2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

How Tsunoda's "P1" gamble was ruined by F1's red flag rules.
Tsunoda lost out under red flag conditions at Interlagos as rivals earned free tyre changes.
Nov 6, 2024
Ewan GaleOleg Karpov
Motorsport.com

"I think what we did, switching to extreme, that was good," explained Tsunoda. "Just the safety car and the red flag came out, that was the point that went very down. If the red flag didn't come out, probably I would, at some point, have overtaken a lot of cars and maybe [been] P1, but it just didn't come towards us."

Lawson also scored points as RB locks into a fight for sixth in the constructors' standings, albeit losing ground to double podium-scoring Alpine. Having stressed the importance of the result for the Faenza-based team, Tsunoda added: "It wasn't easy conditions. If you lose concentration, [it can have] a lot of consequence.

"I enjoyed the last stint, good fight with Oscar [Piastri]. I tried to be within 10 seconds. You know, could have done a lot of things wrong, but kept it clean and tried to score P7, which is good."

‘Tsunoda's "P1" gamble’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/t...ules/10671078/


‘A lot of things didn’t come towards us’ – Tsunoda on dropping from third to P7
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in third place, but ultimately crossed the line on race day in P7.

‘Didn’t come towards us’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/a-...27756973332451


Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround as he bags career-high F1 start in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Yuki Tsunoda hailed RB’s turnaround as he secured his highest-ever starting position in Formula 1 with third place during a wet qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Yeah, very happy, obviously,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week.

“At the same time, it’s going to be a long race. It’s going to be today as well, so I have to refocus. But definitely, overall, the team did a fantastic job, especially good turnaround from yesterday.”

“It just felt weird throughout the week so far, and we made a lot of changes to the car. I think it’s hard to compare between yesterday and today because of rain and dry, but I think the car got much better.”

‘Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...art-in-brazil/


F1 - 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Qualifying Press Conference Transcript
03.11.24
FIA.com

Q: Congratulations, Yuki. Top three start here in São Paulo. Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions. Just walk us through your session and the challenge of getting that perfect lap in those tricky conditions. Yuki TSUNODA: Yeah, it was very tricky. Certainly, I enjoyed it. I think we had a good pace from straightaway. Had a couple of mistakes, but yeah, had a bit of luck as well. I think overall as a team, including Liam as well, we did a really, really good job.

Q: Yuki, as a driver, how tough is it to balance that risk versus reward, especially when you're seeing other drivers crash, have incidents when you know the Grand Prix is just in a few hours, and that a big incident could eliminate you from even starting the race?

YT: Yeah, I mean, this track especially, probably is one of the trickiest tracks. Once you start building confidence and you try to over-push a little bit, you have massive consequences like we saw with multiple cars today. And I had one big moment, and luckily I was away from the barrier, but, yeah, it's certainly also the track you want to nail it. But, yeah, I feel much better than yesterday. The car felt good. I think we had a good pace in the rain as well, so it's a good place to start for today.

‘Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-sao...nce-transcript


‘We did a very good job as a team’ – Tsunoda beaming after taking P3 on the grid in Sao Paulo
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

RB’s Yuki Tsunoda put in a stellar performance to take third on the grid in a wet and chaotic qualifying session at Interlagos on Sunday morning.

‘Stellar performance’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we...05842555879568


Russell and Norris fined, Tsunoda and Lawson escape penalty for aborted start
4 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Lawson and Tsunoda escaped any sanction as the stewards reckoned that "although the drivers breached the regulation this was influenced by the driver ahead of him and as such he was not predominately responsible for the breach. As such the stewards decide to take no further action having held the driver immediately ahead of him at fault."

‘Influenced by the driver ahead”;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25777

[Fortitude]

Piastri: Brake issues led to a “tough day” at Interlagos.
Oscar Piastri says braking issues and an overall lack of speed in the latter stages contributed to a “tough day” at Interlagos that saw the McLaren driver finish in eighth place.
7 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

“The first half of the race, we seemed very quick. Lando was stuck behind George. I was stuck behind Liam. I got Liam out of the way, not really in the way I intended. But yeah, I think the second half of the race, after the red flag, we were just slow. think both of us just struggled with pace, and that was a pretty tough 30 laps.”

Regarding the clash with Lawson he said: “I went for a move. I was stuck behind him for a long time. Didn’t really get far enough alongside, and I spoke to him about it, and he said he didn’t see me either, which, in those conditions is fair enough. But I think it was clearly my mistake. And the penalty was deserved. So just a tough day.”

“Tough day”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/07/...at-interlagos/


‘Fair enough’: What Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson did in the pit lane after Sao Paulo Grand Prix collision
3 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer

The race stewards deemed Piastri responsible for his crash with Lawson in the Sao Paulo GP, so slapped the McLaren star with a 10-second time penalty as well as two penalty points on his licence. Piastri also holds his hands up despite Lawson admitting he did not see the dive.

“I was stuck behind [Lawson] for a long time,” Piastri shared, via Auto Action. “I didn’t really get far enough alongside. I spoke to him about it and he said that he didn’t see me either, which in those conditions is fair enough. It was clearly my mistake and the penalty was deserved, it’s just a tough day.”

‘Fair enough’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/osc...nd-prix-crash/


‘Can’t race like this’: Piastri’s desperate radio plea as Aussie cops penalty over rare blunder
Nov 4th, 2024
Fox Sports (Australia)

It was a day to forget in Sao Paulo for Oscar Piastri and his team, McLaren. The Australian finished eighth as world championship leader Max Verstappen stunningly pushed through the field to claim victory after starting from 17th, and widen the gap on Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris in the title race.

Mid-race, the New Zealander was spun by the Australian in a little trans-Tasman showdown at the first turn. Piastri accepted full responsibility for the incident post-race. “[The penalty] was deserved. I didn’t get far enough up. I apologised in the red flag. Just one of those days,” he said.

“It was tricky, just trying to stay on track at some points was very tough.” Visibility was low and the track saturated as the downpours which plagued the weekend made life tough for drivers.

‘Can’t race like this’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...e63fe0bf991ff5


This is how Oscar Piastri felt after gifting Lando Norris the sprint win
3 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Oscar Piastri has explained he was "fine" with handing over the sprint race victory to Lando Norris in Brazil. McLaren applied team orders to help Norris reduce the gap to Max Verstappen by one extra point in the World Championship. The gap now stands at 44 points with four Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining.

