Category: Formula 1

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Formula 1

2013 F1 calendar confirmed

2012 Australian Grand Prix

March 17th, St Patrick’s Day. Mark it down, because that’s the date the 2013 Formula One season kicks off. And we’re pleased to say Australia has kept its place as the opening race of the year.

For now, a place has been reserved on the 20 race calendar for the Grand Prix of Jersey (New York). It has taken the place of the European GP. There is an asterisk alongside the date, though, so race organisers had better get cracking if they’re going to convince Bernie they can get everything ready (giving Bernie cash, in other words).

The back-to-back races include Australia–Malaysia, China–Bahrain, Canada–New York and Korea–Japan. The mid-season break starts after Hungary on 28 July and ends when the lights go out at Belgium on 25 August.

You can see the full calendar, as confirmed by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council overnight, after the break.

UPDATE: The FIA revised the 2013 F1 calendar on 6 December.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

How should we remember Michael?

2012 European Grand Prix

Cast aside after what could bluntly be described as a totally wasted comeback to Formula One, let’s pause and spare a thought for Michael Schumacher.

Statistically, and perhaps practically, he is the greatest driver the sport has known. The comebackâ„¢ has not played out well. So much so, if you’d never read Schumacher’s honour roll you’d be staring down Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, and simply saying: “WTF!”

It’s actually a little sad that, at this point in time, Schumacher’s last act in an F1 car was to totally cock-up his braking and drive into the back of another competitor. Just like he did on the same stage last year.

Generally speaking, we’re not fans of Michael’s. Indeed, his dominance with Ferrari drove us away from F1 for a time. Yet, we love the category and we must, in respect for the sport, acknowledge the awe of what Schumacher has achieved. He is a giant.

So, on the day he has basically been sacked for failing to deliver consistent results, let’s share a few comments from the man himself and his most recent employers.

Michael Schumacher: “I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side. I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal: “On behalf of Mercedes AMG Petronas, I would first of all like to thank Michael Schumacher for the important contribution he has made to the growth of our team over the past three seasons. His energy and commitment have never wavered, even when results have not matched our own expectations, and we are determined to finish the 2012 season together on a high. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Michael.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Over the past three years, Michael has been a great driver and an exemplary ambassador for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS. His experience has been an important factor in guiding the development of our team in Brackley and we extend our sincere thanks to Michael for his loyalty, team play and commitment. We will be working very hard together in order to achieve the best possible results in the remainder of the 2012 season.”

Whatever the future holds, godspeed Michael.

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Formula 1 McLaren

Sergio Perez signs with McLaren

2012 Canadian Grand Prix

As in football teams, no individual is bigger than the club. So, as the Hamilton era at McLaren ends at McLaren we must quickly adjust and start anticipating what the young Sergio Perez can do in an MP4/28. Flashy results with Sauber are one thing, but he’s in the big league now and patience is not a virtue at the front of the grid.

For his part ‘Checo’ understands the task ahead of him: “I’m under no illusion that it is indeed a very big step—as it would be for any driver—but I’m ready for it. So, while I’m still fully focused on doing my best for Sauber for the remainder of this season, I’m already massively looking forward to working with everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and with Jenson, who’s someone I’ve long admired as a brilliant driver and a great champion.

“I’d like to thank Carlos Slim Jr, who has helped me since I was 14 years old, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today. Our journey together over the past eight years has been an incredible one, and I’ll do everything in my power to deliver with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the results that he and I have been working so hard and so long to achieve together.”

Perez has a multi-year deal to prove his worth at McLaren. We’re interpreting multi-year as being two-years with an option, but that’s based on little more than gut feel.

The 22-year-old Mexican has only been in F1 for two years and now he’s earned himself a shot at the big time. We wish him well.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Lewis Hamilton signs with Mercedes AMG

2012 Chinese Grand Prix

After the story broke earlier today it’s no surprise we’re here telling you that Lewis Hamilton has signed a three-year deal to drive for the Mercedes AMG F1 Team from 2013 onwards.

