FORMULA 1

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Red Bull cuts Honda no slack: New F1 RB15 technical analysis

Red Bull's first Honda-powered Formula 1 car has broken cover and hit the track at Silverstone, and Jake Boxall-Legge joins Glenn Freeman to look over the first images of the car. It's clear Red Bull's preference for aggressive packaging remains, so either Honda has made big gains on its reliability, or the Japanese manufacturer is going to be under pressure to work within the tight confines of the RB15

MIKA: A shame RBR will change the livery. I love this one.

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RED BULL DRIVERS SMILING AFTER POSITIVE RB15 SHAKEDOWN

Red Bull revealed their first ever Honda-powered Formula 1 car when the Adrian Newey inspired RB15 broke cover today, in tandem with the online launch of the ‘eye-candy’ their drivers Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly gave the new car a shakedown at Silverstone.

Both drivers were in good spirits as they took to the track in the striking bespoke testing livery, doing the allowed mileage on their filming day, ahead of next week’s testing in Barcelona.

The team reported: “After an intense winter of design and development the RB15 hit the track for the first time today, with Max putting the Team’s first Honda-powered car through its paces for the cameras on a bright but cool filming day at Silverstone.”

As has become tradition for the Team, the all-new RB15 made its first appearance clad in a stunning one-off launch livery, a stealthy-looking dark blue colour scheme lit with glowing red chevrons.

And over the course of six runs at the Northamptonshire circuit, the new charger performed faultlessly, with Max getting through 39 laps as the Team performed a battery of systems checks ahead of next week’s first test in Barcelona.

After reluctantly climbing out of the car, Verstappen’s first impressions of the RB15 were positive, “I was really excited to jump in the car and as soon as we got going it felt pretty normal. It felt good and we had no problems, so very happy with that. Also, the livery is very beautiful, even though it’s only for today.”

“Of course today is a filming day, so there’s a limited amount you can get out of it, but it’s really important to have a day like this, before you go to the official tests. You get a first impression and you see if there any little issues with the car or engine.”

“Luckily we didn’t have any and it’s very positive that we had this opportunity. Now we can go testing properly, we’ll see what we can get out of that and we’ll be able to understand the car and the engine a bit better. But so far, so good,” added the 21-year-old.

Verstappen’s progress was eagerly followed trackside by new team-mate Pierre Gasly, who’ll get his first taste of the RB15 at next week’s Barcelona test.

“I think the car looks amazing,” he said. “Red Bull always brings some amazing one-off liveries to the launch of a new car and this is definitely one of the best.

“It’s the start of a new story for the Team with Honda and so far it’s gone really well. Now I can’t wait to be in Max’s position next week and to properly feel what the car is like.”

“For me, the winter break has felt pretty long – waiting to really get down to work with the Team has been something I’ve been dreaming about – and so I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Barcelona,” added the Frenchman.

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FORMULA 1 PARTNERS WITH CAA-GBG TO ENHANCE FAN ENGAGEMENT

Formula 1 have announced a partnership with CAA-GBG Global Brand Management Group to enhance their footprint as they plough ahead in the era of new media.

CAA-GBG claim on their website: “Our brand management team oversees the strategy execution, managing all aspects of product development, marketing, and distribution to ensure licensees remain aligned with brand goals.

“Our team oversees all aspects of the program, ensuring consistency and success in delivering the consumer’s expectations and the client’s vision.”

Press Release:

Formula 1 and CAA-GBG Global Brand Management Group, the world’s premier brand management company and a subsidiary of Global Brands Group, today announced that they have partnered with Formula 1 to grow their global audience and improve the overall fan experience.

CAA-GBG will focus on licensed product opportunities that leverage the sport’s principles, heritage and advanced technologies in support of the brand’s expansion strategy.

As part of the new strategic plan, Formula 1 is improving its digital platforms and brand experiences, whilst increasing the range and availability of associated products. CAA-GBG will boost Formula 1 fan-engagement efforts across all key verticals including digital following the sport’s rapid social media growth in recent years.

Formula 1 continues to improve fan engagement both at the Grand Prix™ and around the world through multiple touchpoints including F1 TV, a content platform available in 66 territories, including the US, Mexico, Germany and France, as well as in many countries in South America and Eastern Europe.

Frank Arthofer, Director of Digital and Licensing, Formula 1, said: “Formula 1 has developed a powerful strategy for reaching fans wherever they are, whether in the stands, in the Fanzone or online. Our partnership with CAA-GBG will help us further engage with our audience as we grow through strategic consumer product, trademark licensing and experiences.”

Scott Harvey-Nicholls, Executive Vice President of CAA-GBG Said.

“Formula 1 is one of the most exciting sports experiences in the world. We are looking forward to partnering with this iconic brand to help expand its reach through strategic partnerships to ensure that fans across the world can enjoy new ways to engage with this singular racing experience.”

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WOLFF: I WANT LEWIS AND VALTTERI RACING EACH OTHER HARD

Before engines fire-up in earnest, Mercedes Toto Wolff has declared that there will be no team orders between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas while admitting he is actually relishing a proper battle between the pair.

