spitfire
Walty McWaltface
Mike Hunt was trending on Twitter which tells you all you need to know about the mental age of F1 fans.
F1 2022
- Thread starter 1%er
- Start date
Zapp Brannigan
Built like a steakhouse, handles like a bistro
AM's new chief aero is Phil McAverty etc etc.Mike Hunt was trending on Twitter which tells you all you need to know about the mental age of F1 fans.
MrCurry
right after this urgent rest
Love that! With the simplified styling of the 2022 cars the overall effect is going to be close to cartoon racing cars, but in a good way I hope.
It‘s gonna be interesting to see how the lap times compare with the previous generation of cars. Nico Hulkenburg seems to think the new cars are just as fast thru the corners even with their stripped down aero, so maybe we will see lap records falling this year and hasty rule changes to take some performance away before next year? Who knows - I just hope there‘s close racing and not one team romping away with it, as may happen under new rules.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Prost to depart Alpine F1 advisory role; Szafnauer, BWT set to join
Former world champion Alain Prost has left his advisory role with the Alpine Formula 1 team as part of the ongoing management shake-up. Apine is currently undergoing structural changes as CEO Laurent Rossi flexes his muscles after the team's first season under the name of the specialist sportscar divisionl. Last week, Alpine announced that executive director Marcin Budkowski, who served as de facto team principal in 2021 despite the role not officially existing, has left the team. Rossi is currently running the team himself on a temporary basis.Sources indicate that former Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer, whose name has been linked with Alpine since late last year, is expected to be announced soon in a similar role with the Anglo-French organisation. Prost has had an on/off relationship with Alpine parent company Renault since he drove for the original works F1 outfit in 1981-83. He was engaged as a consultant and ambassador to the Enstone team when it returned to full Renault ownership in 2015. He took on a more formal role in July 2019 when he was appointed as a non-executive director of the UK company behind the team, as a direct replacement for Renault Group executive Thierry Bollore. He had an annual contract with the team, and the management opted not to renew it for 2022.
In addition, it is understood that Austrian water treatment company BWT is set to become a main sponsor of Alpine, suggesting that its traditional pink colours will be part of the team's livery this year. Szafnauer already has a good relationship with BWT and its bosses, having worked closely with the company when it was title sponsor of Force India and Racing Point. Last year BWT had a subsidiary role at Aston Martin as Cognizant took title sponsorship, although there was still some pink on the otherwise green car. If confirmed at Alpine, BWT would also be reunited with Esteban Ocon, who was a race driver at Force India in 2017 and 2018. The BWT name has already disappeared from the Aston Martin website, although its departure has not been officially confirmed by the team.
An Aston Martin spokesperson told Motorsport.com: "We don't usually discuss the details of ongoing commercial discussions and contracts. Our full 2022 partner portfolio will be presented at our car launch event next month."
1%er
Well-Known Member
Abiteboul linked with F1 return for Red Bull
One F1 boss has gone on gardening leave, another is set for a return to the sport, while a third is preparing for a top job after serving at Porsche and BMW. It’s been a busy start to 2022 from a team management standpoint, with Aston Martin surprising the F1 world by appointing Mike Krack as departed team boss Otmar Szafnauer’s replacement. Krack, from Luxembourg, worked as chief engineer at BMW-Sauber before serving in prominent positions at Porsche and BMW.Perhaps even more surprising news, however, is that Red Bull and former Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul appear to be burying the hatchet over their previously tense working relationship. Frenchman Abiteboul lost his job in charge of Renault’s F1 program amid the Alpine rebranding, and is said to have served since then as an advisor to Mecachrome. According to rumours, however, he could be set to return to Formula 1 as boss of Red Bull’s new Red Bull Powertrains engine project. As for Marcin Budkowski, who was Alpine’s executive director, his next move is not known but he has told his followers on social media that he has “gone gardening” for now.
MrCurry
right after this urgent rest
Is this one an early April Fools joke?!
