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Ten things we learned from F1's 2021 British Grand Prix

Formula 1, the British Grand Prix and a sold out Silverstone – it had the feeling of familiarity after the unknown and empty grandstands since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. But the 2021 British GP was anything but recognisable, starting on the Thursday with the first showing of a full-scale 2022 F1 car model and then a new weekend format which pivoted around the inaugural sprint qualifying race. It all resulted in a dramatic and controversial victory for Lewis Hamilton after his lap one collision with Max Verstappen which sent the F1 world championship leader into a 51G impact with the tyre barriers. Hamilton recovered from a 10-second time penalty for the incident to reel in shock leader Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and overtake him with just two laps to go – maximising his advantage with Verstappen out and cutting the deficit in the standings to eight points. While penalties and sportsmanship became the major post-race talking points, it created a race weekend jammed with action and memorable moments. Here are 10 things we learned from the 2021 British GP. 1. The first major clash of Hamilton vs Verstappen reveals true rivalry (By Alex Kalinauckas)

Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver's sprint race victory Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images It's easy to see why the Lewis Hamilton/Max Verstappen collision at Copse, which put the Red Bull driver out in a scary, high-speed accident, is being described as 'inevitable' – because, really, it was. They have already clashed once in 2021 – at Imola. Then there was Verstappen's divebomb in Spain, plus the ultra-on-the-line close racing between them between Abbey and the approach to Copse in both Silverstone races. But the reason why the grand prix clash ended as it did is precisely because of the championship situation Hamilton faces, as well as the fierce nature of both driver's on-track attitude. Hamilton came into the British GP 33 points down on Verstappen. This isn't 2017-2021, when the Mercedes driver could afford to take a 'big picture' championship-points-tally-consideration view in 50-50 moves. He has more to lose now if something goes wrong, vital ground in a title battle where he has a slower package, so simply cannot afford to give an inch. And that's Verstappen's attitude overall – just look at his reaction to Hamilton getting alongside at Abbey and Brooklands on Sunday. In the crash, Hamilton deserved a penalty for causing the incident, but it was still a fine call. Don't expect this to be the last flashpoint of the 2021 title fight. 2. F1's penalty system needs to be explained better (By Jonathan Noble)

Lewis Hamilton had to sit stationary in his pitbox for 10s before his mechanics could service him Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images Red Bull's calls for Lewis Hamilton to be given a race ban for his part in the opening-lap crash with Max Verstappen were always going to fall on deaf ears. But you could fully understand its frustration that the 10-second penalty given to Lewis Hamilton for the clash ultimately cost the world champion nothing. Although it meant he had to fight a bit harder for the victory, he was still able to come home with the full 25 points. While that may seem unfair for Verstappen, who saw his title advantage slashed massively, F1 is quite right not to dish out penalties based on the consequences of offences. For doing it that way could open an even worse scenario where drivers get heavy sanctions for relatively minor rule breaches, but the book thrown at them when a tiny issue has big consequences. What perhaps is most lacking in F1 is actually a definition of driving rules and etiquette – so fans are better able to judge incidents based on the same criteria the stewards use. That would be hugely helpful in preventing the kind of polarised opinions that have engulfed social media in the last 24 hours. 3. A spirited sprint success, but the overall verdict remains to be decided (By James Newbold)

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W12, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF21, and the rest of the field at the start Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images Until the ill-fated clash of the titans at Copse, the weekend's biggest talking point had been F1's inaugural sprint race (let's call it what it was, shall we?) which generated mixed reviews. From "weird" according to Sebastian Vettel) to "I loved it" from Charles Leclerc, just about everybody had their opinion. Many welcomed the added excitement it brought to Fridays and the engineering challenge of getting the set-up nailed in FP1, while others questioned the relevance of FP2 when the cars were in parc ferme conditions which meant evaluating tyres was the only feasible action. The 17-lap distance allowed for variation in tyre strategies which was seized upon by Fernando Alonso, whose star turn on the soft tyres undoubtedly enlivened the proceedings as the race for the top four proved pretty static after the opening lap. F1 now faces a decision over whether to continue its experiment beyond the two further (as yet unconfirmed) sprint events planned for this season and, if so, whether to make further tweaks. Series bosses are encouraged by initial feedback, and have an unspecified "job list" to work through, but can at least be pleased that the format shake-up achieved what it set out to in building anticipation throughout the weekend. 4. Two-day race weekends look realistic option to ease pressure on growing F1 calendar (JNob)

