2021 F1

Hamilton beat Verstappen in chaotic and controversial Saudi GP

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2021

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Lewis wins the 2021 Saudi Grand Prix

Formula One witnessed most incident packed and dramatic race at inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The chaotic race finally resulted Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen and title fight will go into the final race of 2021 (Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) dead level in the points standings.

The race was stopped twice at the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit, presented three standing starts and an unusual sequence of events between the title competitors in one of the most dramatic race in the F1 history.

Verstappen finished in second place in Jeddah, two times the Dutch man cutting the turn 1 to dangerously defended Lewis. After first incident he given back the position to Hamilton instructed by FIA. But the second time FIA given him a five second penalty which permitted Hamilton to take victory and fastest lap.

But an unusual incident happened on Lap 37 – Verstappen having kept the lead on Lap 36 after sliding off at Turn 1 while battling Hamilton, he was instructed to give up position to Hamilton. He did so down the back straight into the final corner, with Hamilton seemingly wrong-footed and hitting the back of the Red Bull.

“I really had to try and keep my cool out there, which was really difficult to do,” Hamilton said.

“I’ve raced a lot of drivers in my life, through the 28 years. I’ve come across a lot of different characters. There’s a few at the top who are over the limit, and rules don’t apply or they don’t think of the rules.

“Today I just tried to do my talking on the track and keep the car in between the white lines, and do it the right way.”

When asked if he was specifically referring to Verstappen’s style, Hamilton reiterated his opinion.

“He’s over the limit for sure. I’ve avoided a collision on so many occasions with the guy, and I don’t always mind being the one that does that, You live to fight another day, which I obviously did.” he said.

“He obviously brake tested [me], I think to try and get the DRS into the last corner to overtake me again back into turn one,” Hamilton added.

“I didn’t get the information, so I didn’t understand what was going on. It was very, very confusing. All of a sudden he was backing up, and kind of moving a little bit so I thought he was trying to play some sort of crazy tactic.

“All of a sudden the message started coming through as he hit the brakes so hard, and I nearly went up into the back of him and took us both out.

“It doesn’t matter for him if we both don’t finish. For me, we both need to finish. It will be interesting to see what happens.

“I’m personally chilled. I feel like I’m in the boxing ring and I’m ready to go.”

Verstappen said it was Hamilton’s own fault.

“I slowed down, I wanted to let him by. He didn’t want to overtake and then we touched,” Verstappen said. “I don’t really understand what happened there.”

The championship will be decided next Sunday in the finale in Abu Dhabi.

“It will be decided there,” said Verstappen. “Hopefully we’ll have a good weekend.”

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.”