F1 2020
- Thread starter 1%er
- Start date
1%er
Well-Known Member
Well that another season finished I've enjoyed watching the races with you guys. Not long until the circus rolls on to Australia, just 3 months I think.
Looking forward to next season with McLaren having a Mercedes in the back and Danny Ric
Can I make the usual request and ask that if someone is going to start an F12021 thread that they add all the important info in the first couple of posts, such as calendar, teams, drivers, power units, new rules etc. If no-one starts one I'll do it before the end of the year to get the news started
Looking forward to next season with McLaren having a Mercedes in the back and Danny Ric
Can I make the usual request and ask that if someone is going to start an F12021 thread that they add all the important info in the first couple of posts, such as calendar, teams, drivers, power units, new rules etc. If no-one starts one I'll do it before the end of the year to get the news started
Indeliblelink
\......👁&👁......./
Ted in the Notebook sounding fairly certain that next week Red Bull are going to announce Perez is replacing Albon for 2021.
beesonthewhatnow
going deaf for a living
Has that godawful track ever produced a decent race?
1%er
Well-Known Member
2021 driver line-up
Just 3 seats without a contracted driver for 2021, they are Mercedes, Red Bull and AlphaTauri. Mercedes seat is going to Lewis and the contract will be signed before Christmas.
AlphaTauri looks like it is going to the young (Red Bull/Honda backed) Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. I believe the team didn't say much about him joining because he hadn't qualified for his superlicence. Last week he secured third in the F2 standings and by extension earned his superlicence. According to Japanese news he still hasn't signed a contract, but all indication are that he will drive for AlphaTauri in 2021.
Red Bull, now here the rumour mill just hasn't stopped. All the reports I've read over the last few days claim that both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have been in contact with the management of Sergio Perez. What appears to be the sticking point is that Dietrich Mateschitz who isn't the sole owner of Red Bull (he owns 49% of the company), the rest of the company is owned by ten members of the British-Thai family named Yoovidhya. Reports claim that both Mateschitz and the Yoovidhya family want the F1 team to stick with the British-Thai Albon while the management of the team want Sergio Perez. Reports claim that the team owners and management have come to a compromise, if they can get Perez on a one year contract "at the right price" they will take him and Albon will be the teams reserve and test driver. It is believed that a press statement about the second Red Bull seat will be made in the next week to 10 days.
Perez is believed to have a contract for 2022 but I can't think of a top team that he could drive for, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Aston Martin, Alpine and Ferrari all appear to have drivers in place for both 2021 and 2022. The only teams I can see at the moment that he could join in 2022 are Alfa Romeo or Williams. I guess a lot can change between now and then. but as of today I don't see a "good" drive for him in 2022
Expected driver line up for 2021
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull-Honda: Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez/Alex Albon
McLaren-Mercedes: Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris
Aston Martin-Mercedes: Lance Stroll, Sebastian Vettel
Alpine: Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso
Ferrari: Carlos Sainz Jr, Charles Leclerc
AlphaTauri-Honda: Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda
Alfa Romeo-Ferrari: Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi
Haas-Ferrari: Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin
Williams-Mercedes: George Russell, Nicholas Latifi
Drivers in red italics are yet to be decided/announced
Just 3 seats without a contracted driver for 2021, they are Mercedes, Red Bull and AlphaTauri. Mercedes seat is going to Lewis and the contract will be signed before Christmas.
AlphaTauri looks like it is going to the young (Red Bull/Honda backed) Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda. I believe the team didn't say much about him joining because he hadn't qualified for his superlicence. Last week he secured third in the F2 standings and by extension earned his superlicence. According to Japanese news he still hasn't signed a contract, but all indication are that he will drive for AlphaTauri in 2021.
Red Bull, now here the rumour mill just hasn't stopped. All the reports I've read over the last few days claim that both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have been in contact with the management of Sergio Perez. What appears to be the sticking point is that Dietrich Mateschitz who isn't the sole owner of Red Bull (he owns 49% of the company), the rest of the company is owned by ten members of the British-Thai family named Yoovidhya. Reports claim that both Mateschitz and the Yoovidhya family want the F1 team to stick with the British-Thai Albon while the management of the team want Sergio Perez. Reports claim that the team owners and management have come to a compromise, if they can get Perez on a one year contract "at the right price" they will take him and Albon will be the teams reserve and test driver. It is believed that a press statement about the second Red Bull seat will be made in the next week to 10 days.