"It's not as fun as winning, but I think I know the position that we're in. We've been talking about this for months now and this is really the first time that we've had to enforce it. So, yes, I would have preferred to have won. But, again, it's a sprint. It's the same points for the team. And, being realistic, I don't have much to fight for in the driver's standings. So, we knew this is something that could and probably would happen at some point. But, I was fine with it," Piastri said.

‘How Oscar Piastri felt’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31091...do-norris.html


'I can hear': What David Croft noticed in Oscar Piastri radio after Lando Norris team orders at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
2 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

David Croft senses Oscar Piatri’s ‘disappointment’ after Brazilian Grand Prix team orders. After the chequered flag, Piastri’s engineer Tom Stallard applauded him for his ‘massive support’ and urged him to be ‘proud’ despite missing out on the victory. He accepted it was a ‘good day for the team’.

But speaking on Sky Sports F1, commentator David Croft could sense the ‘disappointment’. Before Saturday, Piastri was the last driver not named Verstappen to win a Sprint, having done so in Qatar last year. However, Croft fully understands the decision. McLaren maintained their 15-point haul amid their constructors’ battle with Ferrari, and also benefitted Norris in his pursuit of Verstappen.

‘Disappointment’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...lo-grand-prix/


Mark Webber could now ask McLaren for one thing in contract talks after Oscar Piastri team orders
2 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer

A bonus for Piastri may be an extra incentive for the Australian to aid Norris’ championship challenge in the closing stages of the year. Chandhok explained that Webber may want to negotiate a deal for his driver after Piastri’s selfless act in Brazil.

He said: “Yeah, absolutely. He’s pulled another two on Verstappen, hasn’t he? That’s the important equation for him. I wonder if Mark Webber will still negotiate the bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that. He should.”

Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator David Croft then responded saying Webber may want to talk directly to Norris. He added: “I’m sure he’ll go and see Lando Norris and have a little chat going, ‘my man deserved that one’.”

“Bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that.”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mar...i-team-orders/

[Fortitude]

Liam Lawson ninth in chaotic F1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
New Zealander Liam Lawson has equalled his best Formula One result after finishing ninth in wet conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen drive to victory from 17th place.
4 Nov 2024
Radio New Zealand

Lawson was largely pleased with his performance. "Two cars in the points is good, it's great for the team. I think obviously from where we started it's a bit of a shame. I think our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around at the start but I think obviously then we boxed for extremes. It was tough but honestly the survive was hard enough, it was a very brutal race," Lawson said.

‘Ninth’;

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/532...ian-grand-prix


Lawson left with mixed feelings after ‘brutal race’ in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Liam Lawson finished P9 for RB at Interlagos but felt he could have done better had he not been tagged into a spin at the start.

‘Mixed feelings’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/la...27587092319859


Liam Lawson relieved to not crash ’10 times’ in F1 Brazil GP
8 Nov 2024
Harry Whitfield
Motorsport Week

RB driver Liam Lawson felt fortunate to only have spun off the track once and not crash out on 10 occasions throughout the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “We obviously lost a lot of time in the red flag, that was just really unlucky timing, Alpine made the right call there by staying out.”

“Honestly, I didn’t think we would have made another lap on the inters, it was so wet, so fair play to the guys who did stay out but, obviously, something I’ll learn from. I think, initially, I probably jumped the gun a little bit and thought it was too wet but, I’ll learn from that going forward.”

He added: “I nearly crashed the car probably 10 times, It was very sketchy but the most important thing was staying on the track and, fortunately, we were able to do that.”

‘Relieved to not crash’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...-f1-brazil-gp/


Lawson “almost crashed the car 10 times” in treacherous Sao Paulo GP
Liam Lawson has admitted he came close to crashing out of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on multiple occasions.
4 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Lawson crossed the line ninth in Sunday’s race in Interlagos to score two valuable points for RB. He spent the latter laps battling with Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez, seeing both off to retain his equal best result of the season. That followed a career-best qualifying position after he started fifth.

It was a result achieved despite treacherous conditions in both qualifying and the race – the former interrupted by five red flags, and the latter halted once. That came for Franco Colapinto, who crashed under the Safety Car after it had been deployed for worsening conditions.

‘Treacherous Sao Paulo’;

https://speedcafe.com/lawson-almost-...-sao-paulo-gp/


Lawson in 'survival mode' during brutal' Brazilian GP
Liam Lawson banked another points haul for RB in a wet and wild Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
6 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Liam Lawson has described how survival was "hard enough" in the rain-hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in which he finished ninth. "Our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around [by Piastri], and then we boxed for extreme [wet] tyres, but it was tough and honestly, to survive was hard enough.”

"It was a very brutal race, we struggled a little bit at the end for pace, but the start was strong, so maybe we used a bit too much of the tyre. We will have a look." Lawson also touched on the battle for sixth in the constructors', which RB was in a fight with Haas over, but Alpine 33 point haul for a double podium result with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly lifted the team up to sixth, who are now three points ahead of Haas and five of RB.

"It is a shame, but obviously Alpine made the most of a race like this, and it is great for them so congratulations," said Lawson.

'Survival mode';

https://racingnews365.com/lawson-in-...l-brazilian-gp

[Fortitude]

Hamilton's final Mercedes season can't end soon enough.
Hamilton's 10th place, after a shock Q1 exit and a frustrating race that ended with a long final stint stuck between RB driver Liam Lawson and Red Bull's Sergio Perez, is a far cry from the mid-season peak of two wins in three grands prix.
Nov 4, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm, Edd Straw
The Race

When it was put to him by The Race that, with Mercedes still struggling with an inconsistent car and not being as fast as the top three teams, he may be keen to get to the end of a season that is clearly not ending well, Hamilton replied: "No, it can't come soon enough."

"It's devastating to have these bad races in the second half of the season," said Hamilton. "But all I can say is we're trying. It's definitely not acceptable, it's definitely not good enough. And we have to take accountability, I have to take accountability.”

"But I am doing the best with what I've got. The car has been the worst this weekend. I don't know what it is, we're going to have to find out what it is." Not for the first time, Hamilton alluded to a difference in the quality of the equipment at Mercedes.

“It can't come soon enough";

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/l...ating-f1-form/


Unheard Lewis Hamilton radio message reveals tough opinion on Mercedes W15
4 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t holding back as he told Mercedes that his W15 was the “worst” it had ever been as he completed the Brazilian Grand Prix in 10th place. Hamilton had a difficult start to the weekend, complaining of pain during Friday’s FP1 as he struggled with bouncing.

