F1 2020

[1%er]

After the first race
It seems clear that Toto has had enough of Red Bull after they made 2 protests against Lewis and one against the team over the weekend, he has told the press "the gloves are off". It seems that Red Bull know they can not beat Mercedes on track so they are going to do everything to unsettle the team and play head games. I think Mercedes can handle that sort of bullshit and will just turn inwards and ignore the crap coming from outside the team and if anything it will make the team stronger.

Looking at the timings Ferrari averaged about 0.7 seconds slower than Mercedes every lap yesterday, which is massive in terms of F1 and Austria is a really short lap. I can't see them closing that gap in what is going to be a short season. I believe this is more down to engine power than aero, so I think the FIA caught them out last season with an illegal engine and Ferrari haven't been able to find a solution. Last season Ferrari were flying with Leclerc getting 7 poles early on and both cars in the fight. How long before changes are made at Ferrari? Not long if history is anything to go by.

Renault, what can be said about them other than they must have been really embarrassed by McLaren who were running the same engine. To be honest I was really surprised they started another season with Cyril Abiteboul as the boss. I know I'm always banging on about how crap he is and that Renault need to replace him, but surely the big bosses must again be asking questions about how their only customer engine partner can be showing them up and finishing so far in front of them.

No news today just my thoughts as everything in the news appears to be dominated by something about who decided to kneel and who didn't.

 

[dessiato]

After yesterday I’d be pushing Vettel through the door. Although Ferrari were not great through the whole weekend he seemed to be in a ”can’t be arsed” frame of mind.

 

[Limejuice]

Austria #2. I think it's called the Styrofoam GP.

This weekend's timings are the same as last weekend's.

(UK times):

Fri 10 July
FP1 - 10:00
FP2 - 14:00

Sat 11 July
FP3 - 11:00
Qual - 14:00

Sun 12 July
Race - 14:10

It would be nice if they'd unclench the rules a tad, and let us see the faces, especially if the interviews are being held 2 metres apart. It doesn't seem to matter how loud I put the TV sound, I still find it hard to make out what people are saying behind the muzzles.

Have there been any sightings of the White-Feathered Rosberg yet? No? Excellent!

 

[Ax^]

so how many retirements so we expect this weekend

 

[spitfire]

Surely they'll have to do something about the kerbs? The teams are already struggling for cash and this level of attrition won't be doing many of them any favours.

 

[Limejuice]

Surely they'll have to do something about the kerbs? The teams are already struggling for cash and this level of attrition won't be doing many of them any favours.

What would Charlie Whiting do?

 

[1%er]

The truth behind Vettel and Ferrari split
Bernie Ecclestone says Sebastian Vettel had to “free himself” by telling the truth about why he is leaving Ferrari at the end of this season. Back in May, Vettel and Ferrari announced that 2020 would be the four-time World Champion’s sixth and final season racing for the Scuderia. At the time the German in the press released that he and Ferrari no longer had a “common desire” to work together. Weeks later, Vettel revealed that wasn’t the truth.

While Ferrari had been stating he was the team’s number one pick to partner Charles Leclerc in 2021, team boss Mattia Binotto phoned Vettel prior to the May announcement to inform him that his services would not be required. “It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from [Team Principal] Mattia [Binotto] when he told me that there was no further intention for the team to continue [with me],” he said in the build up to the Austrian GP. “We never got into any discussions, there was never an offer on the table and therefore there was no sticking point.”

Binotto was forced to acknowledge that Ferrari had changed it plans about Vettel. “I heard that he was surprised, do I remember that he was surprised? I would say yes certainly, I understand it,” the Italian said during the Friday press conference. “It is pretty normal to be surprised. I think that is why he accepted our decision but I think even today he is not fully happy with it which again I think is normal and obvious.”

Ecclestone, who counts himself amongst Vettel’s friends, feels the German was right telling the truth about his axing. He also says Vettel’s spin during the Austrian race was not a sign that his head is not in the game. The former F1 supremo told reporters: “I’ve been talking to Sebastian a lot lately. I advised him that the truth about the separation from Ferrari must come out on the table. That was important for him. Sebastian is an extremely talented driver with a strong will, but very sensitive when he has to live with injustice. He has now freed himself from this. The driving mistake had nothing to do with it. Something like this can always happen. Even Lewis Hamilton, the other superstar of the scene, didn’t have his best weekend in Austria.”