1%er
Well-Known Member
Prost: Alpine F1 departure due to being sidelined by CEO Rossi
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost says his departure from Alpine came after he felt sidelined by CEO Laurent Rossi. The Frenchman has left his non-executive director and advisory role with the French car manufacturer as part of a management overhaul being undertaken this winter. After taking to social media to express his disappointment at the way news of his departure had been made public, Prost opened up to French newspaper L'Equipe and discussed the reasons for his exit. Prost said that he had felt increasingly isolated throughout 2021 following the arrival of Rossi, and that had left him unhappy about his position within the team."The 2021 season was very disturbing to me as I felt that those who had been here for a long time had to go," he explained. "I accept change, as you don't have to always do F1 the same way. You can do it differently, and that's what was done throughout last year. But for me, it has become too complicated. I wasn't involved in decision making any more, I sometimes disagreed completely but I had to keep conveying the official word. Even as a member of the board, I found out about some decisions at the last minute. I may not be listened to, but I should at least be informed in time. It's a matter of respect. Relationships have become more and more complicated, I could feel a lot of jealousy." Prost said that Rossi, who is working on a new management structure, had made it clear to him that he no longer wanted an advisor. "Laurent Rossi wants to be alone, not to be annoyed by anyone," added Prost. "He actually told me himself that he no longer needed an advisor. It was in Qatar, but he still offered me a contract in Abu Dhabi, which I refused. I still must say that I believed and still do in this ambitious project which has incredibly boosted motivation in the group. However, there is now a real drive to sideline a lot of people. Laurent Rossi wants all the spotlight. What I'm interested in is the challenge of being in a team, being listened to and involved in some decisions. I was very much in the background on purpose, but I discreetly had some influence despite all the disagreements I kept to myself."
Prost's comments to L'Equipe come after he made some pointed remarks on Instagram about the way Alpine had handled news emerging about his departure. "I am very disappointed how this [news] has been announced today!" he wrote. "It was agreed that we would announce together with @alpinef1team! No respect sorry! I have refused the offer made to me in Abu Dhabi for the 2022 season because of a personal relationship and I was right! To the Enstone and Viry team I will miss you" Prost's exit from Alpine comes amid Rossi restructuring the team in a bid to help it move further up the grid.
The team announced earlier this month that executive director Marcin Budkowski had left with immediate effect, and it is expected that former Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer will step in as new team principal.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Formula 1 marketing director exits
Ellie Norman has decided to leave her role as director of marketing at Formula 1 after five years ahead of taking on a new challenge. She joined the organisation in 2017 following its acquisition by Liberty Media and has played a key role in its transformation. During her tenure, Norman has built the marketing team from the ground up and been responsible for rebranding Formula 1 and overhauling its approach to fan engagement. In 2018, Formula 1 made its biggest ever investment in digital with the launch of subscription service F1TV, as it looked to change perceptions of the brand and better serve its fans. At the time, Norman described the move as a “real step-change” for the sport. From that point on she said every decision the organisation made must be about serving fans. “If it doesn’t serve the fan, it doesn’t serve Formula 1,” she told Marketing Week.Under her leadership, the marketing team has also created a CRM programme to provide the business with a single customer view, as well as establishing a global brand presence on social media. Elsewhere, Norman has been responsible for promoting greater inclusivity within the sport. Ahead of Formula 1’s return following a pause caused by the pandemic, she launched the ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ campaign, which kicked off in June 2020. “As a global sport we have a responsibility, we have a huge platform and we should be using it as a way to speak out against things that have no place in our society, such as racism,” she said.
Norman has experience of growing ‘challenger’ brands within their categories and prior to joining Formula 1 spent five years at Virgin Media, most recently as head of advertising and sponsorship. Before this she held a number of roles at Honda, culminating in European communications manager. Norman has not confirmed what her next move will be but given her experience it will again likely be focused on business transformation. Her replacement at Formula 1 has not yet been named. In the interim the marketing team will report into Sacha Woodward Hill, who is the general council for Formula 1 and a member of the board of directors.
