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Christian Horner claims F1 is a ‘nasty business’ amid cheating scandal.
“It’s a competitive business and Formula One sometimes can be a nasty business, and the problem is, the higher you rise, the sharper the knives,” he explained when discussing the negative attention his team have received.
31 October 2022
by Jack Devonport
Christian Horner has accepted the FIA’s punishment after a long spell of negotiation, but still refuses to accept any wrongdoing by his team. He claims that all of the overspend was down to his team interpreting the rules differently to the FIA, which can be reinforced by the findings noted by the governing body, refusing to accuse the team of any deliberate attempt to deceive or cheat.
Horner has now addressed the negative affect that the FIA’s verdict can have on his team’s reputation, suggesting that the other teams are choosing to cause such a stir in the paddock because Red Bull’s success has made them unpopular amongst their rivals. The more you win, the less popular you are, and we’ve done a lot of winning.”
“That sits uncomfortably with some of the brands that belong to large automotive companies, historic brands, or historic Formula One brands. Therefore, it’s very easy to have a go at Red Bull.” It is not uncommon for the Red Bull brand to become unpopular because of their success, with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga becoming one of the villains of German football due to their rapid rise to success and lack of pedigree in the sport.
‘F1 is a nasty business’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/christian...ating-scandal/
Red Bull budget cap row is over “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” – Horner
2022 United States Grand Prix
Posted on 22nd October 2022, 19:32
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is adamant they gained no advantage last year or in any subsequent seasons by exceeding Formula 1’s budget cap. The FIA announced last week Red Bull had not kept within the $145 million spending limit during 2021, the first year the budget cap was enforced. The sport’s governing body accused it of a “minor” over-spend, which under the rules means as much as 5%, which is $7.25m.
However Horner indicated the sum involved at the heart of the dispute was considerably less than that. “The 5% window I think is part of the regulations that potentially need to be looked at,” he said. “Because the ranging suite of penalties again are totally subjective.” Possible sanctions for a “minor” breach of the regulations include a fine, a reduction of Red Bull’s future cost cap, points deductions.
“I think this is what’s contributed to a concerted campaign for there to be a draconian penalty on Red Bull for what at the end of the day, we’re talking probably what is in contention with the FIA of a couple of hundred thousand dollars,” said Horner. “As I say I will explain later why we have a different opinion within that submission of what our position was versus another.”
‘Concerted campaign for there to be a draconian penalty on Red Bull’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/10/22/...ollars-horner/
Christian Horner suggests SIX teams could break cost cap rules in 2022 – but not Red Bull.
The Red Bull chief made the comment in a press conference, during which he reacted to the punishment handed down to the team by the FIA for breaking cost cap rules in 2021.
20:16, 28 Oct 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror
Red Bull chief Christian Horner warned Formula 1 fans to expect a tidal wave of cost cap drama next year as he predicted more than half the grid could overspend in 2022. He suggested up to six teams may end up being in breach of the rules, as costs spiral through inflation and rising energy costs, among other things. The claim came as Horner was reacting to the punishment his team received for their own overspend during the 2021 campaign.
The FIA found they have overspent had by just over £1.8m, which equated to 1.6% of the cap. The governing body acknowledged that a significant proportion of that had come from a tax credit which was not applied correctly – had that not been the case, the figure would have come down to £432k, or 0.37%. For their rule breach, Red Bull were fined £6m and had 10% of their aerodynamic testing time over the next 12 months taken away from them.
Horner said the punishment has now set a precedent for the future, and suggested he will be watching closely if any of the other teams go over the cap this year. "The danger for 2022 is that there could be six teams in breach of the cap," said Horner. "Energy prices have been increasing exponentially, but thankfully we've been protected from that. "There is that chance that several teams, many of which have stated it during F1 commission meetings, will break the cap this year. We do not believe that we will break the cap in 2022.
‘The FIA found they have overspent had by just over £1.8m’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...reach-28356135
Red Bull boss Christian Horner receives budget cap backing from unlikely source.
Red Bull have come under heavy scrutiny for breaching last season's budget cap.
22:06, Mon, Oct 31, 2022
By Charlie Gordon
Red Bull's controversial budget cap breach has been shrugged off as 'not a huge deal' by ex-F1 star Romain Grosjean. The 36-year-old teamed up with Christian Horner's Mercedes rival, Toto Wolff, last year in an attempt to organise a test for the Silver Arrows.
The FIA's 2021 end-of-season audit revealed that Red Bull had overshot the £114million limit. That angered the likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari, who felt that Max Verstappen had a significant advantage as he edged a narrow world-title win last season.
Eventually, F1's governing body slapped Red Bull with a £6m fine and a 10 per cent reduction in wind tunnel time over the next 12 months. Many of their rivals felt that Horner and co got off lightly, considering a reduced 2021 points tally was one of the options at the FIA's disposal. Speaking to Any Driven Monday, Grosjean saw no reason to blow the saga out of proportion and even chalked it down as 'not a huge deal'.
‘Backing from unlikely source’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...osjean-f1-news
Horner says he settled Red Bull F1 dispute to end sniping
Updated October 30, 2022 4:14 PM
By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
Horner used a nearly 50-minute media session Friday to go over the 13 points the FIA found in violation during an audit of more than 75,000 line items — clerical errors, Horner said — that drew a $7 million fine and reduction in 10% of wind tunnel time next season.
To recap the past month:
— Verstappen won his second F1 world title on Oct. 9.
— Nineteen minutes later, Horner says, the FIA informed him Red Bull was in breach of last year's spending cap.
— Rival teams challenged Red Bull's reputation and called for the harshest of penalties.
— Dietrich Mateschitz, the owner of the F1 team, died on Oct. 22 in Austria.
— The very next day, Red Bull won the constructor's championship at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Horner had already reached a settlement with the FIA, but the decision was held until Friday out of respect for Mateschitz.
Horner doesn't discount public perception and said despite all the winning and on-track success, he could physically see the effect cheating allegations were having on Red Bull employees, "particularly to people in parts of the business that are never exposed to accusations, to suddenly have the accusation of cheating, it's a very big statement that goes to the core. “We did not cheat," he added. "We feel that we've been publicly chastised by fellow members in the paddock, and I think that's not right."
‘Settled Red Bull F1 dispute to end sniping’;
https://www.macon.com/sports/nascar-...mainstage_card
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Lando Norris tells Ted Kravitz 'you just try driving' during shirty exchange at Mexican GP.
After being snubbed by Max Verstappen, Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz appeared to upset another F1 driver following the Mexican Grand Prix.
10:52, 1 NOV 2022
BY Mark Whiley
Ted Kravitz, fresh from upsetting Max Verstappen and Red Bull, received a terse response when he questioned Lando Norris' slow to the Mexican Grand Prix which saw him lose two places on the opening lap.
Verstappen and the rest of his Red Bull team decided to duck interviews with the broadcaster’s UK, German and Italian channels following comments made by Kravitz following the United States Grand Prix the previous weekend.
