F1 News

The unease felt exactly the same. For the second time in just over three years, it was time to fly to a race that had disaster looming large around it.
But with this weekend's 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled, the outcome for Formula 1 is very different to that dark March week down under in Australia in 2020. Then the championship had rather dithered over what to do in the face of the ...Keep reading

Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes it’s “obvious” that reigning World Champion Max Verstappen will win a third consecutive title this season, with the Dutchman being in a “league of his own”.

Following Sergio Perez’s sublime win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, many quickly labelled the Mexican as a real title contender, given that he was able to demonstrate better pace than his team-mate.

This has often been the case at street tracks, with all of Perez’s wins for Red Bull having come on the streets rather than on traditional circuits.

When it comes to a normal racetrack, Verstappen remains far superior, as proven at the Miami Grand Prix.

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Perez was comfortably beaten by Verstappen despite having started on pole, whilst the two-time World Champion qualified ninth.

Verstappen’s pace at the Miami International Autodrome was truly exceptional, with him having lapped faster than Perez even when the Mexican pitted for fresh tyres.

The Dutch driver is just an imperious winner, with Schumacher believing that his childhood had a huge effect on why he is as good as he is.

“Upbringing plays a big role,” Schumacher told ran.de. “I also know his father Jos.

“Max used to only be on the kart track and neglected his school grades as a result. It was even different with my parents.

“Although my mother worked at the kart track, my father really had no interest. He preferred fishing.

“Even later, when Michael and I were in Formula 1, our father was reluctant to be there – a maximum of three to four times per season. It was too stressful for him, too many people, too much traffic.”

With Perez still having not won for Red Bull at a normal venue, it’s difficult to see how he can beat Verstappen to the title.

Max #Verstappen’s secret to success revealed https://t.co/evJcI2MUNA

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 18, 2023

READ: Former Mercedes engineer reveals ‘touching’ Lewis Hamilton moment

Nobody can match Verstappen when it comes to traditional circuits, with Schumacher therefore believing that it’s “too obvious” that the Dutchman is set to become a three-time World Champion this year.

“No, it’s too obvious,” admitted Schumacher, when asked if Verstappen will be fought for the title.

“We saw in Miami that if everything goes normally, Max is in a league of his own, although Sergio Perez is doing well too and is a great teammate.”

The post Ralf Schumacher delivers massive blow to Sergio Perez appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Following concerns about the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari being flooded by the swollen Santerno river, authorities had barred anyone from F1 entering the circuit from Tuesday afternoon.
Rising water levels and widespread flooding triggered by extreme weather in the region subsequently prompted the cancellation of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix just days before track action was due ...Keep reading

On Wednesday it was confirmed that the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix would not go ahead due to the issues in the surrounding area, as well as at the Imola track itself.
Roads and bridges were closed due to the volume of water, while others were blocked by mudslides.
De Vries was unable to reach his hotel and was eventually given an alternative home room elsewhere by a member of the McLaren pit ...Keep reading

McLaren want Formula 1 to use the cost cap to encourage teams to improve the sustainability of their operations and encourage diversity.

Former Mercedes engineer Stephanie Travers has thanked Lewis Hamilton for giving her the moment in her motorsport career that she’ll treasure forever.

Hamilton and Travers made history in 2020 when the Brit picked her to collect the Constructors’ trophy following his win at the Styrian Grand Prix, making her the first black woman to stand on a Formula 1 podium.

“Honestly, it’s a moment that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life,” Travers told the Daily Mirror. 

“My parents were back home and I didn’t have time to warn them that I was going to be on the podium!

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“Just getting pictures and videos from my siblings afterwards. And my dad crying over how much I’d achieved after they had sacrificed so much coming over from Zimbabwe to the UK for a better education and opportunities in life.

“It was a real touching moment for me and I’m so thankful to Toto [Wolff, team principal], Sir Lewis and the team for choosing me to represent them and Petronas to collect that constructors’ trophy. 

“The message that was sent out to young girls and boys out there who don’t see that representation and those people working behind the scenes, was also very important.”

Hamilton has long been an advocate for greater equality in motorsport, supporting more female drivers and individuals from different backgrounds working in the industry.

Despite his efforts, Hamilton remains the only black driver to have competed on the Formula 1 grid, with no women having made it the top tier of the sport.

Travers currently works as the deputy team principal for Hamilton’s Extreme E team – X44 Vida Carbon Racing, having helped the outfit secure the 2022 title.

Alongside this role, Travers works at Hamilton’s foundation, Mission 44, which is working to push for change in the sport and across the UK’s education system, supporting communities with fewer opportunities.

#RedBull admit they considered selling #AlphaTauri as they provide new update https://t.co/VesCGQXTsA

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 15, 2023

READ: ‘No problem’ for Max Verstappen in the short term at Red Bull

Following her three years at Mercedes and with her work alongside Hamilton, Travers has clearly built up a strong partnership with the former world champion.

