Рубрика: Autosport News

Marko wanted Ricciardo out after Spanish GP, reveals Horner

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko wanted Daniel Ricciardo out of the RB seat after the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Christian Horner has revealed.

Ricciardo’s F1 career appears to be over after RB chiefs decided to replace him with Liam Lawson for the remainder of this campaign.

It brings to an end a hugely successful career for the Australian, who won eight races for the Red Bull and McLaren teams.

But while there has been some criticism aimed at Red Bull for not allowing Ricciardo to see out the season, Horner has offered some fresh insight into the battle he faced to even keep him in the RB seat up until now.

Speaking to the F1 Nation podcast in the wake of the RB driver shuffle, Horner said that Ricciardo’s exit had been triggered by a lack of consistency – that had already tested Marko’s patience earlier in the campaign.

“He [Ricciardo] started the season roughly, and then Miami was a weekend of two halves,” said Horner. “The Friday and Saturday morning was fantastic, and it looked like the Daniel of old defending against the Ferraris and out-driving the car.

“But then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday were disastrous. So even around Barcelona, Helmut wanted him out of the car, and there was already a lot of pressure on him there.

Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team VCARB 01

Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team VCARB 01

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

“By the time we got to Montreal, it was actually dear old Jacques Villeneuve who got him properly wound up by giving him a hard time, and it definitely fired him up, because the way he drove the car that weekend, he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and put together a very strong race weekend.

“So I did say [to Ricciardo] give Jacques a call every time every grand prix, for the rest of the year, because whatever he said, it definitely worked.”

Horner said Ricciardo’s fate was effectively sealed by him not hitting the peaks of form that his bosses wanted from him to show he deserved a return to the Red Bull squad.

Although Sergio Perez’s repeated frustrations left his position in doubt, Ricciardo never did enough to be an automatic candidate to slot in as replacement.

Horner added: “I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver. Otherwise he would have been out of the car after Barcelona.

“All the drivers are under pressure to deliver, but the reason that Daniel was in that car was to get himself back into a position to ultimately be there to pick up the pieces if Checo didn’t deliver.

“The problem was they both had issues with form at varying times. Checo started the season very well, very strongly, and Daniel was struggling. And then, obviously, as Checo lost form, Daniel found a bit of form. But it was never compelling enough to say, ‘okay, we should switch the two drivers’.”

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB20, Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team VCARB 01

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB20, Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Team VCARB 01

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Horner also explained that the decision to get Lawson racing immediately is all about ensuring Red Bull knows what the New Zealander is capable of as it weighs up what to do with Perez long term.

“We need answers for the bigger picture in terms of drivers,” said Horner. “With six races remaining, it’s the perfect opportunity to line Liam up alongside Yuki [Tsunoda] to see how he performs over the remaining six grands prix.”

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He added: “This goes beyond VCARB. It encompasses Red Bull Racing. Obviously, we’ve got a contract with Sergio for next year, but you’ve always got to have an eye out in terms of what comes next.

“And is that going to be Liam, or do we need to look outside the pool? Or will one of the other juniors step up in the fullness of time of this, like Isack Hadjar or Arvid Lindblad.”

Watch: Why RB have Dropped Ricciardo for Lawson with Immediate Effect



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Are the FIA playing keeping up with the Joneses?

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


For the European Formula 1 races, the FIA motorhome sits next to the one which belongs to Formula One Management. To look at from the outside, they are identical but for the colour scheme. Inside however, there is one important difference.

The office belonging to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is rumoured to be bigger than that of his opposite number next door F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali. It comes by way of a removed partition for an assistants’ office and, while on the surface it seems to be insignificant, maybe it is saying more about the relationship between F1 and the governing body than we realise.

This came to mind in his latest interview, when he was asked about solving track limits, and Ben Sulayem responded: «No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We’ll only get rubbish. That I know.»

Firstly, the ridiculousness of track limits should have been resolved years ago given the GPS tracking and camera information F1 has at its disposal. And secondly, the delays on the track limits decision making could have been improved.

Having requested to see the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC) that was opened in 2022, and is said to have grown considerably to assist the race stewards and director with their decision making, the wait goes on to be granted visit.