In his Notebook show after the race, won by Verstappen, Kravitz referred to Lewis Hamilton being “robbed” by the manner of his defeat to the Dutchman at last year’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
‘Ted Kravitz 'you just try driving'!’;
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...n-sky-28377794
The last time a Formula 1 team fell out with a TV broadcaster
Tuesday 1st November 2022 11:45 AM
Jamie Woodhouse
Max Verstappen and Red Bull pressed mute on broadcaster Sky Sports in Mexico, although it was not the first example of a media spat in Formula 1. With Red Bull said to have joined in Verstappen’s silence, multiple occurrences during Sky’s Mexican Grand Prix race coverage suggested that was true, starting with Martin Brundle’s grid walk when he had the opportunity to approach Red Bull’s design chief Adrian Newey but did not.
But fall-outs with the media are not unheard of – just ask Renault. In 2020, Ziggo Sport’s Jack Plooij issued an apology after he called Renault driver Esteban Ocon a “French f***” on live television while he was interviewing Lando Norris.
Ocon accepted the apology, although that was not the first time Ziggo Sport had found themselves in hot water with Renault. Renault had previously blocked the Dutch broadcaster from one-to-one access with Daniel Ricciardo as they reportedly wanted to ask the Australian if Verstappen was better than him.
‘Falling out with a TV broadcasters’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/formul...aster-fallout/
Ted Kravitz's text to Dutch colleague over Max Verstappen boycott saga comes to light
Red Bull ace Max Verstappen and his colleagues boycotted Sky Sports over Ted Kravitz's comments a week earlier.
06:33, Tue, Nov 1, 2022
By Sam Smith
Sky Sports Formula One reporter Ted Kravitz sent a WhatsApp message to Dutch journalist Jack Plooij defending his comments that prompted Red Bull to boycott the broadcaster last week, Plooij has revealed. Team principal Christian Horner, driver Max Verstappen and their colleagues refused to speak to Sky at the Mexico City Grand Prix after Kravitz suggested Lewis Hamilton had been “robbed” of the world championship in 2021.
Kravitz made the comments at the US Grand Prix a week earlier, suggesting that it would have been a great ‘script’ had Hamilton finished ahead of Verstappen. Red Bull considered the comment to be the final straw, with Verstappen claiming that Sky’s coverage of him since the 2021 finale had been largely negative.
‘Boycotted Sky Sports over Ted Kravitz's comments’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...la-One-F1-news
Red Bull reveal deadline to end Sky Sports boycott - “It won’t have done Sky any harm”
1 Nov 2022
F1 Desk
Red Bull intend to accept interviews with Sky Sports TV again at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and the entire team boycotted the UK broadcaster at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix due to comments from Sky journalist Ted Kravitz. But team principal Horner has updated about their stance: “There were some derogatory comments made so we took a break from Sky for this race.”
“Max was upset. We were upset and we made the decision to stand together as a team. It won’t have done Sky any harm for us to lay down a marker.”
“Some of the commentary is fair but some pieces are sensationalist, and saying we robbed anyone of the championship, as was said in Austin, is going too far. It is not impartial or fair or balanced. We have said our piece and will go back to normal next race.”
‘Red Bull reveal deadline’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101612...sports-boycott
Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz goes ‘nowhere near’ interview pen after being ejected
Ted Kravitz was kicked out of an area near an interview pen in the paddock during a live broadcast after qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix on Saturday night
15:20, 3 OCT 2022
BY Mark Whiley
Sky Sports pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz unsurprisingly gave the interview pen a wide berth following the Singapore Grand Prix in the wake of his brush with a paddock official the night before. The veteran F1 broadcaster was presenting his Notebook show live from the paddock after qualifying when he was told to leave an area near where driver interviews were being conducted.
Kravitz asked an official wearing an F1 branded uniform “are you chucking us out?” The official cheerily replied “I am” before a perplexed Kravitz eventually did as he was told, but not without querying the decision.
“Aren’t we normally in here?,” he asks. “No? Has the rule changed?” He receives an inaudible response before adding “oh right, sorry everyone”. He then asks his cameraman “don’t we normally do that in the [media] pen? Maybe there’s been a misunderstanding”.
‘Ted Kravitz was kicked out of an area near an interview pen’;
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...ts-f1-28142719
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Perez 'missed out on P2 in Mexico after slow pit stop'.
If he'd been propelled from the energy of his adoring fans in the grandstand, Sergio Perez would have won Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix by a lap or more.
30/10/2022 at 23:17
Andrew Lewin
Unfortunately in the end he had to settle for a 'mere' podium. Having started from fourth on the grid, he made an early gain by passing George Russell on the opening lap, but he could do nothing about Lewis Hamilton. Perez hoped to undercut the Mercedes by being the first to pit on lap 24 to trade in soft tyres for mediums, but there was a problem with the right-front wheel, which more than doubled the time he was stationary in the pit box.
As a result, He came out behind the two Ferrari drivers who were having a poor race. It took time to get past them and resume his third place spot, opening the door for Hamilton to make a later pit stop and retain second. Perez kept the pressure on Hamilton for the rest of the race, but in the end he wasn't able to find a way past before the chequered flag came out.
"I did my best today and pushed really, really hard," he told the media after the race, while being cheered by the passionate Mexican fans. “It was a very big opportunity. Mercedes was sliding quite a lot with the hard, especially at the beginning. They have very poor warm-up.
‘Cheered by the passionate Mexican fans’;
https://f1i.com/news/459163-perez-mi...-pit-stop.html
'I obviously wanted more' – Perez disappointed to miss out on home victory in Mexico after P3 finish.
Home favourite Sergio Perez was left with mixed emotions following the Mexico City Grand Prix, as while he was revelling in a “special” podium finish at his home race, the Red Bull driver bemoaned a slow pit stop that hurt his chances of getting second place.
30 October 2022
Formula 1.
Perez made a good start from fourth on the grid, getting ahead of George Russell for third on Lap 1. However, the Mexican struggled to keep up with the pace of Lewis Hamilton, in second, as his team decided to switch from the soft tyre to mediums to undercut the Briton.
However, a slow pit stop saw Perez come out in sixth, behind Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. And while he was able to get past the Ferrari pair, Hamilton kept track position, with Perez once again struggling to make his way past, forcing him to settle for P3 – for the second consecutive year in Mexico.
“It’s always nice to be standing on [the podium]. Such a special podium in front of the Foro Sol,” said Perez. “I obviously wanted more, and I am a bit disappointed with the result to be honest, because I felt that we could have finished second.”
