer-from-the-same-costly-problem-as-they-leave-spain-empty.5jOiUgS0wwsLaKXTgCb3VK.html


Haas must ‘find a solution’ to tyre wear issues – Steiner
13:15 Tue, 06 Jun 2023
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says Haas must “find a solution” to the tyre degradation problems that hampered both cars in the Spanish Grand Prix.

“Quite a disappointing result today, we just couldn’t get the tyres to stay alive,” Steiner acknowledged. “We did one more pit stop than everyone else, but even if we hadn’t stopped, we would’ve gone slower and ended up there anyway. We need to go back to the drawing board and try to find a solution to our tyre degradation.”

Hulkenberg, who crossed the line a disappointing 15th, echoed Steiner’s comments, underlining that Haas has work to do to translate its searing one-lap potential into race trim. “It was tough,” Hulkenberg added. “Unfortunately, the degradation was really high for us and we had to three-stop whereas the competition didn’t.”

‘Find a solution’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/06/haas-must-find-a-solution-to-tyre-wear-issues-steiner/


Haas desperately in search of solution for tyre deg issues
07/06/2023 at 08:13
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

A taxing three-stop strategy, imposed by the excessive tyre wear on his VF-23, left Hulkenberg a lowly P15 at the checkered flag. "Tough. Difficult. Unfortunately, the deg was really high for us," commented the Hulk after his race.

"And we had to three-stop the race, where I think the competition two-stopped, and still the pace is similar to them. It looks at first glance that over one lap obviously we are competitive, but in the long runs we still have some homework to do, and some pace and deg to find."

And Steiner suggested that those answers will only be found by the team starting its tyre wear investigations from scratch. "Quite a disappointing result today, we just couldn’t get the tyres to stay alive," Steiner acknowledged.

‘Three-stop strategy’;

https://f1i.com/news/476891-haas-desperately-in-search-of-solution-for-tyre-deg-issues.html


Steiner pleased with Hulkenberg's impact on Magnussen
07 June 4:55PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Following Nico Hulkenberg's arrival into the Haas team for 2023, Guenther Steiner has enjoyed seeing the "healthy competition" that has developed between the German and teammate Kevin Magnussen.

When asked about the impact of Hulkenberg on Magnussen and whether the Dane has had to raise his game, Steiner told media, including RacingNews365.com: "It's difficult [to say]. "That’s a better question for Kevin than for me – but I think he puts an effort in and for him it's good to have a benchmark. That's what I think.

"Healthy competition";

https://racingnews365.com/steiner-pleased-with-hulkenbergs-impact-on-magnussen


Hulkenberg: Haas has to switch focus from qualifying to race
7th June 2023, 17:13
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

Hulkenberg acknowledged that good one-lap performance was welcome, but says the team has to get its car working more effectively in races.

"I'd rather have it the other way around,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com about the qualifying pace. ”But that's the trend and the characteristic we see so far this year, and we need to try and balance it more between Saturday and Sunday.

“Because obviously whilst it's nice to bang out a nice quali it always then raises expectations, and you get a downer on Sunday which is not so easy to cope with and to explain to people all the time. So some work for the longer-term future, I think."

‘Get the car working more effectively in races’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hulkenberg-haas-has-to-switch-focus-from-qualifying-to-race/10479734/

[Fortitude]

James Vowles Opens Up About Williams FW45’s Floor Design.
James Vowles, the current team principal of the Williams F1 team, has passionately come to the defence of their F1 challenger in response to the viral photos showcasing the floor of the FW45.
June 7, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

“There were photos taken of our floor this weekend after Logan went off in FP3 and obviously those have been compared to photography taken of our competitors just a few weeks ago,” the team principal (James Vowles) said.

“I think one thing to point out is that it is a little bit deceptive. What happened here is it’s very focused on that rear diffuser ramp unlike the other photos that perhaps focus more on to the floor and the mid floor where you can actually, within the regulations, add more detail.”

“All that said and done though, we are clearly lacking detail relative to our competitors but you wouldn’t have needed the underside of the floor to know that, you can see that from lap times.”

‘Passionately come to the defence’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/james-vowles-opens-up-about-williams-fw45s-floor-design/


Vowles discusses key Williams feature after Spanish GP EMBARRASSMENT
Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

James Vowles has touched on the state of the Williams floor in a recent address to fans of the team, following a weekend in the spotlight at the Spanish Grand Prix. The issue came to the forefront after Logan Sargeant crashed less than ten minutes into Saturday morning's FP3 session.

After the floors of Mercedes and Red Bull's challengers were exposed in Monaco, Williams became the latest to suffer this fate after Sargeant's car was lifted out of the gravel. The result was shocking with fans getting a sneak peek at the seemingly basic look of the Williams floor compared to their front-running competitors.

Speaking during the 'Vowles Verdict' segment for the Williams F1 website, Vowles explained: "There were photos taken of our floor this weekend after Logan [Sargeant] went off in FP3. And obviously those have been compared to photography taken of our competitors taken just a few weeks ago. I think one thing to point out is they're a little bit deceptive.”

'Vowles Verdict';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109129/james-vowles-williams-floor-fp3-crash-spanish-grand-prix/


Williams: Lack of FW45 floor detail shouldn’t come as surprise
15:12 Wed, 07 Jun 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Williams Team Principal James Vowles says that people shouldn’t be surprised by the lack of detail on the floor of the FW45 Formula 1 car. At the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, imagery of underside of the car was taken after Logan Sargeant crashed out of the final practice session. The photos were directly compared to those taken one week prior in Monaco when the Red Bull and Mercedes challengers were hoisted into the air.

But Vowles insists that copying Red Bull’s design and attaching it to Williams’ chassis won’t benefit the car’s pace. “Understanding what you’re competitors do by giving an image of it and simply copying it won’t help you,” he said.

“So the clues behind it all, the key behind it all, is actually understanding why have they developed the floor in the way they have, what can we learn from it and apply it to where we are today to advance our learning and understanding.”

‘Copying it won’t help you’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/07/williams-lack-of-fw45-floor-detail-shouldnt-come-as-surprise/


Williams admit F1 floor “clearly lacking detail” despite ‘deceptive’ images
8 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Williams F1 team principal James Vowles has admitted the floor design of their car is “clearly lacking detail” compared to rivals. Images of the floor of the Williams FW45 emerged following Logan Sargeant’s crash during final practice at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, prompting comparisons to their competitors.

“We are clearly lacking detail relative to our competitors but you wouldn't have needed the underside of the floor to know that," he explained. "You can see that from lap times. That's fundamentally a feature of balance characteristics and the car's performance, and downforce as well at the same time, and a lot of that is being generated by the floor.”

"You can see that from lap times”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028134/1/williams-admit-f1-floor-clearly-lacking-detail-despite-deceptive-images


Williams admit images show their floor ‘clearly lacks detail’ compared to rivals
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 7th June 2023, 13:55
Written by Keith Collantine
Crash.Net

James Vowles: “Furthermore, whatever you’ve seen on a competitor is at least six to eight weeks out of date, and where they are now is further forward. So the clues behind it or the key behind it all is actually understanding why they develop the floor in the way that they have and what can we learn from it and apply to where we are today to advance our learning and understanding.

“That is going on all the time. But what you can’t do is go away [with] some deep-rooted methods and systems that you need to actually understand how to generate downforce in an efficient manner for the car you have. So our prioritisation is [to] learn from others where we need to but make sure we carry on developing on our build cycle the way we know we’ll develop over time into a faster and faster car.”

Vowles indicated the team plans to bring new parts for its FW45’s floor over the next month. “We will introduce upgrades sometime over the next three races or so, potentially in one go or spread out across those. Some of them you’ll see, some of them perhaps less visible.”

‘Six to eight weeks out of date’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/07/williams-admit-images-show-their-floor-clearly-lacks-detail-compared-to-rivals/


Williams floor catches Adrian Newey’s eye for Red Bull upgrade
06 Jun 2023 2:15 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey has been looking up and down the grid for solutions that will improve the RB19 even further, and even the team at the back of the pack have helped make their car faster.

And when Red Bull arrived in Barcelona with changes to their edge wing and diffuser on the floor of the RB19, these were elements that became more reflective of their competitors, with chief engineer Paul Monaghan revealing that a small element of the Williams FW44 was analysed and replicated on their car.

“It wasn’t necessarily going to work on our car, but we looked at it a couple of times and it turned out that it could give a small advantage. And when the solution was fitted, the result was bigger than we had actually thought. It’s certainly not the most influential thing, but it helps a bit.”

‘Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian-newey-williams-red-bull-floor-influence/


Red Bull car taking inspiration from F1 backmarkers Williams
Red Bull owe part of their last two Formula 1 race wins for Max Verstappen to Williams
June 7, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Red Bull revealed they took inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources for their latest upgrade package that helped Max Verstappen storm to victory at the 2023 Monaco and Spanish Grand Prix. Red Bull arrived in Monaco with a new floor that was particularly altered towards the rear of the car, and the team’s chief engineer Paul Monaghan said they’d first spotted the design on the Williams before adapting it to their machinery.

“That piece of floor design that was out in early 2022,” Monaghan told the media in Spain. “The Williams had it quite early on and some other people had it. “It didn’t necessarily work for us, we’ve looked at it a couple of times, and it’s a small benefit. It looks like a slightly larger change and than has actually been realised.

“It’s not going to be the most influential thing you do, it helps a little bit and we’re quite constrained, height-wise where we can do it.” The upgrades were set to arrive in Imola for the first of Formula 1‘s scheduled triple-header, but extreme flooding in Italy pushed those arrivals back to the Monaco GP.

‘Inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-red-bull-inspiration-backmarkers-williams/

[Fortitude]

‘If you do a bad job, you get sacked’: The arguments behind Steiner’s stewards take-down.
Guenther Steiner: “F1 is one of the biggest sports in the world and we still have laymen deciding on the fate of people that invest millions in their careers.”
June 7th, 2023 4:57 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Guenther Steiner has been reprimanded by the FIA stewards for his spectacular call to overhaul Formula 1’s umpiring system, but debate over the way the sport is adjudicated continues rumbling along. Steiner put himself into hot water at the weekend by slamming the decision to penalise his driver Nico Hülkenberg for a first-lap incident with Williams rookie Logan Sargeant at the Monaco Grand Prix. Hülkenberg dive-bombed Sargeant down the inside of Mirabeau and was slapped with a five-second penalty for being out of control of his car and causing a collision.

But Steiner is adamant that there was no contact, and on-board footage from Sargeant’s car is inconclusive as to whether contact was made or whether Sargeant reflexively turned out of a potential crash. The idea that his driver would be penalised based on what he believes is non-definitive proof rankled Steiner, and the clearly frustrated Haas boss used the opportunity to launch into a broader argument over the consistency of decision-making among the FIA’s rotating stewards panel.

Steiner said it all amounted to evidence that the FIA needed to overhaul its stewarding system to professionalise it. “Every professional sport has got professionals being referees and stuff like this,” he said. “F1 is one of the biggest sports in the world and we still have laymen deciding on the fate of people that invest millions in their careers. It’s always a discussion because there’s no consistency.”

“We still have laymen”;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/if-you-do-a-bad-job-you-get-sacked-the-arguments-behind-steiners-stewards-takedown/news-story/5e7489d24189301873de5746fba190c2


Ralf Schumacher backs Guenther Steiner amidst
04 Jun 2023 9:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

As Guenther Steiner waits to hear his fate after a stewards inquiry into his comments about F1’s stewarding, surprisingly it is Ralf Schumacher who has defended the Haas team boss.

He was subsequently called to see the stewards in Spain with the team boss alleged to have breached three parts of the FIA’s International Sporting Code – acting “prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motorsport generally”, causing “moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motorsport and on the values defended by the FIA” as well as “misconduct towards” officials.

The hearing took place on Saturday afternoon with the outcome set to be announced on Sunday before the start of the Spanish Grand Prix. As Steiner waits to hear his fate, Schumacher has weighed in with the German warning against Formula 1 becoming a “police state”.

‘Police state concerns’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-backs-guenther-steiner-amidst-police-state-concerns/


Steiner reacts to being called to stewards following CONTROVERSIAL comments
Saturday 3 June 2023 17:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Speaking with Sky Sports F1 after FP3 Steiner, explained: "I don't know what I've done this time. "I mean I'm gonna see them and then I will let you know afterwards.”

Steiner was cautious of revealing too much in case he picked up another trip to the stewards. "I think if I talk now I get the code a second time. So no, I take these things seriously and I will have to tell them my opinion about it."

‘CONTROVERSIAL comments’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/108847/guenther-steiner-stewards-f1-spanish-grand-prix/


Steiner reprimanded for FIA F1 stewards' criticism
12:40 Sun, 04 Jun
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Haas Formula 1 boss Gunther Steiner has been given a reprimand by the Spanish Grand Prix stewards for comments he made regarding the FIA's handling of events in Monaco.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, the stewards said: “Mr Steiner’s word “laymen” and his reference to other sports having “professional” personnel could be, and indeed were, perceived to cause offence and in our view reasonably did cause offence not only to the Stewards in Monaco but also to other FIA personnel and many motorsport volunteers.

“However, the Stewards accept Mr Steiner’s statement during the hearing, that his reference to professionalism was meant to refer to people who worked in a role as their profession and not that the Stewards were acting unprofessionally. Further Mr Steiner stated his reference to “laymen” was meant to refer to people who worked occasionally and not meant to refer a lack of qualifications or specialisation.”

‘Steiner reprimanded’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/steiner-reprimanded-for-fia-f1-stewards-criticism-/10478463/


Haas principal Steiner reprimanded, apologizes for calling race stewards `laymen´
Published: 13:15, 4 June 2023
By Associated Press
Mail Online

MONTMELO, Spain (AP) - Haas team principal Guenther Steiner was reprimanded by the FIA on Sunday for calling the race stewards at last weekend´s Monaco Grand Prix "laymen" after he disagreed with their decision to penalize one of his drivers. The reprimand will not incur a penalty or fine.

Steiner apologized to stewards in a meeting on Saturday. He made that apology public in a statement released by Haas on Sunday before the Spanish GP. Steiner attracted the attention of race officials when he said on Thursday: "F1 is one of the biggest sports in the world, and we still have laymen deciding on the fate of people who invest millions in their careers."

Steiner was angry about a penalty given to Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg at Monaco. On Sunday, he said that he had apologized to the stewards if his words had been "misunderstood." "I had not intended to offend anyone and that my use of certain words could have been open to misinterpretation or misunderstood by some people," he said.

‘Steiner apologized to stewards’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-12157543/Haas-principal-Steiner-reprimanded-apologizes-calling-race-stewards-laymen.html

[Fortitude]

Hill on Ferrari troubles: They're running with one leg all the time.
Damon Hill has compared Ferrari's recent troubles to "running with one leg all the time" given the mixed fortunes for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
09 June 9:40AM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Sainz delivered a sign of promise on Saturday, having benefitted from the absence of the likes of Sergio Perez in Q3 to clinch P2 on the grid. However, the Spaniard slipped backwards in the race to eventually finish in P5.

On the other side of the garage, it was a nightmare weekend for Leclerc. The Monegasque qualified down in P19, leading the team to opt to start him from the pit lane after making changes to his car. Leclerc missed out on scoring a point by ending the Grand Prix in P11.

Mixed fortunes for Ferrari. Reflecting on this, Hill admitted that Ferrari seem to have faced a continued problem in their drivers experiencing contrasting fortunes. "What can you say about Ferrari? When one is up, the other is down," Hill told the the Sky Sports F1 Podcast. "It's like they are running with one leg all the time."

‘One leg’;

https://racingnews365.com/hill-on-ferrari-troubles-theyre-running-with-one-leg-all-the-time


Hill on Ferrari's struggles: 'Like they're always running with one leg'.
08/06/2023 at 16:19
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

F1 world champion Damon Hill says Ferrari's persistent struggles this season, with one car or the other, make it feel as if the Scuderia is "always running with one leg". A pre-season favourite to shine this year, Ferrari is currently fourth in F1's Constructors' standings after seven races.

The Italian outfit's SF-23 contender has so far been no match for Red Bull's runaway RB19. But Ferrari has also been outpaced overall by Mercedes and Aston Martin. Hill noted how the running order directly behind Red Bull has often been reshuffled from race to race. However, Ferrari's lack of consistency and struggles is a constant.

"It’s a funny season in a way because we have seen quite a lot of disparity between apparent form on one circuit and the same form, or expectations, on another circuit," Hill told the Sky Sports F1 podcast. "Everyone is scratching their heads apart from Red Bull, who are delivering on every track.”

‘Running with one leg';

https://f1i.com/news/476985-hill-on-ferraris-struggles-like-theyre-always-running-with-one-leg.html


Hill SLAMS Ferrari in scathing review of 2023 F1 season
Friday 9 June 2023 08:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Damon Hill is perplexed at Ferrari's 2023 form, claiming they are always standing on one leg at a time, not both. The Scuderia has struggled to convert good qualifying performances into big points and podiums this season with its only rostrum coming courtesy of Charles Leclerc in Azerbaijan.

Hill, the 1996 world champion, thinks Ferrari's inconsistency has gone on long enough but admits that this season is a strange one comparing performance from one track to the next. "Then what can you say about Ferrari? When one is up, the other is down. It's like they are running with one leg all the time. So going forward, you have got the development curve and cost-cap restrictions to think about."

‘Hill SLAMS Ferrari’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109171/ferrari-f1-damon-hill-charles-leclerc-carlos-sainz/


Ferrari CEO issues firm statement in response to poor F1 2023 performance
08 Jun 2023 10:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Yet to win a grand prix this season and with their upgraded SF-23 failing to fire in Spain, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has resorted to a Japanese proverb to inspire the team: “Nana korobi, ya oki.”

With the Monégasque driver, Sainz and team boss Fred Vasseur all highlighting the car’s inconsistency in the wake of the Spanish Grand Prix, CEO Vigna has tried to issue a rally cry to his troops.

“Nana korobi, ya oki!” he said during this week’s Bloomberg Capital Market Forum. That translates as “fall down seven times, stand up eight”, fitting given that Ferrari are seven races into this season.

He added: “It applies to life, as it does to F1. “It’s not easy, sometimes you slip four floors and you can’t see the end but with work, with passion, with skills and with the heart, in the end we recover. I’ve been there many times.”

“Nana korobi, ya oki.”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-ceo-japanese-proverbs-statement/


Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur admits SF-23 is 'very difficult to understand' after Spanish GP struggles
16:10 Thu, 08 Jun 2023.
Sky Sports

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has admitted their 2023 car is "very difficult to understand" after a tough Sunday at the Spanish Grand Prix.

'Very difficult to understand';

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12898862/ferrari-boss-frederic-vasseur-admits-sf-23-is-very-difficult-to-understand-after-spanish-gp-struggles


Charles Leclerc’s damning comments on Ferrari’s woes
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has struggled this season with inconsistent car performance and tyre degradation.
9 June 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Expressing his frustration, Leclerc admitted: “We are struggling more than I expected. It’s not like I’ve got understeer in the car, and I can say, ‘Okay, this is a very understeery car’,” Leclerc said. “It’s just inconsistencies but it’s very difficult to work on inconsistencies, especially when you do exactly the same thing both times,” he explained.

“We’ll check what we are doing but it’s very, very difficult because even as soon as the wind changes slightly we’ve a car that changes quite a lot, so it’s very, very tricky. Where we really need to put all our focus is to try and be more often at the peak of our tyres and know how to manage them better,” he said.

“Two or three degrees makes a huge difference on balance. In Spain, we were struggling, either completely outside the window, or in the window and being happy with the car, so there’ll be a lot of work on that. We need to try to understand what’s going on with those tyres and put them in the right window more often.”

‘Damning comments on Ferrari’s woes’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/charles-leclercs-damning-comments-on-ferraris-woes/


Why Ferrari has made F1 design changes it had denied needing
9th June 2023, 07:39
By Edd Straw
The Race

Ferrari made the most significant deviation from its original Formula 1 car concept introduced at the start of last season with its upgrade package at the Spanish Grand Prix – a change the team’s messaging had previously denied the need for. While the car may not look dramatically different, the introduction of the downwash ramp at the rear of sidepods means Ferrari has, for the first time, moved away from distinctive ‘bathtub’ shape.

And there is more to come – so while team principal Fred Vasseur said in the build-up to the race at Barcelona that “as long as I’m convinced that we can improve on the current car, it would be a mistake during the season to change completely the target”, it is evidence of a new direction from Ferrari.

Most likely, Vasseur’s positive messaging is intended to show support to the team and when it comes to talk of concept changes it’s an imprecise enough phrase that, combined with the fact the car hasn’t changed dramatically visually, you can argue this is not so major a change of direction.

‘Significant deviation’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-ferrari-has-made-f1-design-changes-it-had-denied-needing/


Why Ferrari say their change in design is the result of “discipline”, not “copying”
2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Posted on 9th June 2023, 7:158th June 2023, 23:47
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Long-serving Ferrari engineer Jock Clear, now Charles Leclerc’s performance engineer, spoke to media including RaceFans ahead of the race last Sunday about what had inspired the upgrades, their predicted effectiveness, and why it had taken this long for them to appear when a downturn in their performance became apparent during the second half of last season.

The team started last season “convinced about what we had,” explains Clear. “And then we all have to learn from what other people are doing, but we also have to learn from what we’re doing. We’re not copying anyone, per se. We’re looking at what they did, we’re going back to our tunnel and trying to find out if that works. Now, it’s appeared on the car now because it works.”

“As soon as you see what someone else is doing well and you get that in your tunnel, you’re disciplined enough not to have a ‘knee jerk’ and just chuck it on your car, because it won’t work,” said Clear. “But you have to give yourself a couple of months to get it sorted, to get it to work with your car, and then you say ‘yeah, actually I can see where they’re coming from there’.”

“Discipline”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/09/why-ferrari-say-their-change-in-design-is-the-result-of-discipline-not-copying/

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin chief blunt about Fernando Alonso's future as rival F1 team admits interest.
Team Principal Mike Krack: "It's nice to hear that, that he has said that several years, we would be happy with that."
16:31, 9 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Mike Krack declared his delight in reaction to Fernando Alonso's admission that he intends to stay with Aston Martin for the long-term. It was in Barcelona, in front of his home crowd, that Alonso made that pledge about his future. "I'm going to be at Aston Martin for a few more years," he said.

Given his results so far this season, you would assume the team would be delighted about that. And team principal Krack confirmed that theory when questioned about it during the race weekend. "I think the main thing, and this is one of the big qualities, is the desire to be at the front, the motivation. And I think this is fully on with Fernando.”

"We don't think so much about that, to be honest, as you guys know. We take it race by race, and we try to do well every race. It's nice to hear that but we didn't think too much about it yet. Let's make it happen."

‘EL PLAN: “Fully on with Fernando.”;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/alonso-audi-2026-aston-martin-30196790


'We would be happy with that' – Krack offers his thoughts on how long Alonso could stay at Aston Martin
08 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site.

Alonso and Aston Martin’s strong start to the season has led many to speculate when they could win their first race of the year, with their best finish coming in Monaco where the Spaniard took the chequered flag in second. And when asked if he believes they could win a race this year, Krack was in no mood to make predictions, but called on his team to be ready if the opportunity presents itself this season.

“I think that is very difficult to say because it’s such a relative competition that you are depending on the pace of others, you are depending on yourself, so I think it would be bold to say we will win this one, or that we are close to winning,” Krack explained.

“We have to see. We have to be there at each opportunity that is coming and, if it comes, we have to be ready, and until then we have to work hard to keep ourselves in the position to be there. I will not make any predictions of when we’re going to win a race.”

‘EL PLAN: 'We would be happy with that';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-would-be-happy-with-that-krack-offers-his-thoughts-on-how-long-alonso.5n6N9fVPHyiL7jcpUDPzRG.html


Defiant Aston Martin respond to theory Mercedes now a clear step ahead
09 Jun 2023 2:15 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Aston Martin boss Mike Krack believes it’s too early to say whether Mercedes have toppled them as F1’s second-quickest team in 2023. Aston Martin have been the surprise package of 2023 so far, with the Silverstone-based squad racking up podium after podium with five appearances in the first six races courtesy of Fernando Alonso.

“I think it is too early or too easy to say that, because we have not seen the full picture in qualifying,” he said on Sunday night. “It’s something that is similar to how it is at the beginning of the year when we say we need three races to see where we are really.”

“Now it could well be that others have made a bigger step. But our early analysis so far doesn’t reflect that.” But Aston Martin will make “a step” next time out, with upgrades en route for the AMR23 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Canadian Grand Prix.

‘Defiant Aston Martin response’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/defiant-aston-martin-respond-mercedes-step-ahead/


Fernando Alonso vows to ‘crush’ Lewis Hamilton
Aston Martin are set to introduce a series of upgrades at the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.
9 June 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Despite having slipped to third, Alonso is confident that the team can reclaim second perhaps as soon as next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, where upgrades will be installed. It’s expected that Aston Martin will make a significant improvement in Canada next weekend and at the British Grand Prix in July, making Alonso believe that his side will “crush” the Silver Arrows.

“I’m happy because qualifying was the Achilles heel of the whole weekend,” Alonso said, as reported by The Mirror. “In terms of the constructors’, it’s true that Mercedes took some important points from us, but we took points from Ferrari again.”

“In Canada we will bring more stuff, in Silverstone too… It will depend on who brings the improvements. Even with a normal time, we would have been on a par with Hamilton [in Barcelona] and maybe we would have had a better chance. I think it’s a race and, in Canada, we crush them.”

‘EL PLAN: Bring more stuff & Crush’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-alonso-vows-to-crush-lewis-hamilton/


Alonso, not Hamilton, has extra capacity says Verstappen
JUNE 9, 2023
GrandPrix.com

In Barcelona last weekend, the Red Bull driver came on the radio to ask his engineer: "Someone's phone is going - is that Helmut (Marko)'s?" Gianpiero Lambiase replied: "Er, yes."

"I do like to think that having extra capacity is a big advantage in F1," Verstappen told the Times. "You cannot train that kind of thing. Only a few drivers have it." When asked who, he answered: "For me, definitely Fernando.”

Verstappen was then asked if seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton has the same extra capacity. "No, Fernando stands out more with that," he said.

‘EL PLAN: Extra capacity’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/alonso-not-hamilton-has-extra-capacity-says-verstappen.html


Christian Horner reveals rival F1 team Red Bull “most keeping an eye on” - and it’s not Mercedes
9 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Christian Horner insists Aston Martin are the team Red Bull are “most keeping an eye on” following their incredible start to the 2023 F1 season. After struggling to a disappointing seventh-place finish in last year’s constructors’ championship, Aston Martin completed a remarkable transformation over the winter

Despite Mercedes’ recent resurgence, which saw them leapfrog Aston Martin into second place in the constructors’ standings at the Spanish Grand Prix, Horner still sees Aston Martin as Red Bull’s biggest long-term threat. “We have a lot less wind-tunnel time than you guys,” he told Aston Martin ambassador Pedro De la Rosa when speaking to DAZN.

“So we’re having to be very selective about how we use that time, and also thinking about next year as well – so it’s about finding that balance. When you look at all that experience, you can see what Fernando’s brought to Aston Martin – which is still a young team. There are lots of new guys there; they took a few guys from us. For us, I think the team that we’re most keeping an eye on for the future is the Aston team – because you can see they have a strong energy.”

‘EL PLAN: Remarkable transformation’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028239/1/horner-reveals-team-red-bull-most-keeping-eye-and-it-s-not-mercedes


Fernando Alonso came ‘very close’ to joining Red Bull, reveals Christian Horner
Friday 9 Jun 2023 4:32 pm
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

Fernando Alonso came ‘very close’ to signing for Red Bull in 2008, team principal Christian Horner has revealed. Horner revealing the truth behind the rumours that the Spaniard nearly signed for his team. ‘We were very close. I went to see his representation agency at the end of 2007 to [sign him] for the 2008 and 2009 seasons, we offered him a two-year contract,’ Horner told Motorsport Magazin.

‘He only wanted to sign for one season, but Red Bull and [Dietrich] Mateschitz’s position was two years or nothing, and he didn’t commit to it. We thought he had a very clear contract to go to Ferrari in 2009.”

‘The strange thing is that Flavio [Briatore] was also involved, but he was trying to sign him for the Renault team, the team he was running at the time, and in the end, he ended up driving for Renault those two seasons.”

‘EL PLAN: Very close’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/09/f1-fernando-alonso-was-very-close-to-joining-red-bull-says-christian-horner-18925665/?ito=newsnow-feed

[Fortitude]

Tost: Red Bull rejected "significantly better" Schumacher for AlphaTauri.
AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has admitted that Red Bull rejected his initial Pierre Gasly replacement, Mick Schumacher, whom he thinks is "significantly better" at racing than he is currently perceived.
Friday 9 June 2023 12:27
Jay Winter
GPFans

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has admitted that Red Bull rejected his initial Pierre Gasly replacement, Mick Schumacher, whom he thinks is "significantly better" at racing than he is currently perceived. AlphaTauri's decision to sign Nyck de Vries for the 2023 season came down to Red Bull higher-ups, said Tost, confirming what Ralf Schumacher claimed back in May.

In an interview with Formel1.de, Tost admitted that he first thought that they would be keeping their fan favourite duo together. He said: "Initially, it was clear to me that our driver lineup would be Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. Then suddenly Pierre was assigned to Alpine, and that left a spot open for us.”

Tost reinforced the decision to want to sign Schumacher, claiming the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher is "significantly better" than he is currently credited for. Mick Schumacher didn't secure a cockpit for this year," he recalled. "For us, it was then open, after the Pierre Gasly situation came to light. He is significantly better than he is currently perceived in the outside world."

‘Want to sign Schumacher’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109245/franz-tost-red-bull-mick-schumacher-alphatauri-rejected/


Mick Schumacher rejected for F1 race seat despite team chief making him number one choice.
Schumacher is a Mercedes reserve this year having been axed by Haas after two seasons in F1, but would have landed another race seat for 2023 had one team boss had his way
18:57, 9 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Franz Tost said he wanted Mick Schumacher to drive for AlphaTauri this season – but he was overruled by Red Bull bosses who blocked the move. But, Tost has revealed, he was prevented from making that happen by the top bosses at Red Bull who decided De Vries, who had enjoyed an eye-catching Formula 1 debut with Williams at Monza, was the man for the seat.


His words come after Ralf Schumacher, Mick's uncle, claimed his nephew was "blocked" from the seat by Helmut Marko. He also accused the head of Red Bull's youth development programme of having "a problem with the Schumacher name".

He said: "The driver available on the market was Mick. Mick would have made sense as well. But then Dr Helmut Marko came along and, for personal reasons or whatever it may be, didn't want that and chose Nyck de Vries instead."

‘Overruled, blocked the move’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/schumacher-alphatauri-red-bull-tost-30197215


Franz Tost wanted to sign Mick Schumacher says Ralf
MAY 19, 2023
GrandPrix.com

In the 90s, Tost worked for Willi Weber - Schumacher's then manager - who asked Tost to accompany Ralf to race in Japan prior to his F1 debut. Tost then worked as BMW's track operations manager when Schumacher raced for Williams.

Schumacher now reveals that Tost, 67, actually wanted to sign Ralf's nephew Mick for the 2023 season after the 24-year-old lost his Haas seat after two years on the grid. "Franz had a completely different driver on mind than de Vries," Ralf revealed.

"He knows that drivers take two or three years to grow and the driver that was available was Mick. But then came Helmut Marko who, for personal reasons or whatever, didn't want to sign Mick.”

‘Completely different driver on mind’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/franz-tost-wanted-to-sign-mick-schumacher-says-ralf.html


‘It’s really difficult for rookies now’ – Tost defends De Vries after tricky start to first season
02 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

After a difficult start to Nyck de Vries’ first full campaign, AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost has explained why making the step up to F1 is so hard for young drivers these days.

‘Difficult for rookies now’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.its-really-difficult-for-rookies-now-tost-defends-de-vries-after-tricky-start-to-first-season.1767600648574988914.html


Why the head of Red Bull’s finishing school has chosen to move on
News Focus
Posted on 26th May 2023, 7:1526th May 2023, 7:19
Written by Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

After 18 years in one of the fasted-paced sports in the world, Franz Tost’s time in the Formula 1 paddock is coming to an end. But his legacy will continue to be felt for many years, as many of the current and retired drivers have benefitted from his guidance.

Among those he introduced to the series are two multiple world champions. Four-times champion Sebastian Vettel and two-times (for now at least) winner Max Verstappen both flourished under his guidance. Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz Jnr and Daniel Ricciardo all went on to become race-winners. Others enjoyed success in WEC and Formula E after their time under Tost’s tutelage.

“I will not be in the pit lane anymore,” revealed Tost, 67, last month. AlphaTauri will therefore have a new face at the helm for the first time since it was bought by Red Bull and entered into F1 in 2006 as Toro Rosso. “When Dietrich Mateschitz [co-founder of Red Bull] called me and said, you go now to Italy,” Tost recalled, “when I came there and saw what it looked like – because I couldn’t believe that this is the infrastructure for a Formula 1 team – and then to build a team up.”

‘Will not be in the pit lane anymore’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/05/26/why-the-head-of-red-bulls-finishing-school-has-chosen-now-to-move-on/


AlphaTauri boss retiring
The reigning World Champion, Max Verstappen, has paid tribute to Franz Tost, who recently had his say on the fastest driver in the business.
by David Freeman
20 May 2023

Max Verstappen: “At the beginning of a career, it is important to have someone like Franz by your side. He helped me a lot at the start and supported me with his advice and experience. He is good at dealing with young drivers.”

“When young drivers enter [Formula 1], they want to achieve success quickly. It’s good to be reassured sometimes. The conversations with him have been very helpful to me.”

“He has discovered many talents and contributed to the development of the main team, which is why he had a great career. It is sad to see him go, but at some point, after so many years in Formula 1, you simply need more time for family.”

‘Max Verstappen, has paid tribute’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/max-verstappen-reacts-to-alphatauri-boss-retiring/


Tost happy to hand over the reins to Mekies: "It's time"
13/05/2023 at 09:11
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Long-time AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost says he's looking forward to handing over the responsibility of running the team to current Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies at the end of the year. “It’s time to go," he told the media in Miami last week. “I think this is the time where I will hand it over to some other people who can do a much better job than me."

As well as Mekies taking over Tost's role, the team has also appointed former FIA executive Peter Bayer to join the squad as CEO. “It’s the correct way to do it," Tost commented. "I am more than looking forward to when Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies will take over leading the team.”

"When Dietrich Mateschitz decided to buy the Minardi team, he said one of the main pillars is to educate the young Red Bull drivers - and this is what the team did," Tost commented. “Looking back, there were some very high-skilled drivers like Sebastian Vettel, then, of course, Verstappen," he said. "There are also some other drivers, they were really fast, like Carlos Sainz, like Gasly, Ricciardo, Daniel, and now Yuki.”

"It's time";

https://f1i.com/news/474259-tost-happy-to-hand-over-the-reins-to-mekies-its-time.html

[Fortitude]

Wolff: Mercedes early season ‘shock’ key to change.
Toto Wolff has conceded Mercedes took a risk with its major change in development direction but that there was ultimately no choice after the shock it received at the start of the F1 season.
Saturday 10th June, 2023 - 12:28pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

One-lap pace appears to still be lacking but in race trim, at least, the car has made progress, even if the 24-second gap between race-winner Verstappen and runner-up Hamilton remains considerable. “We took some decisions to go in another direction,” explained Wolff.

“We changed so many parts that we thought might be variables that we don’t completely understand. It was a risky move, but everybody has just pushed forward and we’ve got a good race car.” As to why the move did not take place sooner, Wolff indicated that it was only in Bahrain that Mercedes realised it had effectively gone as far as it could go with the development of a car born from the new aerodynamic regulations introduced at the start of last year.

“We just needed the shock at the beginning of the season to understand that this (the design) is not going forward, that there were no more performance gains in it,” said Wolff. “That shook it up, and then we pushed forward, and then there are lead times, you need to design parts, you need to produce them, and the team has done a mega job with all that we have on the car.”

“We just needed the shock!”;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/10/mercedes-change-early-season-shock-lewis-hamilton-george-russell/


Wolff concedes to Mercedes design failure
10 June 7:00AM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff has conceded that Mercedes "misinterpreted" Formula 1 ground effect regulations after they finally switched to a more conventional concept.

"We had to work through this because we had also discovered that the [previous] direction just simply didn't work," Team Principal Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com, when asked about discovering the original concept was flawed.

"We are a team of people that won eight consecutive championships, but we got it wrong last year. We tried to find out what it was, we didn't understand, and things got better towards the end of the season. The regulations were changed which we misinterpreted, and we start from zero.”

‘Mercedes design failure’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-concedes-to-mercedes-design-failure


Mercedes admits F1 upgrade ‘rush’ prompted some worries
14:58 Fri, 09 Jun 2023.
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

The German manufacturer produced a notable step forward in form at the Spanish Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished second and third behind race-winner Max Verstappen.

The potential of its revamped car, which features new sidepods, front suspension and floor, is clear to see, as the squad targets making further steps to try to close the gap to Red Bull.

But Wolff thinks it important that Mercedes’ designers now take stock of the current package and fully understand it, before getting ahead of themselves with more changes.

‘Take stock’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-admits-f1-upgrade-rush-prompted-some-worries-/10480138/


‘Toto Wolff still not convinced the new Mercedes sidepod concept is the better one’
08 Jun 2023 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff is reportedly “not convinced” Mercedes’ new sidepod concept is better than the zero-pod design but the team changed it anyway, says F1 journalist Christian Menath.

F1 journalist Christian Menath: “Toto said they just wanted to take out something of the equation – he’s still not convinced that the concept of these sidepods is the better one, they just wanted to take something out of the equation to be sure where the problem is. But I think that was part of the problem. For me, it’s definitely the right direction. But who am I to judge 1000 engineers in Brackley.”

Russell, who finished third at the Spanish Grand Prix to mark his first podium of this season behind his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, has also insists it’s not the sidepods that have created the magic. “It’s not the sidepods what make the difference,” he told Sky Sports. “It may be a factor, but the magic isn’t in the sidepods. We brought that design to the car to kind of rule it out, the sidepods. The magic was done underneath the car, on the floor. That’s the same for every single team.”

‘Mercedes sidepods’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-not-convinced-new-sidepod-concept-reportedly/


Mercedes: “Massive step” forward in Spain different to F1 2022 false dawn
15:31 Wed, 07 Jun 2023.
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

The team delivered its best result of the 2023 season last weekend as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished second and third behind runaway race-winner Max Verstappen. The result, allied to the strong pace of the W14 throughout the race, has suggested that Mercedes' revamp of its car has delivered a significant leap forward in form after months of struggling with its 'zeropod' concept.

Wolff reckoned the gap between Mercedes was in the region of a few tenths now, which he said was a huge leap forward considering where the team had been earlier this year. “I think it is two/three tenths,” he said. “That's how we would judge it today.

“And that's a massive step forward. But we need to remain cool, because last year we've been looking pretty decent in Barcelona. However, as long as the trajectory goes upwards, it's going to be like share prices that go up and down. There's going to be moments, tougher moments, but I'm pleased for the job that has been done in Brixworth and Brackley.”

“Massive step”;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-massive-step-forward-in-spain-different-to-f1-2022-false-dawn/10479580/


Toto Wolff breaks silence on Aston Martin ditching Mercedes
Aston Martin will switch to Honda power in 2026, ending their long-standing relationship with Mercedes.
8 June 2023
by Nick Golding

Wolff is certain that the switch from Mercedes to Honda has nothing to do with performance, with the Austrian believing that Aston Martin simply want to become a “true works team”. “I don’t think them switching from a Mercedes client situation to a Honda has anything to do with the power unit,” said Wolff, as reported by The Mirror.

“I think we are competitive in terms of power unit, but they always wanted to emancipate themselves and become a true works team, and that’s what they’re doing. They have their own exclusive power unit supply deal, they have their own fuel supplier, they are building a big factory that’s going online in the next few months.”

“Lawrence [Stroll, team owner]’s aim is never small. I think when you want to be competitive and win championships, that is the kind of step that you need to make.”

“True works team”;

https://formula1news.co.uk/toto-wolff-breaks-silence-on-aston-martin-ditching-mercedes/


Spanish GP could have triggered big change in Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff meeting
07 Jun 2023 1:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton said he was sitting down with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Monday for a chat, potentially involving contracts, but did Mercedes’ Spanish GP showing avoid that being a plea to stay?

But speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, reporter Natalie Pinkham asked fellow guest, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, whether that far improved showing for Mercedes was the inspiration for Hamilton making that upcoming Wolff meeting public knowledge.

And Hill, who believes the meeting would have happened anyway, did suggest that the result perhaps spared Wolff from needing to convince Hamilton to stay with Mercedes during this catch-up, the team, Hamilton and Ferrari all recently batting away rumours linking the seven-time World Champion with a move to Maranello.

‘Triggered big change!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/spain-influence-lewis-hamilton-toto-wolff-meeting/

[Fortitude]

Red Bull unconcerned by "ignorant copies".
Despite its magical underside being laid bare for all the world to see, Red Bull chief engineer, Paul Monaghan insists his team is not losing too much sleep.
13:18 Sat, 10 Jun
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

When Lewis Hamilton's car was lifted high into the air by the Monaco marshals following his crash in Saturday practice, team boss Toto Wolff opined the "whoever performed the crane has probably worked for Cirque du Soleil", the Austrian clearly frustrated that the secrets of the W14 had been laid bare.

In all honesty however, it is unlikely that too many teams were preparing to pore over the images arriving in their inboxes, especially as a couple of hours later they were given the opportunity to ogle the secret bits of the absolute star of 2023 thus far, the RB19 following Sergio Perez' crash in Q1. While Mercedes tech boss, James Allison has admitted that his aero team is poring over the images, Paul Monaghan insists that he and his team are not particularly concerned.

"It's not great," he said of the images. "We don't put our car up like that, but it has happened and we'll move on. But there's a phase lag between people seeing it, getting it onto their car and actually going faster with it," he said, when asked if there were fears of copycats. "A better description is that an ignorant copy isn't necessarily going to go faster. It has to integrate. And it's not just a bit of floor geometry."

"Ignorant copies";

https://www.pitpass.com/75341/Red-Bull-unconcerned-by-ignorant-copies


Red Bull concede ‘there are no copyrights, just flattery’
09 Jun 2023 12:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan concedes his team cannot stop rivals from copying Red Bull’s race-winning concepts, after all that’s not copyrighted. With Christian Horner having previously predicted convergence would come with the new cars, Monaghan was asked if teams have to adopt the Red Bull philosophy if they want to be fast.

“I don’t know if it’s unavoidable. You would have to talk to other people,” he told Motorsport.com. “If you don’t understand [the concept], you can copy it, but you won’t get any faster. Other people look at our car and try to be influenced by it if they think it makes them faster. That’s fine. It’s been happening for many, many years.”

“Ask McLaren about 2011 and what their car looked like when it wasn’t fast. Then it showed up with an exhaust that looked exactly like ours and it was pretty fast.” He added: “There are no copyrights, are there? You take it as flattery.”

‘No copyrights, just flattery’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bull-no-copyrights-on-concepts/


Red Bull acknowledge growing strength of Aston Martin
Saturday 10th June, 2023 - 8:28pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged the growing emergence of Aston Martin as a superpower in F1. Under the ownership of Lawrence Stroll and his consortium, Aston Martin has taken F1 by storm this season, with Fernando Alonso scoring five podiums from seven grands prix, including finishing runner-up to Max Verstappen in Monaco.

Horner readily concedes Aston Martin is “putting a good team together”, and can understand its decision to gain a greater level of independence. “They’ll get a competitive engine, but they already have a competitive engine,” he added. “They will perhaps achieve more independence because I guess their architecture is currently dictated by another team (Mercedes).”

“It’s good to see Honda continuing in the sport,” remarked Horner. “They have obviously done a significant u-turn from where they were 18 months to two years ago. But I think their decision, in many ways, forced us to make a decision about our long-term future and not being beholden to a manufacturer and taking control of our own future. And by making the investment that we have in Red Bull Powertrains, it has enabled us to put the whole thing under one roof.

‘Growing strength of Aston Martin’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/10/aston-martin-f1-superpower-growing-strength-red-bull/


Horner reveals Red Bull engine plan after McLaren link rubbished
11 June 11:10AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Red Bull will supply AlphaTauri with its in-house power unit having partnered with Ford to kickstart its journey as an OEM and with Marshall switching to McLaren, talk had been rife that an engine deal could have been a negotiation sweetener. “No, Rob is not going with an engine,” Horner told media, including RacingNews365.com.

Outlining the championship-leading outfit's plans, Horner added: “Of course, a couple of teams have approached us about the power unit. Our plan at the moment is to supply two teams because we don’t want to overstretch ourselves in the first year. And of course, those teams are likely to be the two Red Bull-owned teams.”

‘Red Bull engine plan’;

https://racingnews365.com/horner-reveals-red-bull-engine-plan-after-mclaren-link-rubbished


F1: Adrian Newey talks Red Bull culture, copycat cars, power units and 2023 development race
Last Updated: 10/06/23 7:07am
Sky Sports

Adrian Newey says Red Bull have a minimal email culture and is aware about the dangers of complacency.

"Theoretically I'm in charge of everybody but I never look at it that way. We try to run a very flat structure, where we encourage everyone to communicate and minimise the email culture, encourage people to talk - if it's an aero designer, talk to the guy designing the mechanical solution for that aerodynamic shape," he told Sky Italy.

"Theoretically I'm in charge”;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12898229/f1-adrian-newey-talks-red-bull-culture-copycat-cars-power-units-and-2023-development-race


Newey reveals more concerns on 2026 power unit regulations
11 June 10:25AM
Author Luke Murphy
RacingNews365

Adrian Newey has spoken about the potential hurdles the sport may face due to the 2026 power unit regulation changes. Red Bull's Adrian Newey has highlighted a potential risk of the changing Formula 1 power unit regulations, which take effect in 2026.

The sport has introduced updates to the power unit specifications, which place greater emphasis on sustainability, and has encouraged more manufacturers to join the sport. Whilst the power units will retain their core configuration of a 1.6-litre V6 internal combustion engine, there will be a greater electrical output from the Kinetic Motor Generator Unit. The Heat Motor Generator Unit will be removed, and fully-sustainable fuels will be used.

The changes have prompted Audi and Ford to join the sport, with the latter teaming up with Red Bull, and has encouraged Honda to reverse their decision to step away from the sport. Following the announcement of the new regulations, F1 design guru Newey had previously cautioned that the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars would be "quite a lot slower".

‘More concerns on 2026 power unit’;

https://racingnews365.com/newey-reveals-more-concerns-on-2026-power-unit-regulations


Christian Horner jokes Toto Wolff is ‘blocked’ from his phone
11 Jun 2023 8:30 AM
Thomas Maher

Christian Horner has revealed there’s no way Toto Wolff can get in touch with him easily… Toto Wolff and Christian Horner are well-known for their love/hate relationship (which is probably more of a hate/hate deal really!), in their respective roles as team bosses of Mercedes and Red Bull.

“I think he’s blocked [on my phone],” Horner laughed. “It’s fine. I mean, look, there’s healthy competition, and it’s good to have rivalry in sport. They did a lot of winning, they’re a great team, and now we’re doing our thing and we’re tending not to look behind and looking forward.”

Speaking earlier this year, Wolff couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Horner in an interview with the UK’s Times newspaper. “I am living in his head rent-free,” Toto Wolff said. “The guy is obsessed. Every second that I spend on talking about Horner is a waste of time in my life.”

‘Hate/hate deal’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-toto-wolff-blocked-on-phone/


Marko: Red Bull DREAM could be over at Canadian GP.
Saturday 10 June 2023 11:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has claimed that his team are the favourites for every single Formula 1 race this season, but has admitted that the "dream" of doing so could be under threat in Montreal.

When asked if they can win every race of the current championship, Marko replied: "In terms of pure performance, we are capable of it. "It's not an exaggeration to say that we go into every race as favourites. However, you can't afford any bad luck. With 15 races still to go, anything can happen quickly."

"We could face challenges as early as next week in Montreal," he added. "The probability of realising this dream only increases if both cars are capable of winning." With a win in Canada, Red Bull will join the illustrious '100-win club' currently occupied by Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Williams.

‘Both cars are capable of winning’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109279/helmut-marko-red-bull-f1-race-favourites/

[Fortitude]

Helmut Marko Fought to Keep Christian Horner from Joining Ferrari.
Helmut Marko has disclosed his exceptional efforts towards the end of the previous year. The Austrian embarked on a mission to dissuade Red Bull’s longstanding team boss, Christian Horner, from accepting an enticing offer to join Ferrari as the successor to Mattia Binotto.
June 6, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Marko passionately campaigned to dissuade Horner from accepting a compelling offer presented by Ferrari, recognizing the invaluable role he played within the Red Bull team. “It took me another whole night to convince Horner to stay at Red Bull,” the 80-year-old recounted. “And it cost us millions more.”

Ultimately, the Italian team directed their attention towards enticing Frederic Vasseur, the team boss of Sauber/Alfa Romeo, to join their ranks in Maranello. Despite the departures of certain vital technical personnel, such as Horner’s decision to remain with the team and Newey’s recent commitment to a new long-term agreement with the Milton Keynes squad, Red Bull has experienced the loss of other key members from their ranks.

‘Exceptional efforts’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/helmut-marko-fought-to-keep-christian-horner-from-joining-ferrari/


Christian Horner 'cost us millions' as Red Bull desperately tried to stop boss leaving
Red Bull had to dig deep into their pockets to stop Christian Horner from quitting.
11:38, Sun, Jun 4, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Helmut Marko has admitted Ferrari tried to steal Red Bull’s two biggest team members in what could have been a double blow for the team. The Red Bull chief has confirmed Adrian Newey and Christian Horner were almost poached with the pair close to walking away.

‘Dig deep’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1777194/christian-horner-red-bull-helmut-marko-adrian-newey-f1-news


Revealed: What stopped Adrian Newey joining Ferrari before Red Bull
08 Jun 2023 6:45 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Adrian Newey revealed he was “very tempted” to join Ferrari twice in the 1990s, but refused as he did not want his young children to change schools at the time. “I was very tempted to go there in the past, it is a legendary brand,” Newey told Sky Sport Italia. “They contacted me in 1993, I think, and then in 1997, when I went to McLaren from Williams. And that was a very difficult choice: at the time my children were very young and I didn’t want them to change schools. Honestly, if I was 20 years younger…”

Newey’s designs have won 23 Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles throughout the course of his career to date, with the sport’s move to ground effect aerodynamics also playing into his expertise, given his university thesis was written on the subject.

“When new rules come out, like in that transition period between turbocharged and normally aspirated engines, I spend a lot of time thinking about what opportunities the new rules give you,” he said. “I always look for loopholes, situations where the rules ask you to do something but don’t force you, allowing you an original way of proceeding.”

“Very tempted”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/adrian-newey-ferrari-red-bull-temptation/


Red Bull reveal how they stopped Adrian Newey from joining Ferrari at the last minute
Ferrari have made no secret of their efforts to secure top tier talent from across the paddock, as they look to build a formidable team.
8 June 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

In a surprising revelation, Red Bull’s key advisor Dr Helmut Marko has confirmed the longstanding rumours that Ferrari had made multiple offers to renowned technical mastermind Adrian Newey over the years.

“(Luca di) Montezemolo was already cheering in the paddock and wanted to announce the deal,”, Marko said. “But during the night we were able to change Newey’s mind.” The exact details of what prompted Newey’s change of mind remain undisclosed.

‘No secret of their efforts’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/red-bull-reveal-how-they-stopped-adrian-newey-from-joining-ferrari-at-the-last-minute/


Marko: Perez seat with Red Bull 'not in jeopardy'
10/06/2023 at 08:23
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Helmut Marko has rubbished rumors that Sergio Perez's seat with Red Bull Racing is in jeopardy after The Mexican's recent run of troubled race weekends. A crash in qualifying in Monaco and a mistake in Q2 in Barcelona that barred him from the Saturday afternoon shootout led to complicated races at both venues for the Mexican who scored just 12 points in Spain where Verstappen reigned supreme once again.

"It’s all nonsense," the Red Bull motorsport boss told F1-Insider. "Sergio’s place has never been in jeopardy and will never be in jeopardy! He is an important element in achieving the goals we have set for this year. We want to finish first and second in the Drivers’ Championship and become Constructors’ World Champion as quickly as possible."

After last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested that falling title pressure would help Perez "relax" and re-find his early season form.

'Not in jeopardy';

https://f1i.com/news/477062-marko-perez-seat-with-red-bull-not-in-jeopardy.html


Marko slates 'nonsense' Perez claims
09 June 7:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

The Red Bull Motorsport Advisor is not happy with reports regarding Perez's place with the team. But dismissing concerns surrounding Perez's place at the team, Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Marko told F1-Insider: “It’s all nonsense.”

“Sergio’s place has never been in jeopardy and will never be in jeopardy. He is an important element in achieving the goals we have set for this year. We want to finish first and second in the Drivers’ Championship and become Constructors’ World Champion as quickly as possible.”

On advice he had given Perez, Marko added: "After his rather weak performances in Miami and Monaco, I just reminded Sergio that he should concentrate on his job. Sergio’s good race after the failed qualifying session in Barcelona was again the first step in the right direction.”

‘Concentrate on his job’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-slates-nonsense-perez-claims

[Fortitude]

Palmer cautious over Mercedes’ W14 F1 upgrades.
Ex-Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer is remaining cautious over Mercedes’ upgrades following its positive performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.
08:28 Sun, 11 Jun 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Palmer, who raced for Renault during the 2016 and 2017 F1 seasons, says he is not fully convinced over Mercedes’ upgrades due to its historic strong form in Spain. “They have significant upgrades on the car and on the face of it, it looks like they are yielding immediate results.”

“However this has always been a strong Mercedes circuit. Last year George Russell was fighting for the lead and ended up third, while Lewis Hamilton put in an eyebrow raising performance from the back of the field. It’s more likely that whilst the upgrades worked, the track characteristics also enhanced their performance.”

“Canada in a couple of weeks’ time might be a more interesting comparison, as it’s more akin to the street circuits we’ve had thus far. They seem to be on the correct development path now though so like last year, they should only get more competitive from here.”

‘W14 F1 upgrades’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/11/palmer-cautious-over-mercedes-w14-f1-upgrades/


Mercedes anticipates Canada to be a ‘bigger challenge’ for upgraded W14
13:41 Fri, 09 Jun 2023.
• Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Read Motorsport

Mercedes is expecting its newly-upgraded Formula 1 car to face a “bigger challenge” at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix than its recent breakthrough in Barcelona.

Speaking in Mercedes’ post-race debrief, trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said: “The fact is that the update kit works very well around circuits like Barcelona with a lot of high-speed performance. We’ve been better at the fast circuits and the front-limited tracks. We ended up with a really good balance and really good race pace.”

“Now, where we are going to go next week, Montreal, it’s a very different circuit. There are more low-speed corners, quite a lot of straight-line full throttle and we would expect more of a challenge there.”

‘Bigger challenge for upgraded W14’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2023/06/09/mercedes-anticipates-canada-to-be-a-bigger-challenge-for-upgraded-w14/


Mercedes: Montreal 'more of a challenge' for W14 than Barcelona
09/06/2023 at 09:24
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Mercedes believes its upgraded W14 will face a bigger challenge in the Canadian Grand Prix than it did last week in Barcelona where the team achieved its first double-podium finish of the season. Mercedes rolled out its heavily updated car at Monaco, but the changes really came into their own at the Circuit de Catalunya, where the performance of the W14's more stable platform took a big step forward.

But Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' trackside engineering director, believes the outfit's car will likely struggle to uphold its Barcelona form due to Montreal's high-downforce characteristics. Shovlin reckons Mercedes will be battling at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve next week with its usual opponents, but the Mercedes engineer also expects Alpine to join the fight behind Red Bull based on Esteban Ocon's podium performance in Monaco.

"We are thinking it will be more along the lines of some of the earlier races where we were definitely in the bunch with Ferrari, with Aston, and now Alpine look to have joined that group," he said.

‘Montreal 'more of a challenge' for W14’;

https://f1i.com/news/477018-mercedes-montreal-more-of-a-challenge-for-w14-than-barcelona.html


George Russell anticipates further Mercedes W14 upgrades.
June 10, 2023
Read Motorsport

George Russell has hinted that the upcoming British Grand Prix could see significant updates for the Mercedes team following their successful performance in Spain. Russell suggested that fans should keep an eye on the British Grand Prix in early July to see what updates the team brings.

“Yeah, Silverstone we’re excited for,” Russell told Sky Sports F1 in Barcelona. “I think we’ll be in a good place there to fight for a good result. We might have a couple more things coming for Silverstone. But we need to not get too carried away with just this one result. The team have done an amazing job to bring these upgrades.”

‘Further Mercedes W14 upgrades’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/george-russell-anticipates-further-mercedes-w14-upgrades/


George Russell teases arrival of even more Mercedes W14 upgrades – and soon
10 Jun 2023 9:15 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

George Russell has hinted that the British Grand Prix might bring the next significant batch of updates for Mercedes, after their success in Spain. Mercedes are continuing on their path of making wholesale changes to the W14 after ordering a change of design concept, following a slower-than-anticipated start to 2023.

It was a positive showing from the team (at Barcelona) last weekend, even if team boss Toto Wolff tried to temper expectations by acknowledging the cool weather conditions put the car in an optimal performance window.

‘Even more Mercedes W14 upgrades’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-new-mercedes-upgrades-teased/


SCHUMACHER: ‘I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT’ AS HE TESTS OUT THE W14 FOR THE FIRST TIME
June 8, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds

Mick Schumacher loved every second of testing on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as he got to drive the W14 for the very first time.

‘TESTS OUT THE W14’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/schumacher-i-loved-every-bit-of-it-as-he-tests-out-the-w14-for-the-first-time/


Toto Wolff reveals his true feelings on upgraded Mercedes W14
07 Jun 2023 12:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Toto Wolff won’t be fooled by Mercedes’ double podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, although he does concede he is “cautiously optimistic” that they aren’t in for a repeat of 2022. “I’m never optimistic. Only fools are optimistic,” Wolff said as per Motorsport.com. “But in general I think it feels different than last year.”

“There’s still bouncing and it’s interesting to understand why. But we’ve learned so much over the past 12 months, so in general I have a lot of reasons to be cautiously optimistic.” But while the team has been criticised by some pundits for taking their time axing the zero-pods in favour of a downwash concept, Wolff says it was something “we had to work through.

“We had discovered the direction we’d come to simply didn’t work. We are a team of people that won eight consecutive championships and got it wrong last year and tried to find out what it was. We didn’t understand.”

‘True feelings on upgraded Mercedes W14’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mercedes-upgrades-w14-feelings/

[Fortitude]

Fred Vasseur told to bring his ‘knuckle-dusters’ to sort out Ferrari mess.
Vasseur is the latest in a long line of managers to inherit what appears to be the poisoned chalice of leading Ferrari. Binotto’s resignation after more than two decades of respected servitude at Ferrari comes not even five years after the departure of Maurizio Arrivabene, who himself only took over from Marco Mattiaci at the end of 2014 – Mattiaci himself having only put in a year.
12 Jun 2023 2:45 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

But former F1 racer and three-time Le Mans winner David Kennedy: “In my book, I don’t think you could get much better than Fred Vasseur. He’s got a fantastic pedigree,” Kennedy told PlanetF1.com in an exclusive interview.

“It’s like the old days when Ron Dennis was a racer, where Frank Williams was a racer, where Eddie Jordan was a racer – to bring a depth of experience, and a consummate knowledge to make a difference, to really understand it.”

“Fred has been running race teams for eons and they have been outstandingly successful so I think, provided they give him the latitude and he wears his knuckle dusters, he can make a big difference.”

‘Knuckle-dusters’ to sort out Ferrari mess’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fred-vasseur-knuckle-dusters-sort-out-ferrari-mess/


Ferrari CEO addresses whether his team could quit F1 with Red Bull and Mercedes dominating
Ferrari have struggled to compete with Red Bull and Mercedes in recent years.
13:12, Mon, Jun 12, 2023
By Jack McEachen
Daily and Sunday Express

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has insisted that the team remains fully committed to F1 despite being unable to match the success of Red Bull and Mercedes in recent seasons. Ferrari are the most successful team in the sport’s history, but have failed to claim a championship win in either category since 2008.

“Racing is in the DNA of our company. So Formula 1, world endurance championship, and we keep investing there because we see a lot of technologies that can go from the track to the road.”

“Was the bad start of the season in Formula 1 stressful for me?” Vigna added as he discussed the lack of podium finishes alongside Red Bull and Mercedes. “You know, I have more significant reasons for stress. For the team, this is a chance to improve and learn a lot. We must build a machine that will be better than the previous one, but this rule is true for everything we do.”

“Racing is in the DNA”;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1779914/F1-news-Ferrari-quit-Red-Bull-Mercedes


Ferrari affirm commitment to F1 after Le Mans win: “We will keep investing…”
12 Jun 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has affirmed the Italian brand’s commitment to F1 following their impressive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Speaking to Eurosport after Ferrari’s triumph at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Vigna insisted that “racing is in the DNA” of the company.

“It once again demonstrates that Ferrari is unique and that we make unparalleled cars. It is a unique car,” he said. “The next goal? To continue winning. Was the bad start of the season in Formula 1 stressful for me?

“Next goal? To continue winning”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028710/1/ferrari-affirm-commitment-f1-after-le-mans-win-we-will-keep-investing


Hill: Mercedes has ‘leapfrogged’ Aston Martin, Ferrari F1 threat
13th June 2023, 10:41
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill believes Mercedes has “leapfrogged” the threat from rivals Aston Martin and Ferrari. When asked on the Sky Sports F1 podcast how much Mercedes could take from the result, Hill said: “I think quite a bit”

“Because they’ve actually shown in the race they’ve leapfrogged the threat from Aston Martin and Ferrari as well. They’ve actually shown [that on] a circuit where it really pushes the car’s ability to look after its tyres and have good balance and have good air performance, it’s shown that it’s got the potential there.”

‘Ferrari F1 threat, leapfrogged’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/12/hill-mercedes-has-leapfrogged-aston-martin-ferrari-f1-threat/


Sainz explains Ferrari upgrade plan: 'That was the main target'
12 June 10:00AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Carlos Sainz has insisted Ferrari's latest upgrade package is aimed at opening up future opportunities rather than providing an instant performance improvement. Praising the impact of the updates, Sainz told media, including RacingNews365.com: "The new package was meant to improve mainly the medium-to-low-speed and, in that area, we have definitely felt a step in the right direction. “

"A step into a different direction is not so much a big upgrade or a big change in our performance but opening a bit of a different window of working range for the car - that was the main target of this upgrade, not to suddenly go half a second quicker. I think that is doing the job and it's working well."

‘Ferrari upgrade plan’;

https://racingnews365.com/sainz-explains-ferrari-upgrade-plan-that-was-the-main-target


Max Verstappen tipped to LEAVE Red Bull and join Ferrari by former Le Mans winner Richard Bradley, as the Brit claims the Dutch star needs to win in a 'sub-standard car' to go down as an 'all-time great'
Published: 08:18, 12 June 2023
By Sam Brookes For Mailonline
Mail Online

Max Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull and join Ferrari by former Le Mans winner Richard Bradley - who says he must win in a lesser car to prove his greatness. 'I think that Max is going to end up at Ferrari in a couple of years,' Bradley told On Track GP.

'It wouldn't surprise me, I think especially if he keeps on winning titles and he starts to get complacent, and people start saying "oh, is he the greatest of all time?" Max is the sort of guy that goes "okay, well I'll do what Schumacher did: I'll take Ferrari from not being in the position to win, to make them World Champions".

‘Win in a 'sub-standard car', join Ferrari’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12184713/Max-Verstappen-tipped-LEAVE-Red-Bull-join-Ferrari.html

[Fortitude]

Jeremy Clarkson meets F1 team to buy BEERS after Monaco promise.
The 63-year-old rocked up in a tractor used in the 'Clarkson's Farm' TV show, with a trailer full of beers in the back.
Monday 12 June 2023 17:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Jeremy Clarkson has delivered on his promise to buy a pint for everyone in the Alpine team after Esteban Ocon claimed a podium at the Monaco Grand Prix. The TV presenter had made the promise after Esteban Ocon qualified in P3 for F1's crown jewel event.

Clarkson, who hosted the legendary British motoring show Top Gear, has an affinity for the Alpine team due to their locality to him. Based in Enstone in Oxfordshire, the team are the nearest to Clarkson's farm, which has been the centrepiece of the Amazon TV show, 'Clarkson's Farm'.

Alpine confirmed that Clarkson had indeed delivered on his promise with a tweet on Monday afternoon. The TV presenter was pictured alongside Esteban Ocon, who converted his P3 qualifying finish to a podium during the Monaco Grand Prix.

‘A trailer full of beers’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109437/alpine-jeremy-clarkson-beer-exchange-esteban-ocon/


Jeremy Clarkson honours Esteban Ocon bet by delivering beers to Alpine’s factory
12 Jun 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has stuck to his word of buying the Alpine F1 team some beers after Esteban Ocon finished on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The former Top Gear star vowed to buy everyone at Alpine a pint if Ocon held on to secure a podium in Monaco last month. During the race, Clarkson said on Twitter: “Come on @AlpineF1Team I’ll buy you all a pint if you get a podium here.”

On Monday afternoon, Clarkson was pictured driving in on one of his tractors with plenty of beers in his trailer. Pictures surfaced on the Alpine Twitter account with Clarkson carrying the beers, and then chatting to Ocon at the team’s base at Enstone.

‘Jeremy Clarkson has stuck to his word’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028724/1/jeremy-clarkson-honours-ocon-bet-delivering-beers-alpine-s-factory


Clarkson makes good on Alpine Monaco F1 bet with factory beer delivery
17:11 Mon, 12 Jun 2023.
By: Sam Hall
Motorsport.com

Jeremy Clarkson has made good on his promise to gift beer to the Alpine Formula 1 team after Esteban Ocon finished on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix.

As Ocon took the chequered flag, Clarkson added: "Well done Alpine. I owe you many Hawkstones." Now Clarkson has come good on his word, arriving at the Alpine factory with his tractor and a trailer full of beer.

Taking to social media, Alpine welcomed the refreshing delivery, saying: "Delivering on his word. Cheers for the beers, Jeremy Clarkson." Not one to want to miss an opportunity, Clarkson also made use of his access to the Alpine F1 car to place his brew’s branding on the A523.

‘Hawkstones brew’s branding on the A523’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/clarkson-makes-good-on-alpine-monaco-f1-bet-with-factory-beer-delivery/10482077/


Jeremy Clarkson buys 1,000 beers for entire F1 team and delivers them by tractor
Jeremy Clarkson has followed up on his promise to buy beers for the entire Alpine team following Esteban Ocon's impressive podium finish in Monaco.
18:08, Mon, Jun 12, 2023
By ARCHIE GRIGGS

Clarkson has paid close attention to many different eras of F1 in his role as one of Britain's leading motoring journalists and previously interviewed the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher during his time on Top Gear.

He revealed his fondness for Alpine while speaking to Martin Brundle on the grid at this year's Bahrain Grand Prix, with the French outfit based near his farm in the Cotswolds.

"It's not like football, you don't have a team," said Clarkson when asked by Brundle where his loyalties lie in F1. "I like Alfa Romeos, always have done. Alpine are my local team in Chipping Norton so I root for them a little bit. I'm friends with a bunch of people at Red Bull and I'm here with Salman [the crown prince of Bahrain]. I don't know."

‘1,000 beers’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1780035/Jeremy-Clarkson-beers-Alpine-and-delivers-them-by-tractor


Special delivery for Alpine as Jeremy Clarkson delivers on podium promise
12 Jun 2023 1:41 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

With “Estie Bestie” Ocon taking third place to claim his first podium since his win at the Hungaroring in 2021, the French driver took to Twitter to raise the visibility of Clarkson’s promise.

On Monday, Clarkson made good on his end of the deal by showing up in his famously oversized Lamborghini tractor, hauling a trailer to deliver bottles of Hawkstone to Enstone!

Based on some quick maths, Clarkson’s pay-out won’t have cost him ‘Diddly Squat’ either. On his website, a bottle of Hawkstone costs around £2.50. With Alpine boasting around 1000 employees on its F1 team, Clarkson will have had to have stumped up around £2500 worth of his beer to stay true to his word!

‘“Estie Bestie” Ocon took to Twitter about Clarkson’s promise’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-special-delivery-jeremy-clarkson-delivers/


Jeremy Clarkson gets the beers in after honouring Ocon bet
Monday 12th June, 2023 - 11:56pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

During the race, Clarkson wrote via his Twitter account: “Come on @AlpineF1Team I’ll buy you all a pint if you get a podium here.” The tweet had 2.4 million views, over 15,000 likes, and was retweeted 394 times by fans.

Ocon started the race fourth, and despite the drama from around lap 50 when rain began to fall, the Frenchman finished third for Alpine’s first podium since the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.

On Monday (June 12), Clarkson arrived via tractor at Alpine’s factory in Enstone to hand deliver the beers he promised, and to chat with Ocon.

‘Jeremy Clarkson gets the beers in’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/12/jeremy-clarkson-esteban-ocon-alpine-monaco-gp-bet/

[Fortitude]

Alonso pledges to 'CRUSH' Red Bull and Mercedes.
Alonso then set his sights on the top teams ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. “In Canada, we’ll bring more things, and in Silverstone too… It will all depend on which team is bringing updates.”
Monday 5 June 2023 19:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has claimed that Aston Martin will 'crush' their competition when the teams head to Canada in two weeks' time. The Silverstone-based team endured their trickiest weekend of the season so far at the Spanish Grand Prix with both Lance Stroll and Alonso struggling for pace relative to Mercedes.

Alonso then set his sights on the top teams ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. “Even then, with a normal qualifying, we would have started alongside Hamilton and could have had some better chances. I think it’s just one race – and then in Canada, we crush them.”

‘EL PLAN: 'CRUSH' Red Bull and Mercedes’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109005/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-red-bull-mercedes-canadian-grand-prix/


Fernando Alonso vows to ‘crush’ Lewis Hamilton
Aston Martin are set to introduce a series of upgrades at the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.
9 June 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

Fernando Alonso: “In terms of the constructors’, it’s true that Mercedes took some important points from us, but we took points from Ferrari again. In Canada we will bring more stuff, in Silverstone too… It will depend on who brings the improvements.
“Even with a normal time, we would have been on a par with Hamilton [in Barcelona] and maybe we would have had a better chance. I think it’s a race and, in Canada, we crush them.”

‘EL PLAN: ‘Crush’ Lewis Hamilton’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-alonso-vows-to-crush-lewis-hamilton/


Fernando Alonso vows to "crush" Lewis Hamilton as F1 rivalry reignites
06:00, 6 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Fernando Alonso fired a clear warning to Lewis Hamilton that he will provide much stiffer competition for the podium than was the case in Barcelona at the weekend.

Seventh place at the Spanish Grand Prix was Alonso's worst finish of the year by far and the Aston Martin racer is clearly keen to set the record straight next time out in Montreal

‘EL PLAN: F1 rivalry reignites’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/canadian-gp-alonso-hamilton-barcelona-30159065


Alonso ready for Mercedes: In Canada we will crush them
Aston Martin were convincingly beaten by Mercedes in Spain but Fernando Alonso thinks the Canadian Grand Prix will be different
June 12, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Fernando Alonso has warned Mercedes that Aston Martin will crush them at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. Mercedes‘ double podium in Spain, courtesy of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, plus Lance Stroll‘s sixth and Fernando Alonso‘s seventh saw Aston Martin drop to third in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, 18 points behind the Brackley-based team.

With upgrades in the pipeline, the order of second fastest car behind Red Bull might change hands again as the development race continues between Aston Martin, Ferrari and Mercedes.

‘EL PLAN: In Canada we will crush them’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-alonso-mercedes-canada-crush-them/


Alonso declares Aston Martin will 'crush' Mercedes with Canada upgrade
13 June 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

Fernando Alonso expects a significant upgrade will see Aston Martin "crush" Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix.

That sentiment was shared by Aston Martin boss Mike Krack, who admitted it was up to the team to keep up the pace in the development war that is now underway.

“He is right to ask us and push us for that,” he said. “There will be something coming in Canada. It will be a step.”

‘EL PLAN: "Crush" Mercedes’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16790-alonso-declares-aston-martin-will-crush-mercedes-with-canada-upgrade


Fernando Alonso reveals Aston Martin upgrade plan to ‘crush’ F1 rivals
05 Jun 2023 2:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Aston Martin appeared to take a step or two back in the pecking order in Barcelona, but Fernando Alonso warns of Canadian GP upgrades that can allow them to “crush” the competition.

And Canada will be the scene where Aston Martin take a statement in this development race and go into “crush” mode, so says Alonso, and Mercedes he is looking at you especially.

‘EL PLAN: “Crush” mode;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-upgrades-crush-rivals/


“In Canada, we crush them” - Fernando Alonso eyeing Aston Martin upgrades after Spain blip
5 Jun 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso is confident Aston Martin’s lack of performance at the Spanish Grand Prix was a one-off after he scored his worst result of the season.

Looking ahead to future races, Alonso is sure Aston Martin will return to form when they introduce upgrades at the next race in Canada.

‘EL PLAN: Eyeing Aston Martin upgrades’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1027949/1/canada-we-crush-them-alonso-eyeing-upgrades-after-spain-blip

[Fortitude]

High hopes and hot storylines at the Canadian Grand Prix: Prime Tire.
We’re watching three things this week ahead of the Canadian GP. What do Aston Martin’s upgrades look like? Is Canada where McLaren shines? Will Lewis Hamilton play spoiler?
Jun. 13, 2023
By Patrick Iversen (I’m Patrick, and Madeline Coleman will be along shortly. Onwards …)
The Athletic

Last year’s Canadian GP was bridled chaos. Max Verstappen won, sure. But the stuff behind him oscillated between wild and amusing. Kevin Magnussen ran around with a broken front wing until the stewards made him pit after Esteban Ocon tattled on him. Yuki Tsunoda drove straight out of pit lane into the wall. Sergio Pérez’s gearbox failed, setting him back in his title fight (sound familiar?).

Inside the paddock with Madeline Coleman. My coworker Luke Smith can confirm this, but I constantly point out different storylines that have nothing to do with wins, podiums, and points. There are so many intriguing elements about F1 and this year’s grid.

For those of you who want a storyline developing on the grid, how about how Alex Albon eased into a leadership-esque role? The 27-year-old previously had a Red Bull seat before they dropped him into a reserve and test driver role. After a year away from having a full-time seat, Albon returned with Williams last season.

‘High hopes and hot storylines’;

https://theathletic.com/4606005/2023/06/13/f1-canadian-gp-prime-tire/


F1 NATION: Mercedes on the move, Aston’s upgrades and 50 years of the Safety Car – it’s our Canadian GP preview
13 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

With Verstappen moving 53 points clear of team mate and nearest rival Sergio Perez in the title race, hosts Tom Clarkson and Natalie Pinkham ponder whether the Mexican is feeling the pressure and if he has what it takes to fight back in Montreal.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to the battle for second position in the constructors’ standings, a spot claimed by Mercedes after they used their recent W14 upgrades to secure a double podium finish in Barcelona and jump ahead of Aston Martin.

But Aston Martin are set to fight back with updates of their own at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, while 2023 signing and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso cheekily suggested after his home race that it will be the first and last time he finishes off the podium this season…

‘Canadian GP preview’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-nation-mercedes-on-the-move-astons-upgrades-and-50-years-of-the-safety.4DOLjjtKrYZ42goOftcIP4.html


WET CONDITIONS EXPECTED ONCE AGAIN THIS SEASON IN F1 AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX.
F1 heads to the Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve in Canada this weekend.
June 13, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds

There is a 35% chance of rain on Friday between 1:30pm-2:30pm in Quebec which is when Free Practice One is set to take place. Conditions look better for Free Practice two with their being only a 19% chance of rain in that session. Despite this only being low chance of happening, the track is expected to still be damp through both FP1 and FP2 as there is a 50% chance of rain on Friday morning.

The rain does not stop there as the area is set to have a 60% chance of rainfall on Saturday between 1:30pm-2:30pm, which is during Free Practice Three. This is not expected to improve throughout the day as there is a relatively similar percentage to the chances of rain during Qualifying at 61%. The wet weather could lead to more drama in the session and potentially a grid shake up for the Grand Prix.

However, as things stand, the weather is likely to improve for Sunday’s race with there being no more than a 25% chance of wet conditions across the day.

‘50% chance of rain on Friday, 60% chance of rainfall on Saturday, 25% chance of wet conditions for Sunday’s race’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/wet-conditions-expected-once-again-this-season-in-f1-at-the-canadian-grand-prix/


Red Bull 'determined' to achieve historic milestone at Canadian GP
13 June 3:35PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

Having won every race so far in the 2023 F1 season, Christian Horner has revealed that Red Bull are looking to set a new record in the team's history at the Canadian Grand Prix. Christian Horner has spoken of Red Bull's "determination" to achieve an historic 100th Formula 1 win at the Canadian Grand Prix.

"We've learned from [the Spanish Grand Prix] – did we start the race on the right tyres? Was a Soft tyre a better tyre for the first stint?" Horner told Sky Sports F1. "So that's one of the lessons to take away and for us to analyse where we [can] be better with the car. I think we're just taking things one weekend at a time, one session at a time and not projecting too far ahead."

"Canada is a unique circuit," the Team Principal explained. "It's always great racing there. I think that it's a different challenge. It's a lot of low-speed stuff, a couple of high-speed chicanes. But Checo's run well there before, as has Max, and I think that weather can always be a factor there as well. We're heading there on 99 victories now, so there's a determination to try and get the century at the next one."

‘Red Bull's "determination" to achieve an historic 100th Formula 1 win’;

https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-determined-to-achieve-historic-milestone-at-canadian-gp


Mercedes expecting direct rivals to be ‘stronger’ in Montreal
12/06/2023 at 17:51
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Mercedes deemed itself satisfied with the performance delivered by its upgraded W14 at the Spanish Grand Prix, but team boss Toto Wolff expects his outfit’s rivals to be “stronger” in Montreal. Mercedes introduced a new front suspension and a heavily revised floor/sidepod package in Monaco, but Barcelona provided a better validation of the changes.