“Sir Lewis was such a great mentor to me and someone who I really looked up to,” Travers said. 

“Even before going into the sport, he was that representation to me and that person who made me believe there was a space for me within the F1 environment.

The post Former Mercedes engineer reveals ‘touching’ Lewis Hamilton moment appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

But as personnel embrace an unexpected free weekend, instead of what was going to be the start of a punishing triple-header, it is wrong to think teams can put their competitive thoughts on hold for another few days. 
The sudden change in schedule prompted by Imola not taking place triggers a fair few consequences and complications for everyone, which will likely prompt some discussions in ...Keep reading

Max Verstappen has opened up about the secret tactic he uses to keep himself ahead of his rivals on the grid, as the Dutchman dominates the 2023 season.

The Red Bull racer has built up a lead in the Drivers’ Standings, holding a 14 point advantage over his teammate Sergio Perez and a 44 point lead over Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

The Dutchman’s impressive skill has allowed Red Bull to have its most successful start to the season so far, with four 1-2 finishes and five first place finishes.

Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, Verstappen revealed his tips on driving ahead of the now-cancelled Emilia Romagna GP.

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Together with Perez, Verstappen looks capable of building a partnership that could deliver every victory of the season for Red Bull.

“I mean you do have a leading eye, which I think has an influence on things,” Verstappen said.

“But yeah, I think it’s more the shape of corners. It doesn’t really matter if it’s left or right, it’s like just the speed or the angle, [the] degrees.

Max #Verstappen shocks team-mate with overtaking skills https://t.co/i9hH8379MY

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 16, 2023

READ: Lewis Hamilton struggling without his ‘blessing’

“I mean you can see it right, if you already put your hand in front of your eyes, there is a bit of a difference so you always see a bit better through one eye.

“And I feel like sometimes you can look around the corner a bit better if it’s, for me, to the right than a left-hand corner.

“But, yeah, it’s more like with some reaction stuff, or [when] you have to look straight but touch bits on the left or the right, it can have a bit of an influence as well.”Red Bull’s success has been credited to its impressive DRS performance, which has allowed the drivers to easily glid past their rivals on the straight

The post Max Verstappen’s secret to success revealed appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

After a strong start to the season, Aston currently lies second in the constructors’ world championship table despite being outpaced on occasion by rivals Ferrari and Mercedes.
Fallows says that it is natural that the Silverstone outfit eyes the currently-dominant Red Bull as a reference, and he admits that the AMR23 can be improved in all aspects.
"We do we need to sort of consider ...Keep reading

Formula 1 drivers and teams have been sending their thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region, following the decision not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend at Imola.

Following discussions between Formula 1, the President of the FIA, the competent authorities – including the relevant Ministers, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the President of Emilia-Romagna Region, the Mayor of the City and the promoter – the decision has been taken not to proceed with the Grand Prix weekend in Imola.

Imola is a place steeped in history – so here's a tricky quiz to keep you occupied ahead of the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix...

After Tuesday's running was cancelled due to rain, the official practice period for the Indianapolis 500 began yesterday.

Daniel Ricciardo was on hand to make his fans laugh at a recent guest appearance, with a fan having asked the Australian a bizarre question.

The Red Bull development driver has been heavily involved in the team’s marketing campaigns this season, with his popularity having done wonders for the energy drink company away from the circuit.

At a recent appearance, Ricciardo took part in a Q&A session, where a host read out a question which was asked by a fan.

“Has he had sex in, on or around an F1 car,” read the odd question which Ricciardo was asked.

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After thinking about his answer for a while, Ricciardo finally answered by saying: “No I haven’t, I haven’t.”

His initial pause resulted in an eruption of laughter, before Ricciardo continued: “I haven’t. I was actually thinking like, how that would be possible because there’s a lot of bits going on but also…”

The host interrupted the Red Bull driver and said: “Hang on, are we talking about the car? Or the…”

Ricciardo replied: “The cars are always surrounded by people so the answer’s no.”

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Ricciardo’s popularity certainly hasn’t taken a dive since he started his sabbatical, with several of his fans having called for the eight-time race winner to return to the grid.

He is planning on being amongst the field next season; however, it certainly won’t be for either Red Bull or AlphaTauri.

Red Bull are set to respect Sergio Perez’s contract meaning a seat at Red Bull won’t be available until 2025, whilst any driver change at AlphaTauri will involve the Austrians junior drivers, rather than Ricciardo.

READ: Charles Leclerc told to join Red Bull or snub Mercedes if Lewis Hamilton quits

Ricciardo had been linked to a mid-season move to AlphaTauri to replace Nyck de Vries, who is reportedly at risk of being axed already.

However, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has admitted that should De Vries be dropped, then he’d be replace by either Liam Lawson or Ayumu Iwasa, not Ricciardo.

It means Ricciardo will need to leave Red Bull again at the end of the year should he wish to return to the grid, with his best bet appearing to be at either a midfield or backmarker side, something which might convince him to remain off the grid.

The post Daniel Ricciardo raises eyebrows with response to bizarre question appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

In the round-up: Sato leads strong showing by Ganassi on day one of Indy 500 practice • Euroformula reinstates Mugello round • Rally near Imola cancelled

Red Bull was hit by a substantial $7 million fine over a breach of the cost cap during the 2021 season, which ended with Max Verstappen securing his first Drivers’ title.

Having reviewed the team’s finances, the FIA announced the punishment in the closing rounds of the 2022 season, with the financial hit and reduction in wind tunnel time for the 2023 campaign.

Red Bull already was on course to receive the least amount of wind tunnel time of any of the 2023 teams, having won the title in 2022, with a further 10 percent cut as a result of the breach.

Despite the restrictions, Red Bull has managed to build up a runaway lead after just five rounds, with over double the points of their closest rivals Aston Martin.

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With the Imola Grand Prix cancelled, teams will be returning to their home bases ahead of next week’s Monaco race, an iconic feature of the calendar.

Aston Martin, Mercedes and Ferrari are among those who are working on rolling out upgrade packages in a bid to get back on level with Red Bull.

Even with the impending effects of the punishment for the cost cap breach, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes that “It is hard to think that the limitations in the wind tunnel will affect their competitiveness.”

The RB19 appears to have unparalleled performance capabilities, as it shows its dominance over the rest of the field, particularly with its DRS advantage.

“Max Verstappen has been proving for some time now that he is a phenomenon,” Massa said. 

“What he is doing, in terms of wins and performances, can be compared to the best moments we have seen of [Ayrton] Senna, Schumacher or Hamilton.

 “He is at the same level, plus he is very young and has many years of racing ahead of him, so he can break all records, overtaking Michael and Lewis, if he is willing to continue in Formula 1 for a long time.

Breaking: #Formula1 reaches decision on #EmiliaRomagnaGP amid deadly floods https://t.co/unFBHb7D13

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 17, 2023

READ: Max Verstappen shocks team-mate with overtaking skills

“I expect him to win his third title this season and then win many more. If we talk about quality, apart from the perfection of his driving, the coolness that Verstappen manages to maintain in the most important moments is impressive.

“He is always lucid, he knows how to make the right decisions, and he is able to work together with the team like few others. He has a lot of say within the team and everyone follows him and is on his side. The combination of him and Red Bull is still the one to beat this year. The best driver with the fastest car.”

Verstappen currently leads the Drivers’ race on 119 points, just 14 ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez and 44 clear of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

The post Felipe Massa makes huge claim about Max Verstappen amid Red Bull penalty appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Lewis Hamilton’s former trainer Antti Vierula has opened up on working with the seven-time world champion, discussing the Brit’s efforts behind the scenes.

Vierula joined Hamilton’s inner circle in 2011, working with the driver at McLaren until the end of the 2012 season.

Vierula now works for Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former teammate, supporting the Finnish driver at Alfa Romeo.

Four years after Vierula’s departure, Hamilton would join forces with Angela Cullen, a pairing that would power the driver to four of his world titles.

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During those years, Hamilton’s performance on track helped power McLaren to P2 and P3 in the Constructors’ title race, chasing after a dominant Red Bull team lead by Sebastian Vettel.

Vierula claimed that the Brit was key to getting “the best out of everyone” at the team, thanks to his dedicated work ethic behind the scenes.

“I liked working with Lewis, it was a joy, he’s a passionate guy on the track,” Vierula told Grosvenor Sport.

“I enjoyed working with him. He was brilliant in getting everything out of the car and engineers, he pushes people to get the best out of everyone.

“He would work hard getting answers from engineers, giving his opinion about what he thinks is right. He had a brilliant will to improve.”

Lewis #Hamilton spotted with Leonardo #DiCaprio with $300k watch https://t.co/hmDr253c3f

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 16, 2023

READ: Christian Horner worried about Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes to unleash B-spec car

Vierula’s praise follows similar positivity from Cullen, who took to Instagram recently to reaffirm her support for the Brit despite their split.

“Lewis Hamilton you GOAT,” Cullen posted showing the pair are still close despite their separation.

Hamilton is in a tough period of his career, as Mercedes struggles to adapt to the new era of regulations, with the Brit sat in P4 of the Drivers’ standings on less than half the points of title-leader Max Verstappen.

The post Lewis Hamilton’s ex-trainer lifts lid on working with him appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

A known dog lover, Lewis Hamilton’s current pet Roscoe has built up his own loyal fanbase with multiple appearance at Formula 1 circuits around the globe.

