2021 F1

Verstappen: Steward unfairly treat me differently to other F1 drivers

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2021

user

Max Verstappen F1 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Championship contender Max Verstappen believes that Saudi Grand Prix double penalty was totally unfair. Also, he claims that he has been treated differently to other Formula 1 drivers by F1 Steward.

During the race Verstappen handed a five-seconds penalty for forcing Hamilton off track, when the Brit overtook him. On the post-race investigation, the Dutch speedy received a 10-second zero risk penalty for causing a collision when letting Hamilton overtake, which was not affected his place.

“Clearly things don’t apply to everyone because the things I did, in terms of defending, two other guys in terms of racing also did, and it never got mentioned or a penalty, so I don’t understand because I thought I was just racing hard,” Verstappen said during the Abu Dhabi pre-race press conference on Thursday.

“What happened for me didn’t deserve any penalty, and clearly for the other two people it didn’t, if they were going to get one, but clearly it’s only me who gets it.

“Fighting at the front, people are more critical I guess but for me, I don’t understand.”

Asked whether he understood the rules of racing, particularly after avoiding a penalty for driving Hamilton off the track in Brazil, Verstappen replied: “For me, I was not wrong [in Saudi Arabia] but clearly only I was wrong somehow – twice.

“But other people do exactly the same thing and they get nothing. Both of us [he and Hamilton] were off the track, outside the white line into turn one, and somehow they judged it was my fault, that I don’t agree with.

“And then the other penalty as well, I don’t agree with.

“Afterwards he [Hamilton] pushes me off the track, he even looks at me, he doesn’t turn in, he just pushes me outside the white line, the track edge, and he only gets a warning for that.

“It’s not how it should be, not fair because it seems like other drivers can do different things, and it seems like only I get a penalty.”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said on Thursday that he thought Verstappen was “over the limit”, while the McLaren youngster Lando Norris joked in the press conference that brake testing only results in a 10-second penalty before saying “no comment” when asked for his thoughts on the incidents.

“At the end of the day, criticism, that’s always there,” Verstappen said.

“But I think from my side, what is unfair [is] that I am treated differently to other drivers.

“Clearly other drivers can get away with it, and I can’t. I think that’s a bit of a problem here.”

Asked if he would be changing his approach for the season finale in Abu Dhabi in light of the penalties, Verstappen replied: “To be honest, the only thing I ask is that it’s fair for everyone, and clearly that’s not the case at the moment.

“But like I said, I don’t feel like I was wrong, and clearly, it is not wrong for others, so why should I change when others are allowed to race like that?

“I think everyone should be allowed to race like that.”

2021 F1

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

Published

6 months ago

October 10, 2022

user

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

user

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

user

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.”