“The gap to Red Bull is large and it will take lots of hard work to close that down. Nevertheless, we're up for the challenge.” Wolff warns that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve won’t cater to the new-found qualities of Mercedes’ car, but come what may the team will fight to defend its turf in the F1’s Constructors’ standings.

“With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did,” added the Austrian. “No matter where the true pace of the car is this weekend, we will aim to maximise our result. The characteristics of the circuit will also provide further opportunity to learn about the W14 and feed into our development path.”

‘Expecting direct rivals to be ‘stronger’ in Montreal’;

https://f1i.com/news/477241-mercedes-expecting-direct-rivals-to-be-stronger-in-montreal.html


Williams’ Dave Robson: “We expect to be more competitive” with Montréal upgrade package
By Ashley Cline
June 14, 2023
The Checkered Flag

The Canadian Grand Prix is set to be a crucial weekend for Williams Racing, as the team brings a new upgrade package to Alex Albon’s car. Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson said that Friday running in Montréal will be focused on “understanding” the update.

Coming off a tough double-header for the team in Monaco and Spain, Robson expects Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to be a more competitive track for FW45 when compared to the previous two rounds. He added that Gilles-Villeneuve also offers greater overtaking opportunities, which may play into their ability to implement alternative strategies.

“Canada is always an enjoyable event; the circuit lends itself to good racing and there is always a chance of some tricky weather conditions, which can be blistering heat or sudden showers. The track in Montreal should play slightly more to the strengths of the FW45 than Monaco and Barcelona did. Furthermore, we have several upgraded components available this week, which will run on Alex’s car only. We expect to be more competitive, but we will take our time on Friday to understand if the new package is delivering as expected.”

“We expect to be more competitive”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/williams-dave-robson-we-expect-to-be-more-competitive-with-montreal-upgrade-package/


Alfa Romeo Looking to ‘Replicate’ Impressive 2022 Canadian GP performance
June 13, 2023
By Nick Golding
The Checkered Flag

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is hopeful that the Swiss side can score some good points at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, mimicking their 2022 performance at the Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve.

Alfa Romeo head to Canada having claimed two points at the Spanish Grand Prix, courtesy of Zhou Guanyu finishing ninth. Valtteri Bottas was forced to settle for nineteenth in Spain, following significant floor damage. Despite this, the Hinwil-based team regard their Spanish GP performance as “positive”, given how the C43 did actually show strong pace.

On paper, this weekend’s Canadian GP should be a good one for the outfit, based on their performance last season. Twelve months ago in Montreal, Bottas finished seventh with Zhou in eighth, marking one of the team’s best results of the season. Last season’s result means that Alfa Romeo head to Montreal “with confidence”, to the extent where Alunni Bravi admits the target is to “replicate” their double points finish from 2022.

‘Replicate’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/alfa-romeo-looking-to-replicate-impressive-2022-canadian-gp-performance/

[Fortitude]

Stroll sets Aston Martin double podium target for Canadian GP.
Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll is hoping to see both Aston Martins on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix as he aims to put an end to Red Bull’s dominance in 2023.
14th June 2023, 16:14
by Sam Tomlinson
Motorsport Week

Stroll senior is hoping that his son will be able to become the first Canadian driver to finish on the podium at their home grand prix since Jacques Villeneuve finished second in 1996.

“Those are exactly the plans. Hopefully get two cars on the podium,” Stroll said speaking at an Aston Martin event in New York.

“I’m extremely confident. I believe the car will be very strong around the Montreal circuit, it suits our car well… so I’m really looking forward to going home and really looking forward to a great race.”

‘EL PLAN: The plans’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/14/stroll-sets-aston-martin-double-podium-target-for-canadian-gp/


Pessimistic Toto Wolff not expecting Montreal to suit Mercedes' upgraded W14 F1 car
14 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

A pessimistic Toto Wolff has played down Mercedes’ chances heading into this weekend’s F1 Canadian Grand Prix, saying the Montreal circuit might not “suit our car”. Mercedes had their best race of the season so far last time out at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell securing a double podium behind Max Verstappen’s dominant Red Bull.

It came a week after the eight-time constructors’ world champions debuted a major upgrade package in Monaco but Mercedes team principal Wolff has downplayed hopes of a repeat performance in Montreal. "The result in Spain was a well-deserved reward for everyone's efforts at Brackley and Brixworth to bring our update package to the track,” Wolff said. “We were pleased with how it performed, and it will provide a new baseline for us to build from.”

"We now move on to Montreal. With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did. No matter where the true pace of the car is this weekend, we will aim to maximise our result. The characteristics of the circuit will also provide further opportunity to learn about the W14 and feed into our development path.”

‘Pessimistic Toto Wolff’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028778/1/wolffs-pessimistic-verdict-about-mercedes-canadian-gp-chances


THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on all the F1 news ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix
14 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The F1 circus is descending on Montreal and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for round eight of the 2023 season this weekend – and to tee it up we've put together a little quiz to help pass the days until the on-track action starts.

‘Quiz questions;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.this-week-in-f1-10-quiz-questions-on-all-the-f1-news-ahead-of-the-canadian.5Io5btAITUpUgnQakLTNGE.html


Gasly prepared for 'interesting' weather conditions at Canadian GP
14 June 2:30PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365

After three consecutive points finishes, Pierre Gasly is keen to see what Alpine can achieve at the Canadian Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly is remaining ready for "interesting" weather conditions at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.

"After racing on a more conventional circuit in Barcelona last time out, we're back to a street track in Montreal," Gasly said. "It's a really cool place to race, very fast with big braking zones and quick corners. I've been preparing in the simulator in Enstone, everything feels good and I'm looking forward to being on track on Friday.”

'Interesting weather conditions;

https://racingnews365.com/gasly-prepared-for-interesting-weather-conditions-at-canadian-gp


Here's a guide to the F1 Canadian Grand Prix races and events in Montreal
14th June 2023, 16:20
CTV News Montreal

Here is the schedule for the race weekend:
THURSDAY
• 9 a.m. to noon - pit lane walk
• Noon to 3 p.m. - Food trucks, bars, F-1 atmosphere.
• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - High speed testing of safety and medical cars.

FRIDAY
• 8:30 a.m. - Venue opens
• 9:10 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. - Series of challenges and practice sessions.
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

SATURDAY
• 7:30 a.m. - Venue opens.
• 8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. - Series of qualifying sessions, races and a pit stop practice (11:10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.)
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

SUNDAY
• 8:30 a.m. - Venue opens.
• 9:55 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Races.
• 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. - F1 Drivers Parade.
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - F1 Pirelli Grand Prix du canada 2023 (70 laps, 120 minutes).
• 7:30 p.m. - Venue closes.

‘Guide to the F1 Canadian Grand Prix’;

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/here-s-a-guide-to-the-f1-canadian-grand-prix-races-and-events-in-montreal-1.6440665

[Fortitude]

Red Bull’s 100th win? Can Stroll end podium drought? Canadian GP talking points.
Have the upgrades Mercedes and Ferrari brought over the past races represented genuine steps forward for the teams? Or, as Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed after the Spanish Grand Prix, is the competitive order simply shuffling around as teams move from track to track, with the one constant being his team romping to a 20-second-plus victory every weekend?
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 14th June 2023, 7:1513th June 2023, 23:19
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

This weekend’s race may provide further signs one way or another. Not least because, on paper, this is a track where we might ordinarily expect to see Ferrari ahead of Mercedes. The SF-75s enjoyed the combination of long straights, slow corners and the softest tyres Pirelli supplies in Baku, so Montreal should be a good venue for them.

In contrast, the Circuit de Catalunya has always suited Mercedes well, and team principal Toto Wolff admitted the Canadian circuit is unlikely to suit them so well. But perhaps the development directions the teams have taken will provide a surprise. Aston Martin can’t be discounted either. The team will have new parts for its AMR23 this weekend, and team principal Mike Krack was giving nothing away about the scale of the changes when asked in Spain, saying only that they would bring “a step” for the car.

If Aston Martin are back to their best this weekend after their sub-par showing in Spain, we could see the first Canadian driver on the podium at their home race for 27 years. The last driver to do so was Jacques Villeneuve when he made his home grand prix debut at the track in 1996.

‘Can Stroll end podium drought?’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/14/red-bulls-100th-win-first-home-podium-for-26-years-six-canadian-gp-talking-points/


World Champion Max Verstappen eying Ayrton Senna's record at Canadian Grand Prix
Thu, 15 June 2023 7:52AM
Alan Baldwin
The West Australian

Max Verstappen can deliver Red Bull’s 100th Formula One victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and step up alongside the late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna with a career haul of 41 wins.

Dutch double world champion Verstappen has won five of seven races so far this season and is chasing a fourth in a row to stretch his already yawning 53-point lead over Mexican teammate Sergio Perez. Red Bull have won 23 of the last 26 races, and 17 of the last 18. Victory this weekend will make them only the fifth constructor to have received 100 chequered flags.

Verstappen won last year in Canada from pole position ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, the multiple world champion who has won a record-equalling seven times there. “Last year’s win is still in my mind, hopefully we can do something similar this weekend,” Verstappen said.

‘Max Verstappen eying Ayrton Senna's record’;

https://thewest.com.au/sport/f1/dominant-verstappen-eyes-sennas-record-at-canadian-gp-c-10984004


Verstappen favourite for Red Bull's 100th win at Canadian GP
15th June 2023, 00:35
Malay Mail

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen has won five of seven races so far this season and is chasing a fourth in a row to stretch his already yawning 53 point lead over Mexican team mate Sergio Perez.

Perez has only once stood on the podium in Montreal, a third place with Sauber in 2012. Last year the Mexican retired with a gearbox failure. “I have been in Milton Keynes since the Spanish GP, working hard with my team and we have put in a lot of good work and had some very constructive conversations,” said Perez. The Mexican's form has suffered two big blows of late, with 16th in Monaco and fourth in Spain, after a strong start to the campaign. “I must be massively consistent in Montreal and have a complete weekend,” he said.

Beyond Red Bull, Hamilton has every chance of being on the podium at the circuit where he took his first win as a rookie in 2007 but team boss Toto Wolff has cautioned against expecting too much. “With its long straights and low-speed corners, it's not a track that we expect to suit our car as well as Barcelona did,” said the Austrian.

‘Verstappen favourite for Red Bull's 100th win’;

https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2023/06/15/verstappen-favourite-for-red-bulls-100th-win-at-canadian-gp/74330


Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes defeat after Toto Wolff's downbeat Canadian GP verdict.
Lewis Hamilton will have to wait until next year to get a whole new chassis on his Mercedes.
06:00, Thu, Jun 15, 2023
By Stuart Ballard
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton has admitted Mercedes' recent upgrades haven't fixed the issues he experienced at the start of the year, insisting there's 'nothing he can do about it'. The seven-time world champion revealed at the Australian Grand Prix that his cockpit inside the 2023 Mercedes car was causing him issues on the track.

Hamilton said at the time that he was sitting "closer to the front wheels than all the other drivers" on the grid, hampering his driving ability. Shortly after, Mercedes announced they would be moving in a different direction with their car design for the rest of the season.

Their major upgrades were introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix and Mercedes reaped the rewards from their changes a week later in Spain as both cars finished on the podium. But the changes have been unable to address the cockpit issue from earlier in the season with Hamilton admitting it's something he will have to cope with for the rest of the year. “There’s nothing you can do about it, that’s just the way it is,” Hamilton said. “The only thing you can do ultimately is just trying to slow the rate of rotation, stabilise the rear end.”

‘Toto Wolff's downbeat Canadian GP verdict’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1780818/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Toto-Wolff-Canadian-Grand-Prix


Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur Aiming for “Strong” Canadian GP
June 14, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Scuderia Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur is aiming for a strong Canadian Grand Prix, after an underwhelming start to the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship for the Italian team, who sit fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Ferrari have fallen behind both Aston Martin Armaco F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in the standings and in terms of performance lately, and will be hoping they can bounce back in Canada, but Team Principal Vasseur has made it clear that they still have to make improvements with their race pace despite recent upgrades.

“We come to Canada knowing that there is still room for improvement in terms of race pace with the SF-23. However, the upgrades introduced at the last round in Spain meant that the car behaved more consistently in the race in Barcelona.”

‘Room for improvement’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/ferraris-frederic-vasseur-aiming-for-strong-canadian-gp/


Williams explain why only Alex Albon will have their Canadian GP upgrades
14 Jun 2023 4:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Williams will have a new package for the FW45 at the Canadian Grand Prix but it will only be fitted to Alex Albon’s car. Williams have once again found themselves lodged at the very bottom of the log with the team having scored just a single point in the first seven races of the season, Albon P10 in Bahrain.

Dave Robson, Williams’ head of vehicle performance, said: “The track in Montreal should play slightly more to the strengths of the FW45 than Monaco and Barcelona did. “Furthermore, we have several upgraded components available this week, which will run on Alex’s car only. We expect to be more competitive, but we will take our time on Friday to understand if the new package is delivering as expected.”

Albon is feeling hopeful as he reckons the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve should suit the car. “Heading into Canada,” he said, “it’s always a bit of a tricky circuit, however with it having more medium downforce, it should suit us a bit more than the last couple of tracks. We have an upgrade coming for this weekend, so it should be interesting to see how it performs. Everyone at the factory has done a huge job to get this upgrade ready for the weekend, so hopefully we can have a good result.”

‘Several upgraded components available’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-only-alex-albon-canadian-gp-upgrades/


Canadian GP promoter doubts race could move dates to streamline F1 calendar
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 15th June 2023, 0:0114th June 2023, 23:08
Written by Ida Wood

F1 is keen to change the dates of some races on future calendars in order to cut travel between rounds and therefore reduce emissions. Moving the Canadian Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend, closer to the the Miami Grand Prix in May would allow F1 to make fewer transatlantic crossings. However the Canadian GP’s CEO Francois Dumontier has said the options to move their round of the world championship are limited by the Montreal climate.

“One can hardly imagine a presentation [of the race] before the beginning of June,” he told La Presse. He also ruled out an autumn date in the future as “we’d risk disrupting the activities of Parc Jean-Drapeau; in addition, in the fall, we could also find ourselves in conflict with congresses.” Dumontier admitted “it is mainly the weather [that is] the major sticking point in our talks” with F1 about moving the race to a different time of the year.

‘Doubts race could move’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/15/racefans-round-up-15-06-6/

[Fortitude]

NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.
There are a lot of slow-speed corners, the walls are very close in a lot of places, but it’s a great racetrack. You need a good front-end to get your car turned into the chicanes, which are pretty much everywhere.
15 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

The driver’s verdict: Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver: Canada is a really nice track to drive and you get a sense of atmosphere going around it. Overhanging trees give it the feel of a park and it feels like a street circuit – in essence, it is.

Strategy and set-up keys: Bernie Collins, former Aston Martin F1 strategist: Canada is an outlier in the ‘European season’ to allow the event to be held in more favourable weather conditions and involves teams reverting to flyaway set-ups after several events in their normal motorhomes.

Current form:Red Bull maintained their 2023 unbeaten run as Verstappen cruised to victory in Spain – the team sitting 135 points clear of Mercedes in the constructors’ standings and the Dutchman 53 points up on team mate Perez in the drivers’ battle.

‘NEED TO KNOW’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023-canadian.41G3mvXZ5PQfmoSMAaVJO9.html


“Intense” showers forecast during Canadian Grand Prix weekend
2023 Canadian Grand Prix weather
Posted on 15th June 2023, 12:4715th June 2023, 12:49
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Formula 1 drivers may see a repeat of last year’s Canadian Grand Prix weather conditions with rain expected during qualifying followed by a dry race. The official forecast for the weekend ahead at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve indicates there is a risk of rain on all three days, with the possibility of “intense” showers on Saturday, when final practice and qualifying will take place.

Second practice, which will start at 5pm local time, is especially at risk of disruption from a sharp shower. Those conditions will persist into Saturday, which could see the heaviest showers. The threat of rain is currently rated at over 80% and is likely to have an impact on final practice at half past noon and qualifying, which is scheduled for a 4pm start.

The weather is expected to improve on Sunday although the threat of further rain will not entirely recede. The chance of rain is officially estimated at 40%, though that may change over the coming days.

“Intense showers forecast”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/15/intense-showers-forecast-during-canadian-grand-prix-weekend/


Groundhog Day: Why Montreal’s resident Groundhogs are an F1 Canadian GP attraction…
15 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Groundhogs, also known as marmots, are widely found across Canada and have ended up disrupting F1 events ever since the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve played host to its first grand prix back in 1978. Montreal’s resident rodents have a tendency to make the venue their home, meaning the drivers have to be extra alert when driving around the street circuit to avoid them.

Unfortunately, the small furry animals have often met their end following contact with F1 cars, something the drivers are sometimes helpless to avoid. Romain Grosjean damaged the nose of his Haas car when he hit a groundhog during free practice at the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix.

But then FIA race director Charlie Whiting explained that F1’s governing body had been advised against trying to remove the rodents. “Of course we saw the groundhog,” Whiting said. “I did ask if it was feasible to try and catch him and I was told by those who know much more about groundhogs it was a very unwise thing to try and do.”

‘Groundhog Day’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1005514/1/groundhog-day-why-montreal-s-resident-rodents-are-notorious-pest-f1


Stroll's plan to SUCCEED in 'special' home GP as he praises 'incredible' Alonso
Thursday 15 June 2023 14:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Lance Stroll has admitted that he looks to replicate Fernando Alonso's "incredible" attitude towards Formula 1, as the Canadian opened up on his excitement over a "special" home race in Montreal.

"Canada is always really special," he told TSN's YouTube channel. "When you pull out a good result at home it always feel a little bit better.
"I've had a few good races back home and leaving the track on Sunday, it just makes it that little bit more special when it's at home.
"I thrive off of it," he added when asked about the added pressure of a home race. "I just enjoy the energy and the excitement around the weekend.
"I think it's easy to see it as a daunting experience, the idea of doing well at home, the pressure, that can kind of take away the joy of the weekend.

‘Stroll's plan to SUCCEED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109574/lance-stroll-fernando-alonso-canadian-grand-prix-aston-martin-f1/


F1: 5 key talking points heading into the Canadian Grand Prix
15th June 2023, 12:44
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

What should we be looking out for this weekend in Canada, though? Here are five things to keep your eye on... Can Sergio Perez arrest his slide? The Spanish GP last time out was an important weekend for Checo as he needed to score well after disappointing in Monaco, but he found himself having to clamber up the field again and eventually finished fourth.

Can Mercedes build? A double podium finish for Mercedes last time out in Spain has really given them a shot in the arm - though they are obviously trying to remain cautious about what is to come. Can Alpine keep up their form? There are just two teams that have finished with both cars in the points in the last three races and one of those is Alpine.

More Montreal success for Alfa Romeo? In 2022, Alfa Romeo scored a double points finish in Canada and they would certainly like a repeat of that. A better track for Williams? Listening to what the likes of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant have to say going into this weekend, there's hope that the Williams car is going to be a little more suited to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve than to recent venues that we have visited.

‘5 key talking points’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-5-key-talking-points-heading-into-the-canadian-grand-prix/


5 things to get you up to speed for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
15th June 2023, 11:21
CTV News Montreal

Formula One is back in Canada for a second consecutive year as the Canadian Grand Prix gets underway this week in Montreal. To get you up to speed, here are five things to know ahead of this year's event: UNSTOPPABLE VERSTAPPEN: Max Verstappen is the latest example of what happens when you combine a great driver with the best car on the grid.

STROLL'S HOMECOMING: Lance Stroll is the only Canadian on the grid this year after Nicholas Latifi's departure from Williams. But although the number of Canadian drivers was split in half, the odds of a Canadian reaching the podium might have doubled. MERCEDES ON THE RISE? Mercedes has a long way to go before returning to the car that won eight straight constructors' championships from 2014-2021, but the team might have figured some things out in Spain.

FERRARI IN TROUBLE? After finishing second in the constructors' standings last season, Ferrari is in fourth this year. ABOUT THE CANADIAN GP: It's the 52nd Canadian Grand Prix and the 42nd edition in Montreal, famous for some classic races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the "Wall of Champions" on Turn 14, which even the very best drivers have hit.

‘Get you up to speed’;

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/five-things-to-get-you-up-to-speed-for-the-canadian-grand-prix-in-montreal-1.6441926

[Fortitude]

First look at important changes made to Canadian GP circuit.
Drivers will no longer be able drive through an escape road to get back onto the track if they run wide at Turn 1.
15 June 7:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

The Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve has underwent a significant change at Turn 1 this year in a bid to stop drivers from gaining an advantage. Previously drivers could run wide at the corner if they out-brake themselves and rejoin at the exit of Turn 2, as long as they did so in a safe manner back on track.

This year there has been a row of TecPro barrier added where the track joins with the escape road, meaning drivers will be forced to turn around or reverse back onto the track at Turn 1.

The modification is a crucial part of the track as it is the end of one of the three DRS zones that feature on the circuit, with the changes potentially having an effect on whether drivers decide to make a move at the corner.

‘Important changes’;

https://racingnews365.com/first-look-at-important-changes-made-to-canadian-gp-circuit


Corner cutters beware: New barrier introduced at key Canadian GP run-off spot
15 Jun 2023 6:58 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

A new barrier has been put in place at the run-off of Turns 1 and 2 for the Canadian GP, which will stop the drivers from being tempted to cut the opening part of the lap if they lock up. It has not been an uncommon sight in years gone by at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for those who lock a brake and run deep into the left-hander of Turn 1, which then loops back on itself through Turn 2 and onto a short straight before Turn 3, for some drivers to cut Turn 2 altogether and rejoin the track.

On the first lap of the race, when Turns 1 and 2 also get congested, it’s also not unusual to see drivers take to the run-off and slot back into the order from there. But now, a new barrier has been installed where the asphalt run-off meets the exit of Turn 2 for this year’s Canadian GP, in an attempt to curb the drivers from doing so this time around.

‘Corner cutters beware’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/canadian-gp-chicane-barrier-addition/


Lance Stroll: “It’s always special for me to see all the Canadian support”
June 15, 2023
By Nick Golding
The Checkered Flag

Stroll knows that the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team will likely be in battle with multiple teams this weekend, although, upgrades for the Silverstone-based team in Canada could give them the edge. The Canadian has his eyes set on “pushing hard” for his fans in Montreal, with it being the best place to claim his highest finish of the year.

“I am really excited to return to Montréal for my home race; it’s always special for me to see all the Canadian support at the city I grew up in. It is a circuit that also holds some good memories for me; climbing seven places to finish in the points last year was especially memorable.”

“With how close the pecking order has been in recent races, it will be interesting to see what the characteristics of the circuit do to the competitiveness up and down the pitlane this weekend. The margins will be very tight, so we’ll be pushing hard to put on a good show for my home crowd.”

‘Canadian support’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/lance-stroll-its-always-special-for-me-to-see-all-the-canadian-support/


Fernando Alonso’s response to Aston Martin F1 owner Lawrence Stroll’s ‘aggressive’ Canadian GP target
15 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Fernando Alonso thinks Aston Martin F1 team owner Lawrence Stroll’s target of a double podium at the Canadian Grand Prix is an “aggressive target”. Stroll told Reuters that he hopes to see “two cars on the podium”, adding: “I’m extremely confident. I believe the car will be very strong around the Montreal circuit, it suits our car well…so I’m really looking forward to going home and really looking forward to a great race.”

Although he did not completely rule it out, two-time world champion Alonso admitted such a feat will be a big ask given Red Bull’s dominance so far this year.

“You never know, but it is an aggressive target for the weekend,” the Spaniard said. “But we know Lawrence. His ambition is super high always and we will try to make him happy and proud in the home grand prix.”

‘Big ask’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1028847/1/alonso-s-response-stroll-s-aggressive-canadian-gp-target


Alonso singled out for FIA INSPECTIONS ahead of Canadian GP
Thursday 15 June 2023 19:15
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has been singled out for an FIA investigation ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix with the stewards performing 'more extensive physical inspections'.

The FIA published a document on Thursday confirming that Alonso's car had been selected for further physical inspections ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. The checks for this are understood to have been taken directly following the Spanish Grand Prix.

These checks are done at random and selected from the top tens cars in the standings, ensuring compliance with the sport's technical regulations. Thankfully for Alonso and Aston Martin, the checks were passed without any issue with all parts found to be in compliance with FIA regulations.

‘Compliance’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109610/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-fia-inspection-canadian-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Champ’s shot at history; Ferrari makes ‘worrying’ admission: F1 Canada burning questions.
The Canadian Grand Prix is perhaps best known in recent times for playing the weather card. Rain arrives randomly, heavily and often decisively, shaking up the field or suspending the race entirely.
June 16th, 2023 3:39 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Nothing says ‘F1’s European leg’ quite like a stand-alone visit to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. The annual visit to Canada has long disrupted F1’s long European run to capitalise on the narrow window of warm summer weather in Quebec at the high-speed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve semipermanent street track.

With rain forecast all weekend, some are hoping there’ll be an elevated chance that someone other than Max Verstappen could stand on the top step. Sergio Pérez certainly hopes it’ll be him — the Mexican is targeting a “reset” to his season from 53 points down on his teammate.

Ferrari and Aston Martin will also be hoping for a bounce-back from difficult weekends in Barcelona. But the rain could be more valuable to the midfield, where points have been difficult to come by this season. McLaren, having scrapped to unlikely points all year, could be the biggest winners from a wet grand prix given its recent form in the rain.

‘F1 Canada burning questions.’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/champs-shot-at-history-ferrari-makes-worrying-admission-f1-canada-burning-questions/news-story/a029ec9e07400ff0d9a9d5e88b748cad


Leclerc expects major Ferrari issue to remain at Canadian GP
The Monegasque has a big problem to resolve and Ferrari don't appear to have found a solution
June 15, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is expecting another tough weekend at the 2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix after a pointless race in Spain. The Scuderia star qualified woefully in Barcelona and could not race his way into the top 10 and it later emerged that he was struggling massively in left-hand corners.

Those issues don’t appear to have been fixed by Ferrari as there are no new parts coming to the scarlet red car in Montreal. “It’s the first time it’s happened in my career,” Leclerc told the media ahead of the Canadian GP. “When I looked at the left-hand corners, that’s where I was struggling.

“I said it straight away after qualifying and we can see that on the data I’m losing six and a half to seven-tenths in left-hand corners. But there are no real reasons yet so I can’t say much more on that.”

‘Major Ferrari issue’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-charles-leclerc-major-ferrari-issue-remain-2023-canadian-gp/


Leclerc not expecting 'any miracles' for Ferrari in Canada as Sainz predicts Alpine to join battle for second
15 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Charles Leclerc admits he is not expecting "any miracles" at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix off the back of his point-less outing in Barcelona. Meanwhile his Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz is expecting the layout of the circuit in Montreal to suit the SF23, but that there may be increased competition for P2 in the constructors' championship.

This performance came on the weekend that Ferrari brought their first major upgrade of the season and, after he revealed that they had brought the same car to Montreal, Leclerc admitted that he was not expecting a “huge step forward”. “It was a very difficult weekend for me especially,” said Leclerc. “On this track we don't have anything new, so I don’t think we will have any miracles. But we need to just try to maximise our package.”

“[We need to] understand more this package, the way we should set up the car in order to maximise it. In Spain we were quite easily off the window and then we were losing quite a bit of performance. So, we've learned a lot, but I don’t think it will be huge step forward.” When asked what he was expecting come Sunday afternoon, Leclerc replied: “I feel like Aston Martin will be doing a step forward for this weekend, Red Bull they will be in front as always.”

‘Not expecting 'any miracles' for Ferrari’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc-not-expecting-any-miracles-for-ferrari-in-canada-as-sainz-predicts.50VBuZY3RLDdTuLAGIO2vh.html


The Battle Behind The Red Bulls – Who Comes Out on Top?
June 15, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen are seemingly running away with both FIA Formula 1 World Championships and even as early as the Canadian Grand Prix, many are already claiming that the title races are over.

However, what many won’t realise is the exciting and enticing battles happening behind the Bulls, between Scuderia Ferrari, Aston Martin Armaco F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Fernando Alonso has been on top form this season, scoring five podiums this season in seven races, which is an incredible achievement for the Spaniard, who only joined Aston Martin at the start of this season.

Many have overlooked the performances of Lewis Hamilton this season, although the seven-time World Champion isn’t where he’d want to be, fighting for wins at the front, he is driving extremely well and has outdrove his W14 in multiple races this season. Ferrari have underperformed so far this season, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. still have so much to offer, and this weekend will be a chance for the pair to get back into form. Canada will be an interesting race for all three teams, but the question is who comes out on top?

‘Battle Behind The Red Bulls’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/the-battle-behind-the-red-bulls-who-comes-out-on-top/


F1: Esteban Ocon upbeat as Alpine eye more points at Canadian GP
20:42 Thu, 15 Jun 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Esteban Ocon was in a positive mood speaking to the press ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, as Alpine look to earn another double points finish.

Speaking ahead of the weekend here in Montréal, Ocon reflected on last season's result and also how discussed how he was feeling about their prospects over the coming days: "I think we had a very good car last year here. It was one of the weekends that we scored great points," the Frenchman said.

"We still have to focus on race pace and figure out why we are not as competitive on Sundays as we are on Saturdays but all in all it's going in the right direction with what we're doing and it's a good moment for us. We are having a good time at the moment definitely and we are all happy that we are in this position so far. We are moving forward and that's very important."

‘Ocon upbeat’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-esteban-ocon-upbeat-as-alpine-eye-more-points-at-canadian-gp/


Sergio Perez targets Canadian GP reset after tricky European double-header
The Mexican saw his 2023 title chances dwindle with poor qualifying preventing podiums in Monaco and Spain
June 15, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is ready to completely reset his 2023 Formula 1 season after back-to-back disappointments in Europe. A crash in qualifying at Monaco and 12th in Spain gave the Red Bull man too much to do compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen, who went on to win both races on European shores.

“I want to reset and go again,” Perez told the media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. “Monaco was all down to me and my bad mistake. “Then in Barcelona, a bad qualifying again which was tricky in the damp conditions and we paid the price on Sunday so I’m looking forward to getting back to the form we had in the early season.”

“Barcelona was the only time I have had difficulties with the car,” Perez added. “I struggled all through the weekend but other than that, I think in Monaco we had the pace to have a good weekend but I did a mistake. We should be having a lot of podiums and wins with this car from now until the end of the year. We can see the competition getting closer all the time.”

‘Reset after tricky European double-header’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-sergio-perez-canadian-gp-reset-tricky-european-double-header/


How a mid-season rule change could aid Ferrari and hinder Aston Martin.
The aerodynamic testing rules in Formula 1 will see significant changes for certain teams based on their current success on track.
16 June 8:30AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Aston Martin's charge up the Formula 1 order is set to be hindered by the next revision to the sport's aerodynamic testing sliding scale. Teams are restricted on the amount of wind tunnel testing runs and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) hours they can do to develop their car, with the aim of reducing costs and enabling struggling teams to catch up.

The pecking order is based on the championship position at the end of the previous season, and is then reset on June 30 each year to reflect the current order.

Number Team (change from previous measuring point) Percentage
1 Red Bull (equal) 63%
2 Mercedes (+1) 75%
3 Aston Martin (+4) 80%
4 Ferrari (-2) 85%
5 Alpine (-1) 90%
6 McLaren (-1) 95%
7 Haas (+1) 100%
8 Alpha Romeo (-2) 105%
9 AlphaTauri (equal) 110%
10 Williams (equal) 115%

‘Aerodynamic testing rules in Formula’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-gain-advantage-aston-martin-nerfed-after-canadian-gp

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll pins Canadian GP pressure on son Lance.
Lawrence Stroll has high expectations for Aston Martin and the pressure is on his own son to live up to them in Montreal this weekend.
14:19, Fri, Jun 16, 2023
By Richard Garnett
Daily and Sunday Express

Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has ramped the pressure up on his own son Lance, by claiming that he is looking for a double podium placing at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. The Silverstone-based team have made a solid start to the F1 season, recording five top-three finishes in the first seven races.

But all five of those podium appearances have been made by veteran driver Fernando Alonso, with the two-time former world champion enjoying a late resurgence in his F1 career. A haul of 99 points has put the Spaniard third in the Drivers' Championship behind the runaway Red Bull pairing of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

But in stark contrast, Alonso's Aston Martin teammate Stroll has only managed to accumulate 35 points so far, with his best performance a four-placed finish at the Australian Grand Prix in April. That appears to be of little concern to the 24-year-old's billionaire father, however, who has confidently predicted that his developing outfit can do the business in Montreal this weekend.

‘Lawrence Stroll pins Canadian GP pressure on son Lance’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1781444/Aston-Martin-billionaire-owner-Lawrence-Stroll-Canadian-GP-pressure-Lance


Alonso aiming for "aggressive" Canadian GP target
16 June 2:15PM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

With the Canadian GP being the home race for Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll and son Lance, hopes are high of a strong result at Montreal. Fernando Alonso says he and Aston Martin are aiming to achieve team owner Lawrence Stroll's target of a double podium finish at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

After a strong start to 2023, Aston Martin currently sit third in the Constructors' Championship with 134, with Alonso having scored all five of the team's podium finishes so far. Pressed on whether both he and teammate Lance Stroll – son of Lawrence – could make it into the top three in Sunday's race, Alonso said that was the aim.

"You never know, but it is an aggressive target for the weekend," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com. "But we know Lawrence, [his] ambition is super high, always, and we will try to make him happy and proud in the home Grand Prix."

‘Hopes are high of a strong result at Montreal’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-aiming-for-aggressive-canadian-gp-target


Major Aston Martin changes head Canadian GP upgrade list
16th June 2023, 16:48
By Mark Hughes
The Race

Though it comes as the next round after the usual upgrade bonanza of Barcelona, Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix has seen several big-ticket development items declared by the teams – namely a major Aston Martin upgrade and an extensively-revised FW45 package that will only be available to the more experienced Williams driver, Alex Albon, this weekend.

‘Only Ferrari having no developments to announce’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/major-aston-martin-changes-head-canadian-gp-upgrade-list/


Russell outlines THREE reasons why Mercedes could struggle in Canada
Friday 16 June 2023 16:57
Dan Ripley
GPFans

George Russell admits Mercedes face a number of handicaps heading into the Canadian Grand Prix. Asked on the reasons why Mercedes could struggle in Canada, Russell outlined three factors that could go against them.

"It's a really different circuit," he told Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz. "Barcelona with the new changes is all medium high speed corners. In Montreal, it's all slow speed corners, Barcelona - it's a very smooth tarmac. Here. It's very bumpy. It's hitting all the curbs. It's a straight track.”

"And finally, in Barcelona, we had the three hardest tires, and here with the three softest tires, so, you know, there's no guarantees that we're going to be competitive or as competitive as we were in Barcelona.”

‘ "Aggressive" Canadian GP target’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109655/george-russell-reasons-mercedes-canadian-grand-prix/


F1 Fantasy: top picks and predictions for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
June 16th 2023
Author Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine

Driver and constructor F1 Fantasy picks for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, including tips on who to avoid and which chips to play. Renowned for throwing up a curveball, the Canadian Grand Prix not only presents an opportunity for the trailing field to knock Red Bull off its win streak, but also a chance to make some big gains on the F1 Fantasy leaderboards.

Red Bull has continued to lead the way so far, the RB19 winning seven races from seven entires, and Max Verstappen‘s triumph in Spain further extended his advantage at the front of the field, scoring 314 F1 Fantasy points so far this season – 72 more than any other driver. But the ever-present challenge of Sergio Perez and Aston Martin‘s Fernando Alonso means the Dutchman’s third world title isn’t secured just yet and a slip up in Canada could put the trailing pack – and your F1 Fantasy team – back in the hunt.

‘Top picks and predictions’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/f1-fantasy-top-picks-and-predictions-for-the-2023-canadian-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1#


Leclerc: Ferrari not expecting 'miracles' at Canadian GP
Friday 16 June 2023 15:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has tempered expectations for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, acknowledging that his team does not anticipate any "miracles" at the event. After a challenging race in Spain where Leclerc narrowly missed out on points, the Monegasque remains cautiously optimistic about Ferrari's performance in Montreal.

Reflecting on the difficult weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc says Ferrari have "learnt a lot" but warns Tifosi expecting a "huge step forward" not to hold their breath. “Yeah, [the Spanish Grand Prix] was a very difficult weekend for me especially," he recalled at an FIA press conference in Montreal.

"On this track, we don't have anything new, so I don't think we'll have any miracles but we need to just try and maximise our package, understand more this package, the way we should set up the car in order to maximise it. So we've learnt a lot. And I'm pretty sure we'll be in a better place for this weekend. But I don't think it will be a huge step forward.”

‘Ferrari not expecting miracles';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109652/charles-leclerc-ferrari-canadian-gp-2023-miracles/


F1 2023’s first driver market rumours victim on his struggles
Jun 16 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

Nyck de Vries’ career is a case study in Formula 1’s capriciousness. Shunned after winning the Formula 2 title in 2019, he was the toast of Monza after taking ninth for Williams following a late Italian Grand Prix call-up on Saturday morning last year and courted by several teams.

In May, only five races into his full-time F1 career with AlphaTauri, rumours swirled of ultimatums and the risk of imminent replacement. The media maelstrom has since calmed, with De Vries producing a solid run to 12th in Monaco then a frustrated 14th in Spain.

That’s not to say the pressure is vanquished. The combination of Yuki Tsunoda’s excellent performances in the other AlphaTauri and the success of other Red Bull prospects, notably Super Formula points leader Liam Lawson, means De Vries’ F1 future is far from secure. But he has now at least settled into the season.

‘Driver market rumours’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-2023s-first-driver-market-rumours-victim-on-his-struggles/

[Fortitude]

Canadian Grand Prix practice descends into farce after bizarre CCTV blackout.
First practice at the Canadian Grand Prix was halted due to an issue with local CCTV infrastructure in Montreal.
16th June 2023, 19:18
Kieran Jackson
Formula 1 Correspondent
The Independent

Practice at the Canadian Grand Prix descended into an early farce on Friday after FP1 was halted due to CCTV issues. FP1 got underway for just five minutes before Pierre Gasly’s Alpine stopped at the side of the track, triggering a red flag.

Yet while Gasly’s car was quickly wheeled to safety, the red flag remained due to issues with the local CCTV infrastructure around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

As opposed to qualifying and the race where the clock stops, in practice sessions the clock keeps rolling - meaning drivers were unable to get valuable time on track.

‘Descends into farce after bizarre CCTV blackout’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/f1-canadian-grand-prix-practice-montreal-cctv-b2359144.html


F1 2023 Canadian Grand Prix - Friday Practice Results
16 Jun 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Results from Friday practice at the Canadian Grand Prix, Round 8 of the F1 2023 world championship.

2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (1)
Pos Driver Nat. Team Time
1 Valtteri Bottas FIN Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1m18.728s
2 Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team 1m19.175s
3 Fernando Alonso ESP Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team 1m19.807s
4 Sergio Perez MEX Oracle Bull Racing 1m20.154s
5 Max Verstappen NED Oracle Red Bull Racing 1m20.231s
6 Oscar Piastri AUS McLaren F1 Team 1m21.496s
8 Nico Hulkenberg GER MoneyGram Haas F1 Team 1m24.045s
8 Kevin Magnussen DEN MoneyGram Haas F1 Team 1m24.336s
9 Zhou Guanyu CHN Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1m24.961s
10 Carlos Sainz ESP Scuderia Ferrari 1m25.991s

‘Results’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/results/1028977/1/f1-2023-canadian-grand-prix-friday-practice-results


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
16 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS it happened!’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-canada-2023.3KanZSq945WSG10DtfijGc.html


2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
16th June 2023, 18:34
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


CAMERA ISSUES HAMPER FP1 AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
With many upgrades applied to cars across the paddock, the free practice sessions will be vital for the teams to gather valuable data
June 16, 2023
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

FP1 for the Canadian Grand Prix was heavily hampered due to local CCTV issues. Valtteri Bottas topped the session ahead of Aston Martin duo Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.

‘Local CCTV issues’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/camera-issues-hamper-fp1-at-the-canadian-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

F1 Canadian GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in FP2 before rain hits.
Lewis Hamilton headed a Mercedes 1-2 in Formula 1's second free practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, as a downpour flooded the track in the final five minutes.
23:11 Fri, 16 Jun 2023.
By: Jake Boxall-Legge
Motorsport.com

The second practice session was extended by half an hour following the opening session's curtailment as technical issues emerged with the circuit's CCTV system. This left the teams, who had managed only the most cursory of laps in FP1, with much in the way of data to gather ahead of Saturday's preparations for qualifying.

Charles Leclerc was first to bother the stopwatch, setting the opening benchmark of a 1m16.564s on the medium tyres, but the Ferrari driver was soon usurped as Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas threw their first efforts into the fray. Max Verstappen then posted a 1m15.333s despite submitting complaints about his Red Bull's downshifts, taking the times down into the 1m14s with a 1m14.726s.

When the session drew into its final half-hour, radio messages began to emerge that rain was 10 minutes away. Making hay, George Russell then fired his Mercedes onto top spot with a 1m13.745s, where he remained for a few mere seconds before Hamilton eclipsed him with a 1m13.718s. With five minutes remaining, a sudden deluge hit the track at the hairpin - although the southern part of the circuit remained largely dry to create a split in conditions…

‘FP2 before rain hits’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-canadian-gp-hamilton-leads-mercedes-1-2-in-second-practice/10483743/


F1 2023 Canadian GP – Practice 2 Results
Mercedes were first and second fasted in FP2 at the 2023 Canadian GP
June 16, 2023
By John Smith
Total Motorsport

An extended Free Practice 2 session at the Canadian Grand Prix 2023 was topped by Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with the seven-time Formula 1 champion 0.027s ahead of his teammate.

It must be said that the Red Bull drivers of Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who was eighth, being 0.424s and 0.532s behind Hamilton, respectively, though they both set their fastest times on the medium tyres, with the Mercedes on softs.

F1 Canadian GP 2023 – FP2 Results
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:13.718
2 George Russell Mercedes +0.027
3 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.126
4 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.326
5 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.376
6 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.424
7 Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.502
8 Sergio Perez Red Bull +0.532
9 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.701
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.759

‘Practice 2 Results’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-2023-canadian-gp-practice-2-results/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Second practice was extended by half an hour (although most of that time was then lost due to two red flags and a downpour towards the end) after a CCTV issue saw the opening practice fail to restart following an early red flag for a car stopped on track.

Results (Classification):
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes -1:13.718
2. George Russell Mercedes +0.027
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.126
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.326
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.376
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.424
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.502
8. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.532
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.701
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.759

‘Canadian Grand Prix – Here are the results from the extended and disrupted second practice session ahead of the 2023 F1 World Championship race in Montreal’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second-practice-results-2023-canadian-grand-prix-82420


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
16 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-canada-2023.wUMuFZ2Z2CYnyeromrqyk.html


RED FLAGS AND RAIN HAMPER EXTENDED FREE PRACTICE TWO AT THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
The second session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend was extended for an additional 30 minutes due to the camera issues seen during free practice one
June 16, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

The FIA announced that free practice two will be extended for an additional 30 minutes following the camera issues that red flagged the first practice session in Montreal. Issues with the track’s CCTV might not be the only hurdle Formula One needs to overcome this weekend, with rain forecasted

‘RED FLAGS AND RAIN’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/red-flags-and-rain-hamper-extended-free-practice-two-at-the-canadian-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Button admits Canadian GP weekend could now spiral into CHAOS.
"The problem is [that] when it rains, you can’t really get a feel for what the updates are doing, and the data doesn’t show either," the former world champion explained.
Friday 16 June 2023 21:34
Chris Deeley
GPFans

Jenson Button has admitted that the early end to FP1 at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix could cause teams a lot of problems. The first practice session allowed for less than 10 minutes of running before a combination of Pierre Gasly's Alpine failing on track and a malfunction in the local CCTV system caused the rest of the session to be red flagged.

Advantage Red Bull – again "Especially if you have sensors all over the car when there’s spray, you don’t get the information you need. Red Bull are pretty lucky – they did the right thing [and] got out there as soon as they could. They would’ve got information, but other people would’ve struggled with that.”

“It’s a real shame. It’s possibly going to rain tomorrow, that’s why they actually needed these sessions in the dry to get a feel for a bit of race setup. I don’t think any racing driver likes the rain, but it’s how you deal with it. Around here, it’s a really tricky place in the wet, because the white lines, it’s very narrow. You slip up [and] you’re in the wall."

‘Spiral into CHAOS’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109686/jensen-button-canadian-grand-prix-f1-rain-practice/


Canadian Grand Prix practice is CANCELLED after just four minutes due to faulty CCTV system in blow to punters paying £300 for tickets... before FP2 is extended and brought forward
• The first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix was halted after just four minutes
• Red flag was waved when the CCTV system broke down in front of 90,000 crowd
• The second session was extended by 30 minutes and brought forward
Published: 20:10, 16 June 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mailonine
Mail Online

Formula One was left red-faced as first practice for the Canadian Grand Prix ground to a halt after just four minutes of practice. In front of an estimated crowd of 90,000 – some of whom paid £300 to watch the weekend’s action – the red flag was waved when the CCTV system broke down. The network provides footage from every area of the track and is essential for safety reasons.

The FIA issued a statement, effectively blaming the local organisers, who they said were ‘working to resolve the issue and until that time we can’t re-start.’ In a further statement, the governing body added: ‘The delay will be longer as the CCTV is not synced correctly and until this issue has been fixed we cannot run on track. The system is a local installation and they are continuing to work to resolve the problem.

'The clock will continue to run down on FP1 and the session won’t be extended as there must be two hours between the end of FP1 and FP2. We are looking at options to extend FP2.’

‘Punters paying £300 for tickets...’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12204147/Canadian-Grand-Prix-practice-CANCELLED-just-four-minutes-faulty-CCTV-system.html


Faulty CCTV cameras leave 90 000 spectators staring at an empty track in Canada
20:41 Fri, 16 Jun 2023.
TEAMTalk Media
Wheels24

The first practice session for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix was embarrassingly cancelled after a CCTV failure at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The opening one-hour of running for the weekend was red-flagged after just four minutes when Pierre Gasly broke down in his Alpine.

An FIA spokesperson said: "The delay will be longer as the CCTV is not synced correctly, and until the issue has been fixed, we cannot run on track. This system is a local installation, and they are continuing to work to resolve the problem.”

Former driver Karun Chandhok, who competed in 11 grands prix and now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, was critical of the FIA's decision to abandon the running. "I feel we needed to get on track," said Chandhok. "I would argue that there's races around the world where they haven't got CCTV cameras, and they rely on marshal posts to radio incidents in - then you can use the TV cameras to look at it."

‘Critical of the FIA's decision to abandon the running’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/faulty-cctv-cameras-leave-90-000-spectators-staring-at-an-empty-track-in-canada-20230616


2023 Canadian GP FP2: Session red flagged as Hulkenberg’s smoking Haas stops on track
16 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Smoke was seen pouring out of the back of Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas as the sick-sounding car ground to a halt on the main straight with around 30 minutes gone in the session, to trigger a red flag as the marshals removed it from the track.

‘Smoking Haas’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-canadian-gp-fp2-session-red-flagged-as-hulkenbergs-smoking-haas-stops-on-track.1768896644105830204.html


Alonso says F1 ‘shot itself in the foot’ after CCTV fault cancels practice session
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 17th June 2023, 0:55
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Fernando Alonso said Formula 1 let fans down after a problem with a CCTV system meant first practice was abandoned after four minutes of running. “It was a shame,” said Alonso. “I think it was not ideal for the teams, but mostly it was for the fans that came very early to the circuit, and we were not able to run in FP1.

“From time to time it seems that we are shooting [ourselves] in our feet as a sport. These things are a little bit embarrassing.” Alonso was able to cover 38 laps in second practice, which was extended to make up for some of the lost running in the first session. He lost further time as the session was red-flagged twice and heavy rain fell in the final 10 minutes. Alonso said the delays left Aston Martin without enough time to fully evaluate the changes to their car.

“We didn’t have time because FP1, unfortunately, the cameras or whatever on the circuit didn’t work and we didn’t have a Plan B, as all these times in this sport.” However Lance Stroll played down the effect the disruption had on their preparations. “It’s the same for everyone,” he said. “The car is feeling good,” he said. “I think we’re looking pretty good.”

‘Shot itself in the foot’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/17/alonso-says-f1-shot-itself-in-the-foot-after-cctv-fault-cancels-practice-session/

[Fortitude]

Montreal track “definitely not suiting our package for now” – Verstappen.
“It was a shame that we ended up losing FP1, I think we really needed it,” said Perez. “And then FP2, towards the end conditions got a bit worse so it was a shame as well in that regard.”
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 17th June 2023, 7:2017th June 2023, 2:06
Written by Ed Hardy
RaceFans

Max Verstappen said the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve does not suit his usually dominant Red Bull car after he and his team mate finished the first day of practice for the Canadian Grand Prix outside the top five. The Formula 1 championship leader was sixth in second practice, two places ahead of team mate Sergio Perez.

“I think we didn’t have a good day,” said Verstappen. “We still have a bit of work to do, the car’s not fantastic at the moment. We know our limitations with the car, and probably on the track like it is now with the bumps and kerbs it’s definitely not suiting our package for now. But we’ll try to find a few improvements.”

Perez admitted Red Bull’s nearest rivals are “looking good”, but with rain expected for qualifying Verstappen expects a potential mix-up in the final grid. “Probably tomorrow it’s going to be very wet,” Verstappen said. “So that normally always brings a few surprises in qualifying and then we’ll see what the weather will do on Sunday.”

“Definitely not suiting our package for now”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/17/montreal-track-definitely-not-suiting-our-package-for-now-verstappen/


Mercedes chief honest about Canadian GP chances ahead of fight with three F1 rivals
Mercedes enjoyed an excellent weekend in Barcelona with a double podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, but the Silver Arrows admit they are likely to struggle more in Montreal
06:00, 17 Jun 2023
Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

Mercedes admit a podium at the Canadian Grand Prix is going to be much more tricky than it was for them in Barcelona. Andrew Shovlin thinks Mercedes will have a harder time this weekend in Montreal

Asked if Mercedes' Barcelona result was down to the track or their upgrades, he said: "Well, probably both are true. The fact is that the update kit works very well around circuits like Barcelona with a lot of high-speed performance.”

"Although, the car itself would have still been okay there because we've been better at the fast circuits and the front-limited tracks. We ended up with a really good balance and really good race pace.

‘Likely to struggle’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-hamilton-canadian-gp-shovlin-30255260


Mercedes' pace no fluke as Lewis Hamilton leads George Russell in Canada practice
17th June 2023, 09:33
Wheels24

An upbeat Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his undimmed vim and speed on Friday when he led George Russell in a Mercedes one-two in a truncated and interrupted day's practice at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Hamilton's Mercedes team technical director, James Allison, played down expectations despite the success just 12 days after a double podium finish in Spain. "It's nice to be at the front and not the back, but don't read too much into it," Allison told Sky Sports F1. "We did our long run work first and our short runs at the end, when the track was its best before the rain."

‘Played down expectations’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/mercedes-pace-no-fluke-as-lewis-hamilton-leads-george-russell-in-canada-practice-20230617


Mercedes have lots of room for improvement after Canadian GP FP2 performance
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was quickest in free practice 2 for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
June 17, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Mercedes‘ technical director James Allisson insisted the team has lots of room to improve after Lewis Hamilton led a one-two FP2 of the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. However, he doused expectations ahead of qualifying after a strange Friday in Canada where the afternoon session was rain-affected and FP1 only saw three minutes of live running.

“I think there’s plenty more to improve on your car before we get to qualifying,” Allison told Sky Sports F1. “The car is in okay shape, but it’s not deserving of a one-two, because we just weren’t running on track at the same time.”

“Thinking that this rain was coming a little sooner than he came, we ran a long run at the beginning of the session and short runs at the end. Everyone else did it vice versa, so we were doing our short runs when the track was at its fastest.”

‘Room for improvement’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-mercedes-room-for-improvement-canadian-gp-fp2-performance/


What we learned from Friday practice at the F1 Canadian GP
17th June 2023, 09:52
By: Jake Boxall-Legge
Motorsport.com

Following an unusual day of practice action at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a Mercedes 1-2 emerged on the timesheet while Red Bull languished down the order. While both teams had explanations for these situations, and effectively losing an entire practice session muddied the waters further, it appears a more open contest than at recent races could be on the cards

Formula 1's bizarre brace of Friday practice sessions for the Canadian Grand Prix ended with Lewis Hamilton holding the fastest time, as rain and technical issues left their respective marks. In the meantime, Red Bull's hunt for its 100th grand prix victory began with a rocky start as Max Verstappen could only manage the sixth-best time overall, while team-mate Sergio Perez was eighth on the timesheets - behind nominal FP1 topper Valtteri Bottas.

Red Bull's struggles were the most curious, and Verstappen left the session feeling that there was much to do overnight to bestow him with a greater feeling behind the wheel. Many of the issues he faced appeared to stem from difficulties dealing with kerbs and bumps, which could go some way to explaining why he lost so much time on the exits of corners. On the exit of the final chicane, Verstappen shed time relative to Alonso having had to contend with the oft-brutal kerb parked upon the apex.

‘A more open contest than at recent races could be on the cards’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/what-we-learned-from-friday-practice-at-the-f1-canadian-gp/10483895/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen fastest in wet final practice as Sainz crashes.
Canadian Grand Prix – Max Verstappen was fastest in a wet final Montreal practice which saw Carlos Sainz bring out the Red Flags.
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

While there had been heavy rain in Montreal earlier today, there were only a few spits as the final practice started. The Haas cars were the first to take to the track, and Hulkenberg put the first time in, a 1:34.889 on the full wets.

After ten minutes Ocon was fastest with a 1:31.428 with Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton less than a tenth behind and the Aston Martins had just switched from wets to intermediate tyres. After another ten minutes, and another spin for Tsunoda, everyone was on the intermediates and Hulkenberg had just jumped to the top with a 1:26.431 a good few tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.

As the session got suspended, Verstappen’s 1:24.480 was the top time while Sainz had just moved into P2 ahead of his teammate. Things got back underway with 23 minutes to go and Gasly led the way back out on track, intermediates continuing to be the tyre of choice. As in FP2, the heavy rain came in the final ten minutes so a lot of drivers retreated to the pits and the session effectively ended early.

‘Verstappen fastest’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-fastest-in-wet-final-practice-as-sainz-crashes-82425


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:23.106
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.291
3. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.377
4. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.609
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +1.659
6. Pierre Gasly Alpine +1.719
7. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.838
8. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +1.849
9. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +1.882
10. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +1.981

‘Canadian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race in Montreal’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-canadian-grand-prix-82423


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
17 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-third-practice-in-canada-2023.3Pi6jjtKTshJlAhT1qCgZH.html


2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Final Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
17th June 2023, 17:37
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-final-practice-live-updates


Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to be investigated by F1 stewards at Canadian GP after crash
Carlos Sainz suffered a Saturday practice to forget at the Canadian Grand Prix.
18:11, Sat, Jun 17, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz will be investigated by the stewards for impeding other drivers while the Spanish star also crashed out in FP3. FIA chiefs decided to look at Sainz after complaints from Williams driver Alex Albon in the final practice session.

Albon was forced to bail out of a hot lap at the final chicane to avoid the Ferrari star and instantly took to team radio to vent his anger. The Thai star demanded race stewards took a look at the incident and take some action. He said: “That has to go to the stewards now. It's the same guy again.” Minutes later Sainz was forced out of the session after crashing out at turn one.”

He dropped his front right tyre on the white line on the outside of turn one which sent his car spinning round. Sainz was unable to avoid the barrier on the outside of the wall which ripped apart his front nose cone.

‘F1 stewards’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1781764/ferrari-carlos-sainz-fia-investigated-canadian-grand-prix


Canadian GP: Verstappen sails to P1 in wet Practice 3
17 June 2023
Ben Issatt
Inside Racing

Max Verstappen sailed to the top of the timesheet in a wet final practice at the Canadian Grand Prix. A very wet track meant the drivers headed out on the new extreme wet Pirelli tyres that do not require any pre-heating in the blankets to start the session.


Ferrari seemed to be enjoying the wet, however, as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc alternated at the top of the timesheets. It wasn't long until Max Verstappen also joined the fray as a drier line emerged and lap times significantly improved. Sainz's session then got worse as he lost the rear under braking into Turn 1 and slid into the barriers, causing a red flag.

Once cleared, Verstappen emerged and put in a string of fastest laps, ending with a best time of 1m23.106s. Leclerc was the only driver to get close to the world champion in second, just under three-tenths slower in his Ferrari.

‘Verstappen sails to P1’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula-1/16794-canadian-gp-verstappen-sails-to-p1-in-wet-practice-3

[Fortitude]

Canadian GP qualifying results: Verstappen on pole as Hulkenberg trumps the two Mercedes
Max Verstappen managed to clinch yet another pole position at the end of an eventful qualifying session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
22:16, Sat, Jun 17, 2023
By Archie Griggs

Max Verstappen managed to put himself on pole position for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix ahead of Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso at the end of a thoroughly entertaining wet-dry qualifying session on Saturday. The indecisive conditions in Montreal saw plenty of teams struggle with their tyre strategies, with Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc both missing out on Q3 in spite of their best efforts.

Leclerc was once again left frustrated with Ferrari's decision-making process and was clearly furious with his team over the radio after he was knocked out in 12th place. The Monegasque driver asked for a new set of dry tyres as the clock ticked down in Q2 but was ignored by Ferrari, who have been consistently letting him down with their questionable strategy calls over the last few years.

‘Hulkenberg trumps the two Mercedes’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1781809/Canadian-Grand-Prix-qualifying-results-Max-Verstappen-Nico-Hulkenberg-F1-news


Qualifying Results – 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:25.858
2. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +1.244
3. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.428
4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +1.769
5. George Russell Mercedes +2.035
6. Esteban Ocon Alpine +2.087
7. Lando Norris McLaren +2.188
8. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +3.436
9. Oscar Piastri McLaren +5.491
10. Alex Albon Williams Racing No time

‘Canadian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race in Montreal’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-canadian-grand-prix-82434


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix
17 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site20:42

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-canada-2023.2bApHvxsQBeCJqSfmPGJok.html


How qualifying for the F1 Canadian Grand Prix unfolded
17th June 2023, 17:37
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘How qualifying for the F1 Canadian Grand Prix unfolded’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-final-practice-live-updates


Pole for Verstappen as Hulkenberg puts Haas on the front row
17th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Q1: In the end Verstappen topped the session with a 1:20.851 ahead of Alonso and the Mercedes of Hamilton and George Russell. Tsunoda, Gasly, de Vries, Sergeant and Zhou didn’t make it through.

Q2: Verstappen was the first on track as the second part of qualifying started while Albon was the first to take the risk and put on a set of soft tyres while the rest continued on the intermediates. As Albon put in good times, other drivers also made the switch to slick tyres. Albon went to the top of the times with a 1:19.471 before dropping it down to a 1:18.725 as the rain started drizzling down again. At the top though the brave call from Albon saw him top the session over three and a half tenths ahead of Verstappen with the McLarens lining up behind him.

Q3: The rain continued bucketing down so the track would probably be getting worse each lap in this portion of the session. Surprisingly, despite the rain, times continued to improve and the session got Red Flagged with just over seven minutes on the clock as Oscar Piastri rear first into the barrier just after T7. Hulkenberg got incredibly lucky, crossing the line to go P2 a second before the Red Flag was shown.

‘Hulkenberg puts Haas on the front row’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/pole-for-verstappen-as-hulkenberg-puts-haas-on-the-front-row-82433

[Fortitude]

HÜLKENBERG LOSES FRONT ROW, ALONSO PROMOTED TO P2 AFTER PENALTY.
Haas have lost their front-row start. Hülkenberg has taken a penalty for failing to stay above the minimum time during a red flag. The stewards found that the Haas driver was already 1.5 seconds over the minimum delta time when the red flag waved.
June 18, 2023
Jasmine Hughes
FormulaNerds

The penalty means that Hülkenberg will start from fifth on the grid. Fernando Alonso now finds himself starting alongside Max Verstappen on the front row. Hülkenberg isn’t the only driver to have received a penalty. Multiple minor incidents in Saturday’s qualifying saw a slew of F1 drivers dropping grid places as a result.

Carlos Sainz received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Pierre Gasly in the final stages of Q1 — potentially costing the Alpine driver a Q1 exit. As Gasly sped down the final straight of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he was forced to take evasive action as he came up behind a much slower Sainz.

The stewards, after reviewing the incident, held that Sainz had “unnecessarily impeded” Gasly, and handed the Ferrari driver a three-place grid penalty as a result. The Ferrari driver now starts the Canadian Grand Prix from eleventh on the grid, having qualified in P8. Sainz also now starts from behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who had an equally unhappy qualifying session. After failing to make it out of Q2, Leclerc qualified P11. He now starts from tenth on the grid due to Sainz’s penalty.

‘Haas have lost their front-row start’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/hulkenberg-loses-front-row-alonso-p2-penalty/


Hulkenberg penalised, drops to third row of grid
18/06/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

They noted that Hulkenberg “had just finished his fastest lap and had started another push lap. He was at Turn 1 when the red flag was displayed, however at that point he was already 1.5 seconds over his delta time.

“He claimed this made it extremely difficult for him to come below the delta in the next sector. He also admitted to confusion about the beep signal in his headset, and therefore at one stage thought he was going too slowly.”

The normal penalty for failure to slow under red flags is 10 grid positions however in view of the mitigating circumstance, a lower penalty was deemed appropriate.

‘Third row of grid’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/18/hulkenberg-penalised-alonso-up-to-front-row/


Canadian GP: Starting Grid
18/06/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Amended starting grid for the Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada after penalties applied.
Pos Driver Team
1 Verstappen Red Bull
2 Alonso Aston Martin
3 Hamilton Mercedes
4 Russell Mercedes
5 Hulkenberg Haas
6 Ocon Alpine
7 Norris McLaren
8 Piastri McLaren
9 Albon Williams
10 Leclerc Ferrari

Sainz: 3 place grid penalty for impeding another driver.
Tsunoda: 3 place grid penalty for impeding another driver.
Stroll: 3 place grid penalty for impeding another driver.
Hulkenberg: 3 place grid penalty for failing to stay above the minimum time set by the FIA ECU during a red flag.

‘Amended starting grid’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75410/Canadian-GP-Starting-Grid


Alonso on the hunt and Ferrari on the back foot – What To Watch For in the Canadian Grand Prix
18 June 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

1. Alonso versus Verstappen, again: A year ago at this very circuit we had the exact same front row as 2023 has served up, albeit with one driver in a different car. Max Verstappen was on pole from Fernando Alonso after a wet qualifying session, with Alonso in an Alpine at the time. 2. Mercedes threatening once again: Also in a strong position heading into the race are Mercedes, who continued their recent good form to become the only team with two drivers in the top five in qualifying.

3. Ferrari and Perez with work to do: Verstappen might be facing a threat from both Alonso and the Mercedes drivers but his closest challenger in the drivers’ championship has it all to do. Sergio Perez starts from 12th place after failing to make it into Q3 for the third race weekend in a row, getting caught out by the conditions in Q2.

4. Albon hunting a return to the points: Speaking of points, one of the stars of Saturday will be hoping to convert a top 10 starting position for just his second score of the year. Alex Albon finished tenth in Bahrain to start the season but has not scored since – a run he has a chance of ending after qualifying the updated Williams in ninth place.

‘Alonso on the hunt’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.alonso-on-the-hunt-and-ferrari-on-the-back-foot-what-to-watch-for-in-the.p43k6buvliXIYK123Kwqc.html


Alonso "four seconds" away from front row in F1 Canadian GP qualifying
18th June 2023, 00:07
By: Jake Boxall-Legge
Motorsport.com

On his second flying lap in a wet Q3, Alonso set the fastest middle sector and was set to overhaul Nico Hulkenberg's surprise effort for second place, but was denied the chance to complete his lap when Oscar Piastri hit the wall at Turn 7. This produced a red flag, that Alonso caught just as he was leaving the chicane before the start-finish straight, forcing him to abort his run late on.

"We've been unlucky generally with the red flags today and in Q1 also - I think it was one second to see the line and then the red flag came just in that moment. In Q3, it was I think four seconds before the crossing the line to be in the first row," Alonso said. "I mean, we take it and I'm extremely happy [to be third] because it was a very complex qualifying to execute and you need constant communication with the team.”

"Four seconds";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-four-seconds-away-from-front-row-in-f1-canadian-gp-qualifying/10484385/


Verstappen Praises Team after Pole Position at Canadian GP
June 18, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Verstappen showcased exceptional pace throughout the qualifying session, finishing in a remarkable time of 1:25.858s during the initial phase of Q3. His impressive lap secured pole position by a substantial margin of over one second compared to his closest contender, Nico Hülkenberg, before the red flags were deployed due to Oscar Piastri’s crash.

“We made the right calls at the right time today. It was very important to get the communication right with the Team, to really keep on top of things as the weather was changing by the minute, we were clear with what we wanted to do. It was good that I could really push the car, despite the conditions on track. I like this track and in the wet it’s even more challenging.”

‘Verstappen Praises Team’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/verstappen-praises-team-after-pole-position-at-canadian-gp/


Ted Kravitz worried for future of two F1 stars if they miss out on Canadian GP podium
The Canadian Grand Prix could be make or break for one F1 team's ambitions for the season and Sky Sports pundit Kravitz thinks they "must" reach the podium in Montreal
06:00, 18 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer

Ferrari will be "sweating" if they cannot get on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix. That is the view of Ted Kravitz, who thinks the Italians are well placed for a strong result in Montreal. But if they fail to take advantage, the Sky Sports pundit fears for the rest of their season.

Sky Sports pundit Kravitz thinks this Sunday's result may well be make-or-break for the rest of Ferrari's season. "I think for Ferrari it is a must to [score a] podium this weekend," he said. "If they don't get a podium, if they let Fernando Alonso get back in with his podium habit or Mercedes get back in with a podium, following up the ones that they showed in Spain, then I think people at Ferrari will start to sweat as to where exactly this season is going."

Ferrari made things difficult for themselves with a poor tyre strategy decision in the rain which meant Charles Leclerc failed to reach Q3. And Carlos Sainz, despite qualifying eighth, had a grid penalty looming over him after an incident with Pierre Gasly.

‘Make or break’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/kravitz-ferrari-leclerc-sainz-canada-30260345

[Fortitude]

Alonso promises Verstappen PRESSURE ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso has stated that he expects to be closer to Max Verstappen in the Canadian Grand Prix, as he hopes that the two-time world champion will 'feel the pressure' during the race.
Sunday 18 June 2023 14:57
Dan McCarthy
GPFans

"Tomorrow [Sunday] we have a chance to push, I hope they feel our pressure tomorrow. How do you do it? When you're 2 seconds away, not 20," he told Marca. "We'll see if we can face Max tomorrow, we're not at that level, but instead of 20 or 30 seconds, we'll be closer."

Alonso started on the front row at Monaco but was unable to get close to Verstappen's Red Bull car on that occasion. He has been a prolific podium finisher though and has been in the top three in five of the seven races so far this season.

‘EL PLAN: PRESSURE’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109812/fernando-alonso-canadian-grand-prix-max-verstappen-pressure-f1/


Fernando Alonso Aiming to ‘Put Pressure’ on Max Verstappen
June 18, 2023
By Nick Golding

Speaking prior to Hulkenberg’s penalty being announced, Alonso admitted that he has “an opportunity” to claim a good result on Sunday and potentially challenge Verstappen for victory.

“We will take third place on the grid after a very complex Qualifying session. We were a little bit unlucky with the red flags during Q1 and Q3 just before we could complete a faster lap that might have put us on the front row. There is an opportunity tomorrow and hopefully we can recover second place early in the race and put pressure on Max [Verstappen] in front.”

“It’s always a challenging circuit with very low grip in the dry and wet conditions and the weather is always unpredictable. The new AMR23 upgrades seem to be working well and delivering what we were expecting, but we will keep evaluating them and try to optimise our setup around this new package.”

‘EL PLAN: “An Opportunity” ’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/fernando-alonso-aiming-to-put-pressure-on-max-verstappen/


Alonso challenges Aston Martin to ramp up Red Bull pressure
18 June 10:00AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Fernando Alonso believes Aston Martin has the chance to pressurise Red Bull in the Canadian Grand Prix.

But Alonso has insisted: "We have a chance to put on some pressure. They have had some very easy wins until now, hopefully, they will have to push a little bit more. "We have to be two seconds behind them, not 20 seconds behind them."

‘EL PLAN: Ramp up’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-challenges-aston-martin-to-ramp-up-red-bull-pressure


Lewis Hamilton sets sights on Verstappen and Alonso in Canadian GP
Lewis Hamilton secured fourth place in qualifying for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
June 18, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

“I’m really grateful that we’re on the second row and I think the team has done a great job this weekend to put us there,” Hamilton told the media. “I think hopefully our race pace is stronger than what we showed today.

“So hopefully it’s fighting the top two drivers, Alonso and Max tomorrow, hopefully we can put some pressure at least on one of them.”

‘Sights set’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-lewis-hamilton-sets-sights-max-verstappen-fernando-alonso-2023-canadian-gp/


Toto Wolff gives HONEST Mercedes assessment ahead of Canadian GP
Sunday 18 June 2023 15:57
Jack Walker
GPFans

Toto Wolff says Mercedes are not over the hill with their W14 struggles despite successful recent upgrades, but there is reason to be optimistic. “What we see is an upward trend. But, at the same time, you can see how vulnerable we are. Just look at FP3 where we were not having enough temperature in the tyres, and we fell off a cliff.”

“We feel that the car is coming together, and we see that our data yields results on track. We haven't felt that for a long time, and this contributes to being in a good place right now,” said Wolff.

“I think we can see the positive dynamic which is cascading and transcending into the organisation. I think we can be carefully optimistic,” he concluded.

‘Not over the hill’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109814/toto-wolff-mercedes-canadian-grand-prix-pace-assessment/


‘Dangerous’ Canadian GP barrier revised after driver backlash
18th June 2023, 15:50
By Edd Straw
The Race

The FIA has shortened the barrier in the run-off area between Turns 1 and 2 ahead of today’s Canadian Grand Prix in response to feedback from Formula 1 drivers. This followed changes made to realign and extend the barrier ahead of the weekend in case of a car going off at high speed across the runoff and collecting a car that was exiting Turn 2.

GPDA director George Russell criticised the change after qualifying and was unhappy drivers had not been consulted. “We all spoke about that last night [Friday],” said Russell on Saturday. We probably should have been consulted about the views on that before decision were made and we all agreed that it’s suboptimal”.

‘Dangerous Canadian GP barrier’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/dangerous-canadian-gp-barrier-revised-after-driver-backlash/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen wins Canadian GP to claim Red Bull’s 100th victory and equal Senna’s tally.
Max Verstappen made it six victories from eight races in 2023 with a dominant display during Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix, leading home the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, as Red Bull maintained their 100% winning record for the season so far.
18 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Verstappen’s lights-to-flag triumph also gave Red Bull their 100th victory in the sport, 18 years on from the team’s debut, while the Dutchman made more history by drawing level with the legendary Ayrton Senna on 41 wins – extending his championship lead in the process.

Alonso and Hamilton traded places on several occasions throughout the race, Hamilton getting the jump at the start but falling back behind when the various strategies unfolded, meaning it was the Spaniard who finished runner-up to the record-setting Verstappen.

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were two of only five drivers – along with Red Bull’s Perez, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas – to stay out under the Safety Car, giving them track position that they converted into P4 and P5 respectively. Perez took a lonely sixth, and the fastest lap bonus point, as he did his best to limit the damage…

‘Red Bull’s 100th victory’;

Race Results – 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
18th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 70 laps
2. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +9.570
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +14.168
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +18.648
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +21.540
6. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +51.028
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +60.813
8. Esteban Ocon Alpine +61.692
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +64.402
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +64.432

‘Canadian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-canadian-grand-prix-82451


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
18 June 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-pirelli-grand-prix-du-canada-2023.6aBfqUSs7teLB5a8gSxV0J.html


2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Verstappen wins ahead of Alonso - LIVE UPDATES!
18th June 2023, 18:27
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-another-easy-win-verstappen-live-updates


Verstappen equals Senna’s tally, Red Bull gets 100th F1 win
18th June 2023.
By Ben Anderson
The Race

Max Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s 100th victory in Formula 1 by dominating the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix from pole position, a victory that draws him level with Ayrton Senna’s win tally. Hopes of a challenge from Fernando Alonso – perhaps the only driver consistently operating near Verstappen’s level in F1 right now – evaporated immediately when Alonso’s Aston Martin was beaten off the start line in a drag race with Lewis Hamilton’s improving Mercedes.

Verstappen led every one of the race’s 70 laps and extended his championship lead to 69 points after Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez laboured to sixth after yet again messing up qualifying. Verstappen has now won four straight races, and six of eight so far this season. A third world title already looks a formality.

‘Led every one of the race’s 70 laps’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-equals-sennas-tally-red-bull-gets-100th-f1-win/


Verstappen dominates Canadian Grand Prix for historic Red Bull win
18 June 2023, 20:46
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen dominated the Canadian Grand Prix for his sixth win of the season - and earn his Red Bull team their 100th Formula 1 victory. From pole position, Verstappen led all 70 laps at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for his fourth straight win having not been troubled for most of the afternoon.

Behind the Red Bull, Fernando Alonso made up for a slow start with a brave move on Lewis Hamilton to take second place with the seven-time Montreal winner coming home to complete the all-World Champion podium - as the top three finished where they started.

Clever Ferrari strategy enabled Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to use the overcut to salvage fourth and fifth, while Sergio Perez could only manage sixth - meaning Verstappen extended his points lead to 70.

‘Verstappen dominates’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-dominates-canadian-grand-prix-for-historic-red-bull-win


Verstappen Dominates F1 Canadian GP, Alonso Second Again
In a fairly straightforward Canadian GP, Verstappen nabbed his 41st victory, and Alex Albon drove his Williams to a superb seventh.
PUBLISHED Jun 18, 2023 4:10 PM EDT
byChris Rosales
The Drive

The 2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix was business as usual–Max Verstappen led the entire race from lights to flag while Fernando Alonso battled Lewis Hamilton to second place. While it wasn’t the most eventful race this year, it was a classic example of a Canadian GP with a densely packed midfield and battles going to the very last lap.

Verstappen dominated again, though with less a gap to the following cars than usual. At the end of the race, Alonso trailed Verstappen by just eight seconds, while Hamilton followed Alonso by three seconds. Behind them, the battle for seventh was red hot for the last 20 laps of the race with Alex Albon defending flawlessly against a charging Esteban Ocon to hold a stellar seventh-place finish for Williams. His efforts earned him a much-deserved driver of the day, and it must be said that a seventh-place in a Williams is an unbelievable result.

‘Verstappen nabbed his 41st victory’;

https://www.thedrive.com/news/verstappen-dominates-f1-canadian-gp-alonso-second-again


Max Verstappen cruises to Canadian Grand Prix victory, ties Ayrton Senna’s F1 record with 41st win
18th June 2023, 21:21
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

Max Verstappen cruised on to win the Canadian Grand Prix, though he spent plenty of time on the radio complaining about his tires early on. Here’s what you need to know:

• Sunday’s result not only marks Red Bull’s 100th victory but also makes Verstappen tied with Ayrton Senna’s F1 race win record (41).
• With 10 laps to go, the gap between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton was just 1.4 seconds. Mercedes reported over the radio that the Aston Martin driver was managing a rear brake issue, and when Aston Martin informed Alonso of the gap to the seven-time world champion, he said, “Copy. Leave it to me.”

• Logan Sargeant didn’t even make it to double-digit laps before he was ruled out of the race. The Williams rookie was told to stop the car because of a “critical message.”
• George Russell triggered a safety car period when he smacked the wall on lap 12, damaging his car. He continued until there were 15 laps to go when Russell was told to retire the car while running eighth.

‘EL PLAN: “Copy. Leave it to me.”!’

https://theathletic.com/4620674/2023/06/18/max-verstappen-canadian-grand-prix/


Red Bull’s 100th F1 win: The exclusive club it joins
18th June 2023.
By Matt Beer
The Race

Red Bull has joined the very exclusive club of teams with 100 Formula 1 grand prix victories to their names, thanks to Max Verstappen’s 2023 Canadian GP win. It’s only the fifth team to hit the 100 win mark. Here is how that milestone was reached on the previous four occasions.

FERRARI - How: Alain Prost’s 1990 Brazilian Grand Prix win. Prost’s first victory for Ferrari in his second race with the team was achieved with typically measured Prost progress from sixth on the grid to second, which became first when Ayrton Senna broke his McLaren’s front wing on backmarker Satoru Nakajima’s Lotus.
McLAREN - How: Ayrton Senna’s 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix win. Senna’s final Brazilian GP victory was an against-the-odds triumph in which mid-race rain allowed him to take control (despite an early penalty for passing under a yellow flag) from the dominant Williams, helped by Prost staying out on slicks in the rain and spinning into Christian Fittipaldi’s already-crashed Minardi.

WILLIAMS - How: Jacques Villeneuve’s 1997 British Grand Prix win. A stuck wheelnut at a pitstop dropped Villeneuve from an early lead to seventh at Silverstone, but he fought back to be in a position to benefit when first title rival Schumacher’s Ferrari had a wheel bearing failure then Hakkinen’s McLaren-Mercedes suffered engine failure when six laps away from what would’ve been his first F1 win.
MERCEDES - How: Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 Mexican Grand Prix win. This one’s slightly debatable in timing terms, though the fact Mercedes is now well past 100 F1 wins is not.