In some ways it’s a move that makes sense, inasmuch as Mercedes has a strong relationship with McLaren and therefore Hamilton. Certainly, Mercedes is making sure we’re aware of the connection in their press release below.

Also, this move is a seismic shift for the sport of F1. Not in the least because, until now, Hamilton was McLaren and McLaren was Hamilton. Remember, they signed him as a 13-year-old. Now, he is effectively ending the second coming of a seven-time world champion.

In a team statement Hamilton said: “It is now time for me to take on a fresh challenge and I am very excited to begin a new chapter racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share.

“Together, we can grow and rise to this new challenge. I believe that I can help steer the Silver Arrows to the top and achieve our joint ambitions of winning the world championships.”

You can read the thoughts of his new employers after the break.

We hear that Hamilton and Rosberg will start next year with equal status. Do you reckon Lewis will get on with Nico as well as he appears to get on with Jenson? Finding out will be a lot of fun!

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Formula 1 McLaren Mercedes-Benz

Schumacher out, Hamilton in

2012 Canadian Grand Prix

The F1 silly season is now in full swing with reports stating Michael Schumacher will be replaced at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton for the 2013 season. More amazing, perhaps, Lewis will be paid £100m for his troubles, The Telegraph claims.

It’s being reported that McLaren only found out about the deal yesterday and an official announcement from Mercedes could come as early as tonight (Australian time), pending the expected sign off of the new F1 Concorde Agreement.

Michael Schumacher’s future is uncertain, but may involve an ambassadorial role with Mercedes.

Sergio Perez is now tipped to be the man to replace Hamilton at McLaren. Showing that F1 is as quick off the track as it is on, McLaren could even formalise their new signing later today as well.

[Source: The Telegraph]

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Formula 1

FIA signs off on Austin Grand Prix track

FIA approves Circuit of the Americas

While one Grand Prix in America feels the wrath of Bernie, the other finds itself in the FIA’s good books. Charlie Whiting, F1 race director, was recently on site in Austin to inspect the Circuit of the Americas and he’s given the new 5.47km track the thumbs up.

This is a good thing, not the least because there’s only 52 days until the cars are due to roar into action. But also because it hasn’t always been plain sailing for Austin organisers either.

In granting the Austin track the Grade 1 rating it needs to be signed off Whiting said, “Everything that I’ve seen so far has been absolutely first class, and the progress that’s been made since the last time that I was here is amazing.

“The guys have done an awesome job—it really is quite fantastic! It’s built to the highest quality, exactly as we expected, and I’ve got absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”

Whiting is also hopeful that the circuit will see plenty of overtaking action. “There are 3-4 corners that are very likely to see overtaking,” he said. “If you look at Turn 1, you’ll see that the turns have been designed so that they’re extremely wide and the apex is very short. It’s a very modern approach to slow corners where we hope overtaking will take place. So I’m very confident it will work well.

“Turn 1 is awesome! It’s the only word I can think of to describe it, and I think drivers and teams coming here for the first time will say the same thing.”

[Source: COTA]

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Caterham Formula 1

Cash for clunkers

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

We’re not sure if our headline should apply to Vitaly Petrov or his Caterham F1 car, but the point of the story is Petrov’s one year contract is unlikely to be extended unless he can show Caterham the money.

Similarly his employment prospects beyond Caterham would be bleak if he is unable to supply wads of cash to a prospective new employer. It’s the underlying shame of F1 in a way.

Speaking to RIA Novosti Petrov’s manager, Oksana Kosachenko, was quite clear: “If there’s no money, then there’s no drive. I’m not prepared to hold talks all winter like last time.”

She added, “We’ve taken a timeout now. I need time to consolidate all our financial possibilities and understand if there’s sense in continuing any talks.”

