Adrian Newey spoke of how Red Bull stuck with “gut feeling” that their concept was the right path versus Mercedes, and how right they were. Red Bull and Mercedes went in totally different directions with their take on the new regulations introduced for F1 2022, and when Mercedes first unveiled their unique ‘zero pod’ concept, alarm bells were ringing over what this could mean for their performance versus the pack. As it turned out though, Red Bull are the team that got it right, refining their approach through 2022 and into F1 2023 to become the dominant force of the Formula 1 grid. Adrian Newey details Red Bull development path Asked during the Beyond the Grid podcast what Red Bull got so right about these regulations to create such an advantage, Newey joked: “I can’t tell you that, Can I?” Newey though did delve into some details on their current dominating performance, explaining how nailing the regulations early has allowed F1 2023’s RB19 to be a “very close evolution” … [Read more...] about How Red Bull went away from ‘polar opposite’ Mercedes to master regulations
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Verstappen canters to clinch Red Bull’s title – with no help from Perez
As any Dark Souls player can tell you, even if the mightiest foe eventually falls, there’s always a chance it will immediately rise back up stronger and more formidable than ever before. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free After the unstoppable Red Bull were eventually humbled on a starry Singapore Sunday, they were determined to strike back strong at Suzuka. Not just to remind the motorsport world that they remain the final boss of Formula 1, but because if they were to seal their sixth constructors’ championship at the home circuit of Japanese power unit designers Honda, only a win would do. At the helm of this juggernaut, as he had been all season, was world champion-elect Max Verstappen . In Saturday’s qualifying session, Verstappen issued the strongest possible statement of intent by producing a scarcely believable 1’28.8 – with none of his competition able to breach under a 1’29.4. But while Verstappen was out of sight out front, his team mate Sergio … [Read more...] about Verstappen canters to clinch Red Bull’s title – with no help from Perez
Hamilton: Mercedes needs best ever six months of F1 development to catch Red Bull
After a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix weekend, where Mercedes found itself appearing to have only the fourth-quickest car, it is aware of just how far ahead Red Bull remains right now. And Hamilton, who has been pushing hard for Mercedes to totally revamp its concept approach, says that there should be no shying away from accepting the size of the gap that needs to be closed before the start of the 2024 season. “I have no idea where the car is going to be next year, but we’re a long, long way away,” he told Sky . “We’ve got to hope for the next six months to be the greatest six months of development that we’ve ever had to close that gap and to be really banging on the door.” While the time gap to the front looks sizeable, Hamilton thinks that the example of McLaren – which changed car approach to help it emerge as Red Bull’s main rival now – is proof of the leap that his team can make. “The evidence is there at McLaren, and we can’t turn a blind eye to that … [Read more...] about Hamilton: Mercedes needs best ever six months of F1 development to catch Red Bull
Russell has “zero hard feelings” about Mercedes F1 team orders
The Mercedes drivers were running together on track as Ferrari's Carlos Sainz closed in. With Hamilton on fresher tyres and potentially faster than one-stopper Russell, the team agreed to a request from the seven-time world champion to get him in front, leaving Russell to fend off Sainz for as long as he could. Russell initially queried the decision, suggesting that the team wait until the last lap, but he complied after being told it was an instruction. He in turn asked for Hamilton to help his defence by giving him DRS, noting that it was the "least he can do" after "he pushed me off the track earlier". Hamilton agreed to help, but nevertheless, Sainz soon got past. However, the Spaniard was unable to do anything about Hamilton. After the flag, Russell said he had no issue with the team orders as the intention was to boost the overall result for Mercedes. "Yeah, of course," he said when asked by Motorsport if he accepted the place swap. "You use the radio as a … [Read more...] about Russell has “zero hard feelings” about Mercedes F1 team orders
FIA to reject three applications for new F1 teams
Michael Andretti's operation, whose bid is supported by General Motors brand Cadillac, is the highest-profile contender of those who responded to the FIA's request for submissions to form an 11th F1 team. Formula 2 outfits Hitech and Rodin Carlin had also submitted applications, along with start-up Asian effort LKYSUNZ. Although there is still no official information from the governing body concerning which new teams, if any, will be accepted, Motorsport.com's sister title Motorsport-Total.com understands that only the Andretti bid has reached the final stage. Formula 1 retains the final say on the admittance of a new entry to the grid, with CEO Stefano Domenicali repeatedly stressing that an additional team is not needed unless it brings additional value, while incumbent teams have been cold on the prospect of Andretti expanding its IndyCar and Formula E outfit into grand prix racing. They believe the current $200m dilution fee that any new team would have to pay to join … [Read more...] about FIA to reject three applications for new F1 teams
Sky F1 pundit labels Mercedes sidepod swap ‘a cut and shut job’
Swapping the zero-pods for bulging sidepods in Monaco, Anthony Davidson can understand why Mercedes aren’t closing the gap to Red Bull as the car was never “designed” to have sidepods. 27 races into Formula 1’s new ground-effect aerodynamic era, Mercedes decided to scrap their zero-pod sidepods in favour of a more traditional design with some bulk to it. The decision came after months of pundits asking Mercedes if the zero-pods were the cause of their troubles, and the revamped look answered that with a definitive no. There was more behind the W14’s struggles. Mercedes W14 was never designed to have sidepods Although there was a minor improvement in Mercedes’ results after Monaco, the team on the podium in three of the next four races, they by no means made the gains they’d hoped for. Former F1 driver Davidson reckons that’s because changing the sidepods was a “cut and shut” job with the basic philosophy of the car’s design never meant to factor in sidepods. “The car … [Read more...] about Sky F1 pundit labels Mercedes sidepod swap ‘a cut and shut job’