‘Home favourite Sergio Perez was left with mixed emotions following the Mexico City Grand Prix’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Gzl1IB4Bb.html
Sergio Perez confident he would’ve beaten Lewis Hamilton
Red Bull's Sergio Perez secured his second successive Mexico Grand Prix podium with a P3 finish on Sunday
31 October 2022
by Jack Devonport
Sergio Perez went into the Mexican Grand Prix weekend dreaming of a potential win in front of his home fans, with the Mexican crowd wanting nothing more than to see their home hero on the top step of the podium. It was not to be however, with a slow pit stop costing the Mexican time in the race to catch up to Lewis Hamilton, who was struggling to get in groove with the hard compound tyres.
Red Bull are usually the pit stop kings, with the team regularly completing sub two second stops prior to the regulation changes, so this was out of character for the team. Perez was frustrated by the result, not happy with his P3 finish with an overtake on the Mercedes seeming a realistic target before the stop.
After watching his teammate win back to back races in Zandvoort, and the spectacle that the home fans produce when Max Verstappen does win at home, Perez will have to continue to dream of what it would be like to win in Mexico City until next year.
‘Continue to dream’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/sergio-pe...ewis-hamilton/
Sergio Perez thinks he is "getting closer" to Max Verstappen and plans 2023 title tilt.
Perez now sits in second place in the drivers' championship and could help Red Bull secure their first ever 1-2 finish, with the next natural step a push for the title in 2023.
20:21, 31 Oct 2022
By Daniel Moxon
F1 Writer
The Mirror
Sergio Perez opened up on the "great challenge" of being team-mate to Max Verstappen as he pledged to fight him for the title in 2023. This is Checo's second season in a Red Bull car, having finished fourth in the standings last year which yielded one race win. In 2022 he has taken another step, winning twice and regularly stepping onto the podium on the way to a personal best points finish.
Despite those positives, there is a feeling he is still very much the sidekick to Verstappen's superhero at Red Bull. The Dutchman has romped to his second drivers' title this year, and has a gap of 136 points over anyone else in a season he has dominated. After finishing third at his home race in Mexico on Sunday, a race won by Verstappen, Perez was asked about what it is like to partner the double champion at Red Bull.
"It's a great challenge to be his team-mate," he replied. "Max is operating at a very high level from FP1 through the whole weekend so just had a little learning and trying to beat him and trying to do the stuff he is doing. So it's obviously not an easy task. I don't believe there's anyone that can come and just beat him straightaway. He's very solid with the team. He's been here a while so I think I'm just getting closer and closer with the year so yeah, I will give another shot for next year and see what happens."
‘I'm just getting closer and closer’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...title-28374899
Lewis Hamilton: Sergio Perez's reaction to fans heavily booing F1 star at Mexican GP
Published: 31 Oct 2022, 09:54
By Harneet Singh Sethi
Lewis Hamilton could quite possibly be the biggest modern-day sporting icon who gets hated and slated for no real reason. The Mexican Grand Prix was the latest in a long line of instances where he’s been on the receiving end of abuse, as the Briton got treated with resounding boos from the crowd during his post-race interview.
However, in what was a moment of true sporting integrity, Sergio Perez, who finished third on the day, signalled the crowd to stop with the boos. It wasn’t needed, of course, and he could have easily stood there doing nothing, but the fact he asked his own people to stop it has got to be appreciated.
‘Sergio Perez showed true class with reaction to crowd heavily booing Lewis Hamilton [video]’;
https://www.givemesport.com/88077813...-at-mexican-gp
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Binotto points to Mercedes: 'They are making mistakes as well'.
Team Principal Mattia Binotto pointed to the error saying that "it's not only down to us" making the wrong choices on strategy when challenging Red Bull.
02/11/2022, 07:00
Author Rory Mitchell
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
With Ferrari coming under fire for their approach to strategy during the 2022 season, Team Principal Mattia Binotto pointed to the error saying that "it's not only down to us" making the wrong choices on strategy when challenging Red Bull. "In Hungary we have been criticised and it's normally when we are doing things which are not completely right," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.
"Mercedes maybe have lost the last race as well, by not choosing the right tyres in Austin. "So, it's not only down to us somehow to make different choices or making mistakes." Binotto believes the fastest strategy would've always been a one-stop, starting on the Soft and then running the Medium until the end, contrary to Pirelli's advice which was to run a two-stop.
This did require a lot of tyre management however, which Binotto says is what contributed to Ferrari's slow pace among the other power unit-related issues. He explained: "We came to the conclusion before race that the optimal strategy is starting on Soft and then [switching to] Medium was the best choice. [This] is because having tested them on Friday, we saw that there was not much degradation on the Soft [and it was] sufficient to run a one stop; Soft-Medium.”
'They are making mistakes as well';
https://racingnews365.com/binotto-po...stakes-as-well
Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto dismisses Mercedes revival with blunt 'not concerned' verdict.
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is not concerned about a potential Mercedes revival following last weekend's Mexico Grand Prix
14:00, Tue, Nov 1, 2022
By Ben Parsons
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto insists that he is ‘not too concerned’ over a possible Mercedes revival after a poor race weekend for the Scuderia at the Mexican Grand Prix. While Mercedes made further leaps forward in Mexico, Ferrari were unusually uncompetitive and failed to even threaten the podium positions.
“Certainly, if I look at the last few races, it’s not always been great, but in Singapore, I thought we were competitive,” Binotto told reporters. “In Japan in the wet, we were not as fast as Max [Verstappen], but there was no drama. In Austin in qualifying we were competitive but not as much as we would have expected in the race, I think here it’s a lot worse.”
“Now Mercedes is coming back because they developed the car more than we did; we know ourselves that we stopped developing this car quite early, focusing on 2023, so somehow I am not too concerned about the rate of development.”
'Not concerned';
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rmula-One-news
Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto Labels Mexican Grand Prix a “very difficult weekend”
October 31, 2022
By Joe Briley
Team Principal and Managing Director Mattia Binotto labelled the race as difficult, and has demanded that the team improve heading into the final two races, with Mercedes mounting a late challenge for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
“It was a very difficult weekend for us and it was clear that we were already struggling yesterday in qualifying and that was accentuated even more in today’s race. There is a lot that needs to improve, but when faced with a difficult weekend like this, it is essential to bring the cars home and pick up as many points as possible.”
“Charles and Carlos did the best they could and the way they tackled the first few corners after the start was exemplary. It is vitally important that we improve in the last two races so as to end the season to the best of our ability.“
“Very difficult weekend”;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...icult-weekend/
‘I’m hoping it’s not a trend’ says Binotto after Ferrari’s lacklustre performance in Mexico
01 November 2022
Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz predicted a six-way fight for the win in Mexico, but come race day Mercedes and Red Bull were the ones contesting the victory while Ferrari fell off the pace and finished nearly a minute behind their rivals, with Sainz fifth and Charles Leclerc in sixth.
But team boss Mattia Binotto was keen to take some positives from the race, especially concerning strategy, which has been an Achilles’ heel for the team at times this season.
“Mercedes is coming back, they’ve looked more competitive than we did [here],” Binotto said after the race. “We know we stopped development on our car quite early, focussing on 2023 and somehow I’m not too… let me say concerned by the rate of development because I know when we stopped developing it.”
