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Showing posts from August, 2023

Verstappen: Red Bull not designed around my driving style

In Zandvoort Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hinted that Verstappen had the upper hand against Sergio Perez because the “tricky” car suited him better.Asked about the gap between the two team-mates Wolff said: “We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team-mate that was with him."Whether or not it’s his ability to create a car around himself that is very tricky to control, but ... Keep reading

Verstappen: Red Bull F1 car not designed around my driving style

In Zandvoort Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hinted that Verstappen had the upper hand against Sergio Perez because the “tricky” car suited him better.Asked about the gap between the two team-mates, Wolff said: “We’ve seen that Max has destroyed every single team-mate that was with him."Whether or not it’s his ability to create a car around himself that is very tricky to control, but ... Keep reading

What we learned about Hamilton from his new Mercedes F1 deal

Barring a shock twist such as injury or worse, Hamilton intends to extend his time driving at Mercedes in F1 through the 2024 and 2025 seasons – in the process competing in 13 seasons. That is two more than the current record of 11 which he currently shares with Michael Schumacher, after the German raced with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006. Hamilton already leads in terms of record number of ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari will continue FP1 experiments despite F1 2023 battle

Ferrari has decided to make wholesale changes to its car for next year to dial out its unpredictable and sometimes downright crippling handling issues that have held back Sainz and team-mate Charles Leclerc.The pair often qualified reasonably well, with Leclerc even taking two poles, but have then fallen back through the order on the most demanding circuits, with the SF-23's high-downforce ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari will continue FP1 experiments despite F1 2023 battle

Ferrari has decided to make wholesale changes to its car for next year to dial out its unpredictable and sometimes downright crippling handling issues that have held back Sainz and team-mate Charles Leclerc.The pair often qualified reasonably well, with Leclerc even taking two poles, but have then fallen back through the order on the most demanding circuits, with the SF-23's high-downforce ... Keep reading

Alonso tips Williams and Ferrari to “stand out” in Monza F1 podium battle

Although Alonso is coming off the back of an impressive second place in last weekend’s Dutch GP, the low downforce nature of the Monza circuit in Italy is not expected to suit his Aston Martin car as much.Ahead of the weekend, Alonso says that early simulation data from his squad suggests that his outfit will instead find itself having to give second best to both Williams and Ferrari.“They ... Keep reading

Italian GP could be "trickiest" race for Verstappen in F1 2023 - Gasly

By triumphing at his home race at Zandvoort last weekend, Verstappen equalled Red Bull predecessor Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive wins, and thus victory at Monza will put him out on his own on 10 wins.Gasly, who won the race with AlphaTauri in 2020, cautioned that achieving success at the Italian venue isn't always straightforward."I think this weekend is actually probably the ... Keep reading

"Unfinished business" motivated Hamilton to extend Mercedes F1 deal

Both Hamilton and George Russell were confirmed as staying with the Brackley squad for the next two years earlier on Thursday, as they seek to renew Mercedes' challenges for the title after the past season and a half has yielded just one win.The extension to 2025 will keep Hamilton at the team for a 13th season, having joined Mercedes for 2013 and embarking on a tremendous run of success that ... Keep reading

Monza could be "trickiest" race for Verstappen in F1 2023 - Gasly

By triumphing at his home race at Zandvoort last weekend, Verstappen equalled Red Bull predecessor Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive wins, and so victory at Monza will put him out on his own on 10 wins.Gasly, who won the race with AlphaTauri in 2020, cautioned that achieving success at the Italian venue isn't always straightforward."I think this weekend is actually probably the ... Keep reading

Norris explains F1 radio anger that makes him "look like an idiot"

As rain hit the Zandvoort race from the start, Norris begged his team to stop for intermediates. But McLaren was one of several squads, including Mercedes and Williams, to brave it out and wait for the short shower to pass.As the circuit got wetter, Norris responded furiously to his race engineer's call to stay out, saying: "What the f***, are you stupid?"Norris then overruled the call to stay out ... Keep reading

"Unfinished business" motivated Hamilton to extend Mercedes F1 deal

Both Hamilton and George Russell were confirmed as staying with the Brackley squad for the next two seasons, as they seek to renew Mercedes' challenges for the title after the past season and a half has yielded just one win.The extension to 2025 will keep Hamilton at the team for a 13th season, having joined the team for the 2013 season and embarking on a tremendous run of success that yielded six ... Keep reading

Norris explains F1 radio anger that makes him "look like an idiot"

As rain hit the Zandvoort race from the start, Norris begged his team to stop for intermediates. But McLaren was one of several squads, including Mercedes and Williams, to brave it out and wait for the short shower to pass.As the circuit got wetter, Norris responded furiously to his race engineer's call to stay out, saying: "What the f***, are you stupid?"Norris then overruled the call to stay out ... Keep reading

F1 driver contracts: How long are all the drivers' contracts?

