
Motor racing-F1 drivers more open to Andretti than their teams
By Alan Baldwin DOHA (Reuters) -Formula One drivers, including world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, sounded much more open
2023-10-06 01:20

British F2 star to make F1 debut with Haas
British Formula 2 star Oliver Bearman will drive for Haas in practice sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi later this year. The 18-year-old, from Chelmsford, is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and Haas currently receive their engines from the Italian giants. As a result of their partnership and Haas’ requirement to fill at least two first practice sessions a season with a rookie driver, Bearman will feature in FP1 in Mexico City later this month and at the season-finale in Abu Dhabi in November. Bearman is currently sixth in the F2 standings with four victories to his name. He won the Italian F4 championship in 2021 and raced in Formula 3 last year, finishing third. “I am so happy to be joining MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driving in Mexico and Abu Dhabi,” said Bearman. “Getting to Formula 1 has been my dream since I was go-karting so to be driving a car for the first time this year is really special. “I’m grateful to the team, and of course Ferrari, for allowing me this chance. I’m working hard to make sure I’m ready to support the team as best I can on both occasions.” Haas team principal Guenther Steiner added: “We’re very happy to offer Oliver Bearman these outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi “He’s had a stellar rookie season in Formula 2, four wins is testament to that, and as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy – we know his background preparation coming into these weekends will be first-rate. We look forward to welcoming Oliver into the team and have him drive the VF-23.” Bearman will be present in the paddock this weekend in Qatar as he embeds himself within the Haas team ahead of his first outing in Mexico City on 27 October. Read More ‘Referees make mistakes’: Pierre Gasly compares Liverpool VAR farce to Abu Dhabi controversy Aston Martin boss urges F1 to stick to 10 teams Mick Schumacher holds talks with Alpine over 2024 drive
2023-10-05 18:20

Daniel Ricciardo ruled out of Qatar Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo will miss his fifth grand prix in a row this weekend in Qatar with Liam Lawson again filling in for AlphaTauri. Ricciardo, who only returned to the F1 grid in July after replacing the axed Nyck de Vries, broke a bone in his hand during second practice at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. Red Bull junior driver Lawson has since stepped in and impressed, recording the team’s best score of the season with a ninth-place finish in Singapore. Nonetheless, in the meantime, both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have been confirmed as AlphaTauri drivers for 2024. Yet this weekend’s sprint weekend in Qatar will once again come soon for 34-year-old Ricciardo, who will now target a return at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 20-22. Ricciardo has only competed in two races for AlphaTauri – in Hungary and Belgium prior to the summer break – while Lawson has featured in four. New Zealand driver Lawson, despite his eye-catching performances, has not found a seat for 2024 – though has been linked with the only unconfirmed spot on the grid at Williams amid Logan Sargeant’s struggles. Ricciardo, meanwhile, will race with Red Bull’s sister team next year in the hope it puts him in a position to take Sergio Perez’s seat for 2025. Perez’s team-mate Max Verstappen can secure his third straight world title during the sprint race this Saturday in Qatar. The Dutchman only needs to finish sixth or higher in the 100km dash around the Lusail International Circuit. Read More Mick Schumacher holds talks with Alpine over 2024 drive Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link Mercedes chief details ‘very ambitious targets’ for 2024 car
2023-10-03 19:18

Andretti F1 team entry bid accepted by FIA
The FIA have announced that Andretti Formula Racing are the only team who’ve been approved for a potential team entry into Formula 1. World motorsport’s governing body started a process at the start of this year for potential additions to the grid, with an eye on the new power unit regulations in 2026. The likes of Rodin Carlin, Hitech GP and an Asia-based entry were all considered but Andretti – owned by Michael Andretti, the son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario – are the only team whose application has been approved, following a partnership announced with General Motors’ brand Cadillac. The process now moves onto Formula 1 itself, which said on Monday will “conduct their own assessment of the merits of the remaining application.” “Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process. “In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motor sport participation and development. “Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.” Read More Mick Schumacher holds talks with Alpine over 2024 drive Daniel Ricciardo fitness update ahead of Qatar Grand Prix F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Qatar Grand Prix?
2023-10-02 23:27

Motor racing-Andretti wins FIA approval of bid to enter F1 as 11th team
LONDON Formula One's governing body said on Monday it had approved Andretti Formula Racing as a candidate to
2023-10-02 23:15

