Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel owes F1 around 50 million TV viewers

2013 Japanese Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel’s dominant 2013 season is responsible for 50 million television viewers staying away Formula 1, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

The recent publication of the F1 media report 2013 shows the annual television audience dropped by 10% compared with 2012. The last time F1 confirmed an annual audience tally was in 2011 when 515 million viewers tuned in for at least 15 minutes of coverage across a full season. It’s thought the 2012 figure also had a slight drop to around 500 million, meaning the 2013 audience was approximately 450 million.

“The less-than-competitive nature of the final few rounds, culminating in the championship being decided ahead of the races in the USA and Brazil, events which often bring substantial audiences, had a predictable impact on reach,” explained Ecclestone.

It’s also worth noting there were only 19 races in 2013 compared with 20 grands prix in 2012. The biggest fall in the 2013 audience was seen in China (down 30 million viewers) and Brazil (down 9 million). Even in Germany approximately 3 million viewers stopped tuning in to F1 in 2013.

With the dramatic new changes in the technical and sporting regulations introduced this season Ecclestone is hopeful viewing numbers will rise.

“One thing I am sure of is that this coming season will not only offer a heightened level of unpredictability, but renewed excitement and fierce competition,” he said.

[Source: Mail Online | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1

Ross Brawn “definitely retiring” from Formula 1

2013 Italian Grand Prix

Ross Brawn won’t be joining McLaren this year, instead he will be “definitely retiring”, leaving the sport to enjoy a spot of fishing.

The 59-year-old who has overseen a combined total of 16 world championships with Renault, Ferrari and Brawn GP team was tipped to join McLaren to work alongside Ron Dennis who has returned to a hands on role at Woking.

Dennis is restructuring the F1 team and needs to fill the newly created position of McLaren Racing CEO, who will be the conduit between Dennis and new Racing Director Eric Boullier.

You can see how a man of Brawn’s experience would be ideal for such a role. Alas, for McLaren its search will continue. However, it would be foolhardy to expect Brawn’s time away from F1 to be permanent. That may prove to be the case, but don’t be surprised at all if he turns up somewhere in 2015.

Honda is returning to F1 as an engine supplier next year and that may provide a pathway for Brawn to come back to the sport, given his history with the manufacturer.

Brawn left Mercedes at the end of last year and speaking at a recent fishing event in Scotland he said: “What they didn’t realise when I was invited here was they had a scoop because the world’s press was trying to find out if I was retiring or not.

“This is the busiest time of the year for Formula One and I said I would come along and open the River Dee. If they had put two and two together they would have realised I was definitely retiring.”

Brawn later left the door open of a return to the sport when he added: “I’m retiring, it’s not tongue in cheek.

“I’m going to take a year to enjoy the fishing and then see what life brings. I’m looking forward to it but I’ve got no other plans.”

[Source: The Telegraph | Pic: Mercedes AMG]

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Formula 1

F1 winter testing: Jerez day 4

Felipe Massa, Williams FW36

Felipe Massa’s career could be headed for a resurgence after setting the fastest time (1:28.229) on a damp final day of testing in Jerez overnight. The FW36 has been near the pointy end all week and the decision of Williams to switch from Renault to Mercedes power for this season is proving to be inspired.

“We managed to do many more laps today than we have in the last three days which is important,” Massa said. “Today we didn’t have any issues with the car which I think is also another step forward.

“Overall, I’m happy with my first days with Williams and I’m pleased with what I have seen in the team this week. For sure it is important to be competitive, but testing is testing, and we now need to look to prepare for Bahrain and then towards the first race, which is the most important thing.”

Once again the three Renault-powered teams struggled to gain any meaningful track time and that, more than anything, is the major story from this first taste of the new regulations. At least Daniel Ricciardo (1:45.374) managed to lock in a flying lap time for Red Bull, albeit the slowest time of the day and one of just seven laps completed.

Fernando Alonso (1:29.145) has given Ferrari fans cause for optimism with the second fastest time and a large haul of 115 laps, the most of any driver on day 4. Third place was Daniel Juncadella (1:29.457), an impressive debut for the Force India reserve driver who no doubt relished all of his 81 laps.

Kevin Magnussen (1:30.806) notched up 110 laps and recorded the fourth fastest time of the day. Hot on his heels was Lewis Hamilton (1:30.822) splitting his driving duties with teammate Nico Rosberg (1:36.951) who set the eighth fastest time. Again, the Mercedes duo combined to complete an impressive tally of 132 laps.

