2021 F1

Drivers backs Hamilton’s call for F1 rules clarity after meeting over Verstappen incident

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2021

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Verstappen and Hamilton F1 2021

Seven-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said Formula One rules are still uncertain following the drivers’ meeting in Qatar with FIA’s race director Michael Masi. The Brit also claims that Masi unsuccessful to clarify certain rules of action between drivers.

Ahead of the Qatar GP, FIA conducted a lengthy briefing about the Brazilian GP incident between Verstappen and Hamilton. But the matter was raised as bit more confused by many drivers during their regulation briefing with Masi. Unsurprisingly, the two championship challengers subsequently gave very different descriptions of what was discussed.

Hamilton was asked if it was now clear what defensive driving was acceptable following the Qatar drivers’ briefing, to which he replied: “No.

“It’s not clear. Every driver, I think, expect for Max, was asking about just for clarity. Most drivers were asking for clarity, but it wasn’t very clear. Hamilton told reporters

“So, yeah – it’s still not clear what the limits of the track are. It’s clearly not the white line anymore, so when overtaking. So we just go for it and…

“We just ask for consistency. So, if it’s the same as the last race then that should be the same for all of us in those scenarios and then its fine.”

The drivers had been informed that different stewards could rule differently if the same consequence that occurred in Brazil were to play out again.

“It’s not clear, as I said,” Hamilton continued. “They said it’s going to be different with different stewards. If we had the same ones as last week, this week it is one way – so we’ll see.”
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr joined the group of drivers who claims the F1 rules are still not clear.

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo echoed the concerns of rules clarity.

“I think some things are a bit more clear, some things not,” Norris said. “I think what is clear is that… not every incident will be the same, even if it looks identical so it’s hard to know what the different circumstances are.

“But I think most things were cleared up. But it’s hard to kind of ever give a definite point and say this is what you can and can’t do.”

When asked if he will change his approach in on-track battles after the meeting, Norris said: “I mean, no. A little bit. There’s a couple of things maybe you would adjust.

“I don’t think you would change the way or we would change the way we race or anything, but yeah you would maybe just adjust a couple of things you could possibly now do, or not do. I don’t think you’d change much.”

“I don’t think it was still very crystal clear,” Ricciardo said of the drivers’ briefing discussion.

“I think the one thing that at least is clear in my head, or should be clear, if you attempt an overtake – so most likely you’re on the inside and you attempt to undertake – and you don’t stay on the track, and then the other guy obviously gone off the track as well that’s a failed overtake.”
Double-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso said Formula 1 wants the rules to be “black and white” flag.

“I think we are all agreed on that, we need more consistency, we need black and white rules, because when they are grey,” Alpine’s star said.

“Sometimes you feel you are benefitting from them, and sometimes you’ve been the bad or the idiot on track again. It’s better when it’s black and white.

“Let’s see if we can improve altogether. I think it’s not only an FIA issue, it’s drivers, teams, FIA, all we need to work together to have a better rule.” The Spaniard added.

Championship leader Verstappen, who answered before Hamilton, said: “Everyone is different, right? And everyone has their own way of racing and defending and overtaking, and of course it’s very hard for the FIA as well to get everyone on the same line.

“Of course, they decide, but every driver has a different opinion and then I think yesterday it was all about sharing their opinions and then the FIA explaining their process of thought behind it.

“So, I think we came a long way and it was a very long briefing. So, yeah, I think it was in the end pretty clear.”

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.”