Last year Lewis Hamilton humiliated Valtteri Bottas, 11 victories to none, drivers have been sacked for doing far better. But credit to Wolff for opening the door to the “perfect wingman” to up his game and take the battle to his five-time F1 World Champion teammate.

In an interview released on the occasion of the team’s unveiling of the Mercedes W10, Wolff said, “I’m really looking forward to a strong competition between the two of them, racing each other hard and fighting hard against our rivals.”

Clearly, the gloves are off and the team primed to handle the tears when they arise.

For now, it is harmony as the world champions sent their drivers off to enjoy their holidays, which they did according to the countless social media snaps of Lewis surfing, sky diving, meditating and tons of selfies Valterri in very cold places.

Wolff continued, “Both Lewis and Valtteri spent the winter taking their minds off Formula One for a while, which is important. Lewis spent some time travelling. When we met after the winter break, he was refreshed; he’s extremely hungry and wants to start racing again.”

“Valtteri spent some time with his family in Finland, but he was quickly back into racing cars as he competed in the Arctic Rally.”

“We had a good chat after the break; he was in a good place and has been able to fully reset after a season that was not always easy for him. Valtteri knows he has the full backing of the team to succeed and he’s excited to get back in the car and show his critics what he can do.”

The first task for the boys in Silver is to tweak the W10 into a title-winning weapon during the eight days of preseason testing available to them starting in Barcelona on 18 February.

Hamilton made a huge statement, which is still resonating into 2019, by winning the final two races of last season, unprecedented for him but at the same time the intent clear to all, even noThe first

The first rule of racing to beat your teammate, so far Hamilton has done so into submission. Bottas needs to be the F1 version of Rocky to recover from the beating he has already been given, and then still have it in him to destroy the guy in the #44 car.

MIKA: I'm a Mercedes F1 fan BUT what a load of BS from Toto. Watch for team orders yet again early in the campaign.

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SPORT PESA RACING POINT REVEAL 2019 PINK RP19

The Sport Pesa Racing Point was born today during a reveal at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, heralding a new era for a team with many guises including the original Jordan Grand Prix, Midland F1 Racing, Spyker F1 and Force India before the new takeover by a consortium led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll.

Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez will drive the ‘Pink Panthers’ this season, with extra funding the team’s team has high aspirations, led by an owner demanding results but at the same time willing to spend to achieve the targets.

Press Release:

Formula 1’s newest team presented its fresh look today as Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll launched SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team in Toronto, Canada, in front of 200 media, hundreds of fans and select VIP guests and unveiled the RP19.

The on-stage presentation at the Canadian International Autoshow showed off a striking evolution of BWT’s pink livery adding the blue of new title partner, SportPesa, the global technology and entertainment company. A new ‘point’ logo in pink, blue and magenta was also introduced alongside the team’s new identity as SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team.

The arrival of SportPesa sees prominent branding on the engine cover as well as on the front and rear wings. Logos of principal sponsor, BWT, are positioned on the sidepods, front and top of chassis, headrest and reverse face of the rear wing. The launch event also introduced new partnerships with household names, JCB, Bombardier, and Hackett, with all brands enjoying branding positions on the car’s new livery.

The longstanding partnerships with Claro, Infinitum and Telcel continue as does the NEC relationship with branding on the headrest, nose and wing mirrors. Logos from lubricants brand, Ravenol, appear on the barge boards, while insurance brand, Canada Life, takes up a position on the lower engine cover. The partnership with Acronis continues with logos situated on the rear of the sidepod.

Speaking in Toronto, Team Principal & CEO, Otmar Szafnauer: “After months of hard work behind-the-scenes it’s incredibly exciting to come to Canada and present our new identity. The long-term aim is to take this team to the very top of the sport. We are putting the building blocks in place and it’s important we take a good step forward in 2019 as we begin this new era. We want to be fighting for podiums on merit and aiming for a strong top four finish in the championship.”

Along with the new era for the Silverstone based outfit comes a new title sponsor in the form of Sports Pesa:

SportPesa, the growing global technology and entertainment company, has today been announced as the new title partner for Racing Point, with the team now known as SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team.

The announcement, alongside a reveal of the team’s new car livery, was made during their pre-season launch event, held during the Canadian International Auto Show; the first ever Formula One team launch in Canada.

Present at the reveal were the two team drivers, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, along with the Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer, and Technical Director, Andrew Green.

The multi-year deal will commence with immediate effect, with the team referred to as SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team for the duration of the partnership. The Racing Point cars retain their pink colour, with BWT continuing as principal sponsor of the team, with the addition of blue SportPesa branding on the front and rear wings, and engine cover.

Otmar Szafnauer, Team Principal and CEO of SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team: “SportPesa is a young, dynamic, growing company whose values align with our own vision to become a team capable of competing at the very front of the grid. We are excited to have such an ambitious partner on board to help us deliver our team mission and look forward to working with them to bring the sport of Formula One closer to fans around the world. The car looks stunning with the addition of blue to the already iconic pink livery, which gives us a strong identity as we begin this exciting new era.”