You could argue that a decent referee in sport goes unnoticed and allows the race or game to thrive and go unspoilt, so perhaps there is no need to pay recognition. Nonetheless, it is progress and that at least should be applauded.

The FIA motorhome

The FIA motorhome

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

However, there is one factor within the interview that is hard to overcome. And that is Ben Sulayem’s instance to bring up money. The question about track limits soon evolves into a dialogue about seeking parity with F1’s owners Liberty Media.

«When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA,» he said. «Everyone except the FIA. Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA.»

Now, whether this is credit or money, it seems like the latter is more of the focus here.

Then there is his comment that if he «could go back in time» that he would «just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them [Liberty].» He finally added: «I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way.

«But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA. And then, let everyone make money.

«Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are. But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible.»

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team, 1st position, is congratulated on the podium by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team, 1st position, is congratulated on the podium by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

And there it is again. Credit or money? Or both? It is all rather perplexing.

The message from the FIA is that they are working with Formula One Management and that their relationship is strong. Not in the same league as Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, but civil enough after a turbulent start to Ben Sulayem’s tenure in December 2021 in the wake of Michael Masi’s ill-handling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Both Formula 1 and the FIA has changed a lot since then. Under Ben Sulayem’s instruction, it has attempted to get its own house in order. The formation of the aforementioned ROC is one such example. As is a recently-launched a programme to train and mentor stewards and race directors.

Essentially, it has been doing what it needed to do to become a fully-functioning governing body that was run correctly. Some would call this doing its job, and for that, does it really deserve credit?

Meanwhile, Liberty Media has grown F1 globally, added new races, boosted profitability, worked on levels of sustainability and seen a sizeable demographic shift in fans.

If we look at the money, then in the first quarter of 2024, F1 revenue increased 45% to $553 million, up from $381 million in the same period in 2023.

FIA flag

FIA flag

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Operating income in the same quarter increased nearly 289% to $136 million, up from $35 million in the previous year. And for the teams? Payouts to the competitors in the first quarter of 2024 increased 46% to $163 million. It can be argued all those figures are impressive and as a consequence, deserve some credit.

Therefore it is understandable that the FIA is peering over at its neighbours in the F1 paddock and being envious of its successes, wealth and praise. But as the old saying reminds us, it is never easy trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

However, one is a regulator, another is a promoter. They do different jobs and have different financial models. To use the idiom above, the Joneses are in a different league when it comes to spending.

Instead of chasing the money and recognition, it would be better to focus on continued improvement for the governing body.

Yes, pride might be hit, but the reality is it is simply impossible for the FIA to measure up against Liberty Media, so they should just stop trying to.



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Are the FIA playing keeping up with the Joneses?

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


For the European Formula 1 races, the FIA motorhome sits next to the one which belongs to Formula One Management. To look at from the outside, they are identical but for the colour scheme. Inside however, there is one important difference.

The office belonging to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is rumoured to be bigger than that of his opposite number next door F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali. It comes by way of a removed partition for an assistants’ office and, while on the surface it seems to be insignificant, maybe it is saying more about the relationship between F1 and the governing body than we realise.

This came to mind in his latest interview, when he was asked about solving track limits, and Ben Sulayem responded: «No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We’ll only get rubbish. That I know.»

Firstly, the ridiculousness of track limits should have been resolved years ago given the GPS tracking and camera information F1 has at its disposal. And secondly, the delays on the track limits decision making could have been improved.

Having requested to see the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC) that was opened in 2022, and is said to have grown considerably to assist the race stewards and director with their decision making, the wait goes on to be granted visit.

You could argue that a decent referee in sport goes unnoticed and allows the race or game to thrive and go unspoilt, so perhaps there is no need to pay recognition. Nonetheless, it is progress and that at least should be applauded.

The FIA motorhome

The FIA motorhome

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

However, there is one factor within the interview that is hard to overcome. And that is Ben Sulayem’s instance to bring up money. The question about track limits soon evolves into a dialogue about seeking parity with F1’s owners Liberty Media.

«When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA,» he said. «Everyone except the FIA. Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA.»

Now, whether this is credit or money, it seems like the latter is more of the focus here.

Then there is his comment that if he «could go back in time» that he would «just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them [Liberty].» He finally added: «I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way.

«But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA. And then, let everyone make money.

«Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are. But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible.»

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team, 1st position, is congratulated on the podium by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team, 1st position, is congratulated on the podium by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

And there it is again. Credit or money? Or both? It is all rather perplexing.

The message from the FIA is that they are working with Formula One Management and that their relationship is strong. Not in the same league as Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, but civil enough after a turbulent start to Ben Sulayem’s tenure in December 2021 in the wake of Michael Masi’s ill-handling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Both Formula 1 and the FIA has changed a lot since then. Under Ben Sulayem’s instruction, it has attempted to get its own house in order. The formation of the aforementioned ROC is one such example. As is a recently-launched a programme to train and mentor stewards and race directors.

Essentially, it has been doing what it needed to do to become a fully-functioning governing body that was run correctly. Some would call this doing its job, and for that, does it really deserve credit?

Meanwhile, Liberty Media has grown F1 globally, added new races, boosted profitability, worked on levels of sustainability and seen a sizeable demographic shift in fans.

If we look at the money, then in the first quarter of 2024, F1 revenue increased 45% to $553 million, up from $381 million in the same period in 2023.

FIA flag

FIA flag

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Operating income in the same quarter increased nearly 289% to $136 million, up from $35 million in the previous year. And for the teams? Payouts to the competitors in the first quarter of 2024 increased 46% to $163 million. It can be argued all those figures are impressive and as a consequence, deserve some credit.

Therefore it is understandable that the FIA is peering over at its neighbours in the F1 paddock and being envious of its successes, wealth and praise. But as the old saying reminds us, it is never easy trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

However, one is a regulator, another is a promoter. They do different jobs and have different financial models. To use the idiom above, the Joneses are in a different league when it comes to spending.

Instead of chasing the money and recognition, it would be better to focus on continued improvement for the governing body.

Yes, pride might be hit, but the reality is it is simply impossible for the FIA to measure up against Liberty Media, so they should just stop trying to.



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Renault to end F1 engine project with Alpine set for Mercedes switch in 2026

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Renault will pull the plug on its Formula 1 engine operations ahead of the new rules era in 2026.

Following months of speculation about the future of the French manufacturer, with Alpine having long been in talks with Mercedes for a customer power unit deal, the fate of its operations was finally announced on Monday.

In a statement it was revealed that the company’s F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon near Paris would be transformed into an engineering centre to help contribute to cutting-edge technology of future Renault and Alpine cars.

That would be as a consequence of Renault abandoning work on its 2026 F1 engines.

The statement said that Viry would, however, continue its effort to supply the current turbo-hybrid engine to Alpine until the end of next season.

“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season,” said the statement.

Alpine protestors from Viry-Chatillon

Alpine protestors from Viry-Chatillon

Photo by: Anaël Bernier — Horizons Multiples

The alternative projects that have been marked out for Viry include the development of a future Alpine Supercar, work on future battery technology and R&D on electric motor technologies.

Viry would also continue to contribute to Renault’s other motorsport activities, including Alpine’s World Endurance Championship programme, as well as customer projects, plus Formula E and Rally-Raid efforts for partner brands.

Despite abandoning its F1 engine, Alpine has said it would keep monitoring developments in grand prix racing.

The statement added: “Following the consultation process and dialogue with the employee representatives at Viry-Châtillon, Alpine has decided to establish an F1 monitoring unit.

“This unit will aim to maintain employees’ knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s various projects.”

More to follow



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Ben Sulayem thinks FIA isn’t getting enough credit: «We only get rubbish»

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it’s «impossible» for the federation to get the credit that he thinks it deserves for making improvements in the way global motorsport is run.

Since Ben Sulayem became president of the FIA in December 2021, the federation has introduced a remote operations centre to assist race control at the track and launched a programme to train and mentor stewards and race directors.

More recently it announced a new officials department to support the recruitment of officiating talent.

Earlier this year, the FIA also introduced a new track limits solution at the Austrian Grand Prix, which seems to have solved a long-lasting problem at the Red Bull Ring and can potentially also be used at other circuits that are used by both F1 and MotoGP.

When Autosport asked Ben Sulayem during an exclusive interview if he felt that the FIA has received enough credit for solving this particular problem, Ben Sulayem replied: «No, we will never get the credit. Impossible. We’ll only get rubbish. That I know.»