Perez is believed to have a contract for 2022 but I can't think of a top team that he could drive for, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Aston Martin, Alpine and Ferrari all appear to have drivers in place for both 2021 and 2022. The only teams I can see at the moment that he could join in 2022 are Alfa Romeo or Williams. I guess a lot can change between now and then. but as of today I don't see a "good" drive for him in 2022
Expected driver line up for 2021
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull-Honda: Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez/Alex Albon
McLaren-Mercedes: Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris
Aston Martin-Mercedes: Lance Stroll, Sebastian Vettel
Alpine: Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso
Ferrari: Carlos Sainz Jr, Charles Leclerc
AlphaTauri-Honda: Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda
Alfa Romeo-Ferrari: Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi
Haas-Ferrari: Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin
Williams-Mercedes: George Russell, Nicholas Latifi
Drivers in red italics are yet to be decided/announced
Lord Camomile
Yipchaa!
Are we sure that Bottas is 110%, name-on-the-car confirmed for 2021...? 
Indeliblelink
\......👁&👁......./
If I were Lewis I'd have it a condition of resigning for Merc that Bottas be my team mate, I wouldn't want some young pup showing me up and risking my chance of grabbing that record breaking 8th WC.
Has Lewis commented on Russell's performance in his car? I've not seen anything.
On another note - Get well soon Frank Williams, I see he's been admitted to hospital.
www.formula1.com
Has Lewis commented on Russell's performance in his car? I've not seen anything.
On another note - Get well soon Frank Williams, I see he's been admitted to hospital.
Sir Frank Williams in stable condition after being admitted to hospital | Formula 1®
Legendary former Formula 1 Team Principal Sir Frank Williams is currently in a stable condition in hospital, his family have said.
www.formula1.com
Last edited:
spitfire
Walty McWaltface
If I were Lewis I'd have it a condition of resigning for Merc that Bottas be my team mate, I wouldn't want some young pup showing me up and risking my chance of grabbing that record breaking 8th WC.
Has Lewis commented on Russell's performance in his car? I've not seen anything.
On another note - Get well soon Frank Williams, I see he's been admitted to hospital.
Sir Frank Williams in stable condition after being admitted to hospital | Formula 1®
Legendary former Formula 1 Team Principal Sir Frank Williams is currently in a stable condition in hospital, his family have said.
I hope Frank gets better, would be a shame for him to cark it the year his team scored zero points. Hopefully he gets to see them with a new lease of life next year, (although I guess that's probably unlikely as the car is the car now, bit like Ferrari).
1%er
Well-Known Member
Yuki Tsunoda confirmed at AlphaTauri
Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri next season as Formula One’s first Japanese driver since 2014, the team announced today. Tsunoda, who replaces Russian Daniil Kvyat, finished third in this year’s Formula Two Championship with seven podiums including victory in two feature races and a sprint race. The 20-year-old will be the first driver born in or after 2000 to race for a Formula One team.
The last Japanese driver on the grid was Kamui Kobayashi with Caterham. “Like most racing drivers, it has always been my goal to race in Formula One, so I’m very happy with this news,” Tsunoda said in a statement. "I realise that I will be carrying the hopes of a lot of Japanese F1 fans next year and I will be doing my best for them too.” AlphaTauri principal Franz Tost, whose Italy-based team previously raced as Toro Rosso, said they had been keeping an eye on Tsunoda’s career for a while now. “Watching him in Formula Two this year, he has demonstrated the right mix of racing aggression and good technical understanding,” Tost said. “During the test in Imola in November when he drove our 2018 car, his lap times were very consistent over a race simulation, he progressed throughout the day and gave our engineers useful feedback. In addition, his integration with the Honda engineers has been seamless, which certainly helps.”
Tsunoda is a protege of Honda, who will be supplying the engines for AlphaTauri until 2021. His F2 team boss Trevor Carlin said recently that he was the best Japanese prospect since Takuma Sato, now a double Indianapolis 500 winner. Tsunoda will partner French driver Pierre Gasly, who claimed his first win in Formula One as well as the team’s first victory as AlphaTauri at the Italian Grand Prix this year. AlphaTauri’s move leaves only one seat to be confirmed for 2021, with Red Bull yet to decide on whether to persist with Alex Albon or go with Sergio Perez who impressed with Racing Point this season but is without a seat for 2021.
Sir Frank in stable condition
Williams Formula One team founder Sir Frank Williams was admitted to the hospital, the team announced today. No specific reason for the hospitalization was given, but the team confirmed that he is currently in stable condition. Williams, who is 78, founded the Williams F1 team in 1977 alongside engineer Sir Patrick Head. Since then, the F1 team went on to win nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships. Williams' F1 chassis still have codenames that start with FW in Frank's honor.