The sixth and seventh quickest times of the day were set by Jules Bianchi (1:32.222) in the Marussia MR03 and Adrian Sutil (1:36.571) in the Sauber C33.

After Rosberg came the struggling Renault-powered trio of Kamui Kobayashi (1:43.193) with 54 laps, Daniil Kvyat (1:44.016) just nine, and as previously mentioned Daniel Ricciardo managed only seven.

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Formula 1 McLaren

F1 winter testing: Jerez day 3

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren MP4-29

Kevin Magnussen made the most of his first official day on track as a McLaren driver by topping the lap charts in Jerez overnight. His time of 1:23.276 was almost half a second faster than next best, Felipe Massa with Williams (1:23.700).

Magnussen’s efforts were made more impressive by the fact he only ran in the afternoon session, as the morning was handed over to Jenson Button. Combined, the McLaren drivers covered a total of 92 laps; 30 more than any other team.

The 21-year-old Dane admitted to having butterflies before taking to the track but understands it’s too early to get carried away with McLaren’s early season pace.

“Happily, everything worked as it should, and the car felt good,” Magnussen said. “I’m pretty pleased with our reliability—to have done as many laps as I did in just half a day was pretty positive.

“I’m not taking too much from the fact that I set the fastest time—I was pushing, but it wasn’t a balls-to-the-wall lap. We wanted to get good data and learn about the car, so I think everyone is pushing out there.”

Red Bull would love to be in McLaren’s shoes right now and after three days of testing the four-time constructors’ champions are yet to record a flying lap time. Daniel Ricciardo’s first day at the wheel of the RB10 lasted just three installation laps before the team shut up shop in the morning session.

“We worked hard yesterday to make the changes it was felt were necessary to overcome the problems we identified and we were hopeful of a more successful day today,” said Race Engineering Co-ordinator Andy Damerum. “Unfortunately, the measures we took only partially solved the issue and, as with yesterday, it’s more sensible to stop and dig deeper into finding a solution. It’s obviously not where we want to be and naturally the whole team is frustrated by these issues.

“This is where the whole team pulls together and I’m sure we will get these problems fixed.”

Lewis Hamilton (1:23.952) ensured Mercedes was well represented and he joined Jenson Button (1:25.030) to see the four fastest times of the day were set by Mercedes-powered cars.

Ferrari slotted in with the fifth best time after Fernando Alonso (1:25.495) racked up 58 laps in his first day driving the F14 T. Nico Hulkenberg (1:26.096) put in a more modest 17 laps in his Force India debut.

Jean-Eric Vergne (1:29.915) saved some face for Renault by locking away 30 laps in the Toro Rosso STR9. However, he was the only Renault-powered driver to record any flying laps on the day. Adrian Sutil (1:30.161) registered the slowest time of the day in the Sauber C33 after 30 laps at the wheel.

Robert Frijns (Caterham) and Max Chilton (Marussia) did not record any times, logging 10 and five installation laps respectively.

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Formula 1 News

Michael Schumacher starts waking up process

2012 European Grand Prix

One month after his skiing accident, the first real signs of progress in Michael Schumacher’s recovery have begun.

Michael’s PR spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement: “Michael’s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take long time. For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated.”

French newspaper L’Equipe reported earlier this week that doctors started to slowly to reduce Schumacher’s sedation on Monday while monitoring his progress though a program of neurological tests. While not officially confirmed by Michael’s management it’s been reported the seven-time F1 world champion has “responded positively” to the tests.

Although, this could be considered good news a final prognosis on the result of Schumacher’s condition could still be a few months away. The time taken to ease Michael out of his induced coma could take days or even weeks.

[Source: The Guardian]

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Caterham Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

F1 winter testing: Jerez days 1 and 2

Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel

After two days of winter testing in Jerez what have we learned about the Formula 1 class of 2014, specifically these horrid looking new cars? Well, not a lot to be honest.

On day 1 most teams struggled and only 93 laps were completed by the teams in attendance, and none at all by McLaren. Kimi Raikkonen (1:27.104) was fastest in his return for Ferrari and ran the most number laps on the day at just 31. Lewis Hamilton (1:27.820) sent his Mercedes towards the top of the lap charts in his 18 laps before sending it into the wall after a front wing failure.