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, waves to fans after securing pole Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images F1's first sprint race trial at the British Grand Prix can be viewed as an overall success. The boost in audience figures on Friday, plus increased interest for the Saturday 17-lap dash that provided a few spills and thrills, were exactly what F1 chiefs wanted. Sure there are some things that need improving – like the issue of Saturday's final free-practice being pretty much of no interest to fans on TV – but this is just a case of tidying up rather than starting from a clean sheet of paper. And, of course, the sooner the FIA goes back to awarding pole position in the history books to the fastest driver in Friday qualifying, rather than the winner of the sprint, the better things will be. But the success of the compressed format has also reopened the debate on whether F1 actually needs to stick at three-day weekends. Hamilton suggested a two-day schedule in the future would be the right way to go. It's something that F1 has baulked at in the past, and circuits would certainly not be happy at losing an extra day's ticket sales. But could it be something that proves preferable for some venues in exchange for holding one of F1's Grand Slam sprint weekends? 5. F1 at its best with packed crowds as Silverstone roars again (AK)

Fans cheer from the grandstands Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images Questions over the merits of letting a capacity crowd – that totalled 365,000 at Silverstone over the entire British GP weekend – gather during an ongoing pandemic should directed to the UK government, with the track itself understandably just trying to stay afloat in these awful times. But the fans in attendance were treated to an exceptional sporting event. Friday night qualifying produced two exceptional displays from British drivers in front their home fans, with the reaction to George Russell's Q3 lap the highlight for this writer given how the Williams racer was cheered from corner-to-corner. Then the sprint race delivered nicely in terms of an interesting race, even if it wasn't the all-out thriller some claimed. But it did set up a grand prix that fizzled spectacularly throughout – capped by the title rivals colliding and Leclerc nearly holding on for a famous against-the-odds victory. But there's an interesting footnote to Hamilton's victory. Motorsport.com was told there were plenty of new, younger fans seen at Silverstone – with an apparent increase in female spectators too. It will be interesting to see if this can be backed up in official data, but even anecdotally it suggests the 'Netflix effect', as well as Hamilton's laudable efforts to help diversify motorsport are having an impact. And what a race they were treated to, hopefully cementing lifelong motorsport fan status. 6. Leclerc demonstrates Ferrari's resurgence (By Jake Boxall-Legge)

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF21, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12 Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images Leclerc was unbelievably close to a surprise victory at the British GP, but there wasn't quite enough in the tank to repel Hamilton's late assault for the lead. But Leclerc had been stellar, and his opportunistic move to clear Hamilton moments after the Verstappen incident rewarded him with the upper hand for the restart. His getaway from the pole spot and subsequent managing of the gap to Hamilton were incredibly well-judged and, despite facing engine cut-out issues while in the lead, Leclerc was able to weather the storm and find enough in reserve to keep Hamilton at bay. The seven-time champion's recovery post-penalty, however, was too much for Leclerc to resist and his slight wide moment at Copse was the only blot on the Monegasque's copybook. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz Jr's recovery in the sprint and continued progress in the race also showed the pace of the Ferrari in the pack, although his ascent was halted by a slow pitstop. That dropped him behind Daniel Ricciardo, whose McLaren proved to be a tough cookie to overtake. Nonetheless, Ferrari has showed greatly improved form after a disastrous Paul Ricard race, and the upcoming Hungarian GP could be a race in which the Scuderia truly shines. 7. Perez suffers like those before him in Red Bull's second seat (By Haydn Cobb)