‘I’m hoping it’s not a trend’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...OB51tG36X.html
Ferrari: Engine weakness in Mexico only 'part of the equation'
31/10/2022 at 16:48
Phillip van Osten
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says there was more to the Scuderia's low-key performance in Mexico City than the relative weakness of its engine. The Italian outfit found itself unable to run its power unit at full capacity at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, due to the track's high-altitude environment and thin air conditions.
However, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc had led the field in opening practice on Friday, which initially augured well for the rest of the weekend. But as performance dwindled, neither driver was in the mix in qualifying and on race day which they concluded fifth and sixth and well adrift from the top three front-runners.
"It was incredibly difficult, we were just so slow, so yeah, we need to look into it," said Leclerc after last Sunday's event. "We were in the middle of nowhere. With Carlos, we were way slower compared to the Mercedes and Red Bull, [but] much quicker than the midfield. So we were on our own, just a very lonely race. There wasn't much we could have done more to be honest today."
‘Engine weakness’;
https://f1i.com/news/459265-ferrari-...-equation.html
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"It's always car 14 (that retires)," says Alonso.
Fernando Alonso openly questions why his car appears to suffer more than its fair share of issues.
02/11/2022
NEWS STORY
Pitpass
Sunday witnessed another determined performance from Fernando Alonso, however his quest for points was ended when he slowed up and pulled off track on the 69th lap. At the time he had been running in seventh, having been as high as fifth at one point.
"Unbelievable, mate. What a season, what a season," he moaned as he slowed to a crawl, moments after being passed by Daniel Ricciardo, who was now hunting down the Spaniard's teammate, Esteban Ocon. Alonso's comment of "what a season" wasn't one of praise for his team however, rather one of questioning what is happening.
"For car 14, there is always reliability issues," he subsequently told reporters. "With 20 laps to the end I lost one cylinder, so I was running with five cylinders, 20% less power. I was 20 seconds in front of the McLarens and my team mate. "I think the race until that point it was exceptional," he said of his own performance. "Austin and here I rate my best two races in terms of pace. "It was better when we blew up at the end like this, we stopped the car and we stop doing those laps," he added.
‘Always car 14’;
https://www.pitpass.com/74039/Its-al...es-says-Alonso
Alonso slams Alpine's unreliability after Mexico failure.
Fernando Alonso was left unimpressed by yet another Alpine reliability drama in the Mexican Grand Prix.
31 October 14:20
Author Jake Nichol
Co-author Dieter Rencken
RacingNews365
Fernando Alonso believes Alpine unreliability in 2022 has now cost him over 60 points after yet another F1 retirement in the Mexican Grand Prix. "Car #14 stops and it always seem like there is reliability issues for Car #14," Alonso told media, including RacingNews365.com.
"20 laps before the end, I lost one cylinder, so I was running with five cylinders, so I had 20% less power. I was 20 seconds in front of the McLaren and my teammate [Esteban Ocon] - so I think until that point, the race was exceptional. Here and Austin, I did my best races in terms of pace.”
"I think I lost 60 points [already] this year, so we add another six [for seventh place], so it is 66. Obviously everyone else then scores two more points than what they should."
‘Alonso slams Alpine's unreliability’;
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-sla...mexico-failure
Alonso: Bad luck not behind Alpine F1 reliability woes
13:26 Mon, 31 Oct 2022.
by Fergal Walsh
Motorsport Week
Fernando Alonso says that bad luck is not the reason for his lack of reliability throughout the 2022 Formula 1 season. Alonso suffered yet another mechanical problem at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday when he appeared to be on course for a top-10 finish. The Spaniard has often spoken about the number of points that he has lost this year due to his car having a fault prior to the chequered flag.
Alonso retired from the race in Saudi Arabia with an issue, while he was also forced early into the Alpine garage at the recent races in Italy and Singapore. “It’s just amazing that only one or two cars retire at every race, and there is always car 14,” said Alonso.
“I blew up five engines this year, I think. The problem in the qualifying in Australia, in Austria, I didn’t even start the race because of the blackout. So I think in 19 races, more or less 50 per cent of the races, we haven’t scored the points we deserve. But there’s nothing we can do now.“ When asked if bad luck was responsible for his reliability concerns, Alonso replied: “No, I think we are unprepared.”
‘Bad luck not behind Alpine F1 reliability woes’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...iability-woes/
Alpine boss responds to Fernando Alonso’s favouritism insinuation.
Fernando Alonso picked up his fifth DNF of the season in Mexico.
3 November 2022
by Jack Devonport
Fernando Alonso was visibly frustrated with his DNF in Mexico, lashing out at the air as he exited his car in the run off area down by Turn 1. The Spaniard was sat in a very respectable seventh place when his engine began to fail, eventually causing him to have to stop the car and retire from the race for the fifth time this season.
Team principal Otmar Szafnauer insists that there is no bias within his team, even though Alonso has already announced that he will be joining Aston Martin for 2023.
“We don’t always have the same people preparing Alonso and Ocon’s engines,” he explained. “But the probability that the problem is always on one side is not zero.”
‘Alpine boss responds’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/alpine-bo...m-insinuation/
Fernando Alonso can’t wait to leave Alpine and join Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso once again experienced reliability issues with his Alpine, retiring from the Mexican Grand Prix.
1 November 2022
by Jack Devonport
Fernando Alonso is looking forward to joining Aston Martin next year, after reportedly becoming tired of the car problems he has experienced this year with Alpine.
Alonso will be joining Aston Martin next year, replacing the retiring Sebastian Vettel, and will be hoping that alongside new teammate Lance Stroll, he will experience better luck next year and bring hope a more consistent haul of points.
With only two races to go, Alonso’s final task will be to ensure that Alpine finish fourth in the constructor’s championship, with the result in Mexico seeing the gap to McLaren behind slashed to only seven points, following a stellar driver from Daniel Ricciardo.
‘Can’t wait to leave’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...-aston-martin/
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‘I was in the fight, which hasn’t been often this year’: Ricciardo’s Mexican GP transcript.
The Mexican Grand Prix was a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable 2022 campaign for Daniel Ricciardo.
2022 Mexican GP team radio transcript
Posted on 3rd November 2022, 14:43
Written by Keith Collantine
The McLaren driver is marking time until the end of the season following the announcement he will not return to the team again in 2023 as planned.
He qualified outside the top 10 again in Mexico, but on race day tyre strategy fell in his favour. Despite being penalised for a tangle with Yuki Tsunoda, he picked up a badly-needed points finish for McLaren, which moved them closer to rivals Alpine in the constructors championship.
Ricciardo freely admitted afterwards he had been able to jump ahead of team mate Lando Norris thanks to a mid-race change in strategy. Both drivers started the race on the medium rubber, but after Norris pitted for the hard tyres, McLaren realised the soft tyres would work for the second stint, and Ricciardo took a set of those.