Zhou Guanyu – Alfa Romeo – Contract until the end of 2023   Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team, signs autographs for fans Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images After Alfa Romeo opted to release Antonio Giovinazzi at the end of 2021, when Kimi Raikkonen also retired, three-year Formula 2 driver Zhou Guanyu was signed to race alongside Valtteri Bottas on a one-year deal for ... Keep reading

F2's radical rear wing idea could offer clue to F1's future DRS route

The radical design, which fans out high in the air like the feathers of a peacock, prompted a great deal of close-up focus from onlookers, including several F1 team principals.But rather than it being the result of some wild idea by F2's design chiefs for the car to look fancy, instead, it has been created that way for a specific reason: to help the racing.As F2 boss Bruno Michel said: "The rear ... Keep reading

Team bosses say 'pay driver' F1 model is dead

Previously, drivers with significant private wealth or backing from major sponsors could effectively buy a race seat at teams towards the lower end of the grid who were in need of a cash injection.But the rollout of the FIA superlicence - whereby a driver must accrue 40 points based on their finishing position in other categories to be allowed to race in F1 - and the current commercial boom that ... Keep reading

F2's radical rear wing idea could offer clue to F1's future DRS route

The radical design, which fans out high in the air like the feathers of a peacock, prompted a great deal of close-up focus from onlookers, including several F1 team principals.But rather than it being the result of some wild idea by F2's design chiefs for the car to look fancy, instead it has been created that way for a specific reason: to help the racing.As F2 boss Bruno Michel said: "The rear ... Keep reading

Aston Martin using 2024 F1 car findings to upgrade 2023 machine

The FIA cost cap and Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions that limit wind tunnel and CFD hours pushes teams to start early on the development of a new car rather than immediately spend their way out of trouble.With the ATR having reset on 1 July, Aston Martin has lost 20% of its aero testing time (down from 40 wind tunnel runs to 32) to reflect its climb from seventh place in the constructors’ ... Keep reading

F1 team bosses say 'pay driver' F1 model is dead

Previously, drivers with significant private wealth or backing from major sponsors could effectively buy a race seat at teams towards the lower end of the grid who were in need of a cash injection.But the rollout of the FIA Super Licence - whereby a driver must accrue 40 points based on their finishing position in other categories to be allowed to race in F1 - and the current commercial boom that ... Keep reading

Aston Martin: No doubts about Stroll's F1 future at the team

Stroll has struggled all season to match the form of team-mate Fernando Alonso, although circumstances have also often hampered his weekends, such as the team's decision to keep him out on slicks during the wet early laps in the Dutch GP.Paddock gossip has suggested that Stroll might be considering his future as an F1 driver, although he has laughed off the idea that he might move into tennis. It ... Keep reading

Horner and Tost praise Lawson after Zandvoort F1 debut

The Kiwi stepped into the car on Saturday and gained his initial experience in wet conditions, qualifying 20th and last, after Ricciardo was ruled out with a broken hand in an FP2 crash.He sampled the car in the dry for the first time in the laps on the way to the grid and after the start he joined the first lap rush for intermediates.As one of the early stoppers he briefly held fastest lap on ... Keep reading

Aston Martin: No doubts about Stroll's F1 future at the team

Stroll has struggled all season to match the form of team-mate Fernando Alonso, although circumstances have also often hampered his weekends, such as the team's decision to keep him out on slicks during the wet early laps in the Dutch GP.Paddock gossip has suggested that Stroll might be considering his future as an F1 driver, although he has laughed off the idea that he might move into tennis. It ... Keep reading

Aston Martin using 2024 findings to upgrade 2023 F1 car

The FIA cost cap and Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions that limit wind tunnel and CFD hours push teams to start early on the development of a new car rather than immediately spend their way out of trouble.With the ATR having reset on 1 July, Aston Martin has lost 20% of its aero testing time - down from 40 wind tunnel runs to 32 - to reflect its climb from seventh place in the constructors' ... Keep reading

Mercedes still making big strides despite 2024 F1 focus - Shovlin

For the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, Mercedes equipped its W14 machine with a revised floor edge, sidepod inlet and beam wing - all devised to chiefly improve performance at the rear of the car.In part, the arrival of these new components is to help sustain the team for the eight non-European races at the end of the season, for which the costs of freighting upgrades are considerably ... Keep reading

F1 Form Guide: Italian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is 1/4 to win at Monza and claim a record breaking tenth consecutive victory – and considering his Red Bull car’s straight-line advantage at a track where speed is king, that looks very likely indeed.Monza holds the record for the fastest ever F1 race and it rewards any car with efficient downforce and a strong engine. That is exactly what Red Bull has, so a 1-2 here – at odds ... Keep reading

Mercedes says it's still making big strides despite F1 2024 focus

For the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, Mercedes equipped its W14 machine with a revised floor edge, sidepod inlet and beam wing - all devised to chiefly improve performance at the rear of the car.In part, the arrival of these new components is to help sustain the team for the eight non-European races at the end of the season, for which the costs of freighting upgrades are considerably ... Keep reading

Why F1's flexi-wing war has triggered the latest clampdown

The very fact that bodywork cannot be totally rigid means that some flexibility has to be allowed for, and it is this grey area of what that margin is that has been the focus of toing and froing between the competitors and the governing body for years.What makes the situation even more difficult to police is the fact that the bodywork is designed to flex at high speed, so cannot be physically ... Keep reading

Villeneuve: Verstappen wants Hamilton as next Red Bull F1 team-mate

Verstappen and Hamilton have the highest profile rivalry on the grand prix grid, with the tension between the pair peaking in 2021 as they fought for the drivers’ championship.They notably collided at Silverstone, Interlagos, Monza and Jeddah before the controversial decider and mishandling of a late safety car procedure by the FIA in the Abu Dhabi finale.Despite this heated past, 1997 F1 title ... Keep reading

Why F1's flexi-wing war has triggered the latest clampdown

The very fact that bodywork cannot be totally rigid means that some flexibility has to be allowed for – and it is this grey area of what that margin is that has been the focus of toing and froing between the competitors and the governing body for years.What makes the situation even more difficult to police is the fact that the bodywork is designed to flex at high speed, so cannot be physically ... Keep reading