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, and Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, on the grid, ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 car unveiling Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images Sergio Perez appeared to have the Red Bull support role nailed after picking up the pieces to win in Baku and then claim a deserved podium at the next race at Paul Ricard. But after being in the wars in Austria against McLaren's Lando Norris and Leclerc, Perez's performance in the British GP had shades of the struggles Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon endured before the Mexican came to Red Bull's rescue. It must be said it is down to fine margins, but qualifying behind Leclerc on Friday night set the wheels in motion for Perez's downward spiral. Trapped in the midfield battle at the start of the feisty sprint race, he was caught out by dirty air and spun off, to be condemned to the back of the grid for the main event. Despite Red Bull F1 car tweaks made in a bid to aid his retaliation in the grand prix, but also meaning a pitlane start, Perez was making progress until he got stuck in DRS trains and then got impatient and collided with Kimi Raikkonen. A P10 finish was as good as it was going to get until Red Bull sacrificed that solitary point to pit Perez for softs to take the fastest lap point away from Hamilton – even though finishing outside of the top 10 meant he wouldn't earn the point himself. Perez has slipped back to fifth place in the standings and is set to play 'who can be the best support driver' against Valtteri Bottas for the rest of the year. 8. Old dog Alonso makes the most of new tricks (HC) Fernando Alonso, Alpine A521, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL35M, and Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB16B Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images Alonso demonstrated he's lost none of his racecraft with his stunning start to the sprint. The Alpine driver's charge from 11th to fifth was aided by his soft tyre gamble, but the TV onboard footage was reminiscent of the old Alonso - carving through the pack and finding gaps few others can. As his softs faded and left him seventh for the start of the main event, the double world champion held his nerve against an early attack from Vettel, before his old rival spun off on his inside at Woodcote, and went on to take seventh to extend his points-scoring run to a fifth race. The British GP marks Alonso's last race before his turns 40 and after a steady start to his F1 comeback, slowed by his pre-season training accident and adapting to his Alpine surroundings, he feels fresher and ready – a warning that the old dog has learned new tricks. "After the accident at the beginning of the year, in the first couple of races, there was still a part of the stress of coming back to the sport. I was concerned about the jaw, about the shoulder as well that I had the small injury with," Alonso said after the British GP. "But now, I'm super fit and I am 200%. "Next week is another number. So we'll eat some cake. But apart from that, it's going to be a very normal weekend. I feel 25. So whatever number it says in the passport it's not what I feel." 9. Williams progress clear but Russell is making the difference (JNew)

George Russell, Williams, waves to fans from Parc Ferme after Qualifying Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images Hamilton's qualifying triumph on Friday stole the headlines, but one of the biggest cheers from the crowd was reserved for Russell's lap of honour in his one and only Q3 run. The Williams driver made the final segment of qualifying for the third race in a row with the eighth quickest time, raising questions over whether the FW43B should be considered a Q3 car henceforth. The team's head of vehicle performance Dave Robson reckoned it was "a little too early to say whether that's going to be something that's a regular occurrence", admitting he expected Williams would find it harder than in Austria but the "very calm conditions" on Friday evening played to the car's strengths. Despite the Hungaroring requiring a totally different set-up, Robson predicts "there's a good chance we'll be there or there abouts". But even if it's not, Russell can be counted on to make the difference. While his weekend went downhill after qualifying - a first-lap tangle in the sprint with Sainz resulted in a "harsh" three-place grid penalty for the grand prix that he couldn't recover from against cars that remain quicker in race-trim - Russell is in the form of his life right now. "I think there's an element for him of getting on that upward spiral," explained Robson. The question now is, how high can it go? 10. What the 2022 F1 show car hints at (JBL)

The 2022 Formula 1 car launch event on the Silverstone grid Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images Although F1's vision for 2022 has been long defined after the unveiling of the all-new regulations (initially planned for 2021) back in 2019, the championship's promoters unveiled a full-size model of its interpretation of next year's chargers. Of course, it came with all the bells and whistles expected for next year: the low-slung nose directly attached to the front wing, the simplified bodywork and focus on ground-effect aerodynamics all featured on the car wrapped in a distinctive holographic livery. That being said, there were a few small differences between the physical model and the render, particularly around the front end; the nose tip sat in the middle of the leading front wing element, rather than protruding beyond them, hinting at the variation the teams can employ. Although F1 elected to pick a representation of next year's rules largely based on aesthetics, it can only be expected that the teams will take a more pragmatic view of the rules and might not necessarily stick to the spirit of them. There's a greater focus on prescribed designs and single-spec components to cut costs and develop the aero effect that F1 has studied and earmarked as the way forward for closer on-track racing, but those effects will surely be a little diluted when it comes to the actual range of cars next year. Regardless, it's an exciting new direction for F1; although some have questioned the necessity of the new rules as 2021 continues to intrigue us all, the British GP still showed the difficulties of racing within the current level of dirty air. The new rules should reduce that problem, should everything go to plan. By Alex Kalinauckas, Jonathan Noble, James Newbold, Jake Boxall-Legge and Haydn Cobb Read the full article

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years ago

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Method 1: All you should learn about F1

The Belgian GP is reside on 5 reside, 5 reside sports activities further and the BBC Sport web site

Method 1 was purported to spend a lot of the final three and a half weeks for the reason that Hungarian Grand Prix on a summer time break, however the groups and drivers appear to not have gotten the message.

