The issue of ‘track limits’ and the numerous rulings on deleted laps during this year’s Austrian GP, often delayed and resulting in confusion, has prompted concerns. Ben Sulayem’s patience reached its limit after further incidents in Qatar.

“The solution is to improve the tracks,” the FIA boss stated emphatically. “We had the same issue in Austria – it was 1200 (violations) there. 

“I know some are resistant to it, but quite honestly, if they don’t (improve), there is no race. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“It’s as simple as that. We can’t afford this.”

Ben Sulayem’s stance has garnered support from many Formula 1 team bosses, as the ongoing issues with track limits have created a situation that some consider farcical. 

This has raised the possibility of circuits being axed from the F1 calendar if they are deemed unsuitable for the sport.

A spokesperson for the Red Bull Ring in Austria responded to the situation, stating, “We are in constructive communication with the FIA and (MotoGP’s) FIM and are constantly working to meet all requirements.”

In response to the challenges posed by track limits and the need for better monitoring, the FIA has taken action since the Austrian Grand Prix. 

According to reports from Auto Motor und Sport, the number of personnel responsible for monitoring live track limits in Geneva has been doubled. 

READ: Everything you need to know about Daniel Ricciardo’s girlfriend

New software has also been implemented to enhance the monitoring of problematic corners and kerbs, ensuring that driver infractions are promptly added to the FIA system.

Ben Sulayem acknowledged the efforts of the stewards in Qatar, stating, “I have to say, congratulations to the stewards because they spotted it. 

“But is that the solution? No.”

The post Austrian GP organisers respond to FIA president’s threat appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Shovlin explained that the FIA messaging system struggled to keep up with the high number of lap time deletions, making it difficult to inform Hamilton in a timely manner.

During the race, Hamilton was one of seven drivers penalized for exceeding track limits multiple times. 

However, further penalties were issued after Aston Martin protested the race result, resulting in Hamilton and seven other drivers receiving additional penalties for previously unnoticed track limits breaches. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

This ultimately led to Hamilton losing a place in the final race standings.

Throughout the race, Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with his car’s handling, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to intervene via team radio, urging Hamilton to focus on his driving. 

Shovlin shed light on the difficulties Hamilton encountered with the underperforming W14.

“If you were watching the race, you may have heard him talk about understeer in the high-speed corners, and some of the very fast corners are at the end of the lap,” Shovlin explained during Mercedes’ post-race debrief. 

“The problem with understeer is when you carry the speed in, you haven’t really got the ability to tighten the line if you need to.”

Shovlin highlighted the combination of corner nature and kerb as the primary issue for Hamilton, causing him to drift over the track limits and incur penalties. 

However, the situation surrounding the penalties has faced criticism due to the delayed investigation and publication of the final results, which took place five hours after the race ended at the Red Bull Ring.

Shovlin acknowledged that the penalties were justified based on the rules but revealed that Mercedes couldn’t inform Hamilton in a timely manner due to the high number of drivers breaching track limits, which slowed down the FIA’s messaging system.

“So many drivers were accumulating penalties early in the race that the messages weren’t coming up on the FIA’s messaging system quick enough for us to be able to inform Lewis,” Shovlin explained. 

“By the time those messages were actually clear, and we were relaying them to him, he had already accumulated enough incidents to receive the five-second penalty that he served during the pit stop.”

The situation further escalated when the protest by Aston Martin led to a review, resulting in additional penalties for Hamilton. 

READ: Max Verstappen sparks anger from rivals after Sergio Perez incident

Shovlin expressed that the increasing penalties for subsequent incidents ultimately led to Hamilton receiving a 10-second penalty in the final race result.

Shovlin acknowledged that the situation should be examined and suggested that drivers should not feel pressured to avoid any mistakes on the track. 

He emphasised the need for a better solution moving forward and expressed the team’s willingness to participate in discussions to find an improved approach for future races.

The post Mercedes reveal why they struggled to give Lewis Hamilton vital information appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

However, even with an almost flawless weekend, the Red Bull driver expressed a hunger for more, particularly in his quest for championship points.

As Verstappen held a comfortable lead over Charles Leclerc in the final laps of the race, the Dutchman called for a pit stop to snatch the fastest lap point away from his teammate Sergio Perez. 

Perez had previously set a competitive time on hard tires, but Verstappen saw an opportunity to claim the extra point by fitting soft tires on the 71st and final lap.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

While already firmly positioned atop the championship standings, Verstappen’s strategic move reflected his unwavering determination and desire for perfection. 

His actions further highlighted the immense gap he has established between himself and his rivals, currently sitting 81 points ahead in the championship race.