“We had a lot of new things to learn today,” Raikkonen said afterwards. “Even if we would have liked to do more laps, I think that for a first day it was alright. Towards the end, when the track was damp, we chose not to take any risks. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us, but all in all, we are pleased with our first day.”

After the leading two drivers times spread out with not much insight to be gained, other than there’s a lot of work to do. Sebastian Vettel and Marcus Ericsson, for example, only ran installation laps and didn’t set any times at all.

Things have become a little clearer on day 2, with all Renault powered teams experiencing problems while Ferrari and Mercedes powered cars gained an early advantage. Overnight rain saw Pirelli bring forward their designated wet weather session and trucks were sent out to ensure the track had sufficient water for testing purposes.

Jenson Button and McLaren had a good day, registering the fastest time in the morning’s wet session and also in the afternoon (1:24.165) when the track was dry.

The 2009 world champion spoke enthusiastically about the MP4-29 afterwards, too. “Of course, it’s still early days, and there’s a lot of work ahead of us,” Button said. “We need to work on both braking and traction; but that excites me, because there’s a lot of potential to adjust those parameters.

“The new braking system is very complicated, and getting it right will be tough. But these are all things we can work on: there’s nothing about the car that unsettles me, and there’s plenty of scope to explore the set-up. It will just take time.”

Kimi Raikkonen (1:24.812) was on the pace again during his 47 laps, cutting more than 2 seconds from his day 1 best. Valtteri Bottas (1:25.344) has had limited running during his two days, just 12 laps in all, but he has been third quickest on both days.

While only fourth fastest on day 2, Nico Rosberg (1:25.588) and Mercedes were happy with their lot. Rosberg racked up an impressive 97 laps, 44 more than his nearest rival, including some beneficial long runs.

“Every lap is important to get used to the new systems and it helped a lot that I have worked on this already in the simulator,” explained Rosberg. “We don’t know yet where we are compared to the other teams, but we can be quite happy after the first two days of testing here in Spain. Now I look forward to getting back in the car on Friday.”

Meanwhile the Renault powered cars managed just 19 laps between them (11 for Caterham, 8 for Red Bull and 0 for Toro Rosso). On day 1 only 19 laps were registered for the Renault runners as well (15 for Toro Rosso, 3 for Red Bull, 1 for Caterham), which will be cause for early concern.

Lotus isn’t an attendance at all for the Jerez test, choosing to wait until testing moves to Bahrain. Marussia is hoping to run its car tonight.

Photos and lap times are available after the break.

UPDATE: Pics from day 2 have now been added below.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Daniel Ricciardo eager to earn Red Bull stripes

Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel

Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull career begins in earnest later tonight when he gets his first on-track experience with the RB10, but you sense he’s already in the driving seat.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me to learn,” he said. “It’s a bit of a privilege I guess to have a four time world champion alongside me, to be able to see his data and what he’s doing on track and to try and better myself learning off him.”

Already assured of equal equipment Ricciardo says he hasn’t broached the Multi 21 issue with Sebastian Vettel, but understands his place in the pecking order.

“Obviously I don’t expect to be treated like God—I’m not the world champion—but at the same time I’ve been reassured I’m going to get the equal side, the same length of straw, whatever you want to say,” the 24-year-old said.

“But I’ve got to earn my place in the team as well. It’s nice to know we’re going to have equal stuff but I definitely want, after some time, to let the team know that I’m capable to hopefully get some top results as well.”

Whether it’s the result of team discussion or personal conclusion the Western Australian—only two years Vettel’s junior—has set realistic targets in 2014.

“I haven’t set any expectations in terms of where I’d like to finish,” he told reporters in Jerez. “I’d love to get a win, to stand on the top step would be amazing. But just to go through the year, continuing to learn and to try and match Seb at least at some point.

“And to really set myself up at the front of the grid, not to be a one-hit wonder so to speak.”

[Source: Reuters | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 McLaren

Eric Boullier joins McLaren as Racing Director

Eric Boullier

A handful of days after Eric Boullier unexpectedly resigned from Lotus he’s been fortunate enough to gain employment with McLaren. Hmm, you’d almost think the whole thing was planned from the start.

About the only surprise is that Boullier’s title is “Racing Director” and not “Team Principal”. A position which seems have been crossed off the list in any case, instead a CEO of McLaren Racing will be appointed, to whom Boullier will directly report.

