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Dirk De Beer Joins Williams as Head of Aerodynamics

The Williams Formula 1 Team has announced that Dirk De Beer will join the team as Head of Aerodynamics.

De Beer will commence his role at the Grove based team from 1 March 2017.

His recent stint in F1 was at Ferrari alongside James Allison, who was announced as Mercedes Technical Director from 1 March 2017. Before working at Ferrari, De Beer worked as an aerodynamicist at the Lotus F1 Team(Renault) and before his stint at Lotus he was at Sauber.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining Williams,” said De Beer.

“The team has an incredible heritage in Formula One, and I’m proud to now be a part of that. I’m looking forward to working with Dave Wheater and the Williams aero team to help continue driving forward the development of the car throughout the season and beyond.

“I would like to thank Williams for giving me this opportunity.”

Deputy Team Principal, Claire Williams added: “We’re delighted to have someone with Dirk’s vast experience joining us.

“Having spent several years as a Head of Aerodynamics in Formula One, his knowledge and technical expertise will undoubtedly be a great asset to the team in our continued push to restore Williams to the front of the grid.”

February 16, 2017
FIA Clarifies Sale of 1% Share in F1 Holding Company
The FIA have moved to clarify comments about their sale of the 1% holding in Delta Topco(The holding company of the commercial rights of Formula 1).

A report on Forbes accused the FIA of a conflict of interest when selling the 1% share of Delta Topco, which at the time of sale to Liberty Media was worth $80 Million.

The issue was that the FIA, as the regulatory body of F1, needed to give approval of the sale of F1 to Liberty Media. The FIA, which owned 1% of Delta Topco, could only cash in on the 1% if F1’s commercial rights, which were owned by Delta Topco, was sold.

The FIA gave approval and was handed a cheque by Liberty Media.

In a statement released by the FIA on Thursday 16 February 2017, they clarify all the allegations made in various reports. They’ve also said that they are willing to prove that there was no conflict of interest during the sale of F1.

Full statement below:

“In light of this, the FIA wishes to make clear the following once again:
- Firstly, the prize money allocated in the Formula One World Championship is done so in accordance with the bilateral agreements that exist between each team and the Commercial Rights Holder (CRH). The FIA has no knowledge of these agreements
- Secondly, there is no conflict of interest on the part of the FIA with regard to its approval of the change of control of the CRH which has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council taking into consideration exclusively the terms of the existing agreements between the CRH and the FIA and the best interests of the Championship
- As per the Agreements made in 2001 for 100 Years, the FIA could only have withheld its consent in the event that the change of control would materially alter the ability of the CRH to fulfill its obligations; it is obvious that the taking of control of the Formula One Group by Liberty does not create such a risk, and nobody has ever suggested a different view in this respect
The FIA would naturally be happy to demonstrate the absence of any conflict of interest to any competent authority that may so request.

Once again, the FIA looks forward to its collaboration with both Liberty and the Formula One Group to create a constructive relationship that will ensure the continued success and the development of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the long term.”
February 16, 2017
James Allison Joins Mercedes as Technical Director

Former Ferrari Technical Director James Allison will take up the Technical Director Role at Mercedes.

Allison, who left Ferrari in the middle of the 2016 season after a shakeup at Ferrari will join the Brackley based outfit from 1 March 2017 taking up the role previously held by Paddy Lowe. He will report directly to Mercedes Motorsport Boss Toto Wolff. Allison will oversee will have numerous managers reporting to him covering all aspects technical aspects of the team.

“I am very excited to be getting back to work after this time away from the sport,” said Allison about his appointment at Mercedes.

“It’s a massive privilege to be given the trust of a position in the team that has done so spectacularly well in the past three seasons.

“I am really looking forward to playing my part in the helping Mercedes go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Toto Wolff added:” I am delighted to welcome James to Mercedes and very much looking forward to working with him.

“Our technical team is extremely skilled at every level and at the top of its game after delivering three world championships in a row.

“It wasn’t an easy task to find the right personality who can strengthen our experience group of engineers, give our talented young team members the space to develop and also bring his own vision to this role.

“James is a sharp engineer; I think we have found the perfect guy and the right fit with out senior leaders.”