‘The exclusive club’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-teams-with-100-grand-prix-wins-red-bull/

[Fortitude]

Alonso says F1 Canadian GP "70 laps of qualifying" for him.
Fernando Alonso reckons he spent the entirety of Formula 1's 2023 Canadian Grand Prix delivering "qualifying" laps and he had no time to "relax" on his way to finishing second.
Motorsport.com
21:33 Sun, 18 Jun

The Aston Martin driver lost out to third-starting Lewis Hamilton initially into Turn 1 and was later required to briefly touch the brakes at the first round of pitstops when the Mercedes appeared to be released into his path. This incident was reviewed but passed without a penalty from the stewards. Alonso then recovered his original starting position with the aid of DRS to pass his former McLaren team-mate into the final chicane on lap 22 of 70.

Hamilton did give chase to close to within two seconds during the final 10 laps before Alonso dropped his times to secure his place as runner-up behind dominant race winner Max Verstappen. Given the Mercedes threat, Alonso said there was not "one lap where I could relax a little bit" in what he described as an "amazing battle". The two-time champion added that for the duration of the race, he drove as though it was "qualifying".

He said: "I think we were hoping to challenge a little bit more the Red Bull, but we lost a place at the start with Lewis. "Then it was a battle with the Mercedes and Lewis was pushing all the race so I didn't have one lap where I could relax a little bit. So, it was an amazing battle."

‘EL PLAN: Delivering "qualifying" laps’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-says-f1-canadian-gp-70-laps-of-qualifying-for-him/10484903/


Aston Martin “took a little step ahead” of Mercedes this weekend – Hamilton
2023 Canadian Grand Prix
Posted on 18th June 2023, 21:5418th June 2023, 21:54
Written by Will Wood


Lewis Hamilton says Aston Martin have moved slightly ahead of Mercedes in Canada this weekend after being beaten to second place by Fernando Alonso. “It’s honestly been a great weekend for us,” said Hamilton. “I think we’re slowly chipping away. I think the Astons took a little bit of a step ahead this weekend when they added the upgrades, but we’re working on bringing some more moving forwards. Quite an honour to be up there with two world champions. I was really excited to be third and just trying to be in that mix. But unfortunately we didn’t have the pace today.”

Hamilton was heard discussing the race with winner Max Verstappen in the green room prior to the podium, telling the Red Bull driver that Mercedes “suck in the low speed corners. That’s where you just destroy me – out of the low speed,” he was heard telling Verstappen. Hamilton says that Mercedes anticipated they would not be as strong as their rivals at the Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve. “We knew that this weekend wouldn’t be our strongest circuit as we struggle in the lower speed corners particularly,” he explained. “That’s really where I was losing to Fernando and to Max, just on traction out of turn two, out of pretty much every corner.

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin have moved slightly ahead’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/18/aston-martin-took-a-little-step-ahead-of-mercedes-this-weekend-hamilton/


Alonso: Demanding Canadian GP was '70 laps of qualifying'
18/06/2023 at 21:34
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso says he went all-in in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix, firing off qualifying laps all afternoon to defend his runner-up spot in the race from Lewis Hamilton. While poleman Max Verstappen held his own at the start, Alonso lost out to Hamilton on the run into the first corner.

Thereafter, the Mercedes and Aston Martin drivers remained in close contact, even almost colliding in the pitlane after the pair had pitted under the safety car in the first part of the race. However, on lap 22 of 70, Alonso managed to get a run on his rival with the help of DRS and overtake the Mercedes, the Spaniard eventually building a three-second cushion for himself.

‘EL PLAN: '70 laps of qualifying'’;

https://f1i.com/news/478004-alonso-demanding-canadian-gp-was-70-laps-of-qualifying.html


Wolff addresses 'dramatic' Alonso-Hamilton near-miss
19 June 8:50AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has insisted the pit lane near-miss between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso at the Canadian Grand Prix was "a bit of drama" from the Aston Martin driver. Hamilton had leapt Alonso from third on the grid to take position behind race-leader Max Verstappen's Red Bull in the opening exchanges.

Addressing the pit lane incident, Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com: "[It was] a bit of drama. "Shaking the steering a little bit and a little bit of touching of the brakes. He is good at that, the cries of 'I nearly hit him'... a bit of drama."

‘Alonso-Hamilton near-miss’;

https://racingnews365.com/wolff-addresses-dramatic-alonso-hamilton-near-miss


Hamilton explains why he ‘didn’t put up much of a fight’ to defend from Alonso in Canada
18 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Lewis Hamilton snatched P2 from Fernando Alonso on Lap 1 in Montreal but the Spaniard took the place back 22 laps later – though Hamilton reckoned it was only a matter of time given the pace advantage of the Aston Martin.

‘Didn’t put up much of a fight’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.hamilton-explains-why-he-didnt-put-up-much-of-a-fight-to-defend-from-alonso-in-canada.1769079960999292216.html


Alonso beaming after fight to the finish in Canada: ‘It was 70 laps of qualifying – I loved it!’
18 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Fernando Alonso branded the Canadian Grand Prix Aston Martin’s “most competitive race of the year” as he finished just seven seconds behind winner Max Verstappen – even if it meant the Spaniard had to driver flat out for every lap.

‘EL PLAN: ‘It was 70 laps of qualifying – I loved it!’ ’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.alonso-beaming-after-fight-to-the-finish-in-canada-it-was-70-laps-of-qualifying-i-loved-it.1769078944760282960.html

[Fortitude]

Verstappen issues new aim: The next target is 200 wins!
After scoring Red Bull's 100th win in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen insists the team are not resting on their laurels.
19 June 2023, 11:25AM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

"When I was a little kid driving in go-karting, I was dreaming about being a Formula 1 driver and I would have never imagined to win 41 Grands Prix, so of course, to tie with Ayrton is something incredible," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"Of course I'm proud of that, but I hope it's not stopping here. I hope that we can keep on winning more races. It's a great achievement for the team. We knew that this was the first opportunity to do so, and I'm happy that's done. We've won 100. But again, I hope we win more than 100, so the new target is 200."

‘Next target is 200 wins!’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-issues-new-aim-the-next-target-is-200-wins


Red Bull’s Christian Horner: “It’s a landmark day today and one for our history books”
June 19, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

“It’s a landmark day today and one for our history books, 100 victories for the team, 200 for Adrian and Max’s 41st putting him up there with Senna,” said Horner. “An amazing result for the whole team, not just the people here, but everyone back at the factory who works so hard, ensuring we continue to perform at such a high level.”

“I remember our first victory in China in 2009 and being happy that we’d won just one race, and here we are with 99 more. To get a century of victories is an incredible achievement, competing in 100 races is a feat in itself, but winning 27% of all races we have entered is something truly to be proud of. It’s been an amazing journey in a relatively short space of time and it’s down to our incredible people, our spirit and our culture.”

‘Landmark day today’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/red-bulls-christian-horner-its-a-landmark-day-today-and-one-for-our-history-books/


Max Verstappen’s insane attention to detail comes to light at Canadian Grand Prix
19 Jun 2023 6:59 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

We already know Max Verstappen can determine when Helmut Marko’s phone is ringing from within the Red Bull RB19, and it turns out he can also spot a line that is not completely straight.

After pulling up in the Red Bull pit box, Verstappen claimed that the yellow line in the middle, there so that drivers know where to position their front wheels, was not straight compared to the white lines either side. “Our yellow line, in the pit stop, in the middle, it’s not straight compared to the white lines,” he said over team radio. “It’s a bit distracting.”

And that piece of feedback from Verstappen was potentially crucial for the Red Bull team as they clocked the two fastest pit stop times of the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix for Sergio Perez and Verstappen respectively.

'Insane attention to detail';

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-canada-pit-box-lines/


Verstappen insisting he’s taking it ‘race by race’ despite making it six wins from eight in Canada
Max Verstappen is already odds on to win the championship – and he took another step towards it with his sixth victory in eight races so far in 2023, but said afterwards he wasn’t getting ahead of himself.
23:44 Sun, 18 Jun 2023.
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Race by race’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.verstappen-insisting-hes-taking-it-race-by-race-despite-making-it-six-wins-from-eight-in-canada.1769079475761233243.html


Horner hails Red Bull's 'incredible achievement' after 'sensational' Verstappen seals team's 100th F1 victory in Montreal
19 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Christian Horner hailed Red Bull’s 100th win this weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix as an “incredible achievement” – before also delivering his verdict on whether his team can win every race this season. Following Max Verstappen’s victory in Montreal this weekend, Red Bull became just the fifth team in Formula 1 history to reach the 100-win landmark – after Ferrari (242), McLaren (183), Mercedes (125), and Williams (114).

Horner has overseen all 100 of those victories since taking charge of the team upon their entry into the sport in 2005. And speaking to Sky Sports F1 following the Canadian Grand Prix, Horner paid tribute to his team. Red Bull have won all eight races so far this season – with Verstappen having won six and Sergio Perez also winning twice – and Horner was also asked whether winning every Grand Prix this year was possible.

“We’re just taking things one race at a time. I don’t think you let your mind drift too far in the future,” Horner answered. “So many things can wrong. Can we? Yes. Will we? Who knows. Because there are so many variables in this game, we just take things one race at a time. The team are doing an incredible job, Max is driving out of his skin at the moment. Just collectively, the team are doing an incredible job.”

'Incredible achievement';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.horner-hails-red-bulls-incredible-achievement-after-sensational-verstappen.7fZQR4CYQMyGD4CKF8Jm1X.html


IN NUMBERS: The amazing stats behind Red Bull’s century of F1 wins
19 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

-- 19 -- Red Bull’s 100 race wins to date have been achieved across 19 seasons…
-- 30 -- From that aforementioned first win to their most recent in Canada last weekend…
-- 7 -- Monaco is Red Bull’s most successful circuit thanks to a tally of seven victories…
-- 41 -- Of Red Bull’s victories so far, 41 of them have been achieved by reigning double world champion Verstappen.

-- 38 -- Next in the table is Sebastian Vettel, who claimed 38 race wins…
-- 5 -- Overall, five drivers have won races with Red Bull since their debut…
-- 52 -- More than half of Red Bull’s victories – more specifically, 52 – have come from pole position.
-- 26 -- Meanwhile, more than a quarter of Red Bull’s victories have spearheaded a one-two finish.

-- 17 -- Red Bull’s most successful season in terms of race wins was the 2022 campaign…
-- 4 -- Only four other teams have secured more than 100 wins in the history of F1.
-- 9 -- If Red Bull win again at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, the team would take 10 victories in a row for the first time.

‘IN NUMBERS’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.in-numbers-the-amazing-stats-behind-red-bulls-century-of-f1-wins.356YzISN9hTOzLBtE96qnn.html


Verstappen takes his place among the greats as Newey pens another masterpiece
Monday 19 Jun 2023 6:02 pm
Adam Hay-Nicholls
Metro's F1 correspondent

Max Verstappen’s lights-to-flag win in Montreal gave the double world champion his 41st grand-prix victory – matching Ayrton Senna. It was Red Bull’s 100th triumph as a constructor, having picked up their first in Shanghai in 2009 courtesy of Sebastian Vettel, and the 200th win for an Adrian Newey-designed car.

The British engineer, whose illustrious F1 career started 34 years ago, says the ‘countdown’ to his retirement has ‘realistically begun’. Thirteen world championships have been won by cars penned by him, making him the most successful designer in the history of the sport.

‘Among the greats’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/19/max-takes-place-among-the-greats-as-newey-pens-another-masterpiece-18978365/?ito=newsnow-feed


Max Verstappen: “To tie with Ayrton Senna is incredible and I feel really proud of that”
June 19, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Max Verstappen continued his remarkable run by taking victory in Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix, with the Dutchman now having led every lap of the past three races. The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver held on to the lead at the start at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and controlled the race thereafter, with his advantage at the top of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship standings now sixty-nine points.

However, it was not a completely straightforward day for the two-time World Champion, with struggles to get his tyres to the right temperature window. “I’m of course very happy to win here in Canada,” said Verstappen. “It wasn’t an easy or straightforward race though, it was quite difficult to switch on the tyres and get them to the right temperature.”

“To tie with Ayrton Senna is incredible and I feel really proud of that”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/max-verstappen-to-tie-with-ayrton-senna-is-incredible-and-i-feel-really-proud-of-that/

[Fortitude]

Vasseur: Ferrari need ‘1000 employees’ to beat Newey.
The Maranello based outfit have made multiple approaches to Adrian Newey in the past, and he even admitted himself that he was ‘very tempted’ to join the project.
Monday 19 June 2023 10:57
Shay Rogers
GPFans

When asked about the talent pool available to work on the car by Sky Sports F1, Vasseur emphasised the difficulty of poaching engineers from other countries. “It’s not the same situation. You can move from Red Bull to Mercedes and keep the same house, keep the kids in the same school from the Friday to the Monday everything is perfect.

“If you want to come to Italy it’s a different approach. We have to change the family environment and so on,” he said. “I think we have a good structure. We have to reinforce the team for sure and we are on this way. It’s not just about big names. In the big teams today, we are roughly 1000 [employees] and I’m convinced [that] the weight of the group is much more important than the weight of the individual.” he concluded.

While the Frenchman also hinted that the team would be adding some more names to the group soon, they will be hoping that the current crop can improve the car sooner rather than later, as superstar driver Charles Leclerc nears the end of his current contract.

‘1000 employees to beat Newey’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109835/fred-vasseur-ferrari-adrian-newey-red-bull/


Ferrari crunch talks loom to address strategy botch blasted by Charles Leclerc
19 Jun 2023 9:30 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Fred Vasseur has revealed Ferrari will meet this week to discuss how to resolve strategy disagreements in the future. Charles Leclerc was furious after Ferrari’s decision not to switch him onto the softs during Q2 cost him a place in the final 10 shootout.

He took to the media to vent his frustration, saying it is not the first time such a problem has happened, and although Ferrari later claimed Leclerc changed his mind once he saw all available data, it is another moment of tension in an already tempestuous team.

Team boss Vasseur has been forced to step in and act as peacemaker, revealing that the Ferrari squad will meet on Tuesday in order to discuss the event and work out how to avoid such a public incident in the future. “We have to think about what happened,” he said, as reported by Motorsport.com. “We will have a meeting to discuss about it on Tuesday to fix it.”

‘Tension in an already tempestuous team’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-crunch-talks-charles-leclerc/


“It was a good race for us, confirming that we are working in the right direction” – Vasseur
June 19, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Frédéric Vasseur reflected on a ‘good race’ for Scuderia Ferrari in Canada on Sunday, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. climbing from tenth and eleventh on the grid to take fourth and fifth place.

Ferrari have only scored one top three finish so far in the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season courtesy of third place for Leclerc in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but Vasseur says the team need to put together a full weekend if they want to contend for podiums.

“We are progressing race by race,” Vasseur added. “We will continue to focus on working solidly on the course we have set ourselves, while going into every small detail to ensure we can have a perfect weekend from Friday through to Sunday.”

“Working in the right direction”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/it-was-a-good-race-for-us-confirming-that-we-are-working-in-the-right-direction-vasseur/


‘We couldn’t have done any better’ – Leclerc reckons P4 was the best result possible for him in Montreal after starting 10th
18 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Charles Leclerc was audibly angry after dropping out of Saturday’s qualifying session in Q2, but was in better spirits after the race, having climbed up the order to P4 at the flag.

‘Best result possible’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.we-couldnt-have-done-any-better-leclerc-reckons-p4-was-the-best-result-possible-for-him-in-montreal-after-starting-10th.1769077361090648441.html


Martin Brundle says 'you don't need to do that' as Leclerc's team stop him peeking at car
Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle refused to take no for an answer as he tried to get to the bottom of Charles Leclerc's car issue ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix
19:45, 18 JUN 2023
BY Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
Daily Star

Martin Brundle defied obstructive Ferrari mechanics who tried to block his view of Charles Leclerc’s car ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. During his pre-race grid walk in Montreal, the legendary Sky Sports F1 commentator and pundit spotted a hive of activity around the car of Leclerc. Naturally, Brundle wandered over for a closer look, only to find a line of mechanics blocking his view.

“The car is up on the stands. There’s a ring of mechanics so we can’t get too good a look at it,” he said. “They’ve taken part of the underfloor off, the plank as it’s known.” One mechanic then deliberately stepped into front of the former F1 driver. “It’s okay, you don’t need to do that,” responded Brundle, who added: “I don’t know they want to stop us [looking], there’s nothing we can learn from that. They want absolutely nobody to get any views of that work going on.”

Undeterred, Brundle then went and found Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who explained exactly what was going on. He said the plank on Leclerc’s car had been damaged on the way to the grid. Car modifications are strictly limited after qualifying but Vasseur said Ferrari had been given clearance to make the change by race stewards. Fans loved Brundle’s determination to get to the bottom of the issue. One said: “Mechanics block him, no problem I'll ask the bossman;) Awesome.”

‘Undeterred’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1/martin-brundle-says-you-dont-30264428


Martin Brundle angers Ferrari on Canadian GP grid walk by looking through engineers' legs
Sky Sports pundit Brundle was on his hands and knees on live TV to have a look at the floor of Leclerc's car, which was up in the air on the grid as Ferrari engineers addressed a problem
18:49, 18 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

In the absence of celebrities on the grid, he promised viewers a more "old-school" segment. And the Sky Sports pundit soon had plenty to talk about as he spotted the Ferrari up in the air. It was Leclerc's car being worked on with a problem on the floor being hastily fixed. To prevent rivals from taking a look at their floor design, engineers had formed a protective ring around the car. But the intrepid Brundle still tried to take a peek as he got on his hands and knees to peer through their legs.

"We can see through here as they're taking off part of the underfloor of the cars," he told viewers as the cameraman also dropped to ground level. But they were soon clocked by a Ferrari staff member who told them to stop. Brundle obliged, but didn't seem thrilled about it. "I don't know why... there's nothing we can learn from that," he said, as he got back to his feet and made a beeline for team principal Frederic Vasseur.

Asked what the problem is with Leclerc's car, the Frenchman replied: "We damaged the plank on a kerb and we are changing it. We got the approval from the FIA. "I don't know [how he did it] yet because Charles was at the top of the grid and we haven't discussed it." And, asked how he feels his drivers will get on, Vasseur was cautious about making any bold predictions.

‘On his hands and knees on live TV’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-brundle-grid-walk-canada-30264237


Ferrari respond to Ralf Schumacher’s latest criticism of Charles Leclerc
19 Jun 2023 12:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Fuming with Ferrari after qualifying in Montreal, Ralf Schumacher has put the blame for Charles Leclerc strategy complaints on the driver as he feels that’s his “responsibility”. Finishing the session 11th fastest, he yelled “come on” at the team while later telling the media that there have been too many similar mistakes in the past from Ferrari.

Schumacher, however, believes the driver needs to own his part. “As a driver, something like this would not have happened to me,” the German told Sky Deutschland. “As the driver I made the decision as to when to come in. I think it’s the responsibility of the man behind the wheel. Only I can see out there how wet or dry it is. It’s Leclerc’s fault, especially since both Ferrari drivers make too many mistakes.”

Vasseur has defended his driver saying he understands that Leclerc had his “own opinion” about what should happen. But even then, he insists, the driver has to listen to the team as they “don’t see the big picture” while sitting in the car. “These were not accusations,” Vasseur said of Leclerc’s criticism. “He just had a different perception of the situation from the car. It’s always good to have feedback from the drivers, but we have a decision at the command post because we have the information.”

‘At the Ferrari command post’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-defends-charles-leclerc-ralf-schumacher-criticism/

[Fortitude]

Mercedes set for fresh W14 upgrades at Silverstone – Wolff.
Mercedes are set to be armed with fresh W14 Formula 1 upgrades at the British Grand Prix, boss Toto Wolff has revealed.
20 June 8:00AM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Having abandoned the zero sidepod concept in Monaco, Mercedes have banked a two-three in Spain and a further podium for Lewis Hamilton in Canada as they have moved up to second in the Constructors' standings.

The Monaco upgrades were never designed to get the team fighting Red Bull, instead the idea being to give them a platform from which they could build and hunt down the runaway leaders, with Wolff confirming the next step is a big upgrade package at Silverstone.

"We are bringing a larger [upgrade package] to Silverstone," Wolff confirmed to media including RacingNews365. "And then we should have another one before the [summer] shutdown The learnings [of the car] have accelerated a lot since we changed some of the conceptual architecture.”

‘Armed with fresh W14 Formula 1 upgrades’;

https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-set-for-fresh-w14-upgrades-at-silverstone-wolff


[B]Could Toto Wolff reveal spell even bigger Mercedes W14 upgrades are on the way?
Jamie Woodhouse 19 Jun 2023 7:30 AM
PlanetF1.com

While Mercedes have played down the extent of their remaining W14 upgrade work, team boss Toto Wolff suggested there are still substantial changes coming in multiple stages.

“For us we didn’t expect to perform in Canada because of the car’s DNA at the moment, so it’s encouraging to be not so far away,” Wolff stated. “But one must not forget Max is still having an easier time in the front, not cruising but still I think there is margin. So there’s quite the gain to catch up.”

‘W14 upgrades’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-bigger-mercedes-w14-upgrades-tease/


Mercedes plans "larger" upgrade for Silverstone
20/06/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

The Austrian revealed that of particular importance is the accuracy in terms of the correlation between the on-track performance and wind tunnel and CFD data. "We are understanding the simulations better," he said. "The time is correlating what we are seeing on track and that's been our problem over the one and a half years.”

"We've seen good performance gains that are coming in the tunnel, we are seeing better understanding of what the car needs in order to go fast, what the set-ups need to look like. So generally, the steps are getting bigger. I think we are making good inroads."

‘Larger upgrade’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75441/Mercedes-plans-larger-upgrade-for-Silverstone


Wolff makes HUGE Silverstone prediction and delivers big upgrade news
Tuesday 20 June 2023 20:57
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Wolff suggested that the next four races will show the strength of the upgrades, saying: "There should be decent steps coming in the next four races and we are understanding better the simulations, which correlates with what we are seeing on track.

"That has been our problem over the last one-and-a-half years, but we are seeing good performance gains coming from the wind-tunnel. We have a better understanding of what the car needs in order to go fast, what the setups need to look like. The steps are getting bigger now, and we are making good inroads."

‘Big upgrade news’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109959/mercedes-f1-toto-wolff-upgrades-silverstone/


Mercedes: Positivity ‘cascading’ into F1 team following W14 upgrades
11:53 Sun, 18 Jun 2023
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Having anticipated a tough challenge at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, where the long straights and slow corners were not expected to suit the Mercedes package, a fourth and fifth place on the grid in tricky wet conditions was encouraging.

With Lewis Hamilton having declared ahead of the weekend that Mercedes now had its ‘North Star’ back in terms of a development direction, Wolff concurred that the feeling inside the squad was now transformed.

“I think we can see the positive dynamic which is cascading and transcending into the organisation,” explained Wolff. “We feel that the car is coming together, and we see that our data yields results on track. We haven't felt that for a long time, and this contributes to being in a good place right now.”

“I think we can see the positive dynamic which is cascading and transcending into the organisation,” explained Wolff. “We feel that the car is coming together, and we see that our data yields results on track. We haven't felt that for a long time, and this contributes to being in a good place right now.”

‘Cascading, transcending’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-positivity-cascading-into-f1-team-following-w14-upgrades/10484528/

[Fortitude]

STRATEGY UNPACKED: How Albon beat a host of faster cars in Canada to seal Williams' best result for 2 years.
So how did Albon and Williams pull out such an impressive result after six races out of the points? Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins explains all…
20 June 2023
Bernie Collins
Former Aston Martin Head of Race Strategy
Formula One - Official Site

Alex Albon was one of the standout performers at the Canadian Grand Prix, setting the fastest time of all in the Q2 qualifying segment, before racing from ninth on the grid to P7 at the chequered flag – which is not only Williams’ best result of the year, but their best finish since George Russell scored second place in the rain-affected 2021 Belgian Grand Prix.

The race in Montreal featured no less than seven variations in tyre strategy, with the majority featuring the medium and hard tyres. Sixteen drivers chose to start on the mediums, with all – apart from Albon and both Ferraris – going on to complete a two-stop strategy (as the chart below shows). Albon started the race from P9 after a brilliant performance in qualifying saw him top Q2 by nailing a lap on slick tyres while others were still on intermediates.

And despite losing positions in the race to the faster cars of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez (who all started behind him), he managed to gain places over both McLarens and Esteban Ocon – all three in faster cars, and having started ahead of him on the grid. But it was the gains over both McLaren drivers and Ocon that made the difference between failing to score and those crucial six points for Albon.

‘STRATEGY UNPACKED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.strategy-unpacked-how-albon-beat-a-host-of-faster-cars-in-canada-to-seal.5y9R94fw5GfDDe5aTnl2mY.html


Albon pays tribute to Williams for fast-tracking upgrades
20/06/2023 at 10:54
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

"This weekend, we’ve had a great car. I can’t thank the team enough," he told Sky F1 after last Sunday's race. I’ve been at the factory the last two weeks quite a lot, in terms of simulator work, but also with James [Vowles, Williams Team Principal] and I can’t tell you how much of a part deficit we were at after Barcelona.”

"We were on the edge. We decided to fast-track the upgrade into Canada, and the people at the factory, composites, everyone, actually we went, James and I went to meet them and discuss with them, we’ve got to try and get this upgrade ready for Canada. It’s going to be our only chance possibly until one of these Monza races come along. The guys worked absolutely flat out to get it ready.”

"It’s great to be able to put it on the car. We put a new PU in it this weekend, we put everything into this weekend. Actually, [there was] a bit of pressure in some respects coming into this weekend to deliver, and we did."

‘The guys worked absolutely flat out to get it ready’;

https://f1i.com/news/478260-albon-pays-tribute-to-williams-for-fast-tracking-upgrades.html


How Alex Albon delivered his best Williams finish at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix
19 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

It was a brilliant 2023 Canadian Grand Prix weekend for Williams driver Alex Albon.

‘Alex Albon delivered his best Williams finish’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.how-alex-albon-delivered-his-best-williams-finish-at-the-2023-canadian-grand-prix.1769152486777384866.html


Albon reveals the secret behind Canadian GP MASTERCLASS
Tuesday 20 June 2023 18:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Alex Albon has explained how he kept a train of cars behind him on his way to a P7 finish at the Canadian Grand Prix. The Thai driver was awarded the Driver of the Day award by the fans for his heroic race, in which he climbed to seventh place from a P9 start.

Albon explained: “It was stressful as well, I have to say. I don’t enjoy them races but the team love putting me in them situations so, yeah, it was good. There was a point in the race where were on them tyres and they told me ‘you’ve got 40 laps or what to do the rest of the race' and I thought ‘you guys are crazy’, but we made it last."

Albon then explained what allowed him to keep the train of cars behind him at bay for such a long stint. “The closing speed of the cars behind was quite big, so I didn’t think I’d be able to hold them off. But obviously George [Russell] looked like he ran into some brake issues and then Esteban [Ocon] just didn’t have the straight-line speed to get past us, so it works in our favour.”

‘MASTERCLASS Secret’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/109996/alex-albon-canadian-grand-prix-p7-williams/


'It was more than I expected' – 'Super happy' Albon praises 'monumental' Williams upgrades after P7 finish in Canada
19 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Alex Albon described his run to a season-high seventh place at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix as both “super” and “stressful” – with the Thai racer also heaping praise on his Williams team for their "monumental" upgrades and performance in Montreal.

The Williams driver started the race from ninth on the grid – after gaining a place from Carlos Sainz’s three-place grid drop for impeding in qualifying – but lost a place off the line to the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, dropping him to 10th. Albon then made his one – and only – pit stop of the day on Lap 12, switching from the medium tyre to the hards.

He then gained track position on his rivals, with others opting to make a second stop, which saw Albon ascend up to sixth place. Albon eventually dropped to P7 when the Red Bull of Sergio Perez came steaming past him. However, he was able hold off the challenge of the likes of George Russell, Esteban Ocon, and Lando Norris late on in the proceedings, sealing his second top-10 finish of the season.

'It was more than I expected';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-was-more-than-i-expected-super-happy-albon-praises-monumental-williams.6qLs6fxOOf0verJkebzgmk.html


Williams’ Dave Robson feels Montréal upgrade “delivered well” after season-best finish for Albon
June 20, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Williams Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson was disappointed to see Sargeant’s race come to such an early end, considering the “opportunity” he had to battle for positions at a circuit that FW45 had proven to be strong at.

“There were mixed fortunes for the two sides of our garage today. We were forced to retire Logan’s car after we spotted an oil leak, which was starting to affect his power unit. We need to inspect the car tonight and find out exactly where the leak is coming from. It was a shame for Logan as he had a good opportunity for some close racing and a good result.”

Along with this aspect, Robson said that his ability to defend against drivers behind also played a major role in his securing the result. “With Alex, we benefited from a well-timed safety car but were also able to put together a very strong 1-stop race. We have seen in the past that Alex is exceptionally good at managing a race and defending against a group of cars.”

‘Montréal upgrade “delivered well” after season-best finish for Albon’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/williams-dave-robson-feels-montreal-upgrade-delivered-well-after-season-best-finish-for-albon/

[Fortitude]

“There will be crashes”: F1 drivers oppose ban on tyre heaters ahead of 2024 vote.
Formula 1 drivers have warned the series is not ready to handle a proposed ban on tyre heating blankets next year.
16th June 2023, 10:1216th June 2023, 10:14
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Pirelli is developing revised tyres for next year which are designed to work without heating blankets, which F1 teams have used since the eighties to ensure cars leave the pits on tyres which are close to or at the optimum operating temperatures. F1 has reduced the permitted temperature range of the blankets in recent seasons as part of a move towards phasing out the use of the blankets entirely.

However based on their test runs with Pirelli’s prototype 2024 rubber, drivers remain concerned the new tyres cannot be brought up to temperature quickly enough in cooler conditions in order for them to be used safely. George Russell, who conducted a recent test of the tyres at the Circuit de Catalunya, said the conditions were closer to ideal than they encounter at other circuits during a typical season.

“In hindsight it probably wasn’t tested in the right conditions at the right circuit,” said Russell. “If you go to a circuit such as Barcelona which is quite an aggressive Tarmac, it was 40-odd degree track temperature, fully rubbered-in from the race weekend, the tyres were very sketchy coming out pit lane but by about turn five on the out-lap it was at a respectable level. But if I compare that in contrast with the start of the year when I did one run in Jerez in 10-degree track temperature it was extremely difficult getting out of the pits.”

“There will be crashes”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/16/there-will-be-crashes-f1-drivers-oppose-ban-on-tyre-heaters-ahead-of-2024-vote/


F1 drivers warn "there will be crashes" ahead of vote on controversial rule change
F1 drivers recently got another chance to test new tyres being developed by Pirelli ahead of the planned ban on tyre blankets being used in the sport from next year
21:18, 16 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon F1 Writer
The Mirror

F1 chiefs want to get rid of them altogether. Their argument is that, as the blankets require a notable amount of energy, their use goes against F1's attempts to become more sustainable. Supplier Pirelli has been developing compounds to be used on track which do not require the use of the blankets. Whether or not they will be used next year depends on the outcome of a vote to be held at the end of July.

Several test events have been held in recent months to gather date on how effecting those new compounds are. The most recent took place this month, in the days after the Spanish Grand Prix at the same Barcelona track.

"In hindsight it probably wasn’t tested in the right conditions at the right circuit," said George Russell, who shared duties with Mick Schumacher in the Mercedes test. "If you go to a circuit such as Barcelona which is quite an aggressive Tarmac, it was 40-odd degree track temperature, fully rubbered-in from the race weekend.

"There will be crashes";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/tyre-blankets-leclerc-alonso-russell-30254192


Martin Brundle warns how tyre blanket ban could ruin F1 qualifying sessions
21 Jun 2023 3:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

F1 pundit Martin Brundle believes the slick-tyre gambles which paid off for some and punished others in Canada GP qualifying will cease to be without tyre blankets. Drivers and team personnel are certainly not fully onboard with the plan, safety concerns being the main sticking point, but for Brundle it is strategy worries.

Take the tyre blankets away though, which Brundle is not convinced are worse for the environment than adding extra fuel for tyre warm-up laps, then the former F1 driver suspects the current stars would not dare to deliver a lap on cold dry tyres in such conditions.

‘Strategy worries’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/martin-brundle-tyre-blanket-ban-warning/


F1 drivers told to change driving style amid 2024 tyre safety concerns
20 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

After participating in Pirelli’s most recent tyre test at Barcelona, Mercedes driver George Russell warned: “I don’t think we as a sport are at a position to bring these tyres into a racing scenario”. But Russell’s concerns have been rejected by Pirelli, who have suggested that drivers will need to adapt their driving styles.

“Obviously drivers need to think about the fact that not using the blankets is different than today, so they need to approach the out-lap in a different way,” Pirelli engineer Simone Berra said. “In cold conditions, it could be trickier to bring the tyres up to temperature but it’s just a matter of doing the first portion of the lap [cautiously].”

“But in terms of safety, I don’t see from the data any specific risk.”

“Obviously…………………………….”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1029539/1/f1-drivers-told-change-driving-style-amid-2024-tyre-safety-concerns


F1 drivers send warning to FIA over proposed rule change as George Russell speaks out
14:53 Sun, 18 Jun 2023.
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible

Leading F1 drivers have sent a warning to the FIA over a proposed change to the regulations surrounding tyre blankets. Tyre blankets are a vital component in F1, as they keep the tyres warm before being fitted on to the car. They are particularly important in cooler conditions, as they retain heat in the tyre and allow it to have more grip on the circuit itself.

The ability to warm up your tyres quickly - and keeping them at an optimal temperature - can be the difference between winning a race or finishing further down the field. However, the FIA have placed a limit in recent years on what temperature the tyre blankets can reach, and how long they can be used for before a car goes out on track.

As is traditional with any new tyre compound, drivers have tested the proposed tyres on track at 'test events' and during race weekends. The switch to the new compound is only planned at this stage, with a vote due to be held next month on whether to use them moving forwards. However, leading stars such as Fernando Alonso and George Russell have voiced their concerns. Alonso echoed Russell's thoughts, stating that he didn't understand why there needed to be a ban on tyre blankets. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, said there was still a 'question mark' over the suitability of the new compounds in cold conditions, and wants to carry out further tests.

‘Leading F1 drivers have sent a warning to the FIA’;

https://www.sportbible.com/formula-1/fia-f1-rule-change-alonso-russell-pirelli-tyres-623976-20230618

[Fortitude]

Aston Martin’s Canadian GP upgrade brings new confidence for upcoming races.
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack is keen to see what progress the team has made in high-speed cornering following the upgrade it introduced in Canada.
22nd June 2023, 8:14
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

The effectiveness of Aston Martin’s upgrades for the Canadian Grand Prix was demonstrated by Fernando Alonso‘s second place, as he finished less than ten seconds off victory despite extensive fuel-saving. Alonso was instructed to lift-and-coast for around two-thirds of the 70-lap race as a precaution over concerns over a problem in the team’s fuel system, which “did not materialise in the end”. But team principal Mike Krack was wary that had Alonso been driving at the car’s potential then Red Bull’s race winner Max Verstappen may have upped his pace in response to maintain his advantage.

It was a strong comeback weekend for Aston Martin, at least on Alonso’s side of the garage, as second place in qualifying and the race was a vast improvement on the previous race at Barcelona, where he started and finished outside the top six. However his team mate Lance Stroll suffered a disastrous qualifying session in Montreal which left him 16th on the grid, from where he was only able to recover as far as ninth.

Krack said the upgrades, focused around the floor and the engine cover towards the rear of the Aston Martin AMR23, brought everything in performance gains that the team had expected. However the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is among the six temporary circuits that have formed the first eight rounds of the season, while the Circuit de Catalunya with its medium and high-speed corners exposed the AMR23’s weaknesses two weeks ago.

‘EL PLAN: What progress the team has made’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/22/aston-martins-canadian-gp-upgrade-brings-new-confidence-for-upcoming-races/


Could Aston Martin be at ‘Red Bull’s level’ soon with wind tunnel data boost?
21 Jun 2023 6:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Less than 10 seconds behind Red Bull in Canada, a report claims Aston Martin believe their upgraded AMR23 can “drive at Red Bull’s level”, they just need to understand the upgrades a little better. Aston Martin brought their biggest round of upgrades for the car to the Canadian Grand Prix weekend where they ran a new floor and engine cover while there were also changes to the undercut behind the sidepod inlets.

The team acknowledge the changes were “enormous”, but almost seemed to downplay their performance gains, gains that saw Fernando Alonso bring his AMR23 home in second place having beaten Lewis Hamilton in the B-spec Mercedes to the line. But for the Spaniard it was a case of what could’ve been with Alonso telling the team he wanted to go for the win shortly after he was told to lift and coast with his car seemingly having a fuel system issue.

‘EL PLAN: Red Bull’s level’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-martin-red-bull-level-wind-tunnel-data/


Alonso's Canadian GP advantage over Hamilton EXPLAINED by F1 expert
Tuesday 20 June 2023 21:57
Shubham Sangodkar
GPFans

The Canadian Grand Prix gave us an equal Fernando Alonso vs Lewis Hamilton battle for the first time this season, where both cars were equally matched, and were stronger in different phases of the race. Race Start: Lewis Hamilton had a much better launch compared to Fernando Alonso in both the first and second phases of acceleration towards turn 1. They were both joking post-race about how Alonso’s reaction time is slower because he’s older.

The First Stint - Mode “Push” - Both the drivers had started the race on mediums, and Alonso was pushing Hamilton to wear his tyres out in order to obtain a tyre delta advantage. The Second Stint - The Difference Maker - Alonso had really good consistency with the hard tyre while Hamilton was not able to consistently put in quick lap times. This allowed the Spaniard to catch up with his old team-mate and eventually pass him on lap 22 with DRS open.

The Third Stint - Hamilton Is a Fighter - As Hamilton pitted on lap 40, Mercedes looked at data from Ferrari and decided to put him on medium tyres, whose tyre degradation was much lower than expected. Aston decided to stick with hard tyres for the third stint. The medium tyres brought the Mercedes back to life again…

‘Shubham Sangodkar is a former F1 Aerodynamicist with a Master's in Racing Car Design specialising in F1 Aerodynamics and F1 Data Analysis’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110005/lewis-hamilton-fernando-alonso-canadian-grand-prix-analysis/


Aston Martin reveal misleading reason for Fernando Alonso’s lift and coast order at F1 Canadian GP
20 Jun 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Aston Martin have revealed that a fuel system error led to their request for Fernando Alonso to lift and coast during the F1 Canadian Grand Prix. Alonso had repassed Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in the battle for second place after initially losing out off the line but was instructed to “lift and coast” by his team in the closing stages of the race.

That enabled Hamilton to catch Alonso, though after seeing the gap reduce down to around 1.5 seconds, the Spaniard was able to pull clear and seal second place on the rostrum behind Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack explained that the the team’s data was indicating a possible problem on Alonso’s car which "did not materialise in the end”.

"We thought we had a problem with the fuel system,” Krack said. “But we were not sure. So as a precaution we said the best thing is to save some fuel and to do lift and coast.”

‘EL PLAN: Fernando Alonso’s lift and coast order’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1029525/1/aston-martin-reveal-misleading-reason-alonso-s-lift-and-coast-order


Revealed: The role Fernando Alonso played in George Russell’s Canada shunt
19 Jun 2023 10:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

George Russell said his error that put him in the wall at the Canadian Grand Prix came when he was “doing everything” he could to pressurise Fernando Alonso. Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton was able to make the pass on Alonso to improve to P2, putting the Aston Martin driver between the pair of Brits.

Alonso then in the opening laps was plotting a way past Hamilton, though he could not do that in comfort as he had Russell breathing down his neck, until he was not. On Lap 12 Russell took too much sausage kerb at the Turn 8/9 chicane, putting him out of shape as he clattered the wall on exit.

Russell was able to drag the heavily wounded W14 back to the pits and rejoin the race in P19 and last, and after the race Russell would detail the innocent role which Alonso played in his date with the wall. “Apologies to the team,” Russell began. “We’ve put so much hard work and effort into this weekend and a small mistake has had massive consequences. I was doing everything I could to put Fernando under pressure…”

‘EL PLAN: “Doing everything” ’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-role-george-russell-canada-crash/


How Aston Martin played it coy with its major Canada F1 upgrade
11:42 Tue, 20 Jun 2023.
By: Matt Somerfield
Motorsport.com

There was a lot more to the upgrade than initially met the eye, especially as the team was fairly coy when it came to detailing the changes it had made in the official car presentation submission document before the action got underway. This is usual fare to be honest though, as all of the teams have, over time, become more accustomed to generalising the changes being made to their cars at each grand prix.

After giving some in-depth analysis of its changes when this new era of F1 began, most now take more of a catch-all approach to explain what has been altered in the various legality zones/boxes, with the vagaries of the actual changes still needing to be explored.

The prime example in Aston Martin's case is the changes made to its sidepods, which aren't mentioned in its submission documents at all but have obviously been overhauled as part of the package of alterations made to the AMR23.

‘EL PLAN: Aston Martin played it coy’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-aston-martin-played-it-coy-with-its-major-canada-f1-upgrade-/10485463/


Aston Martin baffled by Mercedes warning Lewis Hamilton of non-existent Fernando Alonso issue
20 Jun 2023 10:00 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Mike Krack has joked Mercedes “know more about our car than we do” after Lewis Hamilton was told Fernando Alonso had a brake issue, one Aston Martin didn’t know about. Chasing down Alonso in the final 10 laps of the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton brought the gap down to 1.4s and was told by Mercedes there was a rear brake issue that his Aston Martin rival was having to manage.

Bono: “Sounds like Alonso is nursing a rear brake issue.” That was news to the Aston Martin pit wall. “I was surprised as well to hear that,” team boss Krack said after the race. “I think Lewis was told we had a brake situation. We looked at each other and we said ‘They know more about our car than we do, we should speak to our Mercedes engineers’.”

‘EL PLAN: Bono: “Sounds like Alonso is nursing a rear brake issue.”!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-martin-baffled-mercedes-warning-non-existent-fernando-alonso-issue/

[Fortitude]

FIA warning spells trouble for Red Bull hopes of continuing F1 dominance.
FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis claims it is “only a matter of time” before the F1 pack converges and the all-conquering Red Bull dominance is no more.
21 Jun 2023 6:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull have made the perfect start to the F1 2023 campaign, winning all eight grands prix to leave the competition in the dust as they seemingly march towards successive title doubles.

Tombazis though insists this is merely temporary, and with the pack behind Red Bull so competitive, which sees Mercedes, Aston Martin and Ferrari scrapping with the pursuers not far behind, Tombazis says Red Bull will soon fall into this battle, perhaps as soon as in the coming months.

“Putting Red Bull aside, everyone else is close,” he told Corriere della Sera, “and I think it’s only a matter of time before performance convergence is achieved. Maybe it will be achieved in the next few months, maybe it will be early next year.”

“Only a matter of time”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fia-warning-red-bull-f1-dominance/


FIA comments on scrapping DRS
There have been calls from both within and outside the Formula 1 paddock for DRS to be scrapped.
22 June 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

The FIA’s single seater director Nikolas Tombazis has ruled out Formula 1 scrapping DRS “in the short term”, due to the Greek engineer believing it to be too big a “risk for the sport”. According to Tombazis, DRS isn’t going anywhere just yet, with him believing that overtaking will be “very difficult” if the system is removed.

“In an ideal world it is conceivable to remove DRS, but in the short term it will not happen because otherwise overtaking would be very difficult,” Tombazis told Italian outlet Corriere della Sera.

“We are no longer in the ’80s, when simulations were not so advanced and the differences between one car and the next were great. With the current level of technology, of science, removing the DRS would be a risk for the sport.”

‘Ttoo big a “risk for the sport”.’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fia-comments-on-scrapping-drs/


FIA set to make MAJOR change to race weekends
Thursday 22 June 2023 17:57
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

The FIA is considering a major shakeup to the F1 calendar, including holding certain races on Saturday and adding the China Grand Prix back to the calendar. The FIA General Assembly, held in Cordoba, has met to discuss the future of the sport. F1 owners Liberty Media have shown signs of wanting to modernise the calendar, already altering the sprint race format to include a special sprint qualifying session.

Traditional races at risk. Much has been said about the future of traditional races, even iconic locations like Monaco. Although Monte Carlo seems to have held onto its spot for now, the Belgian Grand Prix’s future has not been decided, with the potential for it to alternate with Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

Stefano Domenicali has denied that these changes neglect the sport’s roots, telling the Beyond the Grid podcast: “I‘m laughing when I hear people that are saying Formula 1 is not respecting historical races. It’s absolutely the other way around. For sure it’s very important that the historical races have their own personality. What we want is to use this incredible moment, where Formula 1 is growing, to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing. It’s a matter of understanding that the world is evolving.”

“I‘m laughing’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110103/fia-f1-calendar-cordoba-meeting-chinese-grand-prix/


FIA Extraordinary General Assemblies 2023
23.06.23
FIA (Press Release)

The Extraordinary General Assemblies of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (France and Switzerland) were held in Cordoba, Andalusia, today (22 June) at the completion of the FIA 2023 Conference, which took place under the theme of “Accelerating Change: Member-Driven, Knowledge-Led Transformation".

FIA Member Clubs took part in the voting process and approved several proposals, most notably the FIA’s annual audited accounts for 2022 and the reaffiliation of the Automobile Association of the United Kingdom as an FIA Member Club.

The next meeting of the FIA General Assemblies will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 8 December 2023.

‘Accelerating Change: Member-Driven, Knowledge-Led Transformation";

https://www.fia.com/news/fia-extraordinary-general-assemblies-2023


THE FIA HINT AT REDUCING PRE-RACE GRID ACCESS
With the continued growth and interest in Formula One, pre-race grid walks are becoming more popular and overcrowded. But could this be a thing of the past?
June 21, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

We are only eight races into the Formula One 2023 season, but it has not been smooth sailing for the FIA so far. In particular, the sport’s governing body has had to deal with multiple track-side safety issues. The most recent incident occurred at the Spanish Grand Prix. As the cars were given the green light to start their formation lap, there was a large crowd of guests next to the racetrack.

While the Spanish Grand Prix is the subject of these potential rule changes, it is not the only event that has suffered safety breaches this year so far. At the end of the Australian Grand Prix, fans invaded the track before the end of the race. Afterwards, the stewards summoned race officials and organisers over the breach. The incident sparked an investigation, with the FIA World Motor Sport Council still waiting on the findings.

The next incident happened at the following race in Azerbaijan. During the closing stages of the Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon was involved in an almost fatal near-miss in the pit lane. Videos of the incident showed FIA-sanctioned officials allowing parc ferme barriers and personnel to filter into the pit lane. But the race hadn’t finished, with the Alpine driver still to make his pit stop. The French driver has since received an official apology from the FIA for the incident.
"This is a SHAMBLES, absolute shambles!!" ��
A scary moment in the pit lane at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with people not realising Esteban Ocon was still to pit ��pic.twitter.com/L2I56JV2OI
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 30, 2023

‘REDUCING PRE-RACE GRID ACCESS’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/the-fia-hint-at-reducing-pre-race-grid-access/

[Fortitude]

Domenicali: 24 F1 races is the "right number" for long term.
"What we want to do next year is 24 and I think 24 is the right number," Domenicali said on F1's Beyond the Grid podcast. "It’s the number that is required within the market.
23rd June 2023, 14:57.
By: Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

F1's calendar ballooned to a record 24 races for 2024 with the addition of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. The return of Shanghai's Chinese Grand Prix was then cancelled as a result of China's on-going COVID-19 policy, while Imola's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was called off due to severe flooding, reducing the calendar down to 22 races.

The 2024 calendar is expected to feature the same 24 events as this year's schedule, with talks underway to extend the Belgian Grand Prix's contract as a bid to return to South Africa faltered for a second consecutive year.

According to F1 CEO Domenicali, the series will continue to target 24 events. "I would say it’s the right balance between that, the complexity of the logistics and of the people that are working. I would say this is the number which we should target to be stable for a long time."

‘24 is the "right number".’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-stefano-domenicali-24-races-right-number/10486463/


FIA clarifies F1’s budget cap regulations through TD45 update
2023 F1 season
Posted on 23rd June 2023, 14:44
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

The FIA has clarified a key part of Formula 1’s Financial Regulations in an update issued to teams last month. TD45, a technical directive and cost cap administration clarification, provides added detail on how the sport’s governing body interprets the distinction between teams’ F1 activities and non-F1 activities.

The difference between the two is important because non-F1 activities are excluded from teams’ spending under the budget cap. If any team was able to gain benefits for its F1 programme through non-F1 activities, they could gain an advantage from spending outside of the budget cap. Several teams are involved in businesses outside of F1 and in some cases began doing so long before the budget cap was introduced in 2021. Others formed technology businesses and later sold them.

Mercedes has an Applied Science division which has developed technologies for use in the America’s Cup sailing race. Red Bull’s Advanced Technologies, which supplies both the world champions and AlphaTauri, has contributed to another entrant in the same competition and is developing the RB17 road car. Aston Martin’s comparable division, Aston Martin Performance Technologies, was set up in 2021. No team has been accused of breaking any rules.

‘FIA clarification’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/23/fia-clarifies-f1s-budget-cap-regulations-through-td45-update/


Major European F1 race could be resurrected with early ‘signals’ sent
23 Jun 2023 2:15 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Hockenheim’s track manager Jorn Teske has said there is “pressure” for a return of a German Grand Prix. The Hockenheim circuit dates back to almost 90 years since it first opened for motor racing, although it would be 1970 before the track held its first Formula 1 race.

But finances plagued the hosting of the German Grand Prix, particularly as the Michael Schumacher effect faded away and well-funded races around the world were introduced to the calendar. The last edition of the German Grand Prix, held in 2019, came about with Mercedes backing as a title sponsor – such funding being necessary for the event to be held again.

But how likely is a return of Formula 1 to Hockenheim? Not very, according to Teske, as a result of the very high fees the circuit would need to pay to F1 to host a race. “I can’t say that seriously,” he said. “Neither the probability nor an exact timetable. In recent years it has repeatedly failed due to the financial situation. The staging involved such a great risk that we couldn’t take responsibility for it. We cannot jeopardize years of good work with a supposedly loss-making Formula 1 race a year.”

‘Great risk’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/german-grand-prix-resurrected-early-signals-sent/


FIA tackles impact on cost cap of teams' non-F1 projects
23/06/2023 at 12:18
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

The FIA recently issued a technical directive to F1 teams that closes a potential loophole in the sport's cost cap regulations regarding the use of staff assigned to non-F1 projects. Earlier this year, Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer voiced his concerns about teams gaming the system by employing staff officially assigned to outside projects.

"I think what some of the other teams are now doing, the bigger teams, is they're looking to exploit or have a better understanding of where there's some loopholes or some organisational changes you can make to actually stuff more people under that budget cap," commented Szafnauer.

"They're looking at: ‘I got rid of 100 people, but now I want to hire them back’. They can find spots for them, where they either don't count as a whole person or they do some marketing stuff or whatever it is, or they work on a boat for some of the time."

‘Technical directive’;

https://f1i.com/news/478414-fia-tackles-impact-of-teams-non-f1-projects-on-cost-cap.html


How FIA’s trying to close an F1 team ‘side project’ loophole
23rd June 2023, 11:52
By Mark Hughes
The Race

The FIA has issued a new technical directive to tackle potential grey areas around Formula 1 teams’ non-F1 engineering activities. The newly-imposed TD45 comes into immediate effect and is backdated to January 1 of this year.

It is described by the FIA as both a technical directive and a cost cap admin clarification which addresses the issue of non-F1 activities costs. Many of the top teams have non-F1 engineering divisions – notably Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, Aston Martin and McLaren.

How could it be proven what thought process initiated a technology which ended up being of benefit to the F1 team? What about engineering staff transferred from the F1 team to the sister company working on the new technology? Could they be discounted from the cost cap? What if they returned to the core F1 team afterwards?

‘Potential grey areas’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/how-fias-trying-to-close-an-f1-team-side-project-loophole/

[Fortitude]

Alpine’s Otmar Szafnauer admits two-stop strategy was “not the optimal approach” in Montréal.
Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer felt that the team missed out on a greater haul of points at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve due to their strategy decision to take two pit stops as opposed to one, which had proved to be a competitive alternative for rival teams.
June 21, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer: “It’s not been a straightforward afternoon with Esteban in the points and Pierre unfortunately missing out.”

“I think we have many things to learn from the race as we saw both Ferraris, Sergio [Perez] and Alex [Albon] make the one-stop strategy work, whereas we planned a one-stop but converted to a two-stop on both cars, which probably was not the optimal approach given the final outcome. That’s something we’ll review to see what we can do better going forward.”

“Not the optimal approach”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/alpines-otmar-szafnauer-admits-two-stop-strategy-was-not-the-optimal-approach-in-montreal/


Ocon urges Alpine 'review' after Canada loss
22 June 9:40AM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Having been running in P4 in the early stages of the Canadian Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon was left wondering what could have been after ending the day further back in eighth place. Ocon lost positions as the Grand Prix progressed and ultimately ended the event in P8 after being unable to pass the Williams of Alex Albon in seventh.
"I managed to overtake Nico [Hulkenberg, at the start], and then with the problem for George [Russell] I was fourth," Ocon told media, including RacingNews365.com. "We were fourth before the first round of stops. It's after that really that we started to lose positions."

"So we need to review where that was lost, if that was [during] the Safety Car or that was the strategy in general, going [to] two stops [from a one-stop]. [We need to see] what exactly it was because we ended up behind Alex and we knew we shouldn't end up behind the Williams – they are extremely difficult to pass, and we couldn't we get in front.”

‘Alpine review';

https://racingnews365.com/ocon-urges-alpine-review-after-canada-loss


Esteban Ocon: “We know that perhaps we did not maximise our opportunities today in Montréal”
June 20, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Ocon, who started in sixth, lost out on places from the strategy front, with one-stop runners including both Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Sergio Pérez and Alex Albon making major strides in the field. Ocon said that their pace that he had was solid, but not quite enough to counter-attack in the end.

“I think we can be satisfied with finishing another race in the points but we know that perhaps we did not maximise our opportunities today in Montréal. Our car and our pace was strong but, in the end, it was not enough to pass Alex [Albon] in the Williams, who was quicker on the straights.”

‘Did not maximise our opportunities’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/esteban-ocon-we-know-that-perhaps-we-did-not-maximise-our-opportunities-today-in-montreal/


‘We’ve got way more pace than we’re showing’ – Gasly desperate for a clean weekend to show Alpine potential
18 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Pierre Gasly finished the Canadian Grand Prix outside the points in P12 – but said afterwards that was not a reflection of the pace of his Alpine car.

‘Desperate for a clean weekend’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.weve-got-way-more-pace-than-were-showing-gasly-desperate-for-a-clean-weekend-to-show-alpine-potential.1769076055505485759.html


Gasly lost 'seconds a lap' in DRS train in Canadian GP
21/06/2023 at 09:47
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Pierre Gasly says his botched qualifying session in Montreal inflicted permanent damage on his race weekend as he was unable to extract himself from a DRS train on Sunday. Gasly was left fuming on Saturday afternoon at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after he had missed the Q2 cut through no fault of his own.

A forced move down the escape road left him a P17 in the pecking order. While he gained two spots on the grid thanks to penalties levied upon two other drivers, his lowly starting position consigned him from the outset to the lower tier of the midfield.

"I just want to get to Austria," a frustrated Gasly told the media after completing his race in 13th position. The damage we suffered [in qualifying] put us massively on the backfoot, and I think we saw why track position is so important."

‘DRS train’;

https://f1i.com/news/478310-gasly-lost-seconds-a-lap-in-drs-train-in-canadian-gp.html


Ocon plays down rear-wing issues in Montreal but says Alpine 'need to review' why they finished P8
21 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly left this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix disappointed for differing reasons. While Ocon was frustrated not to finish higher, Gasly was left ruing his poor luck that saw him unable to use the “potential” in Alpine's package.

After pitting for the hards in his first stop, he lost track position to the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as the Red Bull of Sergio Perez – with all three drivers staying out. And, after pitting for the second time, he ended up behind the one-stopping Alex Albon.

Asked if he was pleased with the result, Ocon replied: “Pleased? No. Probably not. Happy to be in the points again, but we were fourth before all the rounds of stops. So, we need to review what happened, why we lost to all the other cars after the stops.

'Need to review';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ocon-plays-down-rear-wing-issues-in-montreal-but-says-alpine-need-to-review.2a4lB4BH9MwsdNVXUwgoih.html


Gasly expects talks over impeding: It's out of our control
22 June 2:15PM
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Pierre Gasly is expecting the issue of impeding to be discussed at the next Formula 1 race weekend after various incidents in recent qualifying sessions. The Alpine driver was issued with two penalties for separate impeding offences in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, demoting him from P4 on the grid to P10.

"I was on the other side in Barcelona," Gasly told media, including RacingNews365.com. "The only thing that I tend to disagree a bit [with] is when you impede someone that finished on pole position, it's different than when you impede someone in a way that kicks him out of Q1 or Q2.”

"Clearly the damage was not only in qualy, but clearly in the race. Your whole weekend is affected by it. Maybe that needs a review, but honestly this is out of our control. I'm sure it's going to be talked about at the next race. At the moment, I just hope for a clean and smooth weekend and that's what we'll target in Austria."

‘It's out of our control’;

https://racingnews365.com/gasly-expects-talks-over-impeding-its-out-of-our-control


Alpine chasing race pace improvements
Friday 23rd June, 2023 - 4:57pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer has singled out race pace as an area his team needs to improve, noting Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon enjoy good single-lap speed. Alpine has emerged as another contender towards the front of the grid, slotting in comfortably as the fifth-best team in F1 when everything goes to plan, and occasionally higher.

Those performances, however, rely on a strong Saturday with the Alpine seemingly unable to charge through the field in the race itself. “I think one-lap performance is good,” said Szafnauer.

“We have to work to make the race pace equal, relatively equal, to the one-lap performance. We’re not quite there, but we’re not far off. So there will be other things that we’re looking at to bring that race up to where the qualifying performance is, and then we’ll have an even better chance to score more points.”

‘Race pace improvements’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/23/alpine-chasing-race-pace-improvements/

[Fortitude]

Bottas encourages Alfa Romeo to continue to take 'steps forward' after well 'executed' P10 finish in Canada.
Valtteri Bottas was “pleased” to finish 10th in Canada this past weekend, as he lauded the “progress” made by Alfa Romeo in recent races – although his team mate Zhou Guanyu was left bemused by the team’s strategy that left him 16th.
22 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Starting in 14th, on the hard tyre, Bottas made a slow start which saw him drop down to 16th. However, he moved up into the top-10 after opting not to pit under the Safety Car, while the drivers ahead of him made their first stops.

The Finn was running in P8 when he was called in for his first – and only – stop of the afternoon. He later found his way back up to ninth, but lost places to Lando Norris and Lance Stroll across the line – although he moved back up to 10th after Norris, who had a five-second penalty anyway, ran wide at the final chicane on the last lap.

Reflecting on his performance, Bottas said: “I am pleased with our race today. I made up four positions during the race, and it’s always a good day when that happens, especially when you get a top ten finish, which had been our main goal all weekend long.

‘Well 'executed' P10 finish in Canada’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-encourages-alfa-romeo-to-continue-to-take-steps-forward-after-well.9E75LXCV8bnAaaKDq3Pte.html


Bottas: Important points result in Canada
Tuesday 20th June, 2023 - 12:05pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

His point comes off the back of two collected by team-mate Zhou Guanyu in Spain in the race prior, leaving Alfa Romeo Sauber’s tally for the year at nine – one more than Haas. “Pleased with how today went, and I think when you make up four positions in the race, it’s a good day,” Bottas said after Sunday’s race. Even if it’s only a point, it’s something that important, so I’m pleased with it.”

Bottas had started the race on the hard compound tyres, gaining track position by staying out when the bulk of the field pitted on Lap 12 under the Safety Car triggered by George Russell. He finally stopped on Lap 35, swapping onto the medium rubber for the run to the flag. “I think it was the right call that we stayed out,” Bottas opined. “The stint I had on the mediums was a bit too long, so I think we did well with the strategy. Starting with the hard tyre was a good one, so overall I don’t think there was much more we could have done.”

‘Important points’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/20/bottas-important-points-result-in-canada/


Bottas: Montreal race showed 'light at the end of the tunnel'.
20/06/2023 at 16:17
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Valtteri Bottas says his run to P10 in last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix was a welcome result and "a bit of light at the end of the tunnel" after a dismal period for the Alfa Romeo driver. "I think it’s important for myself and the whole team because we can see again the progress we’ve made," said Bottas after the race.

"I think, again, this weekend in every session the car has been capable of a top 10, and it was the same [in the race], so it’s good to see. It just gives us a bit of hope and a kind of feeling that there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel."

‘Welcome result’;

https://f1i.com/news/478286-bottas-montreal-race-showed-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel.html


Canada Point ‘Proof of all the hard work’ and a ‘Motivation Boost’ for Alfa Romeo – Bottas
June 21, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Valtteri Bottas returned to the points for the first time since the opening race of the season last weekend, with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake driver earning tenth place in the Canadian Grand Prix.

It could have been even better for the Finn as he was passed on the run to the chequered flag by Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team’s Lance Stroll, with Bottas struggling with tyre wear at the end of the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

‘Proof of all the hard work’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/canada-point-proof-of-all-the-hard-work-and-a-motivation-boost-for-alfa-romeo-valtteri-bottas/


‘No interference’ as Sauber, Audi prepare for 2026
08:29 Fri, 23 Jun 2023.
Grandpx.news

Audi is already focused on preparing for its works Formula 1 foray for 2026, according to Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi. He says Sauber is also making plans for 2026 whilst also racing as Alfa Romeo in 2023.

"We cannot think of being competitive in 2026 if we are not capable of doing an optimal job and improving as a team during these years," said the Italian.

"At the same time Audi is concentrating on the engine project," Bravi added. "There is no interference and we are both working on our main focus - us on the car and Audi on the engine."

‘No interference’;

https://grandpx.news/no-interference-as-sauber-audi-prepare-for-2026/

[Fortitude]

‘Teams are terrified of speaking out after Guenther Steiner’s layman enquiry’.
With McLaren questioning, but making a point of not criticising, Lando Norris’ ‘unsportsmanlike behaviour’ penalty in Canada, Ted Kravitz says that’s because the teams are “terrified” of speaking against the FIA.
21 Jun 2023 4:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Norris was perplexed, telling the media “it doesn’t make sense to me”, while his team boss Andrea Stella said he wanted ongoing discussions with the FIA over the penalty. But, he made it clear McLaren weren’t criticising the stewards or expressing “too strong an opinion”, they just wanted an explanation. He added: “Ultimately we trust their judgement but we are reviewing the behaviour of Lando because we come out of this race very surprised that this has caused a penalty.”

Kravitz reckons that’s because McLaren, and all the other teams, are too scared about having a negative opinion lest the FIA come down on them as they did Guenther Steiner after his Monaco “laymen” remarks. “When Gunther brought it up after Monaco he was then penalised, censured by the FIA for speaking out about it in a kind of misunderstanding of the word, ‘layman’,” he told the Sky Sports podcast.

“Layman was what they didn’t like about it. So McLaren have learned from that. And McLaren were very keen not to say anything about sportsmanlike with the Lando penalty, less to they get a reprimand from the FIA. Teams are terrified of speaking out. Is that healthy? And if teams aren’t feeling like they can say anything about the FIA without getting called before the stewards like Guenther was, then is it incumbent for the media to ask the questions? I suppose it is.”

‘Teams terrified of the FIA’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/teams-terrified-speaking-out-fia/


Steiner reiterates calls for 'continuity' with F1 stewarding
17 June 9:20AM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Haas boss Guenther Steiner has reiterated his desire for Formula 1 to have permanent stewards after receiving a reprimand from the FIA over comments made. In Monaco, Nico Hulkenberg was given a penalty for an aggressive first-lap overtake, while Kevin Magnussen also made a similar move up the inside of Mirebeau in the race, but did not receive any sanction.

Responding to that in Spain, Steiner commented that "F1 is one of the biggest sports in the world, and we still have laymen deciding on the fate of people which invest millions into their careers," a comment which earned him a reprimand from the FIA, with use of the word 'laymen' highlighted as having potential to cause offence.

"Exactly how would you solve the continuity [of stewarding], how would you solve that or who would you have there?" the Haas boss explained to media, including RacingNews365. "I'm not going to choose the stewards, I don't really care. For me, the system, the continuity [needs to be] always the same. I still the penalty we got in Monte Carlo was wrong. It wasn't [at] a wrong turn, it was in a proper turn and there was collision, so how can you be penalised for something you didn't do?”

‘Permanent Stewards!’;

https://racingnews365.com/steiner-reiterrates-calls-for-continuity-with-f1-stewarding


[B]FIA got a Steiner apology. Now it must follow his logic
Jun 11 2023
By Edd Straw
The Race

Guenther Steiner may have had to apologise for the way he expressed his criticisms of Formula 1’s stewarding systems, but the fundamental point he made is correct. It is an anachronism for a sporting competition as wealthy and high-profile as Formula 1 not to have permanent, professional stewards.

To avoid falling into the same trap as Steiner, it’s important to delineate between professional in status and professional in conduct. The use of the word “laymen” and mentioning other sports had “professional” referees, according to the stewards “could be, and indeed were, perceived to cause offence and in our view reasonably did cause offence not only to the stewards in Monaco but also to other FIA personnel and many motorsport volunteers”.

There are plenty of volunteers and what should be technically classed as ‘amateurs’ who do a very professional job so this is not fundamentally about that. Instead, it’s about the role of what Steiner called ‘the referees’, the significance of the stewards and the unique place they have in the wider perception of F1. While the stewards generally do a good, professional job – genuinely – there is always room for improvement.

‘Fundamental point Guenther Steiner made is correct’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/fia-got-a-steiner-apology-now-it-must-follow-his-logic/


Guenther Steiner responds in wake of Bernie Ecclestone ‘unsuccessful team boss’ jibe
17 Jun 2023 7:45 AM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Guenther Steiner has said “I don’t really care” when it comes to his popularity, in the wake of Bernie Ecclestone’s recent jibe about him. The former F1 supremo threw his support behind Mick Schumacher after he was cast aside by Haas this season, claiming “an unsuccessful team boss” made sure his place on the grid would not continue into 2023.

In fact, his fame and what others think of him has never figured much in his mind – though he acknowledged the popularity he has does serve a wider purpose for the sport. “Look, it’s not bad, it’s good for Formula 1, it’s good for Haas, it’s good for me from time to time, so you have to deal with that and respect the fans because without fans we wouldn’t exist,” Steiner told MARCA in Spain.

“We need to be seen, because we have to make money and it costs a lot. But I insist that I didn’t wake up one morning and say ‘I want to be popular’. I don’t like it or dislike it, I don’t really care. I’m very passionate, but I’m not a bad guy, I tell people what I want and I have to do it if I want to achieve something because it’s not an easy fight out there.”

“I don’t really care”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenther-steiner-team-boss-criticism/


Steiner: Haas unsure about root cause of wild F1 fluctuations
21 June 7:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Haas boss Guenther Steiner has denied suggestions the team will not be able to solve their Sunday problems due to Ferrari links. Haas boss Guenther Steiner says the team are unsure about what is causing their wild Formula 1 performance fluctuations, but that they are aware of a "pattern" with Ferrari.

As a Ferrari customer squad, Haas take many parts of their car from the Scuderia – which, as RacingNews365.com revealed earlier this year, is subject to strict FIA and in-house checks to avoid transfer of information between the two teams.

In 2023, Haas' season has been punctuated with strong qualifying results such as Nico Hulkenberg's second in Canada (although he would start fifth due to a penalty) and Kevin Magnussen's fourth in Miami.

‘Unsure about wild F1 fluctuations’;

https://racingnews365.com/steiner-haas-unsure-about-root-cause-of-wild-f1-fluctuations


Guenther Steiner highlights unwanted ‘pattern’ Haas are sharing with Ferrari
23 Jun 2023 3:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Haas boss Guenther Steiner acknowledges a “parallel” between their struggles on a Sunday and that of technical partner Ferrari. Tyre management is a key sticking point for Haas right now, a statement true also for Ferrari at times this season which has made Sundays a weakness for them both, though there was seemingly some respite for Ferrari at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a venue not renowned for punishing the Pirelli rubber.

Steiner though cannot overlook this “parallel” which has emerged between his Haas team and Ferrari. “It seems to be a parallel, obviously in different regions because they [Ferrari] are starting further up front, and the less dirty air you have, the easier it is,” Steiner is quoted by RacingNews365.com.

“But they fall back in the races on certain racetracks, so it seems there is a little bit of a pattern with them. So, it seems like a double-investigation is needed as Haas and Ferrari battle with what is apparently the same issue. If I would have the answer, we would be working on it, but we used to say it was the wind tunnel, and things like this, you need to look at the bigger picture,” Steiner continued.

‘Unwanted ‘pattern’ Haas are sharing with Ferrari’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenther-steiner-haas-ferrari-race-pattern/


Haas F1 Boss Guenther Steiner Keeps it Running
June 17, 2023
Shlomo Sprung
Boardroom

Boardroom gets the latest from the Haas team principal about his unlikely fame, his new book, Logan Sargeant, and his standards for success in 2023. The 58-year-old Italian-born exec is a major contributor to F1’s success in the US as a breakout star of the hit Netflix docuseries Drive To Survive.

The show got Formula 1 and Haas a ton of exposure and new support given that it arrived, to hear Steiner tell it, at the right place at precisely the right time. The only downside for Guenther? “I get harassed a lot more on the streets now,” he said.

Somehow, Steiner even found time to publish a book called Surviving to Drive: A Year Inside Formula 1 that became a Sunday Times bestseller. He considers the book something for fans to enjoy who aren’t necessarily deeply invested in the wonkiest details of F1, giving them instead an inside look into what takes place behind the scenes in motorsports‘ most high-stakes, frenzied atmospheres. “It’s a good beach read,” he said. “When you’re on holiday this year, this summer, it’s a good place to read it.”

‘Good beach read’;

https://boardroom.tv/guenther-steiner-haas-f1-team-2023/

[Fortitude]

AlphaTauri’s Jody Egginton: Tsunoda Strategy Gamble, “didn’t work out”.
AlphaTauri Technical Director, Jody Egginton explained that the team tried to differ the strategy to help Tsunoda recover and get back into contention to challenge for points.
June 25, 2023
By Joe Briley
The Checkered Flag

Jody Egginton: “Yesterday’s qualifying positions made today’s race more difficult than it needed to be. This, combined with Yuki’s three-place penalty, forced us into trying something different and unfortunately, it didn’t work out. We made a very early stop with Yuki to use the free air to recover race time.”

“The strategy was working quite well and Yuki got back into the pack, however, losing a bit of time behind Magnussen on older tyres, the decision was made to convert to a two-stop. This cost a bit more track position than expected due to a slow stop so ultimately, we couldn’t get back to the pack led by Albon.”

‘Strategy Gamble’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/alphatauris-jody-egginton-tsunoda-strategy-gamble-didnt-work-out/


Tsunoda laments troubles mastering tricky AlphaTauri
22 June 8:55AM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Yuki Tsunoda says he is still at a loss of how to "extract performance" from his AlphaTauri Formula 1 car after a difficult Canadian Grand Prix weekend. In a slow start to the season for AlphaTauri, Tsunoda has been a shining light, picking up their only two points with 10th place finishes in Australia and Azerbaijan.

The Japanese driver also has three 11th places to his name but had a quiet weekend in Montreal, having been knocked out in Q1 and then being unable to fight for points. Reflecting on his weekend, Tsunoda admitted that Canada was the first weekend of the season he "wasn't able to perform".

"It's a shame," he told the F1 Nation podcast. "I'm pretty happy with the performance I did in the race, but I just have to put it all together. We definitely have to work on the qualifying pace. With the conditions we had, with the damp track, we expected to have a good qualifying, because FP3 in the rain was pretty good.”

‘Still at a loss’;

https://racingnews365.com/tsunoda-laments-troubles-mastering-tricky-alphatauri


Tost makes SHOCKING De Vries claim despite POINTLESS 2023 season
Sunday 25 June 2023 15:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has insisted that Nyck de Vries has what it takes to win races and championships in F1. The Dutchman is one of just two drivers, the other being Logan Sargeant, who are yet to register a point in the 2023 season with AlphaTauri at the bottom of the constructors' standings.

“I said to him he should stay concentrated, he should stay confident because we all know he can do a good job," Tost told Formula 1's official website. “He won races in Formula 3 and Formula 2, he won championships – he won the Formula E World Championship. That means he knows how to win races and win championships. “He just needs to get the confidence – and we have to provide him with a good car.”

‘SHOCKING De Vries claim’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110186/nyck-de-vries-alphatauri-franz-tost-f1-2023-shocking-claim-pointless/


Tsunoda assesses AlphaTauri's Austria hopes
21 June 3:40PM
Author Michael Butterworth
RacingNews365

Following a disappointing weekend in Montreal, Yuki Tsunoda is bracing himself for another trying outing next time out in Austria. Yuki Tsunoda says the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix is likely to prove a difficult weekend for his AlphaTauri squad.

"It's hard, because we need a good qualifying, and because we have Sprint qualifying, the top eight [positions] will count [for points in the Sprint race] and we'll have to be around P9 at least in Sprint qualifying to score points," Tsunoda told the F1 Nation podcast.

The Japanese added that he didn’t expect the Red Bull Ring to suit the characteristics of his AlphaTauri AT04. "In the race, I think it's going to be a little bit difficult to overtake there as well, so I wouldn't expect too much," said Tsunoda. "We definitely need a good car there, and I don't know if our car will suit well there, to be honest.”

‘AlphaTauri's Austria hopes’;

https://racingnews365.com/tsunoda-assesses-alphatauris-austria-hopes


Yuki Tsunoda addresses Red Bull rumours and opens door to F1 move elsewhere
17:35 Sat, 24 Jun 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Despite what the standings say, Yuki Tsunoda is having a relatively positive season this year in F1 for AlphaTauri. The Japanese driver may only have two points to his name so far but that does not fairly tell the whole story, with him regularly finishing on the cusp of the points and seemingly getting the most out of the car more often than not this year.

Now in his third season in F1, he might not be quite ready yet for a move to a top team in the sport, but he is doing everything he can this season to show that he is on the right path to achieving that, and obviously with him part of the Red Bull programme, the more he impresses the more chatter will grow about him potentially moving to the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

‘Getting the most out of the car’;

https://www.givemesport.com/yuki-tsunoda-addresses-red-bull-rumours-and-opens-door-to-f1-move-elsewhere/

[Fortitude]

Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari criticism evokes memories of Alain Prost’s sacking.
David Coulthard doubts the relationship between Ferrari and Charles Leclerc will deteriorate in a fashion similar to Alain Prost’s over 30 years ago.
24 Jun 2023 8:00 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Following another tough weekend for Ferrari in which Leclerc could only manage fourth despite issues for a car from each of the Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Mercedes teams, David Coulthard has downplayed the possibility of Ferrari being annoyed with the Monégasque.

Following the qualifying session in which Ferrari had sent Leclerc out on intermediates as the track dried in Q2, not the first time the Scuderia have made a strategic faux pas, Leclerc made his feelings clear after the session. “When the track is so dry and we are staying on the inter tyres, we are not making our life any easier,” he said.

“So, we will, again, discuss with the team but we need to do a step forward now because it’s not the first time that it happens. We are quite often on the wrong side of making those decisions in those tricky situations. I had a clear opinion and a clear intuition and we went for something opposite. That was obviously frustrating to accept it first then you’re putting yourself in a very difficult situation. From that moment on, basically it’s slipped away from us.”

‘Memories of Alain Prost’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charles-leclerc-ferrari-criticism-alain-prost-sacking/


Vasseur on Ferrari troubles: Leclerc should 'put himself in our shoes'
25 June 2:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has urged Charles Leclerc to "put himself in our shoes" after another strategic fallout at the Canadian Grand Prix. Ferrari's strategy team has been much maligned since Leclerc joined in 2019 after a string of critical errors, not least during the ultimately failed championship charge last season.

"You can always do a better job," Vasseur told media, including RacingNews365.com. "But it is true that the picture you have 10 seconds after quali is not always the best one. We had a good discussion with Charles and gave him the global picture of the situation during the session.”

‘In our shoes’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-on-ferrari-troubles-leclerc-should-put-himself-in-our-shoes


VASSEUR RESPONDS TO LECLERC’S BLUNT CANADIAN QUALIFYING INTERVIEW
Frederic Vasseur and Charles Leclerc took their opinions to the media after yet another Ferrari strategy blunder
June 25, 2023
Luke Edmonds
FormulaNerds1

The Formula One world is well aware of Ferrari’s strategy blunders. However, Frederic Vasseur did not take kindly to these critiques from the Ferrari Wonder Boy. As a response to Leclerc’s comments during his post-qualifying interview, Vasseur sums that up to nothing more than short-term anger.

This is something that have plagued F1 drivers and staff members alike. After every frustrating moment throughout your career, a microphone is being put up to your face, and you’re expected to answer without having any time to reflect. Nonetheless, Frederic was quick to take accountability for Leclerc’s poor starting position.

Since his pole position in Baku, we have yet to see Leclerc start a Grand Prix inside the top 5. However, in the grand scheme of things, this has been the first time in quite a while that the majority of the blame can be placed on the Ferrari team.

‘Ferrari Wonder Boy’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/vasseur-responds-to-leclercs-blunt-canadian-qualifying-interview/


Hill: Ferrari still in need of 'a firm hand' to solve team's malaise
25/06/2023 at 16:33
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Damon Hill has questioned whether Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur is "the firm hand" the Italian outfit needs to pull it out of its perennial "malaise". "They need to have a good, long, hard look at themselves, or someone does," Hill told The Express.

"It just seems this is the malaise that they perennially suffer from. It’s like, you’re not sure who’s really in charge there. It’s such a potent force in the sport, it needs the firm hand of someone like a Ross Brawn or a Jean Todt to grab it and get everyone to march with them."

Hill's Sky F1 colleague Martin Brundle warned that Vasseur isn't immune to falling victim to Ferrari's "revolving door" policy. "He knows which way is up. It has been a revolving door there and he’s got to be careful he doesn’t get caught up in it," he said in Montreal.