Vettel’s former Red Bull colleague Helmut Marko was impressed that Vettel didn’t spill the beans back in May already. “I would have lost my patience much earlier,” said the Austrian. “That Sebastian has waited so long to tell the truth only shows what a great team player he actually is. He will be just as motivated as ever. His goal is to beat his team-mate. Maybe he was even a bit more over-motivated on Sunday after Thursday’s straight talk and wanted too much.”

Renault poised to announce Fernando Alonso's return tomorrow
Renault could announce as soon as Wednesday Fernando Alonso's return to Formula 1, according to a reports. The report alleges that Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul has informed the French outfit's team members that an announcement regarding the 2021 season was impending and involved a driver that has worked with the French manufacturer before. In May, Abiteboul labeled Alonso "an option" to fill Daniel Ricciardo's vacant seat at Renault in 2021 although the Frenchman made clear that he was in no rush to make a call on the team's future line-up. The prospects of Alonso's return to the grid were given a boost recently by the Spaniard's manager, Flavio Briatore, who said the 38-year-old was "detoxed, serene and motivated" after a year away from F1 and "ready to return".

However, while Alonso may have rekindled his motivation, few believe the two-time world champion would settle for a seat with a team that will likely remain a top-tier midfield contender next season at the very best. Nevertheless, Renault would not be unknown territory for Alonso who won both his world titles with the Enstone squad. And potential future teammate Esteban Ocon has already stated that he would welcome the 32-time Grand Prix winner to the team with open arms. "I don’t know if he’s going to join or not, but definitely if he could come back, I would be very happy," Ocon said. However, F1 veteran Mark Webber doubts his good friend Alonso would be spurred on by a partnership with Renault. "He’s a racer, he’s missing it a lot, but what’s the focus?" Webber explained. "Is he going to be loyal to a new regime and sign a two or three-year contract? Is it just for one, and four months in the team is looking for someone else? So, what’s the point? "I’m not saying he couldn’t, but it would be very, very challenging for him to stay motivated for two years, in the middle of the field."

Regardless of whether Alonso returns to the fray or not in 2021, his immediate focus is on the Indy 500 which the Spaniard will tackle next month with Arrow McLaren SP to try and fulfill his ambition of becoming the second driver in motorsport history after Graham Hill to win the Triple Crown.

[I'm not sure about this story, I'd like it to be true as a friend of mine would win a lot of money, as I posted before, he bet that Alonso would join Renault just before all the stories broke about it].


Mercedes
In other news, it is being said that Mercedes intend to extend both their drivers contracts, if true that will mean for sure no Vettel alongside Lewis for 2021.

Red Bull
Horner talking about the DAS system on ServusTV in Austria “We’re putting a lot of money into this,” says Horner. “Maybe we’ll look for a more extreme solution now that it’s allowed.” ServusTV is owned by Red Bull and has now won the rights for 3 years to show F1 races in Austria and its free to air.

 

[spitfire]

Story's getting more legs now.

Fernando Alonso plans surprise return to F1 with Renault at age of 39

The two-times world champion, who left F1 in 2018, was said to be on the verge of signing for his former team

www.theguardian.com

"..although the team have not made any comment the BBC, Sky Italia, Spain’s Marca and Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed the deal is done."

 

[Badgers]

Alonso back at the F1 wheel would be nice. Hopefully the Renault is able to give him enough reliability and power to race for points or even the odd podium

Not long till the next race should really try and get the laptop hooked up to the big telly

 

[1%er]

Are McLaren looking sell part of F1 team
McLaren is looking to sell a share of its Formula 1 team after months of hardship triggered by the coronavirus pandemic and the delayed start of the F1 season. Last week it was confirmed the British company’s short-term future has been guaranteed after it secured a $182 million loan from the National Bank of Bahrain. It is now being reported that shareholders have given the go-ahead for McLaren to look at other ways of raising funds to secure its medium-term future for the next five years. Reports claims that the company is having advanced discussions to sell a part of its Racing division that includes the McLaren Formula 1 team. There have been claims McLaren could also look to sell a share of its Automotive and Applied Technologies divisions, but rumors of a share of the Automotive business being sold appear unfounded.