Adam Beighton, SportPesa, Company Director: “We are absolutely delighted to become part of the extended Formula One family. This partnership is very important to us because it diversifies us into new territories and allows us to reach new audiences across the globe. Equally important is the platform it provides us which enables us to stay true to our mission; to build and develop grassroots and professional sport in the countries where we operate by bringing new opportunities to local communities.”

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Esteban Gutierrez takes on official Mercedes F1 development role for 2019

Esteban Gutierrez will enhance his role with Mercedes’ Formula 1 team this year after being officially appointed as its simulator and development driver.

Gutierrez raced for Sauber in Formula 1 through 2013 and 2014, scoring points only once, and spent 2015 on the sidelines as Ferrari’s test and reserve driver.

Gutierrez’s Ferrari affiliation facilitated his return to the grid with the new-for-2016 Haas team but he failed to score a point and was dropped at the end of the season.

The Mexican competed in a handful of IndyCar and Formula E events but was unable to secure full-time programmes in either championships.

Gutierrez spent time in Mercedes’ simulator through 2018, and completed a Formula 1 demonstration run as part of Silverstone’s 70th anniversary celebrations at the British Grand Prix.

For 2019 Gutierrez has officially taken up the position of Simulator and Development Driver, assisting Mercedes in the progress of its W10.

Fellow ex-F1 racer Esteban Ocon holds the role Reserve Driver, having missed out on a 2019 race seat as part of last year’s driver merry-go-round.

Ocon and Gutierrez will act as back-up to racers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

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Racing Point working on new factory for 2021

Racing Point expects a new factory at Silverstone to be completed by 2021, as part of the major investment that is being put in by its new owners.
After a takeover of the former Force India outfit by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, father of driver Lance, the team has enjoyed an uplift in spending as part of a revamp push.

Following the launch of the team’s 2019 livery in Canada on Wednesday, team principal Otmar Szafnauer confirmed that work had begun on a new factory.

“The new shareholders are investing in all areas of the company to establish Racing Point as a premium brand with strong commercial appeal,” said Szafnauer.

“We have already signed an exciting new partnership with SportPesa, which sits alongside the BWT relationship as our top level partners.

“We’ve also welcomed new names such as JCB, Bombardier and Hackett into the Racing Point family – brands which share our vision for building a first-class racing team.

“There is also the creation of a new factory, which we expect to be completed by 2021, and the introduction of a new motorhome at European events later this year.”

Alongside the work on the new factory, Racing Point will also expand its current Silverstone facilities to help accommodate its growth.

Szafnauer added: “There is a huge amount going on behind the scenes and I would say it has been the busiest winter I can remember. 

"Not only are we delivering the new car, but we are also planning for the future and trying to improve our facilities and tools following years of underinvestment.

“We are expanding the current factory to accommodate a growing workforce and simultaneously planning the build of a new facility, which will also be located in Silverstone. 

"These are not easy tasks and they require lots of energy and resources to deliver. But we are well aware that the focus of our key people needs to remain on the performance of the car and that’s very much the case.”

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Racing Point plans run of big early upgrades in 2019

Racing Point is planning a raft of significant upgrades for its new Formula 1 car across the first five races of 2019, as part of a new development philosophy.
The team joined the F1 grid for last year's Belgian Grand Prix after taking over the assets of Force India, which had finished fourth in the constructors' championship in 2016 and 2017.

Its reincarnation is relishing the prospect of a season with fresh investment from its new owner, a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll.

As part of the team's 2019 season launch, technical director Andrew Green explained that Racing Point was already planning upgrades from the season opener in Australia to the fifth round in Spain – "something we've been unable to do previously".

Green said: "Expect quite a plain, 'vanilla' car to start with as we produced what we believe is a car capable of delivering what we need to achieve in Barcelona – working on reliability and understanding the tyres.

"We did what we needed to get the car out for launch, but in the background we have always been working on the car for the first race, trying to find the maximum performance we can and bring to Melbourne.

"We are planning to update the car for the first race and probably the two or three races after that.

"They'll be fairly significant changes ahead of another big step forward in Barcelona, in race five.

"Hopefully, by the time we get to Europe we will have a decent platform to be working with and developing."

Green's technical team has developed a reputation for producing arguably F1's best-value cars in recent seasons.

He said that Racing Point's resources would mark "a real change in development philosophy".

"This year, we will be bringing updates to the car as soon as they're ready," he said. "We won't be waiting to put together bigger packages, but will focus on making incremental gains at every race."

Part of the reason Green expects quick development progress in 2019 is F1's new aerodynamic regulations.

Simpler front and rear wings, brake ducts and bargeboards have been introduced to try to help cars follow one another more easily, and that means teams will be recouping lost aerodynamic performance as the year progresses.

Green said Racing Point is equipped to deal with that and enjoyed a "100% expansion" of its simulator programme for pre-season development work.

He described the influx of new sponsors – including new title partner SportPesa – and investment as "unprecedented" for the team.

"There's a real sense of 'we can show people what we can really do now'," he said. "It's not a new chapter in the history of this team. We're a new book now.