F1: How can Max Verstappen win 2023 world championship in Qatar?
Max Verstappen only needs to finish in the top six in the Saturday sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix to secure the 2023 F1 drivers’ title. The Red Bull driver has dominated this season, winning 13 of the 15 races as well as two of the three sprints. COMMENT: The rise of Oscar Piastri - a genuine contender for Lando Norris at last He most recently won in Japan, having previously failed to finish on the podium for the first time in 2023 after a mysterious drop in performance in Singapore. Nonetheless, Verstappen’s current total of 400 points puts him 177 points clear of team-mate Sergio Perez with 180 points left on the table. Here’s how Verstappen can secure title No 3 in Qatar How can Max Verstappen win 2023 F1 world championship? It’s quite simple – Verstappen only needs three more points between now and the end of the season in Abu Dhabi. Recent history suggests that will come in the next race, which is the Saturday sprint race (100km dash) around the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. As a result, Verstappen only needs to finish sixth or higher – regardless of where Perez finishes – to secure his third-straight world title. Though an unlikely set of circumstances, a seventh-place finish would be enough if Perez comes second, while eighth would also secure the title if Perez finishes third. Verstappen could secure the world title without scoring in the points, too. If Perrez finishes fourth or lower in the sprint race, Verstappen will be the champion regardless of where he finishes. If Perez wins the sprint and Verstappen fails to score a point (top eight-finish), then Verstappen would still be crowned champion if he finishes eighth or higher during Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen will leave Qatar as the champion if he has a points advantage of 146 points or more. What are the timings for the Qatar Grand Prix? The next race weekend of the 2023 season, the Qatar Grand Prix, takes place from Friday 6 October – Sunday 8 October as F1 returns to Lusail for the first time since the inaugural race in 2021. The schedule is as follows: first practice takes place at 2:30pm (BST) on Friday before qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix at 6pm. On Saturday, the sprint shootout which determines the grid for the sprint race takes place at 2pm before the sprint race itself at 6:30pm (BST). The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday starts at 6pm (BST). Read More Adrian Newey reveals ‘emotional’ Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton regret Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link Christian Horner reveals Max Verstappen ambition ahead of Japan victory Mick Schumacher holds talks with Alpine over 2024 drive Daniel Ricciardo fitness update ahead of Qatar Grand Prix F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Qatar Grand Prix?
2023-10-02 23:15

Mick Schumacher holds talks with Alpine over 2024 drive
Alpine have revealed talks between the team and Mick Schumacher over a potential drive in the World Endurance Championship next year. Schumacher was dropped from his F1 race seat at Haas last year following two underwhelming seasons with Guenther Steiner’s team. The 24-year-old, son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael, has however been present in the paddock this season as a reserve driver for Mercedes. But with a spot on the grid in 2024 looking increasingly unlikely Schumacher is now exploring other racing options, one of which is endurance racing and the prospect of driving at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as Alpine return to the Hypercar category next year. “It’s true that we are talking with Mick about the possibility to race in our endurance programme with the A424,” said interim Alpine F1 team boss Bruno Famin. “It would be a good opportunity for both parties. But for the time being we are just talking and hopefully we will organise a test soon.” It is thought that any endurance opportunities would be in tandem with his role as a Mercedes reserve again next year, with Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff open to Schumacher racing in other series’ after a year out of action. Logan Sargeant’s seat at Williams is now the only unconfirmed spot on the F1 grid next year, with the American’s future up in the air after a season where he is yet to score a point, while team-mate Alex Albon has scored 21 points. Schumacher has been linked with the seat, with Wolff’s former Mercedes strategist James Vowles now in charge of the Grove-based outfit. Other options for Williams include 2022 F2 champion and current Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich and Liam Lawson, who has impressed deputising for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri. Sargeant will next have a chance to score points at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen can secure his third straight world title in the sprint race on Saturday. Read More The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last F1: How can Max Verstappen win 2023 world championship in Qatar? Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link Daniel Ricciardo fitness update ahead of Qatar Grand Prix F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Qatar Grand Prix? How can Max Verstappen win 2023 F1 world championship in Qatar?
2023-10-02 17:58

Daniel Ricciardo fitness update ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo is “less likely” to feature at the Qatar Grand Prix next week, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Ricciardo, who returned to the F1 grid in July after replacing Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, broke a bone in his hand during practice at the Dutch Grand Prix in late August. The Australian has not featured since and although he is making progress in his recovery, next week’s race in Lusail looks like it will come a bit too soon. “I would say probably less likely than likely at the moment,” Horner said, when asked by Sky Sports News whether Ricciardo would feature in Qatar. "His recuperation is going well but he’s fixed in the seat for next year, does he need to rush a hasty return for Qatar where maybe another couple of weeks for Austin, which is a hell of a bumpy circuit anyway, it might be better to use that time in preparation for Austin. "I know he’s got his sights fixed on Qatar, he’ll drive the simulator next week and then we’ll make some decisions based on that." In Ricciardo’s absence, Liam Lawson has filled in and impressed, especially with his ninth-place finish in Singapore which secured Red Bull’s sister team their best result of the season. “He’s done a great job; he’s really impressed us,” Horner said of Lawson. "He’s done exactly what we could have asked for in terms of grabbing the opportunity in Daniel’s absence to really show his capability. That’s turned some heads and it’s done him a lot of good. "We’ll keep developing him when he goes back into that test and reserve role and he’ll be a candidate certainly for 2025." Despite his good form, as it stands Lawson willnot be on the grid next year, with Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda keeping their seats at Alpha in 2024. Lawson has, however, been linked with replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams, with the American’s seat the only position on the grid yet to be confirmed for next year. Read More F1: How can Max Verstappen win 2023 world championship in Qatar? Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last F1 2023 race schedule: When is the Qatar Grand Prix? How can Max Verstappen win 2023 F1 world championship in Qatar? F1 team application to join grid with female driver in 2026 rejected
2023-09-29 19:51