[Source: Planet F1 | Pic: Caterham F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

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Formula 1

“They don’t have a contract.”

Red Bull Racing visits New York City

The future of the 2013 New York Grand Prix, aka the Grand Prix of America, is again being questioned after Bernie Ecclestone revealed race organisers, “have not complied with the terms and conditions of the contract which is now gone anyway.

“They don’t have a contract.”

The 2013 F1 calendar is due to be ratified by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council this Friday. Which doesn’t leave Leo Hindery and his Grand Prix of America chums much time to placate Bernie’s desires.

Unusually for Ecclestone, perhaps, he has left the door slightly ajar, adding: “We are pretty close to the final [2013 calendar] deadline. We have got a world council meeting coming up. I think if somebody got behind them it could happen in 2013 because they have come a long way with the circuit.”

If the New Jersey race is dropped for 2013 there is a small chance that a new grand prix could be hosted in Mexico or South Africa.

We last reported on Bernie’s concerns for the 2013 GP America back in June, but in early August a statement released by the promoters claimed, “The Formula One race will take place on the shores of the Hudson River in New Jersey in June, 2013.”

[Source: The Guardian]

 

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Formula 1

Pirelli test role possible for Kubica F1 comeback

Pirelli private test, Abu Dhabi, January 2012

A return pathway to Formula One for Robert Kubica could be presented in the role of Pirelli test driver. Jaime Alguersuari, former Toro Rosso driver, is Pirelli’s current test driver, but they may need a replacement if Alguersuari can secure a full-time return to F1 in 2013.

When Paul Hembry, Pirelli’s motorsport director, was questioned about the possibility of recruiting Kubica he replied: “We are more likely to work with Robert in rallying I guess, rather than F1, but we will see.

“I haven’t spoken to Robert for some time and we are working on a few projects that might involve him, so it might well be a possibility.”

Hembry is uncertain if Kubica’s recovery has progressed enough for him to be ready to drive an F1 car. “I don’t know if he is able to do it at the moment. But he is that type of person if physically he could get back in, then maybe doing a year with us would put him in a good situation to come back in in 2014. It would be wonderful if we could do that,” added Hembry.

“We want to continue our success level of helping drivers into F1. After an F1 drive, the Pirelli test deal has to be the best drive in the world.”

Pirelli don’t plan on making any changes to their current test car for next year, which is a 2010-spec Renault. Of course, that’s a machine Kubica is only too familiar with.

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Pirelli]

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2012 Singapore GP: Post-race press conference

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

After winning his 23rd Grand Prix victory Sebastian Vettel was in a much chirpier mood than he was post-qualifying. In the post-race press conference he shared a bit about why the Singapore Grand Prix is considered to be so tough: “Obviously it’s a long race, a lot of laps – we did the full two hours again – but it’s fun in a way, you are excited, a bit nervous before the race starts, knowing there is a little bit of a marathon coming, but I think that’s what makes this race so special: not just racing at night, it’s also the circuit with a lot of corners, a lot of bumps, making it extremely difficult.

“It’s a great challenge for us. Very happy with the result, obviously. I think the team deserves a big thank you. In fact working in these conditions is very, very hot and in the garage it is another 10, 15 degrees hotter than outside. So not the nicest office to work it but obviously it’s nice to give a little bit of champagne back and bring a trophy home – so I’m very happy.”

After the break you can read the full transcript of what all three men standing on the podium had to say, with thanks to the FIA.

[Pic: Ferrari]

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

Sebastian Vettel wins 2012 Singapore GP

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) has picked up his bottom lip following his qualifying disappointment and made good on Lewis Hamilton’s (McLaren) misfortune to win the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix. It’s Vettel’s second win of the year and his second victory under the lights in Singapore.

Hamilton looked in control of the race for the first 22 laps and then on lap 23 his gearbox failed forcing him to retire. Vettel inherited the lead and only surrendered it during routine pit stops.

