F1 Madness

Tag: f1

  • F1 2015: Sauber Pursuing Aggressive 2016 Car

    F1 2015: Sauber Pursuing Aggressive 2016 Car

    To move up the field in 2016 the Sauber team is following an aggressive design concept for its new Formula 1 car.

    “The car we had this year and last year looked pretty much the same on the concept side but next year we are being a little bit more aggressive,” said Nasr, who scored three-times the number of points of team-mate Marcus Ericsson.”The concept looks very different. We know the areas we have to improve and we have to give it a try. We need to try something.”

    Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr doesn’t see this strategy as a risk. “If we keep developing the one we have, it’s little steps. That’s why we’re taking this approach for 2016.”

    Sauber scored 36 points in 2015 and finished eighth in the constructors standings.

  • F1 2015: Wehrlein And Manor F1

    F1 2015: Wehrlein And Manor F1

    Mercedes F1 reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein will have to wait until 2016 to find out his racing fate.

    The 21 year old driver is tipped to join the Manor F1 team in 2016 thanks to an engine supply deal between the team and his current Mercedes employers. However, no deal on his future will be announced this year. The German driver made history in 2015 when he became the youngest ever DTM champion.

    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff did confirm that talks are being held with Manor F1 and a potential seat for Wehrlein.

    “He definitely has the ability to be in Formula 1, to be one of the very successful ones, but it needs to be the right place for the right value,” Wolff told Autosport.

    “If we can’t make it happen for ’16, then we’ll give him lots of mileage in an F1 car, be it with us or another team in the form of a testing programme, and then we will see what opens up for 2017.”

  • Pirelli Reveals 2016 Australian Grand Prix Tyre Choices

    Pirelli Reveals 2016 Australian Grand Prix Tyre Choices

    With just 100 days to go for the 2016 Formula 1 Season, Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has revealed its tyre choices for the Australian Grand Prix.

    Pirelli have selected the White Medium, Yellow Soft and Red Super Soft compound for the Australian Grand Prix race weekend.

    According to the 2016 tyre rules, Pirelli have selected the medium and soft compound tyres which will have to be used at some point in the race. Drivers must have both sets available for the race and must use at least one of the aforementioned compounds.

    For Q3 in qualifying a set of the Red Super soft tyre will be available.

    “Following on from the 2016 regulations, each driver must save one set of the softest of the three nominated compounds for Q3,” read the statement from Pirelli

    “This set will be given back to Pirelli after Q3 for those who qualify in the top 10, but the remaining drivers will keep it for the race – as is the case currently.

    “The teams are free to choose the remaining sets; making up 13 sets in total for the weekend.”

     

    Photo by courtesy Pirelli

  • F1 2015: Mercedes To Sue Engineer

    F1 2015: Mercedes To Sue Engineer

    Mercedes is to institute legal action against an engineer who will be joining the Ferrari team in 2016.

    Benjamin Hoyle, the engineer in question, is accused of having stolen confidential data and information. He is scheduled to join the Ferrari team at the beginning of 2016. However, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), where Hoyle was employed in December 2012, is asking that the engineer only be allowed to join the team at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

    HPP claims that Hoyle removed hard copy documents containing confidential F1 information and also conducted a computer search for further information which he saved on a laptop. It is believed that amongst the data is files related to the compressor performance of HPP’s F1 engines and detailed reports on engine performance.

    It also being alleged that Hoyle also saved the information on his personal mobile phone, a micro SD card, a tablet, and an external hard drive. Further, Hoyle is accused of concealing his action by deleting files. HPP further claims that Hoyle’s action has given both him and Ferrari “an unlawful advantage”.

    Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd has confirmed that legal action is underway.

  • Toro Rosso Back To Ferrari Power for 2016

    Toro Rosso Back To Ferrari Power for 2016

    After the announcement that Renault will return to F1 and Red Bull have partnered with TAG Heuer with their power unit, Toro Rosso have confirmed that they will run with Ferrari Power Units in 2016.

    The move has been in the works for some months now and after the FIA approved a rule change to allow Ferrari to supply a previous year specification engine to a team, it was all but confirmed that the team would be Toro Rosso.

    Toro Rosso will use Ferrari’s 2015 power units which proved to be an enormous step forward from their 2014 unit. The 2015 Power Unit took Ferrari to 2nd in the Constructors Championship and 3rd and 4th in the drivers championship which Toro Rosso say is “a positive situation in which to start Scuderia Toro Rosso’s eleventh year in Formula 1.”

    “It’s great to be working with Ferrari again. We had a fruitful relationship in the past and I’m sure it won’t take long for us all to be working together very well again,” said the Team Boss of Toro Rosso, Franz Tost.