"Revolving door";

https://f1i.com/news/478549-hill-ferrari-still-in-need-of-a-firm-hand-to-solve-teams-malaise.html


Hill slates 'suffering' Ferrari with Leclerc future at risk
24 June 4:05PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill has urged Ferrari to have a "long, hard look at themselves" to end its current "malaise". The Monégasque made a plea for a switch to slicks to set a competitive time but had his call denied by the pit wall and was able to qualify only 11th on Intermediates.

It was not the first instance of strategy chaos experienced by Ferrari and Leclerc since he joined the team in 2019, with questionable decision-making a constant of late. Assessing where he could go if patience is lost with the Scuderia, Hill questioned: "What options are there? There aren’t any.”

“I suppose he could look at Aston Martin but I think Fernando’s got a two-year contract with them anyway. I think he’d probably step aside if they paid him enough money, but I don’t think he wants to give up a competitive drive."

‘Leclerc future at risk’;

https://racingnews365.com/hill-slates-suffering-ferrari-with-leclerc-future-at-risk


Martin Brundle warns Fred Vasseur of Ferrari ‘revolving door’ amidst rebuild mission
24 Jun 2023 1:30 PM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Martin Brundle does not want to see Fred Vasseur get caught up in the “revolving door” at Ferrari before finding his feet. “He knows which way is up. It has been a revolving door there and he’s got to be careful he doesn’t get caught up in it,” the Sky F1 broadcaster said after the Canadian Grand Prix.

The former F1 racer outlined how Vasseur needs to find more no-nonsense personalities like his own to slot into senior positions at the Scuderia, but said it could be a problem given the attractive options of teams that don’t require relocation to Italy.

“I think he needs four or five more like him, to be honest,” Brundle continued. “You’re trying to attract world-class aerodynamicists and technicians and designers, but Aston Martin ramped up massively and have been hiring. Audi, with Sauber, are hiring. They’re at a premium, these people, and they’re not easy to get hold of and to get out of long-standing, long-term contracts, and then to get them to move to Italy with their family.”

‘Rebuild mission’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/martin-brundle-warns-fred-vasseur-ferrari/


Ralf Schumacher: Leclerc to Aston Martin is logical move
Both Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso lead Ferrari and Charles Leclerc in the 2023 constructors' and drivers' championships
June 24, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Ralf Schumacher believes Charles Leclerc should pursue a move to Aston Martin as Lawrence Stroll‘s team continue to overshadow Ferrari in 2023. Aston Martin‘s Fernando Alonso has scored over twice as many points as Leclerc including six podiums to the Monegasque driver’s one – a far cry from the first half of 2022 which saw him fighting for wins and the championship.

Leclerc‘s contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2024, but Schumacher urged him to explore other options than the team he’s been part of since 2016. “So far, there have only been Mercedes and Red Bull as potential options,” Schumacher told Sky Germany. “Mercedes is not quite as current at the moment, and it’s safe to assume that Hamilton will continue there.

“But I believe a strong candidate is also Aston Martin, as they also need to look around. Fernando Alonso will have another year after that.” In the middle of 2022, such a suggestion would’ve been laughed out of the room – but things move quickly in the world of F1.

‘Logical move’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/ralf-schumacher-leclerc-to-aston-martin-is-logical-move/

[Fortitude]

Alonso: More confident with Aston than any time in career.
Fernando Alonso says that Aston Martin's current performance is infusing him with more confidence than at anytime in his career, even his time at Renault when he won his two world championships.
24/06/2023 at 08:16
Andrew Lewin

While Max Verstappen remained firmly in control, Alonso felt that it (second place) showed Aston had close the gap to Red Bull while also staving off the threat from Mercedes. “In terms of pace we were matching Red Bull most of the race," he told Sky Sports F1, adding that in his view Canada had been the “most competitive race of the year” for his team.

“Everything is good," he replied when asked how things were at Aston, which he joined over the winter. "To be honest I cannot think of another time in my career that I was this confident with a team and with a project itself. I think there is more to come," he continued. "I want to win a race this year… the car is going in the right direction so more opportunities will come.”

‘EL PLAN: Infusing him with more confidence’;

https://f1i.com/news/478450-alonso-more-confident-with-aston-than-any-time-in-career.html


Alonso: Aston the most confidence-inspiring F1 project in my career
17:39 Fri, 23 Jun 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

The ex-Renault, Ferrari and McLaren grand prix driver secured his sixth podium of the 2023 campaign last weekend in Canada. That haul after eight rounds is double the number of top-three results that the Spaniard achieved during his previous seven full-time seasons in F1.

Alonso finished second in Montreal, crossing the line 9.57 seconds behind dominant winner Max Verstappen. But he kept the chasing Lewis Hamilton out of DRS range in the final stint. This, Alonso told Sky Sports, helped underline Aston Martin’s “most competitive race of the year”. He added that, “in terms of pace, we were matching Red Bull most of the race”.

Aston team principal Mike Krack reckoned that missing out on the fight with Verstappen for victory in Canada was “not at all” frustrating. He continued: “It's challenging because we have a car with a driver that wants to do that, and we are not far from doing it. So, it's always very motivational and we need to fight hard to close the gap as much as we can for the next races.”

‘EL PLAN: The most confidence-inspiring F1 project in my career’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-f1-aston-most-confidence-inspiring-project/10486467/


Aston Martin challenged by Alonso winning mentality
25 June 11:50AM
Author Ewan Gale
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has welcomed the challenge posed by Fernando Alonso's winning mentality as it aims to chase down Red Bull for a first Formula 1 win. The Spaniard joined the Silverstone-based outfit over the winter to replace the now-retired Sebastian Vettel, with Aston Martin having finished seventh in the Constructors' standings in 2022.

Alonso is notoriously demanding within a team given his passion for success, and the two-time World Champion has indicated a desire to secure a first win for Aston Martin in F1 in the near future. Addressing the wait for a win and Alonso's eagerness to get off the mark, Krack told media, including RacingNews365.com:

"Someone asked me before if it is frustrating, and I don't think it is at all, it's challenging. We have a car with a driver that wants to do it – and we're not far from doing it. So for us, it is very motivational and we need to fight hard to close the gap as we much as we can for the next races."

‘EL PLAN: Alonso winning mentality’;

https://racingnews365.com/aston-martin-challenged-by-alonso-winning-mentality


Alonso: Oversized F1 cars more of a problem than weight
25/06/2023 at 09:52
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Fernando Alonso believes that reducing the size of F1's current generation of machines would prove more beneficial to racing than lowering their weight. The weight is extraordinary," said Alonso. "At the moment, the low-speed performance is not great. We keep making these cars safer and safer, but obviously the heavier you make them when you have an impact it’s like crashing with a bus compared to a Smart Car."

Alonso believes that size matters when it comes to racing in close quarters, perhaps more than weight. "I don’t think it [reducing the weight] would change much the show," he said. "I think it’s more the size of the cars than the weight of the cars, which makes things a little bit more difficult.”

"Overtaking, fights into the first couple of corners in the race, it is difficult now to position the car, just because the size of it, not because the weight of the car."

‘EL PLAN: Reducing the size of F1's current generation of machines’;

https://f1i.com/news/478527-alonso-oversized-f1-cars-more-of-a-problem-than-weight.html


Lance Stroll struggles against Fernando Alonso ‘doesn’t say much about Sebastian Vettel’
24 Jun 2023 9:15 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

As Fernando Alonso continues to lead the Aston Martin charge and Lance Stroll searches for an answer, F1 pundit Peter Windsor says this does not reflect well on Stroll’s former team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

Speaking about Stroll on his latest YouTube livestream, Windsor said: “He’s actually looking worse against Alonso than anyone he’s ever had next to him, isn’t he? Which says a lot about Fernando, and doesn’t say much about Sebastian Vettel actually.”

A fan then would ask Windsor if Lance could perhaps join another team so Aston Martin could bring in a stronger team-mate to Alonso? After initial laughter, Windsor said: “Wouldn’t that be funny if Lance Stroll told his old man that he was leaving Aston Martin to go and drive for, I don’t know, whatever, Red Bull.”

‘EL PLAN: Fernando Alonso continues to lead the Aston Martin charge’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/peter-windsor-fernando-alonso-impact-sebastian-vettel/

[Fortitude]

Marko: No one in F1 can challenge Verstappen right now.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko does not see anyone in Formula 1 who is able to compete with Max Verstappen given the Dutchman’s current form.
June 27, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

The reigning two-time world champion has led 224 consecutive laps since he took the lead of the 2023 Miami Grand Prix and his lead in the standings is up to 69 points over Sergio Perez. The Mexican has started to dip in form but he is still holding off Fernando Alonso for second in the championship.

The Red Bull boss is totally happy with his drivers this season who are producing exactly what he expected. Marko, despite questions over Perez’s performances, is happy with his driver lineup and believes no one in F1 could manage to match Verstappen for a whole season.

“We also take luxury problems seriously,” Marko said, as quoted by F1 Insider. “As for Perez, soberly he’s done the job we expect him to do. He should help secure victory in the constructors’ championship and the current standings prove him right. He has also shown that he can still win races when he is at his best.”

‘No one in F1 can challenge Verstappen’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/marko-no-one-f1-challenge-verstappen/


Red Bull chief warns Ferrari won't let Austria be a 'walk in the park' for Verstappen
Friday 23 June 2023 17:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has cautioned those who assume the Austrian Grand will be an easy victory for Max Verstappen. Marko believes that the Red Bull Ring, a track known for its high-speed nature, will provide a favourable setting for Ferrari, who the Austrian claims were the quickest in Canada.

Although Verstappen aims to secure Red Bull's 101st victory at their home race, Marko draws attention to Ferrari's impressive performance in Montreal, which he believes went unnoticed.

"What went slightly unnoticed in Montreal is that Ferrari had the fastest car," Marko stated to oe24. "The Red Bull Ring suits them well. If Leclerc starts from either row 1 or 2, it won't be a walk in the park for Max."

‘Cautioned those who assume an easy victory’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110134/max-verstappen-red-bull-leclerc-ferrari-austrian-gp/


Red Bull: Perez doing the job 'we expect of him'
23/06/2023 at 16:24
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko suggested once again that Sergio Perez's future with eth Milton Keynes-based outfit is not in jeopardy, adding that the Mexican is fulfilling the team's expectations despite his disappointing form.

Marko sees no alternative currently as worthy as Perez to replace the Mexican. "We take luxury problems seriously," Marko told F1 Insider. "As far as Perez is concerned, so far, he has done the job we expect of him. He should help secure victory in the Constructors' championship and the current points score proves him right.”

‘Done the job we expect of him’;

https://f1i.com/news/478432-red-bull-perez-doing-the-job-we-expect-of-him.html


Perez still good enough for Red Bull says Marko
JUNE 22, 2023
GrandPrix.com

When asked why Perez is 6 tenths a lap slower than Verstappen in an identical car, Marko told Osterreich newspaper: "Because Max is Max. He's in the best car, but only (Fernando) Alonso and (Lewis) Hamilton could keep up with him at best. Those three are simply the strongest, with Max standing out among them."

“Perez has done the job we expect him to. He should help secure victory in the constructors' championship and the current standings prove that he is doing that," Marko told Sport1. "He has also shown that he can still win races when he is at his best.”

"The question of whether he is good enough does not arise for us. Because Max is getting better and better and the question you have to ask yourself is rather a different one - who would be the alternative?”

"Because Max is Max”;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/perez-still-good-enough-for-red-bull-says-marko.html


Marko explains why Perez is much slower than Verstappen in same car
21 June 1:20PM
Author Anna Francis
RacingNews365


The victory was also Red Bull's 100th in F1, a milestone that team advisor Marko relished celebrating. "When something like that happens, you don't run away straight away," Marko told Austrian outlet OE24. "Then you show up in Red Bull clothes as well. But I changed immediately and then slept wonderfully on the plane. 100 victories are a wonderful sleeping pill."

Sergio Perez was unable to match the pace of Max Verstappen during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, a race in which the Dutchman claimed Red Bull's 100th F1 victory. When asked why Perez looks to be much slower than Verstappen in the same RB19, Marko gave a simple answer. "Because Max is Max," the Austrian said.

"Because Max is Max”;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-explains-why-perez-is-much-slower-than-verstappen-in-same-car

[Fortitude]

Lewis Hamilton ‘scored a point’ against Mercedes by proving Toto Wolff wrong – EXCLUSIVE.
EXCLUSIVE: Damon Hill believes that Lewis Hamilton will be pleased after getting Mercedes to change the design philosophy of their W14 challenger.
06:00, Sun, Jun 25, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Damon Hill believes that Lewis Hamilton got one over Mercedes boss Toto Wolff by forcing the team to admit they were wrong about the original design philosophy of their W14 challenger. The Silver Arrows initially tried to persevere with the 'zeropod' concept they introduced at the start of 2022, although it quickly became apparent that a change was needed in order to close the gap to Red Bull at the top of the pecking order.

"He’s scored a point a bit this year because he’s got them to admit they’ve made a mistake. They’ve changed direction and they’re now heading in what seems to be the right direction and he’s driving better now as well. It could be that he could have a car that he can contend for the championship with next year."

‘Proving Toto Wolff wrong’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1784060/Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Toto-Wolff-F1-news


Damon Hill Credits Lewis Hamilton for Outshining Toto Wolff in W14 Redesign.
June 25, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Damon Hill, providing valuable insights, has highlighted the significance of Hamilton’s achievements. By exerting pressure on Mercedes and compelling them to alter their strategy, Hamilton has effectively scored a symbolic victory. This triumph could play a pivotal role in persuading the 38-year-old racing star to extend his contract with the team for the upcoming season.

During an exclusive conversation with Express Sport, Damon Hill shared his thoughts on the future of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes when specifically questioned about it. “He knows that the team has got his back, they know what they’ve got with him and they will give him everything he possibly can,” said Hill.

‘Outshining Toto Wolff in W14 Redesign’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/damon-hill-credits-lewis-hamilton-for-outshining-toto-wolff-in-w14-redesign/


Mercedes’ upgrades yielding success ‘we haven’t felt for a long time’ – Wolff
2023 F1 season
Posted on 24th June 2023, 18:0024th June 2023, 17:56
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his team feels happier with their performance than they have for a “long time” thanks to their recent upgrades package. Wolff says the apparent success of the Mercedes’ upgrades is having a positive impact within the team.

“I think we can see the positive dynamic literally cascading, transcending, into the organisation,” Wolff said. “We feel that the car is coming together, we see that our data yields results on-track and we haven’t felt that since a long time. That obviously contributes to this place being in a very good place.”

‘Toto Wolff says his team feels happier’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/24/mercedes-upgrades-yielding-success-we-havent-felt-for-a-long-time-wolff/


Even more W14 improvement in Austria? Toto Wolff delivers fresh hope
27 Jun 2023 3:43 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

While Mercedes are not taking anything for granted, team boss Toto Wolff expects the Red Bull Ring to be a stronger battleground for the W14 than Montreal. Mercedes went into the Canadian Grand Prix last time out looking to prove that their improved showing in Spain, armed with the upgraded W14, was not merely track specific.

This is a home race for the Red Bull team, but also Wolff himself as an Austria native. “There were plenty of positives to take from the last race in Canada,” he said. “Although we didn’t get both cars to the chequered flag, a podium was a solid result and we saw encouraging signs from our updated package.”

“Austria is always a special weekend, as it’s my home race and I have good memories from the track; both with the team but also from my early years racing there and teaching as an instructor. It’s also the second sprint of the season so it will be interesting to see the impact it has on the weekend, at a more traditional circuit.”

‘Toto Wolff delivers fresh hope’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mercedes-austria-improvement-hope/


Toto Wolff opens up on Mercedes disagreement on first day in charge of Silver Arrows
Toto Wolff has established himself as one of the most successful team bosses of all time over the last 10 years with Mercedes.
06:10, Tue, Jun 27, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Toto Wolff has revealed that he was left disappointed upon his arrival at Mercedes a decade ago by the scruffy nature of the reception at their Brackley headquarters. It was far from plain sailing for Wolff when he first arrived at Mercedes, though, with the German outfit having been firmly in the midfield shortly before he was recruited to lead them in 2013.

The levels of professionalism were nowhere near as high as they are now, which led Wolff into an early disagreement with his Mercedes colleagues on his very first day at work. "When I stepped in here for the first time I was waiting to meet Ross Brawn, who I have great admiration for as an engineer," said the Mercedes boss in an interview with Nasser Hussain as part of a new Sky Sports documentary, which is out on Wednesday.

"Whilst I was waiting it didn't feel like a Formula One reception. There was an old Daily Mail on the table and an old coffee cup with dry coffee inside. When I went to the meeting I said it didn't feel like a Formula One team. The answer I got was that the Daily Mail or the old coffee cup doesn't make the car faster, the engineering does. I disagreed because it shows whether you have attention to detail, whether you are a perfectionist or you seek excellence, and that starts with cleanliness and an immaculate environment, particularly in Formula One."

‘Toto Wolff: Mercedes disagreement on first day in charge’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1784680/Toto-Wolff-Mercedes-Silver-Arrows-F1-news


Christian Horner draws attention to ‘inevitable’ Toto Wolff disruption tactic
27 Jun 2023 7:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

As Red Bull look to be on course to win this year’s round of the Christian Horner versus Toto Wolff war, the Red Bull team boss says his rival will “inevitably use the media” to put on pressure on Red Bull. But, he concedes, it is a game of “vice versa”.

Along the way there was also a fair amount of drama as the two protagonists were each blamed for one massive crash, Hamilton at Silverstone and Verstappen in Italy, while Horner and Wolff brought the FIA into their feud as they questioned the legality of the others’ car.

But after one intense season, unlike anything witnessed in recent times, the battle petered out last year when Red Bull went on a charge in the new ground effect aerodynamic era and won 17 of the season’s 22 races. It had Wolff once again calling on the FIA to get involved, the Austrian wanting motorsport’s governing body to do something about his porpoising W13, while Horner told him it’s his own problem to fix.

‘Inevitable Toto Wolff disruption tactic’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner0inevitable-toto-wolff-disruption-tactic/


Wolff: Mercedes back ‘in a very good place’
Monday 26th June, 2023 - 11:24pm
By Ian Parkes
F1i.com

Toto Wolff believes validation of Mercedes’ decision to pursue an alternative development direction has resulted in a feeling with the car the team has not experienced “for a long time”. “We have set up a huge organisation in our financial department of 46 people that monitor the cost cap down to the last screw, and looks at the trend of our spend during all of the year,” said Wolff.

“What we’ve done is basically allocated resources to various projects. We stayed below that line all year last year, and we’re still below that line this year. And that is considering a normal, let’s say, development switch for next year, and this is still pretty much on track.”

“The good thing is we are constantly learning about what the car is doing. There are going to be some fundamental design changes for next year. But it’s not that we are building stuff. It’s more like what are we simulating, but that is not measured in either money, teraflops, or wind tunnel runs.”

‘In a very good place’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/26/wolff-mercedes-back-in-a-very-good-place/


Wolff: Risk/reward on banning tyre blankets in F1 unfavourable
26/06/2023 at 16:43
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff sees a lot of risk and very little reward in banning tyre blankets in Formula 1. Formula 1's stakeholders are set to vote at the end of July on whether to go ahead with a plan to ban electric tyre warmers as part of the sport's sustainability efforts.

Wolff confirmed that if it comes down to a vote by the F1 Commission at the end of July, he'll give the plan a thumbs down based on his drivers' feedback. "I’m going to vote on tyres on what my drivers tell me," he said, with Mick Schumacher standing nearby.

"Mick, Lewis and George, whatever their opinion, will be on how I should vote on tyre warmers." Asking Schumacher if tyre blankets should still be used in 2024, the young German gave a silent nod to his team boss. "So you know how I’m going to vote," concluded the Austrian.

‘Risk/reward unfavourable’;

https://f1i.com/news/478601-wolff-risk-reward-on-banning-tyre-blankets-in-f1-unfavourable.html

[Fortitude]

Will Ferrari hit back at scene of their last win? Six Austrian GP talking points.
Formula 1 returns to Europe for a string of races across circuits that drivers and teams are all deeply familiar with. It is also the second sprint race weekend of the 2023 season as well as marking an unwelcome milestone for Ferrari. Here are the Talking Points for the Austrian Grand Prix.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 27th June 2023, 7:1527th June 2023, 0:03
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Ferrari’s year without wins: Just 15 months ago, Ferrari ended their longest losing streak of the 21st century with a strong victory for Charles Leclerc in Bahrain to enter into Formula 1’s new ground-effect era in the best way possible. Heading to the circuit where they last tasted victory almost a year ago, Ferrari need a clean weekend to show just how quick they truly are. Sprint sequel: As it was back in 2022, the Austrian Grand Prix will be a sprint race weekend. The second of six rounds run with the divisive format in 2023, this weekend will follow the revised format used for the first time at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this year.

Will Perez’s podium drought go on? While Verstappen continues to enjoy seemingly endless success out front, his Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez has endured a frustrating three rounds. Keep within the lines: When former FIA race director Michael Masi was axed as F1 race director before the start of the 2022 season, his replacements – Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas – both installed a new zero-tolerance policy to track limits.

New budget cap row brewing? It emerged last week the FIA has recently advised teams of a key clarification in how it will define ‘non F1 activities’ which are exempt from the budget cap. Crowd control: Crowd behaviour was a concern at last year’s race.

‘Six Austrian GP talking points’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/27/will-ferrari-hit-back-at-scene-of-their-last-win-six-austrian-gp-talking-points/


Verstappen, Perez expecting 'hectic' home Austrian GP weekend
27 June 5:45PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are expecting a "hectic" and "tricky" Formula 1 weekend at Red Bull's home Austrian Grand Prix. F1 heads to Spielberg this weekend for Round 9 of the season, with Verstappen having won the last four races, leading every lap in Monaco, Spain and Canada.

That form, coupled with a blip for Sergio Perez has seen the points lead balloon to 69 points heading into a track Verstappen has won at four times while Perez only has a best finish of sixth.

It is also the second Sprint weekend of the season, with Verstappen vocal in his dislike of the format, but the Red Bull driver is expecting to put on a good show for the huge swaths of Dutch fans who make the trip to Austria.

‘Hectic home Austrian GP weekend’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-perez-expecting-hectic-home-austrian-gp-weekend


Revealed: Where on the grid Austrian Grand Prix will produce ‘super interesting’ fight
27 Jun 2023 8:00 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Austrian driver Ferdinand Habsburg has predicted that F1 fans could be treated to a “super interesting” fight as a result of the Austrian Grand Prix characteristics. WEC driver Habsburg believes the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring in his home country of Austria will produce a “super interesting” midfield battle between the likes of Alpine, Williams and McLaren.

“Personally, I am somebody that loves to follow not the front of the race, but I love to follow the middle of the race,” the ORF pundit told media including PlanetF1.com. “Watching to see how Williams does, how the Alpine car does, all of those cars in the midfield and I think the Red Bull Ring is particularly interesting for midfield cars.”

‘Super interesting’ fight’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/austrian-gp-alpine-mclaren-williams/


Haas treating Austria as test session to ‘cure’ F1 race pace woes
10:29 Tue, 27 Jun 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

The Haas Formula 1 team will be treating the Austrian Grand Prix weekend like a test session as it aims to rectify its race pace issues. Having shown strong one lap pace at certain events this year, Haas has been unable to carry over its speed into the race.

Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Haas team boss Guenther Steiner says it will use the revised Sprint weekend format to focus on installing new ideas in a bid to find answers over its worrying form.

“We’re going into this race partly a little bit like a test session as well,” Steiner said. “We have a lot of things to try and cure our problems with the race pace, so we have a few ideas.”

‘Test session to ‘cure’ F1 race’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/27/haas-treating-austria-as-test-session-to-cure-f1-race-pace-woes/


Alonso rates Aston Martin's Austria hopes
27 June 11:05AM
Author Michael Butterworth
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Fernando Alonso has moved to temper expectations ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, saying the Sprint format would "not be ideal" for his Aston Martin team. "I think the Sprint weekend will not be ideal for us," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"We still [need] more time in Free Practice with our new upgraded car. We still need to understand and optimise the package a little bit and in Austria, obviously with the Sprint, we will have only FP1 to do that. But it is what it is.”

“The circuit will be good and maybe better for the package as well, this one with a strange layout, let's say. Maybe good for Ferrari, historically here as well with a long straight and short corners, so maybe in Austria we have a little bit more pace."

‘Aston Martin's Austria hopes’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-rates-aston-martins-austria-hopes


Full weekend schedule for the F1 2023 Austrian GP
27 June 8:00AM
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Free Practice 1 will take place on Friday at 12:30 UK time, before traditional qualifying happens later in the day at 16:00.

The Sprint Shootout is scheduled for 11:00 on Saturday morning, and this will be followed by the Sprint at 15:30. The main Grand Prix starts at 14:00 on Sunday.

2023 F1 AUSTRIAN GP TIME SCHEDULE
Date Event Time (BST) Time (Local)
Friday 30 June Practice 1 12:30-13:30 13:30-14:30
Friday 30 June Qualifying 16:00-17:00 17:00-18:00
Saturday 1 July Sprint Shootout 11:00-11:44 12:00-12:44
Saturday 1 July Sprint 15:30-16:00 16:30-17:00
Sunday 2 July Race 14:00 15:00

‘Full weekend schedule’;

https://racingnews365.com/full-weekend-schedule-for-the-f1-2023-austrian-gp

[Fortitude]

Ferrari highlight 'extreme' Austrian GP limit.
Ferrari Head of ICE Davide Mazzoni has outlined the "extreme optimisation" needed for the energy management of an F1 power unit to be successful at the Red Bull Ring.
28 June 5:10PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

The Austrian Grand Prix plays host to the shortest lap time of the calendar, with drivers set to tackle only 10 corners this weekend. Three long DRS-assisted straights link up the corners to create an exhilarating lap lasting just over 60 seconds, but the layout does add strain on the effectiveness of power units.

"Having three DRS zones on a relatively short track, with some braking points that are very severe but of only short duration, requires an extreme optimisation of the Power Unit’s energy management," said Mazzoni.

"The system comprising the ERS, MGU-K, MGU-H and ICE is subjected to the stress of continuous transfer of energy from the recovery phase to its release in the high-speed sections, which is essential for setting a good lap time and for overtaking."

"Extreme optimisation needed";

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-highlight-extreme-austrian-gp-limit


McLaren: Austrian GP upgrades start of ‘turning around the season’
28th June 2023, 13:15
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella says the extensive upgrade package it’s set to unveil over the coming rounds can be the start of his side “turning around the season”. The series of modifications will begin at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix and will change almost every aerodynamic part of McLaren’s 2023 launch-spec machine.

“Austria is a track in which we have done well in the past, I think six, seven corners, four of them are high speed, which we should be competitive on,” he said. “Then Austria is, like I said already for some time, our first step [of] bringing upgrades. I think this can be more important than how suitable the track is, the characteristics of our car.”

‘Extensive upgrade package’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/06/28/mclaren-austrian-gp-upgrades-start-of-turning-around-the-season/


Verstappen set for emotional win? What to expect at the Austrian GP
28 June 3:40PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

F1 returns to the Red Bull Ring for round nine and the second Sprint weekend of the campaign. Max Verstappen holds a commanding lead over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez after yet another victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, where the Mexican could finish only sixth.

The battle behind Red Bull looks to be ramping up, but with less practice time this weekend, can any surprises be sprung? RacingNews365.com takes a look at what we can expect at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen can provide emotional Red Bull win
Second-place battle up in the air
Albon to continue Williams crusade
De Vries' last resort?
Sprint surprises?

‘Emotional win?’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-set-for-emotinal-win-what-to-expect-at-the-austrian-gp


Bottas reveals EXTRA motivation ahead of Austrian Grand Prix
Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:57
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Valtteri Bottas has said that Alfa Romeo will remain in the battle for the top 10 if the team keeps ‘doing its job’ as they head to the Austrian Grand Prix. He said: “The top ten finish the team achieved in Canada made us even more motivated. Our objective is to keep up with our good form and extend our points streak.

“Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed racing here in Spielberg: I have scored some good results here – including my first podium and two wins." He added: “With the sprint event format, and less practice time on track, it will be important to get the feeling right with the car from the very start, and build on that, especially when it comes to qualifying.”

“We know we have the potential to do well, and if we keep doing our job, we will remain in the battle for the top 10.”

‘EXTRA motivation’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110385/valtteri-bottas-f1-alfa-romeo-austria-grand-prix-top-10-fight/


Austrian GP weather forecast: Is a nasty surprise in store?
28 June 2:55PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

One thing that all Formula 1 sprint races have had in common thus far is that they have all been dry - but this run could come to an end at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Saturday at the Red Bull Ring, there is the possibility that the rain could arrive. RacingNews365's weather partners WeerOnline predict that Saturday morning's Sprint Shootout (Qualifying for the Sprint race) is set to be the wettest part of the weekend. A total of 16mm of rain could potentially fall over the circuit with the weather moving towards the east - and the Hungarian border.

Rain is also possible during Friday - and Qualifying for the main Grand Prix, with the morning practice session forecast to be dry. The temperature could peak around 26 degrees. As for race day, rain could fall in the early morning, perhaps interrupting the support series, but for the Grand Prix at 14:00pm local time, the forecast is for a cloudy 23 degrees, with the sun trying peak through the cloud cover.

‘Nasty surprise in store?;

https://racingnews365.com/austrian-gp-weather-forecast-is-a-nasty-surprise-in-store

[Fortitude]

Double Fun or Double Dominance? 2023 Austrian Grand Prix.
It's time for F1 Sprint and the Grand Prix at the Red Bull Racing this weekend. 2 x Qualifying sessions and 2 x Races.
Published ‎Jun‎ ‎28‎, ‎2023‎ ‎11‎:‎38‎ ‎PM
Inside Line F1 Podcast (Weblog)

The last time we had a Sprint + Grand Prix weekend, Charles Leclerc took pole (Baku, 2023). And the time before last (Brazil, 2022), George Russell won for Mercedes. We expect everyone to use and abuse this stat through the weekend.

In the mid-field, several teams will bring upgrades. But they will have lesser time to test them - just one Free Practice remember. Also, will the FIA bring about a rule change for using a 'new soft' in SQ3 on Saturday?

Also, it's Red Bull's home race - expect them to host some of the most-entertaining off-track activities. In fact, a jet pack operator will be present along with a legends parade. Will Sergio Perez bounce back? Will Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton continue to battle for P2? And what about Ferrari...?

‘Double Fun or Double Dominance?’;

https://omny.fm/shows/inside-line-f1-podcast/double-fun-or-double-dominance-2023-austrian-grand


Hakkinen identifies Ferrari building block for Austrian GP
29 June 10:25AM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Mika Hakkinen has highlighted Ferrari's Formula 1 strategy as a key part of their hopes for success in the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. "Ferrari ran a good strategy in Canada and they need to build on that kind of confidence, even if Mercedes and Aston continue to have a performance advantage," Hakkinen noted in his Unibet column, while also observing the battle between Aston Martin and Mercedes.

"Behind Max [Verstappen] there is so much to enjoy as Aston Martin battles with Mercedes Benz. It was great to see Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton on the podium with Max in Canada – three great World Champions together.”

"Fernando and Lewis are beginning to close the gap to [Sergio Perez] in the World Championship. It’s going to be really important for those teams to focus on getting consistent performance across their driver line-up.”

‘Ferrari building block’;

https://racingnews365.com/hakkinen-identifies-ferrari-building-block-for-austrian-gp


Alonso admits Austrian GP feature will HURT Aston Martin
Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:57
Dan Davis
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has claimed that the hectic Austrian Grand Prix schedule will damage Aston Martin's bid to fully optimise their recent upgrades. "I think the sprint weekend will not be ideal for us," Alonso said.

Team principal Mike Krack, meanwhile, is hopeful the upcoming races will provide a "clear picture" of where Aston Martin stand in comparison to their rivals. He said: "Canada is specific. I said in Barcelona that we should always wait a couple of races to identify really where you are.

"The mix between updates and the track characteristics makes it really difficult to get a clear picture. So, the safest thing to say at this point is Red Bull is in front... Anything else, I think it's probably also the shape of the day, how you are that day or how the circuit is suiting your car, or which tyres you're having on."

‘EL PLAN: "Clear picture"’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110403/frustrated-alonso-reveals-how-austria-sprint-could-hurt-aston-martin/


Austrian GP: Toto Wolff optimistic Mercedes will make further improvements; Fernando Alonso says Sprint 'not ideal' for Aston Martin
Last Updated: 29/06/23 6:06am
Sky Sports

Mercedes claimed double podium in Spain and Lewis Hamilton was third in Canada after W14 received upgrades in Monaco; Toto Wolff hopes Silver Arrows continue upward curve in performance at Austrian GP

Toto Wolff is optimistic Mercedes' W14 will continue to show progress at this weekend's Austrian GP.

Mercedes will be introducing another "larger" upgrade at next weekend's British GP at Silverstone, but Wolff hopes his team will show more improvement in Austria as they seek to be Red Bull's closest challengers once again.

‘Mercedes will make further improvements’;

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12910611/austrian-gp-toto-wolff-optimistic-mercedes-will-make-further-improvements-fernando-alonso-says-sprint-not-ideal-for-aston-martin


McLaren seeking more than just downforce gains from major upgrade
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 29th June 2023, 8:4629th June 2023, 9:13
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

McLaren are targeting more than just downforce gains from the major upgrade they will begin to introduce for their MCL60 this weekend, says Lando Norris. The team is rolling out a package of new parts over the next three rounds, starting in Austria this weekend, as it strives to reverse its slump in form since last season.

Some of the changes McLaren are looking to make address long-standing characteristics in their car’s handling, said Norris, who has been with the team since he arrived in F1 in 2019. “There are feelings I have in the car that we’ve had for the last five years and haven’t changed. So trying to understand all of these and actually make a difference, that’s also what we need if we want to compete and be a better team.”

“So anything that’s new – and there’s been a lot of work, a lot of changes – seeing all of this kind of come together and see what we can do with it [is encouraging]. But of course it’s not on track just yet. I’m confident it will be a step forward, but how much is the question. So I don’t want to get too overexcited about all of it like I never do. A lot of work that’s gone into it, so I’m excited to see all of that kind of come through and see what we’re capable of doing.”

‘Rolling out a package of new parts’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/29/why-mclaren-are-seeking-more-than-just-downforce-gains-from-major-upgrade/


Budget cap penalty to have ‘massive’ impact on Red Bull – Pierre Wache.
June 28, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Although Red Bull’s rivals have taken steps towards the dominant F1 team’s dominance recently, Alex Wurz says Max Verstappen is the clear favourite for the Austrian GP this weekend. “They have a car with good top speed, good downforce in slow corners and little drag on the straights. That’s what’s needed at the Red Bull Ring,” the former F1 driver and president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association told Kronen Zeitung.

However, Dr Helmut Marko warned recently that Charles Leclerc could actually play a spoiler role at Red Bull’s home race. “Let’s see,” he told Osterreich newspaper. “Ferrari had the fastest car in Montreal. And now the Red Bull Ring suits them. If Leclerc starts from row 1 or 2, it won’t be a walk in the park for Max.”

Certainly, Pierre Wache – Red Bull’s technical director – does not seem to be too worried, as he admits that the 2023 car’s dominance turned out to be “bigger than we expected” before the season started. “It’s the efficiency, I would say,” he said. “On different tracks we are able to produce downforce without massive drag.”

‘It won’t be a walk in the park’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/budget-cap-penalty-to-have-massive-impact-on-red-bull-pierre-wache/

[Fortitude]

‘Life is unfair’: Verstappen rejects Hamilton’s call for rule change to end dominance.
Lewis Hamilton has called for Formula 1 to impose a cut-off point on car development to prevent one team dominating the championship.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 29th June 2023, 15:5829th June 2023, 16:38
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Hamilton said his proposal was “not aimed at any one particular person or anything.” He won six world championships in a seven-year spell from 2014 to 2020, during which time Mercedes was consistently the team to beat. Over the first three of those years they won 51 out of 59 races.

“In my 17 years of being here, before even I got here, you see a period, a time of dominance and it continues to happen,” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “I was really fortunate to have one of those periods, Max is having that now – but with the way it’s going, it will continue to happen over and over again. And I don’t think that we need that in the sport.”

Hamilton believes “something’s got to change” to prevent individual teams dominating F1 as others have before Red Bull in recent years. However Verstappen had little time for Hamilton’s suggestion of imposing a cut-off date on teams’ car development. “Life is unfair as well so it’s not only in Formula 1,” he said. “A lot of things in life are unfair so we just have to deal with it.”

‘Life is unfair’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/29/life-is-unfair-verstappen-rejects-hamiltons-call-for-rule-change-to-end-dominance/


Ill Perez faces Austrian GP fitness race
29 June 2:25PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez faces a race for fitness ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix after becoming unwell. Red Bull confirmed that having become unwell on Wednesday (28 June), Perez would be absent from the circuit for Thursday's media obligations in order to ensure he was in the 'best possible health' for the race weekend.

Drivers are afforded only one practice session ahead of qualifying as part of the alternate Sprint format, with Saturday now separated from the Grand Prix proper with its own qualifying Shootout ahead of the Sprint.

‘Austrian GP fitness race’;

https://racingnews365.com/ill-perez-faces-austrian-gp-fitness-race


Tsunoda welcomes AlphaTauri rebrand and plan to mimic Red Bull’s car design
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 29th June 2023, 11:3529th June 2023, 16:23
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Yuki Tsunoda has welcomed the news AlphaTauri will move closer to Red Bull in their design philosophy when they rebrand next year. “The orientation is clear: based on Red Bull Racing, as far as the regulations allow,” said Marko. “Do-it-yourself constructions are the wrong way.” Speaking at the Red Bull Ring ahead of this weekend’s race, Tsunoda said he was aware of the team’s plans to change its design philosophy before Marko revealed it.

“About the team changing, obviously I knew [there] will be stronger connection between Red Bull and AlphaTauri and it will be a lot changed before they actually announced it in the news,” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “So I knew it.”

“Especially [on the] performance side that we saw the last two years, it was not really in the place that we wanted, especially last year. Probably Helmut thought that we need to change something. I think he gave us a chance, one more year and it didn’t improve much.”

‘AlphaTauri rebrand’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/29/tsunoda-welcomes-alphatauri-rebrand-and-plan-to-mimic-red-bulls-car-design/


Ferrari brings revised F1 front wing to Austrian Grand Prix
29th June 2023, 13:49
By: Matt Somerfield
Co-author: Giorgio Piola
Motorsport.com

The tweaks were trialled at a filming day Ferrari conducted at Fiorano earlier in the week where its F1 challenger ran alongside its Le Mans-winning Hypercar. This was a shrewd move by the Scuderia, given that teams have less time to evaluate parts during free practice at the Red Bull Ring because it is a sprint event.

The changes that Ferrari have made are pretty extensive but mainly focus on the outboard section of the wing and endplate in order that the front tyre wake can be handled a little differently. This also has the benefit of improving flow downstream for the revisions Ferrari introduced to its sidepods and floor at the Spanish GP.

‘Revised F1 front wing’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-brings-revised-front-wing-to-austrian-grand-prix/10488998/


Doubts over Aston Martin as Ferrari hype continues for Austrian Grand Prix
29 Jun 2023 1:30 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso has become the latest figure to highlight the Ferrari threat ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, with the two-time World Champion expecting his Aston Martin team to struggle in Styria.

Although Verstappen took his fourth consecutive win in Canada, Marko told Austrian publication oe24 that Ferrari “had the fastest car” that weekend and warned Red Bull’s home race “will not be a big Oktoberfest for Max” if Leclerc can qualify strongly.

Marko’s view is shared by Alonso, who fears the vagaries of a sprint weekend in Austria – with just a single practice session to find a workable setup before qualifying on Friday afternoon – will count against Aston Martin after the team introduced a significant upgrade of their own last time out.

‘Ferrari hype continues’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-martin-ferrari-hype-austrian-grand-prix/


Alonso delivers 'harsh' Austrian GP warning
29 June 9:40AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Fernando Alonso has warned of the dangers of Formula 1 kerbs at the Red Bull Ring ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Alonso finished second in Montreal last time out, utilising an update package to his Aston Martin and ahead for the Austrian GP weekend, the two-time F1 World Champion said: “It was great to return to the podium in Canada. "The upgrades we brought to the car seemed to be working well and we will continue to optimise the setup as we go into Austria.”

“It’s a fast and short lap here and it usually provides some good racing and overtaking. You have to be careful of the run-off areas and try to avoid damage to the cars with the harsh kerbs. I look forward to seeing what we can do. The target will be to keep up this form and score as many points for the team as we try to take back second place in the Constructors’ Championship.”

'Harsh' Warning’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-delivers-harsh-austrian-gp-warning

[Fortitude]

Verstappen aims for another record as Red Bull head home.
Runaway leader and defending double world champion Max Verstappen bids to become the most successful driver in Austrian Grand Prix history this weekend as Red Bull plan a poignant 'century' celebration on home ground.
30th June 2023, 06:07
Wheels24

The 25-year-old Dutchman, who leads this year's title race by 69 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez, shares the record of three Austrian wins with four-time world champion Alain Prost. Another win at the Red Bull Ring circuit would take him to four and be his seventh in nine races this year as well as the team's 101st as they return to Austria for the first time since the death of owner Dietrich Mateschitz last October.

"It's going to be a bit special this time," said team boss Christian Horner amid celebrations of the team's 100th triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix. It's great to return to Austria with this run of form and results and with Max in such exceptional form. There will be a very big sell-out home crowd and a great atmosphere. They always put on a big show and this year will be the biggest of all."

‘Another record’;

https://www.news24.com/sport/motorsport/formulaone/verstappen-aims-for-another-record-as-red-bull-head-home-20230629


Red Bull have “killed the opposition” in year since Ferrari’s last win – Sainz
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 29th June 2023, 17:30
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Carlos Sainz Jnr admitted its been a “tough” year for Ferrari since they scored their most recent victory, at the scene of this weekend’s race. Charles Leclerc scored the Scuderia’s last win at the Red Bull Ring, almost a full year ago. Sainz said it’s “been a long year” for the team since then.

“From Austria last year ’til now, it’s been tough. We had a bit of a dip in form towards the end of last year in race pace, and then we carried that difficult moment into this year and we are in exactly the turning point or in the point of where we are trying to turn things around to make the car competitive again and to try and win again.”

All bar one of the 19 grands prix since Ferrari’s last win have been won by Red Bull, and Sainz acknowledged Ferrari face a formidable task in getting back on terms with them. “It’s not going to be easy because there’s another team called Red Bull that have killed everyone, killed the opposition in a way, and we are not the only ones suffering it,” he said. “There’s teams also like Mercedes that have suffered [from] their good job and it’s down to us now to reverse it and to try our best to win again.”

“Killed the opposition”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/29/red-bull-have-killed-the-opposition-in-year-since-ferraris-last-win-sainz/


‘Straightforward Weekend’ Needed for Ferrari to Bring Home Good Result – Frédéric Vasseur
June 29, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Frédéric Vasseur says it is important for Scuderia Ferrari to have a straightforward Austrian Grand Prix weekend if they want to bring home good results during Saturdays sprint race and Sunday’s main race at the Red Bull Ring.

Vasseur says that the sprint race weekend format means they need to arrive at the track with some kind of idea about the ideal set-up needed to be competitive, particularly with only one free practice session prior to the Qualifying session on Friday afternoon.

“Our main focus has been on ensuring that our drivers can get the most out of the SF-23 package, as indeed they were able to do in the race in Montreal. We’re looking to have a straightforward weekend all the way through from Friday to Sunday and if we manage it, then I’m sure we can bring home a good result.”

‘Straightforward Weekend’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/straightforward-weekend-needed-for-ferrari-to-bring-home-good-result-frederic-vasseur/


Five big storylines to emerge from Austrian Grand Prix media day
29 Jun 2023 8:05 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Happen to miss what the F1 drivers had to say on media day at the Austrian Grand Prix? Well take a seat and make yourself comfortable, dear reader, because you’re in for a treat.

Lewis Hamilton wants FIA intervention to slow runaway leaders like Red Bull. Sergio Perez let slip back in Barcelona that Red Bull “are not really bringing big upgrades any more” to the RB19 as they switch focus to the 2024 car and, exactly four weeks later, word has finally reached Hamilton. And, it’s quite fair to say, he’s not very happy about it.

Max Verstappen points to Lewis Hamilton hypocrisy. Verstappen was quick to spot perceived hypocrisy in Hamilton’s comments and was even faster in pointing them out to everyone else, politely reminding his old rival that teams like Red Bull and Mercedes work hard to put themselves in winning positions and work even harder to preserve that status.

Lewis Hamilton: Red Bull’s ‘small’ cost cap punishment ‘didn’t cost them anything’. Of course, one of the main things preventing Mercedes from closing the gap to Red Bull is F1’s cost cap, introduced with the theoretical aim of levelling the playing field once and for all but in reality doing anything but.

‘Big storylines’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/austrian-grand-prix-2023-five-big-storylines/


Lando Norris: Sprint weekend in Austria looks “promising” for McLaren
June 30, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

McLaren F1 Team’s Lando Norris comes into the Austrian Grand Prix after a solid showing of pace in Canada, though he did not score any points due to his five-second penalty for driving too slowly behind a safety car– noted by the stewards as “unsportsmanlike conduct” done to ensure a successful double-stack in the pits.

The Red Bull Ring holds significance for Norris, with him achieving his first podium result at the venue– a third place finish in 2020. Along with the sprint weekend set-up, which offers more opportunities to score points and come through the field, Norris said that this weekend is a “promising” one.

“The Red Bull Ring is one of my favourite circuits. It holds a lot of good memories for me, having scored my first podium there. It’s a Sprint weekend too, which always makes it more interesting. It’s all looking promising, so we’ll get out there and give it our all.”

‘Looks “promising” for McLaren’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/lando-norris-sprint-weekend-in-austria-looks-promising-for-mclaren/


Alex Albon: “We’re going to be aiming for points”
June 29, 2023
By Joe Briley
TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk

Alex Albon comes into the Austrian Grand Prix full of confidence following an impressive race in Canada which saw him finish seventh, his highest finish for Williams Racing. Albon has said that he and Williams will be aiming for more points this weekend and with the sprint weekend, anything is possible.

“I’m looking forward to Austria after coming off the back of a great weekend in Canada. This track is another one that should suit our car more than some other circuits. With this format being a sprint weekend, coupled with the rain, it’s all to play for. We’re going to be aiming for points so let’s work to try make that happen.”

‘Full of confidence’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/06/alex-albon-were-going-to-be-aiming-for-points/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen beats out Ferrari to top Austrian GP FP1.
Max Verstappen was fastest overall in first practice for the Austrian GP, as the Red Bull driver beat out Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz by 0.241s despite running on medium compound tyres.
June 30, 2023
By Matt Neill
Total Motorsport

Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc were both around 0.25 seconds slower than Verstappen on the soft compound tyres, with Lewis Hamilton in fourth for Mercedes half a second behind the Dutchman.

Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez was fifth overall, also running on the medium tyres, while Aston Martin‘s Lance Stroll was sixth, ahead of Kevin Magnussen and teammate Fernando Alonso.

George Russell was ninth overall for Mercedes, with Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu rounding out the top 10.

‘Verstappen beats out Ferrari’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-verstappen-beats-out-ferrari-top-austrian-gp-fp1/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
30th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:05.742
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.241
3. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.270
4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.509
5. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.520
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.598
7. Kevin Magnussen Haas +0.755
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.914
9. George Russell Mercedes +0.954
10. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +1.038

‘Austrian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the only practice session of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Red Bull Ring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-austrian-grand-prix-82473


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix
30 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-austria-2023.2aCfJvdXdDZ1ZlgiOtnbfZ.html


2023 F1 Austrian Grand Prix - Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
30th June 2023, 12:11
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-austrian-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Verstappen fastest ahead of Austrian qualifying
30th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Austrian Grand Prix – Max Verstappen denies the Ferraris the top spot to go fastest ahead of qualifying in the sole practice hour of the weekend.

Carlos Sainz had been holding the top of the times for the final five or so minutes but he was denied by a late last lap by Verstappen, after three laps cooling down his medium tyres, who put in a 1:05.742, almost a quarter of a second quicker than the Spaniard. Charles Leclerc was a few hundredths slower than his teammate in P3, both Ferraris having set their times on the softs.

Hamilton opened the timesheets with a 1:09.021 on the hards, while the two Williams cars sat out the first while in their garages, Alex Albon emerging after six minutes but returning to the pits without setting a time. There was no information initially given as to why they weren’t out on track and apparently even Jo Bauer, the F1 Technical Delegate, also went down to them to check on everything, later the team said there hadn’t been any issues and they were just following their run plan.

‘Verstappen fastest’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-fastest-ahead-of-austrian-qualifying-82476


AUSTRIAN F1 PRACTICE: FERRARI IMPRESS, RED BULL LOOK COMFORTABLE AT HOME
It's the second one hour-only practice of the F1 season. Following a frantic practice hour during the new sprint weekend format's debut weekend in Baku, would Austria follow suit?
June 30, 2023
Samuel Coop
FormulaNerds

The jury is very much still out on the new F1 sprint weekend format. But upending the conventional trend of three, hour-long practice sessions proved effective at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Would the second run of the single-hour practice format prove to be as chaotic and critical as the first?

The last quarter: With little over 10 minutes left to run, cars started to filter out of the pits with the red-walled soft tyres. First, Gasly would improve on his best time, despite an error at turn 3. Stroll would fare better, however, jostling in between Hamilton and Verstappen in P2. With most of the field on the softest rubber, Verstappen would not be deterred. The 25-year-old popping in the best time of the session on medium tyres.

However, Carlos Sainz soon took the initiative to get into the 1:05s with a little over five minutes to go. At the head of the pack is where he’d stay as the session entered the final two minutes. Would anyone get the better of him? Despite a slow first sector, Verstappen went purple in sectors two and three to end the session on top, clocking in a 1:05.742 on medium tyres. Another weekend of Red Bull dominance?

‘FERRARI IMPRESS, RED BULL LOOK COMFORTABLE’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/austrian-f1-practice-ferrari-impress-red-bull-look-comfortable-at-home/


Ominous pace for Verstappen in Austrian GP practice
Friday 30th June, 2023 - 10:44pm
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

A late lap from Max Verstappen was an ominous warning to the field that Red Bull will again be a significant force to contend with in Austria this weekend. The Dutchman topped the event’s single practice session despite not using the softest compound tyre. He ended the session 0.241s clear of Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver having bolted on the red-walled rubber.

In the final minutes, Verstappen returned to the top of the timesheets after falling down the order as others completed their qualifying simulations. He did so on the medium compound tyre, leaving him more than 0.1s clear of Charles Leclerc in second best. Carlos Sainz then went fastest, logging a 1:05.983s to head the pack by 0.101s.

Red Bull had not touched the soft tyres, preferring to protect its limited bank with a view towards qualifying, the Sprint, and the race itself. A lap as the chequered flag fell saw Verstappen rise to the top of the timesheets once more, on a set of the medium tyres – the same set as he’d used to bank his earlier lap. It was an ominous lap, suggesting Red Bull once more has a comfortable advantage over the field.

‘Ominous pace for Verstappen’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/06/30/ominous-pace-for-verstappen-in-austrian-gp-practice/

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen on Austrian GP pole despite F1 blast as Charles Leclerc suffers heartbreak.
Max Verstappen navigated a tricky Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session to secure pole position as the Formula 1 stewards deleted scores of lap times. The Dutchman felt their wrath twice himself as he had laps deleted in Q1 and Q2, and swore loudly as he complained over the radio about losing those times.
17:07, 30 Jun 2023
By Daniel MoxonSenior F1 Writer

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have made improvements in recent weeks, but championship leader Max Verstappen very much remained favourite for pole position at the Red Bull Ring

That was despite a monster lap from Charles Leclerc who gave everything to topple the Red Bull racer. But he was just four-hundredths of a second slower than Verstappen in an encouraging sign for Ferrari, who also had Carlos Sainz in third place.

Lando Norris was fourth quickest as McLaren's upgrades looked good while Lewis Hamilton starts fifth, sharing the third row with Lance Stroll. He will have been pleased to out-qualify his team-mate Fernando Alonso who will line up one place behind him.

‘Stewards deleted scores of lap times’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-austrian-gp-qualifying-hamilton-30362995


Qualifying Results – 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
30th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:04.391
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.048
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.190
4. Lando Norris McLaren +0.267
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.428
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.502
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.520
8. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.699
9. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.779
10. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.432

‘Austrian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for Sunday’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Red Bull Ring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-austrian-grand-prix-82487


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix
30 June 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-austria-2023.56jGAk6w6EMXpFyENEmrJp.html


Ferraris get close but can’t deny Verstappen the pole
Austrian Grand Prix – Max Verstappen took pole but the Ferraris weren’t too far behind, while track limits played havoc throughout the session.
30th June 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Q1: In the end the field was covered by just over eight and a half tenths but Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou, Sergeant, Magnussen and de Vries won’t be continuing in the session, unless there are any other time deletions of course.

Q2: Verstappen in P1 was the only driver not on track at the end while things didn’t go well for Perez as he got each of his fast laps deleted. The charts continued to change after all cars had set their times as there were a raft of deletions so it ended with Russell, Ocon, Piastri, Bottas and Perez failing to progress.

Q3: was able to shave more time off at the top to set a 1:04.391 and while the Ferraris gave it their best shot, the upgraded car just missed out and Leclerc wasn’t able to get closer than 0.048 seconds. There weren’t any times deleted after the session and Sainz took P3 ahead of Norris, also in an upgraded car. Hamilton ended the day in P5 while Stroll finished ahead of his teammate to take P6. Hulkenberg was P8 while Gasly and Albon rounded out the top ten.

‘Leclerc wasn’t able to get closer than 0.048 seconds’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/ferraris-get-close-but-cant-deny-verstappen-the-pole-82490


Verstappen pips Leclerc to pole as track limits errors doom Perez to 15th
2023 Austrian Grand Prix qualifying
Posted on 30th June 2023, 17:21
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Max Verstappen secured his fourth pole position in a row in Austria, narrowly beating the resurgent Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. However Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull registered his fourth consecutive failure to reach the final phase of qualifying. This time a string of track limits infringements prevented him progressing from Q2.

In the final minutes, Verstappen and the Ferraris both headed out for their final runs on fresh soft tyres. Verstappen improved by a tenth of a second to lower his own pole time to a 1’04.391. Leclerc was quickest in the middle sector but lost half a tenth to Verstappen in the final sector and crossed the line that far behind the Red Bull driver, ensuring yet another pole for the world champion.

Sainz was just under two tenths behind Verstappen in third place, while Norris secured fourth place in his updated McLaren. Hamilton secured fifth for Mercedes ahead of the two Aston Martins of Stroll and Alonso. Hulkenberg took eighth for Haas, with Gasly ninth and Albon in tenth, his final deleted time ultimately having no impact on his final qualifying position.

‘Verstappen pips Leclerc’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/30/verstappen-pips-leclerc-to-pole-as-track-limits-errors-doom-perez-to-15th/


Lando Norris in awkward exchange with F1 journalist at Austrian GP - 'Who are you?'
McLaren driver Lando Norris is known for being one of the nicest guys in F1 and jumped to a reporter's defence ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.
16:10, Fri, Jun 30, 2023
By Benjamin Goddard
Daily and Sunday Express

Experienced Brazilian television reporter Mariana Becker took the opportunity to ask Norris about the car improvements. She said: “How is it going to work with you to test everything and do you think it will be a game changer?” Norris replied: “Good question, you ask the best questions here, well done.” The British driver gave a smile while giving the answer but was shocked by what followed.

One male reporter stood nearby took issue with Norris’ answer and quipped: “You are one hell of a liar!” Both Norris and the Brazilian reporter seemed to be taken aback by the comment with the McLaren driver then quickly putting the male reporter down with his reply.

In an awkward exchange, the British driver added: “I’m not. Woah. Who are you?” Norris seemed lost for words before adding: “No I’m telling the truth.”

‘Awkward exchange’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786358/Lando-Norris-F1-news-Austrian-GP

[Fortitude]

Perez claims he was blocked before being penalised for track limits as he lost out on front row to end up P15.
Sergio Perez saw three lap times deleted in Q2 for track limits infractions that meant he ended up down in 15th – but he insisted his last issue only happened because he was blocked on track and was forced to run wide.
30 Jun 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Three lap times deleted in Q2’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.perez-claims-he-was-blocked-before-being-penalised-for-track-limits-as-he-lost-out-on-front-row-to-end-up-p15.1770144683047968068.html


Christian Horner brutally honest about Sergio Perez after Austrian GP qualifying shocker
Perez became the first Red Bull driver in 15 years to fail to qualifying in the top 10 for four race weekends in a row, leaving his team principal Horner visibly annoyed
18:27, 30 Jun 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer

Christian Horner could not mask his frustration as he spoke bluntly about Sergio Perez's later qualifying shocker. And that left Horner visibly annoyed as he spoke to Sky Sports after the session. "He's got the pace today and had a car that was easily capable of being on the first or second row," said the team principal.

"He was matching Max's times... stay in the white lines! Strike one, strike two, 'Checo, just stay in the white lines'. Then strike three and he was out. So it's hugely frustrating because he could have been there and he could have done it."

Sky's Damon Hill pointed out that Verstappen had two laps deleted for track limits violations himself. But, as Horner pointed out in response, the Dutchman's reaction was to bear it in mind and make sure he got a time on the board afterwards.

‘Brutally honest’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/horner-perez-qualifying-austria-redbull-30364108


Perez: Q2 exit shows F1's track limits system is "wrong"
18:57 Fri, 30 Jun 2023.
By: Jonathan Noble

Motorsport.com

Sergio Perez thinks the track limits system in Formula 1 is "wrong" after he had three laps deleted for running wide in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver failed to make it into Q3 at the Red Bull Ring after failing to set a clean lap during the session.

And while being clearly outside the white lines in the first two runs, Perez thinks it's unfair that he was also penalised on his final effort when he felt he had been disturbed by the Williams of Alex Albon. "There's so many things I can control and unfortunately, with this one, you're closing a good lap and then all of a sudden you are blocked, and you have a penalty," he said. "I think the system is wrong. It is just frustrating that we don't have a good system and we are not able to consider when these things happen."

Perez was aware that everything hung on the final run but reckoned it was all under control until traffic got in his way. "I was on a good lap," he said. "But then all of a sudden on my final lap, I found I think Albon, and I just went straight. I could not stop. I think I lost a 10th or a bit more than that just by going straight, but the stewards wouldn't consider that I was blocked."

‘Track limits system in Formula 1 is "wrong"’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-q2-exit-shows-f1s-track-limits-system-is-wrong/10489658/


Perez should have “easily” been on the front row of the grid – Horner
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 30th June 2023, 19:24
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner made clear his displeasure at Sergio Perez’s failure to join his team mate on the front row of the grid at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix. “He’s got the pace today,” Horner told Sky. “He’s got a car that was easily capable of being on the first or second row, he was matching Max’s times – stay in the white lines. It was strike one, strike two – ‘Checo, just stay in the white lines’, strike three – and that was it.”

“It’s hugely frustrating because the frustrating thing is we know he can do it,” said Horner. “He did a [one minute] 4.9 on that lap, he was three hundredths off Max. He could have been four tenths slower and still been in. In Q2, that’s not the time to be doing it. So that was the frustrating thing because he could have done it today.”

Perez blamed Alexander Albon for getting in his way at turn 10 on his last effort to claim a place in Q3. “It’s not going to have helped” said Horner, “but then you build in a little bit more margin.” “So Checo’s frustrated, we’ll turn the page, he’ll race hard tomorrow, but it’s just annoying because we know he could have been there,” Horner added.

‘Checo’s frustrated, we’ll turn the page’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/30/perez-should-have-easily-been-on-the-front-row-of-the-grid-horner/


Christian Horner says Sergio Perez still has Red Bull's full support
21:34 Fri, 30 Jun 2023.
The Straits Times

SPIELBERG, Austria - Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Sergio Perez still had the team’s full support despite failing to qualify in the top 10 for the fourth race in a row on Friday while team mate Max Verstappen again secured pole position.

The Mexican had three quick laps deleted for failing to stay within the lines and will start 15th in Sunday’s Austrian Formula One Grand Prix at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring. “Everybody’s fully behind (Perez),” Horner told Sky Sports in response to speculation about possible driver changes. Any talk of replacing Checo is wide of the mark.”

‘Red Bull's full support’;

https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/formula-one-horner-says-perez-still-has-red-bulls-full-support

[Fortitude]

Verstappen leads all-Red Bull front row for Austria sprint race.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix ahead of team mate Sergio Perez in second and Lando Norris third.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix sprint race qualifying
Posted on 1st July 2023, 12:01
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

The pole winner for Sunday’s grand prix took pole for Saturday’s sprint race by almost half a second, while Norris was less than a tenth of a second slower than Perez in third. Nico Hulkenberg was a surprise fourth for Haas, but is under investigation for an unsafe release from the pit lane. Both Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will start the sprint race well down the order, in 15th and 18th, respectively.

Verstappen switched to his second set of fresh soft tyres and managed to shave even more time off his previous best, lowering it to a 1’04.440. Perez improved on his final lap to move ahead of Norris and secure an all-Red Bull front row for the sprint race, while Hulkenberg ended the session in fourth place behind Norris but ahead of the two Ferraris of Sainz and Leclerc.

The two Aston Martins of Alonso and Lance Stroll will start seventh and eighth, with Esteban Ocon ninth and Kevin Magnussen completing the top ten in the second Haas.

‘All-Red Bull front row’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/01/verstappen-leads-all-red-bull-front-row-for-austria-sprint-race/


Sprint Shootout – 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
1st July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:04.440
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.493
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.570
4. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.644
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.696
6. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.805
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.818
8. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.907
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.926
10. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.472

‘Austrian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the Shootout to set the grid for today’s 2023 F1 World Championship Sprint at the Red Bull Ring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/sprint-shootout-2023-austrian-grand-prix-82504


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the Sprint Shootout in Austria
01 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-sprint-shootout-in-austria-2023.73SZKCicaf3iLtKNqkxfh9.html


2023 F1 Austrian Grand Prix - Sprint - LIVE UPDATES!
1st July 2023, 10:35
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-austrian-grand-prix-sprint-shootout-live-updates


Lewis Hamilton comments may anger F1 bosses after Mercedes' Austrian Grand Prix stinker
Mercedes has a sprint qualifying to forget on Saturday with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both left frustrated.
12:20, Sat, Jul 1, 2023
By Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Ending up a dismal P18, where he will start the sprint race later on Saturday, Hamilton pulled no punches when asked about his disappointing result. "The timing wasn't right," he told Sky Sports. "The sprint race doesn't really matter anyway. I'll just have some fun from the back. It is what it is. I don't really feel anything about it.

"I wish I was still out there but not today. There's nothing really to say, we'll focus on our job today. We could easily have been much further up there but I'll just have some fun at the back."

Stating that the sprint race 'does not really matter' is unlikely to sit well with senior F1 figures, considering Austria is hosting only the second sprint weekend of the 2023 season following their increased use of the format.

'Does not really matter';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786516/lewis-hamilton-f1-news-mercedes-austrian-grand-prix


Verstappen prevails in Austrian GP Sprint Shootout
01/07/2023 at 12:00
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Max Verstappen topped qualifying for this afternoon's Sprint at the Red Bull Ring, the Red Bull driver edging in the frantic session teammate Sergio Perez and McLaren's Lando Norris

Haas' performance was noteworthy, with the US outfit placing both its driver among the top ten, with Nico Hulkenberg clocking in an impressive fourth at the end of SQ3.

There were worries in the Ferrari camp at the outset when Sainz reported a brake by wire failure, the Spaniard compelled to pit.

‘Verstappen prevails’;

https://f1i.com/news/479014-verstappen-prevails-in-austrian-gp-sprint-shootout.html

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen wins eventful Austrian Grand Prix sprint after Sergio Perez left furious.
A thrilling scrap for the lead took shape just seconds after the start of the race, with Perez diving down the inside of Verstappen after getting a better jump off the line. The Dutchman managed to regain the advantage shortly afterwards, though, before Hulkenberg took full advantage of the situation by passing Perez for second place.
16:04, Sat, Jul 1, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen cruised to a straightforward victory in the sprint event at the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday despite being given an early scare by Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. The reigning champion was made to work hard to retain his advantage on the opening lap after he was overtaken by his Mexican colleague, who briefly led but was unable to keep Verstappen at bay for too long.

The Red Bull duo appeared to leave each other frustrated as a result of the heavy-handed tactics used in their short-lived battle, with Verstappen saying via team radio: "He pushed me off man, what the f***." Perez was also unhappy after Verstappen braked late into Turn Three while racing wheel-to-wheel and asked his race engineer: "What's wrong with Max?"

‘Eventful Austrian Grand Prix sprint’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786560/Max-Verstappen-Austrian-Grand-Prix-sprint-Sergio-Perez-F1-news


Sprint Results – 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
1st July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 24 laps
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +21.048
3. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +23.088
4. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +29.703
5. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +30.109
6. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +31.297
7. Esteban Ocon Alpine +36.602
8. George Russell Mercedes +36.611
9. Lando Norris McLaren +38.608
10. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +46.375

‘Austrian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship Sprint, the second of the year, from a damp Red Bull Ring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/sprint-results-2023-austrian-grand-prix-82521


SPRINT: FORMULA 1 ROLEX GROSSER PREIS VON ÖSTERREICH 2023
01 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/f1-live-lite.html#lap-by-lap


2023 Austrian GP Sprint: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in thrilling battle for the lead at the start
01 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Pole-sitter Max Verstappen lost his lead into Turn 1 to team mate Sergio Perez on the Sprint start in Austria, before battling back past his fellow Red Bull driver to lead in the wet, as Nico Hulkenberg grabs P2.

‘Thrilling battle for the lead at the start’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-austrian-gp-sprint-max-verstappen-and-sergio-perez-in-thrilling-battle-for-the-lead-at-the-start.1770229724745698010.html


Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in wet Sprint
1st July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

As the race started Perez initially got the better of his teammate but things got a little messy at T2, Verstappen getting back through while Perez fell into the clutches of Hulkenberg with the Haas taking P2 at the next corner. Things also went wrong for Norris at T2, he got caught behind the Red Bulls and seemed to go into anti-stall which left him a sitting duck and he got swamped, falling down to P10.

While Verstappen pulled ahead at the front, Perez remained on the back of Hulkenberg but with no DRS available it made things harder for the Mexican to make it past the Haas. Perez finally got the better of Hulkenberg on lap 12, just as Sainz had closed up to the pair to join the fight.

In the end Verstappen took the chequered flag 21 seconds ahead of Perez while Sainz took P3. Lance Stroll came home just ahead of Alonso to give Aston Martin P4 and P5 while Hulkenberg was the highest placed of those who changed tyres and took P6 for Haas.

‘Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-leads-red-bull-1-2-in-wet-sprint-82525


Max Verstappen demands Red Bull talks and confronts Sergio Perez after Austrian GP sprint
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez almost came together on the opening lap of an exciting Austrian Grand Prix sprint.
16:14, Sat, Jul 1, 2023
By Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Max Verstappen wasted no time in calling for talks after winning the Austrian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday. A near miss involving his Red Bull team-mate, Sergio Perez, had both drivers venting over the team radio before going on to dominate the contest.

‘Max Verstappen wasted no time in calling for talks’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786563/max-verstappen-red-bull-sergio-perez-austrian-grand-prix-sprint

[Fortitude]

With Perez out of way, Ferrari are “ready to attack” Verstappen in Austria.
When the results of Saturday’s sprint race set the grid for Sunday’s grand prix, it would effectively form the first 100km of a 400km two-part race. That meant that drivers, teams and fans all had a fairly solid idea as to how the rest of the race would play out, having seen who looked strong and not so strong in race conditions.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix pre-race analysis
Posted on 2nd July 2023, 0:01
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

With the revised format for 2023, where the sprint race is set by its own qualifying session and has no bearing on the starting order for the grand prix, there are far fewer concrete conclusions that can be drawn from what happens on Saturday. And when it rains, as it did at the Red Bull Ring, there is even less that can be drawn from the first race of the weekend.

One conclusion which can be drawn – which no one needed a sprint race to discover – is that Max Verstappen and Red Bull are going to be very tough to beat yet again. Once Verstappen reclaimed the lead from team mate Sergio Perez on the opening lap, he quickly re-established his dominance over him and everyone else.

“Ready to attack”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/02/with-perez-out-of-way-ferrari-are-ready-to-attack-verstappen-in-austria/


The Ferrari threat to Verstappen and Norris in the mix – What To Watch For in the Austrian GP
01 July 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

From Ferrari putting the pressure on Verstappen to Lando Norris excelling in Austria again, and from Sergio Perez needing another fightback drive to question marks over what the race conditions will be, we highlight some key areas to look out for when the lights go out at the Red Bull Ring… 1. A Ferrari threat to Verstappen. Max Verstappen continued his dominant run of form with a fourth consecutive pole position on Friday, but his biggest challenge comes from a team that were also strong at the previous Sprint event in Azerbaijan.

2. Norris in the mix at his strongest track. There just seems to be something about Lando Norris and the Red Bull Ring, with the McLaren driver once again excelling in Austria this weekend. 3. Perez and Russell out of position. And Norris’ cause is helped by two drivers who could have been threats starting so far out of position.

4. Albon chasing more points. While the likes of Ferrari and McLaren were hoping for stronger performances in Austria, the same can’t be said of Williams despite Alex Albon’s stunning result in Canada. That was a circuit that really suited the FW45, and the update that Albon had was boosted by a fresh power unit to try and take advantage.

‘5. Unknown weather and strategies’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-ferrari-threat-to-verstappen-and-norris-in-the-mix-what-to-watch-for-in.6cPZY83eV7mhUrafFoKDtd.html


Power unit: Ferrari-powered cars to receive plenty of fresh elements
01 Jul 2023, 23:00
By Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Several Ferrari-powered cars will complete tomorrow’s Austrian Grand Prix with a host of fresh power unit components while reigning world champion Max Verstappen has also started using his second and last control electronics on home turf for his team. F1Technical's senior writer Balázs Szabó reports on the engine situation from the Red Bull Ring paddock.

The current generation of F1 power units features seven different elements: the internal combustion engine (ICE), motor generator unit-heat (MGU-H), motor generator unit-kinetic (MGU-K), turbocharger, energy store (ES), control electronics (CE) and exhaust. Over the course of the 2023 season, a driver may use no more than four ICEs, MGU-Hs, MGU-Ks and turbochargers, two energy stores and control electronics, and eight of each of the four elements that make up a set of exhaust systems.

All four drivers racing for the customer Ferrari teams, Alfa Romeo and Haas received fresh internal combustion engines for the Austrian Grand Prix. Interestingly, it will be only the third new engine for Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg despite Ferrari’s reliability issues in the earlier part of the 2023 F1 season.

‘Power Unit’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/24063


Leclerc wants to know why he’s “struggling like crazy” in mixed conditions
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd July 2023, 8:142nd July 2023, 0:23
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Charles Leclerc says Ferrari must figure out why he struggles in changeable conditions after he lost three places during the Austrian Grand Prix sprint race. A three-place grid penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri in sprint race qualifying left Leclerc ninth on the grid. In the race, which started on a damp track but finished with conditions dry enough for slick tyres, he fell back further, finishing 12th.

It was the third consecutive weekend in which Leclerc had been left frustrated by a result from a competitive session in changeable conditions. In Spain, he was eliminated in Q1 after lacking pace on a damp track, then he failed to reach Q3 in Canada after he was again eliminated on a drying track.

Asked by RaceFans after the sprint race how he would describe his afternoon, Leclerc said: “eventful, but slow.” “At the moment, I’m struggling like crazy whenever it’s half-dry, half-wet, with slicks,” he said. “I’m just completely off the pace. So we need to understand, because now it’s three races in a row that we find ourselves in those conditions and I keep struggling.”

“Struggling like crazy”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/02/leclerc-wants-to-know-why-hes-struggling-like-crazy-in-mixed-conditions/


Austrian GP Sprint Race Recap: Thrills, Overtakes, and Surprises at the Red Bull Ring!
July 1, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

In an intense battle for track position and grip at the start of the Austrian GP Sprint race, the top three drivers all encountered difficulties at the start of the Sprint race.

Nico Hulkenberg seized the opportunity and secure second place for Haas. However, the real drama unfolded when Max Verstappen forcefully pushed Sergio Perez wide off the track, hinting at tensions between the Red Bull teammates since their team order dispute in Brazil last year.

Verstappen managed to break away comfortably, with Hulkenberg maintaining second position while fending off Perez’s initial advances with similar lap times. It wasn’t until lap 12 that Perez managed to reclaim second place, followed by Carlos Sainz at Turn 3 on the subsequent lap as Hulkenberg struggled with traction on the drying circuit.

‘Thrills, Overtakes, and Surprises’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/austrian-gp-sprint-race-recap-thrills-overtakes-and-surprises-at-the-red-bull-ring/


“All good” between Verstappen and Perez after chat over first-lap near-misses
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd July 2023, 9:132nd July 2023, 0:24
Written by Keith Collantine

The Red Bull team mates say they cleared the air with each other following a series of close calls between the pair on the first lap of the Austrian Grand Prix sprint race. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez complained about each other’s moves after the start of yesterday’s first race at the Red Bull Ring.

“He pushed me off, man, what the fuck?” fumed Verstappen when Perez edged him onto the grass at the exit of turn one after taking the lead from the pole-winner at the start. Verstappen reclaimed the place at the next corner, repaying the favour to Perez by forcing him onto the asphalt run-off. Perez was on his outside at the next corner as well, and again Verstappen stayed well wide of the inside line, but did not go far enough to put Perez into the gravel.

“All good”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/02/all-good-between-verstappen-and-perez-after-chat-over-first-lap-near-misses/

[Fortitude]

F1 Austrian Grand Prix 2023 results: Verstappen dominates CONTROVERSIAL race.
The race was riddled with penalties for track limit violations, with a number of drivers heading marginally off the track – and some, including Lewis Hamilton, getting quite het up about it.
Sunday 2 July 2023 16:38
Chris Deeley
GPFans

Max Verstappen looked back to his imperious best on Sunday in Spielberg, driving away from the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc to win a race that looked closer on the timing screen that it did in reality.

Verstappen pitted with a couple of laps to go in order to have a dart at the fastest lap of the race, cutting his advantage over the Monegasque driver. However, he did lose his incredible 250+ lap streak of laps led in grands prix earlier in the race when he came out of the pits behind Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr.

Leclerc finished second, ahead of a fast-finishing Sergio Perez who claimed the final podium spot ahead of Carlos Sainz.

‘CONTROVERSIAL race’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110725/f1-austrian-grand-prix-2023-results-verstappen-dominates-controversial-race/


Race Results – 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
2nd July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 71 laps
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +5.155
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +17.188
4. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +21.377
5. Lando Norris McLaren +26.327
6. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +30.317
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +39.196
8. George Russell Mercedes +48.403
9. Pierre Gasly Alpine +57.667
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +59.043

‘Austrian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race from the Red Bull Ring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-austrian-grand-prix-82536


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
02 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-rolex-grosser-preis-von-osterreich-2023.7thDTbM1XZFO3Or1NQEbvb.html


2023 F1 Austrian GP - Can Verstappen hold off the Ferraris? LIVE UPDATES
2nd July 2023, 13:32
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-austrian-gp-can-verstappen-hold-ferraris-live-updates


Verstappen wins in Austria while penalties play a part behind
2nd July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Austrian Grand Prix – Despite briefly losing the lead during the pit stops, Max Verstappen dominated while the Stewards handed out a rake of time penalties. As the lights went out to start the Grand Prix, Verstappen held his lead despite Leclerc’s best efforts but further back Lewis Hamilton got the better of Lando Norris for P4 while Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg demoted Lance Stroll from P6 to P8.

On lap 69, Red Bull asked Verstappen to cool his tyres but the race leader wanted to pit for a fastest lap attempt as he had a 23 second gap to Leclerc. Verstappen got his way though, switched to the softs and emerged back out a few seconds ahead of Leclerc. He took the fastest lap with a 1:07.012 on the last lap.

Leclerc got on the podium for the second time of the season, the last time being in Baku, where the first Sprint weekend of the season was. Perez took the final podium spot ahead of Sainz and Norris. After being beaten by his teammate in the Sprint yesterday, Alonso was the highest placed Aston Martin today with a P6. The two Mercedes ended the day in P7 and P8, Hamilton still ahead of Russell while Gasly and Stroll rounded out the points positions.

‘Verstappen wins’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-wins-in-austria-while-penalties-play-a-part-behind-82539


Verstappen wins Austrian GP, Perez third after great Sainz fight
2nd July 2023, 15:49
By Matt Beer
The Race

Max Verstappen gave Red Bull yet another routine 2023 Formula 1 race win at the Austrian Grand Prix, while Ferrari produced its strongest performance of the season so far in his wake. Charles Leclerc took second place, while Carlos Sainz only just failed to keep the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez off the podium after a gallant effort.

Ferrari tried its best to stop Red Bull running away with the event at the track it owns. Leclerc made a spirited first-lap bid to pass Verstappen before the champion began to edge away, and then the two teams diverged on strategy under an early virtual safety car prompted by Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas-Ferrari stopping with what he felt was an engine failure.

Verstappen’s insistence on making a last-moment pitstop for softs so he could reclaim fastest lap from Perez might have given Ferrari some hope given Leclerc was only 23s behind when the leader came in. But a smooth Red Bull stop meant Verstappen rejoined 4s ahead and got the fastest lap he sought too.

‘Another routine 2023 Formula 1 race win’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-wins-austrian-gp-perez-third-after-great-sainz-fight/


Nine drivers hit by F1 penalties as Verstappen has time to play with in Austrian GP.
July 2nd 2023
Author Dominic Tobin
Motor Sport Magazine

Max Verstappen look threatened by Charles Leclerc early in the 2023 Austrian GP but ended it with so much time in hand, he could make an extra pitstop and claim the fastest lap. Behind him was a charging Sergio Perez — and a penalty bonanza

It was a race that brought almost half the grid penalties for exceeding track limits, a stunning drive from 15th to the podium for Sergio Perez, and hard-fought battles in the midfield. But at the front — as usual — Max Verstappen had such an advantage that he was able to pit for soft tyres with two laps remaining, set the fastest lap and cross the finish line with 5sec to spare.