The usually quiet August interval as an alternative ended up witnessing a collection of main information tales, together with on the way forward for one of many sport’s greatest icons.

Here’s a helpful catch-up information on every thing you should know as F1 returns for the decisive second a part of the season, beginning at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix on the basic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Alonso’s leaving

Fernando Alonso first raced in Method 1 in 2001 and he gained the world title twice in his profession

Undoubtedly the most important story of the summer time break was Fernando Alonso’s announcement that he’s to go away F1 on the finish of this season.

The 37-year-old Spaniard continues to be on the prime of his sport – which makes him with Lewis Hamilton arguably one of the best driver within the sport – however he says he can discover “larger challenges” than F1 can offer elsewhere.

What that actually means is that not one of the prime groups wish to signal him, and he doesn’t consider his McLaren workforce, after a season by which simply how far they’ve fallen has been laid naked, can grow to be aggressive within the close to future.

Alonso is prone to transfer to a full-time Indycar programme, with the purpose of successful the Indianapolis 500 and turning into solely the second man in historical past to win motorsport’s unofficial ‘triple crown’ of Monaco Grand Prix (or F1 title, relying on the way you swing), Le Mans and Indy.

Meaning F1 followers probably have solely 9 extra races to get pleasure from Alonso’s distinctive talents, fascinating persona and charisma. Many will likely be hoping that someway his McLaren will enable him to discover a option to exit on a excessive, unlikely as which will appear.

Ricciardo’s transferring – and so are many others

Daniel Ricciardo has gained two races this season however failed to complete in an additional 4

Alonso’s announcement was really the second massive driver information of the summer time, following every week or so after Daniel Ricciardo introduced his resolution to maneuver from Pink Bull to Renault for 2019.

It was identified that the likeable Australian was vacillating over signing his Pink Bull contract – he had it in his briefcase over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend – besides, the transfer got here as one thing of a shock to most in F1.

That is due to the plain efficiency distinction between Pink Bull and Renault. They is likely to be F1’s third and fourth finest groups in the intervening time, however the hole between them is so massive that the Renaults have been lapped by the Pink Bulls at some races this season.

Ricciardo defined on Thursday in Belgium that it was “not at all a straightforward resolution” however that he felt he was turning into a bit stale at Pink Bull and needed some contemporary motivation.

He mentioned he was impressed by the presentation made to him on how Renault plan to maneuver as much as compete for wins and world titles within the subsequent few years.

Ricciardo’s resolution has set in movement a complete load of different strikes.

He will likely be replaced at Red Bull by Frenchman Pierre Gasly, whose F1 profession solely began this season, and Spaniard Carlos Sainz has been launched from his Pink Bull contract to affix McLaren.

Many different driver strikes dangle within the stability, not least thriller over whom Toro Rosso will fill each their automobiles with subsequent season. There may be additionally hypothesis over who Sainz’s team-mate at McLaren will likely be – both incumbent Stoffel Vandoorne, their reserve Lando Norris or Drive India’s Esteban Ocon – and the line-ups at each Williams and Drive India.

Which brings us on to…

Drive India have been saved

Sergio Perez began administration proceedings in opposition to Drive India to fend off a winding-up petition from one other creditor

Drive India went into the summer time break in administration however had been shortly saved by a consortium of businessman led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, the daddy of Williams driver Lance.

That has led to the moderately odd state of affairs whereby Stroll owns one workforce however his son drives for an additional. The conclusion to that’s apparent – Lance strikes to Drive India. That can virtually actually occur for 2019, however there stays a risk it may occur earlier than then.

After that, who will likely be Stroll’s team-mate in 2019 out of Drive India’s present pairing, Ocon and Sergio Perez?

The plain conclusion is Perez, as he triggered the administration process having taken recommendation from the workforce’s administration, and his Mexican backing is price extra financially than the advantages of getting Mercedes-backed Ocon.

The Frenchman can be proving marginally superior this 12 months – so if Perez stayed, that might make the not-so-far massively spectacular Stroll Jr look higher in opposition to his team-mate.