Jenson Button provided some smiles for McLaren by finishing second, while Fernando Alonso once again managed to minimise the damage from those chasing down his title lead, despite his Ferrari not having the raw pace to challenge for the win.

This is Singapore so it had to be influenced by the Safety Car, and so it came to be when Narain Karthikeyan (HRT) crashed out on lap 33. Shortly after the restart Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) locked his brakes heavily and drove into the back of an innocent Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso), who was sitting in the points in P10.

It’s unclear if it was the mistake of an old man or some sort of mechanical failure. To Vergne’s credit he immediately accepted Schumacher’s apology with good grace. Perhaps having seven world titles does give Michael a few credits in the bank.

After the second restart things remained mostly in control, save for a squabble involving the two Saubers and Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) with about 10 laps to go. The result was a broken front wing for Kamui Kobayashi and a puncture for Hulkenberg. Mark Webber (Red Bull) narrowly escaped the action by passing Kobayishi moments earlier.

It was disappointing day for Webber who was running strongly in fifth but a gamble to change tyres during the second Safety Car period didn’t pay off and the best he could muster was the one point offered for tenth place.

Just ahead of Webber was Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) who finished in P9. Daniel has been relatively strong in qualifying, but hasn’t always managed to put it together on Sunday. This is just his second points finish for the year, after his debut race with Toro Rosso in Melbourne.

The heat and humidity of Singapore makes this a tough race for the drivers, reinforced by the fact the drivers could only cover 59 of the planned 61 laps. The race ended after it reached the two hour time limit.

We have a break of two weeks now before back to back races in Japan and Korea. Vettel’s win has moved him into second place in the drivers’ championship and we’re shaping for another fantastic fight for the title with six races remaining.

UPDATE: We understand Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button are facing the stewards after the two narrowly avoided contact during the first Safety Car period. If any late drama unfolds we’ll let you know.

UPDATE #2: The stewards left Vettel and Button alone, but nabbed Mark Webber for gaining advantage by going off the track to overtake Kamui Kobayashi. He was given a 20 second time penalty, which means he drops to P11.

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Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2012 Singapore GP: Qualifying report

2012 Singapore Grand Prix

McLaren’s excellent mid-season form has continued into the far east with Lewis Hamilton (1:46.362) claiming pole position under the lights at the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix. On a blistering lap he managed to escape harm after brushing the wall on the way to his third pole position from the last four races and the 24th of his career.

Sebastian Vettel had been looking good to fulfill Red Bull’s promise of greater success in the fly away races by topping the time sheets in all three Free Practice sessions. In the end P3 (1:46.905) was the best the dual world champion could manage, with a sizeable gap of five tenths back to Lewis.

Splitting the two front runners was the unlikely Pastor Maldonado for Williams (1:46.804). The Venezuelan is prone to moments of raw pace, but his sometimes arguable racecraft may strike fear into Hamilton and Vettel when the lights go out to start the race.

The top six is rounded out by Jenson Button (McLaren, 1:46.939), Fernando Alonso (Ferrari, 1:47.216) and Paul di Resta (Force India, 1:47.241).

Mark Webber (1:47.475) put his Red Bull into P7, but is under investigation for impeding Timo Glock (Marussia) in Q1. Any penalty would surely frustrate the Australian immensely.

The usual Toro Rosso qualifying result of Daniel Ricciardo being one place ahead of his teammate, Jean-Eric Vergne, has come to fruition once again. They’ll start from P15 and P16 respectively.

And before we bring you the transcript from the first three qualifiers we can’t let it go unmentioned that Pedro de la Rosa (HRT, 1:53.355) will drop five places from the last spot on the grid due an early gearbox change. We wonder, in order to give this penalty any merit, should Charlie Whiting hold Pedro on the line for a cheeky second or so at the start?

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

UPDATE: Good news for Webber, with Autosport reporting the stewards let him off with a reprimand.

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