Reflecting on his exceptional weekend, Verstappen shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, stating, “I think today, and the whole weekend, it’s been incredible. 

“The car was great, the team operated really well with everything, strategy, pit stops, and also in the race, I felt really well with the car. 

“It was good on the tires and just very comfortable to drive, to be honest.”

READ: Lewis Hamilton promises to change after Toto Wolff telling off

When questioned about his decision to chase the bonus point, Verstappen revealed his clear thought process while leading a race by a significant margin. 

He stated, “No, but I had the gap. I want to have that extra point – why not?! If you have the opportunity, you should go for it.”

As the Formula 1 season progresses, Verstappen’s sights are now set on the upcoming British Grand Prix, where he aims to extend his lead in the championship. 

The post Max Verstappen sees nothing wrong with questionable move appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Some would argue the opposite, as the FIA dished out five-second penalties on track limit infractions to Lewis Hamilton, Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Kevin Magnussen, and Logan Sargeant.

Krack said: “We’re not afraid to upset people if it is for the cause of the sport and also for our own advantage.

“We knew this would create a little bit of turmoil.”

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“At the end of the day, we have to do what is right for the team. That is why we decided to launch a protest.”

Krack believes that this protest will “teach other teams a lesson,” pointing to the penalties that the Aston Martin team received in 2022 – and how they responded.

The principal claimed: “Our drivers’ ears were bleeding because we told them not to exceed limits because the penalties would come.”

He noted that ten drivers received no penalties so it “was possible to stay within the limits.”

Krack was questioned about the duo of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

He said the idea of Stroll matching Alonso was an “ambitious target” as Alonso is “one of the best drivers in the history of the sport.”

However, he remarked: “Lance has all the talent and all the possibilities to achieve that. He needs to learn. He needs to learn from Fernando but keep his own way of working.”

“I think by the end of the year they will be on par.”

Krack acknowledged Aston Martin’s weaknesses compared to the big three of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.

He commented: “We told him (Alonso) about our weaknesseses, where we are as a team, and that we have a lot to learn.

“We want him to be part of this learning process and use his input for us, as a team, to grow.

“He’s challenging us a lot. He’s challenging us in every meeting, in every race weekend.”

READ: Ex-teammate opens up on ‘political’ Fernando Alonso

“It has proven to be a great learning exercise for someone with so much experience to be challenging you.” 

“We want to move to the front. We want to be part of the big players.”

He says that the servicing of the Aston Martin facilities in Silverstone, which has a new factory, was evidence of the team’s desire to reach higher levels.

The post Aston Martin defend controversial decision appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

He was not alone, with the FIA flexing its muscles with penalties during Sunday’s big race.

Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Kevin Magnussen, and Logan Sargeant were also handed five-second time penalties for track limit infractions.  

Hamilton noted that Sergio Perez was getting away scot-free with making the same violations for which other racers were being punished.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

The Red Bull driver ended up claiming third place on the podium, which may have lent more weight to the British driver’s anger.

Hamilton finished the race well beneath the podium spots in seventh place, with his fellow Mercedes teammate George Russell coming in eighth before post-race penalties were applied.

This continues a poor run of form for Mercedes, who have not proven to be a real challenge to Red Bull in the 2023 season.

With great frustration, Hamilton told Mercedes team engineer, Peter Bonnington, “Yep, Perez went off at turn 10. If they’re dishing these things out they might as well know.” 

“This guy has been off every single time!”

After being told that he had received a penalty, Hamilton said: “Just have a look at those because some of those are bull**** calls.”

However, he did seem to acknowledge that turn 10 was causing him serious problems.

Defending himself during the 71-lap GP, Hamilton told his Mercedes team: “I can’t keep it on the track. The car won’t turn.”

It was McLaren’s Lando Harris who was most notably blasting Hamilton for his shaky performance on Sunday.

When the McLaren team asked Lando to report on Hamilton’s violations, he replied: “He’s going off every lap everywhere. I’m not going to talk the whole time.”

READ: Christian Horner’s comments resurface amid Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen dispute

Hamilton reportedly also complained about Norris exceeding track limits, after his own penalty, according to media sources.

Clearly, the Mercedes driver was frustrated – the team principal, Toto Wolff, came onto the pit wall to calm Hamilton down.

Wolff urged Hamilton on, saying: “Lewis, the car is bad, we know. Please drive it!” 

The post Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘bullsh** calls’ appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

This comment came as a surprise to many, considering Austria’s strong presence in the world of motorsports, particularly through Red Bull Racing’s dominance in Formula 1.