    “It’s true that time will be very tight for us to be ready for the first test, but we have the right team of people for this and I’m confident that together we will achieve a competitive package for next year – bring on 2016!”.

    Toro Rosso have also confirmed that they will retain their current driver line up of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen for 2016.

    “We can also count on Carlos and Max who, after being confirmed for the 2016 season, will be able to translate all this year’s learnings and experience into additional valuable feedback throughout the season.”

     

    Photo credit: Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1

  • Red Bull Confirm Tag Heuer-Renault Power Unit for 2016

    Red Bull Confirm Tag Heuer-Renault Power Unit for 2016

    The Red Bull Racing Team have confirmed that they will be powered by a TAG Heuer Renault power unit for 2016.

    The new partnership with the Swiss watch maker will see TAG Heuer branded engines supplied by Renault. The 2016 RB 12 will be christened the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.

    TAG Heuer will also become the Official Timekeeper, Official Watch Partner and Team Performance Partner of the Red Bull Racing team from 2016 in a multi-year partnership.

    “TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and this unique collaboration is further evidence of that,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.

    “TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us. Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1.”

    Horner revealed that Ilmor will head up the engine development and alludes to the fact that Mario Illien will be driving the development going forward.

    “We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007. Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season,” he added.

    Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and President of the LVMH Watch Division, added: “Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer’s DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy.

    “It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative.

    “Our motto #DontCrackUnderPressure will be the guiding principle behind all our actions with the support of the Red Bull Racing team and its highly contagious enthusiasm.”

     

  • Renault Confirms Return to F1 in 2016 as Works Team

    Renault Confirms Return to F1 in 2016 as Works Team

    Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed on Thursday night that Renault will return to Formula 1 as a works team.

    This announcement follows the letter of intent by Renault to buy the Lotus F1 team from Genii Capital in September. Since then, work was being done behind the scenes in order for the deal to be confirmed. Towards the end of the 2015 season, Renault engineers were on site working at the Lotus factory in Enstone. At the 2015 Season Finale there were concerns that the take over was not going to happen. It has since emerged that the deal has been concluded.

    “Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave,” said Carlos Ghosn

    “After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016.

    “The final details supplied by F1’s main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win – even if it will take some time.”

    He went on to say that their return on investment as an engine supplier since the new engine regulations has been low.

    The terms of the acquisition of the Lotus F1 team are yet to be finalised and they are working to have it done in “the shortest time frame possible”.

    “Renault’s decision to continue its involvement in Formula 1 is confirmation that it sees motorsport as an essential part of the brand’s identity,” read a statement from Renault.

    “Formula 1 is the ultimate symbol of the passion for automobiles

    “Passion defines Renault as expressed by its brand signature, ‘Passion for Life’. In addition to attracting many customers, Formula 1 also fuels employee motivation.

    “As the pinnacle of motor sport, Formula 1 demands technological and operational excellence. The championship serves as a showcase for the technological expertise that Renault dials into its products for the benefit of its customers.

    The statement concluded saying that Renault will provide more information about their F1 program in January.

     

  • Pirelli Explains Tyre Choices and Regulations

    Pirelli Explains Tyre Choices and Regulations

    After the FIA announced changes to the Formula 1 Sporting and Technical regulations, Pirelli have released details on the tyre rule changes for the 2016 season.

    Pirelli will now supply three different compounds per race giving the teams more choice and flexibility in their race strategies.

    Pre-Race Tyre Nominations and Preparations

    • In consultation with the FIA, Pirelli will decide in advance which three compounds can be used at each race, and communicate this information to the teams.
    • The total number of sets that can be used during practice, qualifying and racing remains the same as it is currently: 13.
    • Pirelli will nominate two mandatory race sets for each car. Furthermore, one set of the softer compound will have to be kept for use in Q3 only.
    • The two mandatory sets chosen by Pirelli can be of two different compounds, from the three that have been nominated for the race weekend. These sets will obviously be identical for each team.
    • The remaining 10 sets can be chosen by each team, from the three compounds nominated for the race weekend.
    • The teams will make their choices within a deadline set by Pirelli. They will communicate their choices to the FIA, which will in turn tell Pirelli how many tyres to produce. The choices for each car will remain secret until 2 weeks before the race. If a team does not meet the deadline, the choice will be made by the FIA.
    • Once the choices for each car have been made, the FIA will continue to assign the tyres randomly via a barcode, as is the case currently.
    • The choices made by each team can vary for each of its cars: so each driverwithin a team can have a different allocation.
    • The tyres will be distinguished by different coloured markings on the sidewalls, as is currently the case.