Hamilton and, prior to her departure from his team, his former physio Anglea Cullen has been regularly seen walking his dog around the paddock.

Roscoe was adopted by Hamilton in 2013, with the seven-time world champion adding Coco to his household later that year.

The Brit’s dogs became internet celebrities thanks to their popularity among Hamilton’s fans, getting over 725,000 followers on Instagram.

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Unfortunately for Hamilton, Coco suddenly passed away a few years ago at the driver’s home, having suffered a suspected heart attack.

At the time, Hamilton posted: “Her little heart gave in, we think it was a heart attack. I tried to revive her but it was no use.

“She’d had the best day, happier than I’d seen her in a long time. She was such a special dog, born with so many problems and I feel so lucky to have adopted her.

“She went through a lot to become the bouncy, lazy loving dog she was.

Lewis #Hamilton spotted with Leonardo #DiCaprio with $300k watch https://t.co/hmDr253c3f

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 16, 2023

READ: Lando Norris warned Oscar Piastri could force him out of McLaren

“On her last day, we shared a special moment playing together which I will never forget. I will miss her snoring and her always happy to see me.”

Remembering Coco after her death, Hamilton had her name tattooed on his pinky finger in 2022.

Now, marking nearly three years since Coco’s death, Hamilton wrote “There’s not a second that goes by I don’t miss you Coco’ with the first, and another picture with a single heart emoji.”

The post Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Coco appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Former Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has dismissed rumours that Charles Leclerc could be set to imminently depart Ferrari, believing the Monegasque will remain at his team for the foreseeable future.

Leclerc has been linked to a move to Mercedes amid ongoing speculation that Lewis Hamilton could be set to vacate his seat for another team or, even, retirement from Formula 1.

However, with Hamilton recently declaring his loyalty to Mercedes and intention to remain at the team after the end of the season, Leclerc’s changes of leaving Ferrari appear increasingly unlikely.

Leclerc could potentially move to Red Bull should the title-leaders decide to find a new partner for Max Verstappen but that isn’t expected to happen given the dominance of the current partnership of the Dutchman and Sergio Perez.

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Together, Verstappen and Perez have won every race of the season, including the Sprint in Baku, thanks to the performance advantage the RB19 holds over the rest of the field.

Leclerc’s contract with Ferrari is due to expire at the end of the 2024 season, with Hill claiming the Monegasque is “rather stuck at Ferrari for a bit.”

#Formula1 CEO fires shot at Bernie Ecclestone https://t.co/I7qxCCbWyP

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 16, 2023

READ: Max Verstappen shocks team-mate with overtaking skills

“He’s never really been in an extended campaign for the championship. There have been moments that it’s been good and then they’ve faded, and he’s also had these blots on his copybook with qualifying, the banzai lap that goes wrong.

“When you look around at the top teams, who they have in their teams, they’re probably content with what they’ve got at the moment – I’m not sure that there’s anywhere else for him to go.”

Leclerc seems to have accepted he won’t be leaving Ferrari this year, claiming that he is fully focused on his work at the Italian constructor.

The post Charles Leclerc is ‘stuck’ at Ferrari even if Lewis Hamilton retires appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Aston Martin boss Mike Krack has hit out his fellow team principals for trying to pressure the FIA into backtracking over its policy of shortening DRS zones to reduce overtaking opportunities this season.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been the subject of much debate this season, with Red Bull having managed to develop a part that allows them to easily glide past their competitors.

However, while Red Bull’s DRS has seen them thrive, others have struggled as DRS zones have been shortened at the past two races.

In Baku, the main DRS straight was shortened, resulting in the fewest number of overtakes of a race this season and long DRS trains.

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Miami saw officials take a similar approach, cutting down the length of two DRS zones, making it harder for drivers to rise through the grid around the tight track.

The changes were met with outrage from drivers after they weren’t consulted on the changes before they were put into effect.

George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, accused the FIA of making “knee-jerk” reaction.

“We need to calm down a little bit all these discussions about the DRS being too long, the DRS being too short,” Krack told Speedcafe.com.

“This is something that the FIA and F1 are doing at the tracks and not everybody should go lobbying for what is best for themselves because then it is up and down all the time.

Max #Verstappen reveals hilarious gift from #RedBull after DRS woes https://t.co/u5nqObreN1

— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 16, 2023

READ: Christian Horner worried about Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes to unleash B-spec car

“At the end of the day, the purpose of the DRS is to ease overtaking. Unfortunately, it is one of the few tools that we have, and we have to leave the decision-makers to make the best [decisions] for the sport.”

With two sides becoming increasingly vocal on both sides of the debate, the FIA looks likely to find itself in a tricky spot in the coming weeks.

It’s unclear what the outcome will be but it’s probable that this discussion won’t be ending anytime soon.

The post ‘Calm down’: Aston Martin boss hits out at rival team principals appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.