"Over the coming months you'll see the team grow and develop and the performance of the car will increase at quite a dramatic rate."

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MCLAREN MCL34 POWERED BY RENAULT BREAKS COVER

The McLaren MCL34 powered by Renault broke cover today when it was launched during a function at Woking where the team’s new drivers Carlos Sainz and rookie Lando Norris were introduced to the world with striking orange and blue race suits.

The team reported on their website:

McLaren Racing today presented its first all-new Formula 1 driver line-up in 12 years, as Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris watched 34 of their McLaren team-mates unveil the MCL34, the team’s 2019 race car, ahead of pre-season testing next week.

This year, Sainz (24) begins his fifth Formula 1 campaign, while Norris (19) embarks on his debut season, as McLaren continues its performance recovery programme throughout 2019.

The concept and design process of the 2019 McLaren MCL34, powered by the Renault E-Tech 19 engine, focuses on laying the foundations for development of the car throughout the season.

The MCL34 livery continues to sport the iconic McLaren papaya orange, echoing the colour chosen by Bruce McLaren for the team’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix entry in 1966. This year’s scheme is a progression from 2018, featuring a complementary blue that nods to the team’s broader racing heritage.

Over a productive commercial pre-season, the team has continued to strengthen its partner portfolio, with the addition of three new brands forming a 30-strong roster.

The MCL34 will make its on-track debut during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain (18-21 February & 26 February – 1 March). Carlos and Lando will share the driving duties across both tests.

Carlos Sainz #55: “I’m really looking forward to the tests and excited to finally go racing in McLaren colours. I know everyone at the factory has been working very hard over the winter to prepare ourselves for this year, and I think the team has done a fantastic job with the livery of the MCL34.

“I’ve been especially focused on my preparations this winter. New training routines, new diet, very specific simulator sessions, and extra time with the engineers to develop and align certain aspects of the car to my preferences. The factory has become my second home since I moved back to the UK and everyone in the team is moving in the same direction. We know the big task ahead of us and we first need to evaluate where we are after the tests. From there onwards, I can’t wait to start racing and keep pushing forward together.”

Lando Norris #4: “Next stop, Barcelona! Seriously, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in testing. I’ve been working hard over the winter preparing for my step up to F1. I’ve spent a lot of time with the team in the factory too, learning as much as I can to get ready for the 2019 season.

“It’s been my dream to get to Formula 1 since I was a kid. I gained useful experience behind the wheel during practice sessions in 2018, and now I’m really looking forward to making my race debut with McLaren. The MCL34 looks great and now I just want to drive it.”

McLaren MCL34 powered by Renault specifications:

 

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McLaren could delay switch to Petrobras fuel

McLaren may delay using fuel from its new technical partner Petrobras, as it weighs up which supplier to start the new Formula 1 season with.

The British team announced its new technical partnership with Petrobras in February last year with the change from BP/Castrol to take effect from 2019. 

At the launch of its 2019 car, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said it remained the F1 team’s “intention” to use Petrobras products this year. 

McLaren is thought to have Petrobras’s lubricants to use now but has not committed to answering whether fuel will be ready in time to use for pre-season testing or when the season starts in Australia next month. 

Asked by Motorsport.com to clarify when it would be possible for McLaren to use Petrobras fuel, sporting director Gil de Ferran admitted it is “difficult” to identify to a deadline. 

“We are still working on the development together with Petrobras,” said de Ferran. “It would be difficult to put a timescale [on it] right now.”

Fuel and lubricant suppliers have always played an important role in engine performance but have been a key behind-the-scenes battleground in the V6 turbo-hybrid era. 

Ferrari has continued its long-term partnership with Shell, while Mercedes has had a collaboration with Petronas through its run of five consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles. 

Renault uses BP/Castrol, which McLaren also had for its final year with Honda in 2017 and its first year as a Renault customer in 2018. 

Switching to exclusive use of Petrobras products represents an opportunity for McLaren to find an edge against its competitors but likewise it could find itself at a deficit if the company enters F1 competition with a below-par product. 

While there is nothing tangible to prevent McLaren from starting the year with BP/Castrol products and switching when Petrobras was completely ready, logistically it would be a tricky change to make. 

De Ferran said: “When we make our plans we take all those difficulties into account to make sure we can execute them properly.”

Petrobras was previously involved in F1 with Williams, which had targeted a different fuel supplier as a means of making gains against the works Mercedes team. 

Brown said: “We have a great relationship with Petrobras, we are developing fuels with them as we speak.

“It is a very technical relationship. If you look at different fuel and lubes companies in F1, they use it as an R&D development to ultimately build their brand. 

“We are in Brazil often with them. I’m very confident that we are delivering a lot of good value to them and anticipate the relationship to go from strength to strength.”

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BROWN: MCLAREN MOVE FEARLESSLY FORWARD

Zak Brown, the McLaren Racing CEO, was realistic but bullish at the launch of the team’s 2019 Formula 1 car – the MCL34 – during a function at Woking on Thursday to kick-start their new season.

