Australian grand prix

There’s no rest for the wicked as F1 reaches the end of its first ‘triple-header’ in 2023 – here are the main talking points from the Spanish Grand Prix media day. This weekend marks the third planned race weekend in a row, in what would have been the first proper flurry of races had the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix actually gone ahead. As a result, the Spanish Grand Prix is merely the second race of what became a double-header, and an eagerly anticipated return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the third sector has returned to the layout last used in 2006 – the onerous final chicane now removed. Let’s go through some of the key findings and storylines ahead of the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. All eyes on team upgrades Upgrades aplenty this weekend in Spain, with Ferrari rolling out the upgrade package that was supposed to have been debuted at Imola. This will see them move away from the big bathtub-style sidepods they’ve had since the start of 2022, unsurprisingly heading … [Read more...] about The key storylines to emerge from the Spanish Grand Prix media day

Fernando Alonso has played down his own chances of victory at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, with the Aston Martin man predicting a one-two finish for Red Bull in Barcelona. Alonso has emerged as the dominant Red Bull team’s closest threat in the early months of the 2023 season, finishing on the podium at all but one of the six races held so far. His best start to a season since his penultimate year at Ferrari in 2013 has raised expectations that his decade-long wait for a grand prix win could end soon. Alonso’s last F1 triumph came at his home race in Barcelona, but with Red Bull making a perfect start to the season – and Ferrari and Mercedes introducing potentially game-changing upgrades – he does not expect a win to come this weekend. He told the official F1 website: “It feels good. Obviously there is a special energy every time in Spain when I come here and I see all the fans. “I don’t think, realistically, we can fight for the victory. Let’s be clear. “Red Bull … [Read more...] about Fernando Alonso makes worrying Red Bull prediction for Spanish Grand Prix

Ten of the best pictures which tell the story of the 2018 Russian Grand Prix weekend. Sergey Sirotkin After three practice appearances at Sochi, Sergey Sirotkin finally got to start his home race. Daniel Ricciardo A strange sight at the beginning of first practice: Five drivers who were destined for grid position penalties lined up at the pit exit to influence their race starting order. Fernando Alonso won the race to wait at the red light. Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso confirmed Daniil Kvyat will replace Pierre Gasly next year – but will there be a place for Brendon Hartley? Sebastian Vettel After a tough Friday, Saturday didn’t get off to a good start for Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel failed to reach the pit exit for his final run before the session ended and had to traipse back to the garage. Max Verstappen Max Verstappen , F1’s youngest-ever race-winner, podium-visitor and fastest-lapper, hit the ripe age of 21 on race day. He celebrated it with a consummate … [Read more...] about Top ten pictures from the 2018 Russian Grand Prix · RaceFans

Pictures from the build-up to the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free More images will be added here F1 pictures First pictures from the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix weekend 2023 Monaco Grand Prix in pictures 2023 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying day in pictures F1 drivers pay tribute to family, motorsport greats – and Pac-Man 2023 Monaco Grand Prix practice in pictures View more F1 pictures 2023 Spanish Grand Prix Verstappen is the toughest team mate but I have the speed to beat him – Perez First pictures from the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix weekend Stroll’s problem has been bad luck, not poor performance – Alonso Hamilton and Russell asked Mercedes why W14 didn’t look like rivals’ cars Ferrari’s “new direction” upgrade was “supposed to come a lot later in the season” Browse all 2023 Spanish … [Read more...] about First pictures from the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix weekend · RaceFans

Sochi Autodrom is expected to hold the Russian Grand Prix for the final time next year, RaceFans has learned. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free The venue in the Black Sea resort has held the Russian Grand Prix since it was added to the calendar in 2014. Two years ago the race promoted signed a new deal, extending its contract to 2025. However development plans in the area have prompted moves to relocate Russia’s round of the world championship. Sochi’s circuit is formed using roads which were part of the site which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. But the track hosts few major races aside from its annual grand prix. Source have indicated plans are being made to develop areas of the site for other purposes. The construction of a new concert hall for 2021 will force changes to the track’s configuration, shortening it to just over two kilometres. This would make it too short for Formula 1, though the venue’s rumoured Formula E race would still be able to go … [Read more...] about F1: Russian Grand Prix to leave Sochi after 2020 | RaceFans

In the round-up: The Russian Grand Prix contract has been extended until 2025. Links Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more from hundreds of sites across the web: Sochi race deal extended to 2025 (BBC) "The Russian Grand Prix is to remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2025, according to the country's deputy prime minister." Ross Brawn ready to change Formula 1 (Sky) "A non-championship race would enable us to vary the format and try something different - and evolve it." FIA warns teams over trick suspension (Autosport) "The document adds that if a team fails to satisfy the technical delegate that the primary purpose of a suspension system is to insulate the chassis and the driver from undulations in the road surface, if asked to do so, the FIA may ask for the system to be removed or disabled." Ferrari boss breaks media silence in staggering admission about 2017 title hopes (Daily Express) "The new Ferrari SF70H, is more powerful … [Read more...] about Russian Grand Prix gets five more years · RaceFans

McLaren’s Lando Norris couldn’t resist a friendly dig at Carlos Sainz as the pair spoke to media in Spain on Thursday. Norris and Sainz were seated alongside each other for the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday, with Sainz asked about his happiness at returning to race in front of his home crowd as one of two front-running Spanish drivers. The pair are close friends, stemming from their time as teammates at McLaren prior to Sainz’s departure to Ferrari, with Sainz and Norris being a popular ‘bromance’ over 2019 and ’20. “I do know that it puts me in a better vibe,” Sainz said, when asked about whether his home crowd help him find a few tenths. “This weekend, I am just in a better mood when I race at home and I do things with more interest. “I do things with a bit more energy, always try to put a smile with the fans because you just know they’re cheering for you and giving you that extra bit of push. “Spain is the circuit where I have … [Read more...] about Lando Norris teases Carlos Sainz with cheeky home Grand Prix reminder

This season has seen Red Bull dominate the front of the field and there is little to suggest things will be different when F1 heads to Barcelona, a place that usually rewards the best cars more than most. Its mix of long straights and varied corners suits a well-balanced package but this season a couple of changes could have an effect. Barcelona is usually used as a pre-season testing venue, but not this season. In the past, that testing session has allowed teams to tune up their machines to their limit, making it easier to get on the pace for the race weekend. This time, the teams will have a few more question marks than before. Another potential challenge is the removal of the final chicane, replaced by a sweeping right-hand bend to make up the final corner. This configuration was last used in 2006 – so the only driver on the grid who has experienced this layout in the past is Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. Barcelona is traditionally where we see the first big car … [Read more...] about F1 Form Guide: Spanish Grand Prix

Red Bull boss Christian Horner is adamant that Monaco must stay on the F1 calendar, and believes alterations to create at least one overtake-generating area would go a long way to helping the racing spectacle. Formula 1 has now moved on to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the Spanish Grand Prix race weekend looming, though the previous weekend offered up a Monaco Grand Prix which did deliver the drama to ensure it was one of the best in recent times. That was though mainly thanks to a heavy downpour at around two-thirds race distance, initially leaving the area around Mirabeau and Portier soaked, but the rest of the track dry, before the rain then spread across the circuit. As for the overtaking action, while there was more than what was seen a year prior, overtaking nonetheless remains extremely difficult when these bulky Formula 1 cars are sent around the narrow Monte Carlo street track. That being said, even the smaller and more nimble cars of Formula 2 and Formula 3 … [Read more...] about Christian Horner offers suggestion to spice up Monaco on-track action