February 16, 2017
F1 2017: Team-by-team Guide, Part 1

Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton & Valtteri Bottas

Given their ominous and unbeatable run since the start of the hybrid era Merc automatically start the new year as favourites. However, this ‘theory’ is based solely on what’s gone before. In reality, there is nothing to suggest that the Silver Arrows’ dominance will continue into the vastly different 2017 season. Nevertheless, even if they don’t brandish the same sort of advantage over the rest of the field there is a reasonable expectation that they’ll be mixing it at the front.

The Silver Arrows enter an interesting period where its driver line-up is concerned too. In Lewis Hamilton they have a three-time world champion who is prodigiously fast and who still seems to have an incredible hunger for winning. However, Hamilton showed his fallibility through several costly errors on track and a few peppery statements off it.

Red Bull – Daniel Ricciardo & Max Verstappen

With the virtuoso Adrian Newey in the stable the new aero rules could play right into Red Bull’s hands. In 2016 the Austrian team proved that their power unit was the only hindrance to their competitiveness. If the Tag Heuer-branded Renault power unit can match its Merc counterpart the Red Bull will be exceptionally difficult to beat.

Although Max Verstappen exploded onto the scene and electrified more than a few supporters Daniel Ricciardo still had the measure of the teenaged Dutchman. Verstappen’s biggest test this season will be to, firstly, consistently out-perform his Aussie teammate. What’s more, Verstappen’s biggest challenge will be to deal with the weight of expectation. In 2016 he had near free reign; if he performed well it was a bonus for the team, if he didn’t they would understand that he was dropped into the deep-end. Now he is expected to deliver every time he’s strapped into cockpit.

Ferrari – Kimi Raikkonen & Sebastian Vettel

There is such a thing as famous last words but Ferrari’s season could hardly be worse than in 2016. The team failed to win a single race and made several, embarrassing mistakes. Nevertheless, the Maranello-based team is keen to turn things around. They’re reportedly doing so with an innovative new multi-jet system for its internal combustion engine that will limit reliance on the turbocharger.

It’s unlikely that there is a more harmonious driver pairing in the paddock than Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. The two teammates work in perfect symmetry with the team with little to no ego getting in the way of the task at hand. Rumours of Raikkonen’s future will undoubtedly begin to swirl as soon as he hits the track that but as history has shown it couldn’t bother him any less. There is little question about the Ferrari drivers’ ability to deliver. Rather the question is about what they’ll be given to drive.

Force India – Sergio Perez & Esteban Ocon

For a privately-owned team Force India’s likely expectation will be to finish fourth in the constructor’s championship as they did in 2016, perhaps to score a first win if the cards fall their way. They’re a team that regularly punches above its weight but is unlikely to do better than last season.

It’s a big year for Sergio Perez and his future in F1. Several outstanding performances have proven his ability but he’s yet to translate it into a drive for a top team. With Bottas on a one-year deal at Mercedes a standout season from Perez could catapult him into the seat in 2018. Despite being favoured over Pascal Wehrlein Merc prodigy Esteban Ocon, who is still finding his feet in the sport, is highly unlikely to show Perez the way in 2017.

Williams – Felipe Massa & Lance Stroll

The Claire Williams-run operation’s ambition is unlikely to be a title in 2017. However, the aim will be to restore the legendary team’s name to at least fourth in the standings. They’ve already completed a massive coup by snatching Paddy Lowe from Mercedes. While it’s unclear if Lowe will take up his new position immediately the Englishman is one of the most highly regarded leaders in F1.

Valtteri Bottas’ departure to Merc has cut short Felipe Massa’s retirement and while the Brazilian’s stock in F1 isn’t nearly as high as it was in the mid-2000s his level of experience was attractive enough to Williams. Alongside the one-time runner-up will be Canadian teenager Lance Stroll. It will be a learning curve for Stroll but expect him to take the fight to his veteran teammate in terms of outright speed.

Part 2 coming soon.

February 9, 2017
Manor to Close Up Shop After Failing to Find Buyer

The administrators of Just Racing Services, the holding company of the Manor Formula 1 team which was in administration since early January 2017, were unable to find a buyer for the team and as a result the company had to close its doors on Friday 27 January 2017.