Why Aston Martin’s latest F1 upgrade has forced a pit equipment change

The interesting new addition could be found beneath the AMR23’s rear crash structure, as the designers had found a way to utilise a small bowtie-style winglet to work in conjunction with changes that were also made to the surface of the diffuser.And, whilst the team did not race the item in the end, its introduction is not one that should be taken lightly – as the team had clearly gone the ... Keep reading

Why Aston Martin’s latest F1 upgrade has forced a pit equipment change

The interesting new addition could be found beneath the AMR23’s rear crash structure, as the designers had found a way to utilise a small bowtie-style winglet to work in conjunction with changes that were also made to the surface of the diffuser.And, whilst the team did not race the item in the end, its introduction is not one that should be taken lightly – as the team had clearly gone the ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari F1 team will be back to normal at stronger Monza

The Scuderia endured a dismal Zandvoort outing, with Sainz classifying fifth as team-mate Charles Leclerc retired due to floor damage. This came after the Monegasque crashed in qualifying, with both drivers complaining that the SF-23 machine was skittish on the limit and they had "zero idea" how it would behave.Ferrari has promised an all-new car concept for 2024 and is confident the issues are ... Keep reading

Massa’s legal team warns of UK High Court action over FIA/FOM delays

As originally reported by Motorsport.com, Massa’s lawyers wrote to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and FOM CEO Stefano Domenicali earlier this month with a Letter Before Claim setting out the details of the Brazilian driver’s legal pursuit to rectify him losing the 2008 F1 world championship.According to the document, Massa's legal team alleged the Brazilian was "the victim of a conspiracy" ... Keep reading

Massa’s legal team warns of UK High Court action over FIA/FOM delays

As originally reported by Autosport, Massa’s lawyers wrote to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and FOM CEO Stefano Domenicali earlier this month with a Letter Before Claim setting out the details of the Brazilian driver’s legal pursuit to rectify him losing the 2008 F1 world championship.According to the document, Massa's legal team alleged the Brazilian was "the victim of a conspiracy" over ... Keep reading

Alfa Romeo reveals striking special livery for F1 Italian GP

The striking one-off look, featuring gold ascents and highlights on an Italian flag tricolore that adorns the engine cover, will be used throughout the Monza weekend by Alfa Romeo duo Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.The Sauber-run squad, which has run a handful of sponsor-led livery tweaks this year, will end its F1 partnership with Alfa Romeo at the conclusion of the 2023 season – the Italian ... Keep reading

Alfa Romeo reveals striking special livery for F1 Italian GP

The striking one-off look, featuring gold ascents and highlights on an Italian flag tricolore that adorns the engine cover, will be used throughout the Monza weekend by Alfa Romeo duo Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.The Sauber-run squad, which has run a handful of sponsor-led livery tweaks this year, will end its F1 partnership with Alfa Romeo at the conclusion of the 2023 season – the Italian ... Keep reading

McLaren still "needs more development" to challenge for P2 in F1 2023

Lando Norris qualified second for last week's Dutch Grand Prix behind Max Verstappen, the latest evidence of the giant leap McLaren has made with its B-spec upgrade it deployed before the summer break.That overhaul allowed it to challenge Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin in the ever-fluctuating fight behind Red Bull, with no team being able to consistently claim the status of second-fastest ... Keep reading

McLaren still "needs more development" to challenge for P2 in F1 2023

The team's Lando Norris qualified second for last week's Dutch Grand Prix behind Max Verstappen, the latest evidence of the giant leap McLaren has made with its B-spec upgrade it deployed before the summer break.That overhaul allowed it to challenge Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin in the ever-fluctuating fight behind the Red Bulls, with no team being able to consistently claim the status of ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari F1 team will be back to normal at stronger Monza

The Scuderia endured a dismal Zandvoort outing, with Sainz classifying fifth as team-mate Charles Leclerc retired due to floor damage. This came after the Monegasque crashed in qualifying, with both drivers complaining that the SF-23 machine was skittish on the limit and they had "zero idea" how it would behave.Ferrari has promised an all-new car concept for 2024 and is confident the issues are ... Keep reading

Aston Martin to rework trick F1 “bowtie” winglet after Zandvoort failure

The small bowtie-shaped device was located under the rear crash structure, in an area that has not previously been exploited by teams, and was designed to work in conjunction with the latest floor updates.Positioned exactly where the rear of the car is lifted in the pits meant Aston had to redesign the jack in order to ensure that the new part couldn’t be damaged.However, during practice last ... Keep reading

Aston Martin to rework trick F1 “bowtie” winglet after Zandvoort failure

The small bowtie-shaped device was located under the rear crash structure, in an area that has not previously been exploited by teams, and was designed to work in conjunction with the latest floor updates.Positioned exactly where the rear of the car is lifted in the pits meant Aston had to redesign the jack in order to ensure that the new part couldn’t be damaged.However during practice last ... Keep reading

Newey: Verstappen now "clearly one of the all-time F1 greats"

The Milton Keynes outfit has won the first 13 races of the 2023 season, and Verstappen recorded his ninth consecutive victory in his home race at Zandvoort last weekend.The Dutchman and his team are set to add two more world championship titles to Newey’s personal total, which also includes successes gained with Williams and McLaren.Newey believes that as he heads towards his third title ... Keep reading

Newey: Verstappen now "clearly one of the all-time F1 greats"