Not solely that, however Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is making an attempt to influence McLaren to take Ocon – and the 21-year-old is a tempting alternative as a identified and extremely rated amount to place alongside Sainz.

Vandoorne, alternatively, has regarded unconvincing alongside Alonso since he made his debut in 2017, and Norris is clearly gifted however nonetheless very uncooked, and would arguably be higher served with a second season in Method Two in 2019.

Nevertheless, whereas Drive India haven’t but essentially modified their title, legally they’re a brand new entity, and meaning they want permission from all different groups for his or her rights to prize cash to be transferred.

McLaren, Williams and Renault are holding out on that permission as a result of they concern Drive India is now successfully a Mercedes B workforce, an arrangement they fear will competitively disadvantage them.

Whether or not they proceed to carry out stays to be seen – negotiations are ongoing with reference to ensures that they are going to function as an unbiased entity.

And if Drive India (or no matter they find yourself being referred to as) are a Mercedes B workforce, would not it make sense for them to have a Mercedes-contracted driver – ie Ocon?

Moreover, McLaren are making a stand in opposition to Drive India (and by extension Mercedes), and subsequently aren’t prone to be that eager to tackle a Mercedes driver.

Stroll’s transfer – every time that’s – frees up a seat at Williams alongside Russian novice Sergey Sirotkin. Additionally they use Mercedes engines, so maybe Ocon may get that. However then relations between Mercedes and Williams have cooled on account of the prize-money switch factor.

May that open the door for a fairytale race return for reserve driver Robert Kubica, practically eight years after his profession was curtailed by the horrendous accidents he acquired in a rally crash in February 2011? Do not rule it out.

Look out, by the way in which, for Norris’ first look on monitor on a grand prix weekend, when he runs in Alonso’s car in first practice.

The title battle

After 12 races of the 2018 season, Lewis Hamilton leads the standings on 213 factors, with Sebastian Vettel second on 189 factors

That is a lot of the off-track stuff, what about on the monitor?

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton goes into the ultimate a part of the season in an apparently robust place, 24 factors away from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after successful the final two races.

However Hamilton’s victories got here in opposition to the run of type – on pure competitiveness, Vettel ought to have gained each races.

The German threw away victory in his house occasion when he crashed out in a late-race rain bathe, maybe partly as a result of he knew how shortly Hamilton was catching him.

And the Ferrari was the quickest automobile in Hungary, however Vettel was scuppered by Ferrari’s lack of tempo within the rain in qualifying, when he may line up solely fourth, and Hamilton took pole.

Vettel completed second, however may nonetheless have challenged Hamilton for the win had Ferrari’s strategists not made some obvious mistakes.

Can Ferrari stick with it that type at Spa, a monitor whose lengthy, quick corners is likely to be anticipated to favour the extra environment friendly aerodynamics of the Mercedes? If they will, it will be a worrying signal for Hamilton.

On the identical time, each Mercedes and Ferrari are anticipated to be introducing their third specification of engine both at this race or the one every week later in Italy. Ferrari at the moment have an influence benefit. If both makes a decisive step ahead, it too may shift the stability within the title race.

Raikkonen set for yet one more probability

Kimi Raikkonen is third within the drivers’ championship, however is but to win a race in 2018 and has not gained since returning to Ferrari in 2014

Speaking of Ferrari, they’re the one main workforce but to disclose their driver line-up for 2019. Sebastian Vettel is underneath contract however will Kimi Raikkonen get one other 12 months?

Earlier than the sudden dying of former president Sergio Marchionne final month, a call had been made to advertise Sauber driver Charles Leclerc from Sauber to interchange Raikkonen.

Nevertheless, the temper music on that has now modified.

Vettel has made it fairly clear he want to hold Raikkonen, saying on the German GP: “I like Kimi. As I mentioned, I might be joyful to proceed like that, but it surely’s not for me to say, to resolve.

“Charles, somehow, could have a fantastic profession. He is a fantastic man, he is quick, he is obtained every thing, so positively, he has no rush.”

Now the phrase is that the brand new administration of Ferrari have gone again on the Leclerc resolution and determined to stick with Raikkonen for an additional 12 months.

If that occurs, it’s presumably within the pursuits of stability and since they fear the Monegasque may nonetheless be a bit too uncooked and inexperienced for the distinctive calls for of being a Ferrari driver in solely the second 12 months of his F1 profession.