The administrators were hopeful that a buyer could be found after a consortium from Asia expressed their interest. Discussions proved unsuccessful and FRP Advisory decided to end the process of finding a buyer. Staff at the Banbury factory were told to go home on Friday afternoon and they will be made redundant on Tuesday after they are paid their January salaries.

Manor Grand Prix Racing Ltd., the company that holds the rights to race in F1, is not in administration.

“During recent months, the senior management team have worked tirelessly to bring new investment to the team to secure its long term future, but regrettably were been unable to do so within the time available and were left with no alternative but to place JRSL into administration to protect the best interests of the underlying businesses and in order to continue a search for a buyer,” said a statement by FRP Advisory.

“Since their appointment earlier this month the joint administrators at FRP Advisory have continued to work, with the support of senior management, to try and secure new investment into the business resulting in negotiations with a number of interested parties. During that period funding was secured to ensure payment of all staff salaries until 31 January 2017.

“Regrettably since the appointment of administrators no investment has been secured in the limited time available to continue the Group in its present form.

“With no sustainable operational or financial structure in place to maintain the Group as a going concern, the joint administrators have now ceased trading JRSL and unfortunately have had to send all staff home from work today Friday 27 January.

“While all 212 staff will be paid on Tuesday 31 January, all but a small handful of staff are expected be made redundant by the end of January.”

January 27, 2017
WATCH: The 2017 Formula One rule changes

The Red Bull Motorsports team run put together this quick, cool little vid to take us through some of the key changes you should expect in the 2017 Formula One season. Bigger, faster, meaner cars are expected. We can’t wait!

January 24, 2017
Ross Brawn Returns as Managing Director of F1

Former F1 team boss Ross Brawn will return to F1 as Managing Director, Motor Sport as part of the new structure of the F1 business.

The announcement was made by newly appointed F1 CEO Chase Carey on Tuesday evening. Carey also confirmed the appointment of former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ESPN, Sean Bratches as Managing Director, Commercial Operations.

Brawn, over a 40-year career in motorsport has won 22 FIA World Championships between Benetton, Ferrari, Williams and his own team Brawn GP. He was instrumental in laying the ground work for the success at Mercedes. Most recently he worked with Liberty Media as an adviser during the F1 acquisition.

Sean Bratches has over 27-years of experience in sales and marketing and his contribution helped ESPN grow it’s brand and revenue. At ESPN he had oversight over advertising, and sponsor sales as well as the research and analytics, marketing, consumer products and events marketing divisions.

“It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1,” said Brawn about his appointment.

“I’ve enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I’m looking forward to working with Chase, Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 Team to help the evolution of the sport.

“We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans.”

Bratches added: “I’m very excited to be joining Formula 1 and contribute to the continued growth of this extraordinary global brand and sport.

“Formula 1 is one of few truly global tier one sports, and I am encouraged by the manifold opportunities to materially grow the business, work closely with current and future sponsors, race circuits, television rights holders as well as create next generation digital and on-site race experiences to best serve the Formula 1 fans.”

January 24, 2017
Chase Carey Appointed as CEO of F1

After completing its acquisition of F1, new owners Liberty Media have announced that Chase Carey will take up the role as Chairman and CEO of the F1 Group.

This confirms that Bernie Ecclestone’s tenure as F1 ringleader for 40-years has come to an end. As it was reported earlier the role of Honorary President was offered to Ecclestone which he admitted, did not know what it entailed. This role has now been clarified. Ecclestone will act as an adviser to the board of F1.

Speaking about his appointment as CEO of F1, Chase Carey had this to say: “I am excited to be taking on the additional role of CEO.

“F1 has huge potential with multiple untapped opportunities. I have enjoyed hearing from the fans, teams, FIA, promoters and sponsors on their ideas and hopes for the sport. We will work with all of these partners to enhance the racing experience and add new dimensions to the sport and we look forward to sharing these plans overtime.”

“I would like to recognise and thank Bernie for his leadership over the decades. The sport is what it is today because of him and the talented team of executives he has led, and he will always be part of the F1 family.

“Bernie’s role as Chairman Emeritus befits his tremendous contribution to the sport and I am grateful for his continued insight and guidance as we build F1 for long-term success and the enjoyment of all those involved.”