The Milton Keynes outfit has won the first 13 races of the 2023 season, and Verstappen recorded his ninth consecutive victory in his home race at Zandvoort last weekend.The Dutchman and his team are set to add two more World Championship titles to Newey’s personal total, which also includes successes gained with Williams and McLaren.Newey believes that as he heads towards his third title ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari F1 team will be back to normal at stronger Monza

The Scuderia endured a dismal Zandvoort outing, with Sainz classifying fifth as team-mate Charles Leclerc retired due to floor damage. This came after the Monegasque crashed in qualifying, with both drivers complaining that the SF-23 machine was skittish on the limit and they had "zero idea" how it would behave.Ferrari has promised an all-new car concept for 2024 and is confident the issues are ... Keep reading

2023 F1 Italian GP – How to watch, session timings and more

After a wet and wild Dutch GP, Max Verstappen delighted his home fans with a ninth victory in a row – putting him alongside Sebastian Vettel’s all-time record of most consecutive F1 wins. Therefore the Red Bull driver has the opportunity to take the record outright this weekend with a 10th straight triumph. Verstappen remains the firm favourite after team-mate Sergio Perez’s rollercoaster ... Keep reading

F1 teams face fresh flexi-wing clampdown as tricks revealed

As first reported earlier this month, the FIA has been taking a close look at flexible wings over the first half of this season as it believes teams have been pushing the boundaries in terms of what is allowed.It is understood that several teams, including Aston Martin, were advised to make changes to their front wing designs around the time of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in a bid to ensure that ... Keep reading

F1 teams face fresh flexi-wing clampdown as tricks revealed

As first reported earlier this month, the FIA has been taking a close look at flexible wings over the first half of this season as it believes teams have been pushing the boundaries in terms of what is allowed.It is understood that several teams, including Aston Martin, were advised to make changes to their front wing designs around the time of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in a bid to ensure that ... Keep reading

Why Aston Martin’s latest F1 upgrade has forced a pit equipment change

The interesting new addition could be found beneath the AMR23’s rear crash structure, as the designers had found a way to utilise a small bowtie-style winglet to work in conjunction with changes that were also made to the surface of the diffuser.And, whilst the team did not race the item in the end, its introduction is not one that should be taken lightly – as the team had clearly gone the ... Keep reading

Ferrari reveals special livery for F1 Italian Grand Prix

At Monza, the SF-23 machine will wear added yellow V stripes across the nose cone and engine cover.This is in deference to the paint job worn by the 499P Hypercar that won the blue-riband World Endurance Championship event earlier this year on the 100th anniversary of Le Mans.The races numbers (#16 for Charles Leclerc and #55 for Carlos Sainz) will also be stickered in yellow, rather than the ... Keep reading

Ferrari reveals special livery for F1 Italian Grand Prix

At Monza, the SF-23 machine will wear added yellow V stripes across the nose cone and engine cover.This is in deference to the paint job worn by the 499P Hypercar that won the blue-riband World Endurance Championship event earlier this year on the 100th anniversary of Le Mans.PLUS: How Ferrari scored a historic victory at Le MansThe races numbers (#16 for Charles Leclerc and #55 for Carlos Sainz) ... Keep reading

Why Aston Martin’s latest F1 upgrade has forced a pit equipment change

The new addition could be found beneath the AMR23’s rear crash structure, as the designers had found a way to utilise a small bowtie-style winglet to work in conjunction with changes that were also made to the surface of the diffuser.While the team did not race the item in the end, its introduction should not be taken lightly. As Aston Martin had gone the extra mile to get the part on the car ... Keep reading

Verstappen finally gets replacement Hungary F1 trophy after Norris breakage

During the post podium celebrations at the Hungaroring in July, Norris managed to knock off Verstappen’s trophy as he undertook his trademark tactic of smashing his bottle of Ferrari sparkling wine down to get the bubbles flowing. The tapping down of his bottle on the top step bounced the trophy off, and it toppled over onto the ground, breaking in to several pieces. It emerged after the ... Keep reading

Could F1's too-quiet driver market be poised for a major shock?

Triggered by the retirement of Sebastian Vettel, a whirlwind whipped through the paddock as Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin switch kicked off a fight between Alpine and McLaren over Oscar Piastri that was only resolved by F1's Contracts Recognition Board on the Zandvoort weekend.But just as F1's 2023 on-track action is not quite as exciting as last year, so too has grand prix racing's annual driver ... Keep reading

Could F1's too-quiet driver market be poised for a major shock?

Triggered by the retirement of Sebastian Vettel, a whirlwind whipped through the paddock as Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin switch kicked off a fight between Alpine and McLaren over Oscar Piastri that was only resolved by F1's Contracts Recognition Board on the Zandvoort weekend.But just as F1's 2023 on-track action is not quite as exciting as last year, so too has grand prix racing's annual driver ... Keep reading

Drugovich lands FP1 outing with Aston Martin F1 at Italian GP

Drugovich has been an Aston junior driver for almost a year – he is also one of its official reserve drivers along with ex-McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne – and will take part in the FP1 action at the same Monza circuit where he secured the 2022 Formula 2 title. The Brazilian driver has previous experience of driving the AMR23 as he stood in for Stroll during several sessions of the Bahrain ... Keep reading