Speaking to the media as his team-mate George Russell contested Q3 and qualified up on the front row of the grid, Hamilton said: “The car I have right now, it’s the worst I’ve ever driven.” It was a complaint he reiterated to Mercedes at the end of the 71-lap Grand Prix.

“That was a disaster weekend, guys,” he radioed to Mercedes after taking the chequered flag in 10th place. “That’s the worst the car’s ever been. But thank you for continuing to try, great job. To all the guys that are p*ssed off, if this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful to you.”

‘The “worst” it had ever been’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/unhear...n-mercedes-w15


Mercedes baffled by Lewis Hamilton’s cryptic radio message – but have Ferrari signed a busted flush?
Seven-time champion hinted ’disaster of a weekend’ in Brazil would be his last race of the season but he has three left before jumping ship
4 Nov 2024
Tom Cary
The Telegraph

A cryptic radio message from Lewis Hamilton to his team, which was not broadcast until after Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, has prompted speculation that the 39-year-old may have driven for Mercedes for the final time.

In the message, which took place on Hamilton’s warm-down lap after he finished 10th at Interlagos, the seven-time world champion, who is joining Ferrari next season, concedes he has had a “disaster of a weekend” and describes his car as “the worst it has ever been”.

Hamilton then adds: “But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop. If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Mercedes were said to be surprised by the enigmatic message, with the team insisting there were no plans for Hamilton to step down for the final triple-header.

‘The enigmatic message’;

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-...yptic-ferrari/


Lewis Hamilton lambasts Mercedes F1 car as ‘worst ever’ after Brazil GP ‘disaster’
Hamilton finished 10th after a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix as his time at Mercedes nears an end
3 Nov 2024
Kieran Jackson
Independent

Lewis Hamilton insists his Mercedes car during the Brazilian Grand Prix was his “worst ride ever” as the seven-time F1 world champion finished 10th in Sao Paulo.

Starting 14th on the grid, the seven-time F1 world champion struggled for grip on the wet Interlagos track and dropped back early on.

After the mid-race red flag, Hamilton progressed to occupy 10th – the final points position – and kept off the challenge of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez behind him.

‘Worst ever’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lew...-b2640667.html


Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen on “amazing” F1 Sao Paulo GP win
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have congratulated Max Verstappen on his impressive F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory.
4 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen on winning the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 17th on the grid. The seven-time world champion responded to Verstappen’s celebratory Instagram post, commenting: “Amazing drive, congrats” which was accompanied by a fist bump emoji.

Verstappen and Hamilton were seen having a brief chat ahead of the national anthem on the grid. While their on-track rivalry in 2021 was intense as they battled for the drivers’ championship, the pair’s respect for each other seems to be at its highest.

Hamilton endured a difficult race at Interlagos as he finished a disappointing 10th. The 39-year-old beamoned the handling of his W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”. Hamilton will have three more races with Mercedes before he switches to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season alongside Charles Leclerc.

‘W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”.’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105983...o-paulo-gp-win


In photos: Driving Senna's McLaren is an 'honour' - Lewis Hamilton
Nov 3, 2024
ESPN
ESPN.com

Lewis Hamilton said driving Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/5B at Interlagos was "very emotional" and "the greatest honour of my career." Hamilton said afterwards: "It's very emotional. I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching Ayrton race here as a kid, hearing that sound and watching him drive here and winning in that race.

"I just couldn't believe that I just had that chance to do that. And it was really the greatest honour of my career to do it in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil who stood out in the rain all day yesterday, and have been here since 4:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. this morning."

Hamilton, who had a special white race suit and helmet made for the occasion, said it was an honour to get the opportunity: "I really love Brazil and I really love the people and I'm so grateful. To even have my citizenship here is such a huge honour. So I hope Senna can be proud. That was the best drive of the whole weekend.”

"Very emotional";

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/4...mclaren-honour


Hamilton on driving Senna's car: 'Greatest honour of my career'
Nov 03, 2024
TSN

“It is very emotional, naturally,” said Hamilton as he held the Brazilian flag on his back. “I was revisiting my childhood as I watched Ayrton racing here. I can't believe I am having this opportunity. “It is the greatest honor of my career to do it in front of this amazing crowd in Brazil,” said Hamilton, who in 2022 became an honorary Brazilian citizen by a motion of the country's congress.

“I won my first championship here, had my best ever drive here, and now to be in this country as an honorary citizen driving my hero’s car is almost too much to comprehend. It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “It’s a massive honour and one that I’ll look back on as one of the highlights of my life.”

Luciane D'Angelo, 45, was one of the tearful fans watching Hamilton drive at Interlagos. As a child, she used to watch F1 races with her father, who currently suffers from a serious disease she did not disclose. “I cry because Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void. He made children of that time enjoy their Sundays with their families even more. He wasn't only one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, but also a person that every Brazilian learned to admire,” she said.

“Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void”;

https://www.tsn.ca/auto-racing/lewis...reer-1.2199626

[Fortitude]

'Absolutely': Karun Chandhok agrees ‘100%’ with angry Sergio Perez message in Sao Paulo GP qualifying.
Chandhok felt Perez was right and also questioned Red Bull’s tactics considering the improvements made by other drivers in the session.
3 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Sergio Perez was not happy with his Red Bull team after being eliminated during qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Both Perez and Max Verstappen will start outside of the top ten with the Mexican down in P12, while the latter will take a five-place grid penalty which puts him P17 on the grid.

Sergio Perez criticises team for Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying error. Q2 had already been stopped due to a crash from Carlos Sainz at the Senna ‘S’ which is why Red Bull was faced with the decision of when to send their cars back out. Most teams were already queuing at the end of the pit lane and Red Bull decided to send them out at the back of the queue, however that meant the tyre temperatures dropped as they built up a gap in the pit lane.

Perez felt they should have kept him and Verstappen in the garage where they could have put the tyres under the blankets, and was livid over team radio when speaking to engineer Hugh Bird.
Driver Engineer
Perez: “What’s the time left in the session?”
Bird: “45 seconds.”
Perez: “Come on guys, we need to do a better programme!”
Bird: “Unfortunately, with where we are in the pit lane…”
Perez: “That’s not an excuse mate! We should’ve waited. If everyone is waiting at the end of the pit lane, why would we go?”
“I agree with Checo, he’s absolutely right because we saw Ferrari wait a minute with Charles Leclerc. He went out and did a 1:26.097s and got himself into P6 and into Q3. So I 100% agree with Perez,” said Chandhok.

‘Chandhok felt Perez was right’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/kar...gp-qualifying/


Perez hints at Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP
Sergio Perez finished 11th in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a difficult afternoon.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Perez, who started from 12th, explained how a rare Red Bull trackside error meant he started the race on cold tyres, which helped induce a first-lap spin before finishing in 11th. "It was a disaster because we didn't know at the time that we could change tyres until the very last minute - and there was no time to change them," Perez told media including RacingNews365.

"We started the race with very cold tyres and then, as there was no one ahead of me, I went into a wall of water, so the start was a total disaster. We were making progress, but unfortunately, we pitted at the red flag, and then at the restart, the visibility was zero, but we were making some progress.”

“We came all the way up to Liam [Lawson], and we touched a bit in Turn 1, and then I went straight at Turn 4 and lost the position to Lewis [Hamilton]. It was a total disaster and nothing really worked."

‘Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP’;

https://racingnews365.com/perez-hint...f-brazilian-gp


Perez admits ‘nothing really worked’ in Sao Paulo GP as Horner brands Mexican’s first-lap spin ‘annoying’
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Sergio Perez was left to rue that “nothing really worked” during his eventful afternoon at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with the Mexican having to fight his way back to P11 following a first-lap spin branded “annoying” by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

Giving his assessment on the Grand Prix afterwards, Perez reflected: “It was just… nothing really worked today. We started the race with very cold tyres, because we didn’t know at the time we could change them like everyone else did.”

“And then not having a car in front [on the grid], I [lost] the clutch and went into a massive amount of wheelspin, and then I ended up spinning into Turn 10 – it was a disaster. Then we pitted before the red flag, so nothing really worked!”

‘Nothing really worked’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...s2X5lcKtEfFKwS


Sergio Perez calls out Red Bull in furious team radio after Brazil GP qualifying nightmare with F1 future in serious doubt
Perez was knocked out in second qualifying again.
3 Nov 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible

Sergio Perez was left furious with his Red Bull team after being knocked out of Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying in the second session. During a rain-interrupted qualifying, both Perez and team-mate Max Verstappen went out, in 13th and 12th respectively, after a red flag was brought out following Lance Stroll's crash.

There have been claims that this weekend's Grand Prix in Interlagos could be his last as a Red Bull driver, with team principal Christian Horner refusing to offer reassurances after Perez finished in last at his home race in Mexico. But Perez stated that he was not worried about his future, telling reporters on Thursday: "You will see me in Vegas. You will see me next year. I'm not the one that worries about it."

‘Furious team radio’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/sergio...35195-20241103


Horner puts his arm around Perez with chassis change explanation
1 Nov 2024
Cas van de Kleut
GPblog.com

Sergio Perez had a disastrous weekend in Mexico. This weekend he is driving a different chassis in a bid to improve his performance. Christian Horner elaborated on Perez's situation in a conversation with Sky Sports.

After free practice in Brazil, Horner said, "We're doing our best to try and help rebuild his confidence. He had a horrible weekend in Mexico. We've changed his chassis this weekend. It's an older chassis that we've put him into just to give him that, hopefully, extra boost of confidence."

The Red Bull Racing team boss continued, "Sergio is a seasoned campaigner. He's been around long enough that he knows that this is a results-based business. He knows that this season has been under par for him. Nobody's more acutely aware of that than Sergio but we're doing our best that we can to support him."

‘Chassis change explanation’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31044...gio-perez.html


Sergio Perez given final three-race target before big Red Bull decision
8 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Christian Horner says Sergio Perez is “wise” enough to know F1 is a “results-based business”, and the one big result he can contribute towards is the Constructors’ Championship. Formula 1, as we know, is a results-based business,” Horner told TalkSPORT, “and Sergio is very, very aware of that. And you know, he’s not happy with how the season has gone for him, as you would expect. So, he’s big enough and old enough and wise enough to recognise that.”

Scoring a solitary point in Brazil where he was P8 in the Sprint race while Max Verstappen brought in 31 including the Grand Prix win, Perez has scored just eight points in the last five races. In that time Red Bull have not only lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in Baku, but they also dropped behind Ferrari in Mexico.

With 544 points on the board, the reigning World Champions trail McLaren by 49 points and Ferrari by 13. Perez’s future could be determined by whether or not he’s able to help Red Bull wrestle back control in the teams’ standings as that’s still very much one of Red Bull’s big goals in the final three races of the season – and perhaps the final three in Perez’s Red Bull career too.

“Results-based business”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...-bull-decision


Report: What Christian Horner said about Sergio Perez’s future when addressing Red Bull factory this week
7 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Christian Horner told Red Bull staff Sergio Perez had to ‘up his game’. According to Formula Passion, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the Red Bull factory earlier this week. This was likely a routine event on the back of the USA-Mexico-Brazil triple-header. For the most part, Horner was focused on celebrating Verstappen’s unbelievable victory at Interlagos. His charge from 17th ranks as one of the best wins in Red Bull history.

However, Horner also dropped a ‘hint’ about the future of Perez. He’s made it clear that driver number 11 is ‘safe’ for now, with no ‘lightning replacement’ planned for the last three races. But echoing the message he’s delivered in public, he acknowledged that ‘Perez must step up his game and improve his performances’. Fail to do so by the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, and a promotion for Lawson ‘could quickly gain traction’.

‘Addressing Red Bull factory this week’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...ory-this-week/

[Fortitude]

‘Trying not to die’… Unheard Oliver Bearman radio messages highlight Sao Paulo Grand Prix difficulties.
Unheard team radio transcripts posted to social media website X show Bearman could be heard over team radio frantically telling race control to suspend the race as the rain increased before the red flag.
5 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Oliver Bearman’s frantic radio messages as rain hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Bearman was speaking to his engineer Mark Slade throughout the race about the conditions, updating him on whether it was enough to switch to the full wet tyre. The Briton went into the race having studied the onboard of Verstappen from his race in 2016, which was also affected by rain.

He could be heard frantically trying to get the FIA to stop the race due to visibility concerns, with him nearly running off track exiting the Senna ‘S’ without knowing where he was going.

Driver Engineer
Bearman: “How are we allowed to race like this? Someone is going to crash big time.”
Slade: “Perez coming up behind you on his full wets.”
Bearman: “Guys I can’t even see in front.”
Slade: “You’re doing a great job Ollie.”
Bearman: “Yeah but, come on. Talk to the FIA. I’m just trying not to die.”

“I’m just trying not to die”;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/try...-difficulties/


‘Too many mistakes, too many time losses’ – Bearman gives brutal verdict on his Sao Paulo super-sub performance for Haas
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Haas super-sub Ollie Bearman didn’t know he would be partaking in the Sao Paulo race weekend until Friday morning, but went on to tackle his most challenging Formula 1 outing yet – and revealing that he learned plenty of valuable lessons in the process.