F1 team application to join grid with female driver in 2026 rejected
Rodin Cars have revealed their application to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 – with a female driver in one of their two seats – has been rejected by the FIA. The statement from the New Zealand-based outfit added that they expect Andretti Global’s bid to be the only successful application. Rodin’s founder David Dicker released a statement on Thursday explaining the decision and the main aspects of Rodin’s bid, detailing they would have had “no hesitation” in putting three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick in a race seat. Formula 1 has not had a female racer since 1976, with Jessica Hawkins last week becoming the first woman in nearly five years to test an F1 car. They also would have been based out of New Zealand, making them the only manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, and would have pursued a potential collaboration with Ferrari. “Rodin Cars participated in the recent FIA process aimed at gaining entry into the prestigious Formula 1 World Championship - unfortunately, our bid was not successful,” Dicker said in a statement. “This statement is intended to provide insight into the key points of our bid that we believe justified its merit. We wish to emphasise that our objective here is not to criticise the FIA or seek a reconsideration of its decision. We fully respect and accept the outcome.” The statement adds that they have tested Chadwick and New Zealand drivers Liam Lawson – currently filling in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri – and youngster Louis Sharp in F3 cars and their own Rodin FZed car, which they claim is quicker than an F2 car. Dicker also emphasised that Carlin have a history of junior open-wheel programmes in F4, GB3, F3 and F2, while Andretti only has a history in US racing. The Australian chief insisted Rodin cars is “financially equipped to fully fund the Formula 1 program (sic) from the personal wealth of our founder” but nonetheless “extended our best wishes to Andretti for their successful bid.” The FIA opened an expressions of interest process at the start of the year, with prospective entries invited to bid for a spot as an 11th team on the grid, potentially as early as when new regulations come into play in 2026. Andretti - owned by Michael Andretti, the son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario - has already announced a partnership with General Motors’ brand Cadillac, while other applications include from British racing team Hitech GP. The FIA and Formula 1 are yet to formally comment on the ongoing process. Read More Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to drive F1 test in five years Jamie Chadwick on her new adventure in IndyCar and ‘ultimate goal’ of F1 seat Aussie billionaire David Dicker enters race for new team to join F1 grid Adrian Newey reveals ‘emotional’ Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton regret Christian Horner gives Lando Norris update amid Red Bull link George Russell ‘can’t argue’ with Lewis Hamilton’s status at Mercedes
2023-09-28 20:57

Adrian Newey reveals ‘emotional’ Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton regret
Red Bull design chief Adrian Newey admits he has an “emotional” regret about not working for Ferrari during his career – as well as teaming up with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Newey, the man chiefly responsible for this year’s RB19 car which secured the 2023 constructors’ championship on Sunday in Japan, has worked for Red Bull since 2006 but has been approached by Ferrari three times throughout his career. The 64-year-old engineer worked for Williams and McLaren prior to his time at Red Bull and revealed to the Beyond the Grid podcast that Ferrari offered him a role three times, with a move in 1993 the most tempting. “[Ferrari approached] me in my IndyCar days, which probably doesn’t count, then ’93 and famously in 2014,” he said. “The ’93 one was very tempting.” However, Newey detailed that the breakdown of his first marriage – impacted by his time in the United States with IndyCar – meant he opted against making a move to Maranello, Ferrari’s HQ in Italy, due to his second marriage. Another advance in 2014, Newey admits, was due to Red Bull’s engine issues at the start of Mercedes’ hybrid-era dominance. “My discussions in 2013 with Ferrari were purely out of frustration,” Newey said. “I really didn’t want to leave but we were in this position where Renault hadn’t produced a competitive turbo hybrid engine. “We went to see Carlos Ghosn [ex-Renault CEO] to try and put pressure on him to up the budget. Ghosn’s reply was ‘Well I have no interest in Formula 1. I’m only in it because my marketing people say I should be.’ That was such a depressing place to be.” Asked if he regretted turning down Ferrari, Newey responded: “Emotionally, I guess, to a point. Yes. “But just as, for instance, working with Fernando and Lewis would have been fabulous. But it never happened. It’s just circumstance sometimes, that’s the way it is.” Newey has been involved in six F1 drivers’ victories at Red Bull and is on the cusp of a seventh with Max Verstappen able to secure his third championship next week in Qatar. The Brit has won a total of 12 constructors’ championships with three different teams during his long and successful career in Formula 1. Read More Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last George Russell ‘can’t argue’ with Lewis Hamilton’s status at Mercedes Christian Horner gives Lando Norris update amid Red Bull link George Russell ‘can’t argue’ with Lewis Hamilton’s status at Mercedes Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit
2023-09-28 18:28