“We are considering the option of additional investors in the Racing business,” a McLaren spokesman confirmed in a statement. McLaren Racing will clearly need a lot of money to achieve its goal of returning to the front of the Formula 1 field. The team had a successful year in 2019 on the track and over the weekend, McLaren driver Lando Norris finished in 3rd place at the Austrian Grand Prix while his teammate Carlos Sainz secured 5th in the 2020 season inaugural race in Austria. While it has been claimed McLaren could look to sell a share of its Automotive business, a sale of Applied Technologies is perhaps more likely. However, the report says that because Applied Technologies relies so heavily on racing-derived technology and expertise and looks to apply it to everyday industries, selling a share in it could prove complex.

Luca de Meo (Renault CEO) has agreed company will pay for Alonso
Multiple authoritative media sources are now reporting that Fernando Alonso will definitely return to Formula 1 with Renault in 2021. We reported on Tuesday that, with Spanish radio Cadena SER and Movistar correspondent Noemi de Miguel having broken the news in the past days, the French team was shaping up to announce Daniel Ricciardo’s successor on Wednesday. Spanish sources claim that a press conference will be held at 1pm local time.

It is expected that a two-year deal for 38-year-old Alonso, including an option for a third season in 2023, has been signed. By the end of the full contract, Renault’s former two-time world champion will be 42 years old. Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the deal was approved by Renault’s new Milan-born CEO Luca de Meo. When asked about Alonso this week, Red Bull star Max Verstappen told Speed Week: “I admire how, even with a losing car, thanks to a good start or a good first lap, he always achieved better results than the car deserved. He’s a real fighter. He may be a difficult teammate, but the bottom line is that you must try to get the best out of yourself if you want to win,” the Dutchman added.

Alonso’s teammate in 2021 will be Esteban Ocon, who signed a two-year deal with the Enstone based team last August. There are some reports claiming that Alonso could replace Danny Ric before the end of the season, This must surely be the last throw of the dice for Cyril Abiteboul, who should have been sacked 2 years ago.

 

[MrCurry]

Alonso returning to F1 will be good fun, and will add to the spectacle! However, does history teach us that these senior, ex-World champion drivers ever achieve much in the way of results when they return from retirement?

ok, Nigel Mansell won a Grand Prix after reversing his retirement decision, and Kimi has three wins since his return in 2012, but that’s in nine seasons, including five years with Ferrari! Schumacher did not have much glory after returning to the grid for one more stint.

I hope Alonso‘s drive and determination gets him some good results and that he doesn’t spiral down into destructive politicking again.

 

[spitfire]

Fernando Alonso confirms return to F1 with Renault for 2021

Fernando Alonso will return to Formula One next season with Renault after being out of the sport since leaving McLaren in 2018

www.theguardian.com

Fernando Alonso will return to Formula One in 2021 after Renault confirmed the double world champion’s signature. Alonso, who turns 39 this month, has been out of the sport since he appeared to bring down the curtain on his career with McLaren 18 months ago.

 

[spitfire]

He can't be expecting wins surely? He's come back for the money, the fun and to help Renault get somewhere out of midfield IMO.

He's their last throw of the dice.

 

[1%er]

Mateschitz wants Vettel back
Prior to the second Grand Prix of the season at the Red Bull Ring it is the most discussed topic: a return of Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing. It is possible that this will happen in 2021, because according to several sources, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz would rather see the 33-year-old driver return today than tomorrow. According to Motorsport-Total.com there is concrete evidence that Helmut Marko has been commissioned by Mateschitz to bring Vettel home no later than 2021. A return of Vettel would then have consequences for Alexander Albon and Daniil Kvyat. Albon will be returned to the AlphaTauri team, while Kvyat would be said goodbye.

The German medium writes that the contracting of Vettel is very difficult for Red Bull. Albon's performance must be a lot worse than Max Verstappen's, Mateschitz must convince the Thai Yoovidhya family (which owns 51 percent of the Red Bull empire) that this would be a good idea, and Vettel must dare to fight top talent Verstappen himself. According to journalist Christian Nimmervol, the author of the article, Mateschitz is known for two qualities. First of all, the Austrian billionaire has an incredibly good memory. Vettel was the first driver affiliated with Red Bull to achieve a victory in Formula 1 (with Toro Rosso at Monza in 2008). Moreover, the Heppenheimer was good for four world titles at Red Bull Racing. These are statistics that speak for the German driver, of course.

Besides, Mateschitz is known as someone who is very loyal. "The fact that Vettel is now dismantled in this way by Ferrari and has to leave Formula 1 as a loser in the worst case scenario after a great, unique career will also hurt Mateschitz. People who know him can well imagine that he now brings Vettel home to give him a dignified farewell".