Williams' eponymous F1 team also birthed Williams Advanced Engineering, which takes on go-fast projects ranging from Singer 911 engines to Formula E batteries and even 103-mph tractors. Williams Racing posted the following statement on Frank's condition on Twitter:
“Sir Frank Williams has recently been admitted to hospital where he is in a stable condition. Frank’s medical condition is a private matter and therefore the family will not be releasing any further details at this time. We ask for you to respect the family’s privacy. The team will release a further update in due course.
Thank you.”
Mazepin loses Court battle over Force India (but will appeal)
The case brought by Dmitry Mazepin's company Uralkali against the administrators of the Force India Formula 1 team in the High Court in London has been dismissed. However the Russian chemical company has not given up its claims, and says it will seek to appeal the judgement. Mazepin, father of recently-signed Haas F1 driver Nikita, was one of several parties in the running to buy Force India when the team went into administration in July 2018, and he put in what he believed to be the highest bid. With the clock ticking and complications due to the claims of Indian banks against owner Dr Vijay Mallya, the process eventually morphed from Plan A a sale of the shares of the original Force India company, into Plan B, a sale of the team's assets. The assets were eventually sold to the Racing Point consortium led by Lawrence Stroll and, in an unprecedented development, a new company was formed to take over the team's entry and run its cars under the new name, with the full agreement of the FIA and F1.
Mazepin subsequently began proceedings via Uralkali against Geoff Rowley and Jason Baker of FRP Advisory, the firm that acted as administrator. In essence, Uralkali's claim was that the administrators had "failed to conduct a fair and proper sales process." More specifically, Uralkali claimed that FRP had "negligently misrepresented that they would select the successful bidder on the basis of the most favourable offer" and "negligently misrepresented that the bidding process would be operated on a level playing field as between all bidders." In addition, Urakali said that FRP "conducted the bid process negligently" and "breached an equitable duty of confidence by disclosing confidential information to Mr Stroll relating to Uralkali's bid."
The case was heard in the High Court over seven days in November by Mr Justice Miles, who in a lengthy judgement issued yesterday dismissed all of Uralkali's claims. Mazepin himself did not appear as a witness, and Uralkali was represented by director Paul Ostling. In his judgement, Justice Miles made it clear that the key player's failure to appear in person had not helped Uralkali's case. In a statement issued in response to the judgement, Uralkali said it will continue to pursue its claims. The company noted: "Although Uralkali is disappointed with the decision of the trial court, it is pleased that the trial confirmed a number of its prior statements, including the fact that Uralkali's bid for the assets of Force India F1 team was higher than the winning bid. Uralkali intends to seek permission to appeal the decision handed down today and to continue to protect its rights in accordance with applicable legal procedures."
A statement from FRP Advisory welcomed the outcome: "Mr Justice Miles not only dismissed the Uralkali claims in their entirety, he also found that Mr Rowley conducted the sales process 'fairly and properly. The judgement vindicates FRP's position from the outset, which is that the joint administrators undertook their duties with efficiency and professionalism and engaged with all parties in an entirely even-handed manner."
Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri next season as Formula One’s first Japanese driver since 2014, the team announced today. Tsunoda, who replaces Russian Daniil Kvyat, finished third in this year’s Formula Two Championship with seven podiums including victory in two feature races and a sprint race. The 20-year-old will be the first driver born in or after 2000 to race for a Formula One team.
The last Japanese driver on the grid was Kamui Kobayashi with Caterham. “Like most racing drivers, it has always been my goal to race in Formula One, so I’m very happy with this news,” Tsunoda said in a statement. "I realise that I will be carrying the hopes of a lot of Japanese F1 fans next year and I will be doing my best for them too.” AlphaTauri principal Franz Tost, whose Italy-based team previously raced as Toro Rosso, said they had been keeping an eye on Tsunoda’s career for a while now. “Watching him in Formula Two this year, he has demonstrated the right mix of racing aggression and good technical understanding,” Tost said. “During the test in Imola in November when he drove our 2018 car, his lap times were very consistent over a race simulation, he progressed throughout the day and gave our engineers useful feedback. In addition, his integration with the Honda engineers has been seamless, which certainly helps.”