Drugovich lands FP1 outing with Aston Martin at F1 Italian GP

Drugovich has been an Aston junior driver for almost a year – he is also one of its official reserve drivers along with ex-McLaren racer Stoffel Vandoorne – and will take part in the FP1 action at the same Monza circuit where he secured the 2022 Formula 2 title. The Brazilian driver has previous experience of driving the AMR23 as he stood in for Stroll during several sessions of the Bahrain ... Keep reading

Why Aston Martin’s latest F1 upgrade has forced a pit equipment change

The interesting new addition could be found beneath the AMR23’s rear crash structure, as the designers had found a way to utilise a small bowtie-style winglet to work in conjunction with changes that were also made to the surface of the diffuser.And, whilst the team did not race the item in the end, its introduction is not one that should be taken lightly – as the team had clearly gone the ... Keep reading

Krack: Alonso was “master of the situation” in F1 Dutch GP

Alonso started the Zandvoort race in fifth but actually dropped a place at the start by pitting for intermediate tyres on the second lap rather than the opening tour.He subsequently made good progress up to third but lost around six seconds due to a wheelgun failure when he pitted on lap 48.That meant he had to re-pass Carlos Sainz before setting the fastest lap as he chased down Sergio Perez. He ... Keep reading

Williams admits it got Albon's strategy "wrong" twice in F1 Dutch GP

Albon had started fourth and tumbled down the order as one of only five drivers to commit to slicks, opting not to make a late change to intermediates.He subsequently climbed back up the order and was running as high as sixth when the rain returned in the closing stages.Vowles conceded that staying out at the start ultimately turned out to be the wrong call."You either stop on lap one or lap two ... Keep reading

Williams admits it got Albon's strategy "wrong" twice in F1 Dutch GP

Albon had started fourth and tumbled down the order as one of only five drivers to commit to slicks, opting not to make a late change to intermediates.He subsequently climbed back up the order and was running as high as sixth when the rain returned in the closing stages.Vowles conceded that staying out at the start ultimately turned out to be the wrong call."You either stop on lap one or lap two ... Keep reading

Krack: Alonso was “master of the situation” in F1 Dutch GP

It was the first podium for the team and the Spanish driver since he finished runner-up in Canada in June, and it came after a run of four events in which he didn’t better fifth place.Alonso started the Zandvoort race in fifth but actually dropped a place at the start by pitting for intermediate tyres on the second lap rather than the opening tour.He subsequently made good progress up to third ... Keep reading

Zandvoort F1 pits to be extended by six garages for 2024

The tight pitlane and small main paddock have been regarded as the biggest compromises since discussions about a return of the race first began.The hope is that the changes will help to secure the event’s long-term future, while also allowing for any potential expansion of the F1 grid.The pitlane issue led to the FIA allowing drivers to start behind a safety car on intermediates rather than the ... Keep reading

Zandvoort F1 pits to be extended by six garages for 2024

The tight pitlane and small main paddock have been regarded as the biggest compromises since discussions about a return of the race first began.The hope is that the changes will help to secure the event’s long-term future, while also allowing for any potential expansion of the F1 grid.The pitlane issue led to the FIA allowing drivers to start behind a safety car on intermediates rather than the ... Keep reading

Horner: Verstappen 'no robot' dealing with Dutch GP F1 pressure

The Dutch Grand Prix only returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 exclusively thanks to the huge interest in Verstappen, who has caused flocks of orange-clad Dutch fans to not only cheer him on in Zandvoort but across all European races.Verstappen has yet to disappoint the home fans, completing a hat-trick of Dutch GP wins on Sunday in front of some of the most energetic, sold out grandstands of the ... Keep reading

Horner: Verstappen 'no robot' dealing with F1 Dutch GP pressure

The Dutch Grand Prix only returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 exclusively thanks to the huge interest in Verstappen, who has caused flocks of orange-clad Dutch fans to not only cheer him on in Zandvoort but across all European races.Verstappen has yet to disappoint the home fans, taking a hat-trick of Dutch GP wins on Sunday in front of some of the most energetic, sold out grandstands of the ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari only the sixth-fastest F1 team in Dutch GP

In a mixed weather race, Sainz admitted Ferrari "was nowhere" on pace and says both he and the team executed a near perfect race to finish fifth, holding off Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and McLaren's Lando Norris at the chequered flag."I would say after looking at the Alpine [we were] more [like] the sixth-fastest car this weekend," said Sainz. "I know at some point it looked that we even could ... Keep reading

Norris: McLaren F1 race pace still "nowhere near enough"

The Englishman acknowledged that strategy calls played a role, especially the decision to stay out on slicks at the original start.However, he insisted that the MCL60 simply wasn’t as competitive on Sunday as it was in qualifying, citing the comparison with rivals Aston Martin and Mercedes as “terrible”.“There are times when it's down to pace and times when it's down to strategy, and the ... Keep reading

Alonso explored his “overtake of the month” in Dutch F1 practice

The two-time world champion lined up fifth on the grid as rain arrived in time for the race start, with the whole field shod with slick Pirellis.Eventual race runner-up Alonso squeezed around the outside of fellow Spaniard and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz through Turn 2 to cement his starting position before diving to the inside of the banked Turn 3 left-hander.As Mercedes racer George Russell and ... Keep reading

Lawson to be AlphaTauri F1 replacement until Ricciardo fit

The Australian has been sidelined by injury three rounds into his F1 return after crashing in second practice at Zandvoort.He locked the front wheels into the banked Turn 3 to shunt into the barrier.The steering wheel moved violently upon impact to result in a broken metacarpal in his left hand.Ricciardo underwent surgery and “metal work” in Barcelona on Sunday and is believed to have been ... Keep reading