The launch was held in their stylish amphitheatre, the car revealed was predominantly orange with blue patches. Their new drivers Carlos Sainz and rookie Lando Norris looked striking in their race suits – probably the best looking thus far…

McLaren’s trials and tribulations are tales well told, but as always a new year paves the way for redemption and that’s the message Brown delivered to media.

He said, “The MCL34 is the result of an immense amount of hard work and dedication throughout our team. We’re all committed, motivated and united in our ambition to return McLaren to competitiveness, and the MCL34 is only the start of this process.”

“We have a fresh driver pairing, who together represent the new generation of Formula 1 talent, and are an integral part of the team and our collective effort to advance McLaren forward.

“The McLaren family is not only our people and our drivers, but also our superb partners and wonderful fans. We have a strong community of partners which continues to grow, and an incredible fanbase, who have all remained loyal and supportive throughout our highs and lows, and I’d like to thank them as we head into the 2019 season.”

“As ever, we move fearlessly forward,” added Brown, boss of the team that has 20 Formula 1 drivers titles to their credit and 182 wins over their illustrious history.

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MCLAREN CAN CALL ON ALONSO OR OTHERS IF THEY NEED A RESERVE

McLaren indicated on Thursday that retired double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso could stand in as a reserve driver for the team if needed this season, but at the same time admitted that they have other options too.

The former champions have a new driver lineup this season, with 19-year-old British rookie Lando Norris and 24-year-old Spaniard Carlos Sainz, but have yet to name an official reserve.

Brazilian Sergio Sette Camara has been appointed as test and development driver but has yet to secure sufficient points to obtain the necessary super licence.

Double world champion Alonso, 37, left Formula One at the end of last season but is set to compete with McLaren at the Indianapolis 500 in May.

Asked whether the Spaniard might be approached to step back into the F1 cockpit should the necessity arise, Brown indicated as much without giving a direct answer.

“Fernando’s still part of the team with our Indy 500 project. I think we’d probably stop short of announcing a reserve driver, but I think there’s a variety of drivers out there that if we need someone on short notice could fill that role,” said Brown.

McLaren needed a reserve in 2016 when Alonso was injured in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and had to miss the following round in Bahrain with Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne stepping in.

Vandoorne is now competing in the all-electric Formula E series.

Brown had earlier played down media speculation that Alonso could take part in pre-season testing in Barcelona, without entirely ruling it out.

“Right now, we’re taking testing one day at a time and focusing on our racing drivers,” he said.

“I think any time you go into pre-season testing and are doing anything from reliability to performance, you kind of have a set plan but work at it one day at a time.”

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Alfa Romeo's 2019 F1 car makes Fiorano debut

Alfa Romeo Racing's 2019 Formula 1 car has been pictured on track for the first time at a shakedown in Italy.
The team, which has taken over the branding of Sauber's 2018 entry, is using one of its two allowed promotional events to run the car ahead of pre-season testing next week.

These first images from Fiorano reveal Kimi Raikkonen behind the wheel of the Alfa, which has appeared in a black-and-red camouflage livery.

The livery incorporates hearts, as the car has appeared on Valentine's Day, and Alfa's Quadrifoglio shamrock that it uses to identify its high-performance models.

Alfa's new F1 car has not yet been named. It is due to be unveiled officially next Monday, before testing begins at Barcelona.

 

 

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McLaren defends sponsor agreement with BAT

McLaren has defended its partnership with British American Tobacco, with chief Zak Brown asserting that the company is part of a “transforming” industry.

British American Tobacco ran the BAR team that competed from 1999 through 2005, before ending its involvement ahead of the ban on tobacco advertising in Formula 1.

But earlier this week McLaren confirmed it had formed a new partnership with BAT in order to promote the company’s “portfolio of potentially reduced risk products.”

The branding from BAT’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’ scheme – ostensibly a project similar to that of long-term Ferrari partner Philip Morris’ ‘Mission Winnow’ strategy – features on McLaren’s MCL34 and takes a prominent spot on the overalls of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr.

It has led to suggestions that tobacco companies are trying to subvert the regulations.

Brown, though, dismissed such notions.

“BAT is an outstanding cooperation that has a long history in motorsports,” said Brown.

“Our partnership is one that is technically based with their newer generation products so we don’t have any relationship with the tobacco side of the business.

“I think their industry is one that is transforming, it’s technology driven and there are areas we can help them make the transformation journey around technology and they are a great company to be working with.

“Philip Morris have been with Ferrari for forever and BAT has a great history in racing so they understand the power of it and as they move forward on their journey they field that McLaren is a partner they could help. 

“The world evolves and changes daily, probably at a faster pace than ever.

“Their company has changed and has moved on and is moving into new areas and are looking to innovate.

“I think what took place 10, 15 or 20 years ago, the world is a different place. So I think their landscape has changed and F1 is a good platform for them.”

Only Ferrari (with Philip Morris) and McLaren have commercial agreements with tobacco firms.

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When a painted cow saved F1 - the South African Grand Prix that wasn’t

As we are often called upon mournfully to note, Formula 1 and politics are inseparable. Yet whatever you think of F1’s political situation at any given moment of time, on one level you should always count yourself lucky. As it almost certainly will be an improvement on what it was in the period roughly between the mid-summer of 1980 and the early months of '81.