Tsunoda is a protege of Honda, who will be supplying the engines for AlphaTauri until 2021. His F2 team boss Trevor Carlin said recently that he was the best Japanese prospect since Takuma Sato, now a double Indianapolis 500 winner. Tsunoda will partner French driver Pierre Gasly, who claimed his first win in Formula One as well as the team’s first victory as AlphaTauri at the Italian Grand Prix this year. AlphaTauri’s move leaves only one seat to be confirmed for 2021, with Red Bull yet to decide on whether to persist with Alex Albon or go with Sergio Perez who impressed with Racing Point this season but is without a seat for 2021.
Sir Frank in stable condition
Williams Formula One team founder Sir Frank Williams was admitted to the hospital, the team announced today. No specific reason for the hospitalization was given, but the team confirmed that he is currently in stable condition. Williams, who is 78, founded the Williams F1 team in 1977 alongside engineer Sir Patrick Head. Since then, the F1 team went on to win nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships. Williams' F1 chassis still have codenames that start with FW in Frank's honor.
Williams' eponymous F1 team also birthed Williams Advanced Engineering, which takes on go-fast projects ranging from Singer 911 engines to Formula E batteries and even 103-mph tractors. Williams Racing posted the following statement on Frank's condition on Twitter:
“Sir Frank Williams has recently been admitted to hospital where he is in a stable condition. Frank’s medical condition is a private matter and therefore the family will not be releasing any further details at this time. We ask for you to respect the family’s privacy. The team will release a further update in due course.
Thank you.”
Mazepin loses Court battle over Force India (but will appeal)
The case brought by Dmitry Mazepin's company Uralkali against the administrators of the Force India Formula 1 team in the High Court in London has been dismissed. However the Russian chemical company has not given up its claims, and says it will seek to appeal the judgement. Mazepin, father of recently-signed Haas F1 driver Nikita, was one of several parties in the running to buy Force India when the team went into administration in July 2018, and he put in what he believed to be the highest bid. With the clock ticking and complications due to the claims of Indian banks against owner Dr Vijay Mallya, the process eventually morphed from Plan A a sale of the shares of the original Force India company, into Plan B, a sale of the team's assets. The assets were eventually sold to the Racing Point consortium led by Lawrence Stroll and, in an unprecedented development, a new company was formed to take over the team's entry and run its cars under the new name, with the full agreement of the FIA and F1.
Mazepin subsequently began proceedings via Uralkali against Geoff Rowley and Jason Baker of FRP Advisory, the firm that acted as administrator. In essence, Uralkali's claim was that the administrators had "failed to conduct a fair and proper sales process." More specifically, Uralkali claimed that FRP had "negligently misrepresented that they would select the successful bidder on the basis of the most favourable offer" and "negligently misrepresented that the bidding process would be operated on a level playing field as between all bidders." In addition, Urakali said that FRP "conducted the bid process negligently" and "breached an equitable duty of confidence by disclosing confidential information to Mr Stroll relating to Uralkali's bid."
The case was heard in the High Court over seven days in November by Mr Justice Miles, who in a lengthy judgement issued yesterday dismissed all of Uralkali's claims. Mazepin himself did not appear as a witness, and Uralkali was represented by director Paul Ostling. In his judgement, Justice Miles made it clear that the key player's failure to appear in person had not helped Uralkali's case. In a statement issued in response to the judgement, Uralkali said it will continue to pursue its claims. The company noted: "Although Uralkali is disappointed with the decision of the trial court, it is pleased that the trial confirmed a number of its prior statements, including the fact that Uralkali's bid for the assets of Force India F1 team was higher than the winning bid. Uralkali intends to seek permission to appeal the decision handed down today and to continue to protect its rights in accordance with applicable legal procedures."
A statement from FRP Advisory welcomed the outcome: "Mr Justice Miles not only dismissed the Uralkali claims in their entirety, he also found that Mr Rowley conducted the sales process 'fairly and properly. The judgement vindicates FRP's position from the outset, which is that the joint administrators undertook their duties with efficiency and professionalism and engaged with all parties in an entirely even-handed manner."
1%er
Well-Known Member
Jost Capito takes over as Williams CEO
Jost Capito, who oversaw Volkswagen’s highly successful World Rally Championship programme, will join Williams as its CEO in the new year. The 62-year-old took Volkswagen to consecutive World Rally Championship successes between 2013 and 2015. He spent a short spell in charge of McLaren’s F1 operation in 2016 but was replaced in a management shake-up after Zak Brown took over in charge of the team. He subsequently returned to Volkswagen.