‘I was in the fight’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/11/03/...gp-transcript/
‘Driver Of the Day’ Daniel Ricciardo “very happy” After a “rollercoaster of a race”
October 31, 2022
By Joe Briley
It was a good weekend for McLaren F1 Team, who gained more ground on BWT Alpine F1 Team at the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Daniel Ricciardo, who is looking likely to not be on the grid next year, put in his best performance of the season as he managed to charge through the midfield into seventh, and finish in that position despite being given a ten-second penalty for an incident with Yuki Tsunoda.
The Australian started eleventh on the grid and fell back a few places in the first half of the race into thirteenth, after a poor start. That didn’t stop Ricciardo battling away, though, as he managed to climb back and get himself into twelfth ahead of Zhou Guanyu. The McLaren driver stayed out much longer than the rest of the grid and extended his Medium tyre stint, before diving into the pit-lane, where the team put in the fastest stop of the season, that was only 1.98 seconds.
‘Driver Of the Day’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ter-of-a-race/
Daniel Ricciardo set for Mercedes or Red Bull reserve driver role
Daniel Ricciardo was voted ‘Driver of the Day’ for his efforts at the Mexican Grand Prix and revelled in the attention he earned.
November 01, 2022 09:38:15 IST
Agence France-Presse
Mexico City: Daniel Ricciardo, who lost his McLaren seat as his career fell into the doldrums this year, looks set to join Red Bull or Mercedes as a reserve driver next season when he takes a year out of racing. The Australian hinted at his brightening future prospects after storming to seventh with a reinvigorated performance in Sunday’s Mexico Grand Prix, but he declined to confirm his plans.
“I won’t be on the grid next year, but I will be here (in F1) because I have ambitious plans for 2024,” he said. “Discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been signed. Nothing has been guaranteed for 2024, but I will do everything I can to return." Ricciardo, 33, revived his prospects and his smile on Sunday when he rose from the near-anonymous mediocrity of finishing among the also rans to finish behind the top six – made up of both Red Bulls, both Mercedes and the two Ferraris.
He made light of a harsh 10-second penalty for colliding with Yuki Tsunoda’s Alpha Tauri to romp back with several thrilling passing moves to finish ahead of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris. His revival delighted most paddock observers who believed he was set to join Mercedes as replacement for reserve driver Nyck de Vries who is joining Alpha Tauri next season. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff confirmed that talks between them have been taking place, but he added that he thought Ricciardo was talking to other teams.
‘Reserve driver role’;
https://www.firstpost.com/sports/dan...-11547601.html
Daniel Ricciardo: ‘Two groups got me into F1 – my parents and Dietrich Mateschitz’
Thursday 27th October 2022 11:59 PM
Sam Cooper
Daniel Ricciardo has heaped praise on Dietrich Mateschitz for helping him get into F1 after the Red Bull co-founder passed away recently. The 78-year-old died on Saturday shortly before qualifying of the American Grand Prix and there are few who have had such an impact on the sport with such a small public presence.
Six drivers currently on the grid drove for either Red Bull or AlphaTauri at some point during their career and as Formula 1 continues onto Mexico, some of them have been looking back at Mateschitz’s legacy. Ricciardo, who was involved with Red Bull for seven years, is one of them and said that Mateschitz was just as impactful as his parents at getting him where he is.
“I think there was so much about Dietrich, in terms of the way he carried himself,” he said during the press conference ahead of Mexico. “He was always happy to be out of out of the limelight. What he did for so many Red Bull athletes was phenomenal but he never really looked for too much praise. [He] gave so many of us an opportunity to really achieve our dreams. Honestly there’s two groups of people in my life that put me in this position, it’s my parents and it’s Dietrich and Red Bull.”
‘Daniel Ricciardo has heaped praise on Dietrich Mateschitz’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/daniel...ch-mateschitz/
Button fears Ricciardo F1 return unlikely after reputational blow
Thursday 3 November 2022 08:12
Ewan Gale
GPFans
Former F1 champion Jenson Button has conceded it is unlikely that Daniel Ricciardo will return to the sport after his impending sabbatical. "The move by McLaren is the right move," Button told Sky Sports F1's Any Driven Monday.
"For most of the season, Daniel hasn't been on the pace of Lando, quite a bit off it at times, so it is the right move for the team. For Daniel, it is a tricky situation. I guess he didn't want to drop too far down the grid and work with a team that's more towards the rear.”
"It's difficult for a driver coming from a team that is almost winning races at times to suddenly know you're fighting for points. It is tough. But I still think it would have been a better move for him. Go into a team, work hard, show people what you can do, in a car that maybe suits you a bit more, and then people forget what happened the year before."
‘F1 return unlikely’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/95...rdo-f1-return/
-
George Russell antics questioned by Jenson Button after Mexican GP - 'It's a toughy'.
George Russell was animated during the Mexican Grand Prix with Mercedes expected to perform well.
06:42, Tue, Nov 1, 2022
By Charlie Gordon
Former F1 world champion Jenson Button has questioned George Russell's complaints over the team radio in Mexico after a troublesome Mercedes tyre strategy left him unable to compete with Red Bull star Sergio Perez for third place. The youngster made his feelings known but eventually followed his team's orders, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth.
Although the Grand Prix was uneventful on the whole, a game of tyre-compound chess saw Red Bull come out on the winning side as Hamilton took P2 and Russell P4. The latter complained about the change to the hard-compound tyre midway through the race and suggested to those on the team radio that he could come in once more to adopt a more aggressive strategy. Speaking to Any Driven Monday, Button suggested that his focus should have been solely on the track.
"George was really happy on the medium tyre, he wanted to go longer, the team put the hard tyre on and it just didn’t work for him," he said. "It is a tough one. You can shout as much as you want on the radio but there’s no other direction from there. You’ve just got to work it hard and see if you can get the tyres working. It’s a toughy. Maybe they should have gone for the even longer medium tyre and stick on the soft at the end, which we saw work really well for Daniel Ricciardo."
‘George Russell antics questioned’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-prix-f1-news
George Russell criticised for radio rant as F1 champion questions Mercedes star.
As Mercedes took a gamble during the Mexican Grand Prix with their tyre strategy, British racer Russell was heard several times questioning the team's tactics over the radio.
22:02, 31 Oct 2022
By Daniel MoxonF1 Writer
The Mirror
Jenson Button questioned George Russell over his irritable radio messages to his team during the Mexican Grand Prix. While the race was devoid of much overtaking action, a tactical battle was playing out at the front. Red Bull had started their drivers on soft tyres, while Mercedes opted for the more durable but slower mediums.
In the early stages it looked like the Silver Arrows had picked the best strategy. The Red Bulls struggled to pull away despite their faster tyres, and pitted for fresh mediums at a point which made it seem unlikely they would be able to reach the end of the race without at least one more visit to the pit lane.