If he doesn’t get the Ferrari drive this 12 months, Leclerc is predicted to be moved from Sauber to Ferrari’s different satellite tv for pc workforce, the extra aggressive Haas, the place he’s tipped to interchange Romain Grosjean, the Frenchman who has had an incident-strewn season.

For individuals who see nice potential in Leclerc – and that’s many – it’s a disappointment, even when his final two races in Germany and Hungary had been lower than the extraordinarily excessive normal he set from the fourth race in Baku till Silverstone.

However given Raikkonen’s expertise and willingness to kowtow to the workforce’s calls for once they wish to favour Vettel, it’s comprehensible.

There was, although, one other driver doubtlessly out there.

And what it says in regards to the priorities and decision-making at Ferrari that Raikkonen can retain a top-level drive in F1 whereas Alonso – who crushed him once they had been team-mates in 2014 – is seemingly not of curiosity, the reader can resolve for themselves.

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years ago

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Formula 1: All you need to know about F1

The Belgian GP is live on 5 live, 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website

Formula 1 was supposed to spend much of the last three and a half weeks since the Hungarian Grand Prix on a summer break, but the teams and drivers seem not to have got the message.

The normally quiet August period instead ended up witnessing a series of major news stories, including on the future of one of the sport’s biggest icons.

Here is a handy catch-up guide on everything you need to know as F1 returns for the decisive second part of the season, starting at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix on the classic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Alonso’s leaving

Fernando Alonso first raced in Formula 1 in 2001 and he won the world title twice in his career

Undoubtedly the biggest story of the summer break was Fernando Alonso’s announcement that he is to leave F1 at the end of this season.

The 37-year-old Spaniard is still at the top of his game – which makes him with Lewis Hamilton arguably the best driver in the sport – but he says he can find “bigger challenges” than F1 can offer elsewhere.

What that really means is that none of the top teams want to sign him, and he does not believe his McLaren team, after a season in which just how far they have fallen has been laid bare, can become competitive in the near future.

Alonso is likely to move to a full-time Indycar programme, with the aim of winning the Indianapolis 500 and becoming only the second man in history to win motorsport’s unofficial ‘triple crown’ of Monaco Grand Prix (or F1 title, depending on how you swing), Le Mans and Indy.

That means F1 fans likely have only nine more races to enjoy Alonso’s unique abilities, fascinating personality and charisma. Many will be hoping that somehow his McLaren will allow him to find a way to go out on a high, unlikely as that may seem.

Ricciardo’s moving – and so are many others

Daniel Ricciardo has won two races this season but failed to finish in a further four

Alonso’s announcement was actually the second big driver news of the summer, following a week or so after Daniel Ricciardo announced his decision to move from Red Bull to Renault for 2019.

It was known that the likeable Australian was vacillating over signing his Red Bull contract – he had it in his briefcase over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend – but even so, the move came as something of a shock to most in F1.

That’s because of the obvious performance difference between Red Bull and Renault. They might be F1’s third and fourth best teams at the moment, but the gap between them is so big that the Renaults have been lapped by the Red Bulls at some races this season.

Ricciardo explained on Thursday in Belgium that it was “by no means an easy decision” but that he felt he was becoming a bit stale at Red Bull and wanted some fresh motivation.

He said he was impressed by the presentation made to him on how Renault plan to move up to compete for wins and world titles in the next few years.

Ricciardo’s decision has set in motion a whole load of other moves.

He will be replaced at Red Bull by Frenchman Pierre Gasly, whose F1 career only started this season, and Spaniard Carlos Sainz has been released from his Red Bull contract to join McLaren.

Many other driver moves hang in the balance, not least mystery over whom Toro Rosso will fill both their cars with next season. There is also speculation over who Sainz’s team-mate at McLaren will be – either incumbent Stoffel Vandoorne, their reserve Lando Norris or Force India’s Esteban Ocon – and the line-ups at both Williams and Force India.

Which brings us on to…

Force India have been saved

Sergio Perez started administration proceedings against Force India to fend off a winding-up petition from another creditor

Force India went into the summer break in administration but were quickly saved by a consortium of businessman led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, the father of Williams driver Lance.

That has led to the rather odd situation whereby Stroll owns one team but his son drives for another. The conclusion to that is obvious – Lance moves to Force India. That will almost certainly happen for 2019, but there remains a possibility it could happen before then.