He thinks that the FIA not only deserves more credit but also deserves more on the financial side for all the investments it has made.

«When you look at it, everybody made money out of the FIA, everyone except the FIA,» he said. «Everyone gets the credit, except the FIA.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President

Photo by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images

«It’s true», he continued. «When I took over, we had a running operating cost of minus 20 million. Why? Because we have our income as everybody.

«But look at the promoters… And good on them and I congratulate them, they are smart enough to do that…

«But I’ll be very, very honest, as always. So Liberty Media did a great job in transforming Formula 1. If you tell me if I could go back in time, would I undo [that]? No way.

«I wouldn’t undo that, but I would just make sure that the FIA is two equals with them.

«They are a good promoter, they are. If you ask me today: is there anyone who is capable as much as them? I can see that [there isn’t].

«I support them in what they are doing. The FIA works with them in the best [possible] way.

«But then, the regulations and the governance is the [work of the] FIA. And then, let everyone make money.

«Let the drivers have fun, race in a safe way and make money. And let the team principals make more money, [and] they are.»

«But the FIA will never get the credit. Impossible.»



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Jos Verstappen calls FIA swearing row «the most ridiculous thing»

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Jos Verstappen has slammed the “ridiculous” mandated community service that Max Verstappen received in Singapore for swearing during an official FIA press conference.

Red Bull’s world championship leader Max Verstappen was punished for using the word “f***ed” during the Thursday press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix when describing his car at the previous round in Baku.

“I think that is the most ridiculous thing,” Jos Verstappen told Autosport at the East Belgian Rally, in which he and his co-driver Renaud Jamoul finished fourth on Saturday.

“But we also see it in rally,” the former Grand Prix driver continued, referring to the suspended €30,000 fine that was given to WRC driver Sebastien Ogier for comments he directed at officials at the Acropolis Rally in Greece earlier this month. 

Earlier this year, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem posted a statement on Instagram, stating that the text in the International Sporting Code has been amended after recent investigations suggested a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and increased hate speech directed towards officials on social media.

More recently, Ben Sulayem told Autosport in an exclusive interview that he would like drivers to be more mindful of the language they use.

“I don’t think the FIA is doing a very good job,” added Jos Verstappen. “But I won’t say too much about this!”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, with official representatives on the grid

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, with official representatives on the grid

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Max Verstappen made clear how he felt about his punishment in Singapore by giving very short answers to the questions asked during the official press conferences on Saturday and Sunday, before leaving the room and offering longer responses to the press outside to protest the FIA’s ruling.

The Dutchman remarked «these kinds of things definitely decide my future as well» when asked by Autosport whether the punishment made him reconsider his F1 future.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton labelled the ‘work of public interest’ sanction «a bit of a joke» and added «I hope Max doesn’t do it». 

Ogier, an eight-time world rally champion, protested in a similar way at the WRC round in Chile this weekend. The Frenchman only gave short replies in stage-end interviews.

“We have been told by the top of the FIA to shut our mouths,” Ogier explained later. 

Recent penalties for language have been more severe than what others had previously received for swearing in an official press conference. Team principals Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur were handed formal warnings in Las Vegas last year for using similar language.

Watch: Why RB have Dropped Ricciardo for Lawson with Immediate Effect



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Ferrari’s «small» Austin upgrade will be last of F1 season

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has revealed the small upgrade for the car at the upcoming Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be the Scuderia’s last of the season.

The Maranello-based outfit remains in contention for the constructors’ championship despite the focus placed on the battle between Red Bull and McLaren — the gap standing at 75 points between the Woking team and Ferrari with seven rounds remaining.

In confirming an update package would be added to the car at the Circuit of the Americas, Vasseur revealed focus is then primarily on next year’s machinery.

«We all know that we already started the development of the next car, and we try to do our best to have small upgrades at the next one [race],» he said.

«I think it will be probably the last one for everybody; that will be true for us, but it will be true for the other teams.

«Now it’s so tight overall in the last four or five, six races, if you have a look on the grid, it may get tight and every single bit can make a difference.»

Ferrari’s Singapore Grand Prix hit trouble with a disappointing qualifying session in which Charles Leclerc struggled with tyre preparation and had a lap deleted in Q3, while Carlos Sainz crashed out.

Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24

Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24

Photo by: Lionel Ng / Motorsport Images

The team then split strategies from ninth and 10th on the grid, with Sainz stopping early to get into clear air after losing positions on the opening lap, while Leclerc went later into the race to make his one and only stop.

Leclerc went on to finish fifth, hassling George Russell for fourth at the flag, while Sainz ended up seventh on his aged hard tyres.

Explaining why the decision to split approaches was made, Vasseur said: «To start [on] soft, you can make one position perhaps.

«But if you want to be aggressive, you will pit lap 12 or 15 like Lewis [Hamilton] did — you don’t have another choice.

«At least to start with medium, we had the opportunity to extend, the scenario of the race was a bit different and I think it was a good strategy.

«But the fact that we split the cars to do one early stop and then another one who extended was also the good call I think and it went pretty well due to the track position of the stint.»

Watch: Why RB have Dropped Ricciardo for Lawson with Immediate Effect



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Williams explains O’Sullivan, Browning F2 shuffle

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Williams sporting director Sven Smeets has hinted funding had not been solely behind Zak O’Sullivan’s ART departure in Formula 2, after he was replaced by fellow Williams junior Luke Browning.

O’Sullivan announced following the Monza event that he would not be completing his rookie campaign, citing funding issues as the reason to be stepping away.

Replacing him at ART was Browning, who finished third in F3 this term and had been in the championship mix into the final race.

Speaking exclusively to Autosport, Smeets hinted that funding had not been solely to blame for two-time race winner O’Sullivan’s sudden ART departure.

“Between Zak and ART, that’s a personal issue,” he said. “We have nothing to do with that.

“I can confirm, though, that Zak is still in the Academy, so Zak has not left the Academy.

“We now have to see, in the next few months, what we will do together. The ball will also be in the court of Zak’s management a bit. For the rest, I can’t really elaborate on that and it’s more of a question to them, what happened with ART.”

Zak O'Sullivan, ART Grand Prix

Zak O’Sullivan, ART Grand Prix

Photo by: Formula Motorsport Ltd

Pressed on whether Williams could have provided more assistance to fill O’Sullivan’s budget shortfall, Smeets added: “That’s always a difficult question. There are agreements in place, and of course, I cannot elaborate on that.

“Between them and ART something happened, and that was the conclusion ART drew from that. They eventually said: we cannot continue with each other.

“But, as I said, Zak is still in the Williams family. We will continue with each other and until the end of the year, he is with us.”

Browning set for Hitech 2025 F2 seat

O’Sullivan’s exit came at the perfect moment for Browning, who joined fellow F3 drivers Gabriele Mini and Christian Mansell in making his F2 debut on the Baku streets, a chance that came thanks to his Williams links.

“I think ART was in contact with several people,” said Smeets. “But they said: ‘look, this year the idea was to do this with Williams as well’, in part. So they then gave the opportunity to Luke.”

The move to ART resulted in Browning switching away from Hitech, the team with which the Briton has raced for during the past three years.

Luke Browning, Hitech Pulse-Eight, 1st position, on the podium

Luke Browning, Hitech Pulse-Eight, 1st position, on the podium

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

As per Smeets, however, this union will be re-established in 2025, when Browning will make the full-time step up to F2 with Hitech.

“For him, of course, it’s great to prepare for next year because he’s going to stay with Hitech for F2,” said Smeets.

“There are three circuits coming up he doesn’t know from F3. I said to him: ‘The more kilometres you can do, the better,’ because this is the build-up towards next year.”

While this has not been confirmed by either the team or driver, Autosport understands Hitech intends to announce its line-up following the season’s end in December.



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Hamilton strategy «battle» puts Mercedes in spotlight

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Ever since Lewis Hamilton announced his shock switch to Ferrari for next year at the start of the current Formula 1 season, conspiracy has swirled over his treatment at Mercedes.

What the partnership has achieved together can only spoken of in the same manner as Michael Schumacher’s stint with the Scuderia at the start of the century, yet there have been signs of disharmony across the current season.

With Hamilton’s qualifying form dipping at multiple rounds over the year — especially after strong practice pace — there have been suggestions from his supporters on social media that favour was now focused on team-mate George Russell.