With an unbeaten streak of nine victories in the 2023 F1 season, Red Bull Racing has solidified its status as the dominant force in the sport. 

The team’s achievements include five Constructors’ titles and six Drivers’ Championships, further adding to their already impressive trophy cabinet. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

This success strengthens the ties between Austria and Formula 1.

Another significant figure connecting Austria to Formula 1 is Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes. 

Under his leadership, Mercedes enjoyed a record-breaking run of eight Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships between 2014 and 2021. 

Furthermore, the Red Bull Ring, the venue for the Austrian Grand Prix, recently signed a long-term agreement to host the event until 2030, emphasising Austria’s enduring association with the sport.

However, despite Austria’s prominent role in Formula 1, the nation has not produced a driver on the F1 grid since 2010 when Christian Klien made his final start. 

This absence has prompted discussions about the future of Austrian talent in the sport.

Recently, a clash between Helmut Marko and Alexander Wurz, a former Formula 1 driver and current ORF commentator, highlighted differing opinions on the matter. 

Wurz mentioned his son, Charlie Wurz, who has been displaying impressive speed in the junior ranks. 

At just 17 years old, Charlie already boasts accolades such as the Formula 4 UAE Championship and Formula Regional Oceania Championship in his burgeoning racing career.

READ: Lando Norris tells Max Verstappen to ‘keep quiet’

When confronted with Marko’s skepticism about Austrian talent, Wurz responded assertively, stating, “I think he has what it takes to be a professional racing driver. 

“He has already shown the speed.” 

Wurz firmly believes in his son’s potential to succeed in the sport, but Marko sharply disagrees, indicating that Charlie’s current results do not align with the trajectory of a Formula 1 career.

Marko’s dismissive statement was met with a retaliatory remark from Wurz, who quipped, “If the doctor wants to see it that way, that’s always his business.” 

The exchange between the two individuals concluded on a tense note, leaving their differing opinions unresolved.

The post Helmut Marko clashes with ex-F1 driver over his son appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The incidents during the sprint race and qualifying left lingering frustrations among the drivers.

During the Austria sprint, Perez managed to take the lead from Verstappen into Turn 1, but Verstappen felt that he was squeezed towards the grass on the run down to Turn 3. 

Immediately after the sprint race, Verstappen requested a conversation with Perez, which ultimately resolved any tensions. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

However, an earlier incident during qualifying, involving him and his former title rival Hamilton, left Verstappen frustrated.

Hamilton’s best time in the first segment of qualifying, SQ1, was deleted due to track limits, leaving him with one final attempt to progress. 

During his preparation lap, Hamilton was informed that Verstappen, on a push lap, would be approaching. 

The team radio instructed Hamilton to go now. However, Verstappen claimed that Hamilton impeded him as they approached Turn 10.

The duel between Verstappen and Hamilton continued as they started their next lap, with roles reversed. 

Verstappen, on a cool-down lap, overtook Hamilton as they approached Turn 1, compromising Hamilton’s chances of advancing to the next segment of qualifying, SQ2. 

Sky F1 pundit Anthony Davidson noted that Hamilton’s impeding was not as severe as Verstappen’s retaliation. 

However, Verstappen pointed the finger at Hamilton when reflecting on the incident after the Austria sprint race.

“He blocked me into the last corner, so I had to brake more, and I lost like three tenths,” Verstappen explained to reporters. 

“So that wasn’t ideal, and I think not correct. 

“There were still a few seconds left on the clock, so I didn’t know if my lap time was going to be safe, and I wanted to continue. 

READ: Toto Wolff hopeful Mercedes will replicate Ferrari and McLaren with Silverstone upgrades

“But I ran out of time and space, with the two cars like that, which was a bit of a shame.”

Starting the sprint from P18, Hamilton showcased a strong recovery drive, eventually finishing in P10. 

He now looks to secure a stronger result on Sunday as he starts the Austrian Grand Prix from P5. Meanwhile, Verstappen will once again launch from pole position.

The post Max Verstappen sparks anger from rivals after Sergio Perez incident appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Several drivers received penalties during the race for exceeding the white lines, but Aston Martin lodged a protest after the chequered flag, claiming that multiple breaches had gone unnoticed by the stewards.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Brown stated, “There was definitely a better solution than what happened. 

“That being said, it’s a track that’s unique, and I’ve never seen track limits like that before. I think we as a sport can do a better job of, when the race results come out, those are the race results. 

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

“I can see how it happened, I just think we need to anticipate a little bit better as we already knew on Friday it was going to be a challenge.”

Expressing his concerns, Brown continued, “I think there are a variety of ways to address it moving forward. 