Sainz crossed the line just over 4sec behind the Mexican and may look ruefully at the 5sec penalty for exceeding track limits too often. He was the highest-placed car to be penalised, and one of eight for track limits (with Nyck de Vries getting a penalty for squeezing Kevin Magnussen). A miserable Lewis Hamilton was an early victim after telling his team that he couldn’t avoid running outside the white lines: “I can’t keep it on the track, the car won’t turn!” Later in the race, team boss Toto Wolff jumped on the airwaves, telling his seven-time world champion: “The car is bad, we know. Please drive it.”

‘Nine drivers hit by F1 penalties’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/nine-drivers-hit-by-f1-penalties-as-verstappen-has-time-to-play-with-in-austrian-gp/?nowprocket=1#


F1 Austrian GP: Lewis Hamilton blasts 'bulls***' and complains at Lando Norris after penalty
2 Jul 2023
Lewis Larkam

Lewis Hamilton has been hit with a five-second time penalty for abusing track limits during the F1 Austrian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion was pinged for multiple track limits infringements early on in Sunday's 71-lap grand prix.

Hamilton insisted in his defence that he "can't keep it on the track. The car won't turn." Hamilton said via team radio after being told about his penalty: "Just have a look at those because some of those are bull**** calls." He said, separately, about Sergio Perez: "This guy has been off every single time!"

Hamilton was also complaining about Norris exceeding track limits, after his own penalty, Sky commentators said. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff came onto the pitwall to calm Hamilton down, Sky also reported. “Lewis, the car is bad, we know," Wolff told Hamilton. "Please drive it!”

“The car won't turn";

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1030447/1/hamilton-hit-track-limits-penalty-austrian-gp

[Fortitude]

Eight drivers given post-race penalties as Austrian Grand Prix results change dramatically.
The FIA have examined “well over 1,200” instances of potential track limits breaches during the Austrian Grand Prix, with eight drivers given post-race penalties as a result.
02 Jul 2023 8:58 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Who has been penalised? The FIA confirmed in a statement that they would be examining each and every potential breach of track limits, and a significant chunk of the grid has now had additional time added to their race time. But eight drivers have been penalised for multiple breaches, as follows:

• Carlos Sainz – 10 seconds
• Lewis Hamilton – 10 seconds
• Pierre Gasly – 10 seconds
• Alex Albon – 10 seconds
• Esteban Ocon – 30 seconds (combination of 2 x 10-second penalties and 2 x 5-second penalties)
• Logan Sargeant – 10 seconds
• Nyck de Vries – 15 seconds (combination of 10-second and 5-second penalties)
• Yuki Tsunoda – 5 seconds

These penalties are all additional to what has already been served in the Austrian Grand Prix, with several of these drivers having already served in-race punishments.

‘Eight drivers given post-race penalties’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/austrian-grand-prix-results-doubt-track-limits/


FIA CHANGE Austrian GP results with TWELVE post-race penalties
Sunday 2 July 2023 21:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Austrian Grand Prix results after FIA ruling
The final classification from Styria after the changes is as follows:
1. Max Verstappen [Red Bull]
2. Charles Leclerc [Ferrari]
3. Sergio Perez [Red Bull]
4. Lando Norris [McLaren]
5. Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin]
6. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari]
7. George Russell [Mercedes]
8. Lewis Hamilton [Mercedes]
9. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin]
10. Pierre Gasly [Alpine]

‘TWELVE post-race penalties’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110773/austrian-grand-prix-f1-results-protest-penalty-fia-aston-martin/


Pierre Gasly hits out at ‘nonsense’ confusing Austria track limits
02 Jul 2023 8:15 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Pierre Gasly branded track limits at the Austrian Grand Prix a “nonsense” which was impossible for the viewers to follow and drivers to obey. “We’ve been talking all weekend and I think it would have been easier for everyone, [at] home, in the steward’s room, and all of us drivers to just drop it, but there is a rule. I love football, the rule in football is the same and that was the way it was this weekend.”

“I do believe if you go 10 centimetres wider you anyway damage your car and lose performance. Ultimately four, five centimetres, I don’t think it’s right to be penalising and dropping in qualifying, it was just nonsense. 43 lap times deleted, when you follow on TV, you have no clue on what’s going on and who is actually in, who is actually out.”

“As drivers inside the car with the visibility that we have, it’s pretty much impossible to really notice this one or two centimetres, whether you’re on the line and you’re always going to take it to the limit. So either put some grass there, no one’s going to go there, or just leave it as it is, make life easier and let us use the track limits, but I’m sure it’s going to be reviewed.”

‘Nonsense’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/pierre-gasly-austria-track-limits/


How 1200+ track limit reviews overwhelmed F1’s policing system
2nd July 2023, 19:23
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Formula 1’s Austrian Grand Prix result was thrown into confusion as the sheer volume of track limits penalties effectively overwhelmed the FIA’s policing system. More than 100 laptimes were deleted in Sunday’s race after drivers repeatedly exceeded track limits, mainly on the entry and especially the exit of the final corner, but more than 1200 potential offences had to be reviewed by race control.

Race control was tasked with “a reconciliation of all deleted laps with penalties applied”. And it soon emerged that more sanctions would be coming post-race, although the top three finishers were safe.

Time penalties would then be retroactively enforced. Whereas some drivers could serve five-second penalties (or 10 seconds in the case of repeat offender Yuki Tsunoda) during the grand prix in their pitstops, these additional penalties would be added to the offending drivers’ race times.

‘Overwhelmed F1’s policing system’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/how-1200-track-limit-reviews-overwhelmed-f1s-policing-system/


Ranked: The best and worst-behaved F1 drivers on Austrian Grand Prix track limits
02 Jul 2023 9:13 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

There was an anxious wait on Sunday night for some of the drivers as stewards announced they were looking into 1,200 incidents of possible track limits.

While the actual number of deleted laps was far fewer, it was still significant with the stewards scrubbing 83 laps out of the record books after the race had finished. But who were the worst offenders? And who managed to keep it on track at all times?

Zero instances – George Russell and Zhou Guanyu
One instance – Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso
Two instances – Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas
Three instances – Sergio Perez, Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg
Four instances (five-second penalty) – Kevin Magnussen
Six instances (15-second penalty) – Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Logan Sargeant and Nyck de Vries
Seven instances (15-second penalty) – Pierre Gasly
Nine instances (20-second penalty) – Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda
10 instances (30-second penalty) – Esteban Ocon

‘Track limits’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ranked-f1-drivers-austrian-grand-prix-track-limits/


FIA reveal STUNNING number of deleted laps during Austrian GP
Sunday 2 July 2023 22:27
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

During a chaotic Austrian Grand Prix, the issue of track limits was a constant flashpoint. After the race, it was revealed that Race Control had to deal with more than 100 deleted lap times during the 71 lap grand prix.

And with Aston Martin now protesting the result of the race, it has become clear that the number of infringements was somewhat overwhelming for the stewards on duty during the frantic contest.

‘100 deleted lap times’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110766/fia-deleted-laps-austrian-grand-prix-f1-protest-track-limits/

[Fortitude]

Put the gravel back, FIA tells Red Bull Ring after 20 track limits penalties in race.
The FIA has again urged the operators of the Red Bull Ring to install gravel traps at its final corners following an “unprecedented” spate of track limits offences.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd July 2023, 21:502nd July 2023, 21:55
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Seven drivers received penalties for exceeding track limits at least four times. One, Yuki Tsunoda, was given a further penalty during the race for committing seven infringements. Following the race Aston Martin lodged a protest claiming further track limits breaches have been overlooked. Race Control was already in the process of examining the track limits infringements which had occurred.

An FIA spokesperson confirmed it had not been possible to investigate every possible track limits breach which was raised during the race. “Due to the specifics of the circuit layout and the propensity of many drivers to repeatedly drive outside of the boundaries of the track, an unprecedented situation arose which resulted in all potential infringements not being able to be reviewed during the race,” said the spokesperson. The FIA had “already begun a full review of the track limits infringements” before Aston Martin protested the result of the race.

The spokesperson pointed out the FIA has previously urged the Red Bull Ring to install a gravel trap at the exits of turns nine and 10, where the majority of today’s incidents occurred. “In order to address the issue for future events we will renew our recommendation to the circuit to add a gravel trap at the exit of turns nine and 10. We note that while this is not a straightforward solution in relation to other series that race here, it has proved to be very effective at other corners and circuits with similar issues.”

‘Put the gravel back’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/02/put-the-gravel-back-fia-tells-red-bull-ring-after-20-track-limits-penalties-in-race/


Christian Horner: Track limits made F1 look 'amateurish' during Austrian Grand Prix
19:02 Sun, 02 Jul 2023.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has said F1 looked 'amateurish' over the course of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at different times, thanks to track limits. Red Bull dominated the weekend once again with Max Verstappen winning the Sprint on Saturday and then the Grand Prix on Sunday here at the Red Bull Ring, whilst Sergio Perez finished inside the top three with a second and then a third respectively.

Indeed, it was a very strong weekend all round from the Bulls but Horner could not hide his frustrations at something away from his team - track limits. "I think it made us as a sport look a little bit amateurish with so many infringements," he said. "The problem is, it's very difficult for the drivers to see they can't see the white line from the car. So you're just purely doing it on feel, and the circuit invites you to go there.”

"So I think that it is something that needs to be looked at for next year to perhaps add more of a deterrent for the drivers to be drawn onto that part of the circuit." Horner certainly wasn't the only person to express his dismay at the track limits over the course of the weekend, with the drivers growing frustrated and annoyed by some of the more marginal rulings.

‘Track limits made F1 look amateurish’;

https://www.givemesport.com/christian-horner-f1-amateurish-austrian-grand-prix/


Our verdict on F1’s Austrian Grand Prix penalty chaos
3rd July 2023, 05:22
The Race

After 1200+ track limits offences in the Austrian Grand Prix overwhelmed Formula 1’s systems and procedures, an FIA review and an Aston Martin protest left the Red Bull Ring result in total flux. The final outcome was a further 12 penalties spread across eight drivers, changing the positions of 14 of the 19 finishers in a decision announced five hours after the finish.

Here’s what our writers made of Sunday’s chaotic events and what we think should happen as a consequence:
DRIVERS HAVE TAKEN LIBERTIES – NOW THEY CAN’T
Scott Mitchell-Malm

THERE MUST BE PROPER INVESTMENT IN A REAL SOLUTION
Edd Straw
THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TACKLED AFTER QUALIFYING
Gary Anderson
GRAVEL ISN’T THE ANSWER
Glenn Freeman

‘Verdict on F1’s Austrian Grand Prix penalty chaos’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/our-verdict-on-f1s-austrian-grand-prix-penalty-chaos/


Frustrated Lewis Hamilton reacts to Austrian Grand Prix penalty as result changed
Lewis Hamilton is still waiting for his first win of the 2023 Formula One season - as reigning champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull continue to dominate the sport
23:24, 2 Jul 2023
By Tom Blow Sports Writer
The Mirror

Hamilton finished seventh at the Red Bull Ring but dropped a place following a track limits investigation by the FIA. The Mercedes favourite received a 10-second penalty to drop to eighth, with Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly also losing points for the same offence.

Hamilton offered his opinion on Instagram after Sunday's race. He wrote: "There are days when I can say I’m truly proud of myself and days like today when frustration takes over. In a race it can feel like you’re hanging off a cliff and losing the strength to hold on.”

‘Frustration takes over’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-austrian-grand-prix-30374714


Video: Why Austrian GP broke F1’s track limits policing system
3rd July 2023, 05:22
The Race

The major changes to the Austrian Grand Prix result five hours after the finish were a consequence of Formula 1’s upgraded track limits policing system being overwhelmed by the sheer number of offences at the Red Bull Ring.

Why did it happen, what made this year so much worse and can anything be done about it? Our latest video tackles all those questions and more:

‘The Race Video’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/video-why-austrian-gp-broke-f1s-track-limits-policing-system/


Where Is The (Track) Limit? - Austrian GP Review F1 2023
23:18 Sun, 02 Jul 2023.
Motorsport.com

Why did the FIA give out 12 penalties after F1's 2023 Austrian Grand Prix? The Red Bull Ring is no stranger to track limit violations, but after reportedly checking 1200 of the laps raced at the Austrian GP, the FIA changed up the final order for a large portion of the grid with 5 and 10s penalties. Mixed into this was McLaren's best result of the year with Lando Norris in 4th, another strong win by Verstappen, a lacklustre weekend for Mercedes and an unusual race for Ferrari. Martyn Lee is joined by Jon Noble and Matt Kew to discuss these talking points and more after the Austrian GP Sprint Race weekend.

‘Austrian GP Video Review’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/where-is-the-track-limit-austrian-gp-review-f1-2023/599238/

[Fortitude]

Verstappen “loved all the articles” claiming Red Bull’s rivals were getting closer.
Max Verstappen said he enjoyed reading speculation Red Bull’s rivals had closed the gap to them prior to his dominant win in Austria today.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 2nd July 2023, 18:082nd July 2023, 21:56
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

When it was put to him that today’s race showed Red Bull’s nearest rivals had not closed the gap to them, Verstappen said: “Exactly. But I loved all the articles about it. Some weekends work a bit better for you and some don’t,” he explained. “For me, Montreal wasn’t that fantastic in the race from our side. Here I think we did a really good job and naturally the gap is a bit bigger.”

Despite taking his seventh win of the season and his fifth consecutive victory to hold a commanding 81 point lead in the drivers’ championship over team mate Sergio Perez, Verstappen says he is not concerning himself with thinking about the championship picture just yet. “I’m just enjoying the moment, driving with this car, working with the team,” he said.

“I think the whole weekend we have done a really good job. A sprint weekend is always very, very hectic and a lot of things can go wrong and luckily a lot of things went right for us this weekend. So I’m just very happy with this weekend and we’ll focus again on Silverstone.”

“Loved all the articles”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/02/verstappen-loved-all-the-articles-claiming-red-bulls-rivals-were-getting-closer/


F1 Austrian GP Results, Updated Points: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Making it Look Too Easy
Verstappen wins fifth race in a row, builds up nearly insurmountable lead in championship standings.
PUBLISHED: JUL 2, 2023
BY PHILLIP HORTON
AutoWeek.com

Hey, Guess What—Verstappen Won Again
At least this time Max Verstappen didn’t quite lead every lap of the Austrian Grand Prix, though it certainly felt like it. Verstappen had 10 whole laps not in first place during the course of the 71-lap race at the Red Bull Ring, but only because he and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ran divergent tire strategies.

By the time proceedings shook out, during the closing stages of a race that took place in front of an orange-clad army of Verstappen fans, the reigning world champion was over 20 seconds up the road and cruising home.

Verstappen had such a margin that he made another pit stop for soft tires, used the penultimate lap of the race as a preparation lap, and made a successful attempt for the fastest lap—earning the bonus point—on the final lap.

‘Red Bull Making it Look Too Easy’;

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a44409099/f1-austrian-gp-results-updated-points-max-verstappen-red-bull-making-it-look-too-easy/


Red Bull reduce rivals to irrelevance in home rout overshadowed by penalty farce
2023 Austrian Grand Prix review
Posted on 3rd July 2023, 10:50
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Entering last season’s long winter, Ferrari and Mercedes dreamed of somehow dethroning Red Bull once the new year began. But by the time the spring months reached their end, those hopes had already been mercilessly crushed by the world champions and scattered to the summer winds. June brought new optimism for their pursuers. While Max Verstappen and his RB19 continued to monopolise the top step of the podium, there had been plenty of promise for those seeking to chase down the champions.

Although the three podium finishers had successfully avoided earning penalties for exceeding track limits, the same could not be said for the rest of the field. In an unprecedented development a total of 20 individual penalties for exceeding track limits were handed out between nine drivers during the race – almost half the field. Making matter worse, it took until five hours after the race for 12 of those penalties to be handed out and the final results published.

It had been a day where Formula 1 had made itself look “amateurish,” according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. But that could certainly not be said of Verstappen’s performance across the weekend once again. The world champion once more crushing any hopes of his rivals that he could possibly be caught any time soon. But despite continuing their perfect run of results in the 2023 season so far, Horner says Red Bull have not lost their appetite for winning just yet.

‘Red Bull reduce rivals to irrelevance’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/03/red-bull-reduce-rivals-to-irrelevance-in-home-rout-overshadowed-by-penalty-farce/


Red Bull chief speaks out after Max Verstappen ignores team orders at Austrian GP
Max Verstappen demanded Red Bull mechanics follow his requests as the Dutchman secured his 42nd career win in Austria.
12:07, Mon, Jul 3, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has opened up on Max Verstappen after the Dutchman ignored team orders at the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen was told over team radio that pitting for new tyres to go for the fastest lap was not worth it but pushed mechanics to change their mind.

Race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase revealed the risk of stopping “was not worthwhile”. But Verstappen made clear he would “prefer to box” and hinted his old rubber would not go quicker.

He told Auto Motor und Sport: “There were discussions on the radio. Before Max got too restless, we wanted to do what he wanted and make him happy. Otherwise, he would have set the fastest lap on old tyres. That would have been even more risky. He drives with unbelievable ease, as we have come to expect from him.”

“Prefer to box”;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786979/red-bull-helmut-marko-max-verstappen-team-orders-austrian-grand-prix


Perez admits fitness concerns for British GP as he’s “really far from 100%”
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd July 2023, 12:13
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Sergio Perez navigated the Austrian Grand Prix weekend while fighting fever-like symptoms, and his health remains a concern heading into this weekend’s British Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver fell ill on Wednesday night in Austria and skipped his media duties on Thursday, but was on track when action began on Friday.

Perez said he was feeling “definitely not great” after completing Sunday’s 71-lap race at the Red Bull Ring. “I haven’t had a good rest. Every night I’ve had a fever and I think when that happens and then you are on medications, automatically you are not 100% at all.” He is concerned his illness will continue to affect him at this weekend’s British Grand Prix, as the high-speed Silverstone circuit places severe demands on drivers’ fitness.

“It’s a very demanding sport, in the car and out of the car,” said Perez. “I’ve just been really sick, so I really hope that I can recover in a few days, because Silverstone is another very hard race, very demanding. “I really need time. I’m really far from 100% at the moment.” Perez was “really happy” to rise from 15th on the grid to claim his fifth podium of the year despite feeling ill.

“Really far from 100%”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/03/perez-admits-fitness-concerns-for-british-gp-as-hes-really-far-from-100/

[Fortitude]

‘Lewis, the car is bad, we know . . . just please drive it’ – Mercedes’ Wolff has snappy exchange with Hamilton.
Toto Wolff insists his public rebuke of Lewis Hamilton at the Austrian Grand Prix will have no impact on the British driver’s Mercedes future.
Sun 2 Jul 2023 at 19:28
The Irish Independent

‘Public rebuke’;

https://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/motor-sport/lewis-the-car-is-bad-we-know-just-please-drive-it-mercedes-wolff-has-snappy-exchange-with-hamilton/a2123007170.html


Lewis Hamilton given public dressing-down by Toto Wolff during awful Austrian Grand Prix.
Lap one of the Austrian Grand Prix went well for Hamilton who overtook Lando Norris – but the rest of his afternoon was a disaster including a public telling-off from Mercedes chief Wolff.
16:21, 2 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer

Lewis Hamilton was told off by an irritated Toto Wolff TWICE during the Austrian Grand Prix as the seven-time world champion lost his cool. Hamilton lost his temper after he was given a penalty for exceeding track limits. He was one of several drivers to be given such a punishment as the Formula 1 stewards applied the law mercilessly.

First to be on the receiving end of his ire was Sergio Perez. Hamilton was constantly accusing the Mexican of going outside the white lines – becoming such a distraction that Wolff intervened to ask him to focus on his driving. That first message from the Austrian was fairly polite, and Hamilton obliged for a while.

But later in the race he was moaning again, this time about Norris who had slipped ahead of him. This time, as Wolff felt the need to intervene again, the Mercedes chief had clearly lost his patience and snapped at the seven-time world champion. "Lewis, the car is bad, we know – please drive it," was his abrupt message.

‘Public dressing-down’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/austria-hamilton-wolff-mercedes-radio-30373051


Toto Wolff fed up with Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes boss interrupts team radio message
Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was spoken to his by team boss Toto Wolff during the Austrian Grand Prix.
15:26, Sun, Jul 2, 2023
By Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express

Hamilton picked up a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits more than three times, having been shown a black and white flag by race control. And he fumed on the radio as his issues with the brakes appeared to slow him down, meaning he had to try and use the maximum of the track to avoid losing time.

As Hamilton continued to complain to his race engineer Peter Bonnington on the team radio, Wolff stepped in with a stern message to his driver - something that is rarely seen from the Austrian chief - as he was seemingly fed up with his flurry of complaints. Wolff said to Hamilton: "Lewis the car is bad we know, please drive it."

Hamilton had been furious with Sergio Perez escaping a penalty for exceeding track limits at Turn 10 when he was chasing the Red Bull star and it appeared the 103-time race winner had become irritated by his five-second penalty, which saw him lose places to Norris and Fernando Alonso.

‘Mercedes boss interrupts team radio message’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786759/Toto-Wolff-Lewis-Hamilton-Mercedes-Austrian-GP-F1-news


Toto Wolff at a loss after ‘bruising day’ with Mercedes’ pace drop in Austria
02 Jul 2023 5:08 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

clearly downbeat Toto Wolff saw his Mercedes team struggle for pace in the Austrian Grand Prix and does not know why. “Our car had no pace today,” Wolff told Sky F1. “It’s a bruising day I would say because we had such a good upward trend and then you have to take such a day. “There was no pace. No inkling why yet.”

During his opening stint Hamilton was complaining that his brakes were not working correctly, though Wolff had a different theory for why Hamilton had this feeling at the wheel of the W14. Rather than dodgy brakes, Wolff feels the actual problem was that as Hamilton battled Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez at that stage of the race, he was actually finding that sliding on the Pirelli tyres was destroying the grip.

“I think that the moment you slide those tyres, either on braking or through the corners, you just have no grip and this is what happened,” Wolff reasoned. Hamilton will likely take encouragement from the fact that next up is his home race, the British Grand Prix, a race he has won a record eight times.

‘Toto Wolff at a loss’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-mercedes-pace-loss-austria/


Russell laments Mercedes’ “substantially worse” pace in Austria
18:33 Sun, 02 Jul 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

Lewis Hamilton led team-mate George Russell for a 7-8 result at the Red Bull Ring. Seven-time champion Hamilton finished 39 seconds behind runaway victor Max Verstappen, who might have crossed the line a further 20s ahead had he not made a late pitstop to successfully take the bonus point for fastest lap away from Red Bull stablemate Sergio Perez.

Russell said the drop back down the order caught the team by surprise as the pace was “substantially worse” than predicted. He told Sky Sports: “I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it. But we still have the same car as we had two races ago in Barcelona when we were flying.”

“So, the only thing that's probably different is the tyres. Something we need to understand. It definitely doesn't feel as we want it to. The car's moving around a lot, a little bit worse than all of the other circuits. But the pace was substantially worse than we were expecting.”

‘Mercedes’ “substantially worse” pace’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-laments-mercedes-worse-pace-austria/10490750/


Wolff DUMBSTRUCK over Mercedes lack of pace
Sunday 2 July 2023 22:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Speaking after the race, Wolff was left scratching his head over why the W14 struggled so much on track. “The car had no pace today," he told Sky Sports. "It’s a bruising day I would say, because we had such a good upward trend, and then you have to take such a day. There was no pace, and no inkling why yet.” “I think the moment you slide those tyres, be it on braking or through the corners, you just have no grip, and this is what happened [for Hamilton]."

Vast number of penalties were handed out for exceeding track limits during the race, including one for Hamilton. And Wolff believes that changes need to be made to prevent a repeat event occurring next season. “The stewards are doing their job," he said. "It’s what the rule says. I think we’ve either got to go back to the sausage kerb and need to take into consideration the teams and drivers shouldn’t complain if they break their cars, because that’s clear.

‘Wolff DUMBSTRUCK’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110771/toto-wolff-mercedes-pace-austrian-grand-prix-f1-lewis-hamilton-george-russell/


Wolff sought to 'calm things down' with Hamilton radio intervention
03/07/2023 at 08:19
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was an untypical presence on the team's radio during Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix as he sought to "calm things down" amid Lewis Hamilton's complaints and struggles. When asked by his race engineer Peter Bonnington to steer clear of the track's limits, Hamilton quipped: "I can’t keep it on the track, the car won’t turn!".

Perceiving that his driver was unsettled, Wolff intervened and twice urged Hamilton to focus on the job at hand. "Lewis, the car is bad, we know. Please drive it," he said on his second intervention.

After the race, the Austrian justified his in-race radio rebuke. "You should hear us talking on the phone and meeting each other. That was nothing," said Wolff as he played down the moment. "We have had a bad weekend, all of us in the team, and that just makes us stronger.”

‘Wolff sought to calm things down';

https://f1i.com/news/479459-wolff-sought-to-calm-things-down-with-hamilton-radio-intervention.html


Toto Wolff explains why he issued Lewis Hamilton a stern team radio warning at Austrian GP
Toto Wolff called out Lewis Hamilton in a team radio warning during yesterday's Austrian Grand Prix.
09:20, Mon, Jul 3, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Wolff has since clarified why he got involved, revealing it was simply to “calm” Hamilton who was getting flustered over the microphone. He explained: “It was only for the best interests of the driver and the team. Sometimes there is a certain moment when you need to calm things down, but I meant well.”

“We had a lot of discussion beforehand about track limits and I wanted to make sure we were getting the best out of the package, which wasn’t performing, and just giving it our best shot.” Mercedes struggled for pace in Austria with the German marque taking a noticeable step back in performance.

Hamilton explained: “Didn't expect to be as bad as we were today. I don't really have an answer for it really. It was definitely surprising. The feeling of the car was very much the same feeling I've had all last year. It was definitely different than the last two races, the last two races were way, way better. In terms of the characteristics of the car, it was fundamentally the same (as last year)."

‘Wolff has clarified why he got involved’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1786911/toto-wolff-lewis-hamilton-austrian-grand-prix-f1

[Fortitude]

Sainz accuses Ferrari playing him for a 'FOOL' in Austrian GP.
Carlos Sainz has accused Ferrari of failing to treat him as an equal with team-mate Charles Leclerc, after the Spaniard revealed that he felt "like a fool" with the team's strategy.
Monday 3 July 2023 08:57 - Updated: 15:02
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

"We have to analyse the situation," he told DAZN ES. "Clearly, I’m not happy right now about what happened today. When you feel you have such rhythm and when you are supposed to be doing team work, and you see these things happening, it makes you feel like a fool. Not the best feeling, for sure."

"I’m not too happy today," he also told Fox Sports Premium MX. "I had a lot more pace than fourth...being a team player during the first stint and then be compromised like that with a pit stop behind Charles really affected my race... You are being a team player all the time and you have the pace but some decisions by the team leave you like a fool.”

‘Playing him for a FOOL';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110767/carlos-sainz-ferrari-charles-leclerc-favouritism-austrian-grand-prix-f1/


Sainz’s ire at strategy Ferrari was ‘convinced’ was right
07:44 Mon, 03 Jul 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Carlos Sainz was left frustrated with a “compromising” pitstop that helped turn a potential first 2023 grand prix podium into a sixth place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix – but team boss Fred Vasseur says Ferrari was “convinced” the strategy was right.

Leclerc was able to re-emerge from his pitstop in second place, but the VSC ending and slow pitstops for both Sainz and Leclerc meant Sainz dropped behind both Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris – who had been able to pit immediately after the VSC was deployed.

It also cost Sainz several seconds to Leclerc and he put the blame on that pitstop timing for his initial five-second penalty for track limits abuse, too. Sainz ultimately finished within five seconds of eventual third-place finisher Sergio Perez on the road, even if Perez didn’t have to push after he’d cleared Sainz and a further penalty was coming Sainz’s way regardless.

‘Sainz’s ire’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/sainz-austrian-gp-ferrari-strategy-ire/


Sainz' race "compromised" by VSC call
03/07/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Carlos Sainz believes his Grand Prix was compromised by Ferrari's decision to pit him under the Virtual Safety Car that followed Nico Hulkenberg’s retirement. "My race was compromised from that point onwards," he insisted. "But if I look at the pace, I was very quick out there.

"I'm just frustrated," he admitted. "It's been a few races that I have a lot of pace in the car. I wish I could maximise it a bit more because I'm very quick this year, especially in the race. I feel like I've done a big step forward. But P4 I guess is not bad, but I think today P2 or P3 was on the cards.”


"I'm very happy with my performance today. I think I did some very clean, neat moves. I defended well. As soon as I was arriving to one car, I was passing them. I was managing my tyres well at the same time that I was attacking. That's why I guess I'm frustrated right now because I struggle to see the positive on this P4 with all the pace and overtaking and defending that I did.”

‘Compromised by Ferrari's decision’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75560/Sainz-race-compromised-by-VSC-call


Ferrari respond to team orders call that left Carlos Sainz with ‘sour feeling’
03 Jul 2023 11:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has defended the team orders that left Carlos Sainz with a “sour feeling” at the end of the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard went on to suffer a slow stop when both Ferraris headed to the pit lane during an early Virtual Safety Car and was ultimately classified sixth after incurring a post-race time penalty for exceeding track limits, whereas Leclerc held second place to secure the team’s second podium finish of 2023.

Sainz later expressed his annoyance with Ferrari’s management of the race, telling Formula 1: “Obviously frustrated with the final outcome after having such a strong pace on the mediums, feeling also like I was playing the team game and not getting rewarded with a good result, which obviously leaves you always with a sour feeling.

‘Sour feeling’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/explained-ferrari-team-orders-carlos-sainz/


Ferrari chief dismisses Sainz's ‘FOOL’ claims after Austrian GP
Tuesday 4 July 2023 18:42
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Ferrari President John Elkann has dismissed Carlos Sainz's claims that he was treated 'like a fool' during the Austrian Grand Prix, after the Scuderia chief claimed that "everyone is happy". Speaking to Fox Sports Premium MX, Sainz claimed that “You are being a team player all the time and you have the pace, but some decisions by the team leave you like a fool.”

But according to TuttoSport, Ferrari President John Elkann was pleased with the result, and the signs of improvement that his team are showing as the year progresses. “Today was the best race of the season. Everyone is happy. It was good to see Sainz fighting for the third position with Red Bull; it means we’re going in the right direction. The mood of the drivers is good and positive, and they showed that during the race. We’re seeing progress, and this is what we needed.”

‘Progress’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/110802/carlos-sainz-ferrari-fool-president-john-elkann-f1/


Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur: Austria result “proves we are working in the right direction”
July 4, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Scuderia Ferrari came away from the Austrian Grand Prix with solid points and increased confidence in the potential of their upgraded SF-23, with Charles Leclerc securing second place and Carlos Sainz crossing the line fourth before being hit with a post-race track limits penalty that brought him down to sixth.

Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur: “Today’s strong result for the team, added to yesterday’s podium with Carlos, proves we are working in the right direction. If we look back, we had a good race in Canada and today we confirmed the progress made on a completely different track layout with a different surface. We still need to make another step forward if we want to fight with Red Bull and we are working hard to achieve that.”

“Working in the right direction”;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/07/ferraris-frederic-vasseur-austria-result-proves-we-are-working-in-the-right-direction/


Sainz “frustrated” over Ferrari strategy as he remains without a podium in 2023
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 3rd July 2023, 15:05
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Carlos Sainz Jnr said the Austrian Grand Prix was one of his strongest performances of 2023 but believes Ferrari’s strategy compromised his race. Sainz said Ferrari “need to analyse what we could have done” when he was brought into the pits behind his team mate after the VSC was deployed. “Clearly my race was compromised by that pit stop there. I guess the team had a reason to stop both cars. And if not, I don’t know.”

“We had agreed before the race to work as a team in the first stint to open the gap to the cars behind, so they didn’t want to fight. I followed the plan, even though I had quite a bit of pace and I was quite comfortable there and probably could have gone faster. It’s a shame that after all doing the teamwork and then the pit stop arrives, and you’re compromised the way I [was].”

Sainz reckoned a double Ferrari podium “was possible, especially with the pace I had.” “I’m just frustrated. It’s been a few races that I have a lot of pace in the car, a lot of race pace, and I wish I could maximise it a bit more,” said Sainz, who would have matched his best 2023 result of fourth had he not been penalised. I’m very quick this year, especially in the races. I feel like I’ve done a big step forward, if you look at my pace yesterday and today. But P4 I guess [was] not bad. But I think today P2 or P3 was in our hands.”

“Frustrated”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/03/sainz-frustrated-over-ferrari-strategy-as-he-remains-without-a-podium-in-2023/

[Fortitude]

‘Grandma had no idea what was going on’: Drivers urge Red Bull Ring track limits fix.
“I had my grandma [watching] in front of the TV she didn’t understand a thing. She was like, ‘what the hell is actually going on? Lewis [Hamilton] is once P1 then two seconds later he’s P18’. It just doesn’t seem right, but we’ll see.” Pierre Gasly.
2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Posted on 4th July 2023, 14:02
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

So many potential track limits infringements were identified – over 1,200, according to the FIA – that during the race they were unable to apply penalties as quickly as drivers incurred them. Lewis Hamilton repeatedly asked why some of his rivals did not get penalties and Lando Norris, who followed him early in the race, was asking the same about the Mercedes.

The weekend’s biggest track limits offender was Ocon, who had 20 lap times deleted over the three days and copped 30 seconds of penalties in the race, said he had tried to be careful.

Alonso said his tally “shows it’s not too difficult” to stay within the track limits and joked he was “very proud”. However Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Russell said he “doesn’t take any pride at all in that fact” after he went violation-free throughout the grand prix, while admitting “it’s so, so difficult to stay within” the Red Bull Ring’s track limits.

‘Grandma had no idea what was going on’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/04/grandma-had-no-idea-what-was-going-on-drivers-urge-red-bull-ring-track-limits-fix/


Explained: The Austrian GP track limits fiasco that made F1 look ridiculous
3 Jul 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

F1 was left red-faced after a track limits saga and subsequent post-race protest from Aston Martin threw the result of the Austrian Grand Prix into a state of flux. A final classification was not issued until five hours after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the chequered flag to claim yet another victory in what is turning out to be a truly dominant campaign.

Following a lengthy post-race stewards’ investigation, 12 extra penalties were dished out to eight drivers, changing the result. But how did F1 get tied up in a shambles over track limits? We’ve unpacked everything that happened on a chaotic day in Austria…

Aston Martin’s protest amid 1200+ offences. Shortly after the race concluded, Aston Martin confirmed they had lodged a protest against the provisional race classification. Aston Martin initially remained tight-lipped over the exact reason behind their appeal, but the FIA soon confirmed the team had claimed a number of cars were not properly penalised for repeatedly breaching track limits.

‘Protest amid 1200+ offences’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1030560/1/explained-austrian-gp-track-limits-fiasco-made-f1-look-ridiculous


F1 is gripped by a track-limits crisis – this is how it can fix it
Austrian fiasco cannot be allowed to happen again, but what are the possible solutions?
4 July 2023 • 8:00am
By Luke Slater
The Telegraph

After a five-hour delay for the Austrian Grand Prix result to be confirmed, almost everyone in Formula One is in agreement that something at the Red Bull Ring must change to avoid another administrative farce over the policing of track limits.

In the end 12 drivers were hit with a combined 100 seconds in penalties. This is not the first time this has happened at the Red Bull Ring, but it presents F1 in a bad light and gives the sport yet another conundrum to sort. Here are some potential solutions as to how the tricky final corner could be modified for next year’s race.

Sausage kerbs. Aptly named sausage kerbs have been in and out of F1 for the past few years.
A gravel trap – or a line of gravel. One of the reasons that gravel traps are a dying beast on many tracks is because F1 shares some venues with motorcycle racing.
A “virtual gravel trap”. A more high-tech solution would be a “virtual gravel trap”, suggested by former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi.
A long-lap penalty. Part of the problem with the numerous time penalties is that it makes the race more difficult to follow.

‘Gripped by a track-limits crisis’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/07/04/f1-track-limits-red-bull-ring-austrian-gp/


How can the Austrian GP avoid another track limits fiasco? F1 mailbag
Jul. 4, 2023
By Luke Smith
The Athletic

When Lando Norris’s flight took off on Sunday night, he still didn’t know where he had finished in the Austrian Grand Prix. More than five hours after the checkered flag at the Red Bull Ring greeted Max Verstappen for his fifth victory in a row, a slew of post-race penalties shook up the results, leaving the top three drivers in place but shuffling others up and down the grid.

Only when Norris landed back in the UK did he find out he’d been promoted from fifth to fourth, gaining a place from Carlos Sainz, who was penalized and dropped from fourth to sixth. Also punished were Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon, Logan Sargeant, Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda.

Tongue in cheek, Norris called it “the easiest position gain of my life.” Jokes aside, it wasn’t a good look for F1, understandably making it the big talking point post-race in our mailbag. So let’s get into your questions.
Question: How unusual is it to see this many penalties? – Jared P.
Answer: “In all my years covering F1, I’ve never seen anything quite as bizarre as what we saw on Sunday.”

‘F1 mailbag’;

https://theathletic.com/4663072/2023/07/04/f1-austrian-gp-track-limits-penalties/


MotoGP isn’t F1’s enemy in the gravel trap/track limits debate
By Simon Patterson
Jul 3 2023
The Race

MotoGP got plenty of mentions as F1 debated the state it had got itself into with over 1200 potential track limits infringements to assess, with many in the four-wheeled paddock adamant that there would be gravel traps at the corners in question if it wasn’t for the Red Bull Ring also hosting MotoGP.

But it’s really not as simple as saying that bike racing wants asphalt run-off areas and car racing doesn’t. In fact in the MotoGP paddock the understanding is that asphalt is F1’s preference because it allows drivers to continue after making mistakes without as much disruption as a gravel trap would.

‘Gravel trap/track limits debate’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/motogp-isnt-f1s-enemy-in-the-gravel-trap-track-limits-debate/


What Can Be Done about the Track Limits Fiasco That Overshadowed Austrian F1 Grand Prix
There were 1,200 to 1,500 cases of track limit violations in the F1 Austrian grand Prix forcing the race results to be altered hours after the race ended.
PUBLISHED: JUL 3, 2023
BY PHILLIP HORTON

Formula 1 and the FIA are set to push for a solution to its track limits debacle after a spate of penalties were issued post-race Sunday in Austria. The order outside of the top three altered five hours after the conclusion of the race once a raft of penalties for exceeding track limits were applied.

Is there a solution? In the past more substantial curbs were tested at the respective corners but these were unpopular for two reasons:
1. In the case of a driver losing control there was a risk of a bigger accident if the car struck the more aggressive curbs at an awkward angle.
2. The aggressive nature of the curbs also caused floor and wing damage to the cars, impacting performance, leading to teams incurring unnecessary costs for repairs or fresh components.

The most obvious solution is a gravel trap at the corner. It was recommended by Formula 1 Race Director Niels Wittich after the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix, while his predecessor, Michael Masi, also made such a request. The FIA is expected to make a renewed push once more.

‘Is there a solution? ‘;

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a44416801/what-can-be-done-about-the-track-limits-fiasco-that-overshadowed-austrian-f1-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

British GP must always be on F1 calendar says Domenicali.
Silverstone is a very important race, he said. "Seven teams out of 10 are in the UK.”
JULY 5, 2023
Grandpx.news

Silverstone is lucky because it is the only place that we cannot lose because of the British teams and the traditions, added Domenicali.

"The British tradition of motorsport is phenomenal and it has a special place in our calendar and it will always have it. We have a very strong relationship and we are looking towards an even longer term and to announce shortly, because it is normal for Formula 1 to be there.”

It is believed Formula 1 is poised to unveil its provisional calendar for 2024 - currently the last installation on the British GP contract. But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says a new deal is now looming, as he also insisted that the historic race at Silverstone must always remain part of the sport.

‘British GP must always be on F1 calendar’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/british-gp-must-always-be-on-f1-calendar-says-domenicali.html


THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on all the F1 news ahead of the British Grand Prix
05 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Fresh off the back of the Austrian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 circus is heading to Britain for this weekend's race at Silverstone. The scene of the very first Formula 1 world championship race back in 1950, the Northamptonshire track is one of the most historic on the calendar, and has seen victories by greats like Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell.

And to help keep you occupied until the on-track action starts with free practice on Friday, we've put together a little quiz to test your F1 knowledge. We've got questions about last week's race at the Red Bull Ring, plus some brain teasers on the history of the British Grand Prix.

‘10 quiz questions’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.this-week-in-f1-10-quiz-questions-on-all-the-f1-news-ahead-of-the-british.5Ebl3k2aNOqiBTcMBo9GFL.html


Who will gain most from F1’s new tyres? Six British Grand Prix talking points
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 5th July 2023, 7:154th July 2023, 20:31
Written by Will Wood

Here are this weekend’s talking points as Formula 1 heads to Silverstone. Fresh rubber Pirelli’s F1 tyres are always a highly sensitive element of the racing in the series as managing degradation and keeping the rubber within its narrow operating window are critical to success in the sport. Get either wrong and it’s easy to get swallowed up by the pack – especially this season when the field is as close as it is, behind Red Bull at least.

Can Sainz end his podium drought? Last year’s British Grand Prix will live in Carlos Sainz Jnr’s memory for the rest of his days. McLaren making moves - After a second disappointing start to a season in consecutive years, McLaren may have turned a corner that could see them in the thick of the hunt for the points in the midfield.

British teams’ special editions - After two clashes in the last two grands prix, it’s fair to say there are no two drivers on the grid with more heat between them currently than Kevin Magnussen and Nyck de Vries. Lights, camera, action - Besides Formulas 1, 2 and 3 and the Porsche Supercup, there will be an unusual addition to the roster of cars running on the circuit at Silverstone this weekend. As part of production for an upcoming film about Formula 1 staring Brad Pitt, there will be an 11th ‘team’ set up this weekend which will run a specially modified single-seater around the track to gather footage for the movie.

‘Six British Grand Prix talking points’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/05/who-will-gain-most-from-f1s-new-tyres-six-british-grand-prix-talking-points/


The one team to watch at Silverstone as Red Bull aim to lift British GP curse
05 Jul 2023 7:00 AM
Oliver Harden

So, what to make of Mercedes’ major F1 2023 upgrade four races in? If it’s true that suddenly sprouting sidepods in Monaco was never going to make the W14 an instant Red Bull beater, it’s also fair to have expected slightly more.

Mercedes still lagging way behind Red Bull after big upgrade. Should a team supposedly now definitely, unquestionably, indisputably on the right track still be suffering early exits in qualifying, as Russell did in Barcelona and Austria (with Hamilton also 18th out of 20 in the sprint shootout)?


Against all expectations, Ferrari have succeeded where Mercedes failed by introducing an upgrade that has made an immediate, instantly noticeable and seemingly permanent impact, with the SF-23 car all the better for it. However fast Verstappen is through Maggotts/Becketts, expect Charles Leclerc to not be far behind.

‘British GP curse’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/silverstone-red-bull-british-gp-curse/


Brad Pitt to turn British Grand Prix into film set as image emerges of actor's own garage
5th July 2023, 10:25
talkSPORT

Brad Pitt will have his own garage at the British Grand Prix for the filming of his Formula 1 feature film. The Hollywood superstar will be conducting the movie’s first on-site filming at Silverstone, and preparations are already underway. Brad Pitt has his own garage at Silverstone this weekend �� A traditional plaque above a driver’s garage can be seen with Pitt in a white suit accompanied by his character name Sonny Hayes.

The same can be seen for his co-star in the film, British actor Damson Idris, who will be playing Joshua Pearce. The film is co-produced by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, and anticipation is rising with Pitt spotted at recent Grand Prix, including the US race in Texas last season.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown discussed the project: “I think definitely [it will have a big impact],” he began. “I think we all wanted to be a pilot after watching Top Gun and I think it will have the same impact on the audience, it’s a lot of the same producers. It’s a massive production and I think it will get a lot of current fans excited but I think a lot of people who don’t follow the sport will see it and think it’s unbelievable.”

‘Unbelievable it will be…’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1488651/

[Fortitude]

Brad enters the Pitt-lane - 2023 British GP Preview.
Even if Max Verstappen-Red Bull Racing dominate yet another race this season, the 2023 British Grand Prix will be remembered for when a movie was shot during a real Grand Prix weekend.
Published ‎Jul‎ ‎05‎, ‎2023‎ ‎10‎:‎16‎ ‎PM


This race is the home race for at least 8 teams on the grid (Haas and AlphaTauri have remote operations in the UK, too), so we expect everyone to pile on as many upgrades to their cars as possible. And of course, a 'normal' Grand Prix weekend format means that teams will have three Free Practice sessions to test their upgrades, too.

Brad Pitt's Formula 1 movie will be shot in between all the official racing sessions at Silverstone. But you probably already know this...! We love when other forms of entertainment embrace Formula 1 to narrate a story or two. Lewis Hamilton's involvement in Brad Pitt's under-production movie (rumoured to be called Apex) could make this the most-realistic Formula 1 movie ever?

‘Rumoured to be called Apex’;

https://omny.fm/shows/inside-line-f1-podcast/brad-enters-the-pitt-lane-2023-british-gp-preview


First look at Brad Pitt’s Silverstone garage as filming for Lewis Hamilton-linked film begins
05 Jul 2023 1:49 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com1

Filming for the new Brad Pitt Formula 1 film, which Lewis Hamilton is set to play a behind-the-scenes role in, will begin at the upcoming British Grand Prix, and the fictional team’s garage is now in place.

According to ESPN, we now know that the title of the film will be ‘Apex’. Irish Oscar-nominated actress Kerry Condon is to play the role of technical director for their team, which it appears will be called ‘Apex GP’. The plot is believed to involve a racer coming out of retirement to mentor a young driver as his team-mate, with Pitt portraying that experienced figure, while Damson Idris, star of crime drama Snowfall, is to play the driver who he mentors.

While the film has a fictional plot, its filming will take part within the real-life Formula 1 circus, and as preparations continue for this weekend’s British Grand Prix, images emerged on social media of the Apex GP garage, meaning Formula 1 actually has something of an 11th team there for the race weekend. The ‘Sonny Hayes’ name badge, alongside Pitt kitted out in his Mercedes-sponsored race suit, gives a huge clue as to what his character name in the film will be.

‘Apex GP garage’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/brad-pitt-silverstone-garage-lewis-hamilton-film/


First look at Brad Pitt's F1 filmset as shooting for Lewis Hamilton movie begins
16:48, 5 JUL 2023
BY Patrick Austen-Hardy US Sports Journalist
Daily Star

Lewis Hamilton will be behind the wheel as usual at the British Grand Prix, but the seven-time F1 world champion may also have some of his attention on Brad Pitt's very own garage. Formula One fans got a glimpse of what to expect from Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming movie.

The Hollywood sensation and his camera team will be present at Silverstone for their first round of on-site filming for their ‘Apex’ film. With preparations well underway, Pitt and his crew have been afforded their very own garage to be stationed at during the British Grand Prix on July 9.

Like all F1 drivers, Pitt’s character’s name ‘Sonny Hayes’ was emblazoned over the entrance, alongside a picture of him wearing a full white race suit. Hamilton will be hoping to win his ninth British Grand Prix to make up some ground on runaway leader and fierce rival Max Verstappen. However, as the co-producer of the movie, the seven-time champion may also have one eye on what is happening at Pitt's, or shall we say, Hayes’ garage.

‘Sonny Hayes’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1/lewis-hamilton-brad-pitt-f1-30398205


PICTURES: Brad Pitt's garage at Silverstone as F1 movie filming begins
5 Jul 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Brad Pitt has his own (fake) garage in the paddock to the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with filming for his motorsports movie set to begin. The movie will film its first scenes this weekend at Silverstone, during the race weekend for the real grand prix.

Pitt will drive a modified F1 car on the Silverstone track with cameras following him for scenes that will be used in the movie. His participation is not expected to interfere with the genuine F1 schedule.

‘(Fake) garage in the paddock to the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1030678/1/pictures-brad-pitts-garage-silverstone-f1-movie-filming-begins


Brad Pitt joins the grid at Silverstone!
12:22 Wed, 05 Jul 2023.
F1i.com

Silverstone's pitlane has been decked out for this weekend's British Grand Prix and there are a couple of new faces on the traditional driver boards displayed above the F1 team's garages. 'Sonny Hayes' and 'Joshua Pearce' have apparently joined the grid, or would that be Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt and British actor Damson Idris?

As scheduled, filming for Pitt's F1 move 'Apex' will kick off at Silverstone this week. The epic, produced by legendary Hollywood blockbuster producer Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by 'Top Gun: Maverick' director Joseph Kosinski, with Lewis Hamilton acting as a co-producer and special advisor to the film, will feature real racing footage blended with sequences filmed using specially prepared F2 cars mocked up as F1 machines. Pitt himself is expected to take to the track in between session over the weekend.

'Sonny Hayes' and 'Joshua Pearce' have apparently joined the grid’;

https://f1i.com/images/479631-brad-pitt-joins-the-grid-at-silverstone.html


Brad Pitt filming F1 movie at the British GP: latest on Silverstone shoot
July 5th 2023
Author: Motor Sport

A sellout Silverstone crowd of 150,000 F1 fans won’t just witness this year’s British Grand Prix; they’ll be extras in the new Lewis Hamilton-backed F1 film, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, which will be shooting during the race weekend. A pit garage has already been fitted out by the production team with F1-style banners above the doors showing Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes and his team-mate, Joshua Pearce, played by Idris.

Equipment features APXGP branding, supporting rumours that the film will be called Apex. Pitt — and perhaps stunt drivers — will be driving a Formula 2 car, modified by Mercedes to more closely resemble a modern F1 machine, which will be run out of a dedicated pit garage for the production team. Unconfirmed rumours suggest the car may take part in the parade lap ahead of the Grand Prix itself.

Filming, led by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, began behind closed doors at Silverstone, with some video clips of a black car emerging, seemingly collecting onboard footage. This weekend’s shoot will be much more high-profile, with spectators able to view scenes on-track and in the pit, which is equipped with a full gantry for replicating tyre changes, and film crews are expected to be at more races this season.

‘APXGP branding’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/brad-pitt-filming-f1-movie-at-the-british-grand-prix-latest-on-silverstone-shoot/?nowprocket=1#

[Fortitude]

F1: 5 key talking points heading into the British Grand Prix.
The sport's spiritual home, Silverstone is one of the most iconic venues in all of motorsport and a packed crowd is expected this weekend as nearly half a million racing fans descend on this corner of England over the next few days.
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport
14:04, 6th July 2023.

It should be a cracking Grand Prix event, then, and here are five talking points to look out for as we head into the latest round of the championship... How will Mercedes' upgrades impact their performance? Mercedes have got some upgrades on their W14 this weekend and it's going to be fascinating seeing how it potentially picks up their performance.

Will McLaren be strong again? It was hugely positive seeing McLaren back in the mix towards the front in Austria last time out, with Lando Norris making the most out of the upgrades that he had been provided with. Where will Ferrari stack up? Ferrari have had some good race pace in the last couple of events, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both strong in Austria.

Could there be a protest? The summer of British sport has been hit several times by protests from Just Stop Oil and there is natural concern that that might happen this weekend at Silverstone. Apple to start filming - APX GP are in the paddock this weekend as the Apple production on the F1 film goes up a level. Brad Pitt and the film crew are on site at Silverstone, and will be filming shots to start putting the piece together.

‘5 key talking points’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-5-key-talking-points-heading-into-the-british-grand-prix/


NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 British Grand Prix
06 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 1950
• Track Length – 5.891km
• Lap record – 1m 27.097s, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2020
• Most pole positions – Lewis Hamilton (7)
• Most wins – Lewis Hamilton (8)
• Trivia – Silverstone was the first Grand Prix, hosting the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship round on May 13, 1950
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 239 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2022 – 70
• Safety Car probability – 89%*
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 22%*
• Pit stop time loss – 19.92 seconds
*From the last nine races in Britain

‘Facts, stats and trivia’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023-british.5aCHdjNFwfwpADAJtAI7tZ.html


Verstappen wary of British GP mix-up
06 July 12:25PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen is wary that the weather for the British Grand Prix could "mix things up" as Red Bull aims to extend its dominance in F1. "Heading into another home race for us as a team this weekend in Silverstone - it is a great track to go to and I'm also curious to see how the RB19 will perform there," said Verstappen. "There's always a good atmosphere with a lot of passionate racing fans around the whole track.”

Perez recovered from illness and a poor qualifying at the Red Bull Ring to secure a podium from 15th on the grid and extend his lead over Fernando Alonso in the race for second in the Drivers' standings to 17 points. "In the end, we had a great weekend in Austria and it felt good to be back on the podium," added the Mexican. "I felt comfortable with the car all weekend and we had great pace from the start. The car really worked for me on Sunday and I was so pleased to come through the field in the way I did.”

“I feel confident going into Silverstone now and it is all about repeating the process together. I have taken time to rest to make sure I am ready physically because I want to keep this form going now until the summer break."

‘Wary of the weather’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-wary-of-british-gp-mix-up


Lando Norris fires huge warning to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at British Grand Prix
Lando Norris is 10th in this season's F1 Drivers' Championship standings and will be looking to secure his first podium of the year at this weekend's British Grand Prix.
09:33, Thu, Jul 6, 2023
By Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express

Lando Norris has Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in his sights at this weekend’s British Grand Prix after suggesting he could get the better of the Mercedes duo at the race.

“It’s tough,” Norris said after being asked if he could be the top Brit at Silverstone. “I just suppose it’s us versus Mercedes, isn’t it? I mean, both the Brits are there.” The 23-year-old later added: “And for me to be the top Brit, I think that would be a pretty cool thing to do in Silverstone.”

“I think we definitely had the upper hand over them this weekend,” Norris added. “I would say every other weekend of the year that they’ve been ahead, this is the first time we’ve been ahead of them. So I don’t want to just be convinced to say all of a sudden, ‘oh, we’re ahead of Mercedes.’ I don’t think that’s the right thing to say.”

“It’s tough”;

https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Grands+Prix/British+GP


Norris 'jealous' of APX GP set-up
06 July 4:05PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

McLaren driver Lando Norris has joked he has been left jealous with the special garage set-up for APX GP at the British Grand Prix.

Asked for his thoughts on the film set's integration into the F1 paddock, Norris told media, including RacingNews365.com: "Their garage is really nice, I am pretty jealous of some of the things they have got.”

‘APX GP set-up’;

https://racingnews365.com/norris-jealous-of-apx-gp-set-up


The upgrade that Mercedes will bring to the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone
6 Jul 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has now explained how the W14 will be adapted again on home turf at Silverstone. "Well, it’s a fantastic event that we really look forward to,” Shovlin said.

“The team is based very close to the track, we’ve got two British drivers and the support is always absolutely phenomenal, so we love going there. We’ve got updates coming to the car, we have a new front wing that we’re going to be bringing that will hopefully move us a bit further up the grid.”

“And also, we’re hoping that the track itself is just going to suit the car a bit better than that Austria circuit. We’re going to be working really hard to make sure we can get as much out of the package as we can, and hopefully it’ll be a great race for all the fans.”

‘Updates coming to the car’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1030692/1/upgrade-mercedes-will-bring-f1-british-grand-prix-silverstone


Fernando Alonso Unfazed by Aston Martin’s Dip in Form.
July 5, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Fernando Alonso is calling for calm and perspective amid an apparent performance dip at Aston Martin. Alonso isn’t even willing to concede that Aston Martin has been overtaken by some of its rivals – having earlier looked the main challenger to Red Bull.

“I don’t know,” the 41-year-old said. “Maybe the circuit just didn’t suit our car. Aston had a lot of problems in Austria last year, so maybe there may be similarities with this year.”

“I think it was a bit the circuit, a bit the updates that everyone else brought here,” said Alonso. “But we shouldn’t worry too much. We have another chance at Silverstone. We should do well,” he added. “Silverstone is an incredible track to drive with lots of fast corners.”

‘Calm and perspective’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/fernando-alonso-unfazed-by-aston-martins-dip-in-form/


Alonso, Stroll 'ears bleeding' from Aston Martin radio
06 July 3:10PM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack joked Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll's "ears were bleeding" following the team's constant radio warnings over track limits at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Silverstone-based outfit lodged a protest against the provisional result post-race, which led to the stewards confirming that several drivers had managed to escape being penalised for track limit violations.

Asked what the team did differently to rivals operationally to have successfully appealed twice this season, Krack told media, including RacingNews365.com: "I don't think that we do anything different than any other team. "It is just a matter of preparation. It is part of the race, to look at that after a race or if you are protesting, or if something is not the way you think it has to be."

'Ears bleeding';

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-stroll-ears-bleeding-from-aston-martin-radio

[Fortitude]

Silverstone hoodoo haunts Red Bull as Piastri gets big boost: British GP burning questions.
If you want to get technical about your superstitions, the team hasn’t won a British Grand Prix since 2012 — Mark Webber’s final victory in F1.
July 7th, 2023 3:40 pm
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports
Fox Sports (Australia)

Let’s consider the history. In 2010 Red Bull Racing lost a front-row lockout to Fernando Alonso via a very rare pit stop error. In 2013, a dominant campaign, Sebastian Vettel retired from the lead with a gearbox issue and Webber was punted off track by Romain Grosjean.

In 2020 Verstappen missed a chance to inherit a victory from Lewis Hamilton because he’d made a precautionary late pit stop moment before the Briton’s tyre exploded. In 2021 that infamous flashpoint with Hamilton sent pole-starter Verstappen into the barrier at Copse at 290 kilometres per hour.

Finally, in 2022 Verstappen was taken out of the lead thanks to floor damage picked up by running over debris. That’s a lot of bad luck for one team at one track.

‘Silverstone hoodoo’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/red-bull-aiming-to-break-silverstone-hoodoo-piastri-gets-big-upgrade-boost-british-gp-burning-questions/news-story/c74f80aaaa4de816f7bf5782dea59003


Charles Leclerc warns Ferrari will be ‘exposed’ at 2023 British GP
Charles Leclerc has warned Ferrari could be in for a difficult weekend at Silverstone amid ongoing performance struggles.
7 July 2023
by Edward Hardy
Formula1News

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc expects his team to encounter more challenges at Silverstone compared to their performance in Austria, where they demonstrated encouraging pace. Leclerc acknowledged the team’s progress but remained cautious, stating to the media that their performance in Austria needed validation.

“However, we shouldn’t get carried away. Red Bull is still a lot in front, and I think this track, this weekend, will expose a bit more of our weaknesses. So, we might struggle a bit more than what we’ve seen in Austria.”

‘Could be in for a difficult weekend at Silverstone’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/charles-leclerc-warns-ferrari-will-be-exposed-at-2023-british-gp/


Verstappen and Hamilton aim for staggering milestones - British GP stats
07 July 10:40AM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

A Red Bull victory would be its 11th in succession since last year's Abu Dhabi season finale, which would tie with McLaren's record of 11 set in 1988. Should both Verstappen and Perez finish in the top three, the team would secure its 250th podium in F1.

If Lewis Hamilton secures his first win of the season this weekend, the Mercedes driver would be the first to secure victory at the same track on nine occasions. The seven-time World Champion sits 23 laps short of Jim Clark's record for most laps led in British GP history.

‘Staggering milestones’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-and-hamilton-aim-for-staggering-milestones-british-gp-stats


Ferrari drivers fear windy Silverstone will expose car’s weaknesses
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 7th July 2023, 9:527th July 2023, 9:53
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jnr are doubtful Ferrari’s form last weekend in Austria will be repeated at Silverstone. “I think since Barcelona, really, the feeling is going in the right direction,” said Leclerc. “We couldn’t really prove it at any other tracks since Barcelona, but in Austria, the feeling was good, and the pace was a bit better than what we had for the first part of the season.

“However, we shouldn’t get carried away. Red Bull is still a lot in front and I think this track this weekend will expose a bit more our weaknesses. So we might struggle a bit more than what we’ve seen in Austria. But it’s clear that the feeling and the pace is a step better.”

“I think we need maybe a more open, windy circuit like Silverstone to evaluate [our car],” he said. “Normally, we’ve been struggling more in windy conditions like Miami, Baku in the race sometimes. I think we need more samples to assess our progress on our upgrade package.”

‘Ferrari drivers fear windy Silverstone’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/07/ferrari-drivers-fear-windy-silverstone-will-expose-cars-weaknesses/


Norris backing himself to be ‘Best of the Brits’ at Silverstone
07 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Lando Norris was cautiously optimistic that he could emerge as the ‘best of the Brits’ at this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, as he lines up against compatriots George Russell and Lewis Hamilton – paired together at Mercedes – plus the London-born Thai driver Alex Albon.

“I’m hoping for a fight,” Lando Norris told Thursday’s press conference at Silverstone. “I think if we can fight with Mercedes we’ll be happy. I think last weekend, they just had a pretty tough weekend, but through the rest of [the year] they've been quicker than us in every single race this season in qualifying.”

“I mean, if there’s one place in the whole season that I’d love to do it more than anything, it’s here,” he said. “As much as I’d love any podium or any win or whatever it is, [this is] the one place I'd love to do it. Even over Monaco, even over all of those special places, the home race for me is the one place I’d love to do it.”

‘Best of the Brits’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-backing-himself-to-be-best-of-the-brits-at-silverstone.4mukepF8yJCM3qUBkqhhgj.html

[Fortitude]

British GP practice one: Albon stars behind Red Bulls.
Formula 1 world championship leader Max Verstappen took his customary first place in opening British Grand Prix practice at Silverstone, with Williams a shock closest challenger to Red Bull.
Jul 7 2023
By Matt Beer
The Race

Key moments:
> Alex Albon third for Williams
> Red Bull 1-2, Verstappen fastest for majority of session
> New Pirelli construction underwhelms

Verstappen held a commanding margin over the field in the early running on hard tyres with a 1m29.863s lap that no one got near until they started running softs.

Both Ferraris and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine had turns in front when that happened, but not for long before Verstappen went nearly half a second clear of them all by lapping in 1m28.836s. He later got that benchmark down to 1m28.600s.

‘Williams a shock closest challenger to Red Bull’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/british-gp-practice-one-albon-stars-behind-red-bulls/


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 British Grand Prix
7th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:28.600
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.448
3. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.489
4. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.668
5. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.680
6. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.719
7. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.757
8. Lando Norris McLaren +0.841
9. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.871
10. Oscar Piastri McLaren +1.058

‘British Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Silverstone’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-british-grand-prix-82568


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the British Grand Prix
07 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

“As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-great-britain-2023.79i9mr3wKnnrf5lOw8Xgxa.html


2023 F1 British Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
7th July 2023, 12:41
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-british-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Verstappen fastest in FP1 as Albon puts Williams into P3
7th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

British Grand Prix – Max Verstappen was the fastest in the opening practice ahead of Sergio Perez while Alex Albon put Williams into P3. Verstappen remained as the top driver until the halfway point when Carlos Sainz took over, going half a second ahead of the Red Bull driver’s best with a 1:29.357, after putting the soft compound on.

With just less than 20 minutes to go, Esteban Ocon briefly took the top spot before Charles Leclerc put Ferrari back on top with a 1:29.280, the fastest three all covered by just 0.077 seconds. The Mercedes drivers in P7 and P12 weren’t having the smoothest of times at their home event, Russell reporting steering problems while Hamilton had to deal with bouncing.

After putting the softs on Perez made it four cars within a tenth after demoting Sainz to P4, but Verstappen put pay to that after setting his first lap on the red-ringed tyres, a 1:28.836, retaking P1 over four tenths quicker than Leclerc’s effort. Verstappen improved at the end to a 1:28.600 while Perez took P2, 0.448 seconds slower than his teammate.

‘Verstappen fastest in FP1’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/verstappen-fastest-in-fp1-as-albon-puts-williams-into-p3-82572

[Fortitude]

Verstappen fastest in FP2 as Williams stars, Britons struggle.
Williams, commemorating its 800th grand prix, had a standout day at a circuit where it claimed its maiden victory in 1979.
8th July 2023, 17:08
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week

Max Verstappen set the fastest time during second practice for Formula 1’s British Grand Prix as Williams starred while the British contingent struggled for pace. Verstappen clocked a time of 1:28.078s to edge last year’s British Grand Prix victor Carlos Sainz by just 0.022s in hot and dry conditions at Silverstone.

Alex Albon consolidated his encouraging display from first practice by again placing third, only two-tenths behind points leader Verstappen. Albon’s rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant reinforced Williams’ strong performance by classifying in fifth position. They were split by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.

Mercedes wound up with George Russell 12th,, and Lewis Hamilton 15th, 1.2s off Verstappen’s pace, while McLaren driver Lando Norris placed 14th.

‘Verstappen fastest in FP2 as Williams stars’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/07/verstappen-fastest-in-fp2-as-williams-stars-britons-struggle/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 British Grand Prix
7th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:28.078
2. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.022
3. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.218
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.264
5. Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +0.688
6. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.788
7. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.802
8. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.811
9. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.848
10. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.056

‘British Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Silverstone’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second-practice-results-2023-british-grand-prix-82580


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the British Grand Prix
07 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-great-britain-2023.1PkMObEQJEajm1fiBVgSFd.html


Verstappen quickest, Albon third again but electrical fault strands Leclerc in pits
2023 British Grand Prix second practice
Posted on 7th July 2023, 17:30
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Max Verstappen set the fastest time again in the second practice session for the British Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc did not complete a single lap. Carlos Sainz Jnr was less than half a tenth of a second behind the championship leader in second place. However an electrical problem left his team mate stranded in the garage for the entire hour.

Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant backed up Williams’ promising performance in the opening practice session by setting the third and fifth-fastest times, respectively. The pair were split by the second Red Bill of Sergio Perez. Perez could not get within two tenths of his team mate on the softs, but Albon went faster than him to move into second place while his Williams team mate Sargeant moved fifth on the soft tyres. Sainz could not match Verstappen’s best time but was awfully close, just 0.022s slower than the Red Bull, putting him second.

‘Verstappen quickest, Albon third, electrical fault strands Leclerc in pits’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/07/verstappen-quickest-albon-third-again-but-electrical-fault-strands-leclerc-in-pits/


Williams admits British GP practice pace was unexpected
8th July 2023, 18:32
By: Adam Cooper
Motorsport.com

In FP1, Alex Albon was an impressive third fastest, and the Thai/British driver then underlined the speed of the car by repeating the performance in FP2, albeit helped by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc failing to complete a lap. Williams introduced a new aero package in Montreal, where Albon finished seventh on a track where the updates – aimed at high-speed corner performance – were not expected to provide much benefit.

The revised car's potential was perhaps not obvious over the Austrian sprint weekend, although Albon qualified 10th and had a solid race to 11th. "We need to go and have a look at the data and try and understand it," Robson told Motorsport.com regarding the Silverstone form.

Asked if the Friday pace would change the team's approach heading into Saturday, Robson stressed that the focus would be on the bigger picture of working out why the car is so suited to the track. "I don't think it changes anything we do," he said. "In fact going through the data and stuff tonight is probably more important than when we have a difficult Friday. It's more important are really to understand why it's gone well, and make sure we don't muck it up!"

“Don't muck it up!";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-admits-british-gp-practice-pace-unexpected/10492904/


Williams weren’t “doing anything special” to get both cars in top five – Albon
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 7th July 2023, 18:44
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Williams’ pace in practice for the British Grand Prix surprised Alexander Albon, who said the car was a handful in the strong winds at the track. Albon was third-quickest in both practice sessions at Silverstone on Friday. However he admitted the conditions made it hard to judge where the team had made progress.

“Truthfully, if you talk about balance, every corner is different here because the wind is hitting the car in different ways,” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “So you get what you call a very ‘disconnected’ car.

“There’s a lot you can do, but also it’s very hard, for example turn three is oversteer and turn four is understeer. You can’t really attack those corners and do set-up work because they’re the same corner speeds and you’re just getting a headwind and then tailwind. So it’s all about compromise around this circuit.” He said the team have “got to keep grounded” because their performance is “also a bit surprising for us.”

“Got to keep grounded”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/07/williams-werent-doing-anything-special-to-get-both-cars-in-top-five-albon/


Mercedes director makes HUMILIATING Hamilton admission ahead of British GP
Friday 7 July 2023 18:46
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Mercedes have experienced a very topsy turvy start to the Formula 1 season, with major upgrades introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix helping to thrust the car towards the front of the F1 pack, before the team tailed off at last week’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Recent upgrades had helped them to apply pressure on Ferrari at the Canadian Grand Prix, before struggling at the Austrian Grand Prix, where their drivers finished in seventh and eighth place despite post-race track limit penalties. This weekend’s British Grand Prix is an important one for the Silver Arrows, with more upgrades set to be brought to their car as they bid to return to the forefront of the F1 field.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport Mercedes technical director James Allison discussed some of the decisions that Mercedes have made over the last few years, and talked about why Lewis Hamilton may be struggling with the W14. Heading into the British Grand Prix – a race bookmarked by the team as one of their best chances to win all season...

‘HUMILIATING’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111032/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-james-allison-british-grand-prix/


Lewis Hamilton has 'no ideas' to fix rot as Mercedes suffer British GP nightmare
Lewis Hamilton has been left confused as he struggled at the British Grand Prix.
17:45, Fri, Jul 7, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Hamilton was asked if he had a few ideas on how to get the car in the right window for tomorrow. The 38-year-old confessed that he and Russell had spoken after the session but both were left confused as to which direction to turn for the rest of the race weekend.

Hamilton said: “No, No. Me and George were just talking. He’s one way, he’s over here with the set-up and I’m over here. He was like ’I'm thinking of coming to where you are but your lap times slow'.

“I was like ‘well I’m thinking of coming to where you are but the balance’. We will try and work on it tonight and Mick [Schumacher] will do some work in the sim tonight so hopefully we will come up with something tomorrow.”

'No ideas to fix rot’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1788720/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-british-grand-prix


Lewis Hamilton bemoans ‘something is wrong’ with his Mercedes after awful British Grand Prix practice
Friday 7 Jul 2023 6:53 pm
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

Sir Lewis Hamilton is not a confident man going into the British Grand Prix after two awful practice sessions on Friday. Little comfort for Hamilton who cut a despondent figure in the paddock, telling Sky Sports: ‘It’s a tough car to drive. No matter what we do to set it up, it continues to be a tough car to drive.

“On a single lap I didn’t feel any improvement between tyres, which shows something is wrong. We are missing something. The long run didn’t seem to be too bad, so that’s a positive at least.”

“This track is about trying to weigh the scales the whole way round and making compromises here and there. It’s such a fine edge the balance. It’s a good battle.”

‘Something is wrong’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/07/f1-lewis-hamilton-says-something-is-wrong-after-awful-british-gp-practice-19089983/?ito=newsnow-feed

[Fortitude]

Charles Leclerc tight-lipped on Ferrari problems as FP2 running wiped out.
Charles Leclerc did not give much away on the confirmed Ferrari electrical issue which destroyed his FP2 session, but is confident that a fix is now in place.
07 Jul 2023 7:42 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Ferrari confirmed just minutes before FP2 that Leclerc would miss the start of the 60-minute session after his car developed an electrical problem, with mechanics later seen removing the engine cover in the garage. Leclerc’s car was then captured up on stools in the garage with less than 25 minutes to go as Ferrari admitted defeat in their efforts to get him out on track.

Just three weeks after a Ferrari misjudgement saw him suffer an embarrassing Q2 exit in Canada, Leclerc has again been put at a major disadvantage ahead of Sunday’s race having lost the opportunity to conduct a long run in the most representative conditions.

He said: “There was a small problem on the car, I think the team has identified what went wrong. We’ve changed basically everything that was wrong on the car and it should be should be fine for tomorrow. An electrical issue, so it shouldn’t have any influence on our weekend apart from obviously the lack of kilometres and laps in FP2.”

‘Charles Leclerc tight-lipped’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charles-leclerc-ferrari-silverstone-fp2-issue/


Leclerc Silverstone practice misery as Verstappen shines again
Saturday 8th July, 2023 - 2:06am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Charles Leclerc sat out the entire second practice session for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone where Max Verstappen finished quickest to again underline his ongoing superiority. Ferrari reported an electrical issue on Leclerc’s SF-23 just as the hour-long session started, which was already five minutes late as the track required cleaning following a number of incidents during F2 qualifying.

Despite a strenuous effort to repair the issue, Leclerc’s mechanics were unable to resolve the problem, leaving the Monégasque without crucial running ahead of qualifying on Saturday, particularly with heavy rain forecast for FP3. With Leclerc finishing without a time to his name, AlphaTauri duo Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries were the slowest on track, despite the AT04s possessing a raft of upgrades to arrest what has so far been a dismal season for the team.

‘Leclerc Silverstone practice misery’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/08/charles-leclerc-british-gp-silverstone-second-practice/


Rain on Saturday will amplify cost of lost session – Leclerc
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 7th July 2023, 21:16
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Charles Leclerc doubts he will be able to test planned changes to his car after an electrical problem forced him to sit out the second practice session at Silverstone. He was the quickest of the two Ferrari drivers in first practice. While Leclerc spent the later session in the garage, team mate Carlos Sainz Jnr went second fastest, just two-hundredths of a second slower than pace-setter Max Verstappen.

“In FP1 we learned a few things, then we did all the changes to learn more in FP2 that we couldn’t test,” said Leclerc. “So that’s a bit of a shame. I think we’ll come back with the car I had in FP1 as the feeling was pretty good then. Learning when you don’t drive is very difficult. So in FP2, not much to learn.”

Ferrari “changed basically everything that was on the car” to fix the problem, said Leclerc. “It should be fine for tomorrow. [It was] an electrical issue, so it shouldn’t have an influence on our weekend apart from obviously the lack of kilometres and laps in FP2.”

‘Rain on Saturday will amplify cost of lost session’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/07/rain-on-saturday-will-amplify-cost-of-lost-session-leclerc/


Sainz says Ferrari have ‘homework to do’ despite strong pace as Leclerc expands on issue that kept him out of FP2
07 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

While he was encouraged by the team’s single-lap pace during Friday practice for the British Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz has called on Ferrari to make gains with their long-run performance if they are to fight for overall honours this weekend.

“We actually did a pretty good step forward from FP1 to FP2, trying different set-ups, trying different directions to go to try and improve the car in these conditions. It looked like it worked, but still our race pace doesn’t look great, and we will need to keep working on it.”

“We are definitely trying to work around [tyre degradation] because we know it’s going to be our main weakness this weekend. We are pushing hard to see what we can do to manage them better. Mercedes, for example, did a much better job than us, Red Bull a much better job. Although today we look like we are P2, we know that there is some homework to do overnight.”

‘Homework to do’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-says-ferrari-have-homework-to-do-despite-strong-pace-as-leclerc.12aewyxlt8cjkzixHmllgA.html


Ferrari dealt NIGHTMARE blow as Leclerc misses FP2 with electrical issue
Friday 7 July 2023
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Ferrari’s progress has been halted in the second session of the British Grand Prix weekend, with Charles Leclerc forced to sit out as a result of an incurable electrical issue. The Monegasque driver misses the opportunity to gather crucial long-run data which could help him to improve his setup for Sunday’s race, as Ferrari bid to win their first race for over a year.

Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz confirmed that the Ferrari mechanics have a long evening of work ahead of them to rectify the issue, stating that; “The mechanics have gone, and that is a surefire sign that they have given up trying to get the Monegasque driver out for this session. That electrical issue, as we kind of expected, is too big and it’s going to take a rebuild of the car to fix it.”

“We can either have story that Charles Leclerc has done brilliantly to overcome missing FP2, and not getting any kind of data on his long tyre run to brilliantly still finish on the podium. Or we can have Charles Leclerc with a not great finishing position after the British Grand Prix, and he complained this moment in FP2, on Friday afternoon, when he missed that session and missed the chance to get some long-runs and data on his tyres.”

‘NIGHTMARE blow - Long evening of work ahead of them to rectify the issue’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111046/charles-leclerc-ferrari-fp2-issue-british-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Alonso reveals Aston Martin 'GAME-CHANGER' in championship fight.
Fernando Alonso has referred to Aston Martin’s new state-of-the-art facility as a ‘game-changer’ when it comes to fighting for F1 world championships.
Friday 7 July 2023 19:12
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

The two-time world champion, who has been enjoying considerable success in his first season with the British team, said he was ‘incredibly impressed’ the outfit’s new home. Based at Silverstone, the site of the British Grand Prix, the new facility will accommodate the team’s expanding workforce of more than 700 employees as it fights to further climb the rankings.

Also on the site is a dedicated wind tunnel, which is about halfway to completion. After the campus opened, Alonso said: "I’m incredibly impressed by our new home. “From the design office to mission control, all the facilities are second to none and I see a lot of smiles when I walk around.”

“To win in this sport you need to excel at everything, and this new facility is a game-changer. It’s a true signal of intent to enable us to fight for world championships.”

'GAME-CHANGER';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111018/fernando-alonso-f1-aston-martin-facility-silverstone-game-changer/


'More to come' from Aston Martin, says Alonso after P10 in Friday practice
07 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Fernando Alonso found the windy conditions on Friday "tricky" but is happy to be back in action at Silverstone and is hopeful for more progress from Aston Martin despite the changeable weather forecast for the British Grand Prix weekend.

'More to come';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.more-to-come-from-aston-martin-says-alonso-after-p10-in-friday-practice.1770782605244747319.html


'Pace looked good' for Stroll in Friday practice
07/07/2023 at 20:28
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll was feeling happy with the state of the world after finishing Friday's practice day at Silverstone in sixth place, putting him ahead of his team mate Fernando Alonso for once. "The pace looked good so I’m feeling positive," he said, despite an incident in which his finger was struck by a loose piece of gravel.

"We made a few set-up changes after FP1 and the AMR23 was feeling stronger for the second session," he continued. "There are still a few bits to work through tonight. We’ll see what tomorrow brings as it looks like the temperature will drop and there could be some rain in the area," he noted. "We could be in for an interesting qualifying!”

'Pace looked good';

https://f1i.com/news/479999-pace-looked-good-for-stroll-in-friday-practice.html


Stroll 'fine' after finger hit by stone in FP2 at Silverstone
07 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll explains that a stone hitting his finger during second practice was "pretty painful" but won't impact his performance for the rest of the weekend at the 2023 British Grand Prix.