A strategy call that resulted in Russell take the win in Belgium, before being thrown out for an underweight car, left Hamilton reeling.

There was even an email in circulation earlier this year claiming to be from a Mercedes employee suggesting sabotage, threatening key members of the team and forcing a police investigation.

While there is no evidence of sabotage, nor claim from Hamilton himself, the way the world now works with Twitter (or X), Instagram and Facebook the dominant force for news and opinion means perception is often more powerful than truth.

Of course, Hamilton’s own admission that he was «not good» in qualifying when taking sixth on the grid for the Italian Grand Prix eliminates doubt.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

But murmours of such unfair treatment returned after he was put onto the soft tyre at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix having qualified third — only one of two drivers to start on that compound.

It was to the detriment of his race and he would eventually finish just sixth, behind Russell.

Speaking at team sponsor Petronas’ headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in the week after the event — in a video filmed by an audience member and circulated on social media — Hamilton and Russell reacted to the strategy call.

Here’s how the chat went:

LH: «It wasn’t fun. We sat in our meeting in the morning before the race — actually, the night before they already mentioned they would like to split the cars. For me, I was a bit perplexed by it because, in the past, when we have been in that position… normally, if George has qualified well like he normally does and I’m out of the top 10, then we will split the strategies. But, when we were so close, it didn’t make sense to me. But I battled as hard as I could to fight for the medium tyre, but the team continued to suggest that I start on the soft. When they took the tyre blankets off and everyone was on mediums…»

GR: «When I saw that, I was thinking ‘Lewis won’t be happy’.

LH: «I was so angry. Already from that moment, I was frustrated and then I tried my best to keep up with the guys ahead. They were too fast and I tried to make the tyre last as long as they could. I knew [when I stopped] that the race was done for me because the hard tyre was going to be a struggle in that heat.»

It must be pointed out that Hamilton laughed his way through his answer, showing little animosity over the situation, even if the choice of words suggests otherwise.

Team principal Toto Wolff had explained the team had «read the race wrong» when selecting the strategy but providing more insight, technical director James Allison said: «I’ll just start off by saying we shouldn’t have started on the softs. That was a mistake. If we could turn back time, we would do what those around us did and select the mediums.

«The reasoning was that the soft tyre very often allows you to get away from the start abruptly and allows you a good chance of jumping a place or two in the opening laps of the race. We had no real expectation before the race that we were going to suffer the sort of difficulties that we then experienced on the soft rubber.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, in the garage

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, in the garage

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

«So, we imagined we would get the upside of the soft rubber, of getting a place or two. We didn’t, because that just isn’t the way the starts played out and then we hoped that the downside of the soft being a bit more fragile wouldn’t really play out particularly badly because, if you look back over the years in Singapore, on the whole, the pace starts very, very easy at a Singapore race and the drivers then build up the pace over many, many laps, leaving a soft tyre perfectly OK to run relatively deep into the pit window.

«So, we didn’t get the places at the start, the pace started building up from around about lap five and that left Lewis with a car that was not particularly happy anyway, suffering from quite poor tyre degradation and needing to come in early as a consequence and really ruined his race for him. Yeah, so just a clear mistake.»

Mercedes, like any team, determines its strategies through the use of historical race data and the information picked up across the active weekend. Regardless of Hamilton’s thoughts, there is no doubt the team selected the compound it felt was the best to help maximise its result at the end of 62 laps.

To suggest anything otherwise is grossly unfair and insulting to a professional team that has had all the success a group could wish for.

But that’s not to say the relationship between team and driver is not damaged. Hamilton was the on-track laboratory for Mercedes as it struggled at the dawn of the current technical regulations and in the space of two years has gone from wanting to be a Silver Arrow for life, emulating Sir Stirling Moss, to jumping ship for Ferrari.

In years gone by, the team may have paid more attention to his pleas in the pre-race briefings rather than allowing a «battle» to escalate.

Wolff insisted this year that his personal relationship with Hamilton hasn’t suffered, yet he was left «shocked and hurt» by the seven-time champion’s Ferrari switch.

The question is whether harmony will remain between what was once the powerhouse of F1 until the split comes at the end of the year.



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