Speaking about his honorary role Bernie had this to say: “I’m proud of the business that I built over the last 40 years and all that I have achieved with Formula 1, and would like to thank all of the promoters, teams, sponsors and television companies that I have worked with.

“I’m very pleased that the business has been acquired by Liberty and that it intends to invest in the future of F1. I am sure that Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport.”

January 24, 2017
Chase Carey to Replace Bernie Ecclestone as Formula One Group CEO

Long standing F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone will be replaced by Liberty Media’s Chase Carey as Formula One Group CEO.

Liberty Media who are on the verge of a complete take over of Formula One have installed one of their own as CEO. They have, however, not left Ecclestone in the woods. They have offered him an honorary position as president. The 86-year old has said that he is not sure what that role would entail.

Speaking to German publication Auto Motor Und Sport Ecclestone said that he was deposed in a meeting on Monday.

“I was deposed today. I am simply gone. It’s official. I am no longer the leader of the company.

“My position has been taken by Chase Carey.

“My new position is one of those American terms. It’s something like an honorary president. I have this title now, even though I don’t know what it means.”

When asked about his future plans Eccelstone said that he has enough money to attend a race this season since his time in the office will be quieter.

A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday regarding Carey’s appointment. It is understood that Ross Brawn will take up a role in a sporting capacity alongside former Sales & Marketing Executive at ESPN, Sean Bratches.

January 23, 2017
F1 2017: The Case For Valtteri Bottas

By now the news has spread far and wide that Mercedes have, officially, picked Valtteri Bottas to partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2017 season. Instinctively, the dominant question will be how he will shape up against his three-time world champion teammate.

It wasn’t the electrifying choice many were looking for but Bottas is a known quantity with a solid track record, literally. He isn’t considered as exciting as a Max Verstappen but that has more to do with his circumstances rather than his ability. For an independent mid-field team such as Williams the constructor’s championship is vitally important. Hence, Bottas could not afford to throw caution to the wind as Red Bull drivers often do. Williams needed a consistent driver and one that would convert his points-scoring opportunities and this is what Bottas delivered.

Since it didn’t include flashy overtakes it’s easy to forget Bottas’ performances in 2014 and 2015 that ensured Williams finished ahead of significantly richer teams Ferrari and Red Bull respectively in the constructor’s standings. His four years at Williams has undoubtedly ensured that is much better prepared to step into the Merc seat, and into the limelight, than any younger driver would be.

What’s more, over their three years as teammates Bottas regularly out-qualified his veteran teammate Felipe Massa. While Lewis Hamilton will undoubtedly be a much tougher benchmark Bottas has the potential to challenge his new teammate in this arena.

Nevertheless, while the Finnish driver has spent four seasons at Williams he remains somewhat unproven. At Williams his good performance were praised, but they were just that good. Not great, not awesome, never enough to induce a genuine thrill amongst those watching. What he has now is a golden opportunity to unleash all of his talent and show what he is truly capable of without inhibitions.

There is no doubt that Mercedes’ first choice for Nico Rosberg’s replacement would have been either a Sebastian Vettel, or Fernando Alonso, or even Daniel Ricciardo. Since these drivers were all locked into contracts Valtteri Bottas was the next best option. However, the likes of Vettel and Alonso are only signed up with their respective teams until the end of 2017. Therefore, Bottas has signed a one-year deal with Mercedes and he’ll have twenty-one races to prove that he deserves to be signed ahead of them.

The other aspect of being a driver in a top team is life outside the car. The media focus on Valtteri Bottas will be intense, unrelenting, with a microscopic level of interest. But he is Finnish and like most of the great Finns in Formula 1 history, like Kimi Raikkonen, Mika Hakkinen, Bottas will likely be unflustered by the pomp and circumstance.

All this assumes that Mercedes’ 2017 car will be at the sharp-end of the grid. Given the comprehensive rule changes this prediction is impossible. But wherever Merc stack up in the pecking order Bottas’ performance against Hamilton will be one of the most fascinating developing stories of the season.

Will Bottas beat Hamilton in 2017? Probably not, but he will be closer to Hamilton than many predict.

January 23, 2017