    During the race

    • Teams will still have to give back tyres according to a certain schedule, but they can decide which tyres to give back at the following times
      • One set after the first 40 minutes of FP1
      • One at the end of FP1
      • Two sets at the end of FP2
      • Two sets at the end of FP3
    • The two mandatory sets nominated by Pirelli cannot be given back during practice and must be available for use in the race. At lease one of these two sets must be used during the race – but teams can decide which one.

    The top 10 at the end of qualifying will still have to give back the set of the softer compound nominated for Q3, and start the race on the tyres with which they set their fastest time in Q2 (the same rule as is the case currently).

    All other drivers will be able to use the set that is saved for Q3 during the race.

     

    Picture by Courtesy Pirelli

  • Mandate To Change F1 Given to Ecclestone and Todt

    Mandate To Change F1 Given to Ecclestone and Todt

    The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved a mandate to FIA President Jean Todt and Formula 1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone to make changes to the sport.

    Ecclestone and Todt will put forward their proposal by 31 January 2016 with will tackle issues such as governance and Power Units and cost reductions.

    “The World Motor Sport Council approved, by a near unanimous number (just one vote against), a mandate for the FIA President, Jean Todt and the Representative of the Commercial Rights Holder, Bernie Ecclestone to make recommendations and decisions regarding a number of pressing issues in Formula One such as governance, Power Units and cost reduction,” read the statement by the FIA.

    Changes to the technical regulations were also approved. A new manufacturer entering the sport will be allocated 15 development tokens for their first year in the sport and 32 tokens for the second year.

    The power unit tokens for in season development for current teams will be allocated as follows:

    • 2016: 32 tokens
    • 2017: 25 tokens
    • 2018: 20 tokens
    • 2019: 15 tokens

    Sporting Regulation Changes

    • Formula 1 tyre supplier, Pirelli, will now provide three dry weather compounds per race instead of two.
    • Of the 13 sets of tyre available to the driver over the race weekend, Pirelli will choose two sets for the race(one of which must be used in the race) and one set of the softest compound available that can only be used in Q3. A driver will then be able to choose their remaining 10 sets from the available compounds.
    • If a race is declared a dry race, a drive must use at least two different dry-weather tyre compounds, of which one set must be the set chosen by Pirelli.
    • DRS will now be enabled immediately after the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period. The VSC has also been extended to be used in Free Practice to minimise stoppages in the session.
    • Power units that were homologated in the previous season may be re-homologated for 2016.
    • The FIA have agreed to supply a fourth customer team with a 2015-specification power unit for 2016. Under the 2015 sporting regulations no manufacturer could supply more that one specification Power Unit. i.e. current year and previous year specification engines were not allowed.

    With the confirmation that Ferrari is supplying a fourth team next year, we can safely assume that the fourth team is Toro Rosso.

     

  • FIA Confirms Biggest Ever F1 Season Calendar for 2016

    FIA Confirms Biggest Ever F1 Season Calendar for 2016

     

    At the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting held on Tuesday the FIA confirmed the Formula 1 Calendar for 2016 making it the biggest F1 calendar in the history of the sport with 21 races.

    The Mexican Grand Prix was scheduled in the provisional calendar to go back-to-back with the Brazilian Grand Prix. It has now been moved to go back-to-back with the US Grand Prix in Austin. The US Grand Prix is subject to an agreement with the promoter and the sporting authority.

    The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is penciled in for 19 June 2016 which is the same day at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The FIA have scheduled the race to avoid any conflict with Le Mans.

    The 2016 Calendar features 6 back to back races.

    Date City Country
    20 March 2016 Melbourne Australia
    3 April 2016 Bahrain Bahrain
    17 April 2016 Shanghai China
    1 May 2016 Sochi Russia
    15 May 2016 Barcelona Spain
    29 May 2016 Monte Carlo Monaco
    12 June 2016 Montreal Canada
    19 June 2016 Baku Azerbaijan*
    3 July 2016 Spielberg Austria
    10 July 2016 Silverstone United Kingdom
    24 July 2016 Budapest Hungary
    31 July 2016 Hockenheim Germany
    28 August 2016 Spa-Francorchamps Belgium
    4 September 2016 Monza Italy
    18 September 2016 Singapore Singapore
    2 October 2016 Sepang Malaysia
    9 October 2016 Suzuka Japan
    23 October 2016 Austin USA**
    30 October 2016 Mexico City Mexico
    13 November 2016 Sao Paolo Brazil
    27 November 2016 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates