2021 F1

Masi-Red Bull audio really uncomfortable – Brundle

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2022

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Recently leaked radio communication between F1 race director Michael Masi and Red Bull Team Director Jonathan Wheatley at controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix proves like Red Bull knew what was happening before anyone else.

The audio establishes, after Red Bull’s call Masi decided to make the call to let the five lapped cars between championship contender Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to unlap themselves with one lap to go. The wired decision was completely benefitted to Max for a battle between Hamilton and he made winning the race and the first F1 title.

The controversial radio messages shared on Wednesday – ahead of Red Bull 2022 F1 car launch – and Sky F1’s Martin Brundle described it “really uncomfortable”, and the final race situation “hugely unacceptable”.

“It’s not new news, and also I think you have to understand that it’s not necessarily telling Michael Masi something he didn’t already know,” Brundle said regarding the audio between Wheatley and Masi.

“Let’s not assume it’s giving Masi information he didn’t already know in terms of what he could and couldn’t do in terms of the lapped pack.

“Of course it’s really uncomfortable, and a lot of people are unhappy: (Lewis) Hamilton fans, Mercedes fans.

“And you don’t even have to be a Lewis Hamilton fan to think that forever he should be an eight-time world champion, because, for me, the really crucial regulation that wasn’t carried out was that the safety car should have come in at the end of the following lap.

“But we also know that unwritten rules and meetings, which shouldn’t supersede anything, were: let’s try not to have a race finish behind the safety car.

“Hugely unacceptable. I met so many fans that were new to Formula 1 last year particularly, and fans in general, that were hugely upset by what happened. We cannot – and we know it’s going to change – have teams getting at the referee while he’s trying to make critical decisions with cars on the track and marshals and breakdown vehicles.

“The car was on fire at certain times. He’s trying to manage that and he’s getting lobbied left, right and centre. You can imagine that on the football ground or rugby ground is completely unacceptable. And that will change.

“It’s not pretty for Formula 1 at all, but I don’t think this audio today changes the really uncomfortable narrative of what happened.”

Asked as a follow up as to whether Masi is the right man to stay in position as race director, Brundle said he is in an “untenable situation”. I made a comment that changing Michael Masi won’t fix the problem, meaning that it’s way too big a job for one person,” Brundle added.

“That doesn’t mean to say I’m in full support for Michael Masi. I think he’ll struggle to keep that position. The trouble is that the spotlight will be on him, and every single decision will be analysed.

“What happens if Lewis is up for a penalty? Will he be lenient on that? I think he’s in an untenable situation. You can’t unravel the result. Red Bull did nothing wrong, and Ferrari did nothing wrong in third place for example. You can’t penalise them.

“The FIA can only penalise themselves for getting it wrong on the day. Michael Masi got it wrong, due to a lot of circumstances.”

In a statement, the FIA said: “We are aware of this and it is part of the investigation.” The FIA is expected to release the findings of its investigation into the race to the F1 commission on Monday.

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.

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.”