2021 F1

Shocking footage of Michael Masi was influenced by Red Bull in F1 finale

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2022

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An unpublished footage from last season’s dramatic final lap of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is emerged recently proves collaboration between Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley and Formula 1 race director Michael Masi.

The latest audio clearly reveals Masi and Wheatley in conversation, with the race director agreeing with Wheatley’s calls for the five cars to unlap themselves on the final lap.

Final safety car withdrawing decision gifting maiden F1 title to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, 24, from rival Lewis Hamilton in dramatic fashion two months ago, with F1 fans expressing doubtfulness in the decision-making of Masi in the final knockings of the race.

This is shocking. New emerging footage of @F1 Abu Dhabi GP containing previously unheard radio. Masi essentially executed the instructions of Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) without any second thought over its legality or fairness. This should be sickening listening to any fan. pic.twitter.com/XkOWmjGhH0

— Jordan ¹⁰³ (@F1_Jordan) February 8, 2022

Please read below full conversation:

Wheatley to Masi: “Obviously those lapped cars, you don’t need to let them go… right the way around and let them catch up with the back of the pack.”

Masi to Wheatley: “Understood.”

Wheatley to Masi: “You need to let them go…”

Masi to Wheatley: “Understood, just give me a second.”

Wheatley to Masi: “…and then we got a motor race on our hands.”

Masi to Wheatley: “Understood.”

Mercedes to Hamilton: We believe they may restart the race like this (with the lapped cars still in position)

Red Bull to Verstappen: I think all the cars ahead of you are going to pass Hamilton, everyone behind you will stay in position.

During the race Masi snapped at Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal as Wolff showed his displeasure at the move

Masi responded to Mercedes: “It’s called a motor race,” which was what Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley had said to Masi.

Former F1 world champion Damon Hill Replying to @F1_Jordan and @F1: Jordan, sorry to burst your hot air balloon, but its not new or emerging news. It does however make for uncomfortable listening, as it did at the time. No-one (except Red Bull) is happy about this. The question is, what does one do about it? Grateful for any ingenious ideas F1.

@F1_Jordan Replying to @HillF1 and @F1: Hey Damon, thanks for following. What does anyone do when someone is the victim of injustice? Often what’s done is done, but justice is achieved by admission of guilt from those involved or they are shown to be guilty. And an apology to Lewis from F1 and FIA would help.

Damon Hill to @HillF1: I think an apology is due to Hamilton and to all F1 fans. But it won’t change the result of the 2021 F1 Championship. That is the whole point of my argument. Sacking Masi will not change the result. It may even be better for Hamilton of he stays! He owes him! #f1

There has been a lot of support for the latest revelation from the fans of the team and the driver. The fans feel that FIA must take this into the account and accept the mistake committed during the finale of the 2021 season.

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.”