Bearman had never raced at Interlagos before or in such adverse weather conditions at this level, so faced a number of difficulties during the Grand Prix. Despite Haas’s strong pace over recent races, he was knocked out in the first stage of a rain-affected qualifying, going on to start the race from P15 after Max Verstappen’s grid penalty was applied.

“It was a tough race,” he summarised. “Too many mistakes from my side and that really compromised our race. I think on one side, we finished P12 quite close to the points, despite the amount of mistakes I made. On the other side, too many mistakes, too many time losses and stuff like that. It was a really tough day. I learnt a lot, that’s for sure, for the next time.”

‘Brutal verdict’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...aQI1VJcsBxMv86


F1 driver feared dying during Brazilian GP and warned 'this is really dangerous'
F1 stars had to navigate torrential rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix, with one driver fearing for his life.
Nov 6, 2024
Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express

F1 star Ollie Bearman feared for his life during the Brazilian Grand Prix as the torrential rain made for a perilous driving environment. The 19-year-old faced the worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career after standing in for Haas ace Kevin Magnussen in Sao Paulo.

Bearman found himself just outside the points at the Brazilian Grand Prix as he finished in P12, one position lower than he lined up on the starting grid following the qualifying session. He was one of only 15 drivers to finish the race, with five others failing to make it to the end.

There were five red flags throughout the chaotic race after the rain had postponed the qualifying session until Sunday morning. And the teenager was forced to navigate horrendous conditions as the heavens opened part-way through the race.

‘Worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...1-Brazilian-GP


Bearman admits he made ‘too many mistakes’ in Sao Paulo GP
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Oliver Bearman had several tussles with other drivers and a late spin off the track in Brazil as he finished 12th on his latest sub appearance for Haas.

‘Too many mistakes’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/be...26085282097980


What Bearman's first real F1 stumble means for him and Haas
Nov 8, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race

Ollie Bearman having one of Formula 1’s only 100% point-scoring records in 2024 inevitably had an asterisk attached given it related to just two race appearances. It stood as a marker of the quality of his super-sub appearances for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and Haas in Azerbaijan but is no longer valid even though it was only being used ironically.

Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur described it as a “more than difficult” weekend to step into but was “a good lesson, a good experience”, and Bearman’s Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu went even further. “This is a priceless experience for him, and for us,” said Komatsu. “Yes, the pain is that we should have, still with this car, scored points, but we didn't. But that's the price we paid, right?”

“Ollie’s incredibly talented. He's an incredibly fast learner. But you cannot expect to throw him in last minute – I mean, what he did on Friday was remarkable. Remarkable. I don't think I can expect him to deal with these conditions and score points. Still the potential he showed was great.”

“Friday was remarkable. Remarkable”;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/o...irst-struggle/


Bearman questions F1 penalty after unusual circumstances
Ollie Bearman had a scrappy day in Brazil, and picked up a "harsh" time penalty.
7 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

On lap four in the tough conditions at Interlagos, Bearman, deputising for the unwell Kevin Magnussen, tapped the back of Colapinto's Williams at Turn 9 in the infield, spinning himself as the Argentine continued unimpeded. For the incident, Bearman was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision and received two penalty points on his superlicence.

The stewards felt he was "wholly" to blame, but Bearman has questioned the decision. "I hit him, but hardly touched him and nothing happened to him," Bearman told media including RacingNews365. "I lost 10 seconds [with the spin], and then I got a 10-second penalty for losing 10 seconds, so it was really harsh.”

"But racing with other cars was much more useful than a test, and I got to learn a track which I wasn't going to be able to do without this race. The conditions were tough, but I definitely learned a lot."

“It was really harsh”;

https://racingnews365.com/bearman-qu...-circumstances

[Fortitude]

Bottas brands Sao Paulo GP ‘one of the most difficult races in my career’.
With the tricky wet track and changeable weather, Valtteri Bottas reckons Sunday’s race in Brazil was one of the toughest he’s had in F1. He finished 13 as Sauber’s season-long points drought continued.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘One of the toughest’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bo...27904202713503


Bottas highlights tyre degradation as ‘big issue for us’ after the Sprint
2 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

Valtteri Bottas started the Sprint in 15th but slipped back a place at the flag on another difficult day for Sauber.

‘Tyre degradation’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bo...24410522207623


Bottas on Sauber's F1 downfall: 'When Vasseur left, it all fell to pieces'
1 Nov 2024
Motor Sport
Motor Sport Magazine

Since the departure of team principal Fred Vasseur, Sauber's Formula 1 team has crumbled — leaving Valtteri Bottas to struggle for a return to the front of the grid. In an exclusive interview with Motor Sport, published in our latest December 2024 issue, Bottas identified one key moment when his and Sauber’s fortunes changed: the departure of Fred Vasseur to Ferrari.

“Things changed a lot because when I joined it was a three-year project,” says Bottas. “As we spoke with Fred [Vasseur, Sauber team principal until the end of 2022], we agreed on certain targets. Year one was good, especially the first part of the year, but Fred left and the whole idea of the project changed.”

“Obviously, I don’t blame Fred because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Ferrari and he is doing a great job. That changed my situation quite a bit.” Vasseur’s reputation has soared since joining Ferrari at the end of 2022. The Frenchman has transformed the Scuderia back into a winning machine, in contention for the constructors’ championship in 2024.

‘Sauber's F1 downfall’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#


Sauber announces Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou exit
Sauber has announced neither Valtteri Bottas nor Zhou Guanyu will be part of its driver line-up for 2025.
6 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Bottas had hoped to remain with the organisation for a fourth campaign, having joined from Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season. Zhou will also not continue with the team, leaving Sauber with an all-new pairing for 2025. “A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” admitted Bottas.

“But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met. These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”

“I’m grateful for the joint experiences as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.” Sauber boss Mattia Binotto added: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together.”

‘Exit’;

https://speedcafe.com/sauber-announc...nyu-zhou-exit/


Bottas to leave Sauber after F1 2024; Mercedes reunion expected
Finnish driver will drop off the F1 grid but is set to accept a new role with his former team, Mercedes
Nov 6, 2024
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com

Sauber's decision means Bottas's current F1 racing career will likely be capped at 10 wins from 246 races, come the end of the current campaign in Abu Dhabi next month. But he could yet see more action with his former team, after saying returning to what he called the "Mercedes family" at Interlagos was "for sure one option and I would consider it".