Capito’s appointment forms part of wider management changes at Williams as it seeks to return to competitiveness. The team, which finish last in the constructors championship for the third year in a row this season, was sold by the Williams family to new owners Dorilton in August. The team also confirmed Simon Roberts, who took over as acting team principal following the sale, will continue in the role on a permanent basis. He will report to Capito, who reports to Matthew Savage, the team’s chairman.
Savage said Capito is “an experienced and competitive individual who has built winning teams and is a winner in his own right. He understands the Williams heritage and will work well with the team in pursuit of our objective to return to the front of the grid.” Capito said it is a “great honour for me to join Williams during these exciting and demanding times for both the team and for Formula 1. It is an honour to be a part of the future of this storied team, and one that carries such a poignant name in the sport, so I approach this challenge with great respect and with a huge amount of relish.”
Interlagos deal signed
Formula One has confirmed that it has agreed a new five-year deal with Interlagos which will see the track host the Sao Paulo Grand Prix until at least 2025. Formula One has also announced that the race will be organzied by a new promoter, Brasil Motorsport, a company owned by investment entities controlled by Mubadala, a global investment company from Abu Dhabi. Mubadala has a strong history of investments in diversified industries, and has appointed Alan Adler, a senior executive with relevant experience in the Sports & Entertainment sector, to lead this new partnership with Formula 1.
Commenting on the announcement, Formula One CEO and Chairdman Chase Carey said: “We are pleased to announce the city of São Paulo will continue to host the Brazilian Grand Prix until 2025 and look forward to working with our new promoter in the years ahead. Brazil is a very important market for Formula 1 with devoted fans and a long history in the sport. The race in Brazil has always been a highlight for our fans, the drivers and our partners and we look forward to providing Formula 1 fans with an exciting race at Interlagos in 2021 and over the next five years,” Carey added. Bruno Covas, Mayor of Sao Paul, revelaed that it was not an easy task to ensure that the race stays in Brazil. “It is a great joy to be able to announce that Interlagos will continue to host one of the of the most important events in world motorsports. We made a tremendous effort to keep the race in our city. We have robust infrastructure for tourists, public safety and offer top-notch services. We believe that hosting the Grand Prix, Formula 1 announces Sao Paulo’s Interlagos Circuit will host Brazilian Grand Prix until 2025 Date 16/12/2020 in addition to promoting our city to the world, will continue to bring important contributions such as job creation and income generation. We have seen studies that show that for every R$1 invested in the São Paulo GP, R$5.20 is generated for the local economy,” he said.
Red Bull has no plans to replace Aston Martin as title sponsor
Red Bull has no plans to replace Aston Martin as its title sponsor next year with the British sports car manufacturer focusing efforts on its own Formula 1 team. The two companies tied up at the start of 2018 with both a title sponsorship partnership and a technical collaboration on the Valkyrie hypercar project. As well as being part of the official team name, Aston Martin's logos appeared in prominent positions on the F1 cars, including the rear wing and on the drivers' overalls. But following Lawrence Stroll's takeover of the Aston Martin road car company, and his plans to rebrand Racing Point under the British company's moniker, it was agreed that the Red Bull sponsorship would come to an end.
While Red Bull is hoping to add fresh sponsors to its portfolio in 2021, team boss Christian Horner has made it clear that it is not expected to land a fresh title sponsor just yet. "We don't have a title sponsor replacing Aston Martin for next year," he said. "We will have new sponsors that we introduce into next year. Aston Martin obviously won't be on our car. We've enjoyed four years [in total], three years as title and four years with them on the car. We've helped to push the brand, and we've obviously enjoyed a great relationship with Valkyrie. Obviously our deals were constructed under the former CEO Andy Palmer, who was always been tremendously supportive of the team. And with Lawrence buying the business, it obviously was natural for them to exit. We'll look forward to seeing the Aston Martin name live on in F1 next year."
Although the sponsorship deal is ending, Red Bull will continue work on the Valkyrie project, with deliveries of the car expected in 2021. Horner added: "The car is running, and we are doing all the testing. Of course the relationship goes until all the cars are completed through Red Bull Advanced Technologies." Red Bull has a history of linking up with major car brands for its title sponsorship. It previously had a deal with the Infiniti car company from 2013 to 2015 but that deal ended as a legacy of the Milton Keynes-based team's split with Renault.