dessiato
🇪🇸 my spirit is crying for leaving
And yet they have/had races in places like Bahrain and other countries with dubious human rights practices.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Aston Martin finally secures early Fallows move from Red Bull
Aston Martin’s incoming Formula 1 technical director Dan Fallows will join the team from Red Bull earlier than expected, in April. Fallows was most recently Red Bull’s head of aerodynamics and his current employer has not made it easy for Aston Martin to get its hands on its new recruit. As his contract with Red Bull runs until 2023 there was initially a suggestion he may be held to its entire duration, or placed on extensive gardening leave. Fallows was thought to have been removed from his factory position late last year and the expectation was he would therefore join Aston Martin before the end of 2022.However, there has been a court case between Fallows and Red Bull in the last couple of months as it transpired Fallows had attempted to resign after he was reassigned to non-F1 work within Red Bull Technologies. Red Bull rejected his resignation and contended that not only was Fallows contracted until the end of 2022, he also had a clause preventing him from working for another team until six months after the end of his contract. The initial ruling was in Red Bull’s favour in December but the case was set to continue later this month.
Now, Red Bull and Aston Martin have released a joint statement confirming Fallows will begin work with Aston Martin on April 2, 2022 and remain a Red Bull Technology employee until then. The statement included perfunctory statements from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, Aston Martin Performance Technologies group CEO Martin Whimarsh and Fallows himself. “We would like to thank Dan for his many years of excellent service and wish him well for the future,” said Horner. Whitmarsh said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Red Bull which releases Dan early from his contract and are looking forward to him joining the team.”
Fallows’ statement does not acknowledge Aston Martin by name. “I’ve enjoyed many happy years at Red Bull Racing and am proud of what we achieved,” he said. “I am looking forward to next season and a new challenge.” This is the second time Fallows’ employment has resulted in a complicated wrangle between Red Bull and a rival. He was set to join McLaren several years ago before Red Bull convinced him to stay a row that led to McLaren threatening court action that it eventually dropped. Fallows is a major recruitment by Aston Martin and one of many under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership designed to make the team a title challenger by 2025.
1%er
Well-Known Member
No Todt return for Ferrari, Briatore to Alpine
Jean Todt will not return to Ferrari as a consultant to the fabled Formula 1 team. That is the word from the authoritative Italian daily Corriere della Sera, following speculation former Ferrari boss Todt’s next move after stepping down as FIA president could be a return to the Maranello camp. “The president of the Cavallino (Ferrari) is not convinced about the ‘super-consultant’ role for which the FIA’s former number 1 had applied,” wrote correspondent Giorgio Terruzzi, referring to Ferrari president John Elkann and 75-year-old Frenchman Todt.Another rumour that still has legs in the Italian media, however, is that Flavio Briatore could be set for a return to Formula 1 with Renault-owned Alpine. A “very well-informed source” close to Alpine reportedly told the Spanish daily Marca: “A return for Briatore is very difficult, but in F1, these very difficult things can come true. I’ve seen it many times. Alain Prost had a mainly symbolic position and now that position is vacant, no matter how much they have said that Alpine does not need an advisor,” the source continues. "If he (Briatore) comes back, it would be in that role not as a boss or in team management, but as a consultant.”
It is thought that Briatore’s links with fellow Italian and Renault CEO Luca de Meo, and obviously the top Alpine driver Fernando Alonso, strengthens the chances that it will happen. Briatore “always made the most of the regulations and the distribution of power” when he was in charge of the Enstone based team, the source insisted.
[Briatore was banned from F1 for life in 2009 but that ban was lifted in 2013. Pat Symonds along with Briatore were both banned after it was proven they had played a part in ordering the Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet to crash into a wall to bring out the safety car and help his then-team-mate, Fernando Alonso, win].