‘Stroll 'fine' after finger hit by stone’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.stroll-fine-after-finger-hit-by-stone-in-fp2-at-silverstone.1770782600658386126.html


The Debrief by Aramco: British GP
07.07.2023
Aston Martin F1 - Official Site

Free Practice One took place in the early afternoon heat, with heavy gusts throwing a number of drivers off track. Lance and Fernando began the day with the objective to understand updates to the AMR23 and collect as much data as possible. Both drivers completed more than 25 laps apiece in the first practice session, with Fernando finishing fourth and Lance ninth.

In Free Practice Two, there was slightly more grip on track courtesy of the opening session and our drivers began FP2 with some Soft-tyre running. Lance broke into the 1m28s with his fastest lap of the day and finished sixth overall, while Fernando ended the session P10. Read the thoughts of Lance and Fernando after they managed a combined 103 laps of Silverstone Circuit on Friday of the British Grand Prix.

‘The Debrief’;

https://www.astonmartinf1.com/en-GB/news/on-track/the-debrief-by-aramco-british-gp

[Fortitude]

Leclerc leads Albon in final British GP F1 practice.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led Williams driver Alex Albon in a rain-hit final British Grand Prix Formula 1 practice session at Silverstone.
Jul 8 2023
By Valentin Khorounzhiy
The Race

Key moments:
> Rain freezes order at halfway point
> Leclerc heads Albon and Alonso
> Verstappen and Perez left without soft-tyre run

Leclerc set the fastest time of the weekend so far, a 1m27.419s, on his initial run on softs, and looked on course to improve after swapping to a new set when rain arrived, effectively freezing the order in the standings and setting up a second half-hour of primarily intermediate-tyre running.

The rain had kicked off just short of the halfway point, but several teams had managed to pull off a last-gasp qualifying simulation on softs in anticipation – with Williams the quickest of those as Albon lapped just under two tenths off Leclerc.

‘Leclerc leads Albon’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/leclerc-leads-albon-in-final-british-gp-practice/


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 British Grand Prix
8th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:27.419
2. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.173
3. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.365
4. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.474
5. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.529
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.545
7. Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +0.732
8. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.847
9. George Russell Mercedes +0.865
10. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.918

‘British Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Silverstone’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-british-grand-prix-82591


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from third practice for the British Grand Prix
08 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-third-practice-in-great-britain-2023.5WfkjsMG5RnIbFYbWnqi5p.html


2023 F1 British Grand Prix - Final Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
8th July 2023, 11:29
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-british-grand-prix-final-practice-live-updates


F1 British GP: Charles Leclerc sets new benchmark as Alex Albon continues to shine for Williams in final practice
8 Jul 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

Charles Leclerc set the pace before rain hit in final practice at the F1 British Grand Prix, while Alex Albon continued to impress for Williams. After an electrical problem kept him in the garage for the entirety of FP2, Leclerc posted the fastest time of the weekend so far at Silverstone to put his Ferrari top of the timesheets.

It marked the first time since Q2 at the Canadian Grand Prix that Max Verstappen has not finished a session with the quickest time. Having finished third-fastest in both of Friday’s practice sessions, Albon once again starred in his Williams to produce a lap that was just 0.173s slower than Leclerc’s benchmark.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was third, ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who was half a second adrift.

‘New benchmark’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1030901/1/leclerc-fastest-impressive-albon-final-british-gp-practice


Charles Leclerc bounces back to top rain-affected British GP FP3
Ferrari and Red Bull look set for an exciting 2023 British GP qualifying battle
July 8, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

Charles Leclerc recovered from missing all of FP2 at the 2023 British Grand Prix to top a rain-affected FP3 session. The session sets up an intriguing qualifying session with Ferrari and Red Bull looking closely matched but thanks to the weather bringing a premature end to flying laps.

That left a jumbled-up order behind Leclerc, with Max Verstappen the leading Red Bull in eighth at over eight-tenths behind the Monegasque driver and Sergio Perez 14th at 1.5s back.
Lando Norris was the first to get back onto the slick tyres and was soon followed by the rest of the field, George Russell radioed in to change when it was spitting at corners 4-7 but dry elsewhere. However, that was a brief respite and the rain soon returned leaving the field in intermediate conditions.

‘Bounces back’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-leclerc-bounces-back-top-rain-affected-2023-british-gp-fp3/

[Fortitude]

British Grand Prix: Max Verstappen recovers from pit lane embarrassment to silence Silverstone crowd.
Norris crossed the line and shot up to provisional pole to a huge cheer from the British fans. However, Verstappen, still to complete his lap, silenced the crowd with a 1:26.720 to take pole position by 0.241s ahead of Norris, Piastri impressing with his P3.
08 Jul 2023 4:20 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen shrugged off a minor blip as he hit the pit lane wall in Q1 to bounce back to take pole position for the British Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris.

With the red flags out for Kevin Magnussen’s stricken Haas, his car cutting out as he came out of Stowe, the bottom five drivers were left with just 3m11s to save their qualifying session. This led to a queue in the pit lane, one that Verstappen tried to join only to hit the pit wall – “I just understeered” – and break his front wing. He was pushed back in his garage for repairs.

As the track was green lighted, Perez led out the field with it taking more than a minute for Verstappen, at the very back, to leave the pit lane. The ever-improving track conditions meant one after the other the drivers took turns in the top spots with Q1 ending with Norris quickest of all. Out went Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyu, Nyck de Vries and Magnussen. Valtteri Bottas, although P11 in Q1, broke down on the side of the track so wasn’t able to line up for Q2.

‘Silence Silverstone crowd’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/british-grand-prix-2023-qualifying-report/


Qualifying Results – 2023 British Grand Prix
8th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing -1:26.720
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.241
3. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.372
4. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.416
5. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.428
6. George Russell Mercedes +0.435
7. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.491
8. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.810
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.939
10. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.969

‘British Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race around Silverstone’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-british-grand-prix-82594


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the British Grand Prix
08 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-great-britain-2023.3MVThSL6mGItVBz29e9xXN.html


How qualifying for the 2023 F1 British Grand Prix unfolded
8th July 2023.
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘How qualifying unfolded’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/how-qualifying-2023-f1-british-grand-prix-unfolded


Verstappen SHOCKED after bonkers British Grand Prix qualifying
Saturday 8 July 2023 18:03
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Speaking to Jenson Button for Sky Sports after the race, Verstappen said: “It’s been quite a crazy qualifying. It’s been quite hectic. Also, quite slippery in some places, but we did our laps. Q3, I was quite surprised to see them (McLaren) two there. It’s great for McLaren as well to be here from our side, very happy of course to be on pole."

He explained that it was necessary to be cautious, saying: “Especially Q1 and Q2 you know, there was still a few damp spots. You had to be a little bit careful. "Of course, you push close to the limit, but knowing that we have a quick car you don’t need to go to the 100 per cent limit."

He continued: "I think that’s why in Q3 when you just go for it, I think that’s where we then of course eked out the gap a little bit. It was not a very big gap to them. For us today, a great day and looking forward to tomorrow already."

‘Verstappen SHOCKED’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111133/max-verstappen-lando-norris-british-grand-prix-f1-qualifying-mclaren-surprise/


Sergio Perez explains another poor qualifying performance after British GP Q1 exit
The Red Bull driver missed Q3 for the fifth Formula 1 race in a row at the 2023 British Grand Prix
July 8, 2023

Sergio Perez‘s qualifying woes continued at the 2023 British Grand Prix as the Red Bull driver had a poor qualifying performance for the fifth race in a row. After a late red flag, Perez was first out of the pit garages but waited for a long time at the end of the pitlane and on a rapidly improving track all but three drivers behind him improved to dump him out of Q1.

“I think the red flag lasted longer than we predicted initially and that didn’t help with the tyre temperature,” Perez told the media. “It’s just a shame to lose out because we had a great Friday, the race pace was looking really good. I think starting from the back is going to be another race where we try to minimise the damage.”

At Silverstone he looked visibly dejected post-qualifying and only faced two questions from the media before he was ushered away by Red Bull. “I think these conditions is where I struggle most with the car, my issues with the car become more apparent in the changeable conditions,” Perez added.

‘Visibly dejected post-qualifying’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-sergio-perez-explains-another-poor-qualifying-performance-2023-british-gp-q1-exit/


Home hero Lando Norris takes astonishing front row at British Grand Prix as crowd go wild
8th July 2023, 4:38 pm
Connor Andrews
talkSPORT

Lando Norris left his home crowd in raptures by incredibly qualifying on the front row at the British Grand Prix. Bristol-born Norris planted his McLaren second behind Max Verstappen, and will have his teammate Oscar Piastri just behind in third for Sunday’s race.

Norris had initially gone fastest, sending the Silverstone crowd to their feet, but along came his friend Verstappen to deny him his second F1 pole position. Speaking after the event, Norris joked: “It’s always Max, he always ruins everything for everyone!”

‘Crowd go wild’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1491949/

[Fortitude]

Winners and losers from the 2023 British Grand Prix qualifying.
Max Verstappen made it seven poles for the F1 2023 season by claiming P1 on the grid for the British Grand Prix.
08 Jul 2023 8:30 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
RacingNews365

While Verstappen claiming pole for a Grand Prix is hardly a shocking development at this point, the Dutchman certainly did not enjoy a walk in the park to that P1 spot at Silverstone as the track continued to ramp up and the bravest were rewarded.

After earlier rain had dried up, the track became increasingly generous in its offering of grip to the drivers, and while after the opening Q3 runs it seemed like Verstappen had schooled the pack, Norris had other ideas.

The Brit would send his home crowd into raptures as he went onto provisional pole, with only Verstappen able to deny him that top spot. But that is exactly what he did when the pressure was on.

‘Made it seven poles for the F1 2023 season’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/winners-losers-2023-british-grand-prix-qualifying/


Fernando Alonso planning defensive Aston Martin drive at British GP
The best Aston Martin could muster was ninth on the grid for Fernando Alonso, with Lance Stroll eliminated in Q2
July 8, 2023
By Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport

Fernando Alonso has said that Aston Martin are looking at a defensive drive for the 2023 British Grand Prix as the team hopes to regroup in the races after Silverstone. Aston Martin experienced a difficult qualifying around Silverstone, as Lance Stroll was eliminated in Q2, whilst Alonso‘s best effort was only enough for ninth on the grid.

The AMR23 appeared to struggle in all three parts of qualifying as neither driver could get within half a second of the fastest time in each segment, something Alonso believes is down to the car not suiting tracks such as Silverstone.

“I think it is a bit track specific.” Alonso told select members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “So we have to remain calm, two races ago in Canada we were very strong and were fighting for the win.”

‘We have to remain calm’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-fernando-alonso-defensive-aston-martin-drive-2023-british-gp/


McLaren upgrades under Mercedes scrutiny as MCL60 ‘rocketship’ launched – F1 news round-up
08 Jul 2023 11:59 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Qualifying day for the 2023 British Grand Prix is in the books, where McLaren delivered a “wake-up call” to the Mercedes squad. It is a further gravitation towards the Red Bull philosophy which Mercedes cannot ignore.

“I think each of us had bodyworks that were perfectly good in the tunnel and it didn’t come out in performance,” Wolff told media including PlanetF1.com. “So you’ve got to leave no stone unturned and maybe look at it again, because another team just found a second in performance.”

‘MCL60 ‘rocketship’ launched’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/british-grand-prix-2023-saturday-f1-news-round-up/


Winners and Losers from 2023 F1 British Grand Prix Qualifying
08 July 10:40PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Winner - Max Verstappen: Five straight pole positions and he is surely set for a sixth win on the bounce.
Loser - Sergio Perez: Perez deserves some sympathy for this Qualifying exit for this was more on the team than anything he did himself.

Winner – McLaren: Speak to anyone from McLaren over the weekend and the story was the same. Yes, the Austrian GP upgrades had given the MCL60 a boost but that is a track at which the team have historically performed well and is one of Norris's best. Get them on the track at Silverstone and let's see what they've really got. And we did.

Loser – Mercedes: That sounds you can hear is Mercedes coming firmly back to earth with the realisation that the W14 is still a pretty tricky machine to master.
Winner - Alex Albon: Third, third and second in practice was no fluke from Alex Albon in that Williams.
Loser – Ferrari: The confusion between Leclerc and Sainz in Q1 was entirely avoidable.

‘Winners and Losers’;

https://racingnews365.com/winners-and-losers-from-2023-f1-british-grand-prix-qualifying


Bottas disqualified over fuel sample, AlphaTauri fined for unsafe release
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 8th July 2023, 19:10
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Valtteri Bottas has been disqualified from the result of qualifying for the British Grand Prix after his team were unable to provide the required fuel sample from his car. Teams are required to provide one litre of fuel from their cars for analysis after qualifying. However Alfa Romeo were unable to do this after Bottas came to a stop at the end of Q1.

Bottas’ team mate Zhou Guanyu was also investigated after the qualifying session. The stewards decided against penalising him for impeding Esteban Ocon. However the stewards have penalised AlphaTauri for releasing Nyck de Vries into the path of Oscar Piastri during the qualifying session. The team has been fined €5,000 (£4,272) for the unsafe release.

‘Disqualified over fuel sample’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/08/bottas-disqualified-over-fuel-sample-alphatauri-fined-for-unsafe-release/

[Fortitude]

F1: Max Verstappen wins British GP as Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton get podium at home.
Max Verstappen continues to streak into the distance in the F1 Drivers' standings, after sealing victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon, ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
9th July 2023, 16:40
By George Dagless
Give Me Sport

Verstappen started from P1 at lights out, accompanied by the two McLaren cars of Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third, and to the delight of the packed British fans in the grandstands, Norris led the opening exchanges after a fine start from the front row. Verstappen, though, was unbothered and would soon be back in front, with Norris and Piastri eager to try and work together and pull away from the field to secure a double podium.

However, a Safety Car midway through the race threw a spanner in the works for McLaren's hopes, with Kevin Magnussen having to retire. Initially, a VSC was called but with a recovery vehicle needed to get the stricken Haas out of the firing line, a full Safety Car was introduced, sparking a flurry of pit stops as the drivers came in for the soft, and assumed quickest tyre. As it all shook out ahead of the race resuming, Verstappen led from Norris, but Hamilton had managed to jump Piastri by being able to pit when the Safety Car was out, whilst the Aussie had come in earlier, with George Russell lurking in the other Mercedes in P5.

In behind them, a great battle played out towards the other half of the top ten, as Sergio Perez battled through from 15th on the grid to finish 6th, whilst Carlos Sainz was mugged late on by the Mexican, Alex Albon, and his team-mate Charles Leclerc. Back at the front, though, it was Verstappen who took the chequered flag, with Norris brilliantly holding off Hamilton as the British pair gave the Silverstone crowd something to really cheer.

‘Max Verstappen wins’;

https://www.givemesport.com/f1-max-verstappen-british-gp-lando-norris-lewis-hamilton-podium/


Race Results – 2023 British Grand Prix
9th July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 52 laps
2. Lando Norris McLaren +3.798
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +6.783
4. Oscar Piastri McLaren +7.776
5. George Russell Mercedes +11.206
6. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +12.882
7. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +17.193
8. Alex Albon Williams Racing +17.878
9. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +18.689
10. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +19.448

‘British Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at Silverstone’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-british-grand-prix-82613


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the 2023 British Grand Prix
09 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-aramco-british-grand-prix-2023.513WS5Jqh8anydv0s3FqrV.html


F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone 2023: LIVE UPDATES!
9th July 2023, 12:24
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/f1-british-grand-prix-silverstone-2023-live-updates


Verstappen heads local heroes Norris and Hamilton to claim British Grand Prix win
09 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Norris jumped Verstappen for the lead at the start, with team mate Oscar Piastri almost following him through, meaning it was a Red Bull in a McLaren sandwich over the first few laps – but the reigning double world champion soon fought back.

By Lap 5, and with DRS at his disposal, Verstappen reclaimed P1 from Norris and never looked troubled, pulling away from the home favourite as the race developed and then managing a late Safety Car period – caused by Kevin Magnussen’s smoking Haas – that saw the leaders go for different tyre strategies.

Sergio Perez delivered another solid recovery drive to sixth after the Red Bull driver’s latest qualifying woes, making a series of late moves to finish ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Williams’ Alex Albon and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

‘Verstappen heads local heroes’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-heads-local-heroes-norris-and-hamilton-to-claim-british-grand.4xXlbiWyuXieSAswy1lHq0.html


Lando Norris takes swipe at his own team after Max Verstappen wins British GP
Lando Norris hit out at McLaren's strategy despite securing P2 at the British Grand Prix.
16:46, Sun, Jul 9, 2023
By Jack McEachen
Daily and Sunday Express

McLaren driver Lando Norris openly questioned his team's tactics during the British Grand Prix, despite securing an emotional second-placed finish in a stunning weekend for the team. He finished behind only Max Verstappen on the Red Bull man's first Silverstone victory and ahead of fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton in third.

McLaren's choice to use hard tyres late in the race was highly debatable, as Norris hit out after reacting to his podium finish. "Pretty insane," he said. "Thanks to the whole team, they have done an amazing job. None of this would be possible without their hard work. They put me on hard tyres I don't know why. They are still beginners in something!

‘Team's tactics’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1789155/Lando-Norris-F1-news-McLaren-British-GP


Hamilton congratulates rival 'FAMILY' after British GP podium
Sunday 9 July 2023 19:12
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Lewis Hamilton made sure to congratulate his ‘family’ at McLaren after the British Grand Prix, where he took P3 behind Lando Norris. He said: “Also, I just want to say a big congratulations to Lando and to McLaren. Where it was my family, it’s where I first started.”

“To see them back up there looking so strong, I mean that thing was rapid through the high-speed corners. I was just wow. I couldn’t keep up, but we had a good little battle on the restart. The start wasn’t so great for me, but the long run on the medium was really great.”

‘Rival 'FAMILY'.’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111243/hamilton-congratulates-family-at-rival-team-after-british-grand-prix-podium/

[Fortitude]

British Grand Prix conclusions: Norris’ podium warning, Hamilton wants answers.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his sixth consecutive victory in the British Grand Prix to extend his lead over Sergio Perez to 99 points after 10 races of the F1 2023 season.
10 Jul 2023 6:00 AM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Lando Norris made his first appearance on the podium since Imola 2022 to round off a very encouraging weekend for McLaren, with Lewis Hamilton benefiting from a late Safety Car to take third for Mercedes. Here are our conclusions from Silverstone…

Lando Norris really, really needed that. Norris is quite a sensitive soul by F1 standards and effectively admitted ahead of the British GP that McLaren’s struggles over the last year had affected his sense of self-worth. Not only was he remarkably calm under pressure, he was tough and spirited – as though Norris had channelled every single one of his disappointments over the last 18 months into an over-my-dead-body determination to stay ahead.

Lewis Hamilton would be foolish to commit to Mercedes yet. After two seasons of everyone at Mercedes overpromising and underdelivering, is Hamilton at last beginning to see the light? After his podium at Silverstone all he wanted was an answer to the question he’d been asking all weekend. Why is it, he said more than once, that Ferrari and even McLaren have quite easily managed to do what Mercedes still cannot?

‘Conclusions’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/british-grand-prix-2023-conclusions/


Winners and Losers from the 2023 F1 British Grand Prix
09 July 10:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Winner - McLaren/Lando Norris: If you'd offered McLaren a second and fourth ahead of the weekend and told them Norris would finish 3.9s behind race-winner Verstappen, your arm would be snapped in quite a few places.
Loser - Oscar Piastri: And on the flip side, we have Oscar Piastri. Piastri did absolutely nothing wrong but was caught out by pitting just before the Safety Car was deployed. Had it not, he would have banked a maiden F1 podium - and it was fully deserved.

Winner - Logan Sargeant: Williams boss James Vowles spoke this week of the breakthrough he felt Logan Sargeant had made in Austria and encouraged the rookie to kick on at Silverstone.
Loser – Alpine: To say boss Otmar Szafnauer was unimpressed after the race would be an understatement. He wasn't quite hopping mad but his frustration at a double DNF at Alpine's home race as McLaren scored 30 points was rather visible.

Winner - Max Verstappen: Next. Since the 2022 French Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has won 17 of 21 races, finished second twice, and got a sixth and seventh.
Loser – Ferrari: This place was a toss up between Mercedes and Ferrari but as one rescued a three-five and the other a nine-10 finish, the coin landed one way. To finish nine-10 from four-five on the grid is far from ideal and represents a step backwards for Ferrari after all that excellent work they had did in recent races to claw their way back into contention.

‘Winners & Losers’;

https://racingnews365.com/winners-and-losers-from-the-2023-f1-british-grand-prix


Mark Hughes: Why British GP jumbled the 2023 F1 pack so much
Jul 10 2023
By Mark Hughes
The Race

Yes, of course Max Verstappen’s Red Bull dominated the British Grand Prix. This is the 2023 Formula 1 season. As McLaren’s Andrea Stella had said when attempting to explain why his cars were so good here at Silverstone, less so at other tracks: “I’m sure Red Bull have similar kinds of issues but it’s within their margin [of superiority] so it doesn’t hurt them.”

The circuit: This circuit layout is relatively easy for a modern ground effect car and its monstrous high-speed performance. Even the bad cars are good here. The lowliest cars are flat or near-flat through Abbey, Copse and Maggotts, with Stowe a mere lift. All that’s differentiating them is their slow-corner performance through the Village loop, the Brooklands-Luffield complex and Vale. That and their aero efficiency.

The tyres: Red Bull had originally planned to switch Verstappen to hards when he stopped – and it hadn’t been figuring on making its single stop anything like as late as lap 34 of 52 (when the safety car came out). But the degradation rate for everyone was exceptionally low. So he stayed out, just in case there was a safety car and because the medium remained quicker than a new hard would have been.

‘Jumbled 2023 F1 pack’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-why-british-gp-jumbled-the-2023-f1-pack-so-much/


Wind, strategy and inconsistency at the heart of Ferrari's abysmal British GP
10/07/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Strategy, the wind and the SF23's infamous inconsistency were at the heart of a seriously disappointing Silverstone outing for the Scuderia. In the end, a day that promised so much, what with its drivers starting fourth and fifth behind the McLarens, turned out to be an abject failure.

Charles Leclerc finished ninth and Carlos Sainz tenth, the pair held at bay by Alex Albon in the Williams. For Leclerc it all went wrong when the Monegasque was ordered to pit on Lap 18, in what appeared to be a move to undercut his rivals, rather than extend his opening run on the mediums.

For teammate Sainz the inconsistency of the SF23 was made worse by the wind. "Very windy, very tricky car to drive again," said the Spaniard, "it's very difficult to be consistent in these conditions. We were struggling a lot on traction in all the tailwind," he added. "We couldn't get on the power and also a harder tyre made the fighting and everything very tricky.”

‘Abject failure’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75649/Wind-strategy-and-inconsistency-at-the-heart-of-Ferraris-abysmal-British-GP


Hamilton admits “disappointment” at performance of Mercedes’ new front wing
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 10th July 2023, 7:1510th July 2023, 7:27
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Mercedes were hoping to make more gains from the updated front wing they introduced at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton admitted. The team qualified only sixth and seventh for last weekend’s race. Hamilton said qualifying “was not the greatest feeling,” after lapping almost half a second slower than pole-winner Max Verstappen.

The team arrived at Silverstone hoping to rebound from a disappointing race in Austria a week earlier. “Because we’d had a really bad race, obviously, in the previous week, and we knew we had an upgrade coming here, we were all very hopeful of the step that we were going to hopefully try to take this weekend and bring us in closer,” said Hamilton. “To our disappointment it didn’t take us that step, unfortunately, and for us to be sixth than seventh just ultimately wasn’t a great feeling. Knowing how hard everyone’s worked, and how everyone was feeling it in the team.”

With some help from a fortunately-timed Safety Car, Hamilton was able to claim third in the race. “Hats off to the team for our strength on the race day,” he said. “I didn’t expect to be on the podium, so this is mega.” Hamilton came close to claiming second place after the restart, but was resisted by Lando Norris. He heaped praise on the McLaren driver afterwards.

“Disappointment”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/10/hamilton-admits-disappointment-at-performance-of-mercedes-new-front-wing/


Aussie F1 gun Oscar Piastri's name chanted by thousands of fans after securing best result of his career at British Grand Prix
• Oscar Piastri finishes fourth at British GP
• Result was rookie's best performance yet
• Fans at Silverstone chanted Piastri's name
Published: 01:39, 10 July 2023
James Cooney
Mail Online

Aussie Formula One rookie Oscar Piastri's name was chanted by thousands of happy fans after a career-best finish at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Max Verstappen became just the fifth driver to win six consecutive races with his victory at the GP, coming in ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in third.

Piastri finished fourth, but seemed destined for a podium finish after sitting behind his teammate Norris for most of the race. The Aussie was overtaken in the pits by Hamilton, who was helped by a safety car deployment that was called following an engine failure to Kevin Magnussen's Haas.

'It's a bittersweet result,' said the 22-year-old Melburnian afterwards. 'That's the best way to describe how I feel. The most pleasing aspect was that we achieved these results on merit. I think it's one thing to get these results by lucky incidents, but we were genuinely the second quickest team today, which was a very happy surprise.”

‘Bittersweet result’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12281015/Australian-star-Oscar-Piastri-secures-best-result-F1-career-British-Grand-Prix.html


British GP: Impressive race from Williams Racing
July 10 2023
By Williams Racing

In what was another impressive result from the Williams Racing Team Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant would finish the 2023 British GP in 8th and 11th positions. Both drivers were able to benefit from a significantly improved FW45 to deliever what were great drives.

Alex was able to start from 10th and after a tricky start would work his way forward eventually been able to pass a Ferrari and secure 8th. For Logan he would unfortunately start further down the order but would again impress to with a competitive drive to 11th, just outside the points.

Overall another fantastic performance enabling the team to further celebrate the teams 800th Grand Prix.

‘Pass a Ferrari & secure 8th’;

https://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s107/st204909.htm

[Fortitude]

Pundits lay into ‘dithering’ Ferrari after a ‘nowhere’ British Grand Prix.
From winning the race last season to not even reaching the podium this year, David Croft has blamed a “dithering” pit wall for Ferrari’s latest fall from grace.
10 Jul 2023 12:45 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Team boss Fred Vasseur concedes they went too conservative on the day. “I didn’t have the crystal ball on the pit wall and the plan was to do medium-hard and it was I think the case for McLaren, it was really on the edge between medium-hard and medium-soft and some teams did medium-hard,” he said.

Sky Sports pundit Croft wasn’t an understanding as he accused Ferrari’s pit wall of “dithering” instead of making decisive decisions that would help the drivers. “It’s interesting,” he said, “Ferrari before the race said crucially today you’ve got to get your strategy right, and you’ve got to make a decision to go with it. But then we see the same dithering coming back again.”

Karun Chandhok reckons Ferrari’s ever-present tyre problems didn’t help the situation. That, though, was little excuse for what he billed as a “terrible” weekend for the Italian stable. “I think with Leclerc they pitted too early, and it forced him into a two-stop at that point,” said the former F1 driver. Meanwhile Ralf Schumacher summed it up to Sky Deutschland by saying the result was “not satisfactory”. He added: “Although it was cool, the tyre problem was there. Sainz was completely off the roll when he was overtaken, that was almost embarrassing.”

‘Dithering Ferrari’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/punditsdithering-ferrari-british-grand-prix/


What left Ferrari too ‘scared’ to push in British GP
Jul 9 2023
By Josh Suttill
The Race

Ferrari was hurt by being too “scared” to push in the British Grand Prix rather than by its pitstop strategy calls, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. Ferrari left Sainz out on hard tyres when others, including his team-mate Leclerc, pitted under the virtual safety car (which then became a full safety car) for softs and mediums.

It allowed Sainz to move into seventh place but he had to hold off a group of cars on fresher and faster tyres behind. He was unable to stop Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, the Williams of Alex Albon and Leclerc from passing him, leaving him 10th.

“I really thought, ‘What do I prefer? To be on a soft in P10 knowing I’m against same-pace cars on soft and medium tyres which I’m not going to have a tyre delta to pass, so I’m P10, or a P7 trying to hold onto a hard tyre?’ At the end we tried the riskier one, tried to hold on a hard tyre against them which I think was risky, but I nearly made it work so it is how it is.” Team boss Vasseur agreed with Sainz’s assessment, believing that strategy was “the right call”.

‘Hurt’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-left-ferrari-too-scared-to-push-in-british-gp/


‘It was always going to be tricky for us’ – Sainz reflects on late-race drop down the order at Silverstone
10 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

It was a race of what might have been for Ferrari at Silverstone after Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were forced to settle for the final points on offer due to their strategies being negatively impacted by a late-race Safety Car.

Reflecting on the race, and his strategy, Sainz said: “I think I was always going to be a bit exposed with that hard tyre, but we tried. We had no tyres to fit at the pit stop. If we would have boxed behind the Virtual, behind the Safety car, we would have come out P10 behind cars with the same tyres as us, so it would have always been very tricky to make it through.”

“We tried our luck and it didn’t work out like it was meant to be, but overall a strong race, strong pace, but again bad timing, bad luck and P10.”

‘What might have been’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-was-always-going-to-be-tricky-for-us-sainz-reflects-on-late-race-drop.6K0weByp6S2xEmopwMy3eW.html


Sainz defends Ferrari’s tactical gamble despite being “dead meat” at restart
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 10th July 2023, 12:4010th July 2023, 12:38
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

After the VSC became a full Safety Car, Sainz left the decision whether to pit again in his team’s hands. They left him on-track, moving him up to seventh at the restart. But by that point those around him on the faster medium and soft tyres only had to make them last 14 laps to the finish.

After four laps Red Bull’s soft-shod Sergio Perez got past Sainz. Albon followed through seconds later and three corners after that Leclerc, who had pitted to change tyres, got by too. The lap after Sainz briefly fell behind Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, but reclaimed 10th from him with a bold move at Copse. Had he not got the point for that position, Sainz would have dropped out of the top five in the championship standings.

‘Tactical gamble’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/10/sainz-defends-ferraris-tactical-gamble-despite-being-dead-meat-at-restart/


Ferrari CIVIL WAR brewing as Leclerc slams 'TOTALLY USELESS' Sainz team
Monday 10 July 2023 06:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

There could be a civil war brewing at Ferrari after what Charles Leclerc said at the British Grand Prix. It is usually pre-agreed between the team who would be following in qualifying and it tends to swap from one weekend to the next.

But with Sainz looking more in danger of being knocked out at one stage, he opted to change the order by overtaking Leclerc in the pitlane as everyone queued to get on track. The order was rectified at the final corner of the out laps but Sainz was not happy complaining on the team radio about being more vulnerable to the drop zone than Leclerc.

"What happened in the pitlane was expected, because we always try to get the cars out at the same time, to then manage them in the better way," Leclerc said after the session. "Of course, I understand that with the adrenaline in the car you don't know if you're going to make it, but his radio team was totally useless.”


Arrivabene: Too Early to Assess Vasseur’s Performance as Ferrari Boss.
July 10, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

It is too early to shine a spotlight on Frederic Vasseur’s performance as Ferrari team boss so far. That is the view of Maurizio Arrivabene, who lasted four years in the exact same role until he was replaced by the also now ousted Mattia Binotto.

Binotto’s successor this year is Frenchman Vasseur, and so far the Maranello based team has continued to struggle to return to the very top of Formula 1. “I’ve known Vasseur for some time,” Arrivabene told Sky Italia. “He did great things with Alfa and discovered a champion like Leclerc.”

“But when you’re in Maranello, it’s not easy. It’s a different organisation with so many people to manage. The brand is beautiful and also heavy. There’s a lot of pressure. You need time to settle in and understand the mechanisms, as well as understand what Ferrari represents for Italy. So he was right not to enter with heavy foot. First, you have to get to know the people.”

‘Too Early to Assess’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/arrivabene-too-early-to-assess-vasseurs-performance-as-ferrari-boss/


Leclerc admits he didn't understand DISASTROUS Ferrari strategy call
Sunday 9 July 2023 22:12
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Charles Leclerc was not happy with the strategy given to him by Ferrari as he laboured in the British Grand Prix. "We were struggling in the first part of the race. On the first stint, Mercedes and McLaren were really quick. George was very fast. I managed to keep him behind, then I don’t know what happened why we went in so early. But this, I don’t have the full picture of it. I don’t want to comment on it too much.”

“Then obviously, that puts us a bit on the backfoot because everybody continued on the medium that didn’t have much degradation. I tried to stay more or less at the same lap times as the guys that were still out on the old medium, to then push once they stopped. But then, unfortunately, once they stopped during the safety car and they gained all the positions. Not the greatest race today.”

‘DISASTROUS Ferrari strategy call’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111268/charles-leclerc-ferrari-f1-british-grand-prix-strange-strategy/

[Fortitude]

Inspirational: McLaren Car No Longer A Tractor.
The new version of the MCL60, which is now something of a ship of Theseus conundrum, was enough to earn the slightly hyperbolic title of "rocket ship" from Lewis Hamilton.
10th July 2023, 22:21
By Kathryn Xu
Defector

The atmosphere surrounding McLaren after pre-season testing was so dour that the team should've been underrated—only, McLaren actually matched expectations by not coming close to a single point in the first two races. Before the 2023 season started, team president Andrea Stella said that "[i]n terms of performance expectations, we remain realistic for the short-term" but there were "good developments in the pipeline." Unfortunately, realism in the short-term was may as well stick a raccoon in a go-kart and call it a day. McLaren only scored points in three out of the first eight races of the season—the best the team managed was a single P6 performance by Lando Norris during a messy, messy Australian Grand Prix.

Silverstone was necessary for McLaren to prove that they are, in fact, going somewhere. Of course, Norris was careful to downplay the car a little after the race, praising its performance on medium-speed corners but commenting on its "pretty terrible" performance on low-speed corners, which are notably prevalent in the following races. Norris is right—it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of performance from McLaren for the rest of the season. But at some point, McLaren will lose the benefit of potential, and that point is, depending on your level of pessimism, either now or long gone. If McLaren is looking for a point in time to be remembered as The Moment years from now, this is its best bet: a home crowd, one driver just a safety car away from his first podium finish, and the other spraying champagne with two World Champions.

‘No Longer A Tractor’;

https://defector.com/inspirational-mclaren-car-no-longer-a-tractor


Explained: McLaren’s staggering turnaround... and why it’s the first step out of 10-year F1 wilderness
July 11th, 2023 8:10 am
Michael Lamonato
Fox Sports (Australia)

The British Grand Prix was a potentially seismic event for the 2023 Formula 1 season. It’s not about to change the battle for the championship, but McLaren’s two-three qualification and two-four race result has the sport wondering whether its understanding of the front running pack needs to be completely reconsidered.

We saw in Silverstone that didn’t tally with our established understanding of how the MCL60 is supposed to work. For one, Lando Norris almost pinched pole position from Max Verstappen, missing out by only 0.241 seconds.

More to the point, his race pace kept him directly behind the faster Dutchman for the first phase of the grand prix, and the car was quick enough to hold position all the way to the chequered flag. This is despite a late safety car closing up the field and giving Mercedes a swing at snatching a double podium for itself.

‘Seismic event’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/is-this-the-start-of-a-mclaren-revolution-key-answers-to-f1-giants-leap-forward-answered/news-story/7e7ba97b4f46e5a902705fd751ec4663


The secrets behind the ‘rocketship’ McLaren that has propelled Lando Norris to the front of the grid
British Formula One team’s revamped MCL60 has produced astonishing results thanks to four key upgrades
10 July 2023 • 7:45pm
GARY ANDERSON
FORMER JORDAN AND JAGUAR F1 TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
The Telegraph

McLaren’s performance at Silverstone left Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton describing the MCL60 as a “rocket ship”. The team’s progress in the last two rounds has been phenomenal. After Canada they had just 17 points on the board but in the Austrian and British grands prix they scored 42 points – more than anyone but Red Bull.

There were four key upgrades that helped propel them up the order. An upgraded part alone will not deliver lap time unless it fits into the team’s overall design philosophy. McLaren did not seem to panic despite their struggles earlier in the season. They seemed to have a plan and appear to have understood why they were bad.

The main updates they had at the Red Bull Ring were to the sidepods and engine cover. Then at Silverstone there was a new front wing and updated rear suspension. The front wing did not change dramatically, with slight alterations to the main plane central section and the trailing edge of the rear-most flap, plus some modifications to the detail on the lower part of the front wing endplates.

‘The secrets’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2023/07/10/formula-one-mclaren-lando-norris-rocketship/


‘A wake-up call’ or a new F1 reality - Have McLaren moved ahead of Mercedes
10 Jul 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net

An incredible transformation saw McLaren jump ahead of Mercedes in F1’s pecking order at the British Grand Prix. But was it a one-off, or a sign of things to come? Steady progress was made over the next string of races, and following several upgrades, the team enjoyed their best performance of the year when Lando Norris qualified and finished fourth in Austria.

McLaren’s remarkable resurgence continued a week later at Silverstone, where Norris was only denied a shock pole by Max Verstappen and his dominant Red Bull, with teammate Oscar Piastri qualifying a brilliant third.

Hamilton was resounding in his belief that McLaren had “100 percent” a faster car than Mercedes at both the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone. “This is the first time in a long time and they deserved to have the performance they have,” he added. “So we've got to do a better job. They've now done a better job than us.”

“100 percent” a faster car’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1031178/1/wakeup-call-or-new-reality-have-mclaren-moved-ahead-mercedes


Gary Anderson: The McLaren upgrade only Norris used in British GP
Jul 10 2023
By Gary Anderson
The Race

The thing that McLaren seems to have done is put the cart before the horse with its latest Formula 1 upgrade package. By that I mean it got the main aerodynamic surfaces, including the sidepods and underfloor, developed and on the car for the previous race in Austria before introducing the new front wing at the British Grand Prix, which has improved the performance of all those previous developments slightly, on Lando Norris’s car with it arriving on team-mate Oscar Piastri’s car at the Hungarian GP.

I have never been a fan of altering a wing profile aggressively as it generates crossflow and that can be different between the top surface, which has higher than ambient pressure on it, and the lower surface, which has lower than ambient pressure on it. So where this flow meets up at the trailing edge it can set up vortices. If you want them, fine, but you need to know about them and what other aero surfaces further rearward they are influencing.

‘Cart before the horse’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-the-mclaren-upgrade-only-norris-used-in-british-gp/


Christian Horner shares his thoughts after latest RB19 ‘replica’ reaches the podium
10 Jul 2023 10:30 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

As Lewis Hamilton applauded McLaren for going down the Red Bull path with their upgrades, Christian Horner says more rivals copying Red Bull is “inevitable” given their record. While in days gone by Horner has landed a dig or two at Mercedes for taking a more Red Bull path, with McLaren the latest to adopt that philosophy he says that is “inevitable” given Red Bull’s success.

“I looked at their car on the grid, which was the first time this year I’ve really looked at it closely, and you can see the philosophy is very similar,” Horner told media including PlanetF1.com. “So yes, they have clearly chosen to follow the same path with the car as we did.”

“It is inevitable that that will happen. And why wouldn’t you? When you see a car performing as well as ours, it only makes sense to try to replicate it, as some teams have decided to do.”

‘Inevitable’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-inevitable-replicas-mclaren-silverstone-podium/

[Fortitude]

Alonso admits Silverstone result FLATTERED Aston Martin.
He told Diego Mejia for Fox Sports MX: “We were slow all weekend, and lacked the pace versus Checo and Albon."
Sunday 9 July 2023 20:42
Lauren Sneath
GPFans

Fernando Alonso: “I think P7 is a bit better than the pace we had. Other teams were flying out there on Saturday and they finished nine and 10...we need to avoid that.”

“The last couple races we were not so fast, but we need to look at the big picture, it is a gift for us to be in this position right now, we didn’t expect it at all; let’s see if at the end if other teams finish ahead of us it will have been because they deserve it.”

“Let’s see if Hungary brings better things, it’s positive on paper but we’ll see...anyway, I’m be here for you Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to report on the funeral or party in instance.”

‘EL PLAN: Result FLATTERED Aston Martin’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111253/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-f1-british-grand-prix-slow/


Alonso “not too stressed” despite “one of the worst weekends for us”
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 10th July 2023, 13:17
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

“This was, and Austria, one of the worst weekends I think for us so far and we saved quite well,” Alonso told media including RaceFans after yesterday’s British Grand Prix. He believes a number of factors explain the team’s sub-par weekend. “It’s probably a little bit of everything,” said Alonso. “Out-developed a little bit in terms of a few teams brought some some significant upgrades lately.

“It’s track-specific, I think here was not our best layout for the package that we have. We need to see also the tyres, obviously it’s the first race that we have this new construction so it seems that maybe we need to analyse more in detail. But all in all I think we saved a very difficult weekend. Hopefully in Hungary we are again competitive.”

‘EL PLAN: “Not too stressed”.’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/10/alonso-not-too-stressed-despite-one-of-the-worst-weekends-for-us/


Alonso: Silverstone P7 'a bit higher' than Aston pace
10/07/2023 at 17:16
Michael Delaney

Fernando Alonso believes that his seventh-place finish in the British Grand Prix slightly flattered Aston Martin's real pace at Silverstone. Alonso qualified ninth on Saturday but gained a position on the race's opening lap. The Spaniard eventually spent the remainder of his race among the top-seven, finishing P7 at the checkered flag.

It was a relatively uneventful afternoon for the seven-time world champion who relied on a medium-to-soft tyre strategy to achieve a result that reflected the limited pace displayed by Aston over the weekend. "Yes, we weren’t fast enough in any session on the weekend, so it was not different in the race," Alonso said.

"We struggled a little bit with the pace, but we maximised the strategy, we tried to stretch the stint on the Medium at the beginning, and then there was a Safety Car, we chose the Soft, because it was just short run to the end.”

‘EL PLAN: Top-seven, finishing P7’;

https://f1i.com/news/480576-alonso-silverstone-p7-a-bit-higher-than-aston-pace.html


Alonso DISMISSES McLaren and Williams progress.
Monday 10 July 2023 17:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has dismissed the progress made by McLaren and Williams at the British Grand Prix. Alonso, though, is not convinced they have made steps forward, insisting that it is purely track specific and the championship will tell the tale come the end of the season.

"Yes, today McLaren has gone fast. But you also have to see last year, many patterns repeat," Alonso said to DAZN. "I think Williams came out in Q3, in Monza they also did very well. This year in Monza they will also go well again."

‘EL PLAN: Dismissed the progress’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111181/alonso-dismisses-mclaren-and-williams-progress-in-no-risk-no-reward-plea/


"I'm relaxed" - Fernando Alonso shows little concern amidst lack of Silverstone pace for Aston Martin
10 Jul 2023
Harvey Orgill
Crash.Net

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso showed little concern when questioned on his team's lack of pace over this weekend's British Grand Prix. The Spaniard finished seventh with his teammate Lance Stroll outside the points, despite being Red Bull's closest competitors at the top earlier in the year.

While on the outside it seemed a disappointing result for the Silverstone based team in their home Grand Prix, Alonso felt P7 was the best he could’ve achieved: “We weren’t fast enough in any session on the weekend, so it was not different in the race.”

“Outdeveloped a little bit in terms of a few teams that have brought some significant upgrades lately. Track specific - I think here was not our best layout for the package we have. We need to also see the tyres, obviously the first race that we have this new construction. So, things that we need to analyse more in detail. But all in all, I think we saved a very difficult weekend. Hopefully in Hungary we are again competitive.”

‘EL PLAN: "I'm relaxed".’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031160/1/im-relaxed-fernando-alonso-unconcerned-amidst-lack-silverstone-pace


Alonso makes MAJOR Aston Martin target adjustment
Tuesday 11 July 2023 10:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

Fernando Alonso has readjusted his target for Aston Martin in the coming races, claiming that the team should be looking to finish in the top ten at each grand prix.

Alonso had some calming words for the team as they look forward towards their long-term aims for the team. "But I think we have to focus as well on the long-term picture.”

"We cannot get stressed every weekend if we are seventh or if we are fourth or if we are on the podium this year. We need to be very pragmatic and very relaxed about our performance.”

‘EL PLAN: Target adjustment’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111333/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-british-grand-prix/

[Fortitude]

Wolff Labels the W14B The ‘Diva 2.0 Car’ and ‘Much More Complicated’.
Despite their continuous efforts in implementing a series of upgrades, the Mercedes W14 challenger has proven to be a source of frustration for both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as they struggle to close the gap to the dominant Red Bull team.
July 10, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

“I thought that Silverstone based on our historic performances was the best shot, but it wasn’t,” Wolff said after Sunday’s British Grand Prix. “So maybe there’s another track where we have the best shot [of winning] because the characteristics of the car have changed.”

“I always believe that we can beat Max [Verstappen], we have a good group of people, and the best drivers. We just have to give them a car that is more predictable, and not the Diva 2.0, and much more complicated than the first one.”

‘Diva 2.0 Car’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/wolff-labels-the-w14b-the-diva-2-0-car-and-much-more-complicated/


Wolff: Mercedes 2024 switch soon to escape ‘diva 2.0’
Monday 10th July, 2023 - 11:30pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Toto Wolff has indicated Mercedes will soon switch its development focus to its 2024 car after becoming frustrated by the gnawing unpredictability of the W14 he has described as “diva 2.0”.

Six years ago, Wolff said the team’s 2017 W08 was “a bit of a diva” given the fluctuations in its performance mirrored by results after three years of total domination following the introduction of the turbo-hybrid power unit in 2014.

This year’s W14 started life as an evolution of a car that won a race towards the end of last year as Mercedes retained faith in its development over the winter, only to immediately recognise in the season-opening race in Bahrain its plan was flawed. Wolff believed the race at Silverstone represented Mercedes’ “best shot” of a victory this season, an opinion he has been forced to revise given the vagaries of the W14.

‘2024 switch soon to escape ‘diva 2.0’.’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/10/toto-wolff-mercedes-w14-diva-2-0/


Wolff believed Mercedes would ‘EAT’ key rivals in British GP
Tuesday 11 July 2023 14:20 - Updated: 15:14
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Mercedes experienced a much better weekend at the British Grand Prix than they did prior at the Austrian Grand Prix, with both drivers finishing inside the top five – but maybe not quite as good as hungry boss Toto Wolff was hoping for.

According to AutoHebdo, Toto Wolff was shocked at how consistent the McLaren drivers were able to be through the race, even when left out on hard tyres for the safety car restart.

He said: “To be honest, when the safety car was deployed, I was almost sure, if not convinced, that we were going to eat the McLarens and finish in second and third positions or compete with them on track. This proves how good their car was.”

‘We were going to eat the McLarens…’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111308/toto-wolff-mercedes-f1-mclaren-british-grand-prix-battle/


Mercedes thought Silverstone was 'best shot' to beat Verstappen
11 July 8:00AM
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Toto Wolff believed Mercedes had their 'best shot' to unseat Max Verstappen's run of five wins in a row at Silverstone, based on their historical performance at the track.

Wolff expected their knowledge of the circuit to be a strength when speaking to media, including RacingNews365.com: "I thought that Silverstone - based on [our] historic performance - this was the best shot but it wasn't. So maybe there's another track where we have the best shot."

'Best shot';

https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-thought-silverstone-was-best-shot-to-beat-verstappen


Toto Wolff surprised by Mercedes' British GP failure as George Russell left in disbelief
Mercedes had confidence in their race pace at the British Grand Prix, but were taken aback by how they struggled to achieve their goals later in the Silverstone race
12:42, 10 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Toto Wolff admitted he expected Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to both reach the podium by the end of the British Grand Prix. The two Ferraris ahead of them might not have been seen as much of a threat given how poor they have been in races this year.

That proved to be the case, as Hamilton and Russell made light work of getting past them. It was the McLarens which were the unknown quantity. Lando Norris qualified second with rookie team-mate Oscar Piastri one place behind.

"Those McLarens are so quick on the hards – impressive," he (George Russell) said over the radio as he tried and failed to move past the Aussie in front of him. He had to settle for fifth behind Piastri, while Hamilton was third on the podium alongside Norris and Verstappen.

‘So quick on the hards’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/wolff-mercedes-hamilton-russell-silverstone-30430279


Toto Wolff quizzed on whether Mercedes have a fundamental sidepod issue
10 Jul 2023 1:30 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

With McLaren talking up their revised sidepods, Toto Wolff concedes Mercedes may have to re-evaluate their approach to the Red Bull-esque look after McLaren’s podium result.

Beaten by the McLarens in qualifying with Lando Norris P2 to Oscar Piastri’s third, Hamilton said: “I’m not surprised. I mean, if you look at the car, it makes sense.” He added: “If you just put it alongside a Red Bull, it looks very very similar down the side, so it’s working.”

Wolff himself conceded the new-look MCL60 “looks like a Red Bull” but added that the only thing at the end of the day that matters is the “stopwatch”. Mercedes did look at the concept in the past, they found it cost them downforce, but that doesn’t mean they won’t examine it again.

‘Fundamental sidepod issue’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-wolff-quizzed-mercedes-fundamental-sidepod-issue/

[Fortitude]

Ricciardo makes full F1 RETURN replacing De Vries at AlphaTauri.
Daniel Ricciardo will reportedly replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri from the Hungarian Grand Prix onwards.
Tuesday 11 July 2023 15:15
Joe Ellis
GPFans

According to multiple sources, after initially being reported by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, the 34-year-old will take to the wheel at the Hungaroring with De Vries, who has not scored a point in 2023, being axed from the team.

Ricciardo took to the track in the RB19 in a Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone on Tuesday but is noew set to make a full return to racing alongside Yuki Tsunoda in the Red Bull junior team.

The Australian has been given a lifeline in F1 after he was dropped by McLaren at the end of 2022 in favour of rookie countryman Oscar Piastri following two disappointing seasons.

‘F1 RETURN’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111383/daniel-ricciardo-nyck-de-vries-f1-alphatauri-red-bull/


Daniel Ricciardo's first words as F1 star officially replaces axed De Vries at AlphaTauri
Daniel Ricciardo is returning to the F1 grid after Nyck de Vries was sacked by AlphaTauri.
15:50, Tue, Jul 11, 2023
By Jack McEachen
Daily and Sunday Express

Channel 4 have claimed that Ricciardo's best lap during the test would have been good enough for the front row of the British GP, while the departing De Vries finished 17th, further highlighting Ricciardo's capabilities to compete at the top of the grid.

The 34-year-old has joined AlphaTauri on loan from Red Bull for the remainder of the season, and he was clearly delighted to be returning to the grid as he said in the team statement: "I am thrilled to be back on track with the Red Bull family!”.

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost explained the decision. “I'm really happy to welcome Daniel back to the team," he said. "There are no doubts about his driving skills and he already knows many of us, so integrating into the team will be simple and immediate for him.”

‘Thrilled to be back’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1789892/Daniel-Ricciardo-F1-news-AlphaTauri-Red-Bull-Nyck-de-Vries


AlphaTauri CONFIRMS Ricciardo as De Vries' replacement
Tuesday 11 July 2023 17:03
Joe Ellis
GPFans

AlphaTauri has officially confirmed the F1 return of Daniel Ricciardo for the rest of the 2023 season. Reports emerged on Tuesday that the Australian would make his return to the sport as he drove in the Pirelli tyre test for Red Bull at Silverstone.

De Vries, who has not scored a point in 2023 after achieving the feat on his debut for Williams in 2022, will therefore be axed from the team ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Ricciardo, 34, will partner Yuki Tsunoda from the Hungaroring onwards at Red Bull's sister team, which currently sits bottom of the constructors' standings with just two points.

‘AlphaTauri CONFIRMS Ricciardo’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111394/alphatauri-daniel-ricciardo-f1-nyck-de-vries-red-bull-confirmed/


F1 bombshell as Daniel Ricciardo BACK on the grid immediately as rival axed after 10 races
July 12th, 2023 1:27 am
Max Laughton
Fox Sports (Australia)

Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo is officially back on the Formula 1 grid, given a second chance in the Red Bull family after being sent on loan to AlphaTauri. Ricciardo will replace Nyck de Vries, who has been axed after just 10 races, with immediate effect. His first race back will be in Hungary on July 23.
It means Australia has two active F1 drivers for the first time since the early 2010s, when Ricciardo was breaking into the sport and Mark Webber was finishing his career. Ricciardo drove this year’s Red Bull just this week, taking part in a tyre test at Silverstone following the British Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen.

F1.com’s Lawrence Barretto reported Ricciardo was so impressive in the test that his best time would’ve put him on the front row of the grid if he had entered. “I’m very pleased to welcome Daniel back into the team,” Franz Tost, Scuderia AlphaTauri Team Principal said. “I would like to thank Nyck for his valuable contribution during his time with Scuderia AlphaTauri and I wish him all the best for the future.”

‘F1 bombshell’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2023-daniel-ricciardo-back-in-formula-1-replaces-nyck-de-vries-at-alphatauri-for-rest-of-season-red-bull-return-latest-news/news-story/24652a1b1bbf59b6cad095dd4d5e0f64


Ricciardo will be in the worst car to exorcise McLaren ghosts
11th July 2023, 16:36
By Edd Straw
The Race

Daniel Ricciardo’s willingness to jump into an AlphaTauri mid-season in place of Nyck de Vries speaks volumes for the revitalising effect of the past seven months. He nonetheless faces a big challenge, but contrary to what you might expect that’s not because the car is uncompetitive.

Obviously, drivers are always happier when in a quick car but if his priority is to prove the ‘old’ swashbuckling, race-winning Ricciardo is in there, it will do the job. A driver’s level of operation can be measured within the context of the machinery and sticking a Formula 1 car into Q2 that should be 18th is as good as taking a pole position from that perspective.

Ricciardo will go into this with his eyes open and not expect miracles, but he will be setting high standards for himself. If and when he ever got into an F1 car again, the priority was always going to be to banish the ghosts of McLaren and prove to himself and the outside world that he’s still got it.

‘Exorcise McLaren ghosts’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/ricciardo-will-be-in-the-worst-car-to-exorcise-mclaren-ghosts/


Red Bull heap pressure on Sergio Perez with manner of Daniel Ricciardo's F1 return
AlphaTauri have re-signed Daniel Ricciardo for the rest of this season in a loan arrangement with sister team Red Bull, replacing Nyck de Vries who failed to score a point
17:30, 11 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Daniel Ricciardo has replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri for the rest of this season. Make no mistake, though – this development has far bigger implications than your average driver move to the team sitting rock-bottom in the constructors' championship.

Red Bull chief Christian Horner said at Silverstone at the weekend that he is not planning for a potential Ricciardo return to his team in the future. Regardless, though, that will undoubtedly be the Aussie's aim.

It will, of course, be the seat currently held by Sergio Perez upon which Ricciardo has set his sights. The Mexican won two of the first four races this season but has since gone off the boil, failed to qualify in the top 10 for a race in two months and slipped to 99 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen.

‘Far bigger implications’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/red-bull-ricciardo-perez-alphatauri-30443360


Perez’s Red Bull seat is the clear target of Ricciardo’s return
Jul 11 2023
By Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Daniel Ricciardo getting back on the Formula 1 grid with AlphaTauri is only happening because he thinks it is a way into Red Bull Racing again. And any conversation about Red Bull’s driver line-up across its two teams and Ricciardo’s prospects must inevitably involve Sergio Perez.

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner has said emphatically it would be wrong to suggest Perez could be replaced. He is under contract for next season after all. In fact, in Austria, Horner made it emphatically clear that any talk otherwise is “wide of the mark”.

Then in Britain last weekend he said: “He’s the type of guy that just needs an arm around his shoulder and you work with him. And that’s what we’re doing. We’re supporting him. We know he can do it. We’ll know he’ll get back there and we’re just trying to make sure it happens as quickly as possible.”

‘We’re supporting him’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/perezs-red-bull-seat-is-the-clear-target-of-ricciardos-return/

[Fortitude]

BREAKING: Nyck de Vries’ sister posted cryptic message before Daniel Ricciardo announcement.
De Vries hasn’t issued a statement yet on his firing but his sister took to Instagram shortly before it was announced to state he will always have her support.
16:18 Tue, 11 Jul 2023.
by James Clifford
Formula1News

Daniel Ricciardo will replace Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri from the 2023 Hungarian GP onwards, it has been announced. “I am stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family!” Ricciardo said, following an impressive performance during a test at Silverstone.

‘Will always have her support’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/breaking-nyck-de-vries-sister-posted-cryptic-message-before-daniel-ricciardo-announcement/


Sky F1 commentator criticises premature Red Bull decision to sack Nyck de Vries
11 Jul 2023 5:45 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Sky F1 commentator David Croft believes Nyck de Vries was not afforded enough time “to show what he can do” before Red Bull decided to wield the axe and bring in Daniel Ricciardo. Croft though believes that ditching De Vries after only 10 races with the AlphaTauri team is particularly harsh.

“Daniel Ricciardo on loan to Scuderia AlphaTauri for remainder of 2023 season,” Croft tweeted. “1st race will be Hungary next week. “Can’t help think that however nice it will be to have Daniel back on the grid, Nyck wasn’t given enough time to show what he can do – 10 races!”

His compatriot Van Der Garde, who previously raced in Formula 1 with Caterham, stressed that De Vries is “quick as hell” and still has plenty of success waiting ahead in his career. “Never expected it to be over so quickly for Nyck,” Van Der Garde wrote. “If you look back at it, the amount of time he was given to get used to the car and the progress he made (slowly but surely) it’s – in my opinion – been too soon. As for Nyck, this hurts like a m*#%{f^]er.”

“10 races!”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/david-croft-nyck-de-vries-red-bull-sacking/


Marko must take responsibility over de Vries failure
11 July 5:45PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

In the end, it was all rather predictable. The square peg in the round hole was always going to be a difficult fit as Nyck de Vries's brief full-time Formula 1 career was ended, for now, by the man who gifted him the chance he'd been waiting years for.

Circumstances were against him from the start for a variety of reasons, but the undeniable truth is this: it was wrong for Helmut Marko to give de Vries the drive in the first place, and wrong to now get rid of him before a full season is complete.

De Vries is a victim of the success of Red Bull drivers past and present. Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo - the man who now takes his AlphaTauri seat for the remainder of the 2023 season "on loan" from Red Bull - have set the threshold ridiculously high. It is against these three drivers that anyone in the Red Bull pool is now measured and if it is abundantly clear you won't make the mark, then you are out and the next cab off the rank given a go.

‘All rather predictable’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-must-take-responsibility-over-de-vries-failure


Our verdict as cut-throat Red Bull ousts De Vries for Ricciardo
18:07 Tue, 11 Jul 2023.
The Race

Was De Vries given long enough? What does this say about Ricciardo’s motivation? Is Red Bull’s call to install him just as big a gamble as the one it took going for De Vries? And was it right to forego the best-placed junior in its ranks? Here are our writers’ thoughts:

Good on Ricciardo for the U-turn, Scott Mitchell-Malm: It’s a strange move for both parties in the sense that this was possible late last year but it wasn’t workable then, yet it is now. But circumstances have changed.
De Vries’ season doesn’t warrant this, Edd Straw: De Vries’ ousting is a curious one because while he’s not been impressive enough to make it impossible to axe him, he’s hardly been the catastrophe that a driver would normally need to be to justify being axed after 10 races.

OK it’s brutal, but why wait?, Matt Beer: I understand the viewpoint that De Vries deserved a full season and that this is needlessly brutal. But I don’t see what the Red Bull organisation had to gain by keeping him around for the rest of the year once it was obvious he was not a long-term solution for any of its problems.
No guarantee this works out better, Ben Anderson: These F1 cars are very different to the ones Ricciardo made his name in. Doing well on the sim is just not the same.

‘Cut-throat Red Bull’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/our-verdict-as-cut-throat-red-bull-ousts-de-vries-for-ricciardo/


Analysis: Why 10 races was enough for AlphaTauri to show de Vries the door
2023 F1 season
Posted on 11th July 2023, 18:11
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Nyck de Vries has been dropped by AlphaTauri before he’d even made it to the halfway point in his first Formula 1 season. He has been shown the door after just 10 races and will be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at next week’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

AlphaTauri hired de Vries after he made a ‘super-sub’ performance for Williams at last year’s Italian Grand Prix, racing Alexander Albon’s car to eighth place. However there were few flashes of the same form over the 10 grands prix and two sprint races he started for his new team.

‘Race by race Review’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/11/analysis-why-10-races-was-enough-for-alphatauri-to-show-de-vries-the-door/


How Nyck de Vries lost his F1 seat to Daniel Ricciardo
Jul. 11, 2023
By Madeline Coleman
The Athletic

After de Vries went point-less and made frequent mistakes through the first 10 races of the season, AlphaTauri swapped the rookie out for Daniel Ricciardo on Tuesday, effective immediately. Ricciardo had been spending this season as Red Bull’s third driver, and now he’ll be “on loan” from Red Bull (AlphaTauri’s sister team), joining the grid at the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend.

The move comes after months of speculation about de Vries’ future in F1 as he vastly underperformed this year, peaking with a P12 finish (in Monaco) and making it out of Q1 just three times. All F1 rookies face a steep learning curve. As the calendar stands, there are numerous tracks they’re unfamiliar with, like Melbourne or Miami.

‘Race by race Review’;

https://theathletic.com/4682963/2023/07/11/nyck-de-vries-daniel-ricciardo-alpha-tauri-f1/


Ted Kravitz makes worrying Daniel Ricciardo point ahead of F1 grid return with AlphaTauri
Ricciardo has been called up by Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri to race for them for the rest of the season, after parting ways with Nyck de Vries following the first 10 races of 2023
21:11, 11 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

After several months on the simulator, Red Bull chief Christian Horner declared Ricciardo had his "mojo" back. And that was put to the test on Tuesday as he took the RB19 for a spin around Silverstone in a Pirelli tyre test. Red Bull were impressed with the results and wasted little time before announcing his AlphaTauri move. However, Sky Sports pit lane reporter Kravitz has pointed out the potential flaw in the team's logic. "It's all well and good basing it on the Red Bull RB19, which is the class of the field, but he's not driving that car. He's driving probably one of the slowest cars on the grid, if not the slowest, which is the AlphaTauri," he said on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.

"The AlphaTauri had some upgrades at Silverstone and they finished further down than they normally do with a non-upgraded car. This is not a great AlphaTauri, it's fair to say. Not to say that they shouldn't have replaced Nyck de Vries – clearly it wasn't working – but the surprise is why Daniel Ricciardo would want to go in to that car that is worse than the McLaren he left last year, probably. That quote from Ricciardo I thought was odd. He said 'I'm stoked to be back on track with the Red Bull family'.”

“He can't even bring himself to say AlphaTauri! He doesn't want to say I'm delighted to drive the AlphaTauri because it's not a quick car. Maybe there's some longer-term gain in it for Ricciardo, because there might well be some short-term pain if he can't do any better than De Vries." Kravitz could be correct about the potential for Ricciardo to shine in the long run, given his desire to get back to racing for the top Red Bull team again at some point in the future.

“Can't even bring himself to say AlphaTauri”;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/ricciardo-alphatauri-redbull-perez-kravitz-30444643

[Fortitude]

Why McLaren is suddenly best of rest in F1 - and its chances of staying there.
Even McLaren seemed surprised at the “rocketship” pace that delivered a podium finish for Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix, and what would likely have been a third place for Oscar Piastri without an unfortunately-timed safety car.
July 11th 2023
Author Ekagra Gupta
Motor Sport Magazine

We’ve examined McLaren’s performance from the past two races to identify how it leapt to the front of the Red Bull-chasing pack, and its chances of staying in that position. Using data from practice and the race, we can see how the upgrade affected the car’s performance, but also the other factors at play in the stellar drives from Norris and Piastri at the team’s home race.

McLaren brought a major upgrade to the Austrian Grand Prix, fitting Norris’s car with a new floor and modified sidepods, a reshaped engine cover and altered fairings for the halo and mirrors. Crucially, it only had enough parts for a single car, so Piastri stuck with the old spec, making the race a handy comparison between both versions.

A week later, the factory autoclaves had produced another set of updated bodywork for Piastri’s car, but Norris’s was upgraded further with a new front wing and revised brake ducts. Lo and behold, McLaren took the second and third spots on the grid

‘DETAILED ANALYSIS’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/why-mclaren-is-suddenly-best-of-rest-in-f1-and-its-chances-of-staying-there/?nowprocket=1#


The 11 changes that have helped turn the McLaren into an F1 rocketship
11:18 Tue, 11 Jul 2023.
By: Matt Somerfield
Co-author: Giorgio Piola
Motorsport.com

McLaren’s latest upgrade has transformed its car's pace in Formula 1, as it has emerged as one of the best in high-speed corners. In fact, such was the advantage of the MCL-60 through some of Silverstone's fastest turns last weekend that Lewis Hamilton labelled it a 'rocketship' as he was left powerless to challenge it.

1. Changes have been made to the shape and position of the floor fences…
2. McLaren had already flirted with a sidepod inlet design… …latest update…
3. The upper surface of the floor already had a heavily contoured blister…
4. The changes made to the forward portion of the sidepod and the inlet…
5. The aerodynamic fairing that surrounds the halo now features a vertical blade…
6. The overall change in the shape of the sidepods…

7. McLaren is the latest team to adopt a deeper water slide-style gulley on the sidepod’s upper surface…
8. The upper cooling gill panel has been moved from the traversal position…
9. The shape of the engine cover ‘shelf’ has been optimized…
10. One of the big visual changes to the MCL60’s floor is on the floor edge…
11. The footprint of the engine cover and rear cooling outlet has been reduced…

'Rocketship 11';

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-11-changes-that-have-helped-turn-the-mclaren-into-an-f1-rocketship/10494587/


British Grand Prix team ratings: Perfect McLaren and sub-par Ferrari
12 Jul 2023 9:00 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

The PlanetF1.com team ratings for the British Grand Prix are in, with McLaren enjoying another excellent race.

McLaren 10: If you would have offered Lando Norris a P2 at his home grand prix at the start of the season, he would have bit your hand off.
Red Bull 9: Another example of the ruthless efficiency of Red Bull as they picked up their record-equalling 11th consecutive win.

Williams 9: A fantastic day for a Williams car that just loves straight lines. While Lando Norris deservedly took plenty of the plaudits for his performance, Alex Albon’s was just as impressive.
Mercedes 8.5: They got a little lucky with the timing of the Safety Car especially as Oscar Piastri had just come into the pits but a P3 and P5 is nothing to turn your nose up at.

Aston Martin 6: In the post-race press conference, team principal Mike Krack snapped back that he is not concerned with other teams’ performance but McLaren’s rise would no doubt have been on his radar.
Ferrari 6: While McLaren are on the up, Ferrari took a step backwards in Silverstone, registering just three points between their two drivers.

‘Alpine 5, Haas 5, AlphaTauri 5, Alfa Romeo 4’;

https://www.planetf1.com/features/british-grand-prix-team-ratings-mclaren-ferrari/


McLaren says even more gains to come from latest F1 upgrade package
12th July 2023, 13:03
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Speaking about the plans, team principal Andrea Stella said “For Hungary, we have some further updates that will help more from the point of view of trying to improve the race pace. These will be available to both drivers.

“But like any other team, we will carry on delivering some upgrades to the following races. And this is also thanks to the fact that, once we started redesigning the car, we kind of unlocked performance. And, through iterations, we keep seeing the aerodynamic development being quite effective. “

“As soon as you see that a project is mature enough to deliver, you press the go button and you go, so there will be some more stuff coming even after Hungary.”

‘More gains to come’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-says-even-more-gains-to-come-from-latest-f1-upgrade-package/10494943/


Jolyon Palmer's Analysis: Why did McLaren choose the hard tyre? | Workday
11 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer looks at McLaren's pit stop strategy at the 2023 British Grand Prix and explains why the Woking team chose the hard tyre instead of the soft.

‘The hard tyre?’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.jolyon-palmers-analysis-why-did-mclaren-choose-the-hard-tyre-workday.1771147255504289718.html


Ralf Schumacher’s warning to McLaren after Silverstone surge
11 Jul 2023 9:00 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Having finally made inroads with their upgrades for the MCL60, Ralf Schumacher has warned McLaren cannot let up now to focus on their 2024 contender.

“At McLaren it will also be interesting to see how much resources they are still putting into this year’s car after the major upgrade and how much they are already betting on next year to perhaps be able to close the gap to Red Bull there,” Schumacher wrote in his post-race Sky Deutschland column.

“One thing is clear: the plans for 2024 are in full swing for all teams, but McLaren cannot yet put all their chips on the next car. They are still in the development process and for the first time they have a car that really works. In this phase, however, you have to wait a little and develop further to be sure that you are really on the right track.”

‘Cannot yet put all their chips on the next car’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ralf-schumacher-warning-mclaren-silverstone-surge/


F1 tech podcast: Gary Anderson on McLaren’s rapid resurgence
Jul 12 2023
Gary Anderson
The Race

Edd Straw and former Formula 1 team technical director Gary Anderson have a lot to get into on The Race F1 Tech Show following the British Grand Prix.

After McLaren’s upgrades and its leap from midfielder to race leader, they discuss exactly what’s changed on the car, how the team’s managed to make such big strides forward so quickly, and what it all says about McLaren’s long-term prospects.

‘McLaren’s rapid resurgence’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-tech-podcast-gary-anderson-on-mclarens-rapid-resurgence/

[Fortitude]

Six in a row for Verstappen as he beats Norris and Hamilton to win at Silverstone.
“I’m very happy that we’ve won here again,” he said, having triumphed at Silverstone in 2020 in the 70th Anniversary GP behind closed doors. “Eleven wins in a row for the team is pretty incredible, the whole team can be proud of that.”
Published 10th Jul 2023, 09:42 BST
By Toby Lock
Milton Keynes Citizen

World champion Max Verstappen opened his already ominous lead over team-mate Sergio Perez to 99 points with his sixth win in a row on Sunday, winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Taking place just 21 miles from their Bradbourne Drive factory, it was a home race for the Red Bull Racing team, but despite seeing Verstappen claim pole position in Northamptonshire, it McLaren’s Lando Norris who stole the show, sweeping past the Dutchman off the start line and leading the opening laps, much to the jubilation of the British fans.

Verstappen though would not be held back, making light work of the updated McLaren on lap 4 to retake the lead - one which he would not relinquish. Despite a safety car shuffling the pack on lap 33, Verstappen maintained his lead ahead of Norris and fellow home crowd favourite Lewis Hamilton to claim his sixth win in a row, and the 11th straight for the team from Tilbrook.

‘Six in a row’;

https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/other-sport/six-in-a-row-for-verstappen-as-he-beats-norris-and-hamilton-to-win-at-silverstone-4212751


Red Bull boss reveals ‘INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT’ at British GP
Monday 10 July 2023 13:57
Shay Rogers
GPFans

11 in heaven for Horner: The British Grand Prix marked an 11th consecutive win for Red Bull, as they matched McLaren’s record from 1988. It’s no secret that Red Bull have been dominant, and it’s astounding to realise that the streak would be 21 wins in a row, if they hadn’t experienced a poor weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix last season.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz after the race, team boss Christian Horner applauded his team for the job they have done to make themselves so formidable. “It’s an incredible achievement. To win here, just up the road from the factory is really very special,” he said.

‘INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111296/red-bull-christian-horner-british-grand-prix-achievement/


Verstappen: Red Bull to counter growing competition from rivals.
July 10, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

“The stable factor so far is that every single weekend, it seems like we are on top, which of course is the most important from our side,” world champion Max Verstappen, winner of an incredible six grands prix on the trot, said after picking up yet another victory at the British GP.

For Red Bull, despite Verstappen’s victory there are some reasons for concern at the otherwise dominant team. “The tyres overheated at the end,” admitted Dr Helmut Marko. “It wasn’t as bad as what we saw with Hamilton, but another five laps and Norris would have caught us.”

For Red Bull, meanwhile, the fact that multiple rivals are now apparently closing the gap means in-season 2023 development has definitely not stopped. Despite his almost 100-point lead over his own teammate Sergio Perez, Verstappen said before departing Silverstone: “Hungary is a completely different track. We will put some upgrades on the car there and hopefully they work well.”

‘Counter growing competition’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/verstappen-red-bull-to-counter-growing-competition-from-rivals/


Brundle insists Max Verstappen ‘DESTROYS’ field like only ONE F1 great could
Tuesday 11 July 2023 09:54
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Max Verstappen is currently enjoying one of the most dominant spells in F1 history and is yet to finish outside the top two in a race this year, helping him to an 81-point lead in the drivers’ championship. Speaking about Verstappen’s approach to F1 weekends, Brundle compared his ability to psychologically get in the head of opponents with a blistering lap to set pace, was similar to that of the supreme Michael Schumacher at his peak.

The Sky Sports F1 pundit said: “Michael Schumacher was like that as well. The confidence you need, the trust in the car and yourself to go out at Silverstone of all places and just put a marker down that pretty much just destroys everybody else's head immediately. The talent and confidence you need to do that through a corner like Copse or Stowe without throwing it in the wall occasionally, which would look really silly on the first lap or two of a weekend, is quite extraordinary,” Brundle added.

‘Psychologically get in the head of opponents’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111041/martin-brundle-max-verstappen-michael-schumacher-f1-great/


Marko blames VERSTAPPEN for critical British GP error
Monday 10 July 2023 19:27
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Although the weekend resulted in a maximum points haul, there was one part of Verstappen’s performance on track that failed to impress his senior Helmut Marko. Lando Norris had the better reaction time of the two drivers, albeit by only 0.03 seconds, but that wasn’t the thing that cost Verstappen the lead into turn one.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Helmut Marko confessed that all the systems were in check, as the Dutchman made a critical error off the line. “He let go of the clutch too intensively," His onboard cameras showed the heavy amounts of wheelspin he had to contend with, as Norris swept by and into the lead through turn one.

With two weeks to go until the Hungarian Grand Prix, you can bet that Verstappen will be working hard in the Red Bull simulator to perfect his starts again headed into the rest of the season.

‘Let go of the clutch too intensively’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111318/max-verstappen-helmut-marko-red-bull-british-grand-prix-bad-start/


Verstappen confused by changing F1 order
Monday 10th July, 2023 - 8:59pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Max Verstappen has conceded to feeling confused by the changing order behind his current domination of F1. Verstappen is currently on a run of six consecutive victories, over which time there have been five different runners-up.

Assessing what is going on behind him in races at present, Verstappen said: “It’s very confusing to me because every single race weekend, it’s someone else. I think it’s because it’s so close behind that if you get your car in a little bit of a better window, it works on one particular track.”

“So for me, I don’t know what’s going to happen (at the next race) in Hungary, to be honest, who is going to be quick or the second quickest. The stable factor so far is that every single weekend, it seems like we are on top, which, of course, is the most important from our side.”

‘Confused by changing F1 order’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/10/max-verstappen-red-bull-confused-f1-pecking-order/


Marko WORRIED about Verstappen future after Red Bull threat
Wednesday 12 July 2023 08:59
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Helmut Marko is praying that Max Verstappen stays with Red Bull until the end of his current contract. The reigning world champion and runaway championship leader is signed on with the Milton Keynes team until the end of the 2028 season as things stand.

But Verstappen has never been shy to admit that he would happily leave F1 if he no longer enjoyed himself or found it worthwhile to stay. Marko admitted that he would not be surprised if, one day, Verstappen came to him and left of his own accord.

"Max doesn't say something like that just casually," Marko said to oe24. "I hope he fulfils his contract, which runs until 2028, until the end. Who knows, maybe one day he'll come and say, 'Thank you, that's it'."

‘Praying that Max Verstappen stays with Red Bull’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111398/max-verstappen-f1-contract-helmut-marko-red-bull-concern/

[Fortitude]

‘Ferrari being beaten by Williams at Silverstone borderline unacceptable’.
Beaten by a Williams at the British Grand Prix, Bernie Collins says that is “borderline unacceptable” but offered mitigating circumstances for the latest Ferrari failure.
13 Jul 2023 9:45 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

“For a Ferrari to be beaten by a Williams at Silverstone, is borderline unacceptable from a team performance side,” the former Aston Martin strategy chief told the Sky Sports podcast.

“They stuck, they were one of the few teams along with McLaren who stuck to the medium-hard strategy, despite evidence showing throughout the race that probably the medium-soft strategy in terms of lower degradation was better.

“And I tried to find reasons from my strategy head as to why, why did they stick so strongly to that strategy. And there was a few contributing factors for me.

‘Borderline unacceptable’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrari-borderline-unacceptable-british-gp/


Alex Albon takes eighth after tight battle in Silverstone: “I wouldn’t have wanted that race to last one more lap”
July 13, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

Williams Racing’s Alex Albon converted his stunning qualifying result of eighth place into a season-best race finish at the British Grand Prix, holding onto eighth against strong competition from Scuderia Ferrari behind. “It was a great weekend. When you think about the speed of the car, P8 this week is the worst position from all of our sessions this weekend. We expected the race to be a bit more difficult with Fernando [Alonso] and Checo [Perez] behind us.”

In recounting the events of the Grand Prix, Albon said that he was comfortable and pleased with the car in general, though the lack of grip on the start was difficult. Good fortune came around for him when the safety car was brought out at the “perfect” moment in the race to allow him to leap-frog Carlos Sainz.

“I struggled a little at the start as I didn’t have much grip. Once I was in the rhythm of the race, we were ok, we actually felt quite good with the car. The Safety Car came out at a perfect time. The Ferraris were on the hard compounds and I was able to get past Carlos [Sainz].” By the end of the race, It was a close battle to seal out the final podium positions– after holding out against the Ferraris until the checkered flag, Albon said that he would’ve been in a precarious position had there been more laps to go.

‘Tight battle’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/07/alex-albon-takes-eighth-after-tight-battle-in-silverstone-i-wouldnt-have-wanted-that-race-to-last-one-more-lap/


Albon lauds ‘strongest weekend so far’ as more points see Williams leapfrog Alfa Romeo and Haas in standings
11 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Alex Albon described the British Grand Prix weekend as “huge” for Williams after another solid points finish helped the team rise from ninth to seventh in the constructors’ standings. Having been inside the top three in all practice sessions, Albon made it through to Q3 and started eighth, a position he converted on race day via some late scrapping with Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – beating both of them to the line.