Vowles: Hydraulic issue on kerb triggered Sargeant F1 Dutch GP crash

The incident came just 24 hours after the American crashed heavily on slicks on a drying track having made Q3 for the first time in his rookie season.Sargeant stayed out on slicks in the wet early stages of the race and managed to survive the tricky conditions while losing a lot of time.With the track dry he was running in last place when he speered off the road after touching the inside kerb at ... Keep reading

Alonso explored his “overtake of the month” in Dutch GP practice

The two-time world champion lined up fifth on the grid as rain arrived in time for the race start, with the whole field shod with slick Pirellis.Eventual race runner-up Alonso squeezed around the outside of fellow Spaniard and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz through Turn 2 to cement his starting position before diving to the inside of the banked Turn 3 left-hander.As Mercedes racer George Russell and ... Keep reading

Norris: McLaren F1 race pace still "nowhere near enough"

The Englishman acknowledged that strategy calls played a role, especially the decision to stay out on slicks at the original start.However, he insisted that the MCL60 simply wasn’t as competitive on Sunday as it was in qualifying, citing the comparison with rivals Aston Martin and Mercedes as “terrible”.“There are times when it's down to pace and times when it's down to strategy, and the ... Keep reading

10 things we learned from the 2023 F1 Dutch Grand Prix

Max Verstappen looks essentially unstoppable in Formula 1 right now, but his 2023 Dutch Grand Prix victory was a masterclass in changing circumstances.He delighted his home fans for a third year in a row, with pictures of the crowd dancing throughout the late-race red flag stoppage entertaining many watching from afar, but Verstappen really had to work for this one.This is because others ... Keep reading

10 things we learned at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix

Max Verstappen looks essentially unstoppable in Formula 1 right now, but his 2023 Dutch Grand Prix victory was a masterclass in changing circumstances.He delighted his home fans for a third year in a row, with pictures of the crowd dancing throughout the late-race red flag stoppage entertaining many watching from afar, but Verstappen really had to work for this one.This is because others ... Keep reading

Hydraulic issue on kerb triggered Sargeant F1 Dutch GP crash

Sargeant stayed out on slicks in the wet early stages of the race and managed to survive the tricky conditions while losing a lot of time.With the track dry, he was running in last place when he speared off the road after touching the inside kerb at Turn 8 on lap 15.The incident came just 24 hours after the American crashed heavily on slicks on a drying track having made Q3 for the first time in ... Keep reading

Ocon: Pirelli F1 wet “not the right tyre at any moment”

The Frenchman claimed after the race that the wet compound was “not the right tyre at any moment” and that if conditions were right for it, a red flag would probably result, which is exactly what happened.Ocon eventually claimed a point for 10th place on a day when team-mate Pierre Gasly gave the Enstone outfit a boost by finishing third, but he remained convinced that he could have done ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari only sixth-fastest team in F1 Dutch GP

In a mixed weather race, Sainz admitted Ferrari "was nowhere" on pace and says both he and the team executed a near perfect race to finish fifth, holding off Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and McLaren's Lando Norris at the chequered flag."I would say after looking at the Alpine [we were] more [like] the sixth-fastest car this weekend," said Sainz. "I know at some point it looked that we even could ... Keep reading

Ocon: Pirelli F1 wet "not the right tyre at any moment"

The Frenchman claimed after the race that the wet compound was "not the right tyre at any moment" and that if conditions were right for it, a red flag would probably result, which is exactly what happened.Ocon eventually claimed a point for 10th place on a day when team-mate Pierre Gasly gave the Enstone outfit a boost by finishing third, but he remained convinced that he could have done ... Keep reading

Sainz: Ferrari only sixth-fastest F1 team in Dutch GP

In a mixed weather race, Sainz admitted Ferrari "was nowhere" on pace and says both he and the team executed a near perfect race to finish fifth, holding off Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and McLaren's Lando Norris at the chequered flag."I would say after looking at the Alpine [we were] more [like] the sixth-fastest car this weekend," said Sainz. "I know at some point it looked that we even could ... Keep reading

Autosport Podcast: F1 Dutch Grand Prix review

The reigning world champion continued Red Bull's streak of success after shrugging off the poor weather and a red flag at the Dutch coastal circuit.Fernando Alonso finished second for Aston Martin, with Alpine's Pierre Gasly completing the podium.PLUS: How Verstappen defied home pressure and two downpours to win F1's Dutch GPTo recap all the events of the race, Matt Kew joins live from the ... Keep reading

Horner urged Red Bull to pit Verstappen before Dutch GP F1 red flag

The Dutch Grand Prix was derailed by two rain showers, the latter of which prompted a red flag due to severe aquaplaning into Turn 1, which caused a crash for Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu.At the start of the lap 62 downpour Verstappen wasn't entirely convinced about coming in for intermediates yet, with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase urging him that "it would be a good time to pit" as the track ... Keep reading

Horner urged Red Bull to pit Verstappen before Dutch GP F1 red flag

The Dutch Grand Prix was derailed by two rain showers, the latter of which prompted a red flag due to severe aquaplaning into Turn 1, which caused a crash for Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu.At the start of the lap 62 downpour Verstappen wasn't entirely convinced about coming in for intermediates yet, with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase urging him that "it would be a good time to pit" as the track ... Keep reading

