2021 F1

Hamilton slams F1’s ‘bulls**t’ decision to punish Vettel

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2021

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Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel 2021 Hungarian GP

Seven-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has slammed F1’s “bulls**t” decision to reprimand Sebastien Vettel for wearing a rainbow-colored T-shirt to shows his support the LGBTQ+ community during pre-race national anthem session.

Vettel support expressed T-shirt read ‘Same Love’, was summoned by the stewards following Hungarian GP race and the German was one of four drivers (Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, and Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll) reprimanded by officials. Lewis calling it ‘bulls**t’ before adding that he will wear the same shirt next time.

In a now-deleted Instagram story, Hamilton showed his support of Vettel and said next time he would join him.

“Super proud of this guy,” Lewis wrote. “There is no rule that says what colour shirt you can wear and supporting the LGBTQ+ community is not reprimandable. This is bulls**t.

“Well done, Seb. I’ll join you next time with the same shirt.”

Hamilton later updated his post, adding: “Love to see this Seb supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Love always wins.”

FIA explain controversial reprimand of Vettel

Explaining the pre-race procedure, FIA race director Michael Masi said: “Earlier this year, following discussions internally with the FIA and F1, we clarified that we wanted to keep giving the drivers the ability to have the moment to show their support for WeRaceAsOne however they chose to.

“But then the national anthem for a particular country should be respected with all drivers wearing their race suits.

“So it was clarified and made very clear that once that moment was displayed and drivers showed their recognition, they would have to remove their shirt or anything else they wore and go to the national anthem in their race team uniform.

“That has been the same for a number of events now and this has been the first event where it has happened since.

“All of those drivers that kept their shirts on – it wasn’t just Sebastian, it was four or five drivers – received a non-driving reprimand for failing to follow the race directors’ instructions.”

Vettel dismisses reprimand, says he ‘would do it again’

“It is a non-driving reprimand,” he added. “You look at all penalties on the basis of what they are and reprimands are the lowest penalty other than a warning which really, is not a penalty.

“A non-driving reprimand, you need to have two driving reprimands and one non-driving to ultimately get to a grid penalty but as an example, three non-driving reprimands doesn’t have that impact.”

2021 F1

What penalty do Red Bull face for breaching F1 cost cap?

Published

6 months ago

October 10, 2022

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FIA recently confirmed that, Red Bull Racing have been found guilty of violating Formula 1 budget cap for 2021.

The Official confirmation by FIA said that a “minor” breaking of the budget cap. As resulted exceeding the budget by less than 5% or $7.25m – could have big consequences if the FIA decide to punish them.

Max Verstappen, who won a second F1 championship in weird conditions in Japan on Sunday, clinched the 2021 F1 title after late and controversial drama involving the safety car in Abu Dhabi.

The cost cap breaches penalty ranges from a public reprimand to a financial penalty or secondary level sporting penalties.

• Public reprimand
• Deduction of Constructors’ Championship points awarded for the Championship that took place within the Reporting Period of the breach;
• Deduction of Drivers’ Championship points awarded for the Championship that took place within the Reporting Period of the breach;
• Suspension from one or more stages of a Competition or Competitions, excluding for the avoidance of doubt the race itself;
• Limitations on ability to conduct aerodynamic or other Testing; and/or
• Reduction of the Cost Cap

Red Bull hint they will appeal FIA decision

The statement, released on their social meadi page read: “We note the findings with surprise and disappointment. Our 2021 submission was below the cost cap limit so we need to carefully review the FIA’s findings as our belief remains that the relevant costs are under the 2021 cost cap amount.

“Despite the conjecture and positioning of others, there is of course a process under the regulations with the FIA which we will respectfully follow while we consider all the options available to us.”

2022 F1

Verstappen won his second F1 World Championship

Published

6 months ago

October 9, 2022

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Max Verstappen won the rain hit Japanese Grand Prix and he secure his second world title as well. The Dutchman takes the full 19 points and his teammate Sergio Perez made second place, following the Charles Leclerc receives five seconds penalty, who crossed the line just ahead of Perez… but final corner cutting was given his time penalty.

Verstappen: It’s crazy

“It’s crazy. Very mixed emotions,” he said.

“Looking back, what a year we’ve had so far. It’s been incredible. It’s something I could never have imagined. After last year, fighting until the end, and then having such a good car again this year. I’m so thankful to everyone who has been contributing to this success.”

… More to follow

2023 F1

Nyck de Vries secures 2023 AlphaTauri F1 race seat

Published

6 months ago

October 8, 2022

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The Dutch racing driver Nyck de Vries sealed AlphaTauri F1 racing seat as replaced the Alpine-moved Pierre Gasly for 2023 F1 season.

27 years old, former F2 and Formula E world Champion’s demand has been raised, after he made an extraordinary performance at Monza for Williams racing team, who finished ninth on his F1 debut.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Scuderia AlphaTauri for 2023 and I want to thank both Red Bull and the team for giving me the opportunity to drive in F1,” the Dutchman said.

“After Formula 2, I took a slightly different path with motorsport, but F1 has always been my dream and I’m grateful to be able to fulfil it.

“I’ve had a lot of chances to experience the 2022 car this year and I think that has put me in a great position for the upcoming season, I hope this has helped to prepare me for what is to come.”

“After Formula 2, I took a slightly different path with motorsport, but F1 has always been my dream and I’m grateful to be able to fulfil it.

“Having spent most of my teenage years in Italy for karting, I’ve always felt at home there, so for me, it’s great to be joining an Italian team, that already has a real family feel,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and to start to build our relationship before the next season.”

AlphaTauri team head Franz Tost also gave his full care to De Vries, point out: “We are pleased to start a new chapter with Nyck, who’s very much welcome at Scuderia AlphaTauri.

“He is a very highly skilled driver, as he won in all the categories he competed in, with many races and championships under his belt.

“His last big success was winning the Formula E World Championship, and this is clear evidence that he is a very competitive driver, who deserves a seat in F1.

“I am looking forward to seeing him in our car and I’m confident that with Yuki and Nyck we will have a very strong driver lineup for 2023.”

The Austrian also paid praise to Gasly, who has spent at least part of every season at the team since his debut in 2017.

“AlphaTauri had a very successful time with Pierre,” he said.

“We will never forget his fantastic victory in Monza and his podium finishes in Brazil and Azerbaijan.

“I want to thank Pierre for all the effort he’s put into the team in the last years, and I wish him all the best for his future.”