In the vast stretch of its history going all the way back to 1950, F1 cannot have come closer to stopping existing at all, at least in the form that we would recognise it, as it did in that period. Only – with appropriate absurdity – for it all to be resolved by a painted cow. Then a grand prix that wasn’t, which took place 38 years ago last week.

Yet for months before this even sober assessments had F1 not long for this earth. “Super imposed on it, the Sword of Damocles,” said Nigel Roebuck of 1980’s season-closing Watkins Glen round. “Had we seen the end of grand prix racing ‘as we know it’?”

All because of a battle between FISA – as the sporting arm of governing body the FIA was then known – and FOCA which were the constructors organised by a certain Bernard Charles Ecclestone.

And to understand how we got to that point, first a short history lesson. In the early 1970s the CSI, as FISA was then known, was powderpuff. Bernie, boss of the Brabham team, organised the constructors and moved in to fill the vacuum. FOCA organised the previously-ramshackle sport efficiently, started to do commercial deals with circuits and the like, and even influenced rules and circuit safety.

All dandy, until late 1978 when another notorious figure entered the stage. Jean-Marie Balestre – he of the “the best decision is my decision” fame – became FISA’s president and was determined to take the power back. The first battalions thus were poised for what became known as the ‘FISA-FOCA war’.

Come 1980 the two sides spent most of their time arguing about whether or not ‘skirts’ – a vital part of the time’s de rigueur underbody aerodynamics, but also associated with increasing cornering speeds and therefore safety concerns – should be banned for the 1981 season. FOCA pointed out that doing so was in contravention of the usual two years’ notice for such changes; FISA insisted that as a safety matter it could be done sooner.

But that’s not what it was really about. Heck, when FISA and FOCA fired the first shots of this war, at the 1980 Spanish Grand Prix in June that year, the point of departure was the trifling matter of whether drivers should pay fines for not attending a pre-race briefing...

No, it wasn’t really about any of this. It was about who ran the sport.

Another upshot of the Spanish stand-off was that the competing teams therein picked their sides. Loyal to FOCA loosely speaking were the Cosworth DFV powered British ‘garagistes’ such as Williams, Brabham and McLaren (and who also benefitted more from skirts). The ‘grandis’ manufacturers Ferrari, Renault and Alfa Romeo decided to stay loyal to FISA.

As everyone departed Watkins Glen for the 1980-’81 winter a way of achieving lasting peace was far from obvious. Neither side looked minded to back down. Threats, accusations, recriminations and brinkmanship were a constant din.

Bernie’s FOCA side in early November went so far as to announce its own breakaway sanctioning body, the World Federation of Motor Sport, and that it would run its own World Professional Drivers Championship. It abandoned these within a few weeks, switching strategies to instead seek to uphold its existing contracts with race organisers already signed for the 1981 F1 season.

There was then a legal to and fro which left FOCA apparently in a strong position. But FOCA had a problem. For all that we associate Bernie and his ally Max Mosley with grand strategy, in this case they were operating on a wing and a prayer. Money was drying up. About the only form of income for the FOCA teams was cash from sponsors and they, according to Mosley, were getting twitchy.

“Big international companies like Philip Morris (Marlboro) and Goodyear did not want to be associated with a ‘pirate’ championship or any sort of revolt against the established order,” Mosley noted. “Main boards were becoming involved and, however sympathetic those responsible for the racing budget might be, they warned that if it came to it, they would not be able to help us.”

As the 1980 calendar year drew to a close FOCA appeared to have nowhere to go. “We had no money, no sponsorship, no tyres and the whole Establishment against us,” recalled Mosley. Crawling back to Balestre and allowing him to dictate terms looked inevitable.

Which is where the painted cow came in. Mosley with Colin Chapman of Lotus and McLaren’s Teddy Mayer in mid-January attended the Hahnenkamm downhill ski race in Austria. In the dining room of their hotel there was a mural on the wall of two men painting directly onto a cow. Upon enquiry of what this bizarre sight was, the waitress told them that it was a scene from the Middle Ages wherein a nearby town under siege had run out of food and was close to surrender. But to give their enemy the impression that they had plenty they painted their one cow a different colour every day and took it to where their enemy could see it.

At this a light bulb pinged aglow above Chapman’s head, “we must put on a race even though we’ve got no money!,” he exclaimed. They phoned Bernie with the plan, who was initially sceptical – his first response was “you’re all pissed” – but he quickly saw the point and got on board.

The race, FOCA thought, could also possibly shake the resolve between the governing body and the grandis teams which was never that strong in the first place. Ferrari indeed had already sought to extend a hand across the divide by inviting the constructors to its base to frame a proposed settlement called the Modena Agreement.

Furthermore FISA a few weeks before had explored the possibility of holding its own round one of the season, in Argentina, with Ferrari et al perhaps bringing three cars each, but the logistical problems were insurmountable. The significance would be lost on no one of FOCA succeeding in this most fundamental of racing tasks where FISA had failed.