Motorsport.com understands that discussions between Mercedes and Bottas have been going on for several weeks, with the squad set to field a team made up of drivers it has supported all the way to F1 – George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli – in 2025. Although the path back to the full-time racing driver from a reserve role is difficult, F1 has had a surge in super-sub appearances in recent years.

‘Mercedes reunion expected’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/b...nion/10670847/


Valtteri Bottas reveals reason behind impending Sauber F1 exit
6 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Valtteri Bottas has explained that talks regarding him remaining in Formula 1 with Sauber beyond 2024 broke down as the “conditions to grow together were not met”. Bottas had been in discussions with the team about an extension to his expiring deal amid his hope to be present once it morphs into a works Audi operation in 2026.

However, Sauber has chosen to head in an alternative direction as current Formula 2 points leader Bortoleto has been signed to complement Hulkenberg’s experience. Mattia Binotto, who was appointed over the summer to lead the Sauber/Audi venture, has insisted that the choice not to continue with Bottas was a “mutual” decision.

“After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil,” Mattia Binotto concluded.

‘Alternative direction’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...auber-f1-exit/


Valtteri Bottas tipped to rejoin Mercedes as reserve driver for F1 2025 season
6 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Speaking to the media including PlanetF1.com last month, the 10-time Grand Prix winner said he could return to his former team Mercedes. “I’ve got to look at all the alternatives including going back to the Mercedes family,” he revealed.

Should he return to the Brackley squad it would be as a reserve driver as Mercedes have already confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for next season. Bottas has reportedly been in talks with Mercedes for several weeks as he looked at his B-plan options should Sauber opt for an all-new line-up for F1 2025.

“Got to look at all the alternatives”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...f1-2025-season

[Fortitude]

Fernando Alonso demanded medical attention after brutal back pain at Brazilian GP.
“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics; they did a great job today, but my back is really hurting. This bouncing is not normal,” Alonso said over the radio, expressing both gratitude and frustration.
Nov 3, 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport

Speaking with DAZN after the race, Alonso explained further, saying, “In normal conditions, I wouldn’t have finished, but I did it for the mechanics, for the people from Valencia, and for everyone facing tougher situations than mine with this bouncing.” For Alonso, the decision to keep going reflected his commitment to the team that had made every effort to keep him on the track.

A Physically Taxing Race for Alonso. The instability of Alonso’s car wreaked havoc on his body throughout the race, with constant impacts exacerbating his back pain. At one point, Alonso even asked for medical attention: “Call a medical car. I’ll follow you. I’ll come with you when I finish.” Fighting off the pain as he battled with Saubers during the closing laps, Alonso’s discomfort grew, turning every turn into a gruelling ordeal.

Reflecting on the day, he shared that “We had a better car this morning, but we had to change parts, and it got worse during the race. We had brake issues—Lance [Stroll] at the beginning, and I during the restarts.” Alonso’s finish, though out of the points, highlighted the relentless physical strain he endured for his team.

“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics”;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ilian-gp-2024/


Fernando Alonso left in 'agony' and needs medical treatment after Brazilian Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso was left feeling the effects of the bouncing of his Aston Martin car in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 3, 2024
Charlie Malam
Daily and Sunday Express

Kravitz said: "Fernando Alonso, car number 14, 14th today and I believe he had to go to the medical centre or seek some sort of physio after the race ended because he was in absolute agony with his back. He said so on the radio. He said he was going to finish the race for the mechanics." Alonso had said over his team radio: "I'm going to finish the race for the mechanics, who did an incredible job today, but my back really hurts, guys. This bouncing is not normal."

"It was like pulling the handbrake in the corners. So you could say it wasn't an ideal race in that sense. We have to improve for the next race." Alonso's team-mate Lance Stroll meanwhile crashed out on the formation lap in an unusual incident. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said: "A trip to a special motorsport venue but a weekend to forget for our team. A point-less and brutal triple-header which takes its toll on the team working trackside and back at the AMRTC.

"Looking for the positives it was a Herculean effort by both car crews, with a reduced schedule, to get both cars onto the grid just in time today. Also a special mention for the FIA and F1 for being pragmatic and flexible with the schedule to allow the drivers and teams to put on a show for the passionate South American fans.”

'Agony';

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


How Alonso fought “painful” back to reward Aston mechanics
5 Nov2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog

Fernando Alonso had to overcome a painful back and brake issues to bring his Aston Martin AMR24 home in 14th place after a difficult Sao Paulo GP. “It was a lot of bounce and a lot of porpoising in the second half of the race,” he said when asked by this writer about the back problem.

“I don’t know why. So yeah, it was a tough race. We were out of the points. I think in any other circumstances, probably I will stop. But the mechanics did an incredible job before the race to put the car ready on the grid, so I had to finish for them. It was a difficult race. After this morning, we had to go back to a less performing package on the car. So the race was a little bit slower pace from our side. And then we had the brake issue.”

“I think Lance had the brake problem in the formation lap, and I had the brake issue after all the restarts, where all the brake balance goes completely rearwards. It’s like a braking with a hand brake. So it was all-in-all a nightmare out there. We need to get better for the next three.”

“Like a braking with a hand brake”;

https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/05/...ton-mechanics/


Fernando Alonso close to tears in heart-wrenching interview after Brazilian GP
Fernando Alonso was second-last of the finishers at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 5, 2024
Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express

Fernando Alonso had tears in his eyes while discussing the back pain which blighted his Brazilian Grand Prix. The 43-year-old nursed a bouncing Aston Martin home in 14th place and out of the points, rounding off a nightmare weekend for the team in fitting fashion.

The two-time world champion required a trip to the medical centre after the race. And a bleary-eyed interview told the whole story about his uncomfortable afternoon. "Some back pain and a lot of bouncing today in the second half of the race," he told Sky Sports. "I think Lance had a brake problem on the formation lap, I had the same problem in some of the restarts as well.”

‘Close to tears’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...x-aston-martin


Stroll explains ‘really strange’ formation lap crash as Alonso says Aston Martin ‘need to regroup’ after tough Sao Paulo GP
5 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Lance Stroll, admitted that his spin during the formation lap had been “really strange” as he pointed to a potential brake issue as the cause.

“As soon as I touched the brake I just had a huge rear lock and then I was a passenger from there,” the Canadian explained. “I’ve never felt that in the car, so maybe there was a brake failure problem and we have to look into it.”