So Mercedes gambled on hard tyres to make sure they could make it to the end, planning to take track position when Red Bull did pit again. But they never did, as they looked after their tyres well and both Russell and Lewis Hamilton powerless to get close enough to attempt an overtake.
‘Criticised for radio rant’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...an-gp-28375436
Jenson Button delivers verdict on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ending season winless.
Mercedes have not won a single race this season while Lewis Hamilton could end the campaign without a podium finish for the first time ever.
11:02, Tue, Nov 1, 2022
By Liam Prenderville
Jenson Button fears Mercedes may have missed their opportunity to get a race win this season following the Mexico Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton appeared on course to get off the mark last weekend but had to settle for second as world champion Max Verstappen powered past him to claim victory.
Jenson Button: “Mercedes doesn’t have the straight-line speed, whether it’s engine power or the efficiency of the way they have designed their car. I think Abu Dhabi, in terms of the circuit and the mechanical grip you need, they do have that in the car.”
“It is going to be tricky for them to fight for victory. Smoother circuits are best for them. There is hope but Mexico was probably their best chance. They will definitely be in the mix for the next couple.”
‘Ending season winless’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...Button-F1-news
‘You can shout’: George Russell questioned by ex-F1 champion for radio outburst.
George Russell argued over the radio that the Hards were the wrong tyre during the Mexican Grand Prix.
2 November 2022
by Nick Golding
Formula1News
Russell was very frustrated with his team for fitting the Hard compound for his second stint, after complaining several times over the radio that it wasn’t the right choice. The Brit wanted to run his opening stint as deep as possible before switching late on for a set of Softs; however, would’ve most likely found himself well behind the top three by the time he emerged from the pits.
2009 World Champion Jenson Button labelled the team’s decision as a “tough one”, but that ultimately Russell just had to “work it hard” rather than “shout”. Russell explained after the race that the team should’ve opted to start himself and Hamilton on the Softs, but that actually he probably wouldn’t have been able to switch to the softest compound late on due to his Mediums being “quite damaged”.
“In hindsight, starting on the softs and going to the medium was the right thing to do,” said the Brit. “Starting on the medium and going to the softs was a bit more difficult because my medium was already quite damaged from the early couple of laps.”
‘To Shout, or not to Shout?’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/you-can-s...adio-outburst/
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell told what to 'sacrifice' in final races by Toto Wolff
Mercedes are still searching for their first win of the season after struggling to beat Red Bull.
07:43, Thu, Nov 3, 2022
By Luke Chillingsworth
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have been told to sacrifice getting second in the Constructors’ Championship to focus on securing a victory for Mercedes before the end of the year. Hamilton has battled Max Verstappen for victory at the last two races but has been unable to get the better of the Dutchman.
When pushed on which he (Toto Wolff) would prefer, the Austrian said a victory was much more important. He said: “A win. The win would prove that our car is back in the fight for wins. P2 could also be because other just dropped the ball and you are scoring more points." Mercedes lies 40 points off the Prancing Horse in the standings after a resurgence from the Silver Arrows.
‘Win’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...des-toto-wolff
George Russell ‘didn’t receive same courtesy from Lewis Hamilton’ in Lap 1 tussle.
After the race, Russell said had it been anyone other than his team-mate, he would have run them off the track.
Tuesday 1st November 2022 5:07 PM
Jamie Woodhouse
Ex-F1 racer turned pundit Martin Brundle says George Russell was very courteous in his opening-lap battle with Lewis Hamilton in Mexico, but the reverse was not true. It was Max Verstappen’s Red Bull on pole for the Mexico City Grand Prix, joined on the front row by Russell in the Mercedes, while Hamilton in the other Mercedes launched from P3, directly behind his 2021 title rival Verstappen.
The tow is an effective weapon at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez such is the monster start-finish straight, but with the help of Red Bull’s rapid pace in a straight line Verstappen saw off the Mercedes threat. That left Russell and Hamilton to battle behind, Russell affording his team-mate room through Turns 1 and 2, only to end up pushed out wide through Turn 3 as Hamilton powered onto the back straight, while Russell was left dealing with the threat of Sergio Perez behind, who duly demoted Russell to P4, the position where he finished.
After the race, Russell said had it been anyone other than his team-mate, he would have run them off the track – although Brundle argues the same courtesy was not shown by Hamilton.
‘Didn’t receive same courtesy’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/george...milton-mexico/
Mexico City GP: Lewis Hamilton questions Mercedes strategy as team-mate George Russell reflects on first-lap battle
Lewis Hamilton finished second behind Max Verstappen at the Mexico City GP after Red Bull found a more efficient strategy than Mercedes; Hamilton says Mercedes made an error by starting on medium rather than soft tyres; George Russell reflects on first lap battle with team-mate Hamilton
Last Updated: 31/10/22 6:57pm
SKY
‘Russell: I could have ran him off’;
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/20...rst-lap-battle
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Bottas was ‘hoping for more’ from Mexico despite ending 10-race scoring drought.
Valtteri Bottas scored for the first time in 10 rounds as he took the final point on offer in Mexico City – but the Alfa Romeo driver wasn’t completely satisfied with his Sunday.
31 October 2022
Formula 1.
The Finnish driver pulled off a stunning qualifying performance to split the Ferraris with P6 on the grid, but he lost out to Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso at the start. Running as high as sixth before pitting on Lap 37, Bottas lost places having opted for hard tyres on his second stint, and he finished 10th to bring home his first point since the Canadian Grand Prix.
“For sure I was hoping for more, from where we started but the race pace wasn’t quite there and especially, we had difficulties on the hard tyre just to keep it up in a good temperature, that was a tricky thing – Especially on the front axle – so just sliding around a bit, and it was not easy,” he explained.
“In the beginning, with the medium [compound], it felt like we were faster so for sure that helped, but I don’t know it was still a struggle towards the end with the hard tyre.”
‘Hoping for more’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...tTdBO9Gy4.html
Alfa Romeo’s Frédéric Vasseur Admits He Expected “more” From Mexico City GP
October 31, 2022
By Nick Golding
The Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN may look back on the Mexico City Grand Prix as an opportunity missed, after Valtteri Bottas could only claim one point after finishing tenth, whilst Zhou Guanyu claimed thirteenth.
After an unbelievably strong qualifying for the Finn, Bottas himself was expecting a strong haul of points at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez; however, it simply wasn’t to be. Bottas quickly slipped from sixth to eighth where he remained for a number of laps, before dropping to tenth late on as a result of struggling on the Hard compound tyres, something others also suffered from.
He did, nevertheless, claim a point, ending his run of races without a points finish, which dated all the way back to the Canadian Grand Prix.
‘Expected more’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...exico-city-gp/
Valtteri Bottas ‘planning to stick around’ for ‘huge opportunity’ with Audi
Monday 31st October 2022 11:00 PM
Sam Cooper
Valtteri Bottas has said he hopes to be part of Audi’s F1 plans after the German manufacturer’s link-up with the Finn’s current team was confirmed. After parent company Volkswagen announced earlier this year that both Audi and Porsche were looking to get into F1 from 2026, the former completed that goal when they announced a partnership with Sauber.