The 1981 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami was scheduled originally for February 7, yet what with everything going on FISA sought to move it back to April, as it had with Argentina’s race. But this wasn’t acceptable to the South African organisers, mainly as the habitually financially-shaky event had secured race sponsorship with office equipment company Nashua, and its support was contractually contingent on the event being held on the February date.

At all this FOCA pounced and said it would race at Kyalami on February 7. In another happy coincidence for FOCA the South African race organisers didn’t care for Balestre, and were therefore receptive to playing ball. Tyres for the race came from Bernie, who just so happened to have a load of old productionised Goodyears in a warehouse spare from the British F1 series. The South African Grand Prix that wasn’t was on.

It was to some extent a damp squib, both figuratively and literally as rain fell on much of the Kyalami running. It was a decent enough race though with Carlos Reutemann’s Williams starting a wet race on slicks then leapfrogging to the front when the track dried and poleman and long-time leader Nelson Piquet in the Brabham had to pit for dry weather tyres. You could even have made the case – as Murray Walker did in his TV commentary – that the Piquet versus the Williams pair fight at the front was a seamless continuation from the end of the 1980 campaign.

Yet only 19 cars took part, even on Kyalami’s short 72-second lap there was close to a five second pace gap between those at the front and back, and the Hamlet without the Prince air was hard to ignore – no Ferrari; indeed no Renault which in 1980 had the Kyalami race to itself. “Even the most ardent enthusiasts had to admit that a race without Ferrari was like an international rugby championship without Wales,” noted Maurice Hamilton in the Guardian.

But in large part none of that mattered. What mattered is that the race happened at all; it was a serious race and, most crucially, got international TV coverage. The implication as calculated was clear: FOCA could put on a race; FISA, particularly given the Argentina false start, couldn’t.

The kaleidoscope was thus shaken, and the major subsequent breaking from FISA’s ranks came from Renault. Another thing that fell into FOCA’s lap was that the next scheduled race was in Long Beach. In California. In the USA. An important market for the French manufacturer, particularly as it owned American Motors. It was a race it couldn’t afford to sit out.

Balestre then put Renault’s senior management noses out of joint by – in a typical fit of self-destructive foot in mouth – declaring arbitrarily that Renault would not race in the US. It soon became clear that, crucially as far as this story goes, the chastened Renault indeed fully intended to be in Long Beach with or without FISA’s blessing.

As for the rest of FISA’s ‘side’, Ferrari we’ve mentioned; the Commendatore Enzo Ferrari was showing time-honoured desire to be in whatever position was likely to give the Scuderia most advantage. Alfa wasn’t a major player and would fall into line. Overnight FISA’s power base had evaporated.

Crucially also FISA at no point appreciated the weakness of FOCA’s position. Mosley admits FOCA likely never would have been able to put on that Long Beach race alone, given its financial predicament. Indeed when FOCA officially announced that it would go ahead with its South African race – which is did in the Hotel Crillon in Paris right next to the FIA’s base – so much as a glance from Balestre at the bedraggled FOCA bunch would have told him much that he needed. Ensign boss Mo Nunn had mortgaged his house to access much-needed funds while Ken Tyrrell required Mosley to subsidise his air fare to Paris. Yet Balestre didn’t know any of this.

Instead he blinked first and gathered everyone around the table. The South African race would not count for the championship and skirts, of the sliding variety at least, were indeed banned. Though the garagistes proved adept in 1981 at finding ways around it.

Most pertinently we also got the Concorde Agreement – Balestre getting the compensation of sorts that it was named after the FIA’s Place de la Concorde address. It provided the basis on which F1 would be (and, under its successor incarnations, still is) run. It was (and is) shrouded in secrecy but its essentials were (and are) clear. FISA would look after the rules; Bernie (and, as it transpired, his successors) the deals. And, most likely, Bernie got the spoils too.

[TheGipper]

Why do all these teams bring out these brilliant looking liveries for winter testing...them revert to the boring old designs for the regular schedule?

[MIKA27]

1 minute ago, TheGipper said:

Why do all these teams bring out these brilliant looking liveries for winter testing...them revert to the boring old designs for the regular schedule?

I agree.

Red bull racing looks amazing as does Alfa but both are just testing. 

[MIKA27]

Ricciardo: Renault's engine promise backed up by numbers

Daniel Ricciardo insists Renault's optimism about its 2019 engine is backed up by numbers.

Renault has hailed its best-ever winter of progress with its new turbo hybrid engine, with managing director Cyril Abiteboul saying it has found a "significant" step forward in performance.

While there have been occasions in the past when Renault has not always delivered on steps it hoped to make, Ricciardo is clear that what it says now is based on fact.

Asked by Motorsport.com about Abiteboul's optimism, Ricciardo said: "Obviously being pretty deep in the Renault family, I've seen numbers and I know they are not just saying it to please everyone. It has been a good winter.

"But, race cars are race cars. You might put it on track, and it has done a lot of stuff on the dyno, and then it's 'why is it doing that?' 'Okay, we didn't expect that.'

"So you never really want to put all your eggs in that basket saying this is going to be sick.

