FIA launches investigation into F1 Japanese GP tractor incident

In the wake of Carlos Sainz’s opening lap crash on the run out of the hairpin, marshals sent a recovery truck on to the circuit to help retrieve the stranded Ferrari.With memories still fresh of the incident at the 2014 Japanese GP, where Jules Bianchi suffered injuries he would later succumb to after hitting a similar crane, there was widespread unease in the paddock about what …Keep reading

F1 made mistake with revised points rules, admits Horner

The immediate aftermath of the race in Suzuka descended into farce amid confusion over whether or not a penalty for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had been enough to secure Verstappen the crown.Many teams, including Red Bull itself, shared the wide-held view that new rules introduced after last year’s shambolic Belgian Grand Prix meant Verstappen would not be given full points for his win, as the …Keep reading

Verstappen: Points confusion over F1 world title win was “quite funny”

Verstappen clinched his second F1 crown in bizarre circumstances on Sunday, only learning that he was world champion during his parc ferme interview.This came after the FIA handed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage off-track in his last-lap battle with Sergio Perez.By dropping Leclerc from second to third, it meant Verstappen made a 10-point …Keep reading

Gasly: Joining Alpine for F1 2023 ‘very quickly’ felt like the right move

Alpine announced on Saturday that one-time grand prix winner Gasly will complete its line-up for next year, joining on a multi-year deal to partner fellow Frenchman Esteban Ocon. In an interview with Formula 1, Gasly said there had “always been links” to Renault through his career, but “nothing really serious” until a seat opened up for next year in the wake of Fernando Alonso’s …Keep reading

Autosport writers’ favourite F1 Japanese Grands Prix

It may have been away for three years, but the Japanese Grand Prix remains a firm fans’ favourite – which also includes the Autosport team. From iconic title deciders to the unique setting and culture Formula 1 embraces on its trip to the far east, the race is awash of history and famous moments from across the years.While perhaps best remembered for the controversial clashes between …Keep reading

Binotto feels ‘pessimistic’ over budget cap results delay, wants FIA clarity

Rumours emerged in Singapore last week that two teams – Red Bull and Aston Martin – may have breached the $145 million budget cap for 2021 as the FIA prepared to issue compliance certificates on Wednesday.Both teams stringently denied the allegations, but the FIA’s decision to postpone issuing the certificates until Monday has caused the saga to rumble on across the Japanese Grand Prix …Keep reading

Latifi explains ‘funny’ wrong turn mistake in Suzuka F1 practice

Outgoing Williams F1 driver Latifi is making his maiden appearance at Suzuka this weekend, but hit a bit of trouble during second practice when he turned too early for the final chicane.Thus, Latifi turned onto the portion of track that is used for the west circuit layout of Suzuka, which turns right before the Casio Triangle and connects the track to Dunlop, cutting out the grand prix …Keep reading

2021 Mercedes financial numbers reflect “painful” F1 cost cap

The overall spending of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited fell from £324.9m in 2020 to £297.4m last year, despite the calendar being extended from 17 to 22 races as the impact of COVID faded.While many elements included in the overall total do not come under the cap, the drop in spending of £27.4m reflects how the team had to adjust to the new era of cutting costs.It also contributed to …Keep reading

Alpine hopes Gasly and Ocon will rekindle friendship as F1 team-mates

Gasly was confirmed on Saturday as Fernando Alonso’s replacement at the Alpine team in 2023, after the Frenchman was released by Red Bull.Gasly and Ocon were friends when they were youngsters, and their families were also close. However, they had a falling out and have had an uneasy relationship since they both made it to F1.When Gasly first emerged as a candidate for the Alpine seat …Keep reading

De Vries lands full-time F1 drive with AlphaTauri for 2023

De Vries replaces Pierre Gasly, who has been released from an ongoing contract to drive for Alpine next season.The 27-year-old has put himself in a prime spot to one day potentially replace Sergio Perez and join his friend and countryman Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Racing line-up.“I’m extremely excited to be joining Scuderia AlphaTauri for 2023,” said De Vries, “and I want to …Keep reading