The two will work together as partners from 2026 which sees a regulation change in Formula 1 power units, a key aspect that originally attracted Audi to the sport. Given it is still a few years away, only small details are currently known about Audi’s exact operational plans and it has certainly not yet been said who will be lining up for them in their first race.
One man who hopes to fill that role is current Sauber driver Bottas. The Finn joined Sauber, who currently race under the name Alfa Romeo, in 2022 having spent five seasons with Mercedes and has been enjoying the rare benefit of a multi-year contract. At the age of 33, there are no suggestions Bottas would be looking to leave the sport when his contract ends in 2024 and he has now stated he hopes to be part of the Audi project.
‘Planning to stick around’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...-audi-project/
Bottas: 'Audi needs to support Sauber as soon as possible'
01/11/2022 at 13:51
Andrew Lewin
Audi's announcement that they will partner with Sauber from 2026 was a major announcement last week, but that's still three years into the future. Valtteri Bottas - lead driver for the team currently operating under the Alfa Romeo name until the end of 2023 - says that Audi can't wait that long to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty if they want to hit the ground running.
“There’s big potential for Sauber with Audi," Bottas told the media in Mexico City. “For this team in the end, if you look at the big picture, I think it’s huge. No doubt they want to succeed in the future. They want to do well, they’re serious," he insisted. “[But] it depends how much Audi is going to support this team before they officially become the manufacturer.”
"Obviously nothing changes next year, we are still with Alfa Romeo, and of course we hope that we can have a better car than this year. But then I think it depends on the support from 2024 onwards, how much they’re willing to support.”
‘Support Sauber as soon as possible';
https://f1i.com/news/459295-bottas-a...-possible.html
Valtteri Bottas addresses retirement plans and explains why he rewards himself with beers
The Finnish driver is in his first season with Alfa Romeo after ending a five-year spell with Mercedes and plans to stick around for the coming campaigns
12:34, Tue, Nov 1, 2022
By Benjamin Goddard
Valtteri Bottas has addressed any retirement rumours, stating that he would like to remain with Alfa Romeo until Audi joins the company in four years time - and says that having a beer after every race is a tradition. The 33-year-old had spent five years at Mercedes as number two driver to Lewis Hamilton before joining Alfa Romeo on a multi-year deal last year.
"I'm 33 years old, but if you look at Fernando's age, I don't really see any reason why I shouldn't still be there. I am open to everything." In his first season with Alfa Romeo the Finnish driver started strongly with a season's best fifth placed finish at Imola.
"There is now much less pressure from outside," Bottas added. "I can concentrate fully on my work. I have this security for the first time in my career. It's a very good feeling to know that next year you will also benefit from the work you put in.”
‘Rewards himself with beers’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...tirement-plans
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The end of Mick Schumacher at Haas? Nico Hulkenberg “optimistic” about F1 return.
Nico Hulkenberg says he’s “relatively optimistic” about making a return to F1 amid rumours that he will join Haas for next year.
2 Nov 2022
Connor McDonagh
Hulkenberg is in the frame to replace fellow German Mick Schumacher at Haas for F1 2023. The current Aston Martin reserve driver hasn’t raced in F1 full-time since 2019 but has remained part of the F1 fold.
He drove for Racing Point during 2020 when Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll were forced to sit out due to coronavirus, impressing during his brief outings. Hulkenberg also got a taste of 2022 machinery when he deputised for Sebastian Vettel at the opening two rounds of this year.
Despite Schumacher’s improved form since the Austrian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg seems to be the favourite to take the seat alongside Kevin Magnussen. Haas owner Gene Haas hit out at Schumacher for the number of big shunts he’s had this year, stating “he’s wrecked a lot of cars that have cost us a lot of money that we just don’t have”.
‘Optimistic about F1 return’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/101616...bout-f1-return
Haas will announce Mick Schumacher’s replacement in coming days
Mick Schumacher's Haas career is coming to an end after two seasons with the American team.
4 November 2022
by Nick Golding
In what has been one of the craziest ‘silly seasons’ in recent memory, the 2022 edition of it looks set to be on the verge of wrapping up, following reports that Haas are “close” to announcing their 2023 driver line-up. means Haas have the last available seat on the grid, which is looking increasingly likely to be taken by a former Williams driver.
Following Aston Martin’s announcement that reigning Formula E World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne would be joining the Silverstone-based side in 2023 as their reserve and test driver, many now believe that Nico Hulkenberg is set to partner Kevin Magnussen at Haas next season.
‘Haas are “close” to announcing their 2023 driver line-up’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/haas-will...n-coming-days/
Stoffel Vandoorne to Aston Martin looks like bad news for Mick Schumacher
Tuesday 1st November 2022 10:00 AM
Mark Scott
Aston Martin may have just unlocked the final piece of the F1 2023 puzzle by announcing the arrival of Stoffel Vandoorne as a reserve driver. With Williams hoping rising US star Logan Sergeant can get the points he needs in the F2 season finale at Abu Dhabi to snap up a Super Licence to race in F1, all eyes have been on Haas to see who will partner Kevin Magnussen next season.
Somewhat of a false alarm was raised ahead of Haas’ home race in Austin, Texas when the announcement of a press conference turned out to be the marking of a brand new title sponsor for the team in the form of MoneyGram. Another two race weekends have passed with Guenther Steiner being pestered over who the mystery driver will be, but Aston Martin look like they have just given everyone a vital clue.
On Tuesday, 9am GMT, Aston Martin unveiled ex-McLaren driver and Formula E World Champion Vandoorne to the team as a reserve and development driver for the 2023 season. He will be sharing duties with another new recruit, Felipe Drugovich…it’s almost like Aston Martin have got themselves prepared for the imminent exit of current reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg.
‘Stoffel Vandoorne to Aston Martin’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/stoffe...ck-schumacher/
Red Bull chief tips Haas to sack Mick Schumacher with 'no sign of trust' between them
Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has suggested Haas should look to replace Mick Schumacher at the end of the season.
16:18, Fri, Nov 4, 2022
By Andrew McLean
When a team publicly criticizes the driver so massively, as was sometimes the case, it shows that there is no sign of trust within the team," the 79-year-old told RTL News. "From the outside, it looked like the first half of the season wasn't good, there were serious accidents with a lot of material and money damage, which is of course serious for teams.
“The situation at Haas is that they have an experienced driver in Magnussen and if there was a great up-and-coming talent, I would bet on this one. But I don't see anyone at the moment who would have these requirements. From a team perspective, there's a lot of money at stake in the Constructors' World Championship - whether you're tenth or eighth, that's x million dollars difference, I assume Haas will bet on a veteran.”