“What is most important is that when we have a mishap, we learn from it and we don’t let it happen again. 

“We need to make sure it never happens again, and that we do a proper debrief and understand how we could have prevented it in the first place or handled it differently.”

The FIA has reiterated its desire to the Austrian Grand Prix organisers to implement measures to avoid a recurrence of such a situation in the future. 

READ: Toto Wolff has bad news for Lewis Hamilton after ‘bruising’

Brown applauded the FIA for confronting the issue directly instead of sweeping it under the carpet. 

“I’ll take my hat off to the FIA for addressing the issue, and I think it would have been easy to say, ‘this is going to cause a lot of noise, let’s just kind of get it right next time,'” he said. 

“For them to put their hands up and say there were some penalties that needed to be addressed, I thought that was a brave decision. But we can’t have it again. We can’t have a race, and then five hours later you have that degree of change in the result.”

The post McLaren boss demands FIA action appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Verstappen’s win continued Red Bull’s remarkable run of success, putting him on track for a third consecutive championship title.

This marked Verstappen’s fifth victory at the Red Bull Ring, much to the delight of the enthusiastic Dutch fans in attendance. 

The win also reminded him of a comment he made in 2021 after winning the Austrian GP, where he jokingly stated that if he won the race five times, he would ask Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz to rename the circuit the “Verstappen Ring!”

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

Although Verstappen fell short in the Austrian GP in 2022, he once again asserted his dominance this year, adding to his victory in the 2021 Styrian GP, which took place on the same track.

Following his fifth triumph at the Red Bull Ring, a reporter playfully reminded Verstappen of his previous comment, prompting the reigning champion to respond with a lighthearted joke aimed at the media.

While Verstappen basks in the joy of his recent victory, attention now shifts to the upcoming British GP at Silverstone. 

Last year’s race was a thrilling spectacle, with Carlos Sainz securing his first F1 win ahead of Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton.

The British GP proved to be a nightmare for Verstappen, as he relinquished his lead due to damage sustained by his Red Bull car after driving over debris. 

The 25-year-old ultimately finished in seventh place. 

However, he is undoubtedly eager to bounce back this year with renewed confidence.

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, shares Verstappen’s optimism and emphasised the challenge that Hamilton and others face in their pursuit of Red Bull throughout the remainder of the 2023 season. 

Horner expressed his confidence to The Guardian, stating, “I think we are operating at the highest level that this team has seen in our 19-year history. It is a halcyon period for the team.”

He continued, “Of course, we will go to Silverstone with confidence, but we are also aware that it is easy to make mistakes and encounter variables that are sometimes beyond our control. 

READ: Max Verstappen reveals truth behind Lewis Hamilton incident

“What was impressive in Austria was that we remained on top of the changing conditions and executed a very good Grand Prix. 

“This is our best run of in-season results since Sebastian Vettel in 2013. We have won nine races in a row in a season. 

“We aim to maintain this momentum for as long as possible, but only time will tell.”

The post Max Verstappen jokes about Red Bull bosses appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

His former teammate and Ferrari racer, Carlos Sainz, received a post-race 10-second penalty for breaching track limits, causing Norris to overtake him in the rankings.

Sainz was one of eight drivers on the day to receive post-race penalties, five hours after the Austrian GP had ended.

The British-Belgian driver had already touched down in the UK when he received the good news from Alonso via text.

Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies

He said his first text from Alonso read “busted,” and after that: “He told me to read what was happening and who we thought was going to get penalties and so on.

“So I actually found out as soon as I landed back in the UK, which is a nice thing. The easiest position gain of my life.”

Norris narrowly escaped being hit with penalties himself, exceeding track limits on three occasions – but he was met only with a black and white flag.

The British driver said he knew that if Sainz did receive a penalty he would benefit, with the gap between their finishes being under 10 seconds.

Even a five-second penalty for Sainz would have pushed Norris marginally ahead.

“I think there was always that anticipation that if I had one [a penalty], Fernando would have got me. So I had to keep pushing.

“And at the same time, I knew if Carlos made a mistake, then there was a chance that I could get his position.

“I kind of fought as if something might have happened.

“My engineers were telling me enough about it. It was a pleasant surprise and more points for the whole team which was perfect.”

READ: Lewis Hamilton is a disgrace

There was an anxious wait on Sunday night for some of the drivers, with stewards announcing they were looking into 1,200 incidents of possible track limits violations.

Of all the racers, only George Russell and Zhou Guanyu received no penalties at all.

In Russell’s case, this allowed him to overtake teammate Lewis Hamilton for seventh place.

The post Lando Norris reveals Fernando Alonso ‘busted’ text appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.