1%er
Well-Known Member
McLaren ‘have had conversations’ with Volkswagen
McLaren have been in talks with Volkswagen about a possible collaboration, but Zak Brown says in the “short term and medium term” he is happy sticking with Mercedes. Volkswagen, through either its Audi or Porsche brand, or some reports claim even both, is considering entering Formula 1 in 2026. McLaren is just one team that has been linked to the VW Group, Audi specifically, while Red Bull are said to be in talks with Porsche. Audi are keen on purchasing a stake in the Woking team with Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s chief development officer, telling the publication: “The FIA have made some good decisions regarding the future of Formula 1 and last season was also very interesting. “But,” he added, “now we are focusing on the Dakar and Le Mans for the time being.”There was also a report back in November that McLaren could sell their Formula 1 team to Audi, although the Woking team was quick to quash that. “McLaren Group is aware of a news media report stating it has been sold to Audi,” read a team statement. “This is wholly inaccurate and McLaren is seeking to have the story removed.” Brown though has now revealed that McLaren did in fact speak with the Volkswagen Group, but insists they are happy sticking with Mercedes power for now. “I am hearing they (Volkswagen) are going to do something with Red Bull on the Porsche front,” he told Reuters. “I think they’ve spoken with a handful of people on the grid and as you would imagine we have had conversations but in the short term and medium term we’re very happy where we are.”
The CEO did make it clear that McLaren are open to further talks Volkswagen after the German group has officially laid out its plans for Formula 1. “I think that’s not been definitively decided and if they do (enter), we have a contract (with Mercedes) through this term,” added Brown. “Naturally we’re going to evaluate where we are and who’s in the sport and take a decision on what we’re going to do in 2026 in due course.” McLaren, fourth in last year’s championship and the only team to secure a 1-2 result in a grand prix, will continue with Mercedes power in 2022. The team swapped from Renault to Mercedes at the end of the 2020 season.
McLaren will unveil their Mercedes-powered 2022 challenger on 10 February.
dessiato
🇪🇸 my spirit is crying for leaving
I couldn't find any articles to back it up but looks like I'm out of a job.
So angry that you could spit fire?
spitfire
Walty McWaltface
I'm sad, not angry.
dessiato
🇪🇸 my spirit is crying for leaving
But the pun wouldn't have worked.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Surely the pun is mightier than the 'sad'?
1%er
Well-Known Member
Alfa Romeo change F1 team name and logo for 2022
Alfa Romeo's F1 team entry name will be tweaked for the 2022 season. Formerly Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, the team's official entry name for this year will be Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN. ORLEN are a Polish petroleum company and oil refiner that are Alfa Romeo's F1 title sponsors, on the back of Robert Kubica's involvement as a test and reserve driver. The name change has already occurred, as has the launch of the new team logo.
Alfa Romeo make a change for F1's new era:
With F1 entering a new era in terms of the regulations in 2022, Alfa Romeo have also seen fit to revitalise ahead of the season. "The launch of an updated name represents a new approach for the team, just as the sport enters a brave new era with its new regulations," read a short statement from the team. "While, at the same time, preserving the links to the recent past: it's an identity that conveys a strong statement of commitment from the team's title partners, Alfa Romeo and ORLEN, which remain with the team in long-term relationships and continue to push the team forward. The change will also be reflected in the chassis name submitted to the FIA – Alfa Romeo Racing to Alfa Romeo.
The team also boast a new driver line-up for 2022, with Valtteri Bottas joining from Mercedes alongside rookie signing Guanyu Zhou.
Alfa Romeo are yet to confirm the launch date of their 2022 car.
cybershot
Well-Known Member
I couldn't find any articles to back it up but looks like I'm out of a job.
Always thought this was a bit pointless in the modern era.
Ax^
Silly Rabbit
it was always pointless just was fun
trading off military flybys whilst introducing more and more race's
most of the flybys were treated as training exercises, they will still go ahead just not at race weekends
keep the sport green
on the course with this mclaren team member, he said it was 52 flights they would be making this season due to the calander
trading off military flybys whilst introducing more and more race's
most of the flybys were treated as training exercises, they will still go ahead just not at race weekends
keep the sport green
on the course with this mclaren team member, he said it was 52 flights they would be making this season due to the calander
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1%er
Well-Known Member
Williams F1 team parts company with engineering director
Williams has parted company with its Formula 1 engineering director Adam Carter as the team’s management restructure under Jost Capito continues.Carter had been with the Grove-based team since 2016 and effectively took over control of the technical department following the departure of Paddy Lowe at the start of the 2019 season.