Gasly: Dutch GP podium shows Alpine in "right direction" after F1 manager exits

French driver Gasly finished fourth on the road in a chaotic rain-hit race at Zandvoort but a pitlane speeding penalty for Sergio Perez bumped him up to third. The result marks Alpine’s second top-three classification in as many rounds, with Gasly also ranking third in the Belgian sprint race.This brace of headline results follows immediately after team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting ... Keep reading

Leclerc stayed in Dutch GP with damaged F1 car in hope of rain

Leclerc had a collision with Oscar Piastri on the damp first lap of the race before diving into the pits for a switch to intermediates, which proved to be slow as the crew wasn't ready with his tyres.The team could do nothing about the damage to his floor, and data indicated that he gradually lost more downforce as the race progressed.He tumbled down the order and, shortly after being demoted to ... Keep reading

Verstappen: Baku set-up breakthrough led to current F1 dominance

The championship leader, who extended his points advantage to 138 points following his Dutch Grand Prix victory, won the season opener in Bahrain as he sought to successfully defend his title once more.But he traded blows with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in the opening four races of the season, as the Mexican chalked up wins in Saudi Arabia and Baku while Verstappen took victory in ... Keep reading

Leclerc stayed in Dutch GP with damaged F1 car in hope of rain

Leclerc had a collision with Oscar Piastri on the damp first lap of the race before diving into the pits for a switch to intermediates, which proved to be slow as the crew wasn't ready with his tyres.The team could do nothing about the damage to his floor, and data indicated that he gradually lost more downforce as the race progressed.He tumbled down the order and, shortly after being demoted to ... Keep reading

Ricciardo undergoes surgery and "metal work" on hand injury

Ricciardo has been sidelined by injury three rounds into his F1 return after crashing in second practice at Zandvoort.The Australian locked the front wheels into the banked Turn 3 to shunt into the barrier. The steering wheel moved violently upon impact resulting in a broken metacarpal in his left hand.With Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson deputising for Ricciardo, the current Japanese Super Formula ... Keep reading

Alonso considered late lunge on Verstappen in F1 Dutch GP

Alonso finished second in a rain-affected and red-flagged Zandvoort race, 3.7s behind home hero Verstappen in the Red Bull.When the race restarted with six laps to go after a long delay for a break in the weather, Alonso considered making a lunge on Verstappen into Turn 1, but he joked he thought better of it as he would have risked taking the Dutchman out and "not being able to exit the track"."I ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP: Verstappen equals Vettel win streak record in rain-hit race

The championship leader kept calm during a six-lap shootout at the end of the race following a red flag for heavy rain, and managed a restart over Fernando Alonso perfectly to extend his streak of F1 victories in a dominant 2023 season.Heavy rainfall on the 61st lap produced a stoppage as the FIA stewards waited for some of the rain to clear, which offered Verstappen a challenge to the lead that ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP results: Max Verstappen wins after red flag

Verstappen won – his third consecutive triumph at home to match the record of nine victories in a row – from Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) after rain heavy caused a red flag following Zhou Guanyu’s hefty crash at Turn 1 required a five-lap sprint to the finish.Red Bull’s Sergio Perez lost third on the road to Gasly due to a penalty for speeding in the pits.2023 ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP race results: Max Verstappen wins after red flag

Verstappen his home race for a third year in succession from Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine).Red Bull’s Sergio Perez lost third on the road to Gasly due to a penalty for speeding in the pits shortly before a red flag was required following Zhou Guanyu’s hefty crash at Turn 1 in heavy rain that set up a five-lap sprint to the finish.2023 F1 Dutch Grand Prix resultsHow ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP: Verstappen fends off Alonso in red-flagged, rain hit race

The championship leader kept calm during a six-lap shootout at the end of the race following a red flag for heavy rain, and managed a restart over Fernando Alonso perfectly to extend his streak of F1 victories in a dominant 2023 season.Heavy rainfall on the 61st lap produced a stoppage as the FIA stewards waited for some of the rain to clear, which offered Verstappen a challenge to the lead that ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP race results: Max Verstappen wins after red flag

Verstappen won – his third consecutive triumph at home to match the record of nine victories in a row – from Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) after rain heavy caused a red flag following Zhou Guanyu’s hefty crash at Turn 1 required a five-lap sprint to the finish.Red Bull’s Sergio Perez lost third on the road to Gasly due to a penalty for speeding in the pits.2023 ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP red-flagged after Zhou crashes in downpour

On lap 61 of 72 anticipated heavy showers hit the Zandvoort track, prompting the entire field to change to intermediates of full wets.But even on rain tyres, drivers struggled to navigate the Turn 1 hairpin, with Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu helplessly aquaplaning off the road and into the Tecpro barriers.That caused an initial Virtual Safety Car, which was soon converted into a red flag after 65 laps ... Keep reading

F1 Dutch GP red-flagged after Zhou crashes in downpour

On lap 61 of 72 anticipated heavy showers hit the Zandvoort track, prompted the entire field to change to intermediates of full wets.But even on rain tyres drivers struggled to navigate the Turn 1 hairpin, with Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu helplessly aquaplaning off the road and into the TecPro barriers.That caused an initial Virtual Safety Car, which was soon converted into a red flag after 65 laps ... Keep reading

Albon: Williams F1 straight-line reputation "not true" in Zandvoort

Albon was the star of Saturday qualifying by taking fourth on the grid on the high-downforce Zandvoort loop. Rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant also claimed his best qualifying result of the season in 10th, with a Q3 crash ruling out an even better grid position.Williams has traditionally had an efficient, slippery FW45 car which has proven to be difficult for others to pass. Alpine's Pierre Gasly ... Keep reading