2021 F1 calendar confirmed
On the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly Week in Geneva, the World Motor Sport Council convened yesterday for the fourth and final meeting of 2020. The meeting was hosted in Geneva by FIA President Jean Todt with FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker and WMSC members joining in a large majority via video conference from locations across the globe. The World Council congratulated the entire Formula 1 community for the remarkable achievement of completing 17 events in the wake of the global pandemic, and FIA President Jean Todt thanked Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey for his significant contributions to the sport since 2017 as he will move to the position of Non-Executive Chairman at the end of this year and welcome Stefano Domenicali as the new CEO.
The 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is as follows:
*Subject to circuit homologation
**Subject to promoter agreement
Jost Capito, who oversaw Volkswagen’s highly successful World Rally Championship programme, will join Williams as its CEO in the new year. The 62-year-old took Volkswagen to consecutive World Rally Championship successes between 2013 and 2015. He spent a short spell in charge of McLaren’s F1 operation in 2016 but was replaced in a management shake-up after Zak Brown took over in charge of the team. He subsequently returned to Volkswagen.
Capito’s appointment forms part of wider management changes at Williams as it seeks to return to competitiveness. The team, which finish last in the constructors championship for the third year in a row this season, was sold by the Williams family to new owners Dorilton in August. The team also confirmed Simon Roberts, who took over as acting team principal following the sale, will continue in the role on a permanent basis. He will report to Capito, who reports to Matthew Savage, the team’s chairman.
Savage said Capito is “an experienced and competitive individual who has built winning teams and is a winner in his own right. He understands the Williams heritage and will work well with the team in pursuit of our objective to return to the front of the grid.” Capito said it is a “great honour for me to join Williams during these exciting and demanding times for both the team and for Formula 1. It is an honour to be a part of the future of this storied team, and one that carries such a poignant name in the sport, so I approach this challenge with great respect and with a huge amount of relish.”
Interlagos deal signed
Formula One has confirmed that it has agreed a new five-year deal with Interlagos which will see the track host the Sao Paulo Grand Prix until at least 2025. Formula One has also announced that the race will be organzied by a new promoter, Brasil Motorsport, a company owned by investment entities controlled by Mubadala, a global investment company from Abu Dhabi. Mubadala has a strong history of investments in diversified industries, and has appointed Alan Adler, a senior executive with relevant experience in the Sports & Entertainment sector, to lead this new partnership with Formula 1.
Commenting on the announcement, Formula One CEO and Chairdman Chase Carey said: “We are pleased to announce the city of São Paulo will continue to host the Brazilian Grand Prix until 2025 and look forward to working with our new promoter in the years ahead. Brazil is a very important market for Formula 1 with devoted fans and a long history in the sport. The race in Brazil has always been a highlight for our fans, the drivers and our partners and we look forward to providing Formula 1 fans with an exciting race at Interlagos in 2021 and over the next five years,” Carey added. Bruno Covas, Mayor of Sao Paul, revelaed that it was not an easy task to ensure that the race stays in Brazil. “It is a great joy to be able to announce that Interlagos will continue to host one of the of the most important events in world motorsports. We made a tremendous effort to keep the race in our city. We have robust infrastructure for tourists, public safety and offer top-notch services. We believe that hosting the Grand Prix, Formula 1 announces Sao Paulo’s Interlagos Circuit will host Brazilian Grand Prix until 2025 Date 16/12/2020 in addition to promoting our city to the world, will continue to bring important contributions such as job creation and income generation. We have seen studies that show that for every R$1 invested in the São Paulo GP, R$5.20 is generated for the local economy,” he said.
Red Bull has no plans to replace Aston Martin as title sponsor
Red Bull has no plans to replace Aston Martin as its title sponsor next year with the British sports car manufacturer focusing efforts on its own Formula 1 team. The two companies tied up at the start of 2018 with both a title sponsorship partnership and a technical collaboration on the Valkyrie hypercar project. As well as being part of the official team name, Aston Martin's logos appeared in prominent positions on the F1 cars, including the rear wing and on the drivers' overalls. But following Lawrence Stroll's takeover of the Aston Martin road car company, and his plans to rebrand Racing Point under the British company's moniker, it was agreed that the Red Bull sponsorship would come to an end.
While Red Bull is hoping to add fresh sponsors to its portfolio in 2021, team boss Christian Horner has made it clear that it is not expected to land a fresh title sponsor just yet. "We don't have a title sponsor replacing Aston Martin for next year," he said. "We will have new sponsors that we introduce into next year. Aston Martin obviously won't be on our car. We've enjoyed four years [in total], three years as title and four years with them on the car. We've helped to push the brand, and we've obviously enjoyed a great relationship with Valkyrie. Obviously our deals were constructed under the former CEO Andy Palmer, who was always been tremendously supportive of the team. And with Lawrence buying the business, it obviously was natural for them to exit. We'll look forward to seeing the Aston Martin name live on in F1 next year."