After that, who will be Stroll’s team-mate in 2019 out of Force India’s current pairing, Ocon and Sergio Perez?

The obvious conclusion is Perez, as he triggered the administration process having taken advice from the team’s management, and his Mexican backing is worth more financially than the benefits of having Mercedes-backed Ocon.

The Frenchman is also proving marginally superior this year – so if Perez stayed, that could make the not-so-far hugely impressive Stroll Jr look better against his team-mate.

Not only that, but Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is trying to persuade McLaren to take Ocon – and the 21-year-old is a tempting opportunity as a known and highly rated quantity to put alongside Sainz.

Vandoorne, on the other hand, has looked unconvincing alongside Alonso since he made his debut in 2017, and Norris is obviously talented but still very raw, and would arguably be better served with a second season in Formula Two in 2019.

However, while Force India have not yet fundamentally changed their name, legally they are a new entity, and that means they need permission from all other teams for their rights to prize money to be transferred.

McLaren, Williams and Renault are holding out on that permission because they fear Force India is now effectively a Mercedes B team, an arrangement they fear will competitively disadvantage them.

Whether they continue to hold out remains to be seen – negotiations are ongoing on the subject of guarantees that they will operate as an independent entity.

And if Force India (or whatever they end up being called) are a Mercedes B team, wouldn’t it make sense for them to have a Mercedes-contracted driver – ie Ocon?

Additionally, McLaren are making a stand against Force India (and by extension Mercedes), and therefore are not likely to be that keen to take on a Mercedes driver.

Stroll’s move – whenever that is – frees up a seat at Williams alongside Russian novice Sergey Sirotkin. They also use Mercedes engines, so perhaps Ocon could get that. But then relations between Mercedes and Williams have cooled as a result of the prize-money transfer thing.

Could that open the door for a fairytale race return for reserve driver Robert Kubica, nearly eight years after his career was curtailed by the horrendous injuries he received in a rally crash in February 2011? Don’t rule it out.

Look out, by the way, for Norris’ first appearance on track on a grand prix weekend, when he runs in Alonso’s car in first practice.

The title fight

After 12 races of the 2018 season, Lewis Hamilton leads the standings on 213 points, with Sebastian Vettel second on 189 points

That’s most of the off-track stuff, what about on the track?

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton goes into the final part of the season in an apparently strong position, 24 points clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after winning the last two races.

But Hamilton’s victories came against the run of form – on pure competitiveness, Vettel should have won both races.

The German threw away victory in his home event when he crashed out in a late-race rain shower, perhaps partly because he knew how quickly Hamilton was catching him.

And the Ferrari was the fastest car in Hungary, but Vettel was scuppered by Ferrari’s lack of pace in the rain in qualifying, when he could line up only fourth, and Hamilton took pole.

Vettel finished second, but might still have challenged Hamilton for the win had Ferrari’s strategists not made some obvious mistakes.

Can Ferrari carry on that form at Spa, a track whose long, fast corners might be expected to favour the more efficient aerodynamics of the Mercedes? If they can, it would be a worrying sign for Hamilton.

At the same time, both Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to be introducing their third specification of engine either at this race or the one a week later in Italy. Ferrari currently have a power advantage. If either makes a decisive step forward, it too could shift the balance in the title race.

Raikkonen set for yet another chance

Kimi Raikkonen is third in the drivers’ championship, but is yet to win a race in 2018 and has not won since returning to Ferrari in 2014

Talking of Ferrari, they are the only major team yet to reveal their driver line-up for 2019. Sebastian Vettel is under contract but will Kimi Raikkonen get another year?

Before the sudden death of former president Sergio Marchionne last month, a decision had been made to promote Sauber driver Charles Leclerc from Sauber to replace Raikkonen.

However, the mood music on that has now changed.

Vettel has made it pretty clear he would like to keep Raikkonen, saying at the German GP: “I like Kimi. As I said, I’d be happy to continue like that, but it’s not for me to mention, to decide.

“Charles, one way or the other, will have a great career. He’s a great guy, he’s fast, he’s got everything, so definitely, he has no rush.”

Now the word is that the new management of Ferrari have gone back on the Leclerc decision and decided to persist with Raikkonen for another year.

If that happens, it is presumably in the interests of stability and because they worry the Monegasque might still be a bit too raw and inexperienced for the unique demands of being a Ferrari driver in only the second year of his F1 career.