Russell praises "huge progress" at former team Williams F1

Russell spent three years at Williams at the start of his F1 career before returning to parent team Mercedes, with his close friend Albon his replacement as the Grove team's lead driver.Williams has been struggling following years of underinvestment, but empowered by new owners Dorilton, former Mercedes man James Vowles has been overhauling the team to return it back to the front of the ... Keep reading

Verstappen reveals Vettel vote of confidence in F1 win record bid

Verstappen has won eight consecutive races since standing atop the podium at the Miami Grand Prix in May. Should he repeat the feat at Zandvoort on Sunday, he will draw level with former Red Bull driver Vettel.The four-time champion scored his record run at the close of the 2013 season, as he secured the last of his four world titles. After qualifying on pole for the Dutch Grand Prix and having ... Keep reading

Verstappen reveals Vettel vote of confidence in F1 win record bid

Verstappen has won eight consecutive races since standing atop the podium at the Miami Grand Prix in May. Should he repeat the feat at Zandvoort, he will draw level with former Red Bull driver Vettel.The four-time champion scored his record run at the close of the 2013 season, as he secured the last of his four world titles. After qualifying on pole for the Dutch GP and having already overtaken ... Keep reading

F1 drivers back FIA safety car wet start change

The regulations state that drivers have to use full wet tyres if the formation lap starts behind the safety car. However, if conditions are deemed safe enough for the safety car to be withdrawn, the track is usually already too dry for wet tyres.At the rolling start of the sprint race at Spa last month half the field rushed into the pits to change to intermediates as the safety car came in, with ... Keep reading

Why F1 drivers trip up over Zandvoort's unpronounceable corner

"Ask them to repeat that [name]," Max Verstappen chuckled when Autosport asked the Dutchman and fellow top three qualifiers Lando Norris and George Russell about why Zandvoort's so-called Hugenholtzbocht was causing so many headaches across the weekend.Verstappen's request prompted lacklustre efforts by his colleagues. But drivers didn't just trip up over the Dutch pronunciation of Turn 3's ... Keep reading

Albon: Williams F1 straight-line reputation "not true" in Zandvoort

Albon was the star of Saturday qualifying by taking fourth on the grid on the high-downforce Zandvoort loop. Rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant also claimed his best qualifying result of the season in 10th, with a Q3 crash ruling out an even better grid position.Read Also: Albon: Headwind masked Williams problems in F1 Dutch GP qualifying Sargeant will "live and learn" after heavy F1 Dutch ... Keep reading

Why F1 drivers trip up over Zandvoort's unpronounceable corner

"Ask them to repeat that [name]," Max Verstappen chuckled when Motorsport.com asked the Dutchman and fellow top three qualifiers Lando Norris and George Russell about why Zandvoort's so-called Hugenholtzbocht was causing so many headaches across the weekend.Verstappen's request prompted lacklustre efforts by his colleagues. However, drivers didn't just trip up over the Dutch pronunciation of Turn ... Keep reading

Russell praises "huge progress" at former team Williams F1

Russell spent three years at Williams at the start of his F1 career before switching to Mercedes full-time for 2022, with his close friend Albon his replacement as the Mercedes engine customer's lead driver.Williams has been struggling following years of underinvestment but, empowered by new owners Dorilton, former Mercedes man James Vowles has been overhauling the team to return it back to the ... Keep reading

F1 drivers back FIA safety car wet start change

The regulations state that drivers have to use full wet tyres if the formation lap starts behind the safety car.However, the Catch-22 is that if conditions are deemed safe enough for the safety car to be withdrawn the track is usually already too dry for wet tyres.At the rolling start of the sprint race at Spa last month half the field rushed into the pits to change to intermediates as the safety ... Keep reading

Stroll laughs off F1 to tennis switch rumours

The idea has been floating around on social media in recent days and has been mentioned by Sky F1 commentator David Croft.This year Stroll has struggled to match Aston Martin team-mate Fernando Alonso, which has led some to speculate that he might be reconsidering his future.However, the 24-year-old is adamant that he won’t be switching sports any time soon.“Well, if I'm going to go on tour ... Keep reading

Sargeant will “live and learn” after heavy F1 Dutch GP Q3 crash

The American rookie was able to take advantage of the unexpectedly good form of the Williams at the Dutch GP venue, which also propelled his team-mate Alex Albon to fourth on the grid.Sargeant got through a wet Q2 in an encouraging 10th place but then crashed heavily on slicks early in the final segment of qualifying.He thus finished last in the session and will start Sunday’s race from ... Keep reading

Sargeant will “live and learn” after heavy F1 Dutch GP Q3 crash

The American rookie was able to take advantage of the unexpectedly good form of the Williams at the Dutch GP venue, which also propelled his team-mate Alex Albon to fourth on the grid.Read Also: F1 Dutch GP: Verstappen beats Norris to pole by 0.5s in disrupted session Sargeant got through a wet Q2 in an encouraging 10th place but then crashed heavily on slicks early in the final ... Keep reading

GPS analysis: how close was Norris to Dutch F1 pole without ‘worst’ end to lap?

Only twice this season - in a treacherous wet shootout in Canada and last time out at Spa prior to serving a gearbox penalty - had he been even further in front.With Charles Leclerc crashing and Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez running some 1.313s adrift of Verstappen’s 1min10.567s flier, it was left to Lando Norris to complete the front row and double underline McLaren’s turnaround. He pipped ... Keep reading