Reflecting on what could have been – with Stroll known to have performed well in wet conditions previously – he continued: “For sure in a race like this anything’s possible, so to be out on Lap 1 really sucks – but we have to look into what happened.”

‘Potential brake issue’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...UGbzjFCPxM8WU2


Aston Martin uncovers trigger for Alonso and Stroll’s Brazilian GP struggles
A post-race review has revealed what caused problems for Alonso and Stroll in the Brazilian GP
Nov 7, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com

Speaking about what Aston Martin has found out since Brazil, team principal Mike Krack thinks a combination of elements came together to leave both its drivers with a car that was ultra nervous. “It was clear that both drivers were battling a car that was incredibly difficult to drive during Sunday's race," he said. "Our post-weekend analysis has highlighted several factors that explain this.”

“Following both car’s accidents in qualifying, we had to replace a lot of components with a different specification due to availabilities at the end of a triple-header. This is allowed by the Sprint Event regulations, and you declare your shortages and replacement options to the FIA before the event. [But] you aren’t allowed to change the mechanical set-up of the cars. This meant we could neither check nor adjust the set-up of the cars, which negatively affected aerodynamic behaviour and performance.

“Add in treacherous wet conditions, along with an incredibly bumpy track, and you begin to understand that both drivers had the odds stacked against them. Both cars were highly susceptible to wheel-locking, and we can see in the data that this is what caused the issues for both Lance and Fernando."

‘What caused problems for Alonso and Stroll’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...gles/10671386/

[Fortitude]

Sauber apologise to Zhou for “not acceptable” qualifying blunder.
Sauber apologised to Zhou Guanyu after sending him out at the end of qualifying too late to complete his final run.
2nd Nov 2024
RaceFans

Zhou repeatedly asked his team whether they had enough time left, and was told each time they did. But as he reached the timing line to begin his final run the lights had already turned red.

“To be honest, it was quite a disaster session because to be the only driver not doing the last lap, crossing the line with fully red [lights] was just not so acceptable,” he told the official F1 channel. “But that’s how it is at the moment.

“We completely messed up the timing for the final run. We’re sat in the garage too long and we go out last, couldn’t do the lap so, game over.”

“Not acceptable”;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/...fying-blunder/


How the dramatic Sauber killed Bottas' and Zhou's F1 careers
10 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

For Guanyu Zhou, his Formula 1 adventure will come to an end after the current season. Sauber, who will be Audi in the future, have chosen Gabriel Bortoleto as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate, leaving the Chinese driver and his teammate Valtteri Bottas without a seat for 2025. What Zhou will do next? The Chinese driver acknowledges how competitive the current market is and that finding a place in an appealing series will be extremely difficult.

"Another category probably will be quite difficult because a lot of categories when they contacted me before, it was that I have to make some decisions very soon," Zhou reflects, knowing that those teams have also made other choices. "But I'm definitely looking for quite a bit of alternative options. Either being a reserve role or doing something else there’s still some good options available. So we need to look more into that."

‘What Zhou will do next?’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31223...g-f1-seat.html


Uncompetitive car making it hard to show the gains I’ve made, says Zhou
25th Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans

The team started the year with a more competitive car, said Zhou, but missed out on points-scoring opportunities due to a series of slow pit stops. “I still remember – because it felt a lot better – the first few races of the season. Of course, we struggled with other things – in the pits – but the car was actually performing quite competitively together with the people around the midfield battle.”

“You really felt you could show what you have gained or what experience you have learned over the course of two-and-a-half years. You are getting better experience, better knowledge with everything and also get more understanding about what you need to go quicker. But then in that period right now it’s quite difficult, of course, to accept as a driver.”

‘Hard to show the gains made’;

https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/25/...ade-says-zhou/


'So disappointed': What Zhou Guanyu’s camp are privately saying about Sauber after Formula 1 exit
8 Nov 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer

While his results have lacked, speaking on The Fast and the Curious Podcast, Jennie Gow revealed that Zhou’s management have been left ‘so disappointed’ that their driver could not show his true potential, as the team have not been able to give him a competitive car over the last three years.

“I feel like he never really got into it. and it was just bad timing this year I think, and last year at Sauber,” she said. “They haven’t had a car which is competitive, and you speak to the guys who represent Zhou, and they’re so disappointed that he never got to shine.”

“I think it’s just one of those things. You get a Colapinto, gets put in the car and shines, and Zhou didn’t ever really get to shine.” Zhou could end up joining Alpine following the news that they will be ditching their engines to become a customer Mercedes team come 2026, and the 25-year-old’s financial backing could help him secure the seat.

'So disappointed';

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...ormula-1-exit/


Zhou chases new F1 challenge
Nov 8, 2024
China Daily

Zhou Guanyu, China's first Formula One driver, released a statement on his personal social media account on Wednesday officially announcing his impending departure from Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.

"This has been a difficult season, but I am still putting all my effort into the remaining races. I care about my future and want to stay here as long as possible, so I am fighting for it. The opportunity is still there," the 25-year-old wrote.

"I am delighted with the achievements I have made amid the fierce competition of F1, including scoring points on my debut, setting the fastest lap in treacherous conditions at the Suzuka Circuit and executing some exciting offensive and defensive maneuvers on the track. I am full of confidence in the future, and focused on truly showcasing my abilities."

‘New F1 challenge’;

http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2024-..._117534191.htm


'Will update': Zhou Guanyu now shares how he plans to stay in F1 after being released by Sauber
Wed 6 November 2024 09:15
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer

Zhou has issued a statement on social media thanking his team and confirming that he is exploring options to stay in the F1 paddock for the future.

“I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in F1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap, and some memorable battles throughout the grid. Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of. I’m now discussing a number of options to stay in the F1 paddock, will update you all soon.”

‘Exploring options’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/zho...sed-by-sauber/


Zhou Guanyu speaks out on Sauber exit after ‘conditions not met’ for renewal
6 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he is “discussing a number of options” to remain in the F1 paddock after being dropped by Sauber for the F1 2025 season. Former Ferrari and Alpine junior Zhou, who is known to bring significant sponsorship, has been linked with remaining in F1 in a reserve driver role. And he has confirmed that “a number of options” are on the table to remain in the sport in some capacity in F1 2025.

‘Conditions not met’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-ret...di-sauber-exit


Zhou Guanyu looking to stay in F1 amid Sauber departure
6 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week

Zhou Guanyu is actively discussing his future within the Formula 1 paddock following the news that he will leave Sauber at the end of 2024. Zhou Guanyu is ‘positive’ about life after Sauber.