Although the sponsorship deal is ending, Red Bull will continue work on the Valkyrie project, with deliveries of the car expected in 2021. Horner added: "The car is running, and we are doing all the testing. Of course the relationship goes until all the cars are completed through Red Bull Advanced Technologies." Red Bull has a history of linking up with major car brands for its title sponsorship. It previously had a deal with the Infiniti car company from 2013 to 2015 but that deal ended as a legacy of the Milton Keynes-based team's split with Renault.
2021 F1 calendar confirmed
On the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly Week in Geneva, the World Motor Sport Council convened yesterday for the fourth and final meeting of 2020. The meeting was hosted in Geneva by FIA President Jean Todt with FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker and WMSC members joining in a large majority via video conference from locations across the globe. The World Council congratulated the entire Formula 1 community for the remarkable achievement of completing 17 events in the wake of the global pandemic, and FIA President Jean Todt thanked Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey for his significant contributions to the sport since 2017 as he will move to the position of Non-Executive Chairman at the end of this year and welcome Stefano Domenicali as the new CEO.
The 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is as follows:
| 21 March | Australia | Melbourne |
| 28 March | Bahrain | Sakhir |
| 11 April | China | Shanghai |
| 25 April | TBC | TBC |
| 9 May | Spain | Barcelona** |
| 23 May | Monaco | Monaco |
| 6 June | Azerbaijan | Baku |
| 13 June | Canada | Montreal |
| 27 June | France | Le Castellet |
| 4 July | Austria | Spielberg |
| 18 July | Great Britain | Silverstone |
| 1 August | Hungary | Budapest |
| 29 August | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
| 5 September | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
| 12 September | Italy | Monza |
| 26 September | Russia | Sochi |
| 3 October | Singapore | Singapore |
| 10 October | Japan | Suzuka |
| 24 October | USA | Austin |
| 31 October | Mexico | Mexico City |
| 14 November | Brazil | São Paulo |
| 28 November | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah* |
| 5 December | Abu Dhabi | Yas Marina |
**Subject to promoter agreement
1%er
Well-Known Member
In other news;
Renault
Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport Racing since 2016 and the return of Renault as a full factory team, will step down at the end of his term on 31 December 2020. I have a feeling that this is to make way for Cyril Abiteboul to take over this position and move away from his cirrent post as renault F1 team boss.
Will the Australian GP go ahead
The Australian Open will start on 8 February 2021 after being delayed three weeks because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was originally scheduled to run from January 18-31. This is a good sign for the Australian Grand Prix. However, it remains to be seen if F1 will agree (or be able to agree) to a period of 14 day quarantine for the whole of the F1 circus. The Open is going ahead because the players will arrive by January 15 and will stay in quarantine until the event. It is highly doubtful that the same will happen with F1 and the numbers of people involved will mean that such arrangements are not practical.
Sources within F1 say that it is unlikely that the commercial rights holder will agree to this and if the Australian government refuses to compromise, the race may not happen. Whatever the case, a decision is needed quickly in order for the necessary construction work to begin. The amount of construction depends to some extent on how many spectators will be allowed to attend. And that is also important for the funding of the Albert Park event, as the politicians cannot easily agree to making a big loss, having lost a pile of public money in March his year when the event was cancelled at the last minute.
The costs of 14 days on quarantine need also to be considered as this would be equivalent to two or three Grands Prix.
Renault
Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport Racing since 2016 and the return of Renault as a full factory team, will step down at the end of his term on 31 December 2020. I have a feeling that this is to make way for Cyril Abiteboul to take over this position and move away from his cirrent post as renault F1 team boss.
Will the Australian GP go ahead
The Australian Open will start on 8 February 2021 after being delayed three weeks because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was originally scheduled to run from January 18-31. This is a good sign for the Australian Grand Prix. However, it remains to be seen if F1 will agree (or be able to agree) to a period of 14 day quarantine for the whole of the F1 circus. The Open is going ahead because the players will arrive by January 15 and will stay in quarantine until the event. It is highly doubtful that the same will happen with F1 and the numbers of people involved will mean that such arrangements are not practical.