A short statement issued on Friday by Williams team principal Capito confirmed his exit. “As we look ahead at our engineering strategy and requirements for the next year and beyond, we have made changes in our engineering structure,” said Capito. “Adam Carter has left the team and I would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution over the last six years.” It marks the latest change of personnel at Williams since the team’s sale to Dorilton Capital in September 2020.
Capito arrived as CEO during the following winter before moving into the team principal role when Simon Roberts left mid-way through last season. The German recruited former Volkswagen colleague Francois-Xavier Demaison as technical chief at the start of 2021, while former design boss Doug McKiernan left his role as part of the restructure.
1%er
Well-Known Member
New Mercedes turbo will allow for ‘more extreme strategies’
Mercedes’ 2022 power unit is a major improvement on last season, with their new-specification turbo reportedly significantly “enhancing” it. The Mercedes engine was sometimes matched by the Honda power unit in the back of the Red Bull last season, but the team still managed to claim nine race wins on their way to a record-eighth straight Constructors’ Championship victory.Formula 1 cars are undergoing radical changes in 2022, as a result of a new set of regulations that were delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aerodynamic changes are the main alteration, with smaller wings on the cars and the return of the ground effect. Furthermore, the engines are expected to drop by 20 horsepower relative to 2021, and an engine freeze means that teams cannot develop the power units after the first race in Bahrain. This means that perfecting the performance and reliability of the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines is crucial, particularly for Red Bull, who will be making their own powertrains following Honda’s departure from Formula 1.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has previously promised “a lot of innovation” from Maranello, and the Scuderia have reportedly overcome the aforementioned power drop as a result of a new fuel blend from Shell. Mercedes are aiming to achieve the same feat, and have manufactured a turbo “capable of enhancing the qualities of the six-cylinder and hybrid recharging, allowing more extreme strategies,” according to a report by the Italian edition of Motorsport.com. Wolff affirmed that Mercedes had “problems” with their power unit last year for the first time since the turn of the hybrid era. “We didn’t lose the championship because of the engine, but it’s true that we had problems for the first time in eight years,” Wolff told reporters
The Austrian indicated that what started out as a minor issue turned into a more significant one. “At first it only affected one component from a bad production run. This developed into an epidemic where the engines lost more power over the running time than before.” This year’s engines will run on 90 percent fossil fuels and 10 percent ethanol as F1 continues its push to become a more sustainable sport.
Mercedes will unveil their 2022 challenger on 18 February, just ahead of pre-season testing.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Silverstone and Monza warned over F1 calendar places
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi believes F1's "amazing tracks look a bit old and shabby" and has called on venues such as Monza and Silverstone to remain on "top of their game" to keep a spot on the calendar. F1's rise in popularity can be seen in the interest taken in hosting grands prix around the world, with a record-breaking 23-race calendar slated for the upcoming season. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali indicated last year there were talks with several interested parties over hosting future events, including in Africa, whilst Qatar has already been confirmed for 2023.As per the current Concorde Agreement, the sport has a maximum of 25 races available per calendar year, putting the futures of current venues at risk. Citing the infrastructure at newer circuits, especially in the Middle East, speaking in an end-of-season interview, Rossi said: "I personally think it's setting the bar high, in terms of infrastructure [and it] makes some venerable, amazing tracks look a bit old and shabby. Especially when you are in Abu Dhabi, it's all perfect, it's very nice and they're making the right modifications on the track. I think Abu Dhabi now is much better than it used to be. The drivers certainly like it. Perhaps, in Saudi, they went a bit too far because there are high speeds [for a street circuit], so they need to do a bit of… In F2, as well as F1, it benefited us, Alpine, most times. F1 we managed to get away from the crashes, there were probably too many crashes. That said, I like the take on new tracks, interesting designs, and amazing infrastructure. For me, it's an interesting way of stretching everyone back in the old continent [Europe] to not sleep on your own laurels. It's great to be in Monza and Silverstone, and I love those races very much, but you need to stay on top of your game because the others will probably build... I guess Miami will try and do the same. They've built something to make sure that if you fall asleep, they'll get the spot.”