“It’s been a great weekend,” said Albon. “P8… It’s funny that it’s actually our worst position of the weekend, which is crazy to say. It just shows you that points were on the cards.

In some ways, when you know the car’s possible for points, it puts a little bit more emphasis on… I don’t want to say pressure, but expectation to score points. To be able to get P8 for the team, now we’re joint seventh in the constructors’, it’s huge for us.”

‘Strongest weekend so far’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.albon-lauds-strongest-weekend-so-far-as-more-points-see-williams-leapfrog.6A4xwbqXwCEwdBCz3WAy4o.html


A glimpse of Williams' F1 recovery, at its spiritual Silverstone home
July 12th 2023
Motor Sport Magazine.

Silverstone marked the arrival of Williams as an F1 grand prix winner, writes Mark Hughes. It witnessed dominant victories in the constructor's glory days and, last weekend, it saw a (temporarily) resurgent team celebrating its imminent 800th GP.

The team has made progress year-on-year, but is realistically still vying – with AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo – not to be the slowest on conventional tracks. But the run of Montreal–Austria–Silverstone, three consecutive drag-prioritising circuits, has allowed Albon to make a real impression. At Silverstone, he was still trying to pass Alonso’s Aston for seventh as they took the flag, having overtaken Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari on-track.

This was supposed to be Williams’ 800th grand prix (since its relaunched 1977 incarnation) but the cancellation of Imola has delayed that milestone until Hungary next week. There had been a Williams team before Frank Williams and Patrick Head began their new venture together with a customer March at the ’77 Spanish Grand Prix.

‘Glimpse of Williams' F1 recovery’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/a-glimpse-of-williams-f1-recovery-at-its-spiritual-silverstone-home/?nowprocket=1#


Albon ‘super happy’ after another points scoring performance for Williams
09 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Alex Albon said the British Grand Prix was Williams' “strongest weekend” of the season so far after he finished P8 to pick up four valuable points for the team.

‘Super happy’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.albon-super-happy-after-another-points-scoring-performance-for-williams.1770961543485023208.html


Williams: P7 in championship 'a fair reflection' of performance
13/07/2023 at 09:19
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

James Vowles says Williams' joint seventh place in F1's Constructors' standings is "a fair reflection" of the team's current performance level. Williams is enjoying its best campaign in F1 since 2017, its last competitive season among the elite.
"P7 isn’t one lucky result, it’s the accumulation of this update working, and strong results in Montreal and here [in Britain]," the Williams boss said in his post-British Grand Prix debrief.

"We've had luck fall our way, but we’ve also had results that really we had on paper with car performance, but hadn’t achieved everything, for example in Australia.”

‘P7 in championship’;

https://f1i.com/news/480727-williams-p7-in-championship-a-fair-reflection-of-performance.html

[Fortitude]

Alfa Romeo thank Cara Delevingne for "learning the ropes" after Martin Brundle debate.
"Wow, you could nap in here," she joked after sitting in the machine that Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou drive.
10 Jul 2023
F1 Desk
Crash.Net

Alfa Romeo thanked Cara Delevingne - their guest at the F1 British Grand Prix - for "learning the ropes" after her day with the team. The actress and model later became involved in a controversy with Sky F1 presenter Martin Brundle during his trademark grid walk, when she did not want to be interviewed.

But Delevingne is shown in Alfa Romeo's footage in the paddock and in the team's garage, being taught about their F1 car. She also dons a helmet before being driven around Silverstone in the Safety Car. "Great," she beamed after the once-in-a-lifetime experience before later being introduced to Zhou.

‘Alfa Romeo thank Cara Delevingne’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031184/1/alfa-romeo-thank-cara-delevingne-learning-ropes-after-brundle-debate


F1 team leaps to defence of Cara Delevingne after blanking Martin Brundle
10 Jul 2023 5:38 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Alfa Romeo declared “respect goes both ways” in response to the awkward moment between model Cara Delevingne and Martin Brundle on the British GP grid. It was during Brundle’s regular ‘grid walk’ segment for Sky F1 pre-race that he tried to grab a word with Delevingne, an endeavour that did not go very well.

As Brundle attempted to speak to Delevingne, he was warned off by a member of the Alfa Romeo team, Brundle responding: “She doesn’t want to talk, but everybody needs to talk on the grid. That’s the deal now, everybody talks on the grid.”

Delevingne would confirm on social media after the race that she was told by an “F1 representative” not to speak to Brundle, having been seen glancing towards the Alfa Romeo team member when Brundle approached, and that is indeed the advice which she stuck to. “Respect goes both ways: nobody should be placed in an uncomfortable situation or forced to do things against their will,” the team stated.

“Respect goes both ways”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alfa-romeo-defend-cara-delevingne-martin-brundle/


Alfa Romeo: Poor Silverstone result masked improvements
13:31 Thu, 13 Jul 2023.
by Taylor Powling
The Checkered Flag

Alfa Romeo Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi believes the side’s poor result at the British Grand Prix masked the performance improvements it has made. After Zhou Guanyu expressed concern over the squad being out-developed by its rivals, Alfa Romeo introduced updates intended to improve its car in high-speed corners.

Alunni Brav is convinced the Italian marque’s qualifying struggles at Silverstone meant the race classification didn’t reflect the step forward it made with its C43 package. “Today, we must pay tribute to our team and drivers for the job done, in a race that wasn’t set to be easy for us: overall, we have recovered ten positions, eight with Valtteri and two with Zhou, as proof that if we carry out a perfect race, we can get into the fight for points,” he said.

“Yesterday was not our day, and of course, starting from the back is never easy, but today we showed an improvement in the race pace compared to previous events, which gives us confidence for the next two races before the summer break.”

‘Recovered ten positions’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/13/alfa-romeo-poor-silverstone-result-masked-improvements/


Bottas: Alfa not meeting its targets – must 'work harder'
13/07/2023 at 16:42
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Valtteri Bottas believes his Alfa Romeo team needs to burn some midnight oil to bring updates to its car sooner rather than later to boost its disappointing performance. "We made a step but also other teams have made steps, that's the name of the game. So we need to find a bit more,” commented Bottas.

"We don't have anything coming in the next two events until after the summer break. The guys and girls really need to work hard in the factory to bring some new bits. We're approaching halfway through the season and we've not been able to really move up the order," said the 33-year-old. At some point, we need to decide when to focus for next year and I'm sure those discussions are gonna be made soon.”

"We were expecting it [the car] to be better than last year, but just didn't find enough during the winter and the beginning of the season so far. We're not meeting targets we set ourselves, now we just need to work hard."

‘Alfa not meeting its targets’;

https://f1i.com/news/480759-bottas-alfa-not-meeting-its-targets-must-work-harder.html


Bottas admits Alfa Romeo ‘were expecting to be better than this’ in 2023
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 13th July 2023, 13:131
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas says the team are “not meeting targets” they set for the year after failing to score again at Silverstone. He said it had been a “good race” but admitted “that’s where the pace was” at the moment. He doubted points would have been possible even from a higher starting position. Definitely we made a step, but also other teams made steps,” said Bottas. “It’s the name of the game. So need to find a bit more.”

Alfa Romeo’s head of trackside engineering Xevi Pujolar believes the team can move up the standings, as they are only two points away from seventh place. “Our direct competitors brought upgrades, and comparing with AlphaTauri, Haas, we can be fighting with them, we are faster than them,” he said. “I think the only difficulty is with Williams at the moment. That they were performing very strong, they were fighting with Ferrari and even Aston Martin. They seem to be quite strong the last couple of races, we have to see if that continues like this.”

“But for us, we can see that all the gaps are quite small and from race to race there can be a bit of a fluctuation. So on our side we will just keep pushing and optimising our package and on the driving and everything race to race and it’s only two points to them. So we’re confident still from now until [summer] shutdown, it’s possible to overtake Haas and Williams. That’s our aim.”

“Not meeting targets”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/13/bottas-admits-alfa-romeo-were-expecting-to-be-better-than-this-in-2023/


Alfa Romeo ‘Showed an Improvement in the Race Pace’ after Recent Upgrades – Alunni Bravi
July 13, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Despite missing out on points at Silverstone, Alessandro Alunni Bravi says the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake can take confidence from their performance, particularly on Sunday when both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu gained positions from their starting spots.

Alunni Bravi says Bottas raced flawlessly throughout the race to move up the grid, particularly when running the hard compound tyre in the first stint, but he bemoaned an additional stop for Zhou for clearing a tear-off from his brake duct.

But he is pleased that the team had made a step forward in performance thanks to the upgrades, and he hopes they can further improve in the upcoming races so they can fight for points. “What we have learned from this weekend is that each and everyone of us needs to execute every race to the very best and that there is no room for mistakes. Moving forward, this will be our focus, in order to consistently remain in the fight for points.”

‘Bottas raced flawlessly’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/07/alfa-romeo-showed-an-improvement-in-the-race-pace-after-recent-upgrades-alunni-bravi/

[Fortitude]

“Alarm bells are ringing” for Haas after spate of reliability problems.
Haas’ reliability woes took a turn for the worse at the British Grand Prix, where Kevin Magnussen’s weekend was ruined by technical trouble.
2023 British Grand Prix
Posted on 13th July 2023, 7:1512th July 2023, 22:44
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Haas slipped to eighth in the constructors’ championship at Silverstone, level on points with seventh-placed Williams.

It was the latest in a series of setbacks for the team. Magnussen’s team mate Nico Hulkenberg suffered a breakdown during practice for the Canadian Grand Prix three weeks earlier. More trouble struck in Austria. Hulkenberg had qualified eighth for the grand prix but only completed 12 laps before his power unit started smoking and he stopped on-track.

At Silverstone it was Magnussen’s turn to suffer misfortune. His weekend began to go awry when he stopped on-track during Q1 due to a loss of oil pressure, resigning him to 19th on the grid. Following that setback, ahead of Sunday’s race, Haas’ technical director Simone Resta was hopeful the team had put the spare of failures behind it.

“Alarm bells are ringing”;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/13/alarm-bells-are-ringing-for-haas-after-spate-of-reliability-problems/


Hulkenberg: Haas 'alarm bells ringing' after another engine failure
11/07/2023 at 14:48
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Nico Hulkenberg says another engine failure suffered by the Haas in last Sunday's British Grand Prix have set off the "alarm bells" in the US outfit which needs to investigate the issue.

Asked if the failures this season are a cause for concern, Hulkenberg believes they are. "I think so. I mean, I had a couple this year too, it definitely something where the alarm bells are ringing and it seems to happen more just on our team and car," said the German. "So I think definitely we need to take it seriously and we need to investigate and find out why."

"Alarm bells";

https://f1i.com/news/480620-hulkenberg-haas-alarm-bells-ringing-after-another-engine-failure.html


HAAS’ DRIVERS LEFT WITH MIXED OPINIONS AFTER ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING RESULT AT THE BRITISH GP
Haas finished outside of the points once again this season at Silverstone
July 13, 2023
Darius Needham
FormulaNerds

Haas have only scored 11 points after 10 rounds this season. The team has had issues with their car throughout the season so far. Their first major set-back came at the Austrian Grand Prix when Nico Hulkenberg had to retire due problem with his power unit. This meant that the German driver had multiple changes to his engine components ahead of the weekend at Silverstone. However, things would get worse Haas, in particular for his Danish team-mate.

Both drivers failed to impress in all three practice sessions. Then in Qualifying, Magnussen’s car grounded to halt meaning that he would have to be fitted with a used Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) on Sunday. The problems didn’t stop there as Magnussen appeared to suffer with the same issue in the British Grand Prix, which brought out the only Safety car of the race

‘MIXED OPINIONS’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/haas-drivers-left-with-mixed-opinions-after-another-disappointing-result-at-the-british-gp/


Haas’ Guenther Steiner: “We have to regroup and see how we move forward from here”
July 13, 2023
By Paul Hensby
The Checkered Flag

Guenther Steiner says the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will need to regroup after a disappointing British Grand Prix weekend saw them finish thirteenth with one car and retire with the other. Steiner, the Team Principal at Haas, says the team did not have the pace to be a contender for points at Silverstone, and everyone at the team will be working hard to understand why and come back with a stronger performance in Hungary in two weeks time.
“It’s been a very disappointing weekend,” said Steiner. “We just didn’t have the pace and we’ve now had our third engine failure in three races as well – that doesn’t help us. We have to regroup and see how we move forward from here because we need to get out of this hole. Everybody will be working on it obviously, but today was simply not a good day.”

‘Regroup, move forward’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/07/haas-guenther-steiner-we-have-to-regroup-and-see-how-we-move-forward-from-here/


Guenther Steiner reveals when Haas will announce 2024 driver line-up
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner wants to avoid the saga that dogged his team in the 2022 season.
10 July 2023
by Robert Collins
Formula1News

Guenther Steiner hopes that Haas will be able to make a definitive decision on their 2024 team line-up by the upcoming summer break. This follows last year, which saw plenty of uncertainty for Haas’ driver line-up.

Mick Schumacher was fighting to retain his seat throughout the 2022 season before ultimately losing his spot to Nico Hulkenberg. “I hope before the summer break, I think we can make the decision,” Steiner told media sources.

“You know, we need to obviously do it and we will get our drivers confirmed soon as possible. I mean, as I said before, I mean, it’s nothing new for you guys. I’m pretty happy with our driver lineup now.”

‘Soon as possible’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/guenther-steiner-reveals-when-haas-will-announce-2024-driver-line-up/

[Fortitude]

Silverstone sees EARLY retirement from Ocon after MAJOR issue.
Esteban Ocon's British Grand Prix came to an underwhelming end as the Frenchman was forced to retire his Alpine on lap ten of the race.
Sunday 9 July 2023 16:33
Harry Smith
GPFans

Ted Kravitz provided further insight on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast for the race after checking in with the Alpine pit wall following the retirement. Speaking to lead commentator David Croft, Kravitz explained: "I believe they saw something on telemetry that wasn't gonna last the race.

"So they've called him in and retired him, although there is some action down here as they look at that car [to find out] what exactly the issue is." Ocon's retirement means that all of Alpine's hopes for the British Grand Prix lay with Pierre Gasly, who was running P9 at the time of the DNF.

‘Saw something on telemetry’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111217/esteban-ocon-british-grand-prix-retirement-alpine/


‘It was going to catch fire if we didn’t stop’ – Ocon explains his British GP DNF
09 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Esteban Ocon had to retire his Alpine on Lap 9 at Silverstone with a hydraulics leak.

‘Going to catch fire’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.it-was-going-to-catch-fire-if-we-didnt-stop-ocon-explains-his-british-gp-dnf.1770958116712553770.html


‘All our work is ruined’ – Gasly ‘extremely disappointed’ after collision with Stroll ends his race
09 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Pierre Gasly cut a dejected figure after the British Grand Prix and bemoaned both his bad luck with the timing of the Safety Car, and the move from Lance Stroll that ultimately forced him to retire from the race.

‘Work is ruined’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.all-our-work-is-ruined-gasly-extremely-disappointed-after-collision-with-stroll-ends-his-race.1770958774034448208.html


Gasly 'confused' by stewards' lack of action over Stroll move
10/07/2023 at 08:23
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

A very confused Pierre Gasly said that he will be seeking answers from the FIA over the stewards' decision not to punish Lance Stroll for an overtake outside of the track limits in the British Grand Prix. The move by the Aston Martin driver took place on the restart at the end of the Safety Car period in the second half of the race.

The stewards noted the incident as Stroll received a black-and-white flag warning, but he was not asked to give back the position, much to Gasly's ire as he believed that Stroll's move was a clear-cut case of leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

"To me it was quite clear and it's been always in the regulation he can't leave the track and gaining an advantage. On everything that I've seen he had four wheels off the track passing me, and that's gaining an advantage.”

‘Gasly 'confused' by stewards' lack of action’;

https://f1i.com/news/480510-gasly-confused-by-stewards-lack-of-action-over-stroll-move.html


Carlos Sainz confronted by rival F1 star on TV after British Grand Prix – "Poor baby"
Feisty racing on the Silverstone track threatened to boil over after the British Grand Prix as one F1 driver picked fights with two of his rivals amid his frustration
10:25, 10 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Feisty racing on the Silverstone track threatened to boil over after the British Grand Prix as one F1 driver picked fights with two of his rivals amid his frustration. Carlos Sainz called Formula 1 rival Pierre Gasly "poor baby" as the French racer interrupted a TV interview after the British Grand Prix.

The pair were involved in an eye-catching battle during the Silverstone race. Gasly got the better of the Ferrari man briefly, before Sainz moved back ahead at Copse. But the Alpine driver was left unimpressed by that move. He felt he had been squeezed unfairly, taking to the radio after losing the place to voice his fury. "He can't push me like that! F***, he didn't give me any space!" he yelled. The F1 stewards, however, did not feel it was a matter worth investigating.

Gasly was still smarting after the race and made sure Sainz knew about it. In the paddock TV pen, the latter was giving an interview to Spanish-language broadcasters when his rival appeared to fulfil his own media duties. Before doing so, Gasly prodded Sainz's arm and said: "Don't squeeze me like that, Carlos." In response, the Ferrari driver simply smiled while still looking at the reporter he was speaking to and replied: "Pobrecito," which translates as "poor baby".

"Poor baby";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/carlos-sainz-confronted-rival-f1-30428425


Alpine must ‘find solutions’ amid slump – Gasly
07:51 Tue, 11 Jul 2023.
Grandpx.news

Pierre Gasly says Alpine has to "find solutions" to the Renault-owned team's stalled progress in Formula 1. The Frenchman left the Red Bull family to replace Fernando Alonso at Alpine this year, but the British GP basically summed up the result so far: P10 in qualifying, contact and DNF in the race.

“We know where we're losing time and we clearly have work to do”, he said. “What McLaren has done to improve must serve as an example to us, so we have to keep working. We know our weaknesses and we have to find solutions to solve them.”

‘Must serve as an example to us’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/alpine-must-find-solutions-amid-slump-says-gasly.html


Szafnauer not expecting 2026 power unit rules to change
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on 15th July 2023, 0:01
Written by Will Wood
RaceFans

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer says that he does not expect F1’s new power unit regulations set to be introduced in 2026 to be changed despite criticism from some. “Speaking to the powertrain guys, we want to keep it as is,” Szafnauer told media including RaceFans. “I don’t deeply follow it – I wasn’t involved in the negotiations and the reasons why – but I asked them those questions and we’re happy to keep it as is.”

Asked if he expected that there would be enough appetite to change the regulations, Szafnauer said “I would imagine it’s going to be unlikely to be changed.”

‘Not expecting 2026 power unit rules to change’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/15/racefans-round-up-15-07-6/

[Fortitude]

Revealed: The Christian Horner-Helmut Marko phone call which sparked Daniel Ricciardo return.
‘Sources have told ESPN that Horner called Marko an hour or so into it just to tell him just how impressive the pace was,’ their report states. ‘Marko called back shortly afterwards to tell Horner he had just fired De Vries.’
12 Jul 2023 12:24 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

A report has emerged detailing how the Daniel Ricciardo Silverstone tyre test so rapidly turned into an immediate return to the grid with AlphaTauri to replace Nyck de Vries

Having been hard at work behind the scenes with Red Bull following his return to the team for F1 2023, Ricciardo was given his first outing in the real-life RB19, which has won all 10 grands prix so far, on Tuesday at Silverstone as part of Pirelli tyre testing duties.

According to a report from ESPN, their sources have detailed how this chain of events moved so quickly, with Red Bull principal Christian Horner having called the team’s advisor Helmut Marko to inform him of Ricciardo’s impressive pace being the first domino to fall.

‘Phone call’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/christian-horner-helmut-marko-call-daniel-ricciardo/


JONATHAN McEVOY: 10 races and you're out... rookie Nyck de Vries now knows just how ruthless F1 can be after being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri
• Nyck de Vries was axed by AlphaTauri after just 10 races in his first season in F1
• Australian Daniel Ricciardo, 34, will return to the cockpit in Hungary next week
• Alex Albon is showing his strengths at Williams after being jettisoned by Red Bull
Updated: 00:43, 14 July 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy For Mail Online
Mail Online

Never was Formula One’s ruthless streak more apparent than in the sacking of Nyck de Vries, fired this week after just 10 races. Red Bull’s motorsport adviser Helmut Marko said of De Vries: ‘We expected him to be at least equal to his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda this year, but that was not the case. He was always three-tenths of a second slower. We didn’t see any improvement.’

So poor De Vries is cast adrift in his rookie season. He has hardly set the world alight, and been culpable for unforced crashes. Azerbaijan was a conspicuous case in point: he encountered the tyre barrier in practice and then retired from the grand prix when he broke his suspension in contact with the wall. But surely he should have been granted longer to prove himself?

‘10 races and you're out...’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12297541/JONATHAN-McEVOY-10-races-youre-Nyck-Vries-knows-just-ruthless-F1-be.html


Red Bull has killed de Vries career says Ralf
JULY 14, 2023
Grandprix.com

Red Bull's sudden axe is a "death sentence" for Nyck de Vries' Formula 1 career. That is the view of Ralf Schumacher, who nonetheless admits that it's understandable team owner Red Bull decided to oust the struggling Dutch rookie from its junior outfit Alpha Tauri.

The decision may even be understandable, former F1 driver Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. But you also have to say that, in the middle of the season, it's not exactly the finest style from Red Bull.

And he says that while Alpha Tauri can also certainly afford a driver change given it is dead last in the constructors' standings, de Vries' career cannot. Of course it's an absolute death sentence for the boy, said the German. After this, he won't be able to gain a foothold anywhere. That's my opinion.

‘Absolute death sentence for the boy’;

https://www.grandprix.com/news/red-bull-has-killed-de-vries-career-says-ralf.html


Marko on de Vries’ Axing: “he never once did a super lap that amazed us.”
July 12, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Helmut Marko has shed light on the rationale behind the decision to part ways with Nyck de Vries after a mere 10 races into his debut F1 season. “We signed Nyck because he performed great at Monza last year,” said Marko when speaking to de Telegraaf.

“We expected him to be at least equal to his teammate this year, but that wasn’t the case. Actually, he was always three-tenths slower. We didn’t see any improvement. He is 28 years old, has a lot of experience and also a lot of knowledge as a test driver in various F1 cars. I don’t think you can compare him to a young rookie.”

“At the end of April in Baku, he started the weekend well and I thought he was going to perform better, but then he crashed again. Unfortunately, he never once did a super lap that amazed us.”

“Never once did a super lap that amazed us”;

https://baylasportsf1.com/marko-on-de-vries-axing-he-never-once-did-a-super-lap-that-amazed-us/


Toto Wolff pictured with Nyck De Vries just hours after Red Bull sacking
13 Jul 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Toto Wolff was spotted with Nyck de Vries, soon after the driver was axed by Red Bull. The Mercedes F1 team principal and the ex-AlphaTauri driver were pictured at a cafe in Monaco on Wednesday, a day after Red Bull made their decision.

Wolff and De Vries have obvious history together so their meeting is interesting. It remains to be seen if Wolff's influence can help De Vries find another seat on the 2024 F1 grid.

Mercedes' close ties with Williams might be his best bet. Albon is contracted for 2024 but Logan Sargeant is not yet tied down. Marko had expressed doubts that De Vries will get another shot in F1 and recommended he try a career in endurance racing.

‘Wolff's influence’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031297/1/toto-wolff-pictured-nyck-de-vries-just-hours-after-red-bull-sacking


Martin Brundle: F1 ‘a better place’ with Daniel Ricciardo | ‘Absolutely got to beat Yuki Tsunoda’
14 Jul 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

F1 commentator Martin Brundle has welcomed the return of Daniel Ricciardo, but admitted the Australian’s decision to return “surprised" him. Earlier this week, AlphaTauri announced Ricciardo’s sensational return to F1 as Nyck de Vries’ replacement.

“I'm really pleased to see him back, but just my honest reaction was, 'wow. Daniel's going to do that, is he?' It surprised me,” Brundle told Sky Sports News. “Daniel's always talked about he's lost his mojo and he needs to get his enthusiasm back, and so I didn't think he'd take that, unless there's another deal that goes with it, a 'you do this and then down the road we'll do that'.”

“I'm sure he's had six months of sim-work and not being a Formula 1 driver and that will have hit him very hard. And so I can fully understand the attraction of being one of the 20 on the grid. My overriding feeling here is Formula 1 feels a better place when Daniel Ricciardo's on the grid, and I hated seeing him having to loiter around all weekend."

'Wow. Daniel's going to do that, is he?';

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031339/1/brundle-f1-better-place-ricciardo-absolutely-got-beat-tsunoda


Ricciardo "not scared" of AlphaTauri F1 return challenge
15th July 2023, 14:29
By: Filip Cleeren
Motorsport.com

Daniel Ricciardo says he is "not scared of anything" ahead of a challenging mid-season Formula 1 comeback with AlphaTauri in place of Nyck de Vries. "I'm excited about it - it's a challenge for sure to jump in and try to hit the ground running," Ricciardo said in an interview on F1's YouTube channel.

"But also, I feel like I've been through a lot the last few years where I'm not really scared of anything that's going to be thrown my way. I appreciate the car is going to have its limitations. It might not have as much grip as the Red Bull I drove a few days ago but, if it feels relatively balanced, then that's something I can work with.”

"They expect results, performances, but I think until I get in the car, it's hard to define what that is. Is it a P8? Is it a P14? I don't think there's pressure until the summer break. But I also don't expect to get off to a slow start. I want to hit the ground running and try and also use what I've learned in this time off to put it to use."

“Try to hit the ground running";

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-not-scared-of-alphatauri-f1-return-challenge-/10496052/

[Fortitude]

Gerhard Berger scathing assessment: Ferrari fired the wrong people.
“They lost their nerve and knocked out the wrong people,” he told oe24.
14 Jul 2023 10:30 AM
Michelle Foster

It was yet another strategy blunder from Ferrari that led to their demise with the Scuderia insisting on sticking with a medium-hard strategy even though it was evident to everyone else on the grid that degradation was minimal on the day.

While it could be argued that a late Safety Car for Kevin Magnussen’s stricken Haas didn’t help the situation, Sunday’s British Grand Prix will go down as yet another race in which Ferrari’s strategy team dropped the ball.

With that being a continuation of last year’s weakness, Berger believes Ferrari made the wrong call in allowing former team boss Binotto to leave the team with the Italian having fallen on his sword in the weeks after the season concluded.

“They lost their nerve and knocked out the wrong people”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/gerhard-berger-ferrari-fired-wrong-people/


Ferrari boss accused of 'knocking out the wrong people' as Charles Leclerc problems grow
Ferrari bosses have been accused of sacking the wrong people as the Scuderia continues to struggle.
13:46, Fri, Jul 14, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger has called out top bosses days after Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz clashed at Silverstone. The Monegasque has so far suffered a season to forget with Ferrari miles away from Red Bull and internal fighting.

Earlier this season, Juan Pablo Montoya admitted signing Vasseur may have been a mistake. The Colombian instead felt that ex-team principal Jean Todt would have been the perfect replacement to sort out the Italian marque’s issues.

It’s the latest in a series of issues for Leclerc to contend with as Ferrari continues to drop further towards the midfield. The team lacked race pace at the British Grand Prix with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finishing P9 and P10 to score just three points. The result was described as “borderline unacceptable” by Aston Martin’s former strategist Bernie Collins after both cars qualified inside the top five.

‘Sacking the wrong people’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1791122/ferrari-frederic-vasseur-charles-leclerc-carlos-sainz


ITALIAN MEDIA REPORT TWO TEAMS EYEING CHARLES LECLERC
Rumours surrounding Charles Leclerc potentially moving to Mercedes have recently diminished, however, according to Italian media sources other teams are looking at signing the Monégasque
July 13, 2023
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds

Italian media sources are reporting that Aston Martin and Red Bull are eyeing Charles Leclerc for a potential move following the conclusion of his current Ferrari contract. While plenty of 2024 driver announcements are still pending, it seems certain teams are looking forward to future seasons.

Italian media outlet formu1a.uno is reporting that two teams are looking to win Charles Leclerc away from Ferrari at the end of his current contract. The first of these two teams is Red Bull, with the outlet reporting alleged talks between the two parties: “Talks with the Monegasque [and Red Bull] that took place at the end of May, to understand if there was any possibility that the paths with Ferrari could separate.”

The Italian source goes on to name the second team as they continue, “Something that Aston Martin has also done [had talks with Leclerc], in search of a top driver for after [Fernando] Alonso [leaves]. That is how Frederick Vasseur has put the renewal of the Monegasque at the top of his agenda for a few weeks, leaving that of Carlos Sainz on standby for now, who at least unofficially does not seem to have taken it very well.”

‘Rumours surrounding Charles Leclerc’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/italian-media-report-two-teams-eyeing-charles-leclerc/


Leclerc labels Ferrari fans 'IMPATIENT' amid title bid.
Sunday 16 July 2023 06:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Charles Leclerc has revealed that he does not feel the pressure from what he calls "impatient" Ferrari fans. “My mentality has always been to push at the maximum and not leave anything on the table,” Leclerc said to The Guardian.

“When you have a trickier car to drive, as is the case for the first part of this season, mistakes happen. I know this. I am the first one who wants to be in a title fight, but it’s not frustrating, it motivates me a lot.”

“I don’t feel the outside pressure but I am putting myself under a lot of pressure in order to succeed, the responsibility of bringing Ferrari back to the top. The passion people have for the team is like nobody else. This comes with the good side that there is so much enthusiasm but it comes with things more difficult to manage, that because of this passion people are quite impatient.”

“The passion people have for the team is like nobody else”;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111615/charles-leclerc-ferrari-fans-f1-impatient/


Ferrari face conundrum in Red Bull chase
14 July 4:08PM
Author Jake Nichol

Carlos Sainz has conceded that the continuously changing pecking order "is a good thing" for Formula 1 but not for Ferrari. Ferrari is entangled in a battle for second with Mercedes and Aston Martin behind runaway leaders Red Bull, although McLaren is harbouring hopes of gate-crashing after the upturn in form.

Addressing the race for second, Sainz told media including RacingNews 365: "It is going to be very tricky to predict and I think that is a good thing for F1. It is not a great thing for us because we are very dependent on the wind, track conditions and the track temperature for our own performance which will leave us exposed on some weekends.”

"But track to track, we might be as strong as we were in Canada or Austria, and then we will go to a track like Silverstone and not be as strong. We just need to focus on our upgrades and developments where we are weak and keep making progress."

‘Conundrum’;

https://racingnews365.com/sainz-identifies-ferrari-conundrum-in-red-bull-chase


Vasseur hopes Ferrari can bounce back in Hungary after being ‘far too conservative’ at Silverstone
14 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur believes the squad’s lacklustre showing at the British Grand Prix was made worse by them being “a bit scared” about tyre degradation and subsequently playing it safe. However, Vasseur also feels there was some hesitation from the team in terms of tyre life – an area they have been pushing to improve after a spate of early-season struggles relative to their main rivals.

“Starting P4 and P5, we had the feeling after quali that we could have done a much better job than this,” Vasseur reflected. “We can’t be happy finishing P9, P10, but now we need to have a deep look on the weekend, not just on the race. I think we didn’t do the long stint on Friday, we [only did a] long stint on only the soft compound and Charles was stuck in the garage [with technical problems], and we were a bit scared with the deg.”

‘Vasseur hopes…’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.vasseur-hopes-ferrari-can-bounce-back-in-hungary-after-being-far-too.4CKr2IVeozSSslaaiQEpWR.html


Leclerc: Extending development of SF-23 will benefit 2024 design
15/07/2023 at 10:57
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari's ongoing efforts to iron out the weaknesses of its SF-23 aren't to the detriment of the development of its 2024 car as any improvements will benefit the latter. "We are still mainly focussed on this year’s car because we’ve got clear weaknesses and we know that we need to address those, and when we will have addressed those, then it goes together: next year’s car will be much better – so, yeah.”

"But again, what gives me confidence in this time is that we have a very clear plan in what we want to improve. We’ve already done steps forward in the last three races. There are many more things coming in the next races, in order to not only be in front of Mercedes and Aston [Martin] but to be fighting the Red Bulls as quickly as possible and we are on the right track, I’m sure."

‘Extending development of SF-23’;

https://f1i.com/news/480836-leclerc-extending-development-of-sf-23-will-benefit-2024-design.html

[Fortitude]

Alonso reveals meaning of 'El Plan'.
Alonso explained 'El Plan' was "a way of saying 'Fernando came back to F1 just with a plan to win again'."
14 July 2:33PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has revealed the meaning of 'El Plan'. The two-time F1 World Champion's tagline since returning to the sport began at Alpine and has transferred across to his current team as he aims to return to winning ways after a wait of 10 years.

In a fan Q&A supported by Aston Martin sponsor Peroni, alongside Ambassador and former rival Pedro De La Rosa, Alonso explained 'El Plan'… De La Rosa added: "Maybe it was El Plan, but now it's La Mission."

‘EL PLAN: La Mission’;

https://racingnews365.com/alonso-reveals-meaning-of-el-plan


Alonso: Aston Martin need ‘two years’ to maximise new factory
Monday 17th July, 2023 - 1:20am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Fernando Alonso feels it will be another two years before Aston Martin maximises the potential of its newly 0pened factory. “It was fascinating to see the facilities, the people there in the same room, manufacturing our own parts of the car,” said Alonso.

“Until now, third parties were making our car, our chassis and everything. It’s a step forward. “But I think we will need a couple of years to settle everything down and to maximise the potential. Obviously, it shows the ambition of Aston Martin, and we have to be proud.”

‘EL PLAN: Two year plan’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/17/fernando-alonso-aston-martin-new-factory/


Fernando Alonso reveals how he ‘got better’ as a driver during Formula 1 sabbatical
14 Jul 2023 1:13 PM
Henry Valantine
PlanetF1.com

Fernando Alonso has said trying new racing categories in his time away from Formula 1 meant he “got better” when he stepped back into the sport.

“The most incredible thing about you, Fernando, is that you are the leader, you lead by example,” De la Rosa said to his compatriot. “It’s a key – this is not easy. And now when he has arrived at Aston Martin, I think he’s such a complete athlete.””

“I got better,” Alonso added with a smile. “Better endurance, and I have experience in different categories, not only Formula 1. I think you understand many other important things as a driver that you need to put in the team.”

‘EL PLAN: Got better during sabbatical’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernando-alonso-better-driver-f1-sabbatical/


The real reason behind Aston Martin's unique action
16 July 3:20PM
Author Jake Nichol

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has explained the reasoning behind how the team use their Formula 1 tyres. Frequently over recent seasons, the team have headed into Sunday of a Grand Prix weekend with no new sets of tyres available, as defined by Pirelli.

However, some tyre sets only have one lap on them, with the team being unique in following this strategy, despite rival squads and indeed Pirelli unsure as to why Aston Martin were persevering. But McCullough has now explained the rationale. "We started off doing it for live pitstop practice," McCullough told media including RacingNews365.

"We can do a lot of other simulations, but when a car comes in hot, you have to get your gun onto the wheel, you have to get the jacks up, get the tyres off and on and off you go. We're doing it at the end of every session. We also don't think that if you trundle around, it doesn't really hurt the tyre. It maybe takes the top off them, but we don't think that's a bad thing."

‘EL PLAN: Car comes in hot - Live pitstop practice’;

https://racingnews365.com/the-real-reason-behind-aston-martins-unique-action


Krack: Pundits' raised expectations for Aston 'a complement'
14/07/2023 at 14:48
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack says the scrutiny his outfit is receiving for not finishing among the top three in recent races is "a complement" that shows that Team Silverstone is actually doing its job this season.

Aston Martin hit the ground running at the start of the year, with Fernando Alonso delivering consecutive podiums in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia. The Spaniard added two more top-three finishes in Miami and In Monaco, and another runner-up spot in Canada.

"I think that is the interesting or the nice part of it. The level of expectation has risen from six podiums," commented Krack, quoted by Motorsport.com. "I think we sit here now with six podiums in 10 races. It's normal, that the expectations are high. And we will continue to try and fulfil the expectations.”

‘EL PLAN: Fulfil the expectations’;

https://f1i.com/news/480806-krack-pundits-raised-expectations-for-aston-a-complement.html

[Fortitude]

Gary Anderson: Red Bull’s right, 2026 rules will be bad for F1.
“It’s difficult to disagree with Horner about the direction F1 is heading in. For me, it doesn’t seem to be the right one.”
Jul 17 2023
By Gary Anderson
The Race

The team that’s dominating the 2023 Formula 1 season has been very vocal lately about the 2026 F1 rules. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and world champion driver Max Verstappen’s criticisms of those regulations, particularly the power unit part, might be motivated by self-interest. But I agree with Horner that F1 is going in the wrong direction, albeit for very different reasons.

The current regulations are very restrictive. If anything, we’re lucky Red Bull has found openings within the rules to build as superior a car as it has. Those opportunities are there for everyone to take but it’s simply about recognising them – something Adrian Newey is very good at – optimising your research around them then incorporating them into your car.

It’s therefore no surprise that Horner is pushing back against the 2026 rule changes, particularly those increasing the hybrid power from 120kW to 350kW, although perhaps that stance is also down to question marks over Red Bull’s new powertrain company’s capabilities, as Toto Wolff suggests.

‘2026 rules will be bad for F1’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-red-bulls-right-2026-rules-will-be-bad-for-f1/


F1 chiefs say 2026 rules fears prompted by old data
14:28 Fri, 07 Jul 2023.
By: Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Concerns have emerged in recent weeks about the risks of a wrong step with the new cars in 2026 ruining the spectacle. But while Verstappen’s Red Bull team is pushing for changes to be made to help improve matters, F1’s own senior technical figures are far more sanguine about the situation.

In fact, F1’s chief technical officer Pat Symonds thinks team alarm bells about the 2026 situation are far too premature – as he suggests their fears have been triggered by out-of-date data and regulations that are in the process of being refined.

Symonds and his team at F1 and the FIA, making the most of the massive computer power available to it through a partnership with AWS, have been accelerating computer simulations on the 2026 project over recent months. And it has emerged that the latest car model F1 has is a huge step from what teams have been basing their findings on so far, and is performing in a completely different way.

‘Fears have been triggered by out-of-date data’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-chiefs-say-2026-rules-fears-prompted-by-old-data/10492687/


‘Zero chance’ F1 will tear up 2026 rules – Wolff
07:29 Tue, 04 Jul 2023.
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Toto Wolff says there is “zero chance” Formula 1 will hit reverse gear on the all-new regulations for 2026. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, however, said he will stridently oppose any moves to tinker too seriously with the 2026 rules.

“All the manufacturers were involved in the process of developing these regulations,” he said. “A compromise was reached which means Audi finally joins our sport and Honda stays. Do our chassis designers say ‘How are we going to do this?’ Yes they do,” Wolff admitted. “But there is zero chance that these rules will change or be delayed.”

“The world needs to show innovation related to ecology and we are looking forward to it.” What Wolff does concede, however, is that F1 must work not to add too much to the hefty weight and size of the cars. But he says Horner’s position is basically “alarmism”.

‘Toto Wolff: Horner’s position is basically “alarmism”.’;

https://grandpx.news/zero-chance-f1-will-tear-up-2026-rules-wolff/


Verstappen raises concerns over ‘pretty terrible’ 2026 F1 rules
09:59 Mon, 03 Jul 2023.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Max Verstappen says he is worried that Formula 1 cars in 2026 will be “terrible” after carrying out work on the simulator. F1 is set to introduce new technical regulations in three years’ time, with new power unit rules agreed upon in 2022.

During the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner highlighted that there were concerns over increasing weight and the ratio between combustion power and electrical power.

Verstappen mirrored Horner’s comments, stating that he found himself downshifting while flat out at the end of long straights due to it being faster. “I’ve been talking about that as well with the team and I’ve seen the data already on the simulator as well,” the two-time World Champion said.

‘Pretty terrible 2026 F1 rules’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/03/verstappen-raises-concerns-over-pretty-terrible-2026-f1-rules/


Mercedes make ‘mammoth’ prediction about F1’s 2026 rules revolution
08 Jul 2023 2:00 PM
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Hywel Thomas, the managing director of Mercedes’ High Performance Powertrains engine division, is anticipating a “mammoth” amount of development and innovation by manufacturers ahead of F1’s next rules reset in 2026.

“I would say a mammoth amount [of innovation is possible]. If we want to be successful – and we do want to be successful – we’ve got some huge challenges and we’re going to have to do some special things to deliver on those in much the same way that when we had that run up in 2013.”

“There was still some stuff that needed fixing and still some performance needed finding until the last minute, so I think we’ve gone a long way to go and it’s very exciting. We’ll develop some ideas that I’m sure will be relevant for the industry.”

‘Mammoth prediction’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-prediction-f1-2026-rules/

[Fortitude]

Aussie F1 great reveals Ricciardo failed to heed grim Red Bull warning.
“I was keen for him to stay in Red Bull,” Webber told ITV. “I think he knows that all those years ago I was trying to talk him into staying. But, obviously, he was keen to go to Renault at the time and then he went to McLaren.”
July 17th, 2023 1:23 pm
Staff Writers from News.com.au

Mark Webber has revealed Daniel Ricciardo, the man who replaced him at Red Bull Racing back in 2014, failed to heed his advice before the West Australian’s Formula 1 career nosedived. Webber won nine F1 races during his time with Red Bull before making way for Ricciardo, with Webber subsequently retiring from the category.

Now at the advanced racing age of 34, Ricciardo is back in F1 with Red Bull’s feeder team, AlphaTauri, and Webber believes he never should have left the energy drink’s stable. “The stopwatch never lies, you’re either giving pressure or you’re taking pressure. So now he’s back on the grid and obviously, he’s got to step up against (teammate) Yuki (Tsunoda) pretty quickly and hopefully he can perform well.”

‘Failed to heed grim Red Bull warning’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/aussie-f1-great-reveals-ricciardo-failed-to-heed-grim-red-bull-warning/news-story/4f305b51e20484800a0cd41927dad981


Brundle: Ricciardo ‘absolutely’ must beat Tsunoda at AlphaTauri
16:00 Fri, 14 Jul 2023.
by Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Ex-Formula 1 driver and experienced TV pundit Martin Brundle says beating Yuki Tsunoda should be the minimum expectation of Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri

Brundle reckons Ricciardo should be afforded a “one or two-race” period to enable him to get comfortable within his new surroundings and a troublesome AT04 car. However, he declares the pressure will then instantly be on the eight-time F1 winner to regularly out-perform new team-mate Yuki Tsunoda to reinvigorate his F1 career.

‘Absolutely must beat Tsunoda’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/14/brundle-ricciardo-absolutely-must-beat-tsunoda-at-alphatauri/


Helmut Marko warns Daniel Ricciardo after Red Bull chief rubber-stamped his F1 return
Ricciardo has been given a second chance in his F1 career after losing his place with McLaren at the end of last year and has 12 races to prove he still has the speed
13:06, 14 Jul 2023
Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

After approving Ricciardo's return, following a successful test at Silverstone on Tuesday, Marko laid out the situation for the driver. "His lap times were competitive on three different tyre sets – if Ricciardo hadn't had the speed, we would have considered something else," he told De Telegraaf.

"But AlphaTauri is not in a good position, last in the constructors' standings, so we have to do something to bring something about. That often happens after a driver change, and Ricciardo brings new energy to the team.

"We have to see from Ricciardo how he compares to Tsunoda. I think Yuki is underestimated by a lot of people. The AlphaTauri is not the easiest car to drive, but Yuki has proven that it is possible to achieve good results."

‘A second chance’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/daniel-ricciardo-alphatauri-marko-redbull-30467313


Will Ricciardo win in AlphaTauri gamble?
14 July 10:00PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Daniel Ricciardo's F1 career looked over at the end of last season. The Australian lacked his effervescent mojo during his time at McLaren and was forced to settle for a berth at Red Bull as third driver, left only to cling onto hope that a competitive team would take a punt on him for 2024 onwards. So, having turned down back-of-the-grid outfits last year, the option to take over from the ousted Nyck de Vries is a curious move. Will it work out for Ricciardo?

So what must he do to reassert his position on the F1 grid to secure a competitive drive from next year? Simply put, Ricciardo has to beat Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver has been much improved this season after his first two years of experience in the sport, which were riddled with inconsistency and incidents.

Tsunoda's form this year led him to being named in the top three drivers of the year so far by his contemporaries despite scoring only two points in what has proved a difficult car to drive. De Vries' inability to match Tsunoda ultimately cost him his F1 shot, so this is the main goal for Ricciardo. Of course, there will be a bedding-in period in the two races before the summer break, but after that he has to put himself ahead of his teammate.

‘AlphaTauri gamble?’;

https://racingnews365.com/will-ricciardo-win-in-alphatauri-gamble


Brundle tells Ricciardo what he MUST DO in 'high-risk' AlphaTauri move
Saturday 15 July 2023 06:57
Joe Ellis
Motorsport Week

Martin Brundle believes Daniel Ricciardo's move to AlphaTauri is an incredibly risky strategy to get back in F1. "It's high risk for Daniel in what is probably the slowest car on the grid," Brundle said to Sky Sports.

"He's got to beat Tsunoda, he's absolutely got to. He needs to edge him in quali and in the races, that's an absolute given as an expectation. Maybe he can outperform that car if he can massively outperform that car and get it somewhere near the top 10 and keep it there in the race, then maybe it will be his salvation in that respect."

'High-risk AlphaTauri move’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111560/martin-brundle-daniel-ricciardo-red-bull-alphatauri-yuki-tsunoda-f1/


Ricciardo details Marko phone call: 'There was no question'
15 July 1:25PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed his reaction to the phone call from Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko to offer him a return to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri. On how he reacted when he saw Marko was making the call, Ricciardo explained: "I was like 'ok, let's just hear what he has to say'.

"That's probably the best thing, because sometimes, you try to prepare yourself for 'what if he asks me this'. I didn't really need to think much about it. Being back in this family, I feel like I am kind of going through it all again - these are the calls I used to get and these are the moments they used to throw in front of us. There was no question I was going to say yes, it was just the reality of 'ok, it is going to happen pretty soon'."

"Getting back to Red Bull, the reception I had walking back into that team was overwhelming in a positive way. Getting back on the sim, I was a bit unsure how it would go, whether the car would feel like it used to, whether I was going to be 'like the old me'. Once I did a few sim sessions and started feeling like myself again, it brought me back to normal Daniel where I was falling back in love and ready to go again."

‘I didn't really need to think much about it’;

https://racingnews365.com/ricciardo-details-marko-phone-call-there-was-no-question


Daniel Ricciardo reveals Red Bull expectations following AlphaTauri move
15 Jul 2023 12:52 PM
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com

Daniel Ricciardo has spelled out what the Red Bull bosses are expecting of him as he makes his way back to Faenza and to AlphaTauri. Ricciardo has been in Fazena for a seat fit and has also given an interview to Formula 1 where he detailed what the higher ups are expecting of him as he drives for a Red Bull outfit for the first time since 2018.

“Just be a legend,” he joked. “They expect results and performances. I think until I get in the car, it’s hard to define what that is. Is it a P8? Is it a P14? Obviously, there’s two races and then the summer break. I don’t think there’s a ‘you have to do this before August’ but I also don’t expect to get off to a slow start, I want to hit the ground running and try and use what I’ve learned in this time off.”

‘Red Bull expectations: Is it a P8? Is it a P14?’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/daniel-ricciardo-red-bull-expectations-alphatauri/

[Fortitude]

Horner throws support behind struggling Perez.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has insisted Sergio Perez continues to receive full support from the F1 Constructors' championship-leading outfit amid ongoing qualifying struggles.
18 July 7:30AM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

His issues in qualifying have left mountains to climb in the Grands Prix, with Perez slipping back to 99 points behind teammate Max Verstappen in the Drivers' standings having been tipped to take the title battle to the Dutchman in the early stages of the year.

On Perez's poor qualifying form, Horner told media, including RacingNews365: "He just needs to break it now, he will do it in Budapest. The way he races, some of his moves [at Silverstone], particularly the one on Carlos Sainz was quite stunning.”

"His pace in the last stint, he was right there. It is frustrating for him that he is having to fight back all the time, but he has just got to sort his qualifying out on Saturdays. As a team, we'll do our best to support him."

‘Receive full support’;

https://racingnews365.com/horner-throws-support-behind-struggling-perez


‘He just needs an arm around his shoulder’ – Horner throws support behind Perez amid poor qualifying run
13 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has backed Sergio Perez to overcome his recent qualifying woes and put the topic behind him at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. Perez has failed to reach Q3 in any of the previous five events, including Q1 exits in Monaco and in Britain last time out, leaving him with damage limitation exercises on race days.

As such, Horner admitted: “You’re always looking for perfection in this business. Of course, we’re always trying to say, ‘Where can we better?’ In this instance, it’s like, ‘OK, where can we help Checo to achieve what he’s doing on Sundays on Saturday?’.”

But stressing that the whole team is behind Perez, he added: “I think he’s the type of guy that just needs an arm around his shoulder. You work with him and that’s what we’re doing. We’re supporting him, we know he can do it, we know he’ll get back there, and we’re just trying to make sure it happens as quickly as possible.”

‘Arm around his shoulder’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.he-just-needs-an-arm-around-his-shoulder-horner-throws-support-behind-perez.KqQ0pUjDp0j1R40TJkJxe.html


HORNER HAS REVEALED HOW RED BULL IS SUPPORTING PEREZ AMID QUALIFYING FAILURES
Red Bull F1 Team Principal, Christian Horner, has detailed what he believes is the best way to support and encourage Sergio Perez, given his recent run of poor qualifying form
July 12, 2023
Samuel Coop
FormulaNerds

Speaking with media, including FormulaNerds, after Sunday’s British Grand Prix, Horner broke down what Perez needs to do to get out of his Saturday funk. In a race in which double world champion Max Verstappen continued Red Bull’s 100% winning record in 2023, Perez’s absence on the podium was amplified.

It’s now five successive F1 race weekends that the Mexican has failed to reach Q3, let alone qualify near the top of the order. Time and time again, Perez is having to work his way through the pack on Sunday, compromising his final finishing position.

Without a 1-2 in five grands prix, in easily the most dominant car on the grid, Red Bull is starting to get heat for the 33-year-old’s rut. When asked about the issue, Horner pivoted to highlight the fact that Perez is still delivering the goods on race day.

‘Best way to support and encourage Sergio Perez’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/horner-has-revealed-how-red-bull-is-supporting-perez-amid-qualifying-failures/


Christian Horner reacts to rumours that Daniel Ricciardo will take over Red Bull drive from Checo Perez
Sergio Perez's F1 title challenge had quickly faded away since the 2023 Miami Grand Prix
July 10, 2023
By Ed Spencer
Total Motorsport

Christian Horner has played down rumours of a Daniel Ricciardo comeback with Red Bull in Formula 1 2023. Ricciardo, who departed McLaren at the end of 2022, is set to undergo a three-day Pirelli tyre test for Red Bull after the 2023 British GP at Silverstone amid reports he could replace the underperforming Sergio Perez.

“It’s not something that we’re planning, that’s for certain,” Horner told selected media outlets, including Total-Motorsport.com. “So it was right to give him the opportunity this year to remain within the team and keep him around the sport. I think [it] would have been a loss to the sport for him just to disappear. “I didn’t recognise the Daniel of the last couple of years, so I’ll be very interested to see what kind of job he does on Tuesday… (AlphaTauri seat instead)

‘Christian Horner reacts to rumours’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-red-bull-horner-daniel-ricciardo-replace-drive-checo-perez/


Perez's admission that 2023 title fight is over
16 July 2:35PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Sergio Perez has voiced for the first time that he believes he cannot beat Max Verstappen to the 2023 Formula 1 title. After four rounds of the season, Perez was just six points behind Verstappen in the sister Red Bull, with both claiming two wins apiece.

"In Formula 1, only your position in Abu Dhabi matters," Perez told Spanish media during a Red Bull show run in Madrid. "I am not second In the World Championship by a miracle, I have won races and have had some bad races, but we have everything ahead of us. My objective now is definitely to be runner-up in the World Championship - and I am only thinking about the Hungarian Grand Prix."

‘2023 title fight is over’;

https://racingnews365.com/perezs-admission-that-2023-title-fight-is-over


Bernie Collins believes Red Bull shoulder some of the blame for Sergio Perez’s ‘shocking statistic’
17 Jul 2023 11:15 AM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Failing to make it into the pole position shoot-out five races in a row, Bernie Collins believes Red Bull shoulder some of the blame for what she called a “discrepancy” between the team and the driver.

Former Aston Martin strategy chief Collins believes Red Bull shoulder part of the blame for the driver’s Silverstone exit as, given that everyone on the team was aware of his current qualifying struggles, they should’ve done more to give him the “best possible chance” of progressing.

“100 percent,” she told Sky F1. “There’s too much to do in the race starting from not getting out of Q1, that’s guaranteed. In those conditions, improving conditions, to be the first person to finish a lap, I think when he first crossed the line he showed up P1 or P2 with the lap that he did. And then the lap times were tumbling, tumbling really quite dramatically, which is what always happens in those types of conditions.”

‘Bernie Collins believes Red Bull shoulder some of the blame’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/bernie-collins-red-bull-blame-sergio-perez-qualifying/


Jaw-dropping net worth of billionaire Carlos Slim that backs Sergio Perez’s F1 career
16 Jul 2023
James Dielhenn
Crash.Net

Sergio Perez is under pressure - but he has a big-hitter in his corner. The Red Bull driver’s recent performances have come under scrutiny which will only intensify now Daniel Ricciardo has returned to F1 with AlphaTauri. Ricciardo had exclusively told Crash that he would accept an AlphaTauri drive if it gave him a chance at joining Red Bull.

But supporting Perez’s career is a fellow Mexican, the billionaire Carlos Slim. Slim, aged 83, is worth $102.4 billion - and is the eighth-richest person in the world. He is Mexico’s richest man, and made his wealth by owning Latin America’s biggest telecoms company.

‘Supporting Perez’s career is a fellow Mexican, the billionaire Carlos Slim’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031413/1/jawdropping-net-worth-billionaire-backs-sergio-perez-s-f1-career


Perez ‘couldn’t care less’ about ongoing talk around Red Bull F1 future
10:47 Sun, 16 Jul 2023.
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
Crash.Net

Sergio Perez insists he “couldn’t care less” that his future at the Red Bull Formula 1 team beyond this year is under growing speculation. But the six-time grand prix winner is not phased by the recent gossip, as he looks to turn around his qualifying struggles. “Yeah, fully. I couldn’t care less if I’m honest about that,” said Perez, when asked if he was ignoring all the speculation, as by Motorsport.com.

“I’ve been in F1 13 years, and I’ve seen it all. Not worried about any of that. I’m mainly focused on getting my season on track, and making sure I keep enjoying this.” Perez stressed he has retained the backing of both Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.

“Yeah, I have full support from Helmut and Christian,” he said. “The whole team is fully backing me, and they know what I can do. They know my potential, and they are fully behind me. We’re making progress, because the pace is there on Sundays,” Perez said.

“I’ve been in F1 13 years, and I’ve seen it all’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2023/07/13/perez-couldnt-care-less-about-ongoing-talk-around-red-bull-f1-future/

[Fortitude]

McLaren boss makes incredible fighting for VICTORY claim ahead of Hungarian GP.
"Our reasonable expectation was that we could be fighting with the four fastest teams by the end of the season.” McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.
Tuesday 18 July 2023 15:57
Jay Winter
GPFans

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has revealed when he expects the team to consistently be fighting for consistent podium places and wins. However, before fans get their hopes up the McLaren boss believes the Hungarian Grand Prix will provide an opportunity to assess the true performance of the McLaren car.

Although the Hungoring may not play into the upgraded McLaren's strengths, Stella is eagerly anticipating the race in Eastern Europe, as he believes it will offer valuable insights into the team's performance.

"Our approach has always been that we need to push as hard as possible in development but with a logic and clear direction, and then we will see where we end up," said the Italian.

‘Fighting for VICTORY claim’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111689/mclaren-andrea-stella-f1-wins-hungarian-grand-prix/


McLaren Team Principal Confident: Verstappen’s Reign in Formula 1 Could Be Over
July 17, 2023
Baylasportsf1.com

Max Verstappen’s dominant streak continues with six consecutive wins, spanning from the Miami to British Grands Prix. McLaren’s Team Principal, Zak Brown, expressed optimism about their recent resurgence and shared his confidence in McLaren’s ability to end Verstappen’s dominance.

Brown shared his thoughts during an interview at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, hinting at an exciting battle on the horizon: “The racing has been unbelievably close other than Max and even Sergio is in the mix.”

“I think it’s great time for F1 that in one weekend you have one team that’s second quickest and the following weekend they’re struggling to get out of Q1. That’s the competition that we’re looking for in F1, so someone will eventually catch Max. Hopefully it’ll be us, chances are it’ll be a handful of people.”

‘McLaren’s Team Principal, Zak Brown: Verstappen’s Reign in Formula 1 Could Be Over’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/mclaren-team-principal-confident-verstappens-reign-in-formula-1-could-be-over/


Norris: McLaren weaknesses still ’70 percent not fixed’
Tuesday 18th July, 2023 - 11:03pm
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Lando Norris feels McLaren will soon be challenging for wins if it can eradicate a number of longstanding weaknesses inherent in the car. A raft of upgrades over the past two races in Austria and Britain propelled the MCL60 out of a congested midfield to clinch a front-row grid slot and a podium on merit as Norris netted second on both occasions behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

“There are still very good things that we’ve been able to carry through, such as high-speed performance but there are plenty of things to work on. If we really can tackle those bigger problems, which are more fundamental and not [helped] just by adding load, then I’m confident we can have a much more competitive car from race one in 2024, or this year.”

“So there are plenty of good things but there are still some issues we know of and are trying to tackle, but it’s complicated, takes time. Everyone’s working extremely hard and if we can make progress – as we made over the last few races with those certain things – over the next five, six months and into ‘24, I’m confident we can be a lot more competitive and fighting for some podiums and wins at some point.”

‘McLaren weaknesses still ’70 percent not fixed’.’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/18/mclaren-mcl60-weaknesses-lando-norris/


McLaren boss threatens MORE to come after stunning British GP in bid to hunt down Red Bull
Monday 17 July 2023 15:12
Shay Rogers
GPFans

Despite a sluggish start to the year, McLaren have progressed leaps and bounds over the course of the last two rounds, doubling their points total for the season last time out in Silverstone.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the British Grand Prix weekend, where his drivers finished second and fourth respectively, Brown shared his gratitude for the team’s hard work. He said: “This is just the hard work of Andrea [Stella] and everyone at McLaren, all the men and women back at the factory and at the track. The upgrades and working and the team’s executing.

“I kind of feel like our season got started in Austria, which is a little late because everyone else showed up in Bahrain. Still a long way to go and [it] feels like we have good momentum.” However, Brown reminded fans that although they might be bringing further upgrades, that other teams won’t be resting on their laurels.

‘MORE to come’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/111713/zak-brown-mclaren-upgrades-red-bull/


To win or not to win, that was McLaren and Hunt's question
18th July 2023, 14:21
F1i.com

Anyone complaining about the lengthy time it sometimes takes for the stewards to rule on a driver's action might want to hark back to the 1976 British Grand Prix which took place on this day 47 years ago. The event was a two-part affair marked by controversy, chaos, a declared winner on the podium and another winner decided two months later!

It all started at Paddock Bend at Brand Hatch, as the field barreled down on the opening lap only for Ferrari team mates Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzino to collide with each other. The race was stopped as a result of the pile-up, with James Hunt's McLaren among the collateral damage provoked quite inadvertently by the Scuderia. Hunt drove away from the scene in his crippled car and turned into the back gate behind the pits where he parked his car.

The Stewards were unsure who would be eligible to restart the race, initially acting on the basis that any car which had not completed a full lap under the red flags would not be authorised to take part in the restart. This led to a contentious decision to sideline Hunt, which in turn led to mayhem in the grandstands, with beer cans landing on the track as the revolt took hold.

‘Beer cans’;

https://f1i.com/images/273919-win-not-win-hunts-question.html


Hunt's F1 apathy and Prost's cunning: the 'different beasts' at McLaren
James Hunt and Alain Prost - two champions for McLaren that couldn't have been much more different. Former chief mechanic Gary Anderson recalls working with both of them, as F1 moved into a brand new age.
July 17th 2023
Author: Motor Sport
Motor Sport Magazine

It was a shootout that would decide McLaren‘s future F1 driver. On one side was Alain Prost, a European and French F3 champion. On the other was Kevin Cogan: a Formula Atlantic hotshot, who had the advantage of backing from the team’s sponsor Marlboro. Cogan was sent home after a back-to-back test at Paul Ricard in 1979, the timesheets showing that he was simply outclassed by Prost.

However, in our Engineering the Greats podcast series, then-McLaren chief mechanic Gary Anderson reveals that there was more than meets the eye, suggesting that Prost deliberately flat-spotted the McLaren’s tyres before handing over to Cogan in trademark calculating style; a minor act of sabotage, far from unknown in the world of Formula 1, which paved the way for Prost’s four championships.

Gary Anderson: “But the big thing was, he didn’t really want to be a racing driver, he just wanted to do something successful. When we went testing, the last thing James wanted to do was drive the car, because he knew when it came time to put in the lap – he would do it. It was what we know James Hunt as today – somebody who was living a life that he wanted to live and needed some of that stuff [racing] to bring him the – well the air stewardesses I think you might call it!”

‘Hunt's F1 apathy and Prost's cunning’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/hunts-f1-apathy-and-prosts-cunning-the-different-beasts-at-mclaren/?nowprocket=1#

[Fortitude]

Verstappen set to match Schumacher record in Hungarian GP.
Six wins on the trot eclipses Verstappen own previous best from last season when he won the French, Hungarian, Belgian, Dutch and Italian races and also took him past Lewis Hamilton's best of five straight.
18 July 2:30PM
Author Jake Nichol

Verstappen to match Schumacher? While Vettel is out on his own in terms of most consecutive wins thanks to the battering he handed out after the 2013 summer break, there is a three-way tie for second place on that list.

Alberto Ascari, Schumacher and Nico Rosberg all took seven straight chequered flags but only Schumacher did so during one calendar season - in his dominant 2004 campaign where he won 12 of the first 13 races, only missing Monaco after crashing in the tunnel.

MOST CONSECUTIVE WINS IN F1
Driver Wins Start End
Sebastian Vettel 9 Belgium 2013 Brazil 2013
Alberto Ascari 7 Belgium 1952 Argentina 1953
Michael Schumacher 7 Europe 2004 Hungary 2004
Nico Rosberg 7 Mexico 2015 Russia 2016
Max Verstappen 6 - ongoing Miami 2023 Britain 2023
Michael Schumacher 6 Italy 2000 Malaysia 2001
Lewis Hamilton 5 Italy 2014 United States 2014 , Eifel 2020 Bahrain 2020

‘Verstappen to match Schumacher?’

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-set-to-match-schumacher-record-in-hungarian-gp


Ominous warning for Red Bull rivals with Hungarian GP upgrade worth ‘0.2s’ – report
17 Jul 2023 5:15 PM
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Red Bull could take another march on their rivals at the Hungarian Grand Prix where, already billed as the favourites, the RB19 could be up by a further “two-tenths of a second” per lap. The rampant RB19, the latest of Adrian Newey’s race-winning designs, has won all 10 of this year’s grands prix, including four 1-2 results, while also securing pole position in nine grand prix qualifying sessions.

Arguably the most complete package on the track, Newey and Co are not resting on their laurels with more upgrades scheduled to hit the track at the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull will have new bodywork at the Hungaroring with notable changes to the sidepods that “should be visible to the naked eye”.

“In the paddock, it was radioed that the industry leader was also looking at the competition, and there in particular at the Aston Martin with its deep groove in the sidepod,” the report stated. “Red Bull should expect a good leap from the upgrade, which probably includes even more areas.”

‘Ominous warning’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bull-hungarian-gp-upgrade-worth-02s-report/


Ferrari has potential to make ‘much better use’ of its car with set-up changes
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 18th July 2023, 11:28
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

The key to unlocking the Ferrari SF-23’s pace is making the correct set-up decisions, rather than bringing more upgrades, says team principal Frederic Vasseur. The team has brought some significant changes to its SF-23 since the season began. However Vasseur believes they can make greater gains by optimising the package they have from race to race.

“I’m not sure that it’s development, It’s also set-up during the weekend,” Vasseur said following the British Grand Prix. “Because the development at one stage you will have a kind of asymptote with the upgrade that you will make one or two tenths with set-up and [with] the preparation of the weekend you can do more than this.”

“You can’t bring every single week upgrades on the car,” he added. “We will have parts soon but again if I have a look on the [most recent race] weekend, I think we could have done a much better usage of the car that we have.”

‘Can make greater gains by optimising the package’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/18/ferrari-has-potential-to-make-much-better-use-of-its-car-with-set-up-changes/


IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
17 July 2023
Chris Medland
Special Contributor
Formula One - Official Site

And just like that, we’re into the final pair of races before the summer break, but there’s no time to relax for the drivers with records to be broken, fierce battles to win and a returning big name with a point to prove. So here are some of the main talking points ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Hungaroring.

Daniel Ricciardo’s return: I’m sure you haven’t missed it, but if for some reason you tuned out from the latest happenings in the paddock after Silverstone then the big news over the past week is the decision from Red Bull to replace Nyck de Vries with Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri.
Red Bull chasing history: And speaking of Red Bull delivering, the team are on the cusp of breaking a Formula 1 record that has stood for some 35 years.

Where will McLaren stack up? When it comes to teams that might be able to prevent Red Bull from making history a new threat has emerged in recent weeks. And that threat comes from McLaren.
The overall fight for second: And if McLaren do manage to remain as competitive as they were in Silverstone, then that will provide a further headache for the rest of the chasing pack.
Lewis Hamilton’s contract talks: Off-track, one of the biggest storylines remains unresolved as we near the summer break with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes yet to finalise a new contract for the seven-time world champion.

‘5 storylines’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-race-week-5-storylines-were-excited-about-ahead-of-the-2023-hungarian.3G4Kp3Cidu5auH6wZYrLTw.html


Mercedes confident Lewis Hamilton will benefit from key car change at Hungarian Grand Prix
Mercedes chief James Allison is hopeful a new upgrade to their car will help Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the Hungarian Grand Prix
16:05, 17 Jul 2023
By Matthew Cooper Sports Writer

Mercedes upgraded their front wing for the British Grand Prix and Allison has revealed it "should improve the balance and performance of the car through the slower range of the corners". And with the course in Hungary "made up almost entirely of slower stuff", it should help Mercedes be more competitive. "The new front-wing is of course designed to make us go faster," Allison said. "That's why we do all our things.

"The specific characteristics of this new front-wing that we are excited about, is that it should improve the balance and performance of the car through the slower range of the corners. Now, Silverstone is famous for lots of things but lots and lots of slow corners is not one of them. What we took as a comfort from Silverstone is that in the slower parts of the track, we were looking pretty decently competitive. That's a tick in the box for this new front-wing.”

"But I guess it will only be when we get to Hungary, which is a track made up almost entirely of slower stuff, that we'll get to know for sure. Early sings are promising, the new front-wing seemed to do what we expected and hopefully it will bring us more at tracks which have a wider range of slow corners."

‘Key car change at Hungarian Grand Prix’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-lewis-hamilton-george-russell-30487536


Aston Martin assess Hungary victory chances
17 July 5:00PM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has played down expectations for the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix despite the race providing a chance for a rebound from recent struggles.

A return to a higher downforce configuration should help the team's prospects in Hungary, but Krack told media including RacingNews365: "We are realists, we always have been and we have never been dreamers.”

"We will look at the track and we will look at our car, how to set it up for that. If you look at the characteristic [of the track], it should play better into our car [strengths] than other circuits than we have been at."

‘EL PLAN: A chance for a rebound’;

https://racingnews365.com/aston-martin-assess-hungary-victory-chances


Hungarian Grand Prix: 5 great battles from the F1 archive
18 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Delve into the F1 archive to take a look at some of the greatest battles in Hungary.

‘5 great battles’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.hungarian-grand-prix-5-great-battles-from-the-f1-archive.1771773725875600578.html

[Fortitude]

Verstappen expects Red Bull challenge: Lets see where we stand.
Max Verstappen is anticipating rivals to be closer to Red Bull at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Dutchman expects that gap to close to Red Bull at Hungary as they bring updates to the dominant RB19.
19 July 11:50AM
Author Rory Mitchell
RacingNews365

"The Hungarian GP is always an interesting one," said Verstappen. "Last year it was tricky to make the right calls with the incoming rain and colder temperatures, but as a team we remained calm and made all the right decisions. We have a couple of upgrades this weekend, hopefully they will do what we expect them to do so we can find extra performance for the upcoming races."

Verstappen is cautious about drawing to too many conclusions over whether Red Bull will show the same dominant pace. "Let’s see where we stand on a track where you run high downforce with relatively low speed corners," he said. "It’s an amazing track to drive and very technical as well. Definitely a place I always look forward to coming back to.”

‘Lets see where we stand’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-expects-red-bull-challenge-lets-see-where-we-stand


Wolff reveals Mercedes UPGRADES to deal with McLaren F1 pace ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix
Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:57
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes will bring their "own steps in due course" to combat McLaren's sudden pace increase, as the team principal called on the Silver Arrows to bring the fight to their F1 rivals.

"We head to Hungary looking forward to tackling the double-header before the summer shutdown," he told in-house media. "It has been an up-and-down first half of the year, but we can take several positives. At Silverstone, we outscored our closest competitors. We executed well on race day. We were able to race to the podium and extend our P2 advantage in the championship.”

"The Hungaroring is a circuit that is quite different in nature to Silverstone," he said. "It will be interesting to explore how our latest upgrades perform in the long-radius, slow-speed corners. Hopefully we can have another strong showing this time out. We want to build on the positive momentum from Silverstone, and take the fight to our rivals."

‘Mercedes UPGRADES’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000071/toto-wolff-mercedes-upgrades-f1-mclaren-hungarian-grand-prix/


Podium a tall target for McLaren in Hungary
Wednesday 19th July, 2023 - 9:36pm
By Speedcafe.com

Speedcafe F1 editor Mat Coch suggests expectations need to be tempered this weekend as the Hungaroring offers a completely different challenge for McLaren. “McLaren’s pace at the British Grand Prix was all through Maggotts, Becketts, and into Stowe – it was all on that final part of the lap,” he observed in the latest episode of the Pit Talk podcast, a joint production between Speedcafe and Fox Sports.

Coch reasoned McLaren has typically been stronger at high speed, which is what played out in Silverstone. Changing that trait, he suggested, is not going to be the work of a moment. That is not to say the team hasn’t made progress, but that the nature of the Hungaroring, which features more low- and medium-speed content than Silverstone or the Red Bull Ring, is less suited to the MCL60.

McLaren will introduce the final tranche of its three-part upgrade package this weekend, with both Norris and Piastri set to enjoy the benefits it brings. Primarily, those are aimed at improving race pace.

‘Podium a tall target’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/19/podium-a-tall-target-for-mclaren-in-hungary/


Track layout and updates give Aston Martin extra confidence for Hungary
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 19th July 2023, 8:1418th July 2023, 23:33
Written by Ida Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

The layout of the Hungaroring plus the latest upgrades coming for the AMR23 gives Aston Martin extra confidence heading into this weekend’s race. Team principal Mike Krack expects the track’s combination of low to medium speed corners plus short straights will suit their car. “If you look at the characteristic, it should play better into our car than other circuits that we have been to. Qualifying is key, especially in circuits where you struggle more to pass like the one that will come, although it is now a bit easier than it used to be.”

Aston Martin’s performance director Tom McCullough, believes the team “have got a good understanding of our own car and what’s the strengths of that car” which is allowing them to be judicious in their choice of upgrades. We’ve actually bought a lot of updates a lot of different times of the car. We’re going to continue doing that for a while.”

The development of the Aston Martin AMR23 has put more focus on qualifying performance, which is more important at the Hungaroring than most circuits. “We do, historically as a team, focus heavily on race performance,” said McCullough. “But you have to try and qualify well too, and at certain circuits it’s obviously more important than others.”

‘Aston Martin extra confidence for Hungary’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/19/track-layout-and-updates-give-aston-martin-extra-confidence-for-hungary/


Why all eyes won’t just be on Daniel Ricciardo at the Hungarian Grand Prix
19 Jul 2023 7:00 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Having shot into leading contention with their upgraded MCL60 at Silverstone, the Hungaroring is the true litmus test for McLaren’s performance level.

It was a Jekyll and Hyde type showing from McLaren, with the MCL60 having been outright poor for most of the first nine weekends of the year – only to completely eclipse the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin almost immediately after extensive upgrades were fitted.

McLaren, having shown up at testing and in Bahrain with a car they knew wasn’t going to do the job, bided their time as they developed an extensive upgrade package for the MCL60. While struggling to bring home points finishes, former McLaren driver and World Champion Mika Hakkinen posited the Woking-based team could make massive strides and perhaps even bring a challenge to Red Bull – a seemingly laughable suggestion just a few short weeks ago.

‘Challenge to Red Bull – a seemingly laughable suggestion’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/hungarian-grand-prix-2023-preview/


Hungarian GP a ‘good circuit to reset’ for Perez
Wednesday 19th July, 2023 - 1:34pm
By Speedcafe.com

“The pressure has now got to be on Sergio, doesn’t it?” asked Speedcafe F1 editor Mat Coch on the latest episode of the Pit Talk podcast. “Look a little bit further down the pit lane and the AlphaTauri garage has a big smile coming out of it; [Perez] is under pressure.”

“Every weekend he goes racing now, he has one less opportunity [to show his worth], so he has to take every one of them between now and the end of the season and basically show Christian Horner and Helmut Marko that ‘no, I’m your man’ – give them no excuse to look at Daniel. The only reason they’re looking at Daniel now is because he’s giving them that opportunity.”

‘Good circuit to reset’

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/19/hungarian-gp-a-good-circuit-to-reset-for-perez/


Kevin Magnussen anticipates compelling qualifying at the Hungaroring: “Saturday is very exciting in Hungary always”
July 19, 2023
By Ashley Cline
The Checkered Flag

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s Kevin Magnussen expects qualifying to be especially important at the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the “twisty” Hungaroring tends to prevent large amounts of overtaking. As the team has proven to be strong on a Saturday, Magnussen is excited to compete there and hopes to be competitive.

“I think the Hungarian Grand Prix is always a good one, the circuit is a tight, little twisty track. It’s kind of difficult for overtaking, but it puts more emphasis on qualifying, so Saturday is very exciting in Hungary always. Usually, not this year, it’s the last race before the summer break, so there is also that to look forward to. I’m looking forward to going there and hopefully we can be competitive.”

‘Compelling qualifying at the Hungaroring’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2023/07/kevin-magnussen-anticipates-compelling-qualifying-at-the-hungaroring-saturday-is-very-exciting-in-hungary-always/

[Fortitude]

Race preview: Hungarian Grand Prix.
Round 11 of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship takes teams and drivers to Budapest, one of the most stunning cities in Europe, home of the Hungarian Grand Prix. F1Technical's senior writer Balázs Szabó delivers his race preview ahead of the Budapest race.
20 Jul 2023, 09:00
By Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Since joining Formula One, the Hungarian Grand Prix has been held continuously. The Hungaroring was built in eight months, less time than any other Formula One circuit. The construction work started in October 1985 and on 24 March 1986, the first race was held in memory of János Drapál, the first Hungarian who won motorcycle Grand Prix races.

When Formula One travels to the Hungaroring that is just a few miles away from Hungarian capital, Budapest, the weather is usually nice with high temperatures testing the reliability and physical conditions of the drivers. The 4.381km-long Hungaroring is one of the shortest on the current calendar. Drivers will need to complete 70 laps on Sunday to cover the entire race distance of 306.630km, giving fans sitting in the grandstands plenty of opportunities to witness the fastest racing cars in action.

Good mechanical grip and aerodynamic balance are accented around the twisty layout of the track. There is hardly any long straights on the Hungaroring, the flowing sequences of slow and medium-speed corners provide a real test of car balance and driver’s mental strength. Due to the high-number of corners, teams use the highest levels of downforce seen all year. Qualifying is vital at the purpose-built Hungarian track as overtaking is nearly impossible. FIA mandated two DRS zones, one placed on the main straight, the second one on the short full-throttle rundown to Turn 2.

‘Highest levels of downforce’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/24098


Unforgettable Moments: Tributes, Drama, and Victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix
18:48 Wed, 19 Jul 2023.
By Theo Gayle
World In Sport (Weblog)

A Heartfelt Tribute: Before the race commenced, a poignant moment unfolded in memory of the late Jules Bianchi.
Start-line Drama: The race began with a burst of adrenaline as Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen showcased spectacular starts, outpacing the Mercedes drivers.

Hamiltons Turf Troubles: Lewis Hamilton, initially running in fourth position, encountered a challenging moment in the opening corners.
Maldonado and Perez’s Collision: Attempting a daring manoeuvre around the outside at Turn 1, Perez found himself with no room to manoeuvre on the exit, leading to an unavoidable collision. Maldonado’s actions resulted in three penalties, further fueling the drama.

Intense Racing Spectacle: Fans witnessed thrilling overtakes from Hamilton, Ricciardo, and Fernando Alonso as they battled for positions, making the race truly unforgettable.
Hulkenberg’s Front Wing Woes: Nico Hulkenberg faced a terrifying moment at the Hungaroring, as the harsh kerbs took their toll on his front wing.

‘Costly Contact After Safety Car, Raikkonen’s Disheartening Engine Failure, The Thrilling Finish, Vettel’s Victorious Moment’;

https://worldinsport.com/unforgettable-moments-tributes-drama-and-victory-at-the-hungarian-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1


Ferrari issues Red Bull CHALLENGE ahead of new qualifying format for Hungarian Grand Prix
Wednesday 19 July 2023 20:27
Jay Winter
GPFans

In a quest to solidify their resurgence, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has set the bar high for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. "Now we come to Budapest: for our part, we are determined to continue making progress," Vasseur told in-house media.

"Which began with the introduction of several technical updates on the SF-23. Even if Silverstone saw a dip in the upward trend, there were clear signs of progress in Canada and Austria. We believe that we now have a car that will allow Charles and Carlos to give their best at the Hungaroring."