"But look, so far what they have done over the winter, looking at the numbers they have done in previous years, it has been a good one.

"By no means are they saying it is going to be better than a Mercedes, but from what they have done it is really positive. It is nice to hear that for sure."

Ricciardo's teammate Nico Hulkenberg was equally hopeful about the progress Renault had made on the engine front, as he said it was especially welcome after a difficult 2018.

"It is what we needed," he said. "Last year we didn't have much coming on that side, so it was kind of overdue.

"In the second half of last year that really put us in a difficult situation, so we really needed that. It is good that it arrives.

"But then again on the other side, Ferrari and Mercedes may have found another whole lot of power again which means we will have to find more again. It is hard to say without speculating."

[TheGipper]

Yeah Red Bull had that weird blocky blue one for rollout last year.  I liked the color combo, but it looked like they ran out of paint before the finished.  This year's is really sharp.

[MIKA27]

Raikkonen: Leclerc will thrive if he avoids Ferrari "hassle"

Kimi Raikkonen reckons Charles Leclerc can thrive at Ferrari if he focuses on driving and doesn’t get distracted by the extra "hassle" that surrounds the Italian Formula 1 outfit.
The Finn has effectively swapped places with Leclerc this year, after signing a multi-year deal to race at the Sauber team that has since been rebranded as Alfa Romeo.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Raikkonen said that life as a Ferrari driver is much easier if you do not get involved in some of the aspects at Maranello.

“He [Leclerc] knows the team, because he's been with Ferrari for quite a few years now, so you know, it's not like he is going in a new place,” explained Raikkonen. “And he has experience from F1.

“You know, it is a special place to be. It's a bit of hassle at certain times, but that’s how it’s always been, and it’s easier [for him] not to get involved in too many things and just do what he is hired to do.”

Asked whether he suggested that Leclerc do as Raikkonen himself did, the Finn said: “Often we are used to things being done [in a certain way], but in Ferrari sometimes it is a bit [different].

“If that doesn't disturb you, it’s good. Don't get involved and then just do what they ask you. I don't...

“And because he knows the people, you know, he worked with them, so it should be quite easy and smooth.”

Raikkonen also said he only found out about the departure of his former Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene through a friend.

“I think I read it the same like everybody else,” he said. “Or actually I didn't read. My mom's boyfriend asked me "did you see?" I said "no" because we were in Finland, and not interested to see any news.

“I had no idea. And now I have no idea [about] reasons and [it's] not my business to know either and to get involved.”

Speaking about his own prospects for the 2019 season, Raikkonen said that the key for him was to simply enjoy the racing at Alfa Romeo.

“I think for sure here is more relaxed,” he said. “It’s more about racing, and less about politics and bullshit. Generally that’s easier for everybody, you know. I think that’s what everybody prefers, for sure.”

[MIKA27]

Just now, TheGipper said:

Yeah Red Bull had that weird blocky blue one for rollout last year.  I liked the color combo, but it looked like they ran out of paint before the finished.  This year's is really sharp.

It certainly is this season!!! I'm in love!  

[Colt45]

So guys, please take this as nothing more than a passing thought.. I'm on record as enjoying all kinds of racing, while not really hardcore with any. I've mentioned I feel that the cars continue to get detrimentally (my opinion) larger....

These front wings (again to me) look ridiculously huge......

[MIKA27]

51 minutes ago, Colt45 said:

So guys, please take this as nothing more than a passing thought.. I'm on record as enjoying all kinds of racing, while not really hardcore with any. I've mentioned I feel that the cars continue to get detrimentally (my opinion) larger....

These front wings (again to me) look ridiculously huge......

Hey Colt!

Mate, we are all fans of the sport here, your opinion is always welcome and valid.

Yes, the front and rear wings this season are wider.

The from wings are simplified with a larger span, with low out-wash (Reducing the out-wash improves overtaking apparently  ) whereas, the rear wings are deeper and wider.

Maybe the rear wings would benefit DRS overtaking? Though saying this, everyone else also has larger rear wings so IMHO, it's "Same-same".....

Let's see how the season pans out.  
 

[avaldes]

To my eye, the rear wings look a little small in comparison to the fronts. I still prefer the proportions of 1990-94 cars, which had much larger wings. 

 

[MIKA27]

OVER THE WEEKEND: FERRARI REVEAL THE SF90 THEIR 2019 F1 WEAPON

Ferrari have launched their 2019 Formula 1 car – designated the SF90 – the weapon they have provided for their drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc to campaign this season.

The car revealed on stage at Maranello was matt red, with the controversial Mission Winnow branding prominent although the logos on the rear wing and engine cover were grey, not white like last year.

Ferrari chairman, John Elkann said, “Essere Ferrari means being part of a story that is without equal. A story that began 90 years ago with the tenacity of our founder Enzo Ferrari, with his passion for racing… and winning! A story that, every day, continues to live through”

Ferrari CEO, Louis Camilleri added, “The car embodies the latest state of the art technology, reflects the new regulations for the coming season and is the fruit of the combined enormous work and talent of everyone in the Scuderia.”