 

[1%er]

2 more races confirmed
Formula 1 will head to Mugello for the first time this September as two more races were confirmed on the 2020 calendar. The Italian circuit, best known for hosting MotoGP, is owned by Ferrari and the Scuderia will now celebrate its 1000th race in F1 at the track, one week following the Italian Grand Prix a Monza on September 13. Also announced was the Russian GP will take place on September 27 at Sochi, taking the total number of official races for the 2020 season to 10.

F1 is still focused on trying to deliver at least 15 rounds in this delayed championship due to Covid-19. And another new venue at Portimao is also expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, which would mark F1's first race in Portugal since 1996, the last Grand Prix held at the famed Estoril circuit. At the same time though, new questions are being raised over the Chinese GP after the government said international sports events would be very limited through the end of the year. This is in addition to the uncertainty over F1's races in the Americas, with the USA, Mexico and Brazil still struggling with high numbers of new coronavirus cases. But this week, the chairman of Hanoi voiced support for hosting the inaugural Vietnam GP in November, while Imola and Hockenheim are also still European options should F1 need them.

Could FP 2 determine the grid
Current weather forecasts predict extensive rain showers on Saturday, which could be enough for either free practice or qualifying to be abandoned. Potential scenarios of what to do if that plays out were discussed in the team managers' meeting at the Red Bull Ring on Thursday evening, and a formal document sent out by F1 race director Michael Masi on Friday morning. He said that F1 will try to push on with qualifying if possible on Saturday, but if it cannot happen then the first option will be to run it on Sunday morning.

However, if Sunday morning's conditions have not improved, then the grid will be decided by the order from this afternoon's second practice session. That scenario means teams may be especially eager to focus more on quick laps this afternoon than they would normally do, just in case the weather disruption hits. Asked by reporters on Friday morning about the situation, McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said the risk of qualifying not taking place on Saturday was very real, so strategies for today's running needed to be sorted.

"We gathered information from the race director already, giving a kind of pre-warning that there is a risk that no session is happening tomorrow because of thunderstorms or heavy rain," he explained. "And it is still open, if that would happen, if there's a qualifying on Sunday morning or worst case, if that's not possible because the weather could still be bad, then FP2 would count as a qualifying result. That's something we need to monitor today and we need to figure out how we want to handle that."

 

[Limejuice]

Christian Horner said on Sky that there was no chance Vettel could re-join RB next year. He said that Vettel knows and understands that situation.

So, team principal or team owner?

 

[Limejuice]

Best FP2 for a long time.

The teams are concerned that the expected heavy rain tomorrow will postpone qualifying until Sunday morning, but rain is expected on Sunday, too. In which case they will use the timings from FP2 to set the grid. Not only do the cars need to be able to operate safely, the medical helicopter needs to be able to fly.

So this is a full-length qualifying session. Plenty of cross words, deleted times and crazy-fast driving.

 

[Badgers]

Just firing up the laptop (sorry 1%er) for this

 

[MrCurry]

What a pointless way to handicap yourself in the race. Norris 3 place grid drop for overtaking under yellow flag.

By the time you get to F1 you know without even having to think about it that it’s a no-no, so why do it? Did he not see the flags?

 

[Badgers]

FP3 delayed due to heavy rain

 

[Limejuice]

Free practice 3 is delayed indefinitely due to moisture.

 

[Ax^]

pissing with rain

has anyone see the kimi Alfa ad

it reminds me of one of rocky adds from the first movie

If i take my time , i take my time

 

[Limejuice]

So why is FP3 delayed again?

 

[Badgers]

 

[spitfire]

 

[1%er]

It is being reported that Vettel has "invited some reporters for an interview" later today, speculation is he may announce his retirement
Hamilton and Bottas going to resign for Mercedes, no news on contract time reports are claiming

 

[Ax^]

oo we might have some racing

 

[1%er]

Looks like qualifying will go ahead as long as helicopter can fly in case of a bad accident

 

[MrCurry]

It is being reported that Vettel has "invited some reporters for an interview" later today, speculation is he may announce his retirement
Hamilton and Bottas going to resign for Mercedes, no news on contract time reports are claiming

Re-sign, rather than resign, presumably?

Looks like qualifying will go ahead as long as helicopter can fly in case of a bad accident

Great news!

 

[1%er]

Re-sign, rather than resign, presumably?
Great news!

I thought about that, resign or re-sign, but as all the news reports didn't use a hyphen, I didn't