Christian Horner admits ‘keeping an eye’ on Lando Norris amid Red Bull link
Christian Horner admits Red Bull are “keeping an eye” on Lando Norris with regards to their second seat for 2025. The constructors’ champions tied down Max Verstappen – who could secure his third-straight F1 drivers’ title in Qatar next week – to a lucrative contract until 2028, but the team’s second seat is sooner up for grabs. Sergio Perez has a deal until the end of 2024 but has struggled for consistency this season and is now only 33 points clear of Lewis Hamilton in the battle for second place in the world championship. Perez will be up against the likes of AlphaTauri pair Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson, for a spot alongside Verstappen and the Dutchman’s close friend Norris has also been linked with a switch. “Lando’s a great driver – he’s a big talent, big personality and of course he’s one of those drivers that you keep an eye on,” Horner told Sky Sports News. “But there’s many drivers that you keep an eye on as well. There’s a huge generation of drivers out there at the moment that have got a huge amount of talent. “Now, being Max’s team-mate is never going to be easy and some drivers may be up for that challenge, some may not be. But of course as well as the drivers we have in-house, we keep an eye on all the driver market. “As you can imagine, there’s quite a bit of interest from certain sectors about driving a Red Bull car.” Despite the links, McLaren insisted that conversations are ongoing about extending Norris’ deal beyond 2025. His team-mate, Oscar Piastri, penned an extension last week until the end of 2026. “We are optimistic that this pair of drivers will be the pair of drivers at McLaren for a long time,” said McLaren team principal Andrea Stella last week. “We’re certainly having conversations with Lando. They are good conversations, we are happy with how these conversations are going.” Norris added: “I’ve always said I want to win with McLaren and I think we’re getting closer and closer to achieving that. And not just win races but win championships, both driver and constructors. “I’m very much just concentrating on this year, next year and 2025. There are still two-and-a-half years to try and progress and we’ll see then.” Read More The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last Lando Norris claims McLaren on ‘an upward trend’ after double podium Christian Horner reveals Max Verstappen ambition ahead of Japan victory George Russell ‘can’t argue’ with Lewis Hamilton’s status at Mercedes Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit Aston Martin’s Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to test F1 car since 2018
2023-09-28 17:15

George Russell ‘can’t argue’ with Lewis Hamilton’s status at Mercedes
George Russell cannot complain about Lewis Hamilton receiving preferential treatment due to his higher status at Mercedes, says ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson. The Mercedes pair, who are coming to the end of their second season together, jostled for position on track at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. With Hamilton on fresher tyres, he made the move stick – but Russell was irritated that his request for his team-mate to give him DRS to help defend from Carlos Sainz fell on deaf ears. Hamilton, who has won six of his seven world titles at Mercedes, has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 and Davidson insists it is no surprise that the 38-year-old still has a higher status in the garage than his compatriot Russell. “There’s definitely a hierarchy in that team,” Davidson told Sky Sports’ F1 Podcast. “And rightly so. Lewis has earned that status in that team as a seven-time world champion and George can’t argue against that. George is still the understudy and he’s doing a very good job on those occasions where he’s got the speed over Lewis to really take the fight to him. “But he’s doing it in such a ‘George Russell polite way’ which is quite humorous to watch because I know inside the car, he’ll be fuming and steaming. ‘And that’s why we see the near misses, the drivers coming almost to blows, almost to contact, but then he’s a good boy on the radio, he’s very British about it.” Russell beat Hamilton in the championship standings last year while also claiming Mercedes’ only victory in 2022, when he secured his first F1 win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. However, Hamilton is 75 points clear of Russell this season with six races to go. “He [Russell] knows he’s got the speed, we all see it as well from the outside,” Davidson added. “Lewis is getting his elbows out when he needs to. I’m really intrigued by this battle and watching George develop as a driver and watching Lewis in his latter years in his career.” Mercedes are still searching for their first win in 2023; a goal they will continue to strive for at the next race in Qatar (6-8 October) where Max Verstappen can claim his third-straight drivers’ title. Read More Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last Lewis Hamilton frustrated by Mercedes strategy in Japanese Grand Prix Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit Aston Martin’s Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to test F1 car since 2018 Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to drive F1 test in five years
2023-09-27 19:50