‘Ferrari solidify their resurgence’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000105/ferrari-fred-vasseur-red-bull-f1-hungary-gp-qualifying-change-rule/


Red Bull Set to Unleash Major Upgrades at Hungarian Grand Prix
18:48 Wed, 19 Jul 2023.
By Theo Gayle
World In Sport (Weblog)

Red Bull’s competitors are about to receive some unwelcome news as the dominant leaders of the F1 championship are gearing up to introduce a significant upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix. As reported by AMuS, a German publication, Red Bull is planning to implement visible modifications to their sidepod and bodywork design at the Hungaroring.

Red Bull is optimistic that this upgrade will grant them an advantage of approximately 0.2 seconds per lap. If successful, it could result in yet another effortless victory for Max Verstappen. As the European season nears its conclusion with only two races remaining before the summer break, teams are eager to implement any final upgrades before shifting their focus to next year’s car.

‘Red Bull Set to Unleash’;

https://worldinsport.com/red-bull-set-to-unleash-major-upgrades-at-hungarian-grand-prix/?nowprocket=1


F1 will be spared European heatwave but may get more rain in Hungary
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix weather
Posted on 20th July 2023, 8:1419th July 2023, 23:02
Written by Ida Wood
RaceFans

Dangerous heatwaves are blasting large areas of Europe this week bringing temperatures in the high 40s. But the Hungarian Grand Prix will be spared those brutal highs. F1 could instead see another rain-affected event. If so, that may complicate F1’s planned test of its new ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation’ rules.

The strongest chance of drivers facing a wet track is on Friday, with thundery showers expected at the Hungaroring in the afternoon and at the end of the day. With an 80% chance of rain in the afternoon, both first and second practice could be affected. On Saturday the threat of rain will drop to just 20%, which may come as a relief to drivers after a string of rain-affected qualifying sessions.

Race day in Hungary is set to be the driest, warmest and sunniest of the weekend. Track temperatures will likely to be 10C or so higher than the 29C air temperature predicted for the race, and the 3pm start time means the race should end in similar conditions to the start of qualifying.

‘Hungarian Grand Prix weather’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/20/f1-will-be-spared-european-heatwave-but-may-get-more-rain-in-hungary/


Albon managing Williams expectations in Hungary
Thursday 20th July, 2023 - 11:53am
By Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Alex Albon is already managing expectations ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix following improved showings from Williams in recent races. “Hungary is a great circuit and one that we all love to drive around, as it has a great flow to it,” he said.

“We’ve just come off the back of three strong races, however, I think going into this week, we need to manage expectations slightly, as it’s not necessarily a track that should suit us. “Nevertheless, we’ll see how the upgrades perform around a high downforce track, which is something that hasn’t been the case in the previous three races.”

‘Managing Williams expectations’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/20/albon-managing-williams-expectations-in-hungary/


Where Ricciardo can strike in 12-race F1 comeback bid — including some of his best tracks
July 20th, 2023 3:49 pm
Michael Lamonato

This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix is the first of 12 grands prix in which Daniel Ricciardo will attempt to prove he’s still deserving of a race-winning car. He’ll undertake this half-season audition in an AlphaTauri he’s never driven before and which is last in the constructors standings.

The challenge will be dialled up by Yuki Tsunoda, his new teammate, who’s in career-killing form after dispatching Nyck de Vries in just 10 races. But on Ricciardo’s side is a wealth of experience. He’s collected 15 podium trophies from the upcoming 11 established races — excluding the brand-new Las Vegas Grand Prix — including three famous victories, not least of which was that Italian Grand Prix win two years ago.

Such lofty results are off the table without the most unusual of circumstances this year, but if the goal is simply to steal some points, there’s plenty in Ricciardo’s history to suggest the hunt will be on.

‘12-race F1 comeback bid’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/the-12-races-that-will-make-or-break-dan-ricciardos-f1-comeback/news-story/89a99f94e19d7701597917b36f00f045

[Fortitude]

Alpine confirm shock big-name departure on eve of Hungarian GP.
Two months after warning the Alpine Formula 1 team that there’d be consequences if results didn’t improve, Laurent Rossi has been ousted as CEO of the carmaker and replaced by Philippe Krief.
July 20, 2023
By Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

After several years firmly in the midfield of the sport leading up to that, Rossi has seen a continuation of that form with Alpine recording fourth and fifth-place constructors’ championship finishes while they sit sixth in 2023. They’ve recorded several podiums and a shock win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, but have been overtaken by Aston Martin in 2023 and look to once again be fighting McLaren for fifth.

“I would like to thank Laurent for his unwavering commitment over the last two years at the helm of Alpine,” Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said in a statement. “Laurent has set out a clear and ambitious strategy for the brand. He has put Alpine in the best possible position to achieve its long-term goals, Alpine is now ready to enter a new phase of its development and to become a brand of the future.”

‘There’d be consequences if results didn’t improve’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-alpine-confirm-big-name-departure-rossi-hungarian-gp/


Perez says “rough patch” began when he “lost trust” in car after Monaco crash
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 20th July 2023, 18:05
Written by Will Wood and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Sergio Perez has admitted he is going through a “rough patch” on track after he lost “trust” in his car after his Monaco qualifying shunt. Speaking to media ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Perez said his poor run of qualifying results are “not a concern” for him. “I think when you look at those bad qualifyings, there’s always been different situations that we haven’t dealt with as good as we should have dealt with them,” Perez said in response to a question from RaceFans.

“But there has always been some external factors. It hasn’t been pure pace, let’s put it that way. Certainly when you are not fully confident with the car… I think what happened in Monaco probably brought me a step back and it has taken me some time to fully trust the car the way I was doing it. And then you add the external factor with the changeable conditions and then there’s a bit more of a discrepancy.”

“I’m here because I know that I can do it, I’ve done it before. People just on the sofa forget that how much in the little details we are. You’ve seen it with other drivers, other teams – they’ve had difficult periods but they don’t have 20 replacements after each session, like they do with a Red Bull driver.”

‘20 replacements after each session’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/20/perez-says-rough-patch-began-when-he-lost-trust-in-car-after-monaco-crash/


Ricciardo says AlphaTauri drive offers “best path” back to “dream” Red Bull seat
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 20th July 2023, 12:36
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham

Daniel Ricciardo says regaining his seat at Red Bull would be a “dream” outcome from his return to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri. In contrast he has only had one day in AlphaTauri’s simulator to get used to their car. Although the AT04 shared the same Honda RBPT power unit as the Red Bull, it is unlike the world champions’ car in other ways. “It is different, for sure,” said Ricciardo, who recognised he needs to start afresh with their new car.

“It helps driving a good car because it gives you something to aim for in terms of development, set-up and where there is potential within these regulations,” he said. “But also, in saying that, I also need to erase a lot of that from my mind and just start fresh now with the AlphaTauri. This is it, this is what it is and we need to move forward from here.

“But I mean, the sim was good, but it was also important for me just to work with Pierre [Hamelin], who’ll be my engineer, just to make sure that we speak the same language, are on the same page, and we have that connection because that’s obviously really important as well.”

‘Dream outcome’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/20/ricciardo-says-alphatauri-drive-offers-best-path-back-to-dream-red-bull-seat/


Mercedes Gears Up with Upgrades to Take on Hungarian Grand Prix Challenges.
July 19, 2023
BaylaSportsF1

Toto Wolff has shared Mercedes’ strategic plans to counter McLaren’s remarkable surge in performance, emphasizing the need for the Silver Arrows to step up their game and confront their Formula 1 competitors head-on.

Moreover, Wolff emphasized the myriad of positives that the current F1 campaign has offered to the team. Toto Wolff, speaking to in-house media ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, stated: “We head to Hungary looking forward to tackling the double-header before the summer shutdown.”

Expressing optimism and drawing inspiration from their past experiences in Hungary, Toto Wolff conveyed his hope that his team would harness the power of positive memories to demonstrate their true potential to the teams in their midst.

‘Mercedes Gears Up’;

https://baylasportsf1.com/mercedes-gears-up-with-upgrades-to-take-on-hungarian-grand-prix-challenges/


First look at Red Bull’s second major F1 2023 sidepod upgrade
Jul 20 2023
By Rosario Giuliana
The Race

Red Bull has brought its second major sidepod upgrade of the 2023 Formula 1 season to the Hungarian Grand Prix. The new version is a more extreme evolution of the package introduced at April’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when a wider, shorter cooling inlet was introduced.

This was analysed in detail by The Race’s technical expert, Gary Anderson, who cited it as Red Bull’s biggest upgrade of the season and reckoned it was a more significant change than the team was letting on. That upgrade was certainly effective in increasing downforce and doing so efficiently.

The Hungary package means Red Bull now has a full letterbox-shaped cooling inlet. This creates space for the sidepod undercut to be more aggressive, increasing the airflow being taken around the sidepods and fed towards the rear of the car. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said after the Austrian Grand Prix three weeks ago that the Red Bull RB19 “is not that different” to how it was at the start of the season.

‘Second major F1 2023 sidepod upgrade’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/first-look-at-red-bulls-second-major-f1-2023-sidepod-upgrade/

[Fortitude]

‘Show us what you’ve got’: Gauntlet laid for Ricciardo comeback but ‘no guarantees’ of Red Bull call-up.
Ricciardo will race for the first time in almost eight months after getting the call-up to replace the maligned Nyck de Vries as part of a 12-race plan to assess the possibility of a return to the senior team.
July 21st, 2023 6:43 am
Michael Lamonato


Daniel Ricciardo will try to push his Red Bull Racing dream out of his mind when he lines up on the grid at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix with AlphaTauri. “There is no point in me thinking about that,” he said, per Racer. “Obviously the dream is a Red Bull seat, but there’s no like, ‘This is what you need to do’.”

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says Ricciardo’s objective is to take Sergio Pérez’s seat in 2025, though speculation of an earlier switch will swirl for as long as the Mexican remains out of form in the best car on the grid.

Aussie eight-time race winner Ricciardo acknowledged the pressure was on to wipe clean the slate muddied by two woeful seasons at McLaren but said his aim was to remain focused on getting the most from his AlphaTauri package rather than become distracted by his long-term goals.

‘No guarantees’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/show-us-what-youve-got-gauntlet-laid-for-ricciardo-comeback-but-no-guarantees-of-red-bull-callup/news-story/3053d026f6ba4ac25a845225c8beb07c


F1 drivers welcome JUBILANT Ricciardo back to the paddock
Friday 21 July 2023 06:59
Shay Rogers
GPFans

It feels like a long eight months since Daniel Ricciardo last appeared on the F1 grid as a full-time driver at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but he returns this weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix – and his fellow drivers are delighted to have him back.

The ‘Honey Badger’ as he’s known by fans, was smiling in full force during Thursday’s media day for the Hungarian Grand Prix, revealing that in his time away from the sport he was able to spend time with friends as well as recharge his batteries. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton joked about the Australian’s reaction to not driving during the season, as he has attended all driver’s briefings with a smile.

“We talked with Daniel a bit earlier last week, and also with Nyck [De Vries] obviously," said Gasly. "I know them both. I think they’re two fantastic drivers and it’s great to see Daniel back on the grid and seeing what [is] up for grabs with him. He’s old enough and he knows Franz [Tost, the team principal] well enough to know what to do with him. I just think it’s great. He started there, he’s back there now. He still has plenty of years ahead of him and always enjoyed some battles with him on the racetrack.”

‘JUBILANT Ricciardo’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000195/daniel-ricciardo-f1-paddock-return-hamilton-piastri-gasly/


Hungarian GP: FIA Drivers Press Conference
20/07/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Group 1: Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen. Daniel, it's good to see you. How does it feel to be back?
Daniel Ricciardo: Thanks, it's good to be back. It feels... I don't know. It doesn't feel that foreign, like it feels familiar. I guess it hasn't been that long. It's good. Very good. A lot of people are happy so that's good as well.

Has your return to Formula 1 come sooner than you expected?
DR: Yeah, for sure. But I think getting back into the Red Bull family this year, it brings back a lot of old feelings and things that I was used to growing up and being part of that team or the Junior Team when I was younger. I think one thing, it was always like be prepared, you never know what's going to happen. Let's say, I didn't expect to maybe be in the car in Budapest, for example, but you never know. Surprised, but maybe not that surprised.

Struck up your old friendship with Helmut Marko as well...
DR: Yeah. It's been good. I've enjoyed this year in general, just going to the races and as I say, being back in the Red Bull family, I think it's been a lot of fun. It also personally gave me some time away, which I felt was definitely needed, and I probably expected the year off. Obviously I haven't got the whole year but I've actually felt like I've had enough time. It fuelled me, energised me and I'm definitely ready to go again.

‘Energised’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75689/Hungarian-GP-FIA-Drivers-Press-Conference


2023 Hungarian Grand Prix: Weekend Warm-Up
20 Jul 2023
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Laura Winter, Alex Brundle and Sam Collins take a look at the latest news and forecasts ahead of the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.

‘Weekend Warm-Up’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2023-hungarian-grand-prix-weekend-warm-up.1771961028584594761.html


‘Cutthroat.’ ‘Brutal.’ ‘That’s how Red Bull works’: F1 drivers on de Vries’ sacking
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 20th July 2023, 23:42
Written by Keith Collantine and Claire Cottingham
RaceFans

Nyck de Vries’ sacking just 10 races into his first full season as a grand prix driver is typical of Formula 1 in general and Red Bull in particular, according to several drivers. That’s how Red Bull do it,” said Lewis Hamilton when asked about the team’s decision to cut de Vries from its junior team AlphaTauri before the halfway mark in the season. Asked whether the decision reflected how F1 works, Hamilton replied: “I’d say that’s how Red Bull works.”

“It’s not the first time Red Bull has made decisions like this,” noted Valtteri Bottas. “They obviously follow their view what is the best. Obviously it’s really a shame for Nyck it was quite a short rookie season unfortunately. But also then it’s nice for Daniel he clearly wants to be back and now he’s got this opportunity. That’s F1, sometimes, pretty cutthroat.”

“It’s happened to many other drivers,” said Norris. “I know it’s happened in that team more than any other team. It is brutal because it’s someone’s career. I rate Nyck and I think he’s a very good driver so I feel like he’s not going to have a problem finding a seat somewhere else. But I guess it’s just your dream to be in Formula 1 and for it to kind of go so quickly… I also feel like it came very quickly for him, which is a very good thing, and sadly, it’s gone quickly too, which is a shame. To only have 10 races to perform, it’s not an easy task, I can tell you that. But Oscar [Piastri]’s come in, it’s his first season of Formula 1, he’s doing an extremely good job.”

‘Brutal’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/20/cutthroat-brutal-thats-how-red-bull-works-f1-drivers-on-de-vries-sacking/


Pérez driving to survive Ricciardo comeback; next step for Piastri, McLaren: F1 burning questions
July 21st, 2023 3:34
Michael Lamonato
Fox Sports (Australia)

The completion of the Hungarian Grand Prix will mark the halfway mark of this 22-race season, and the focus of attention is shifting. Rather than wonder whether anyone can catch Red Bull Racing and in particular Max Verstappen — that ship has long sailed — the question now is whether this dominant partnership can go all the way.

Daniel Ricciardo was the talk of the paddock at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the first race since he announced his F1 comeback after 10 grands prix on the sidelines. The Aussie says he’s targeting a return to Red Bull Racing by the end of his time at AlphaTauri, whether that’s 2025 or, potentially, next year if things go his way. “That’s the dream, but there is no point in me thinking about that,” Ricciardo said.

“Everything I felt driving the [Red Bull] last week is what I want from racing — to be in the moment, enjoying it and not thinking too far ahead. I know the car is going to have some limitations, but I’ve got to do the best with what I’ve got.” WILL SERGIO PÉREZ DRIVE TO SURVIVE? Hand in hand with Ricciardo’s comeback news is the pressure mounting on Sergio Pérez to reverse his stinking qualifying form and restore some credibility to his hold on the second seat at Red Bull Racing.

‘Pérez driving to survive’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/red-bull-on-brink-of-history-prez-driving-to-survive-ricciardo-comeback-hungary-burning-questions/news-story/50f5cbd133a923df7c8d047d42a1fe31

[Fortitude]

BREAKING NEWS: Red Bull's Sergio Perez loses control and smashes into a wall at Hungarian Grand Prix, just five minutes into practice, leaving his car crumpled as Daniel Ricciardo threatens his future.
• Sergio Perez lost control early in the first qualifying session at the Hungarian GP
• The Red Bull driver made an error, crashed out at turn five, and caused a red flag
• Pressure is mounting with ex-Red Bull ace Daniel Riccardo returning to the grid
Updated: 13:37, 21 July 2023
By Luke Power For Mailonline
Mail Online

Sergio Perez crashed early into the first Hungarian GP practice session to cause a red flag. After he dipped his left wheels onto the grass going into turn five, his car spun out and smashed into the barrier, leaving the front left of the Red Bull damaged. track marshals had to remove the car. The rookie error piles more pressure onto the Mexican with just two races before the summer break after Daniel Ricciardo returned to the grid with AlphaTauri.

Ex-Red Bull man Ricciardo said on Thursday that 'the dream is a Red Bull seat' while Perez, currently Max Verstappen's sidekick at F1's leading team, has insisted his future is in his own hands. Over the team radio, he said: 'I cannot believe this. I caught the grass on the outside, I think.' Perez sits second in the Drivers' Championship but has only been on the podium in one of the last five races, whereas Verstappen has won all five.

Pressure is mounting’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12323785/Red-Bulls-Sergio-Perez-loses-control-smashes-wall-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-just-five-minutes-practice-leaving-car-crumpled-Daniel-Ricciardo-threatens-future.html


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
21st July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. George Russell Mercedes -1:38.795
2. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.359
3. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.218
4. Lando Norris McLaren +1.482
5. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +1.892
6. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +2.237
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +2.347
8. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +2.568
9. Logan Sargeant Williams Racing +2.621
10. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +3.911

‘Hungarian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the first practice session for this weekend’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Hungaroring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-practice-results-2023-hungarian-grand-prix-82761


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix
21 July 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-first-practice-in-hungary-2023.2smCTzgLg2M8aj0TieiE4e.html


2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - Friday Practice - LIVE UPDATES!
21st July 2023, 12:20
Reporting By: Harvey Orgill
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-friday-practice-live-updates


Sergio Perez crashes in Hungarian GP practice as F1 pressure mounts on Red Bull racer
Perez would have been praying for a clean weekend in Budapest given his rotten run of form, and the extra pressure upon his Red Bull seat given Daniel Ricciardo's F1 return
12:38, 21 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer

Sergio Perez slammed his Red Bull into a tyre wall within minutes of the start of first practice in Budapest on Friday. The Mexican is under plenty of pressure right now, given his awful run of recent form. He has finished on the podium only once in his last five races – while his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen is on a six-race winning streak.

"I cannot believe this," he said to his race engineer, clearly emotional about yet another costly error. He went back onto the airwaves shortly afterwards to add: "I clipped the grass, I think, on braking – I just lost it." TV cameras cut to the Red Bull pit wall moments after the smash to show veteran team adviser Helmut Marko looking decidedly unimpressed. And team principal Christian Horner will also not have been happy to see one of his RB19s embedded into a tyre wall.

Horner said of the damage done: "It's frustrating to have had that off. We haven't got the car back yet but hopefully it's contained to the front right corner, which will hopefully be repairable in time for the next session. It's unfortunate. He just put a wheel on the grass and made a mistake into Turn 5. I haven't had a chance to speak to him yet – I will do after the session – but hopefully he won't have lost too much through this session."

‘F1 pressure mounts’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-perez-crash-hungary-practice-30521221


Checo Perez crashes as George Russell tops wet Hungarian GP FP1
The slump continue for Red Bull's number two as rain curtailed all of the dry running
July 21, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

George Russell topped a wet Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix FP1 as Sergio Perez crashed out just moments into the session. An early red flag for the Mexican’s shunt curtailed all dry running and a second for a spin for Carlos Sainz halted some intermediate laps too but Russell left it late to go to the top.

Oscar Piastri, fresh off the back of his best F1 result at Silverstone, was second fastest in the McLaren while Lance Stroll was third. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso came next in the McLaren-Aston Martin fight.

Valtteri Bottas was sixth ahead of Charles Leclerc, Zhou Guanyu, Logan Sargeant and Nico Hulkenberg. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Sainz didn’t set a lap at all as only 12 got a time on the board.

‘George Russell tops wet Hungarian GP FP1’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-sergio-perez-crashes-george-russell-tops-wet-2023-hungarian-gp-fp1/

[Fortitude]

Hungarian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc tops FP2 as Max Verstappen misses out on top 10.
Charles Leclerc signed off on Friday at the Hungaroring in P1, while Red Bull’s runaway Championship leader Max Verstappen did not even feature in the top 10.
21 Jul 2023 5:06 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Leclerc’s 1:17.686 got the job done by the slimmest of margins as he claimed P1 in the FP2 session just 0.015s up the road from McLaren’s Lando Norris, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly completing the top three. With the Hungaroring having dried out nicely since the rain-impacted FP1, it was no surprise to see a busy track from the off as the teams and their drivers set about making up for lost dry-running time.

But, as Lando Norris and Logan Sargeant traded setting the pace in the opening minutes, Verstappen clearly was in no rush to head out as he watched the early action via the screens in the Red Bull garage. His team-mate Sergio Perez, after that embarrassing FP1 shunt, plus the Mercedes and Ferraris joined Verstappen in biding their time.

George Russell was the first to bolt in the Mercedes W14 which had an early controls issue, as Russell’s brake balance change attempt resulted in a strategy mode change. Norris meanwhile was having trouble with bottoming in the McLaren MCL60, even though he did not believe it was “hurting anything”, while Zhou Guanyu was giving Hamilton, now putting his Mercedes through its paces on the medium tyres, a frustrated hand wave over what he felt was a spot of impeding.

‘Biding their time’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/hungarian-grand-prix-fp2-2023-report/


(FP2) Second Practice Results – 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
21st July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:17.686
2. Lando Norris McLaren +0.015
3. Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.232
4. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri +0.248
5. Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.359
6. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.372
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.399
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.419
9. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +0.422
10. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.496

‘Hungarian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the second practice session ahead of the 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Hungaroring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp2-second-practice-results-2023-hungarian-grand-prix-82775


AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from second practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix
21 July 2023
Becky Hart.
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘AS IT HAPPENED’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-second-practice-in-hungary-2023.3ZDNqj70cJcKOjWKkJJCmH.html


How F1 practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix unfolded
21st July 2023, 16:44
Reporting By: Harvey Orgill
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/how-f1-practice-hungarian-grand-prix-unfolded


Leclerc edges Norris in Hungarian GP FP2 with Verstappen outside top 10
Nobody would have predicted this order, which would make for an incredible grid at the 2023 Hungarian GP
July 21, 2023
By Joe Ellis
Total Motorsport

Charles Leclerc led the way on Friday at the 2023 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix as Red Bull failed to stamp their authority. The Ferrari man set a 1:17:686 to go 0.015s quicker than McLaren’s Lando Norris and claim the top spot in FP2 as teams took different approaches to the session.

Red Bull and Mercedes didn’t do a proper qualifying simulation on soft tyres which left Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell outside the top 10. Two-tenths behind Norris was Pierre Gasly for Alpine, who didn’t set a time in the wet FP1 session, while Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon completed the top five.

Nico Hulkenberg was sixth ahead of the two Alfa Romeo’s – who didn’t do a soft tyre run either – with Fernando Alonso splitting Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Carlos Sainz was tenth but some way off his Monegasque teammate.

‘Nobody would have predicted this order’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-charles-leclerc-edges-norris-2023-hungarian-gp-fp2-verstappen-outside-top-10/


Lewis Hamilton and co benefit as Red Bull secrets leaked at Hungarian Grand Prix
Red Bull could be hit with a double blow after Sergio Perez crashed out at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
17:04, Fri, Jul 21, 2023
By Luke Chillingsworth
Daily and Sunday Express

Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s other F1 rivals could steal Red Bull’s secrets after Sergio Perez’s crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Perez lost control of his car at turn five just minutes into Friday practice, smashing against the barrier and bringing out the red flags.

However, the team could face a double blow with Martin Brundle admitting teams were able to snap images of key Red Bull parts. It comes at the worst possible time for Red Bull who introduced new upgrades at this weekend’s race. Brundle told Sky Sports F1: “They were telling me a little bit earlier on that a very good number of them were able to photograph the underneath of the Red Bull when Sergio Perez crashed earlier on.”

“I’m sure that will be most useful to other teams and a lot of pain for Red Bull, with their updated car, to have that all photographed again." Red Bull suffered a similar fate after another Perez shunt at Monaco as the RB19 was lifted into the air.”

‘Red Bull secrets leaked’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1793811/lewis-hamilton-red-bull-sergio-perez-hungarian-grand-prix

[Fortitude]

Brundle labels Mercedes 'WORST car' amid Hungary struggles.
Martin Brundle described the W14 as the 'worst car' through part of the final sector during FP2 as the teams collected data for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
Friday 21 July 2023 22:27
Harry Smith
GPFans

The team demonstrated some pace in the wet weather conditions experienced in FP1, but it was a totally different story in FP2. When the chequered flag waved on the session, Lewis Hamilton was sitting way down in P16 with George Russell bottom of the running order in P20.

Standing at the exit of the penultimate corner, the veteran broadcaster was unimpressed by the handling of the Mercedes car. Speaking during the FP2 broadcast, Brundle explained: "I would say actually, just about the worst car I’ve seen coming through here is the Mercedes.

Brundle then detailed how much hassle the car was giving Hamilton and Russell as they wrestled the W14 through the twisty final sector. "Both Mercedes drivers really having to work the steering wheel to keep the car on line," Brundle continued. "And to get some kind of traction."

'WORST car';

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000266/martin-brundle-mercedes-hungarian-grand-prix-lewis-hamilton/


Hungarian GP: FIA Team Representatives Press Conference
21/07/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Franz, can we start with you please. The biggest news story coming into the weekend was the return of Daniel Ricciardo to AlphaTauri. How's he settling in? Franz Tost: Very good. He came on Friday to the factory. We had a very emotional comeback for him. It was nice to see him once more in our team, because as you know he was driving for us two years, and we are very happy he is back.

He's 10 years older, he has eight grand prix victories to his name, but other than that how do you feel he's changed as a person and maybe as a driver as well? FT: How much he has changed as a driver I can tell you after a few grands prix. As a person, of course he is now more matured and I must say that he was always a very friendly person, we had a very good relationship in the past and I think that this will also be the case now. He is a friendly person, a good character and I'm really happy we have him in the team.

How is Yuki relishing having a new team-mate alongside him? FT: Yuki is open to this, and although Yuki had a good relationship with Pierre Gasly as well as with Nyck De Vries, I think that there will be no friction between him and Daniel Ricciardo: both of them want to be fastest, yes? That's usual in Formula 1, and we will see how this interesting game will end.

‘The biggest news story’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75708/Hungarian-GP-FIA-Team-Representatives-Press-Conference


Piastri details McLaren damage cause
21 July 10:30PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Explaining where he picked up the floor issue, Piastri said: "I went a little bit wide at Turn 11 and did enough damage that we had to change it. A big effort from all the boys to change the floor and get me back out for a few laps.”

"Without that, we looked pretty good. I was pretty happy with the first run. The long run at the end - even though it wasn't that long for me - the pace looked promising. It has not been a bad day. Of course, I would prefer to have done a few more laps but I think we are in a reasonable place."

‘McLaren damage cause’;

https://racingnews365.com/piastri-details-mclaren-damage-cause


F1 drivers hit out at new tyre allocation rule in Hungary
19:01 Fri, 21 Jul 2023.
By: Matt Kew
Motorsport.com

Devised ostensibly to improve F1's sustainability credentials by reducing the freight required per event, the tyre allocation for each driver has dropped from 13 sets to 11 for Budapest. In addition, compounds have been mandated for qualifying. The hard Pirelli will be enforced for Q1, mediums for Q2 and then the softest rubber for the Q3 shootout for pole position.

The alternative tyre allocation was slated for a first rollout at the Emilia Romagna GP before the event was cancelled due to flooding. It is therefore being tested for the first time in Hungary this weekend and will be implemented again at Monza.

Should the experiment prove successful, it will likely be deployed more extensively in 2024. But initial feedback from drivers has been critical. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton reckon the spectacle has been hurt as teams are likely to complete fewer laps across practice.

‘New tyre allocation rule’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-drivers-hit-out-at-new-tyre-allocation-rule-in-hungary/10498304/


Max Verstappen joins Lewis Hamilton in criticism of altered Hungarian GP format
21 Jul 2023 8:00 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton is not a fan of the new format being trialled at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and for once has Max Verstappen as an ally on this topic. In the first of two scheduled Alternative Tyre Allocation [ATA] trials in F1 2023, drivers have seen their usual allocation of 13 sets of slick tyres reduced to 11 at the Hungaroring.

And come qualifying, drivers will be required to contest Q1 on the hard tyre, Q2 on the medium and Q3 on the soft, rather than having free choice throughout the sessions. The thinking behind this alternate format is that Formula 1 can take a step closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 by reducing the amount of tyres being distributed for race weekends, though on-track the results have not been ideal judging by Friday’s action.

Mercedes’ George Russell has revealed that he spent all of FP2 on a set of used soft tyres, with his Mercedes team-mate Hamilton, who also ran one set, slamming the format, claiming it takes “time on track away from the fans”. And Verstappen does not support the initiative either, saying the battle it creates to save tyres is “not the correct thing”.

‘The battle it creates to save tyres’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-ata-format-criticism/

[Fortitude]

Fan left in tears after SHOCKING Hungarian GP practice incident.
A young Sergio Perez fan was left in tears on Friday afternoon after the Mexican driver collided with the wall at turn five during FP1 in Hungary.
Friday 21 July 2023 22:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Checo was navigating his first lap of the weekend at the Hungaroring when he dipped a wheel onto the grass on the entry to turn five, sending him spinning into the tyre barrier and bringing out the red flag. The Red Bull pit wall was visibly frustrated by the incident, which set the team on the back foot for the rest of the weekend. This was particularly devastating to one young fan, who was picked up by the broadcast in tears while his father desperately tried to console him.

There was, however, a happy ending for the young fan in question. When the cameras returned for FP2 later on Friday afternoon, the young Checo fan was spotted in the Red Bull garage after the team visited him in the stands with a VIP pass. During the Sky Sports F1 FP2 broadcast, Ted Kravitz revealed that the youngster was attending his first-ever Hungarian Grand Prix.

Kravitz also explained that his father has attended each of the last 20 Hungarian Grand Prix events, but this year's weekend will surely be hard to top moving forward. There was no sign of tears on the young fan's face later in the afternoon as he finally got to meet his hero, Sergio Perez, with the pair sharing a handshake in the Red Bull garage.

‘SHOCKING Hungarian GP practice incident’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000262/sergio-perez-fan-crying-hungarian-grand-prix/


Brundle left in DISBELIEF after 'rookie' Perez mistake
Saturday 22 July 2023 07:57
Harry Smith
GPFans

Sky Sports F1 pundit and co-commentator Martin Brundle has described Sergio Perez's FP1 shunt as a 'rookie error'. The Mexican driver, who is already facing mounting pressure and questions about his Red Bull future, hit the wall just minutes into FP1 at the Hungaroring.

That crash brought out the first of two red flags in FP1 with Carlos Sainz later hitting the barriers on the run down to turn four in wet conditions. Perez's incident will give further confidence to Daniel Ricciardo, who is back in an F1 car for the first time this season after replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri.

“I can’t get my head around that, Brundle explained during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast after FP1. "It is a rookie error. I can only assume it’s pressure because he didn’t just clip the edge of the grass or the white line. He was on the grass by a metre or something. I can’t get my head around it at all."

‘Facing mounting pressure’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000254/sergio-perez-martin-brundle-hungarian-grand-prix-fp1-crash/


Under Pressure: Sergio Perez’s Hungarian GP Practice Crash Adds to Red Bull Uncertainty
Updated 21 Jul 2023 8:27 pm:
By Theo Gayle
World In Sport (Weblog)

The first practice session in Budapest proved to be a challenging one for Sergio Perez. Just three minutes into the session, he made a crucial error that resulted in a dramatic crash. On his very first lap, Perez slightly misjudged his car’s positioning and ended up dipping a wheel onto the grass at the edge of the track. This seemingly minor mistake led to the Red Bull spinning out of control and colliding with a tyre wall.

The consequences were twofold – the team’s mechanics had their hands full trying to repair the damaged car, while Perez’s already fragile confidence took another blow. The emotional exchange between Perez and his race engineer over the radio reflected the gravity of the situation. Perez expressed disbelief and frustration at yet another costly mistake, acknowledging that he had lost control due to clipping the grass during braking.

The crash did not sit well with Red Bull’s veteran team adviser, Helmut Marko, who appeared visibly displeased on the pit wall. Christian Horner, the team principal, also shared the sentiment and acknowledged the frustration caused by the incident. While the full extent of the damage was yet to be determined, Horner remained hopeful that it might be contained to the front right corner of the car, making it repairable in time for the next session.

‘Red Bull Uncertainty’;

https://worldinsport.com/under-pressure-sergio-perezs-hungarian-gp-practice-crash-adds-to-red-bull-uncertainty/?nowprocket=1


Marko reveals consequence of Perez crash
21 July 9:10PM
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed Sergio Perez has no more spare parts after crashing out of FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull's mechanics were able to repair Perez's RB19 before FP2, though a lock-up on his only Soft tyre run left him straggling on the leaderboard.

But a bigger concern would be the fact that he has used his allocation of spare upgrade parts for the weekend, with final practice, qualifying and the race yet to run. "He came onto the grass and because of the rain, it was slippy. So that's why he flew off," said Marko on Perez's crash, as per Motorsport Magazin.

On the spares situation, Marko added: "We have enough spares, for both cars." Asked to clarify whether that meant Perez was racing without spare parts, Marko confirmed: "No [he has none]." This means Verstappen does have a set of spares left on his side of the garage.

‘Consequence of Perez crash’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-reveals-consequence-of-perez-crash


Perez ‘will lose his place’ at Red Bull
22nd July 2023, 08:29
ANDREW MAITLAND
Grandpx.news

Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull became even more clouded on Friday when he crashed during his opening practice laps at the Hungaroring. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said the crash was the last thing Perez needed. “This cannot happen,” he told Sky Deutschland. “I predict he will lose his place in the long run. And maybe Ricciardo’s return to the wheel of Red Bull is closer than we all think.”

However, with Perez already contracted for 2024 – and with multiple powerful Mexican sponsors part of the deal – Marko insists that his seat is safe for now. “If Ricciardo presents himself well, he could certainly be an issue for Red Bull Racing in the future,” said Marko. “But that will certainly only be possible after the end of the 2024 season, when Perez’s contract expires.”

For his part, Perez admitted he simply made a mistake on Friday – on top of five consecutive failures to even reach Q3 recently. “It’s nothing different from what could happen to any driver on the grid,” he told DAZN in Hungary. “We all have good and bad moments.”

“This cannot happen”;

https://grandpx.news/perez-will-lose-his-place-at-red-bull/

[Fortitude]

Hamilton upstages Red Bulls in busy final Hungarian GP practice.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes upstaged Red Bull with the fastest time in final Hungarian Grand Prix practice.
Jul 22 2023
By Matt Beer
The Race

Key moments:
> Hamilton beats Verstappen by 0.250s in final soft tyre runs
> Ricciardo only 18th but ahead of Tsunoda
Max Verstappen spent most of the session at the top of the times by virtue of early medium-tyre runs while midfielders got close on softer tyres without deposing him.

Red Bull was leaving it late to try softs for the first time all weekend given the use of the Alternative Tyre Allocation system for the first time in Hungary, which halves the amount of softs available to each time as well as mandating which compound to use in each of Q1, Q2 and Q3. Verstappen was knocked down the order a touch as the more competitive teams tried softs but it seemed a fair assumption that he’d be back on top once he did likewise.

Instead a visibly aggressive 1m17.811s lap from Hamilton was a quarter of a second up on what Verstappen – who’d sounded unhappy with his car on team radio – could manage on softs. That Mercedes top spot came despite suggestions from Hamilton on Friday that it was well off the pace this weekend.

‘Hamilton upstages Red Bulls’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-upstages-red-bulls-in-busy-final-hungarian-gp-practice/


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
22nd July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes -1:17.811
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.250
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.256
4. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.266
5. Lando Norris McLaren +0.271
6. George Russell Mercedes +0.308
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.379
8. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.423
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.539
10. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.678

‘Hungarian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from the final practice session ahead of the 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Hungaroring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-practice-results-2023-hungarian-grand-prix-82786


2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
22nd July 2023, 11:33
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-final-practice-live-updates


Red Bull in "trouble" at Hungarian GP as Max Verstappen swears loudly in frustration
Verstappen is on a mission to secure his seventh-straight F1 victory in Budapest this weekend and has an upgraded car at his disposal, but the Dutchman did not sound too comfortable in practice
12:33, 22 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Max Verstappen complained about a lack of grip in an X-rated radio message to his Red Bull team during Hungarian Grand Prix practice. The Dutchman doesn't have much to moan about these days. He is top of the drivers' standings by 99 points and is favourite to make it seven Formula 1 race victories in a row in Budapest this weekend.

But he wasn't entirely satisfied during final practice on Saturday. Despite being at the top of the timesheets, he was suffering an issue on his car. And Verstappen made his displeasure clear to his team over the radio with a foul-mouthed message. "No f***ing grip, it's unbelievable," he said.

Nico Rosberg speculated that Verstappen's message might be an indicator that not all is well with those changes. Commentating on Sky Sports, the 2016 F1 champion said: "Maybe a little bit of trouble there for Red Bull? Maybe they're not as comfortable as they would like to be, which would also be great news for all of us."

"No f***ing grip, it's unbelievable";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/max-verstappen-radio-hungarian-gp-30527883


Ricciardo nearly CRASHES on F1 return in Zhou close call at Hungarian GP
Saturday 22 July 2023 13:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Daniel Ricciardo nearly had a big crash on his F1 return at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Australian finished his flying lap and pulled over to let other cars through as Zhou Guanyu exited the pitlane.

The Chinese racer slowed right down in his Alfa Romeo, thinking Ricciardo was coming through which led to the AlphaTauri man slamming his brakes on to not hit his fellow competitor. Ricciardo led his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda but he was only 18th fastest with the Japanese man 20th.

‘Close call’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000298/daniel-ricciardo-zhou-guanyu-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-nearly-crash/


Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in Hungarian GP disagreement in worrying Mercedes sign
Seven-time world champion Hamilton wants to continue his good form this weekend after three podiums in his last four outings, but was unhappy with his car's performance after practice
13:13, 22 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Hamilton only went 16th fastest in that session, while team-mate George Russell was rock bottom of the timesheets. But he had been at the top of them in FP1 earlier on Friday and, as a result was more upbeat about his car's true pace.

"I'm sure tomorrow will be better. But you know we're still just focused on trying to improve. We always know that we tend to get better as the weekend progresses, which is the right way round for it to be. Few interesting things we learned, even in that one session, so let's see what we can do tonight.”

Mercedes' overnight labours clearly paid off. On the soft tyre the W14 looked like a completely different car and Hamilton was able to top the timesheets, with Russell sixth. Team boss Toto Wolff said afterwards, however, that he does not expect the soft tyre to be much of a viable option for Sunday's race.

‘Worrying Mercedes sign’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/mercedes-hamilton-russell-hungarian-gp-30528055

[Fortitude]

Hamilton beats Verstappen to Hungarian GP F1 pole by 0.003s.
Lewis Hamilton claimed his and Mercedes’ first pole position of the 2023 Formula 1 season in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying, beating Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Jul 22 2023
By Matt Beer
The Race

The debut of F1’s Alternative Tyre Allocation system – being trialled at the Hungaroring this weekend and at Monza in September – caused plenty of intrigue and surprises in the order. Drivers had to use hard tyres in Q1, mediums in Q2 and softs in Q3, and the reduced tyre allocation meant they’d had relatively little practice running on the softs in particular.

There were positive shocks for others: Alfa Romeo backed up its practice pace by leading Q1 with Zhou Guanyu, before Norris topped Q2 for McLaren. Norris was then a genuine pole contender, but missed out by just 0.085s and starts behind Hamilton and Verstappen in third, joined on row two by team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Just 0.003s separated the old rivals, with Verstappen’s failure to improve on his last lap giving Hamilton the opportunity to nip ahead of the Red Bull and take his first pole since late-2021. Zhou and team-mate Valtteri Bottas carried Alfa Romeo’s form through to Q3, where they claimed fifth and seventh, either side of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.

‘Pole by 0.003s’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-hungarian-gp-f1-pole-by-0-003s/


Qualifying Results – 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
22nd July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
Q3
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes -1:16.609
2. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.003
3. Lando Norris McLaren +0.085
4. Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.296
5. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo +0.362
6. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.383
7. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo +0.425
8. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.426
9. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.436
10. Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.577

‘Hungarian Grand Prix – Here are the complete results from qualifying for tomorrow’s 2023 F1 World Championship race at the Hungaroring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/qualifying-results-2023-hungarian-grand-prix-82789


2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - Qualifying - LIVE UPDATES!
22nd July 2023.
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-final-practice-live-updates


Furious Toto Wolff punches table after George Russell's dire Hungarian GP qualifying display
In a much-changed qualifying session and all 20 drivers using hard compounds tyres in Q1, Mercedes racer Russell was the biggest loser as he was consigned to 18th on the grid
15:27, 22 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Toto Wolff furiously slammed the table with his fist as George Russell suffered a nightmare result in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sky Sports cameras cut to the Austrian after Russell's early exit was confirmed. Clearly expecting more from the session, Wolff banged his fist on his table in frustration when he realised that it was over for the 24-year-old.

Russell was also very unhappy himself. After having it confirmed that he was out of the session by his race engineer, the Brit swore loudly and then blamed it on the traffic that he came across in the final sector of that lap.

Russell was not the only big name to fall earlier than they would have wanted. Carlos Sainz could only go 11th fastest in Q2, knocked out of qualifying by his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc who leapfrogged the Spaniard out of the danger zone in the dying seconds.

‘Toto Wolff punches table’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-russell-qualifying-wolff-mercedes-30528884


George Russell FUMES at Mercedes as team strategy mix-up sees Brit knocked out in Q1 of Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying - in nightmare return for last year's pole-sitter
• Mercedes' George Russell was knocked out in Q1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix
• The 25-year-old British driver is set to start tomorrow's race in 18th place
• Follow Mail Sport's live blog of the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying
Updated: 16:13, 22 July 2023
By James Evans
Mailonline

George Russell fumes at Mercedes team after he was knocked out of Q1 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. He is set to start Sunday's race in 18th, with the Brit unhappy with his team. The Mercedes driver revealed his shock over the team radio: 'Don't tell me we're out. Guys, I could have gone at any point. I was in all that traffic in sector three!' Mercedes team principal, Wolff was seen slamming his fist following after Russell was knocked out of Q1.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about his elimination, Russell said: 'We were fast. The car felt great. The whole session we were out of sync with everybody. 'I got overtaken by four cars going into the last corner, starting my lap. I was three tenths down before I got to Turn 1, the tyres were nowhere and it was totally normal that we went slower and didn't make it through.”

'Really disappointed. We didn't need to take so many risks. We went out for one lap at the end, one of the few cars that did that. The car was more than quick enough to get to Q2 and Q3. It's rare we make these mistakes. You get what you deserve if you don't do things right.'

‘FUMES at Mercedes’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12326867/George-Russell-FUMES-Mercedes-team-strategy-mix-sees-Briton-knocked-Q1-ahead-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-nightmare-return-years-pole-sitter.html


Lewis Hamilton takes his first pole position in two years as Mercedes star edges Max Verstappen in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying
Updated: 16:16, 22 July 2023
By Jonathan McEvoy
MailOnline

At last! Lewis Hamilton rolled back the years to take a stunning pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He did so by 0.003sec from Max Verstappen – the juggernaut stopped for once. The Dutchman will start the 70-lap race in second place, ahead of Lando Norris.

On a tight and twisting track on which he had won a record eight times, Hamilton delivered a brilliant performance – his first pole for 595 days, going back to Saudi Arabia, the race before the night that tipped his life upside down in Abu Dhabi a week later.

‘Get in there, lets go boys!’ said Hamilton over the radio. ‘That feels so good guys. Thank you so much for all the hard work. Wahoo!’ It was the Briton’s ninth pole here in Budapest – more than any driver has achieved at any other single track.

‘First pole position in two years’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-12326921/Lewis-Hamilton-takes-pole-position-two-years-Mercedes-star-edges-Max-Verstappen-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-qualifying.html

[Fortitude]

Wolff SLAMS 'weird' new qualifying format despite Hamilton BRILLIANCE.
Toto Wolff has slammed the new F1 qualifying format which has debuted at the Hungarian Grand Prix – just hours before his lead driver Lewis Hamilton took his first pole in more than 30 races.
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:44
Joe Ellis
GPFans

The new rules saw drivers mandated to use hard tyres in Q1, mediums in Q2 and softs in Q3 unless the session is declared wet at any stage. That always looked highly unlikely though, with the sun shining at the Hungaroring, and Wolff admitted he doesn't really know what to expect. Mercedes' team principal is not a fan of the new system and how it makes free practice a lottery for the teams.

"First of all this tyre format is weird because no one understands where you are. We were only able to run one medium yesterday and that wasn't good at all. But, the grip on the soft was very good. Lewis here, he's able to add another two or three-tenths."

‘Wolff SLAMS 'weird' new qualifying format’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000307/toto-wolff-mercedes-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-qualifying/


Hamilton ecstatic with breakthrough Hungary pole after ‘big rollercoaster ride’ amid Mercedes’ recent struggles
22 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Lewis Hamilton expressed his satisfaction after returning to the top of the timesheets in qualifying for the first time in a year-and-a-half with his storming, pole position-grabbing performance at the Hungaroring on Saturday.

Asked if he was out of breath or just excited about the result after stepping out of his car, Hamilton said: “I think both. It’s been a crazy year-and-a-half, so I’ve lost my voice from shouting so much in the car – it’s amazing that feeling.”

“I feel so grateful to be up here, because the team have worked so hard. We’ve been pushing so hard over this time, so to finally get a pole, it feels like the first time.”

‘Hamilton ecstatic’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-ecstatic-with-breakthrough-hungary-pole-after-big-rollercoaster.67TJceTkmCozDLi9d5oheZ.html


Former rival admits ONLY Hamilton could produce F1 ‘perfection’ lap
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:12
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Lewis Hamilton stunned the F1 world with an epic lap to take pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His former Mercedes team-mate, Nico Rosberg, wasn't surprised but impressed by Hamilton's brilliant final lap, claiming no one else could have managed that.

The gap from Hamilton to Max Verstappen, who was second, was just three-thousandths of a second as the Dutchman failed to improve on his final attempt. Lando Norris qualified third with Oscar Piastri fourth on another good day for McLaren but the star of the show was Hamilton.

"Did you hear how hard he was breathing at the end there?" Rosberg said on Sky Sports. "I mean, he gave it everything he had. I witnessed these very, very special moments, these days that he used to have and today was one of those.”

‘F1 ‘perfection’ lap’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000339/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-nico-rosberg-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-qualifying-pole-position/


Lewis Hamilton questions Red Bull’s pace drop-off: 'Just look at the DRS...'
22 Jul 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton has questioned Red Bull’s decline in form, particularly in recent F1 races, after he managed to beat Max Verstappen to pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“I mean just look at the DRS, they don’t have the DRS advantage all of a sudden they used to have - where did that go? They just had an upgrade so we expected them to take another step. We heard it was around two-tenths or something like that so for them not to be able to extract that in qualifying was interesting.”

“I think in the race they’re still the quickest and it will be very hard to beat them tomorrow. We’re just as surprised as everybody else. Interesting to see some of the deficits and how it’s changed from race to race and how we’ve all closed up.”

‘Red Bull’s pace drop-off’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031843/1/hamilton-questions-red-bull-s-pace-dropoff-just-look-drs


Christian Horner downplays Lewis Hamilton pole position but gets brutal clapback from Nico Rosberg
22nd July 2023, 5:59 pm
Connor Andrews
TalkSport

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was left reeling from a Nico Rosberg grilling in Budapest. Never shy to back away from the difficult questions, Rosberg remains as feisty in retirement as when he beat Lewis Hamilton to the title as his teammate at Mercedes seven years ago.

“All credit to Mercedes, it was a very strong lap at the end there, you can see their history with the amount of poles, and particularly Lewis here,” Horner began. “We left a little bit on the table, Max had a little snap at turn 16, but the front row is still very good. Correcting Horner in an instant, Rosberg followed: “I think Lewis actually left a little bit on the road there too, he had a similar snap in the last two, so maybe it’s not too dissimilar.”

Rosberg was keen to point out that result, saying: “I have to ask about Sergio, only P9 once again. He was almost four-and-a-half tenths down on Max, do you see him still struggling out there, what were his comments like?” Horner then answered: “That’s the first time he’s been in Q3 since Miami so that was important for him to get there. “But he’s not going to be happy being in P9. He’s got to race well tomorrow but we’ve got to give him a good strategy.”

‘Brutal clapback from Nico Rosberg’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1508467/

[Fortitude]

Hungarian GP: Post Qualifying press conference.
Track Interviews - Conducted by Danica Patrick.
22/07/2023
NEWS STORY
Pitpass

Lando Norris: A little bit. I'm disappointed, I guess. If you're doing within a tenth of pole, it feels like you should be on pole if you put the lap together, you know? So, I guess as an overall picture, the team did a good job: P3 and P4 for both of us. So, a good weekend so far but, as a driver, I'm not the happiest. I feel like I made too many mistakes and that cost me today.

Max Verstappen: Not much happened. I've been struggling that whole weekend to find a good balance. Every session has been up and down. Today also in Qualifying, really difficult, Q1, Q2, to just feel confident to really attack corners. I thought my first run in Q3 was quite good, then second run, again, no feeling. You try to push a little bit more, you lose the rear, lose the front, so I think... I mean it was still second, but I think we should be ahead with the car we have normally but so far this weekend, I think we haven't been on it.

Lewis Hamilton: I think both. It's been a crazy year and a half. I've lost my voice from shouting so much in the car. It's amazing that feeling. I feel so grateful to be up here because the team have worked so hard. We've been pushing so hard over this time, to finally get a pole, it feels like the first time. And a big, big thanks to the crowd here, we have such an amazing crowd, every year here in Budapest. Wow! I didn't expect coming here today that we'd be fighting for pole, so when I went into that last run, I gave it absolutely everything. I was... there was nothing left in it.

‘Interviews’;

https://www.pitpass.com/75730/Hungarian-GP-Post-Qualifying-press-conference


Charles Leclerc in disbelief after Ferrari embarrassed in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying
23:16, 22 Jul 2023
By Nathan Ridley Sports Reporter
The Mirror

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was left stunned after witnessing how quick Alfa Romeo were during qualifying ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu superbly bested both Ferrari drivers in qualifying on Saturday, whizzing around the Budapest track to take fifth place on the grid. A shocked Leclerc only managed to gain sixth, ahead of Alfa Romeo's other driver, Valtteri Bottas, while Carlos Sainz failed to reach Q3 in the second Ferrari car.

Guanyu's rapid performance - notably with no new upgrades to the car ahead of this weekend's GP - left Leclerc and co stunned, as the Monegasque driver declared: "They were very strong. Yesterday, the team showed me the simulations of what we think they will be like and honestly they were all right, the simulation ahead of today.

"Yesterday, I was like, 'I think there might be something wrong in that, it might be a mistake' and they proved me wrong today because the team expected it. It's very difficult to understand because of my knowledge, I haven't checked, but I don't think they had any particularly big upgrades for this weekend.”

‘Disbelief’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/charles-leclerc-ferrari-hungarian-gp-30531257


Verstappen had “the worst balance I can have in a car” in qualifying
2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Posted on 22nd July 2023, 20:32
Written by Keith Collantine
RaceFans

Verstappen said his car felt “terrible” to drive in today’s session. “It doesn’t matter where you are on the grid, if it doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t feel good. The whole qualifying I’ve been struggling a lot. Well, the whole weekend really, with the shift in balance, with understeer and you try to correct it and it’s oversteer, and it was just never in a good window.”

“I was struggling a lot in Q1, Q2,” he said. “I mean, there’s not much you can do really once you go into qualifying. But every time I got to the apex of the corner it was just not gripping up for me and that’s probably the worst balance I can have in a car. I tried to correct a few things in Q3 but there’s only so much you can do.”

‘Worst balance’;

https://www.racefans.net/2023/07/22/verstappen-had-the-worst-balance-i-can-have-in-a-car-in-qualifying/


McLaren SHOULD have taken Hungarian GP pole reveals GPFans' F1 aero analyst
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:12
Shubham Sangodkar
GPFans

The last two races have seen an upsurge from McLaren, coming off the bench after the first eight races of the season. The Hungarian track is very different from both Silverstone and Spielberg. It's dominated mostly by slow-speed sections with long radius corners. This also makes it very sensitive to driver inputs and to the wind. Therefore, at this track slow-speed performance is definitely tested but also the car drivability is tested too.

Mercedes as a reference for slow-speed corners. The Mercedes from our analysis was the fastest car in the slow-speed corners for the last few races, so we expected them to do well in Hungary. So if we compare the McLaren and the Mercedes in the slow speed sections we should get a good calibration if they have taken a step in performance.

From the data, we can see that Norris is able to keep up with Hamilton around the slow-speed sections losing only about 0.1-0.2 sec around the entire lap which is very impressive considering how far back they were in slow-speed performance just two races ago before the upgrades. Norris makes up most of that time at T4 and T11 in the high-speed sections leaving only 0.082 sec of a difference between them. Interestingly, Norris has a small correction on the throttle that he makes at T6-7, because of which he losses about two-tenths to Hamilton, chances are he would have been on the pole without that mistake !!

‘SHOULD be pole’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000363/mclaren-pole-lando-norris-hungarian-grand-prix-f1/


'I feel absolutely amazing' – Zhou revels in career-high fifth place in Budapest qualifying
22 July 2023
Formula One - Official Site

Speaking after jumping out of the C43, an ecstatic Zhou remarked: “I feel absolutely amazing. Really happy. Big thanks to the team of course. To give me the car to be fighting for Q3, and then coming back with a P5, that was definitely not expected.”

“But we knew we had the pace this weekend and qualifying, I was literally on the edge every lap. Q1, top of the table, really surprised, then I knew I had a chance.”

“Every lap had to be 100%, a few mistakes of course with the track limits, but I was pushing on the limit. When it mattered, we delivered, especially with the last lap in Q3. So, really happy with the starting grid.”

'Feel amazing';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-feel-absolutely-amazing-zhou-revels-in-career-high-fifth-place-in-budapest.6PGixoR3oJHpWvgfltNzPk.html


Winners and Losers from 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying
22 July 11:00PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Winner - Lewis Hamilton: Hamilton was rather downbeat after Friday practice and was not a fan of the reduction in tyre sets from 13 to 11.
Loser - George Russell: And on the flip side, we have Russell. It's hard to make sense of Russell's season up to this point. There have been flashes of pace, and he out-qualified Hamilton in the early races. What did Russell say? "You've got to fight for yourself, it is a big four-and-a-half kilometre long track, and we're in the space of 1km with 10 cars, so we just need to look in the mirror and recognise we made a big f**k up."

Winner – McLaren: McLaren are back in the game. If the Hungarian Grand Prix has taught us anything - the MCL60 is now a potent weapon and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be making nuisances of themselves.
Loser - Carlos Sainz: Carlos Sainz was completely comfortable on the Hard Pirellis, but a "weird" problem struck whenever he put the Mediums on.

Winner - Zhou Guanyu: Alfa Romeo has been rather anonymous throughout 2023, but they have starred throughout the Budapest weekend. Zhou Guanyu took a career-best fifth on the grid, with Valtteri Bottas seventh.
Loser - Yuki Tsunoda: Yuki Tsunoda's objective for the rest of 2023 is clear: beat Daniel Ricciardo and beat him well. Throughout practice, he looked to have Ricciardo's number, but when it came to it in Qualifying, Tsunoda fell in Q1 while Ricciardo scrapped a Q2 berth.

‘Winners and Losers’;

https://racingnews365.com/winners-and-losers-from-2023-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-qualifying


George Russell shuts down Martin Brundle after suffering Hungarian Grand Prix disaster
Mercedes driver George Russell had a day to forget at qualifying for this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
21:51, Sat, Jul 22, 2023
By Lewis Winter
Daily and Sunday Express

Russell will be 18th on the grid after he was eliminated in Q1. Sky Sports F1 reporter Brundle reiterated the long-term view that there is a gentleman's agreement between rival drivers that they do not overtake one another as they prepare to start laps in qualifying.

But Russell has shut down that claim, insisting there is a time when you must put yourself first. Asked if the agreement exists, the 25-year-old said: "No, because you’ve all got to think about yourself at one point and there’s just so many cars on track, I understand why some cars didn’t.”

"We went out for one lap at the end, we were one of the few cars who did that, the car was more than quick enough to get through to Q2/Q3. It’s rare that we make these kind of mistakes. You get what you deserve, I guess, if you don’t do things right."

‘Day to forget’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1794111/George-Russell-Martin-Brundle-Hungarian-Grand-Prix

[Fortitude]

Verstappen cruises to Hungarian GP victory ahead of Norris.
With his unchallenged victory, Red Bull has set a new record for the most consecutive race wins in F1 history at 12, which stretches back to last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen started the race from second place on the grid with 2021 title rival Lewis Hamilton ahead of him on pole position.
23rd July 2023, 15:45
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week

Much noise was made in the build-up to the race about the run into the first corner – however both kept it clean. Verstappen got the better launch off the line and moved ahead of Hamilton into Turn 1, who soon found himself in fourth place as the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris moved ahead.

In the final laps of the grand prix, Perez closed in on Norris for second place – at one point, it appeared that he would be on his tail by the end of the race. However, Norris managed to hang on to secure McLaren’s first back-to-back podium since 2012. Perez was third, but came under pressure from Hamilton behind in the late stages, who unleashed rapid pace from the W14 in the final laps. Piastri crossed the line in fifth.

‘Verstappen cruises to Hungarian GP victory’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/23/verstappen-cruises-to-hungarian-gp-victory-ahead-of-norris/


Red Bull break ANOTHER 2023 record with unbelievable feat in Hungarian GP.
The mechanics in the pitlane produced a remarkable pitstop that lasted just 1.9 seconds to get Sergio Perez back in the race in record time.
Sunday 23 July 2023 16:32
Joe Ellis
GPFans

It is still an unofficial record for the season with the current fastest stop coming at the Spanish GP, again by Red Bull with Perez on board in a time of 2.07 seconds. Earlier in the race, McLaren had matched Red Bull's 2.0 second stop from earlier in the season with Oscar Piastri, but it still wasn't enough to stop Lando Norris from getting the undercut on his team-mate.

Red Bull is consistently among the very best on pitlane every single race which just makes beating them even harder. The reigning champions have had the fastest pitstop four times in 11 races prior to this weekend's Hungarian GP.

‘ANOTHER 2023 record’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000409/sergio-perez-red-bull-f1-2023-pitstop-record-f1-hungarian-grand-prix/


Race Results – 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
23rd July 2023
by Emer Hedderman
FormulaSpy

Results (Classification):
1. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing – 70 laps
2. Lando Norris McLaren +33.731
3. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +37.603
4. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +39.134
5. Oscar Piastri McLaren +62.572
6. George Russell Mercedes +65.825
7. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +70.317
8. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +71.073
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +75.709
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1 lap

‘Hungarian Grand Prix – Here are the provisional results from today’s 2023 F1 World Championship race around the Hungaroring’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/race-results-2023-hungarian-grand-prix-82801


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
23 July 2023
Becky Hart
Special Contributor.
Formula One - Official Site

‘As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-formula-1-qatar-airways-hungarian-grand-prix-2023.5ilMlLm0vaGSOJ00INlmDv.html


How the 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix unfolded
23rd July 2023.13:28
Reporting By: Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

‘LIVE UPDATES’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/live/2023-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-race-day-live-updates


Lewis Hamilton issues grovelling apology to Mercedes after disastrous Hungarian GP start
Hamilton started the Hungarian Grand Prix on pole – the first time he has done so in F1 for more than 18 months – but threw it all away with a wretched start to the race on Sunday
14:15, 23 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
The Mirror

Lewis Hamilton threw away his fairytale pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix with a horrible start off the line. The Brit upstaged Max Verstappen to take pole from his Formula 1 rival on Sunday. But the Red Bull had the lead of the race by the first corner as Hamilton suffered a horrible start.

And it got worse from there. Not only did Verstappen overtake, but he also fell behind the two McLaren cars in the opening few corners and was in fourth place in the blink of an eye. The seven-time world champion was clearly frustrated but also took full responsibility as he took to the radio. "Sorry about that guys," he said, the disappointment evident in his voice.

‘Threw away his fairytale pole’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/breaking-hamilton-start-hungarian-gp-30533507

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen Delivers Red Bull Winning-Streak Record In Hungary.
Max Verstappen came home a massive 33.7 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in third.
Updated: July 23, 2023 10:57 PM IST
Agence France-Presse
NDTV.com

Max Verstappen cruised to another majestic victory on Sunday, reeling off a record 12th straight win for Red Bull as he dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix with a textbook drive from lights to flag. The defending double world champion grabbed the lead from pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at the start and remained in control for his seventh successive victory, his ninth in 11 races this year and the 44th of his career.

More significantly, it was Red Bull's 12th consecutive win, breaking a 35-year-old record they had shared with McLaren, who won 11 straight races in 1988 with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna as their driver pair. Verstappen came home a massive 33.7 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in third.

"For the team 12 wins in a row is incredible. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going for a long time," said Verstappen Verstappen's seventh straight win stretched the double world champion's lead over Perez to 110 points in the championship.

‘Verstappen came home a massive 33.7 seconds ahead’;

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/max-verstappen-delivers-red-bull-winning-streak-record-in-hungary-4234789


‘Old-school’ Verstappen sparked Red Bull history – Horner
Monday 24th July, 2023 - 6:00am
By Ian Parkes
Speedcafe

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen went “old school” to set Red Bull on the road to another place in F1’s record books. In taking the chequered flag, Red Bull has now set a new record of 12 consecutive victories, breaking a mark that has stood for 35 years when Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost led McLaren to 11 successive wins in 1988. “We have achieved history, which is something very special for the whole team,” said Horner.

“To achieve the record of 12 consecutive grand prix victories, to break that record from 1988 – and I remember watching Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, the great McLaren team at the time led by Ron Dennis, and to think it’s taken 35 years, with the quality of the opposition we’re racing against – is a phenomenal achievement, and something the whole team can be immensely proud of.”

There was no sense of the dominance to come, to which Horner remarked: “The consensus was that we’d put more focus into the higher temperatures (for the race) and the race pace as opposed to single-lap pace. “Whilst Max was frustrated not to get the pole, he went into this race fully fired up.” Horner has conceded, though, to a degree of nervousness in watching the start, adding: “A grid that has Lewis and Max starting alongside each other is always one as a team principal where you’re thinking ‘I just hope I see the car out of the first turn’. “But both drivers raced very hard, but fair. Max got a great start off the dirty side of the grid, and it was old school down to the first turn.”

‘Old-school’;

https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/07/24/max-verstappen-red-bull-hungarian-grand-prix-old-school/


Marko throws down warning after historic Red Bull win
It's a 12th straight victory for the team, eclipsing McLaren's record from 1988.
23 July 8:05PM
Author Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Helmut Marko has warned Red Bull's Formula 1 rivals that it has even more pace to unleash after their dominance in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"On Saturday, we did not find the right balance during qualifying," Marko told Sky Sport DE. "[In the race] we did, but we have not yet fully exploited the potential of our upgrade."

"The successful start and then the sovereignty with which Max then drove make him more and more an exceptional driver," Marko noted. "He was good on the tyres and could see he was driving [with some pace] in reserve, and then he also picked up the fastest lap."

‘More pace to unleash’;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-throws-down-warning-after-historic-red-bull-win


Wolff: Red Bull leaving rivals looking like 'a field of F2 cars'
23/07/2023 at 19:34
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Wolff took his hat off to Red Bull's crushing success but ensured that it would not go unchecked.

"It is a meritocracy," the Mercedes boss told Sky F1. "We are going to fight back and win races and championships but today you've seen the pace that Max had, and you saw it already on the long runs on Friday.”

"That is where they are. It is like a field of Formula 2 cars against a Formula 1 [car]. They've done the best job. Within the regulations, they've done the best job."

‘Field of F2 cars';

https://f1i.com/news/481843-wolff-red-bull-leaving-rivals-looking-like-a-field-of-f2-cars.html


Lando Norris smashes Max Verstappen’s F1 winners' trophy during Hungarian GP podium celebrations
23 Jul 2023
Lewis Larkam
Crash Net

Lando Norris couldn’t stop himself from laughing after he accidentally smashed Max Verstappen’s F1 Hungarian Grand Prix winners’ trophy during the podium celebrations.

During the McLaren driver’s trademark podium celebration of smashing his champagne bottle on the base of the podium, Verstappen’s trophy fell off the top step and smashed into several pieces.

Asked what had happened during the post-race FIA press conference, Norris sheepishly responded: "Um, yeah, I’m not sure, Max just placed it too close to the edge!” To which, Verstappen said: "I’m going to take it off next time to protect it." Norris added: "Yeah just hold it! I don’t know, it fell over I guess? Not my problem, it’s his!"

‘McLaren driver’s trademark podium celebration of smashing his champagne bottle on the base of the podium’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031955/1/norris-smashes-verstappen-s-trophy-during-podium-celebrations


Verstappen gives Norris 'red card' for destroying victory trophy
23 July 6:40PM
Author Ewan Gale
RacingNews365

Max Verstappen has given Lando Norris "a red card" after the McLaren driver smashed his Hungarian Grand Prix winner's trophy.

The Briton began his champagne celebrations in typical style with a tap of the bottle on the top step of the podium, only to knock Verstappen's trophy onto the ground - shattering the unique award. The trophies are handmade by Herendi Porcelanmanufaktura Zrt with an approximate production time of six months at a cost of €40,000.

"You said it was my fault? I give you a red card," said Verstappen in a conversation picked up during Sky Sports F1's special kids broadcast. "I will go to Zak because he has got some spare money for the personnel in the team, so he can spend it on a trophy."

‘Norris 'red card'!’;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-gives-norris-red-card-for-destroying-victory-trophy


McLaren issue grovelling APOLOGY to Red Bull amid Norris' Verstappen trophy damage
Sunday 23 July 2023 22:27
Matthew Hobkinson
GPFans

McLaren have taken to social media to apologise to Red Bull after Lando Norris broke Max Verstappen's P1 trophy during the celebrations on the podium in Hungary. McLaren were quick to apologise to Red Bull, after they took to social media to express their regret at Norris' actions.

And as if that wasn't enough, Norris has also personally apologised to Verstappen, after the 23-year-old replied to the two-time world champion's own Instagram post. Alongside a picture of the broken trophy, Verstappen wrote: "Thanks @landonorris," before the McLaren star replied: "I'm so sorry," adding a cheeky "not" afterwards.

‘McLaren issue grovelling APOLOGY’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000439/mclaren-apology-red-bull-max-verstappen-broken-trophy-lando-norris-hungary-gp/

[Fortitude]

George Russell wants '10 second penalty' for Lando Norris after Max Verstappen incident.
After witnessing the vase tumble and shatter, the Mercedes driver said: "What?! You are kidding me! What happened... that's surely got to be like a 10 second penalty!
20:16, Sun, Jul 23, 2023
By Charlie Malam
Daily and Sunday Express

Norris reproduced his now trademark celebration of banging his bottle of champagne off the top step. In doing so however, the reverberations of the smash accidentally saw the cup tumble on to the floor and break into two pieces.

"That is awful. What is he thinking? He needs to go to Specsavers maybe." A retrospective 10 second penalty would have course seen Russell's team-mate Lewis Hamilton upgraded from P4 to P3 to pick up an extra three points from the race. It would've seen Red Bull's Sergio Perez promoted to second with Norris dropping to fourth.

Asked then how he broke it, Norris laughed: "Happily. It wasn't on purpose!" After Scarlett joked the McLaren star just wanted to be the race winner that badly, Lando said: "I do, I was annoyed I was P2! No that is my celebration, to hit the bottle. Max put his trophy in the wrong place. It's Max's fault."

'10 second penalty';

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1794315/George-Russell-Lando-Norris-Max-Verstappen-trophy


‘I happily broke it!’ – Lando Norris refuses to apologise after smashing Max Verstappen’s trophy
Sunday 23 Jul 2023 6:03 pm
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

Lando Norris accidentally smashed Max Verstappen’s trophy on the Hungarian Grand Prix podium – but thankfully both drivers saw the funny side of things. The trophy, valued at around £35,000 and decorated in pink, reportedly in celebration of the newly-released Barbie movie, was smashed into several pieces.

As both the Brit and the Dutchman realised what had happened, their reaction was a hilarious mix of horror and laughter which carried on as the pair headed to the media pen for their post-race interviews. Speaking to Sky Sports, Norris said: ‘I happily broke it! I was annoyed I was P2.”

‘I happily broke it!’;

https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/23/f1-lando-norris-refuses-to-apologise-after-smashing-max-verstappens-trophy-19177465/?ito=newsnow-feed


Lando Norris smashes Max Verstappen’s £25,000 Barbie winner’s trophy on Hungary podium and can’t stop laughing
23rd July 2023, 4:56 pm
Connor Andrews
talkSPORT

Lando Norris hilariously smashed Max Verstappen’s Hungarian Grand Prix winners’ trophy during post-race celebrations. Verstappen had just taken his seventh win on the bounce – and Red Bull’s 12th – with the Milton Keynes team setting a new Formula 1 record.

Perhaps just as big a story was British star Norris finishing second in back-to-back races, marking an incredible turnaround in form for McLaren. Norris notched his eighth career podium in F1, and celebrated in his trademark fashion – by bashing his champagne bottle on the floor to pop the cork and allow him to drench his fellow podium finishers.

However, as he whacked the bottle on the podium steps, it sent Verstappen’s first place trophy crashing to the ground and shattering into pieces. The historic Hungaroring trophy is one of the most beautiful prizes on the F1 calendar, made from porcelain by the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. The prizes are worth €30,000 [£25,900] as of 2020, and this year’s edition was in pink, reportedly in celebration of the newly-released Barbie movie.

‘Just as big a story’;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1509049/


Norris’ podium faux pas breaks Verstappen’s trophy
16:56 Sun, 23 Jul 2023.
by Phillip Horton
Motorsport Week

After being presented with their respective trophies Norris slammed his champagne bottle down onto the winners’ rostrum, as has become his style.

“Um… I’m not sure [what happened],” joked Norris. “Er… yeah, not sure, Max just placed it too close to the edge!. It fell over, I guess. Not my problem, it’s his!”

We are so, so sorry… @redbullracing and @Max33Verstappen! ��#HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/eXTC4dLdMO
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 23, 2023

‘As has become his style’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2023/07/23/norris-podium-faux-pas-breaks-verstappens-trophy/


Lando Norris smashing Max Verstappen’s winner trophy on the podium after #HungarianGP
Jul 23, 2023
F1 Chequered Flag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxsA6V928No


"What is he thinking?!" �� | George Russell on Lando Norris breaking Verstappen's trophy
Jul 23, 2023
Sky Sports F1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBdj8NYPG9s


Lando Norris reaction to breaking max verstappen’s trophy #f1 #landonorris
Jul 23, 2023
AeroF1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvR83-pzogs

[Fortitude]

Hamilton a 'broken record' over Mercedes wish.
Hamilton has been vocal about the shortcomings of the W14 and its predecessor last season given Mercedes' struggles, as the Brackley-based outfit bids to recover lost ground on the dominant Red Bull RB19.
24 July 5:00PM
Author Ewan Gale

The pace at the start of stints in the race was a far cry from the performance on display across one lap at the Hungaroring and asked why the car seems faster on low fuel, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: "The car isn't much quicker [generally]. This weekend it was quicker.

"We generally have a bigger wing than some of the others, like the Red Bulls for example, but they seem to have more downforce from their floor. We have a lot of work to do. I'm like a broken record, I have just got to keep telling the guys that we need to go in that direction. I would love to see that either this year or at least on next year's car."

'Broken record';

https://racingnews365.com/hamilton-a-broken-record-over-mercedes-wish


‘We’re not fast enough!’ - Hamilton warns of Mercedes reality check
24th July 2023, 08:18
Matt Majendie
Evening Standard

After the euphoria of qualifying 24 hours earlier came the reality check of the race itself. And with it the realisation for Lewis Hamilton that Mercedes are “not fast enough”.

The seven-time world champion had enjoyed a stunning return to form over the one-lap format at the Hungarian Grand Prix to take his first pole position for nearly 600 days, eclipsing what was in theory a quicker car in Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.

It quickly turned from celebration to frustration when Hamilton suffered a wheelspin and found himself back in fourth within the opening salvos of Sunday’s race. It was a position he would end the race in and the 38-year-old cut a deflated figure in the aftermath of the grand prix.

‘We’re not fast enough’;

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/b1096257.html


Lewis Hamilton frustrated over repeated Mercedes request – "Like a broken record"
Despite a first pole position in more than 18 months, the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend yielded little other joy for Hamilton who fell out of the podium places on the first lap
17:00, 24 Jul 2023
By Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer

Lewis Hamilton thinks he sounds "like a broken record" as he keeps trying to push his Mercedes team to where he thinks they will find better performance. He said after the race: "The car isn't much quicker. This weekend it was quicker and we don't know what the reason is. We generally have a bigger wing like some of the others, the Red Bulls for example, but they seem to have more downforce from their floor."

"The start, actually, the initial getaway wasn't the worst I've ever had, but it obviously wasn't as good as Max's," he said. "I had a bit of wheelspin and then obviously Max was on the inside and he ran me wide and I got done by the two McLarens. So, definitely not a great start, kind of reminiscent of 2015 when I fell back from first.”

"After that, just didn't have the pace to keep up with the guys. The balance in the car was pretty awful on that first stint, a lot of understeer and oversteer through corner balance and I just couldn't keep up with them."

"Like a broken record";

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-hungarian-gp-30542578


Lewis Hamilton sick of sounding like ‘broken record’ with Mercedes car requests
24 Jul 2023 6:45 AM
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton said he struggled with the balance of his W14 during the course of a long Hungarian Grand Prix. “I think we may have been able to finish third with a slightly better start, but fourth is still OK,” he said.

“We were just too slow in the first few stints. The balance was not good. The car was just slow. Then the balance picked up a lot at the end and, all of a sudden, I was able to apply the pressure, but it was too late.”

‘Broken record’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-hamilton-broken-record-mercedes-car-requests/


Lewis Hamilton hated 'every lap' of Hungarian Grand Prix as Brit savages Mercedes car
Lewis Hamilton was forced to settle for a fourth-placed finish despite starting from pole at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
19:55, Sun, Jul 23, 2023
By Archie Griggs
Daily and Sunday Express

"I fell back," said Hamilton while discussing the early stages of the 70-lap contest. "I hit the target that I was supposed to go to but just had wheelspin, then I was under attack all the way to Turn Two. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter, I didn’t have the pace to hold onto those guys [Red Bull and McLaren] anyway.

"Honestly, there wasn’t a lap that I enjoyed driving the car today, because the car didn’t feel good today at all. For some reason we just generally lacked pace. It did get better towards the end but still it was pretty tough. I knew I wouldn’t be able to catch Sergio [Perez] or at least [get past] a Red Bull, because they’re obviously so quick.”

"Honestly, there wasn’t a lap that I enjoyed driving the car today”;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1794314/Lewis-Hamilton-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-Mercedes-F1-news


Hamilton and Wolff in big 'DISAGREEMENT' in Hungarian GP debate
Sunday 23 July 2023 20:57
Joe Ellis
GPFans

Hamilton: Pretty awful: “The balance of the car was pretty awful on that first stint," Hamilton said to Sky Sports. A lot of understeer to snap oversteer, through corner balance and I just couldn’t keep up with them. So then, bit by bit as we got through the next couple of stints, the car started to become more driveable.”

Wolff: We had the second quickest car: Wolff though believed that it was Mercedes who were now the chief challengers to Red Bull after their car showed excellent pace once their cars could run at lower fuel. "I think we had the second-quickest car today," Wolff said to Ted Kravitz. "If you look at the lap time profile, also where George came from, but we just didn’t monetise on it.”

‘Big 'DISAGREEMENT'!’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1000442/lewis-hamilton-toto-wolff-mercedes-f1-hungarian-grand-prix-disagreement/


Lewis Hamilton “a broken record” as he urges Merc to copy Red Bull's development “direction”
23 Jul 2023
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton continues to push Mercedes to follow Red Bull’s F1 development direction, admitting he’s been a “broken record” with his requests.

“We generally have a bigger wing than some of the others, like the Red Bulls for example, but they seem to have more downforce from their floor,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do. I am like a broken record.”

“I’ve just gotta keep telling the guys ‘we need to go in that direction’. I would like to see that either with this year’s car or next year.”

“A broken record”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1031961/1/hamilton-broken-record-he-urges-merc-copy-red-bulls-direction?language=en


Lewis Hamilton affected by Nico Rosberg curse
23 July 2023
by Nick Golding
Formula1News

It appears that he has Rosberg to blame for his non-podium finish, with the German having jinxed Hamilton. Bizarrely, whichever car Rosberg often takes a photo in front of ends up suffering from bad luck, something which also happened on Saturday.

Rosberg posted a photo on Instagram of himself with Max Verstappen’s RB19, ahead of the Dutchman failing to claim pole position. Perhaps if Rosberg hadn’t taken a photo with Hamilton’s car, the 38-year-old might’ve had a more successful Sunday afternoon.

When Rosberg posted the photo ahead of the race, Hamilton fans instantly knew that they were doomed. “Oh no, poor Lewis got cursed now,” said thegloryaroundus on Instagram.

‘The Nico Rosberg curse’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/lewis-hamilton-affected-by-nico-rosberg-curse/