If he does not get the Ferrari drive this year, Leclerc is expected to be moved from Sauber to Ferrari’s other satellite team, the more competitive Haas, where he is tipped to replace Romain Grosjean, the Frenchman who has had an incident-strewn season.

For those who see great potential in Leclerc – and that is many – it is a disappointment, even if his last two races in Germany and Hungary were not up to the extremely high standard he set from the fourth race in Baku until Silverstone.

But given Raikkonen’s experience and willingness to kowtow to the team’s demands when they want to favour Vettel, it is understandable.

There was, though, another driver potentially available.

And what it says about the priorities and decision-making at Ferrari that Raikkonen can retain a top-level drive in F1 while Alonso – who crushed him when they were team-mates in 2014 – is apparently not of interest, the reader can decide for themselves.

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years ago

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Method 1: All you should learn about F1

The Belgian GP is reside on 5 reside, 5 reside sports activities further and the BBC Sport web site

The usually quiet August interval as an alternative ended up witnessing a collection of main information tales, together with on the way forward for one of many sport’s greatest icons.

Alonso’s leaving

Fernando Alonso first raced in Method 1 in 2001 and he gained the world title twice in his profession

Undoubtedly the most important story of the summer time break was Fernando Alonso’s announcement that he’s to go away F1 on the finish of this season.

Ricciardo’s transferring – and so are many others

Daniel Ricciardo has gained two races this season however failed to complete in an additional 4

He mentioned he was impressed by the presentation made to him on how Renault plan to maneuver as much as compete for wins and world titles within the subsequent few years.

Ricciardo’s resolution has set in movement a complete load of different strikes.

Which brings us on to…

Drive India have been saved

Sergio Perez began administration proceedings in opposition to Drive India to fend off a winding-up petition from one other creditor

After that, who will likely be Stroll’s team-mate in 2019 out of Drive India’s present pairing, Ocon and Sergio Perez?

The Frenchman can be proving marginally superior this 12 months – so if Perez stayed, that might make the not-so-far massively spectacular Stroll Jr look higher in opposition to his team-mate.

Whether or not they proceed to carry out stays to be seen – negotiations are ongoing with reference to ensures that they are going to function as an unbiased entity.

And if Drive India (or no matter they find yourself being referred to as) are a Mercedes B workforce, would not it make sense for them to have a Mercedes-contracted driver – ie Ocon?

Moreover, McLaren are making a stand in opposition to Drive India (and by extension Mercedes), and subsequently aren’t prone to be that eager to tackle a Mercedes driver.

Look out, by the way in which, for Norris’ first look on monitor on a grand prix weekend, when he runs in Alonso’s car in first practice.

The title battle

After 12 races of the 2018 season, Lewis Hamilton leads the standings on 213 factors, with Sebastian Vettel second on 189 factors

That is a lot of the off-track stuff, what about on the monitor?

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton goes into the ultimate a part of the season in an apparently robust place, 24 factors away from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after successful the final two races.

However Hamilton’s victories got here in opposition to the run of type – on pure competitiveness, Vettel ought to have gained each races.

The German threw away victory in his house occasion when he crashed out in a late-race rain bathe, maybe partly as a result of he knew how shortly Hamilton was catching him.

Vettel completed second, however may nonetheless have challenged Hamilton for the win had Ferrari’s strategists not made some obvious mistakes.

Raikkonen set for yet one more probability

Kimi Raikkonen is third within the drivers’ championship, however is but to win a race in 2018 and has not gained since returning to Ferrari in 2014

Speaking of Ferrari, they’re the one main workforce but to disclose their driver line-up for 2019. Sebastian Vettel is underneath contract however will Kimi Raikkonen get one other 12 months?

Earlier than the sudden dying of former president Sergio Marchionne final month, a call had been made to advertise Sauber driver Charles Leclerc from Sauber to interchange Raikkonen.

Nevertheless, the temper music on that has now modified.

“Charles, somehow, could have a fantastic profession. He is a fantastic man, he is quick, he is obtained every thing, so positively, he has no rush.”

Now the phrase is that the brand new administration of Ferrari have gone again on the Leclerc resolution and determined to stick with Raikkonen for an additional 12 months.

However given Raikkonen’s expertise and willingness to kowtow to the workforce’s calls for once they wish to favour Vettel, it’s comprehensible.

There was, although, one other driver doubtlessly out there.

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