‘No sign of trust'’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...enburg-F1-news
Mick Schumacher to lose Haas seat as Nico Hulkenberg announcement is imminent
Nico Hulkenberg has been the favourite to replace Mick Schumacher for 2023.
2 November 2022
by Jack Devonport
Formula1News
Formula 1 fans were given their biggest indication who could be driving for Haas next season on Monday, with Aston Martin announcing that Stoffel Vandoorne will be joining the team as a test and reserve driver for 2023, a role currently held by Nico Hulkenberg.
If Vandoorne is coming into the team, it would indicate the Hulkenberg is on his way elsewhere, amidst strong rumours that he wants to take Mick Schumacher’s seat at Haas next season.
“So far, I can’t say anything specific,” said Hulkenberg when asked about the rumours. “In the end, I don’t make the decision. Negotiations are ongoing and I am relatively optimistic about the progress.”
‘Biggest indication’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/mick-schu...t-is-imminent/
Haas set to name 2023 driver before Brazil
05:27 Wed, 02 Nov 2022.
By GMM F1
Sports Mole
Gunther Steiner has all but confirmed rumours that Haas intends to finalise its 2023 driver lineup ahead of next weekend's Brazilian GP. Mick Schumacher's main rival for the race seat, his veteran German countryman Nico Hulkenberg, said after Mexico that he is "optimistic" of securing the deal.
"We're close now," team boss Steiner has now told the German broadcaster ntv. When asked what Schumacher's chances are, he said it's still "50-50" - admitting that the 23-year-old has "definitely gotten better" in recent races.
However, Steiner is no longer following team owner Gene Haas' line that points finishes might get Schumacher over the line. "For me it's no longer about one race, one lap," said Steiner. "For me, it's about what's best for the Haas team in the medium to long term.”
‘Haas set to name 2023 driver’;
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula...3.html?newsnow
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Why Pierre Gasly should aim to pick up a race ban for Abu Dhabi.
Gasly continues to lead the Drivers’ Penalty Point World Championship (which is definitely not an official name for it!) after the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Monday 31st October 2022 5:00 PM
Thomas Maher
AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly should seriously think about doing something to become the first F1 driver in over 10 years to pick up a race ban. It is hardly an ideal situation for Gasly, especially with the threat of a race ban influencing his driving for numerous races as he tries to settle in and show good form alongside Esteban Ocon at Alpine.
However, there may be an ‘out’ for Gasly to ensure he moves to his new team with a clean slate. But it would require him being willing to sit out the final race of 2022 and the rather draconian side effect of not being able to complete his final race with AlphaTauri after racing with the Faenza-based squad for the vast majority of his F1 career.
That is no small issue given the close bond Gasly has formed with the team with whom he rebuilt his career after the first half of 2019. Indeed, Gasly revealed after his Alpine deal was concluded that long-time team boss Franz Tost was “close to tears” about his departure.
‘Aim to pick up a race ban!!!’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/pierre...ban-abu-dhabi/
Gasly’s near-ban shows absurdity of F1 penalty points system.
Formula 1’s superlicence penalty points system is a good idea but poorly-implemented, as the absurd situation Pierre Gasly finds himself in – of being potentially one incident away from an automatic race ban – proves.
Nov 3 2022
By Edd Straw
Formula 1’s superlicence penalty points system is a good idea but poorly-implemented, as the absurd situation Pierre Gasly finds himself in – of being potentially one incident away from an automatic race ban – proves.
Gasly has accrued 10 superlicence penalty points, just two away from the 12-point tally that automatically triggers a race ban. This will be hanging over him for the next nine races given the first of them won’t be wiped until after next May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
What’s more, he only just evaded a ban for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix given the one-year lifespan for penalty points meant he lost two, earned for contact with Fernando Alonso at the first corner of last season’s Turkish Grand Prix, shortly before his latest run-in with the stewards.
‘Absurdity of F1 penalty points system’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/gasly...points-system/
“I’m just disappointed”: Pierre Gasly Two Penalty Points Away From First-Ever Race Ban
October 31, 2022
By Nick Golding
Pierre Gasly has entered incredibly dangerous territory following the Mexico City Grand Prix, as the Frenchman finds himself on the brink of becoming the first-ever Formula 1 driver to receive a race ban. The Scuderia AlphaTauri driver has amassed ten penalty points since May, meaning that if he is awarded two more, he’ll receive a race on the side-lines.
The Frenchman’s total isn’t set to reduce until May 2023, meaning that he’ll need to be on his best behaviour for the remaining two races of this season and the start of next season, to avoid an embarrassing ban. The BWT Alpine F1 Team, who Gasly is, of course, joining next season, will likely need to prepare a Reserve Driver to complete a race next season, with the odds certainly being against the French driver.
He endured a messy race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, despite finishing eleventh. Gasly was awarded a five-second time penalty during the race for forcing Lance Stroll off the circuit at Turn Four, where he then failed to relinquish the position. Gasly dived down the inside of the Canadian at the corner in question, but was out of control of his AT03. Stroll had nowhere to go but off the track, meaning that the AlphaTauri driver should’ve returned the position.
“I’m just disappointed”;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...ever-race-ban/
Exclusive: Pierre Gasly on 'exciting' Alpine move, what he'll miss at Red Bull & future Karaoke antics with Yuki Tsunoda
Published: 2 Nov 2022, 17:00
By George Dagless
Pierre Gasly’s future, after weeks of speculation, finally became clear in October as his move to Alpine for 2023 from AlphaTauri was confirmed.
The Frenchman joins compatriot Esteban Ocon within the team, replacing the Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso, with one clear aim; helping them close the gap to the established top three and add to his three career podiums and one race victory in F1.
With Alpine in fourth in the Constructors’ standings after a positive campaign where they’ve shown great pace, and just the need for more reliability, they are arguably the best-placed team to join those right at the front and, clearly, Gasly is well aware of the potential the switch has.
‘Eexciting Alpine’;
https://www.givemesport.com/88078934...h-yuki-tsunoda
Pierre Gasly not sure Yuki Tsunoda can become AlphaTauri’s team leader
Pierre Gasly will be joining Alpine in 2023, leaving his good friend Yuki Tsunoda behind at AlphaTauri.
4 November 2022
by Jack Devonport
Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda have formed one of the most likeable bromances in Formula 1 in recent years, even rivalling ‘Carlando’, the old McLaren pairing of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, who became almost inseparable during their time together.
Gasly will be leaving his Japanese teammate behind at the end of the season however, as he leaves AlphaTauri for Alpine in his hunt to fight at the front of the grid once again.
“Everything that comes into his head flies out of his mouth instantly,” laughed Gasly, talking about the 22-year-old’s tendency to shout and swear over the team radio, often struggling to bite his tongue when aggravated by something. “He is a unique character, he has a great sense of humour, he’s unfiltered, which sometimes is amazing. But he’s a great guy.”
‘He’s unfiltered’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/pierre-ga...s-team-leader/