The 40-year-old Frenchman doesn’t seem too worried about that, though. He’s wasted no time at all in sucking up to Big Ron, who’s back in charge at Woking.

“I regard this appointment as an honour, a privilege and a wonderful opportunity,” Boullier said. “The McLaren Racing workforce and the facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre are world-class, and I’m hugely excited about the prospect of joining such an outstanding team.

“I want to take this opportunity to assure the McLaren Racing workforce that I’m utterly determined to match their famous passion and commitment to win.”

And in his own characteristic style Dennis has welcomed Boullier with open arms, so long as he and none of his underlings mess up.

“Eric’s appointment is an integral part of a senior management restructure within McLaren Racing,” he said. “My intention is that from now on everyone at McLaren Racing will understand their responsibilities and accountabilities, focusing on their specific areas of expertise, in keeping with those values, principles and mindset.”

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Formula 1 News

Sebastian Vettel praying for Schumacher miracle

Sebastian Vettel

Speaking to reporters in Jerez Sebastian Vettel says he is praying for Michael Schumacher, following the seven-time world champion’s skiing accident in France late last year.

“We still don’t know what shape he will be in when he wakes up,” Vettel said. “I pray and hope he will come back and the miracle will happen and he will be the person he was before.”

While Vettel was growing up Michael was winning world championships for fun and when they ultimately raced against each other, during Michael’s comeback with Mercedes, the young charge formed a bond with his idol.

“I have known him for a long time. I have been looking up to him all my life,” Sebastian said. “I got to know him a little bit more when he did his comeback. He became a friend. We spoke to each other regularly.”

Vettel added that his thoughts are also with Schumacher’s family as they endure this prolonged period of uncertainty.

“It’s horrible, especially for his family and close friends, not knowing what is going to happen,” Vettel said.

[Source: BBC | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton photo bombs TV reporter

Lewis Hamilton crash at Jerez pre-season test

As the F1 teams universally struggled to find any meaningful track time in Jerez overnight Lewis Hamilton provided the main highlight when he put his Mercedes W05 into the wall.

The cause of the crash was a front wing failure just prior to Turn 1, which caused Lewis to lose control and sent him careering off course. Thankfully he was okay and we can make light of the situation.

To do that we bring you short video clip from a local TV report which went to air just as Lewis went on his little excursion. Perfect timing, and perhaps the world’s most expensive photo bomb!

For his part Lewis, who’d completed 18 laps, was still happy with his first day on track for 2014. “Incredibly positive start today! I’m really proud of the team for what they’ve achieved in getting us here,” he said via Twitter.

[Pic: @njuancof1]

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Caterham Formula 1

2014 Caterham CT05 revealed

2014 Caterham CT05

Caterham unveiled its 2014 F1 car, the CT05, in Jerez overnight a little later than scheduled. Due to be presented in the morning some technical problems delayed the launch until the afternoon.

As you can see the CT05 adds to the controversial nose deisgns and this one is perhaps the most rudimentary yet, being pretty much a cylinder stuck on the end of the higher nose.

F1 rookie Marcus Ericsson was in the car for the opening day of testing in Jerez and on a day where most teams had limited running the young Swede only managed to register a single installation lap.

“We obviously won’t know really where we are until quali in Australia, and one installation lap on day one isn’t going to tell us a lot about the car,” said Ericsson. “But to have got that first lap out of the way and on to day two is a good feeling, and, for me, a positive way to start my life as an F1 driver.”

And what does Marcus think of the aesthetics of his first Formula 1 car?

“People either love it or hate it, but for me it’s not really important what it looks like, as what counts is how quick it is,” Ericsson quipped. “If it’s fast then I really don’t care if it’s the worst looking thing out there, if it’s slow but beautiful then what’s the point of that?”

More from Caterham after the break, including a link to the team’s 2014 press kit.

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Formula 1

2014 Force India VJM07 revealed

2014 Force India VJM07

Force India has given its 2014 F1 car, the VJM07, its first public showing prior to taking to the track at Jerez tonight. The VJM07 was one of the first F1 cars we saw for the year and at the time the full horror of the front nose designs was yet to be revealed. And that is certainly the case for the Force India challenger.

As they say, once you go black, you can’t go back. And while the official Force India pics don’t yet show the full scale of its front nose we’ve added another pic below to show you what is actually quite a comical solution.

You have to laugh, really. There’s not much else you can do.

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