‘Positive’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...ber-departure/

[Fortitude]

Sainz apologises to Ferrari for ‘two crashes that honestly I cannot explain very well’.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz promised to ‘turn the page and come back stronger’ after he crashed out of the Grand Prix in Brazil.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Sainz apologises’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/sa...27234759306639


Sainz reveals Ferrari weakness after Brazilian GP ‘nightmare’
Carlos Sainz has admitted a new weakness for him and Ferrari this season, after describing his Sao Paulo Grand Prix as a "nightmare" having crashed twice in one day.
4 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

"Oh, just two very strange, unfortunate crashes today," he reflected with media including RacingNews365. "A bit of a nightmare day. Honestly, the two of them, no sign of me crashing, so I couldn't do anything to avoid them.”

"But at the same time, it was not easy out there to overtake, so starting from the pit lane, it was always going to be difficult to make it to the points. Apologies to the whole team for the two crashes. I hope we can come back strong."

"Nightmare";

https://racingnews365.com/sainz-reve...n-gp-nightmare


Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo
05/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he crashed twice, with no clear explanation for either of his accidents. The unexpected crashes left Sainz searching for answers about his Ferrari's wet-weather handling. Known for his confidence in wet conditions, Sainz was frank about how out of place he's felt with the SF-24 in the rain.

"I've always been a very strong driver in the wet, but for some reason, ever since I tried this car [the Ferrari SF-24] in the wet this year, I've never had a good feeling with it, I have noticed. I don't know if we just don't put energy into the tires, we run it too steep in medium-to-high speed or what it is, but it's clear that it's very unpredictable and very difficult to drive."

‘Puzzled’;

https://f1i.com/news/524063-sainz-le...sao-paulo.html


Sainz ‘cannot explain’ Sao Paulo crashes as Leclerc admits weekend was 'damage limitation' for Ferrari
4 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Carlos Sainz says he “cannot explain” how he crashed twice on Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as both he and Charles Leclerc labelled the SF-24 as difficult to drive in wet conditions.

Sainz crashed out of Q2 at Turn 2 at Interlagos on Sunday morning and was forced to start the race from the pit lane after Ferrari had to undertake component changes outside of the parc ferme regulations.

The Spaniard made gradual progress through the course of the race but spun into the wall at Turn 8 on Lap 38, bringing his afternoon to a premature conclusion, one weekend after dominating the Mexico City Grand Prix from pole position.

'Damage limitation';

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GLr7lkmstHuSol


Why Sainz created a dangerous situation in Brazilian GP
Carlos Sainz was called to the stewards for alleged dangerous driving in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol

The full stewards verdict into Sainz is available below. "The driver crashed on his own. The marshals were quickly on the scene to recover the car," read the report. "The driver removed the steering wheel indicating to the marshals that he was abandoning the car. The team then informed the driver that they thought the car was safe to continue. The driver replaced the steering wheel while the marshals had started to feed the recovery loop through the roll hoop of the car.”

The driver admitted that he was not aware that the marshals had commenced the recovery procedure. "The marshals recognizing that the driver was going to attempt to restart aborted the recovery attempt just as the driver drove the car away. The driver admitted that he did not know that the marshals had started the recovery procedure and accepted that removing the steering wheel was a clear indication of his intention to abandon the car.”

‘Called to the stewards’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-sainz-...n-brazilian-gp


Sainz's verdict: Can Ferrari still win the constructors title?
9 Nov 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

McLaren still leads the Constructors' Championship, but Ferrari and Carlos Sainz are still hopeful that they can snatch the title off of their rivals. Sainz's good run of form was snapped in Brazil. The Spaniard had finished in second in Austin before winning in Mexico. His retirement cost him, but, are Ferrari still in with a shot?

"Yeah, and we will be alive until the very end. Three weekends now coming up that are going to be obviously important for the whole team. And now we need to refocus. We regroup and see how we can approach these last three races in the best possible way." Sainz concluded. Before his exit from the Italian team at the end of the year, a constructors victory will leave a good taste in the mouth before he joins the Williams project in 2025.

‘They can snatch the title’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31202...ors-title.html


Carlos Sainz Should Bounce Back From Brazil’s Harrowing Result
Nov 6, 2024
Dev Tyagi
F1 Chronicle

Dust has settled over the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2024. It was a race to forget not just from Carlos Sainz’s point of view, but even from Ferrari’s point of view. Not even a podium and then, a top five finish with Charles Leclerc bagging a low-key fifth was perhaps not the best of weekends for the Italian stable.

However, what was most saddening from a Ferrari point of view was their most recent Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz jr. ending his Interlagos weekend with a DNF next to his name. Certainly not the type of race weekend that Carlos Sainz, also race winner at Australia earlier this year (lest it is forgotten) would have expected.

Speaking of the next F1 Grand Prix, that is precisely what Carlos Sainz would expect, especially with the desire to score more since his Mexico win but unfortunately race retiring at the Senna-land. Having said that, where it might get a little tricky for the Madrid-born Spanish driver is that where it comes to the destination that is next on our calendars, Carlos Sainz would do well to remember him at the Las Vegas.

‘Bounce Back’;

https://f1chronicle.com/carlos-sainz.../?nowprocket=1


Carlos Sainz concedes being overlooked for top 2025 F1 seat ‘hurt’ his ego
10 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week

Sainz, who has since signed a multi-term contract with Williams, has admitted that it was hard to come to terms with not being considered for those seats at the time. “I’ve definitely come to peace, and I am a true believer that if I’m not going there, it’s because life just doesn’t want me to be there,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1.

“There’s something else coming after that, that will actually turn out to be good. It hurt at the time, we all have egos, and I have a driver ego, and I couldn’t understand it at the time. I still personally cannot understand certain choices that people have done,” he continued. “But at the same time, it creates even more of a challenge in me, and it even makes me more excited for Williams.”

“Williams is the one that has invested in me, that have backed me up from the beginning, the ones that came to me a full year ago, and that actually makes me super excited,” he added. “I said, ‘I want to give to these guys what they’ve given to me. Give back to them this trust and this belief in me’. I cannot wait to go there and, together with them, build something good.”

‘Hurt’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...-hurt-his-ego/


Sao Paulo GP: Carlos Sainz admits 'it would hurt' if Ferrari compete for drivers' championship next year
3 Nov 2024
Sky Sports

With Carlos Sainz set to leave Ferrari at the end of this season, the Spaniard admits it would be painful to see his former team challenging for the drivers' championship next year without him after the 'influence' he has had there.

'It would hurt';

https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...ship-next-year