Sources within F1 say that it is unlikely that the commercial rights holder will agree to this and if the Australian government refuses to compromise, the race may not happen. Whatever the case, a decision is needed quickly in order for the necessary construction work to begin. The amount of construction depends to some extent on how many spectators will be allowed to attend. And that is also important for the funding of the Albert Park event, as the politicians cannot easily agree to making a big loss, having lost a pile of public money in March his year when the event was cancelled at the last minute.
The costs of 14 days on quarantine need also to be considered as this would be equivalent to two or three Grands Prix.
spitfire
Walty McWaltface
Twitter rumour mill certainly seems to be pretty sure of it.
Wolff to continue as Mercedes team principal for further three years, as Ineos become one-third equal shareholder of team | Formula 1®
Mercedes have announced that Toto Wolff is set to continue in his role as Team Principal and CEO for a further three years.
www.formula1.com
spitfire
Walty McWaltface
"reports" but decent sources.
www.reuters.com
Motor racing-Perez set to replace Albon at Red Bull - reports
Mexican Sergio Perez is set to replace Alexander Albon at the Red Bull Formula One team next season, according to media reports on Thursday.
www.reuters.com
Indeliblelink
\......👁&👁......./
Think Red Bull are just enjoying that they're trending on Twitter ATM and will keep us waiting a while.
Get the feeling their last tweet this morning was rather teasing us.
Get the feeling their last tweet this morning was rather teasing us.
1%er
Well-Known Member
3 owners at Mercedes
As I mentioned back in September (and denied by Mercedes) Ineos has brought a 1/3 share of the Mercedes F1 team, also Toto has upped his state in the team to a third having now agreed to stay for 3 more years.
They have not yet solidified their driver lineup for the 2021 Formula 1 season, with only Valtteri Bottas under contract through next year after signing a one-year extension back in August, but Mercedes have made additional key announcements about their future in the sport. Following the team’s seventh consecutive constructor championship in 2020, they have announced that Toto Wolff is set to continue serving as the team principal and CEO through at least the 2023 season. He is reportedly set to have a subsequent opportunity to transition to a new executive role within the organization, should he decide that is the path he wishes to take.
Additionally, Ineos, the British multinational chemicals company which serves as a team partner of the Silver Arrows, has taken a one-third stake in the team to become equal shareholders with Daimler and with Wolff himself. This change reduces Daimler’s stake in the team from 60%, and it slightly increases Wolff from 30%. With Wolff tied down for another three years despite rumors that he may be leaving, it appears as though an extension is close. The seat alongside Bottas is one of only two remaining open seats on the grid for 2021, with the other being the seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Whether or not Hamilton’s deal will resemble Wolff’s in terms of its length remains to be seen. His most recent contract was a two-year extension which he signed in July of 2018.
I'm guessing we will here something official from Red Bull in a couple of hours as it is still not even 7am in Mexico. This is good news for F1 as it means there will be two fast drivers in the second fastest car for next season
As I mentioned back in September (and denied by Mercedes) Ineos has brought a 1/3 share of the Mercedes F1 team, also Toto has upped his state in the team to a third having now agreed to stay for 3 more years.
They have not yet solidified their driver lineup for the 2021 Formula 1 season, with only Valtteri Bottas under contract through next year after signing a one-year extension back in August, but Mercedes have made additional key announcements about their future in the sport. Following the team’s seventh consecutive constructor championship in 2020, they have announced that Toto Wolff is set to continue serving as the team principal and CEO through at least the 2023 season. He is reportedly set to have a subsequent opportunity to transition to a new executive role within the organization, should he decide that is the path he wishes to take.
Additionally, Ineos, the British multinational chemicals company which serves as a team partner of the Silver Arrows, has taken a one-third stake in the team to become equal shareholders with Daimler and with Wolff himself. This change reduces Daimler’s stake in the team from 60%, and it slightly increases Wolff from 30%. With Wolff tied down for another three years despite rumors that he may be leaving, it appears as though an extension is close. The seat alongside Bottas is one of only two remaining open seats on the grid for 2021, with the other being the seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Whether or not Hamilton’s deal will resemble Wolff’s in terms of its length remains to be seen. His most recent contract was a two-year extension which he signed in July of 2018.
As posted above on Monday, the Mexican press said both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko had been talking to Perez's management. I can understand why there has been no announcement by Red Bull and why they didn't announce it at 9am UK time as the press reports are claiming was going to happen, as that would have been around 3am in Mexico (I think they are around 6 hours behind London).
I'm guessing we will here something official from Red Bull in a couple of hours as it is still not even 7am in Mexico. This is good news for F1 as it means there will be two fast drivers in the second fastest car for next season
